bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin Antagonizes α‐Melanocyte‐Stimulating Hormone Enhancement of Melanogenesis in Mouse Melanoma Cells by Blocking the Hormone‐Induced Accumulation of the C Locus Tyrosinase
Authors: Valverde Paloma , Benedito Enrique , Solano Francisco , Oaknin Sol , Lozano José Antonio , García‐Borrón José Carlos 
Published: March 2005

Melatonin was found to have a small inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity and a slight stimulatory action on dopachrome tautomerase activity in B16 mouse melanoma cells. These effects were time and dose dependent, with the maximal response being observed after 24–48h treatment and at concentrations of melatonin higher than the physiologic levels of the circulating hormone. Although these effects on the melanogenic activities were modest, incubation of melanocytes with melatonin prior to the addition of the melanotropin mediated a dramatic inhibition of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating‐hormone‐(α‐MSH)‐induced melanogenesis. This inhibitory effect was evident at melatonin concentrations as low as 10 nM. Inhibition was nearly total at 0.1 mM melatonin, even at high concentrations of α‐MSH (1 μM).The inhibitory effect of melatonin on α‐MSH stimulation of melanogenesis was investigated. Melatonin appeared to act at least at two stages. Pharmacological concentrations of melatonin diminished the number of α‐MSH receptors to about 75% of the control values without an apparent effect on receptor affinity, as determined by receptor‐binding studies using 125I‐[N‐Leu4‐d‐Phe7]α‐MSH as a probe. Physiological concentrations of melatonin also appeared to interfere with the intracellular events coupling increased cAMP levels and induction of the c locus tyrosinase, since it strongly inhibited the theophylline‐mediated stimulation of melanogenesis. The inhibiton of tyrosinase stimulation was higher in the microsomal than in the melanosomal fractions of cells which were treated with melatonin, then exposed to either α‐MSH (1 μM) or theophylline (1 mM), suggesting that one of the main effects of melatonin might be inhibition of the induction of tyrosinase de novo synthesis.
Induction of the Escherichia Coli Cytochrome d by Low ΔH+ and by Sodium Ions
Authors: Bogachev Alexander V. , Murtazina Rakhilya A. , Shestopalov Alexander I. , Skulachev Vladimir P. 
Published: March 2005

Regulation of synthesis of cytochrome d in Escherichia coli has been studied using mutants with cytochrome‐d‐β‐galactosidase gene fusions. It was shown that various protonophorous uncouplers, when added to the growth medium, cause induction of the cytochrome d synthesis. The cytochrome‐d‐inducing activity of uncouplers correlates with their ability to inhibit such a ΔH+‐driven function as motility of the E. coli cells. An increase in the Na+ concentration in the growth medium from 1.5mM to 25mM results in induction of the cytochrome d synthesis. The cytochrome‐d‐inducing effect of uncouplers is much more pronounced when the Na+ concentration is high than when it is low. These data are in agreement with the assumption that cytochrome d is involved in the Na+ energetics substituting for the H+ energetics when the latter appears to be inefficient.Mutations in arcA or arcB genes (but not in fnr gene) completely prevent the increase in the cytochrome d level induced by uncouplers but are without effect on that induced by Na+. It is assumed that in the control of the cytochrome d synthesis, the Arc system is involved in the ΔH+ sensing whereas sensing of Δ;Na+ (or of the Na+ concentration) is mediated by some other receptor system.
Detection of Beak and Feather Disease Virus (BFDV) and Avian Polyomavirus (APV) DNA in Psittacine Birds in Italy
Authors: Bert E. , Tomassone L. , Peccati C. , Navarrete M. G. , Sola S. C. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBeak and feather disease (psittacine circovirus) and Budgerigar fledgling disease (avian polyomavirus) are viral diseases that can frequently affect captive psittacine birds. We designed the first survey to investigate the presence of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) and Avian polyomavirus (APV) inside the population of captive psittacine birds in Italy. Samples were collected in 18 Italian psittacine breeding centres and four trade centres over a 4‐year period. A total of 1516 birds were tested for BFDV and 877 birds were tested for APV by means of a polymerase‐chain‐reaction (PCR) assay. BFDV was found in 122 (8.05%) and APV in 7 (0.79%) birds. No significant difference in infection rate was found between imported and locally raised parrots. We report the first BFDV DNA isolation in wild birds imported to Italy from Papua New Guinea.
Effects of Fluorequinolone Treatment Acidified Feed, and Improved Hygiene Measures on the Occurrence of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 in an Integrated Pig Breeding Herd
Authors: Roesler U. , Von Altrock A. , Heller P. , Bremerich S. , Arnold T. , Lehmann J. , Waldmann K.‐H. , Truyen U. , Hensel A. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryWorldwide, the use of antimicrobials in food production has been associated with drug resistance in foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella. However, little is known about the efficaciousness of fluorequinolone treatment on Salmonella Typhimurium T104 infections in pig breeding herds. A combined eradication procedure with enrofloxacin application on sows and piglets, feeding of encapsulated organic acids to sows, disinfection with peracetic acid, separation of the growers from the sows and serological discrimination using a new whole‐cell‐based enzyme‐linked immnosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated for the suitability to eradicate and to control endemic S. Typhimurium DT104 infections in a closed herd. Thirty‐seven sows and their piglets were treated everyday from day 14 ante partum until the day of weaning. Eighteen sows and their piglets served as controls. From the first day of life until day 168 after birth, faecal samples (n = 1671) of all piglets were analysed for Salmonella shedding. In parallel, systemic antibody responses were monitored by whole‐cell‐based isotype‐specific ELISA systems. From birth to weaning the prevalence in both groups was between 2% and 9%. After weaning, intermittent shedding could be observed in both groups, and salmonellae could be found in up to 7.7% of the faecal samples. As a result, a dramatic increase in Salmonella‐infected growers was observed, as of day 115 after birth, 47.4% of the animals of the treated group were tested positive for S. Typhimurium. Our results indicate that despite long‐term antibiosis treatment and optimized hygiene measures, shedding of S. Typhimurium by the sows and the subsequent infection of their offspring could not be effectively prevented. Although it could be not shown that elimination of S. Typhimurium DT104 infection was achieved, the disinfection procedures described and the diagnostic test used are effective instruments to decrease the Salmonella load and to identify individual infected animals. Both of these are important factors for an improved consumer protection.
Strain Typing of German Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Field Cases in Small Ruminants by Biochemical Methods
Authors: Gretzschel A. , Buschmann A. , Eiden M. , Ziegler U. , Lühken G. , Erhardt G. , Groschup M. H. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryFollowing the implementation of a large scale transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) surveillance programme of small ruminants, evidence for a natural transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to a French goat has been found. During the years 2002–2004, a massive TSE rapid testing programme on >250 000 small ruminants was carried out in Germany. In this national survey, 186 scrapie‐affected sheep were found which originated from 78 flocks. The majority of these cases were of the classical TSE type (115 sheep belonging to 14 outbreaks). However, 71 cases coming from 64 flocks were of the novel atypical scrapie type. According to the regulation EU 999/2001, all TSE cases in small ruminants have to be examined by strain typing methods to explore any possibility of the existence of BSE cases in the field sheep population. Here we report on a biochemical typing strategy (termed FLI‐test), which includes the determination of molecular masses, antibody binding affinities and glycosylation pattern of the TSE induced abnormal prion protein. Based on this typing approach none of the analysed German classical TSE outbreaks (total number of analysed sheep: 36) displayed biochemical features indicative for a BSE infection. However, in two cases distinct but BSE‐unrelated PrPSc types were found, which alludes to the existence of different scrapie strains in the German sheep population.
Towards European Citizenship through Higher Education?
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ ÓSCAR 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe purpose of this study, the first part of a recently concluded project, is to describe and analyse the perceptions that European university students have of European citizenship and to offer some insight into the term. Before describing our findings, we offer a brief review of the concept of citizenship, attempting to define it in the European context and showing how it can be attained, while demonstrating that, contrary to what one might expect, the concept is by no means easy to grasp, as young people do not have a clear idea of what Europe means or what Europe wants. Our results have implications for our understanding of European integration.
Comparative study of the physiological properties of collagen, gelatin and collagen hydrolysate as cosmetic materials
Authors: Li G. Y. , Fukunaga S. , Takenouchi K. , Nakamura F. 
Published: March 2005

SynopsisThe cell biological properties of collagen, gelatin and collagen hydrolysate (<15 000 Da) were studied using murine keratinocytes. Keratinocyte culture experiments demonstrated that only collagen had significant effects on cell attachment and proliferation, but the results of cells cultured on gelatin and collagen hydrolysate showed the rates of adhesion and proliferation were similar to those of cells cultured on plastic as a control. It is concluded that collagen has better physiological effects than those of gelatin and collagen hydrolysate as skin‐care cosmetic materials.
Increased activity of factor VIII coagulant associated with venous ulcer in a patient with Klinefelter's syndrome
Authors: Dissemond J , Knab J , Lehnen M , Goos M 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTKlinefelter's syndrome is the most frequent major abnormality of sexual differentiation in men with two or more X chromosomes. Recurrent venous ulcers as a result of a post‐thrombotic syndrome are a well known symptom in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome. Until now the underlying pathomechanisms are not completely understood. Platelet hyperaggregability, factor V Leiden mutation and abnormalities in fibrinolysis were implicated as possible contributing factors. Here we describe the detection of an increased activity of factor VIII coagulant (factor VIII:C). This is the first case report on increased factor VIII:C activity associated with venous ulcers in a patient with Klinefelter's syndrome. Elevated factor VIII plasma levels are gradually accepted to be associated with an increased risk for venous thromboembolism. Therefore, we discuss that the examination of factor VIII:C may help in clarifying individual thromboembolic risks, especially in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome.
Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma: a new case report
Authors: Blanco Barrios S , Rodríguez Díaz E , Alvarez Cuesta C , Galache Osuna C , Requena Caballero C , Martínez Merino A , Requena Caballero L , Kutzner H 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTMultinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma (MCAH) was first described by Smith and Wilson‐Jones in 1985. It is an uncommon entity but probably underdiagnosed because of lack of recognition by clinicians and pathologists. We report a 47‐year‐old man with asymptomatic grouped violaceous papules on the dorsum of the hands for 3 years. The histopathological and immunopathological features of our case revealed characteristics of MCAH similar to the initial description of Smith and Wilson‐Jones and other reports.
Burnout and job satisfaction comparing healthcare staff of a dermatological hospital and a general hospital
Authors: Renzi C , Tabolli S , Ianni A , Di Pietro C , Puddu P 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackground  Psychological distress among healthcare professionals can have negative effects on the well‐being of the professionals and also on the quality of care they provide to patients.Objectives  To evaluate burnout and job satisfaction of dermatologists and nurses working with dermatological patients compared with physicians and nurses of other specialties.Methods  A self‐completed anonymous questionnaire was distributed to the personnel of two hospitals in Rome, Italy: a dermatological hospital (IDI) and a general hospital (GH), belonging to the same non‐profit organization. Standardized instruments were used to assess burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory) and job satisfaction. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between burnout and working in dermatology vs. other specialties, job satisfaction, years of employment and respondents’ sex and age.Results  We distributed 929 questionnaires to clinical and non‐clinical staff of IDI and 494 questionnaires to the GH staff (response rates: 53% at IDI and 50% at the GH). Among respondents there were 67 physicians and 59 nurses at IDI and 70 physicians and 148 nurses at the GH. Subsequent analyses refer only to this clinical subsample. Factor analysis showed that among physicians and nurses the two main factors explaining job satisfaction were respondents’‘satisfaction with the management of their unit’ and ‘opportunities for personal growth’. Among nurses the likelihood of burnout decreased significantly with higher levels of job satisfaction [odds ratio (OR) = 0.78; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.7–0.9] and working in dermatology compared with other specialties (OR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.2–0.9). Among physicians a lower likelihood of burnout was associated with job satisfaction (OR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.5–0.8) and older age (OR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.1–0.8).Conclusions  Among both physicians and nurses, job satisfaction was associated with a lower likelihood of burnout, independently of clinical specialty and other factors. Burnout was similar for dermatologists and other specialists. Nurses of the GH compared with those working in dermatology had a higher probability of burnout and were significantly less satisfied with the management of their units and with opportunities for personal growth.
Hypereosinophilic dermatitis‐like erythema annulare centrifugum in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Miljković J , Bartenjev I 
Published: March 2005

AbstractA 65‐year‐old male presented with a history of disseminated erythema annulare centrifugum lesions and a high peripheral blood eosinophilia (55%). Histopathology of a lesion revealed a superficial and deep perivascular and interstitial inflammatory eosinophilic infiltrate. The bone marrow aspirate showed a heavy eosinophilic infiltrate. There was no evidence of any other systemic involvement except for bone marrow eosinophilia. The patient had a 6‐year history of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The disease is in complete remission for the last 3 years. The clinical and histopathological findings in the reported patient correspond to the diagnosis of hypereosinophilic dermatitis. Topical treatment with corticosteroid creams was successful. The cutaneous lesions gradually resolved in 8 weeks, within 7 months the peripheral blood eosinophilia slowly declined from 55% to 7%.
Evaluation of nitrosative and oxidative stress in Behçet disease
Authors: Bekpinar S , Kiliç N , Ünlüçerçi Y , Akdag‐Köse A , Azizlerli G , Özbek‐Kir Z 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTPlasma nitrotyrosine and nitrite/nitrate levels as markers of nitrosative stress and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl as markers of oxidative stress were determined in patients with Behçet disease (BD). To evaluate the balance between oxidant and antioxidant systems in these patients, we measured erythrocyte lysate CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZn SOD) activity, plasma sulfhydryl (SH) values and total antioxidant activity. We also determined levels of plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP), a key marker of inflammation, and compared them with those of healthy subjects. We found plasma nitrotyrosine levels of BD patients to be increased, indicating that nitrosative stress may occur in these patients. Plasma MDA and CRP levels in BD patients were found to be significantly higher than those in control group. However, plasma SH levels were decreased. No changes were observed in the other measured parameters of the patient group compared with the controls. These data suggest the possible involvement of nitric oxide (NO) together with reactive oxygen substances (ROS) in the pathogenesis of BD.
Cluster Headache Without Autonomic Symptoms: Why Is It different?
Authors: Martins Isabel P. , Gouveia Raquel G. , Parreira Elsa 
Published: March 2005

Background.—Some patients with otherwise typical cluster headache (CH) have persistent attacks free of cranial autonomic symptoms (CAS). The factors responsible for this atypical presentation are not known.Objectives.—To identify factors associated to the absence of CAS in patients with CH.Methods.—A prospective series of 157 patients with the diagnosis of CH was analyzed, comparing 148 typical CH patients with 9 CH patients without CAS.Results.—Patients without CAS reported significantly less intense attacks (P= .003) when compared to those with CAS. There was also a tendency (not reaching statistical significance) for a higher frequency of females and chronic CH among those without CAS. Otherwise, there were no differences between the two groups (in age, duration of illness, follow‐up time, attack duration or frequency, nor side or site of pain). A logistic regression analysis showed that only pain intensity could explain the difference between the two groups, since the other explanatory variables were also associated with different intensity of attacks.Conclusions.—These results support the hypothesis that CH without cranial autonomic symptoms represents a milder form of CH.
Phenotypic characterization and preclinical production of human lineage‐negative cells for regenerative stem cell therapy
Authors: Strunk Dirk , Rohde Eva , Lanzer Gerhard , Linkesch Werner 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Regenerative stem cell therapy (SCT) is currently being tested in clinical trials. The ideal type and source of cells have not yet been defined. Lineage (Lin) depletion is an experimental procedure capable of enriching all recently recognized SC types with regenerative potency. This study was performed to define a practicable monoclonal antibody (MoAb) cocktail for Lin depletion and to test whether clinical‐scale Lin depletion is possible.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: MoAbs (CD2/14/15/19/41/56/glycophorin A) were selected to mark seven mature hematopoietic lineages. Lin7‐negative (Lin7NEG) cells were analyzed in peripheral blood (PB, n = 9), mobilized PB (MPB, n = 5), umbilical cord blood (UCB, n = 5), and marrow aspirates (BM, n = 4) by flow cytometry. Preclinical Lin depletion was tested with leukapheresis products from PB following good manufacturing practice (GMP) principles.RESULTS: Lin7NEG cells comprised 0.23 ± 0.04, 0.27 ± 0.03, 0.53 ± 0.07, and 0.49 ± 0.03 percent of PB, MPB, UCB, and BM, respectively. Basophils, CD34+, and dendritic cells constituted the major Lin7NEG subpopulations (84 ± 2, 90 ± 3, 40 ± 3, and 80 ± 3% in PB, MPB, UCB, and BM, respectively). Minor populations included CD7– and CD45– cells. Preclinical CD2/14/15/19/56 (Lin5) depletion after automated red blood cell and platelet reduction resulted in up to a 16.7‐fold enrichment of CD34+ and CD34–/Lin5NEG cells.CONCLUSIONS: A seven‐MoAb cocktail is sufficient to label more than 99 percent of nucleated cells in PB, MPB, UCB, and BM. Preclinical Lin depletion can be performed under GMP conditions from PB apheresis procedures.
Chemical compounds that target thiol‐disulfide groups on mononuclear phagocytes inhibit immune mediated phagocytosis of red blood cells
Authors: Rampersad Gregory C. , Suck Garnet , Sakac Darinka , Fahim Soad , Foo Alison , Denomme Gregory A. , Langler Richard F. , Branch Donald R. 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Patients having immune cytopenias produce antibodies that target hematopoietic cells resulting in their phagocytosis and intracellular destruction. Early reports suggested that phagocytosis could be inhibited by interfering with membrane thiol (SH) groups on phagocytes. Thus, whether chemical compounds that interact with SH or disulfide (SS) groups on mononuclear phagocytes can inhibit phagocytosis of antibody‐coated cells was examined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A monocyte monolayer assay (MMA), which examines the in vitro monocyte‐macrophage (Mφ) interaction with anti‐Rh(D)‐coated red cells (RBCs), was used to study the ability of different SH and SS chemicals to inhibit the Fc receptor–mediated phagocytosis of sensitized RBCs. The compounds examined included thimerosal, dithiothreitol (DTT), pentane‐1‐thiol, and two recently described SH and two SS chemicals that have been synthesized.RESULTS: All compounds were found to be able to inhibit phagocytosis to varying degrees correlating to the structure of the molecule. In general, those compounds that interact with free SH groups to inhibit phagocytosis were found better than SH‐containing compounds that interact with SSs. Thimerosal and p‐nitrophenyl methyl disulfide were the most effective compounds inhibiting phagocytosis. Both chemicals showed greater than 50 percent inhibition at concentrations as low as 10−9 mol per L. DTT was the least effective compound tested. Only thimerosal showed significant toxicity, as determined by decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis, but only at concentrations of 10−8 mol per L. The effect of chemical treatment was on attachment rather than on phagocytosis itself. Fcγ receptor–independent endocytosis was not affected by the chemical treatment.CONCLUSION: These studies indicate that pharmacologic strategies that target SH groups on mononuclear phagocytes may have future efficacy for the treatment of immune cytopenias.
Autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells are a potential source of parvovirus B19 infection
Authors: Arnold Donald M. , Neame Peter B. , Meyer Ralph M. , Soamboonsrup Praniti , Luinstra Kathy E. , O'Hoski Pamela , Garner Jane , Foley Ronan 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Parvovirus B19 is a cause of delayed red blood cell (RBC) engraftment after marrow transplantation (BMT). The diagnosis of parvovirus infection requires serologic and DNA testing in the context of clinical disease and characteristic marrow morphologic findings; however, the source of infection is often difficult to determine.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Investigation of a case of delayed RBC engraftment and pure RBC aplasia (PRCA) occurring 3 months after autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation in a patient with high‐risk diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. DNA testing of serum and of a sample of cryopreserved PBPCs was performed.RESULTS: Marrow morphology showed a maturational arrest of erythroid cells with giant proerythroblasts. Polymerase chain reaction and nucleic acid hybridization confirmed the presence of parvovirus DNA in the serum and in a sample of sequestered PBPCs saved at the time of PBPC harvest. PRCA resolved after the administration of intravenous immune globulin.CONCLUSION: Autologous PBPCs are a potential source of parvovirus infection, which may cause significant disease after autologous BMT.