bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal changes in melatonin concentrations in female Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus)
Authors: García Andrés , Landete‐Castillejos Tomás , Zarazaga Luis , Garde Julián , Gallego Laureano 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: In deer, most of the earlier investigations on pineal function examined the effects of artificial photoperiods or the administration of melatonin to manipulate reproduction. However, endogenous melatonin rhythms have not been studied in red deer. Thus, we monitored seasonal changes in plasma melatonin concentrations in 16 adult female Iberian red deer living in outdoor enclosures. Blood was sampled on the day of each seasonal change every 3–4 hr overnight and 1 hr before and after sunset and sunrise. In addition, in six of the previous hinds, blood sampling during the hour prior and after sunset and sunrise was collected every 20 min. Significant differences were found both in amplitude and duration of the nocturnal plasma melatonin profiles in the four seasonal changes (P<0.01). The nocturnal mean level of melatonin, the duration of nocturnal secretion levels and maximal concentrations were significantly higher at the winter solstice than in summer solstice or equinoxes (P<0.05). Moreover, the mean overnight concentrations were significantly higher at the spring equinox and winter solstice than during the summer solstice and autumn equinox (P<0.05). A pronounced elevation from low levels was recorded 1 hr after sunset, remained elevated during the hours of darkness and declined to low levels 1 hr after dawn. Concentrations close to sunrise were higher than those near sunset at all changes of season (P<0.05). These results show for the first time in red deer that the pineal gland of the adult female is highly responsive to both daily and seasonal changes in natural environmental illumination, although overnight levels lasted longer than the photoperiodic night is all cases, particularly at the winter solstice.
Melatonin modulates the action of near infrared radiation on cell adhesion
Authors: Karu Tiina I. , Pyatibrat Ludmila V. , Ryabykh Tatyana P. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: The adhesion of human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells to a glass matrix is evaluated following their irradiation in a suspension with a pulsed near‐infrared (IR) light‐emitting diode (wavelength 820 nm, pulse repetition frequency 10 Hz, irradiation dose 16–120 J/m2) when melatonin (4 × 10−11 to 4 × 10−5 m) is added to cell suspension immediately before or after the irradiation. Also, the dependence of visible‐to‐near‐IR radiation (600–840 nm, 52 J/m2) on cell adhesion (action spectrum) is recorded in absence and presence of melatonin (4 × 10−6 m). It is found that melatonin in pharmacological concentrations (but not in physiological range) inhibited cell adherence. Irradiation of cells before or after melatonin treatment normalizes cell adhesion to control level. Melatonin in pharmacological concentrations eliminates stimulation of cell attachment induced by irradiation. Pre‐treatment (but not post‐treatment) with melatonin in the physiological concentration eliminates cell adhesion stimulation induced by irradiation. Melatonin modifies the light action spectrum significantly in near IR region (760–840 nm only). Thus, the peak at 820–830 nm characteristic for the light action spectrum is fully reduced.
Interdigitation index – a parameter for differentiating between young and older skin specimens
Authors: Timár F. , Soós Gy , Szende B. , Horváth A. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Quantitative morphometry developed rapidly during the last decade due to advances is computers and software. We wish to establish a simple baseline for the morphometric differences due to intrinsic ageing between young and old cohorts: the interdigitation index. It is an expression of the shape of the border between the epidermis and dermis.Methods: We used volar forearm biopsies of women, since the volar forearm is usually not photodamaged. The biopsies were fixed in buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin and sectioned. Separate sections were stained by hematoxylin‐eosin, by orcein and by dimethyl‐methylene blue. We had seven female volunteers in each group; the young cohort had a mean age of 26.6 years, the older cohort 50.9 years. We chose a cohort that was just about postmenopausal, since in the future we wish to evaluate the effect of externally‐applied agents on postmenopausal female skin and the earlier it is applied the better its chance of being effective.Results: We found no difference between the young and older cohort with regard to epidermal thickness. We found a decrease of glycosaminoglycen (GAG) as measured by dimethyl‐methylene blue staining. The results of the elastic staining by orcein, although in line with the reports in the literature, are not useful for evaluating the intrinsic ageing process, at least not by the simple percentage of area stained procedure. We introduced a new parameter: the interdigitation index. It is a simple measurement of the interdigitation in the epidermal‐dermal junction, known to be diminished by age. This index was diminished by about 20% between the young and older cohort.Conclusions: Quantitative morphometry using simple epidermal and dermal measurements on biopsies of the volar forearm of women is suitable for following intrinsic ageing of the skin and offers a simple objective method for following the ageing process of the skin.
Scale‐sensitive fractal analysis using the patchwork method for the assessment of skin roughness
Authors: Articus Konstantin , Brown Christopher A. , Wilhelm Klaus‐P. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: As skin roughness and wrinkles are easily perceived by the consumer, quantifying skin surface structures is a vital parameter for cosmetic product development. As more tools are available for measuring three‐dimensional (3‐D) surface data, instead of two‐dimensional (2‐D) profile lines, new algorithms are desirable, to take advantage of the information gathered.Methods: The patchwork method tiles topographic data sets virtually and analyzes the change in apparent area as a function of tile scale. The patchwork method and conventional 2‐D profilometric analysis were applied to 24 topographic skin data sets. The data sets were derived before and after application of 15% glycerol solution on the skin of eight volunteers.Results: One hour after application, skin roughness decreased by 20.8%, as measured by conventional analysis, and by 23.3%, as measured by the patchwork method. For both methods, the differences were not significant.Conclusions: The patchwork method can be applied to skin data and renders results similar in intensity and direction to conventional 2‐D analysis. It is advantageous over conventional 2‐D analysis in three ways: it makes use of the full topologic information, it requires no high‐pass or low‐pass filtering, and it is independent of the anisotropy of the skin.
Variation of skin properties within human forearms demonstrated by non‐invasive detection and multi‐way analysis
Authors: Åberg Peter , Geladi Paul , Nicander Ingrid , Ollmar Stig 
Published: March 2003

Background/aim: It is known that the properties of human skin vary locally. The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of human volar forearms even further using advanced non‐invasive techniques and numerical methods.Methods: The skin properties of human volar forearms were investigated using measurements of trans epidermal water loss and multifrequency electrical impedance. Eight sites on the forearms of 27 healthy volunteers were measured. The sites were oriented as squares, four sites on both left and right forearm, approximately 40–50 mm apart.Results: Analysis of variance showed significant differences for epidermal water loss (P < 0.01) and the skin impedance (P < 0.001) between the inner and outer sides of the arms. Additionally, parallel factor analysis of the full skin impedance spectra also showed that there are systematic differences between right and left arm (P < 0.01).Conclusion: It is crucial to design skin studies carefully in order to minimise the effects of the local skin properties of human skin.
Differences among moisturizers in affecting skin susceptibility to hexyl nicotinate, measured as time to increase skin blood flow
Authors: Duval Céline , Lindberg Magnus , Boman Anders , Johnsson Stina , Edlund Fredrik , Lodén Marie 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: A wide range of branded and generic moisturizers is frequently used for the prevention and treatment of dry skin. The influence of moisturizers on the skin permeability is pertinent to the understanding of their therapeutic efficacy. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of two moisturizers on the skin permeability barrier, assessed as skin reactivity to a vasodilating substance.Methods: The study was parallel, randomized and double blind on 53 healthy volunteers. One of the creams contained 5% urea, whereas the other contained no humectant but had a high lipid content. The participants were instructed to apply the cream twice daily for three weeks on the volar aspect of one of their forearms. The skin was then exposed to hexyl nicotinate, which induces vasodilation. The time‐course and magnitude of the microvascular changes in the two skin areas were monitored with a non‐invasive optical technique (laser Doppler flowmetry) with two measuring probes.Results: The lag‐time between application and initial response was significantly longer for the urea‐treated site compared with the other cream. Furthermore, the time for maximum response was shorter for the lipid‐rich cream than for its placebo.Conclusion: The study shows differences in action between moisturizers, which may influence the skin susceptibility to other irritants and allergens in the environment.
Reproducibility of repeated measurements on post‐burn scars with Dermascan C
Authors: Kerckhove Eric Van Den , Staes Filip , Flour Mieke , Stappaerts Karel , Boeckx Willy 
Published: March 2003

The present study investigated the reproducibility of measurements with the Dermascan C on post‐burn scars. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reproducibility and test–retest reliability with a one week time lapse were examined on 40 post‐burn scars of 6 volunteering burn patients by means of intra‐class‐ correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurements (SEM). Results showed good to excellent values for ICC in all the three conditions.On the basis of these results, we concluded that the instrument provides reliable information and can be used in comparative clinical trials that examine therapeutic strategies on healing scars.
Oral health of patients with hepatitis C virus infection: a pilot study
Authors: Henderson L , Muir M , Mills PR , Spence E , Fox R , McCruden EAB , Bagg J 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the oral health of a cohort of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. In particular, the prevalence of lichen planus and xerostomia were determined. Experiences of discrimination against HCV‐infected patients by their dentists were also recorded.METHODS: Forty patients infected with HCV, who were not undergoing anti‐viral treatment, were examined. Patient information collected included demographic details together with patients’ perception of their oral health and access to dental care since being diagnosed with hepatitis C. Both extra‐oral and intra‐oral examinations were conducted. Teeth present and visible caries were recorded, periodontal condition was measured using a Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need (CPITN) probe and denture fit and hygiene were assessed where appropriate. The soft tissues were examined and lichen planus diagnosed clinically. Salivary flow rates were estimated by the Salivette® system.RESULTS: The oral health of this cohort was poor. Eight patients had clinical evidence of oral lichen planus (OLP), although this was not confirmed histologically. The salivary flow rates were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in previously reported healthy controls. Of the 15 (37.5%) regular dental attenders, two had encountered problems accessing dental care.CONCLUSIONS: Chronic hepatitis C patients have significant oral health needs. More effective oral health education is required for both HCV‐infected patients and their carers, including dental practitioners.
Bacterial and yeast flora of root surface caries in elderly, ethnic Chinese
Authors: Shen S , Samaranayake LP , Yip HK , Dyson JE 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: Root caries is emerging as a significant problem in the middle aged and elderly. As little data is available on the microbiology of root caries in Chinese cohorts, we evaluated 30 such lesions in elderly, institutionalized, ethnic Chinese.METHODS: Samples of carious dentine were aseptically taken from root caries lesions of 18 subjects (five males and 13 females, mean age 79.67 ± 8.57). The cultivable bacteria, both aerobic and anaerobic, were isolated and identified using standard methods and commercial identification kits. The yeasts were isolated on Sabouraud's agar and identified using the API system.RESULTS: The main findings were: (1) of the total isolates, 91.09% were Gram‐positive and 8.91% were Gram‐negative microorganisms; (2) the proportions of cocci and rods were 36.68 and 63.31%, respectively; (3) the predominant groups of organisms isolated were Streptococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Actinomyces spp. with isolation frequencies of 100, 90.00, 73.33 and 63.33%, respectively; (4) the isolation frequency of yeasts belonging to Candida spp. (63.33%) was notably high although the proportion of yeasts within each sample was low (0.01%). Candida dubliniensis, a newly identified yeast species particularly prevalent in HIV infection, comprised 14.29% of yeasts.CONCLUSIONS: This study provides baseline information on the microbiologic features of root caries in the elderly, ethnic Chinese. Whilst our data on the most predominant bacteria isolated in root caries concur with those from other regions of the world the isolation of C. dubliniensis from these lesions has not been documented before.
Oral non‐Hodgkin lymphomas: studies of EBV and p53 expression
Authors: Iamaroon A , Pongsiriwet S , Mahanupab P , Kitikamthon R , Pintong J 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES:  The aims of the study were to assess sociodemographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with oral non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) and the expression of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and p53.MATERIALS AND METHODS:  The clinical and pathologic features of 11 patients with oral NHLs were studied. The expression of EBV mRNA and p53 protein were studied by means of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical methods in 11 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens from these patients.RESULTS:  The patients’ age ranged from 13 to 70 years with the mean of 42 years. Human immuno‐deficiency virus (HIV) status was documented in five of the 11 patients and three were known to be HIV‐positive. The most common locations were gingiva and alveolar mucosa. Pain and tenderness were major symptoms of the patients. The most common histologic subtype was diffuse large‐cell, intermediate‐grade NHL. Eight of 11 cases (72.7%) showed positive expression of p53 protein. Four of 10 cases (40%) expressed EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER) transcripts. All known HIV‐positive cases were EBV‐positive.CONCLUSIONS:  The findings suggest that appropriately expressed p53 protein may play a role in tumorigenesis of oral NHLs. In addition, EBV may be involved with the pathogenesis of oral NHLs particularly in patients with HIV infection.
Percent of plaque on individual tooth surfaces and differences in plaque area between adjacent teeth in healthy adults
Authors: Söder Birgitta , Johannsen Annsofi , Lagerlöf Folke 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  Objectives:  To apply a planimetric method to determine the percentage of the tooth area covered by plaque on individual tooth surfaces and to compare the percentage of plaque between adjacent tooth surfaces.Methods: Forty‐three adults, mean age 43.0 years, with no signs of periodontal disease, participated. The subjects underwent comprehensive professional cleaning of all teeth. The subjects were then instructed to maintain their ordinary oral hygiene habits. Plaque was registered after 1 month, on each individual tooth surface by use of P%I.Results: The pattern of plaque accumulation was in large symmetrical, with differences in mean P%I between several adjacent tooth surfaces, e.g. for the maxillary buccal and lingual tooth surfaces between the first and second molars (P < 0.001) and for the lingual tooth surfaces between the canines and the first premolars (P < 0.01).Conclusion: In the present study, it was possible to identify and describe adjacent tooth surfaces with the most pronounced plaque accumulation, to make further improvements of oral hygiene possible.
Pneumonia Versus Aspiration Pneumonitis in Nursing Home Residents: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Mylotte Joseph M. , Goodnough Susan , Naughton Bruce J. 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of aspiration pneumonitis in nursing home residents with an initial diagnosis of pneumonia and to compare the clinical characteristics, management, and outcome of aspiration pneumonitis with those of pneumonia.DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.SETTING: Hospital geriatric unit for nursing home residents.PARTICIPANTS: Nursing home residents admitted to the inpatient geriatric unit with suspected pneumonia between May 1999 and April 2001 (n = 195 episodes).MEASUREMENTS: Aspiration events were defined as definite (witnessed or unwitnessed) or suspected. Aspiration pneumonitis was defined as symptoms/signs of lower respiratory tract infection plus a history of an aspiration event plus a lower lobe infiltrate on chest radiograph. Pneumonia was defined as symptoms/signs of lower respiratory tract infection plus an infiltrate on chest radiograph plus no history of an aspiration event.RESULTS: The 195 episodes were stratified into three clinical groups: aspiration pneumonitis (n = 86; aspiration history/infiltrate), pneumonia (n = 43; no aspiration history/infiltrate), and an aspiration event (n = 66; aspiration history/no infiltrate). In general, symptoms, signs, and laboratory tests were not useful in distinguishing between the three groups. Survivors with aspiration pneumonitis (13/75 (17%)) or with an aspiration event (20/60 (33%)) were significantly more likely not to be treated with an antibiotic or to be treated for 1 day or less than those with pneumonia (0/41; P < .001). Excluding those not treated, significantly more patients with pneumonia (33/40 (83%)) were discharged on antibiotic treatment than those with aspiration pneumonitis (35/70 (50%)) or an aspiration event (21/51 (41%); P < .001). There was no significant difference in hospital mortality between the three clinical groups.CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study have implications for the diagnosis and management of suspected pneumonia in nursing home residents but require prospective validation.
Amnestic Behavior in Dementia: Symptoms to Assist in Early Detection and Diagnosis
Authors: Ready Rebecca E. , Ott Brian R. , Grace Janet 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated two amnestic behavior changes (repetitive questioning and repetitive actions) to determine their utility in screening for early dementia.DESIGN: Patient data were collected through a retrospective chart review. Comparison data from nondemented older people were collected prospectively from acquaintances of clinic patients.SETTING: The setting was a hospital‐based outpatient memory disorder clinic.PARTICIPANTS: Participants were older individuals with no cognitive impairment (n = 25), undetermined dementia (n = 50), and definite dementia (n = 25). The undetermined cases were followed for at least 1 year to assess for conversion to dementia.MEASUREMENTS: Amnestic behaviors were assessed using informant‐report for all participants. The behaviors were examined for their ability to distinguish between definite dementia cases and noncases. They were further evaluated for the ability to differentiate undetermined cases that eventually converted to definite dementia from cases that did not convert.RESULTS: Results indicated that repetitive behaviors were common in early and more‐severe dementia cases. Repetitive behaviors were relatively uncommon in cognitively intact older participants. In analyses of the full study sample, engagement in repetitive behaviors had high sensitivity (0.97) in identifying dementia cases.CONCLUSIONS: Assessing repetitive behaviors in patients may be a useful means for family members and primary care physicians to screen for early cognitive impairment. The assessment can help to identify individuals that should be evaluated further for dementia.
Regulation and Expression of Progesterone Receptor mRNA Isoforms A and B in the Male and Female Rat Hypothalamus and Pituitary Following Oestrogen Treatment
Authors: Scott R. E. M. , Wu‐Peng X.‐S. , Pfaff D. W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractProgesterone receptors play a central role in neuroendocrine and behavioural regulation. To gain insight into the sex‐ and tissue‐specific regulation of progesterone receptors, protein binding on a progesterone receptor‐oestrogen response element and mRNA levels for progesterone receptor (PR)‐A and PR‐B were compared between female and male rats following oestradiol benzoate replacement treatment in hypothalamic and pituitary tissue. Both male and female pituitary protein extracts demonstrated an increase in nuclear protein binding activity to a progesterone receptor‐oestrogen response element following oestradiol benzoate treatment. However, there was a greater difference in total binding activity seen in the female pituitary extracts compared to male pituitary protein extracts. In both cases, reflecting the binding data, oestradiol benzoate pretreatment led to an increase in pituitary PR‐B messenger RNA, although this increase was significantly larger in females than in males. Oestradiol benzoate treatment also led to a significant increase in specific binding of hypothalamic nuclear proteins to the progesterone receptor oestrogen response element from both females and male hypothalamic extracts. In addition, PR‐B messenger RNA was induced by oestradiol benzoate treatment in the female rat hypothalamus, under circumstances where no PR‐A could be detected. The male also demonstrated an increase in PR‐B messenger RNA following oestradiol benzoate treatment, with undetectable levels of PR‐A, although to a lesser degree than that seen in the female. The predominance of PR‐B over PR‐A messenger RNA in rat hypothalamus and pituitary, and the quantitative differences between female and male rats, could both contribute to the greater responsiveness of female rats to progesterone with respect to control over luteinizing hormone release from the pituitary, and lordosis behaviour regulated by hypothalamic neurones.