bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of Potentially Human Pathogenic, Cytotoxin‐producing Aeromonas Strains from Retailed Seafood in Berlin, Germany
Authors: Ullmann D. , Krause G. , Knabner D. , Weber H. , Beutin L. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe presence of potentially human pathogenic strains of Aeromonas was investigated in 84 samples of seafood which were purchased from retail traders in Berlin, Germany in spring 2000. A total of 134 Aeromonas strains were isolated on selective [GSP agar and Aeromonas (Ryan) agar] and unselective (standard count agar and enterohaemolysin agar) media from 27 (32.1%) of the samples and were classified as Aeromonas hydrophila (67.9%), A. caviae (26.1%) and A. sobria (6.0%) by biotyping. Thirteen (48.1%) of the 27 positive samples contained more than one species of Aeromonas. Production of haemolysins on enterohaemolysin agar was found with 132 (98.5%) of the strains at 28°C and with 130 strains (97.0%) at 37°C growth temperature. Vero cytotoxins were produced by 99 (73.9%) of the strains when grown at 28°C but only by 24 of the strains (17.9%) at 37°C. The latter strains were identified as A. hydrophila (n = 22) and A. sobria (n = 2) which came from 17 (20.2%) samples of raw seafood and from ready‐to‐eat salted herring ‘Matjes’ products. Cytotoxin‐encoding genes for aerolysin (aer) and haemolysin A (hlyA) were investigated by PCR. Aer and hlyA genes were detected in both, strains which produced toxins only at 28°C and strains which produced toxins at 37°C. Our data indicate that raw seafood and ready‐to‐eat fish products can harbour potential human pathogenic, cytotoxin producing Aeromonas strains.
The Use of Homologous Antigen in the Serological Diagnosis of Brucellosis Caused by Brucella melitensis
Authors: Tittarelli M. , Giovannini A. , Conte A. , Di Ventura M. , Nannini D. , Caporale V. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryIn the European Union the serological diagnosis of brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis is performed using the heterologous antigen of B. abortus S99. The possible higher sensitivity or ability of an early detection of antibodies by a homologous antigen may prove very useful in the final phases of an eradication programme. Results obtained in sheep experimentally infected by B. melitensis biovar 3 were compared using B. abortus S99, B. melitensis M1, M2 and M3 antigens in the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), the complement fixation test (CFT) and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Forty‐six sheep from an officially brucellosis‐free flock were experimentally infected intraconjunctivally with B. melitensis biovar 3. Prior to infection, all animals were tested first against Brucella antibodies, weekly for 2 months post‐infection (PI) and then monthly for a further 7 months. All sera were tested against the antigens listed above using RBPT, CFT and ELISA. Using a Bayesian approach, test sensitivities were estimated and compared. Their ability for the early detection of antibodies was evaluated through a regression model based on a logit response model, using the number of days PI as the independent variable and the logit of the fraction of positive animals as the dependent variable. No significant differences were detected among the various antigens used, either in terms of sensitivity or in terms of antibody kinetics; however, the CFT was significantly less sensitive than the RBPT and ELISA and it also showed a lower rate of increase of percentage positive animals (β‐coefficient of regression analysis).
‘Guapo’ (Myrosma cannifolia) starch: a natural product with potential use in cosmetic formulations1
Authors: Rincón A. M. , de Pérez R. M. N. , Reyes A. , Romero A. , Orfila L. , Padilla F. C. 
Published: March 2005

SynopsisThe objective of the present work was to evaluate the possible use of Myrosma cannifolia starch L.F. Maranthaceae (‘Guapo’), as a raw material in heterogeneous systems or powdered cosmetic and pharmaceutical products formulation. The starch chemical and physical characteristics, physico‐chemical properties, and rheological behaviour, previously studied, were considered. Flowing characteristics, particle size distribution, water absorption capacity at 25°C (ambient temperature), and toxicity were assessed. Results showed that Myrosma starch complies with the USP and British pharmacopoeia, and presented a normal particle distribution. More than 25% of the granules had a diameter >23.81 μm and the average size of particles was >16.92 μm. When compared with talc, ‘guapo’ starch presented higher values for water absorption capacity and flowing characteristics. Starch showed negative local toxicity, and low acute toxicity in vitro on two human dermis cell types. The amylographic study and the difractograms suggest the possible use of this starch in heterogeneous systems. A facial transparent powder was formulated and some of its properties were determined by sensorial analysis. It was concluded that the M. cannifolia starch presents certain characteristics useful in the formulation of new powdered products.
Isolation of a bacterial enzyme releasing axillary malodor and its use as a screening target for novel deodorant formulations1
Authors: Natsch A. , Gfeller H. , Gygax P. , Schmid J. 
Published: March 2005

SynopsisAxillary odor is known since 50 years to be formed upon the action of Corynebacteria on odorless axilla secretions, but the nature of the bacterial enzymes involved in this process remained a mystery. We identified the known axilla odor determinant 3‐methyl‐2‐hexenoic acid in hydrolyzed axilla secretions along with a new, chemically related compound, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐hexanoic acid. The natural, odorless precursors of both these acids were purified from non‐hydrolyzed fresh axilla secretions. The malodorous acids were shown to be covalently linked to a glutamine residue in fresh axilla secretions. Corynebacteria, but not Staphylococci, isolated from the axilla were found to release the acids from these precursors in vitro. A Zn2+ ‐dependent aminoacylase mediating this cleavage was then purified from Corynebacterium striatum Ax20 and the corresponding gene agaA was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Based on these biochemical findings, novel approaches in research on axilla malodor control are presented:(a) With a new test method using the isolated Corynebacteria and their enzymatic activity, the direct malodor‐controlling activity of existing cosmetic ingredients was evaluated.(b) The structure of the natural malodor precursor was modified by replacing the malodor acid with fragrance molecules. These new fragrance precursors were shown to be cleaved by the same aminoacylase.
A new mechanism of action for skin whitening agents: binding to the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor1
Authors: Wiechers J. W. , Rawlings A. V. , Garcia C. , Chesné C. , Balaguer P. , Nicolas J. C. , Corre S. , Galibert M.‐D. 
Published: March 2005

SynopsisOctadecenedioic acid is known as a skin whitening agent but its activity is not mediated via a direct inhibition of tyrosinase. Based on the secondary properties of this molecule, such as its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐ageing effects, we postulated that octadecenedioic acid interacted with the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) as this nuclear receptor also mediates these effects. Using reporter gene technology, we were indeed able to demonstrate binding of octadecenedioic acid to all three PPAR subtypes, in particular PPARγ with an EC50‐value of approx. 1 × 10−6 m. Binding to PPARγ of octadecenedioic acid or rosiglitazone, a known pharmaceutical PPARγ agonist, led to reduced melanogenesis. Subsequently also tyrosinase mRNA (as measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction) and tyrosinase levels (as measured by Western blot) were reduced, suggesting the existence of a complete novel mechanism of skin whitening agents: binding to PPARγ results in reduced tyrosinase mRNA expression which in turn results in less tyrosinase being formed. This in turn leads to reduced melanogenesis both in vitro and in vivo Because octadecenedioic acid binds not only to PPARγ but also to PPARα and PPARδ, other efficacies mediated via these receptors may also be expected.
Delayed onset of warts over tattoo mark provoked by sunburn
Authors: Brajac I , Lončarek K , Stojnić‐Soša L , Gruber F 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTMultiple warts in a 32‐year‐old‐man are reported that developed after tattooing and remaining exclusively confined to that area. The tattooing was done 2.5 years earlier by a professional tattoo artist. It was previously a lesion‐free tattoo, but when damaged by sunburn developed multiple skin warts. The ability of a latent virus to induce warts after cutaneous ultraviolet exposure was discussed.
Liver failure and transplantation after itraconazole treatment for toenail onychomycosis
Authors: Srebrnik A , Levtov S , Ben‐Ami R , Brenner S 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThree weeks after completing a 4‐pulse course of itraconazole for toenail onychomycosis, a 25‐year‐old woman patient developed severe liver crisis and required an emergency liver transplant. We report the case and discuss the use of itraconazole in onychomycosis and dermatomycoses.
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum and nephrolithiasis
Authors: Fabre B , Bayle P , Bazex J , Durand D , Lamant L , Chassaing N 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWe report the case of a 42‐year‐old man with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) and recurrent bilateral nephrolithiasis. Diagnosis of PXE was made by yellow papules on the neck and ophthalmologic angioid streaks. This diagnosis was confirmed by a skin biopsy (Von Kossa stain) and by genotyping analysis of ABCC6 (homozygous mutation R1138Q). Nephrolithiasis was recurrent and biological investigations showed hypophosphoraemia, hyperphosphaturia, hypercalciuria, normocalcaemia, normal serum parathyroid hormone value, high 1,25‐dihydroxy vitamin D value and a renal calcium oxalate stone. ABCC6 encodes for MRP6, a multidrug resistant protein strongly expressed in the liver and kidney. The substrates of the MRP6 remain unknown. As PXE is characterized by calcification of elastic fibres and this patient presents important phosphocalcic anomalies, we discuss the possible implications of MRP6 in the phosphocalcic metabolism.
Reactive angioendotheliomatosis: is it ‘intravascular histiocytosis’?
Authors: Mensing CH , Krengel S , Tronnier M , Wolff HH 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWe report the case of a 68‐year‐old female with reactive angioendotheliomatosis (RAE). This case highlights the benign course of this condition and suggests that this entity might be an intravascular histiocytosis.
Bowen's carcinoma of the scrotal skin associated with human papillomavirus type 82
Authors: Ueda M , Ashida M , Kunisada M , Ichihashi M , Sata T , Matsukura T 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWe have previously cloned human papillomavirus type 82 (HPV‐82) from a vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, but it is not known whether HPV‐82 can induce a cutaneous lesion. A large erosive nodule developed on the scrotum of a 50‐year‐old Japanese patient. Histopathologically, the lesion was composed of two distinct parts; one part showing changes characteristic of Bowen's disease in the epidermis, and the other showing elongated rete ridges and proliferation of atypical basaloid cells in the dermis. These parts were partially connected, giving the diagnosis of Bowen's carcinoma. Immunohistochemically, HPV capsid antigen was detected only in the nuclei of a few cells on the upper part of the epidermis. HPV‐82 was identified in the lesion by blot hybridization and viral DNA was demonstrated in the lesion by in situ hybridization. HPV‐82 has tropism for both the skin and the genital regions.
Oral itraconazole for the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis: an open, noncomparative trial
Authors: Kose O , Erbil H , Gur AR 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTBackground  Seborrhoeic dermatitis is an inflammatory cutaneous disorder in which the colonization of the affected area by Malassezia has been proved to play a key role.Objective  To perform a noncomparative open clinical study with oral itraconazole capsule (200 mg/day × 7 days) and consecutive usage 200 mg/day for the first 2 days of the following 2 months in patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis.Methods  Twenty‐nine patients were enrolled to determine the efficacy and safety of oral itraconazole. The patients were evaluated according to itching, burning, erythema, desquamation and seborrhoea, each scored on a 0–4 scale on days 15 (T15), 30 (T30), 60 (T 60) and 90 (T90). Itraconazole capsule 100 mg was given twice a day for 1 week and then, after a 3‐week interval, patients used itraconazole capsule 200 mg/day for the first 2 days of the following 2 months. The clinical response was graded as markedly effective, effective, moderate or ineffective.Results  A clinical improvement (evaluated as markedly effective or effective) was observed in 23 patients (83%) at T15, 21 (76%) at T30, 20 (72%) at T60 and 17 (61%) at T90. At baseline, the mean ± SD total clinical scores were 10.44 ± 2.45, 1.98 ± 0.5, 2.97 ± 1.12, 3.15 ± 1.74 and 3.30 ± 1.90 at T0, T15, T30, T60 and T90, respectively. Compared with baseline values, itraconazole capsule significantly reduced the mean ± SD total score as well as individual erythema and desquamation (Wilcoxon's signed test‐two tailed) (P < 0.0001). No drug‐related systemic adverse event was observed during the study.Conclusions  Seborrhoeic dermatitis shows marked reduction in inflammation when treated with itraconazole. The anti‐inflammatory activity of oral itraconazole and efficacy on Malessezia suggests that itraconazole capsule will be first oral treatment option in future in severe seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Immunophenotypic analysis of the p53 gene in non‐melanoma skin cancer and correlation with apoptosis and cell proliferation
Authors: Stratigos AJ , Kapranos N , Petrakou E , Anastasiadou A , Pagouni A , Christofidou E , Petridis A , Papadopoulos O , Kokka E , Antoniou C , Georgala S , Katsambas AD 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTBackground   Sunlight precipitates a series of genetic events that lead to the development of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The p53 tumour suppressor gene, which plays a pivotal role in cell division and apoptosis, is frequently found mutated in sunlight‐induced skin tumours.Objective   To investigate the immunoreactivity of the p53 gene in non‐melanoma skin cancers and to correlate its expression with apoptotic and cell proliferation markers.Methods   We analysed 35 non‐melanoma tumours including 19 BCCs and 16 SCCs from sun‐exposed skin areas. p53 protein expression was studied immunohistochemically using the DO7 monoclonal antibody against wild‐type and mutant p53 forms. The percentage of p53‐immunopositive nuclei was measured by image analysis. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were also assessed by image analysis following Ki‐67 immunostaining and application of the TUNEL method on paraffin sections, respectively.Results   The percentage of p53‐expressing cells varied from 3.5 to 90 in BCCs (median value 54.4%) and from 3.7 to 94 in SCCs (median value 40.3%). The mean value of Ki‐67‐positive cells was comparable in both groups of tumours with a mean value of 40.6% in BCCs and 34.6% in SCCs. Conversely, the TUNEL assay showed sporadic staining of apoptotic cells within the tumours with a mean value of 1.12% in BCCs and 1.8% in SCCs. p53 protein expression was correlated positively with cell proliferation (r = 0.75, P = 0.000001) and negatively with apoptosis (r = −0.23, P = 0.05).Conclusion   p53 immunoreactivity was high in the majority of the skin carcinomas examined and correlated positively with cell proliferation and negatively with apoptosis. The p53 protein overexpression appears to be related to an inactivated protein resulting from mutations of the p53 gene or other unclear molecular mechanisms.
MODULE ONE: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH ETHICS
Authors: SCHÜKLENK UDO 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThis module will introduce you to the ethical concepts underlying applied ethical decision‐making in the area of research involving human participants. We will also learn what the issues are that people involved in research on research ethics are concerned with. Ethics without an understanding of historical and legal context makes arguably little sense. It is for this reason that this module will begin with a brief history of research ethics and ends with a brief overview of the relevant national and international guidelines pertaining to ethical issues in research involving human participants.
MODULE THREE: VULNERABLE/SPECIAL PARTICIPANT POPULATIONS
Authors: LOTT JASON P. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThis module is designed to sensitise you to the special needs of participants who belong to populations that are more vulnerable than other participant populations. These populations typically include incompetent persons women who may or may not be pregnant, children, prisoners and refugees, impoverished people, and ethnic minorities. These and similar groups deserve special consideration for a number of important ethical and historical reasons, specifically those that surround the potential for exploitation, problems with informed consent, and concerns about respect for participant autonomy. This module introduces modus operandi that are based on national and international research guidelines for dealing with vulnerable/special participant populations, offering contextually‐dependent advice and relevant ethical considerations/ arguments for and against their involvement in scientific research endeavours.
Calcineurin Inhibitor‐Induced Headache: Clinical Characteristics and Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Ferrari Uta , Empl Monika , Kim Kwang Sik , Sostak Petra , Förderreuther Stefanie , Straube Andreas 
Published: March 2005

Objective.—To classify the headache syndromes under treatment with calcineurin inhibitors and to investigate whether the latter influence the nitric oxide production of human brain microvascular cells (HBMEC).Background.—Single cases of cyclosporine‐induced headaches have been reported. Since calcineurin inhibitors are known to influence the renal metabolism of NO, a key molecule in tension‐type headache and migraine, we were interested whether calcineurin inhibitors might change NO metabolism in HBMEC as well.Design and Methods.—Headache symptoms of 74 patients receiving cyclosporine and/or tacrolimus for organ transplantation were retrospectively assessed. Furthermore, the effect of cyclosporine and tacrolimus on nitric oxide production in human brain microvascular endothelial cells was investigated after incubation.Results.—Only 18 of the 74 patients reported no headache 1–36 months after liver, lung, or bone‐marrow transplantation, 28 reported a new headache, and 17 an increase in the frequency or intensity of a pre‐existing headache. The headache was generally classified as migraine without aura (IHS 1.1) or migraine‐like headache (IHS 1.6). Furthermore, we found significantly increased NO production after co‐incubation of calcineurin inhibitors with human brain microvascular endothelial cells.Conclusion.—The pathophysiological mechanism of these headaches may be connected with an endothelial dysfunction in terms of increased production of NO.
The highly variable RH locus in nonwhite persons hampers RHD zygosity determination but yields more insight into RH‐related evolutionary events
Authors: Grootkerk‐Tax Martine G.H.M. , Maaskant‐van Wijk Petra A. , Van Drunen Judith , Van Der Schoot C. Ellen 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about paternal RHD hemi‐ or homozygosity is of clinical interest in alloimmunized pregnant women. D negativity in white persons is usually caused by deletion of the RHD gene. Recently, the physical structure of the RH locus and the mechanism causing the deletion of the RHD gene have been explored, enabling RHD zygosity determination in white persons by specific detection of a hybrid Rhesus box characteristic for the RHD– locus.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RHD zygosity was determined in 402 samples from five different ethnic groups by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and by a newly developed real‐time quantitative PCR. The Rhesus boxes of samples showing discrepancies between both tests were cycle sequenced.RESULTS: In nonwhite persons, several mutated Rhesus boxes exist that hamper zygosity determination by detection of the RHD– locus. Such mutated Rhesus boxes in D+RHD homozygous black persons have a frequency of 0.22. In white persons, no mutated Rhesus boxes were encountered so far.CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the high frequency of the mutated Rhesus boxes, zygosity determination by detection of the RHD– locus is not feasible in nonwhite persons. The cosegregation of variant RHD genes (RHDψ and (C)cdes) with specific mutated Rhesus boxes yields more insight into the evolutionary events concerning variant RHD genes and mutated Rhesus boxes.
Immunization against a low‐frequency human platelet alloantigen in fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is not a single event: characterization by the combined use of reference DNA and novel allele‐specific cell lines expressing recombinant antigens
Authors: Kroll Hartmut , Yates Julie , Santoso Sentot 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is caused by maternal immunization against a fetal platelet (PLT) alloantigen. In cases of FNAIT attributed to low‐frequency PLT alloantigens, the laboratory diagnosis is often hampered by the lack of adequate PLTs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Three families with maternal immunization against fetal PLT antigens were analyzed. In Family 1, previous immunization of another female or woman has been observed. In Families 2 and 3, newborns presented with the typical clinical picture of FNAIT. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and direct sequencing with reference to DNA from Epstein‐Barr virus–transformed B‐lymphoblastoid cell lines. Antibodies were characterized by glycoprotein (GP)‐specific immunoassay with a panel of stable Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing low‐frequency alloantigens.RESULTS: In three families, maternal immunization associated with the low‐frequency alloantigens human PLT antigen (HPA)‐8bw (Sra), HPA‐11bw (Groa), and HPA‐13bw (Sita) was identified. Maternal serum samples showed positive reactions in an antigen capture assay with cell lines carrying recombinant GP IIb/IIIa (HPA‐8bw and ‐11bw) or GPIa/IIa (HPA‐13bw), respectively. These results could be confirmed by genotyping analysis of fathers and newborns.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that cases of FNAIT attributed to low‐frequency PLT alloantigens cannot be regarded as single events. The availability of reference DNA and cell lines expressing recombinant PLT alloantigens can facilitate their identification.