bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoalgesia to pressure pain in referred pain areas triggered by spatial summation of experimental muscle pain from unilateral or bilateral trapezius muscles
Authors: Ge Hong‐You , Madeleine Pascal , Wang Kelun , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars 
Published: October 2003

AbstractAnimal and human experimental studies have suggested the importance of spatial summation in the nociception processing and in the activation of descending inhibition. However, the relationship between the areas (size) of muscles stimulated and the recruitment of descending inhibition has not been addressed. Consequently, we tested whether bilateral versus unilateral injection of hypertonic saline into trapezius muscles caused hypoalgesia to pressure pain (pressure pain thresholds, PPTs) in the local pain areas (the trapezius muscles) and the referred pain areas (the posterolateral neck muscles). Two groups of volunteers participated. One group received a unilateral injection (one injection) and the other group bilateral injections (two injections). In the bilateral group, hypertonic saline was injected in one trapezius first, and 45 s later, while pain was still present from the first injection, a second injection was performed into the contralateral trapezius muscle. The saline‐evoked time to maximal pain was significantly shorter after the second injection than after the first injection. More subjects developed referred pain after the bilateral compared with the unilateral injection. In the referred pain areas, the PPTs 7.5 and 15 min after the second injection were significantly increased compared with the first injection, while no changes in the PPT were observed in local and referred pain areas after unilateral injection. This suggests that the induction of descending inhibition was triggered by spatial summation during the later phase of experimentally induced muscle pain. The present experimental model might be used for further investigation of descending inhibition related to the spatial characteristics of nociceptive stimuli in humans.
The periodic acid‐Schiff stain in diagnosing tinea: should it be used routinely in inflammatory skin diseases?
Authors: Al‐Amiri Amina , Chatrath Vandana , Bhawan Jag , Stefanato Catherine M. 
Published: October 2003

Background:  The clinical presentation of tinea is usually, but not always, characteristic. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the routine use of the periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) stain in inflammatory skin disorders is requisite for identifying clinically undiagnosed tinea cases and to ascertain whether there are histopathologic clues that suggest the diagnosis of a dermatophyte infection.Methods:  Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides from 60 PAS‐positive tinea cases were examined histologically by two observers. One observer, aware of the diagnosis of tinea, searched for hyphal elements and also recorded in detail epidermal, dermal, and follicular changes. The second observer, not aware of the diagnosis beforehand, reviewed the same slides, together with randomly mixed slides from 21 non‐tinea cases, recording the same parameters as the first reviewer.Results:  Of the 60 cases of tinea, only 45% were diagnosed clinically. Histologic examination of H&E sections by the two observers disclosed the presence of hyphal elements in 68 and 45%, respectively. No significant histologic differences, except for the presence of hyphae, were observed between tinea and non‐tinea cases.Conclusions:  The finding that only 57% of PAS‐positive cases of tinea showed hyphal elements on H&E examination alone, together with no other differentiable histologic characteristics, lends strong support for the routine use of PAS‐staining for inflammatory skin disorders.
Expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 2 in melanocytic lesions
Authors: Wang Huamin , Shen Steven S. , Wang Hua , Diwan A. Hafeez , Zhang Wei , Fuller Gregory N. , Prieto Victor G. 
Published: October 2003

Background:  Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is one of the most critical proteins required for the survival, migration, and growth of melanoma cells. IGF‐binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), which binds and regulates the function of IGF‐1, is upregulated in a dose‐dependent manner in melanoma cells treated with IGF‐1, suggesting a possible role of IGFBP2 in the pathogenesis of melanoma.Methods:  Tissue microarrays were constructed using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded archival tissue blocks from 94 melanocytic lesions: 20 benign nevi, 20 dysplastic nevi, 23 primary melanomas, and 31 metastatic melanomas. IGFBP2 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically using a polyclonal antibody against the C‐terminus of IGFBP2. The number of cells and labeling intensity were assessed semiquantitatively.Results:  Positive IGFBP2 labeling was observed in 5.0% of benign nevi, which was significantly lower than in dysplastic nevi (35.0%), primary melanomas (52.2%), or metastatic melanomas (54.8%) (p < 0.05). Among the IGFBP2‐positive cases, moderate‐to‐strong immunostaining was observed in 64.7% of metastatic melanomas and 33.3% of primary melanomas. But none of the dysplastic nevi had moderate‐to‐strong immunostaining (p < 0.05).Conclusions:  Our study shows that IGFBP2 expression increases from benign and dysplastic nevi to primary and metastatic melanomas and suggests that it may play a role in melanoma progression.
Expression of desmosomal proteins in squamous cell carcinomas of the skin
Authors: Kurzen Hjalmar , Münzing Ivonne , Hartschuh Wolfgang 
Published: October 2003

Background:  Desmosomal proteins are well established markers of epithelial differentiation. Down‐regulation of desmosomal proteins has been suggested to be a sign of reduced adhesiveness in metastasizing cells.Methods:  We examined actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin for the expression of desmosomal proteins using isoform‐specific antibodies on paraffin‐embedded sections. Evaluation was performed qualitatively in comparison to the epidermis and semiquantitatively using an area‐intensity‐score.Results:  We found no qualitative correlation of desmoplakin or plakoglobin expression with risk of metastasis. Plakophilin 1, desmoglein 1, and the desmocollins 1–3 were found to be heterogeneously expressed in all neoplasms without significant correlation to aggressive tumor behavior. Plakophilin 2 was not expressed in any of the neoplasms examined. As most striking finding, desmoglein 2 was up‐regulated qualitatively in half of all neoplasms examined and showed a significant higher proportion of positive cells in high‐risk SCC than in low‐risk SCC.Conclusions:  Desmosomal proteins are highly regulated in cutaneous SCC. Only desmoglein 2 expression correlates with risk of metastasis. Desmosomes may still be functional in metastasizing tumor cells.
Metastatic nevoid melanoma in a 41/2‐year‐old child
Authors: Cassarino David S. , Fullen Douglas R. , Sondak Vernon K. , Duray Paul H. 
Published: October 2003

Background:  Childhood melanoma is a rare and controversial diagnosis.Methods:  We present the case of a 4½‐year‐old child found to have an expanding, elevated pigmented lesion on her back.Results:  The biopsy showed a symmetrical, well circumscribed lesion. However, higher magnification revealed sheets of nevoid cells infiltrating deep into the dermis, lacking maturation, and exhibiting a high mitotic rate (average 5/10 high‐power field) with deep mitoses. The possibility of nevoid melanoma was raised, and re‐excision and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy were recommended. Two SLNs were positive for melanoma, verified by immunohistochemical staining. In order to further characterize this melanoma, we performed immunohistochemistry for the tumor‐suppressor p53, proliferation marker MIB‐1, and oncogenes Bcl‐2, cyclin D‐1, and MDM‐2. Staining for p53 was diffusely positive in the primary and the metastasis; MIB‐1 showed moderate proliferative rate in the primary (approximately 10%); Bcl‐2 was weakly positive in the primary and showed focal staining in the metastasis; cyclin D‐1 was strongly positive in the primary and metastasis; and MDM‐2 staining showed scattered positive cells in both lesions.Conclusions:  These findings are consistent with a metastatic nevoid melanoma arising in the absence of predisposing disease in a young child, a distinctly unusual occurrence.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising within nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn
Authors: Diwan A. Hafeez , Smith Kathleen J. , Brown R. , Skelton Henry G. 
Published: October 2003

Background:  Nevus sebaceus (NS) of Jadassohn is a common congenital lesion associated with numerous benign and malignant tumors. However, mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) has not been described in association with NS.Methods:  We describe an unusual case of MEC arising within NS.Results:  A 72‐year‐old man presented with an enlarging plaque on his forehead, along the hairline. Physical examination revealed a mounded, erythematous lesion that was completely excised. Histological evaluation revealed a typical MEC with areas of squamous and adenomatous differentiation with foci of typical intermediate cells.Conclusion:  The diagnosis of MEC is an important one, because it portends a poor prognosis, requiring long follow‐up. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of MEC arising within NS.
Identification of parasite antigen, correlation of parasite density and inflammation in skin lesions of post kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis
Authors: Beena K R , Ramesh V , Mukherjee Ashok 
Published: October 2003

Background:  Post kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is an unusual dermatosis following kala‐azar (KA). Demonstration of the amastigotes in lesions plays an important role in the diagnosis of PKDL. It was aimed to evaluate the utility of an antibody G2D10 in detecting leishmania parasite antigen, to correlate the parasite number/percentage of parasites with the inflammation, and to assess the epidemiological significance associated with the location of the parasites.Material and methods:  The study was conducted on 50 cases. Hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) stains and immunohistochemical (IHC) stains, using G2D10 antibody, was performed on the skin biopsies. The number of parasites and density of inflammation were semiquantitatively assessed.Results:  Leishmania donovan bodies (LDBs) were identified in 50% of cases with the H & E compared to 80% positivity with the IHC. All 50 cases showed inflammation in the superficial dermis (SD). About 44% showed dense inflammation compared to 16% sparse and 40% moderate inflammation. Parasite percentage was maximum in the SD (100%) compared to 75 and 42% in the mid and deep dermis, respectively.Conclusions:  The IHC showed a higher percentage of LDB localization (80 vs. 50%). Density of inflammation was maximum in the SD. The parasite percentage was correlated with the inflammation. Location of parasites could have an epidemiological significance.
Histologic features of melanocytic nevi seen in association with mycosis fungoides
Authors: McNiff Jennifer M. , Glusac Earl J. 
Published: October 2003

Background:  Many different tumors have been reported to occur simultaneously as collision lesions. To date, no such events have been reported between mycosis fungoides (MFs) and melanocytic neoplasms.Methods:  Two cases are presented in which patches of MF were superimposed on melanocytic nevi. In addition, 967 biopsies of MF from 411 patients were identified in an 8‐year retrospective database search. Patient pathology history summaries were reviewed to identify inflamed nevi, atypical nevi, and melanoma submitted for histologic evaluation from this population.Results:  The occurrence of MF in a congenital nevus was associated with a halo phenomenon restricted to the affected region of the nevus in one patient. In the other patient, nests of two morphologies (lymphocytic and melanocytic) in the same biopsy presented a potentially confusing histologic picture. No other cases of MF superimposed on a nevus were identified in 967 biopsies from 411 patients with a histological diagnosis of MF seen over the past 8 years. In this population, 57 biopsies of melanocytic lesions were identified from 28 patients, including three atypical nevi and three melanomas.Conclusions:  The presence of MF superimposed on a nevus is rare and may lead to confounding histologic features or the development of a halo nevus phenomenon.
Inhibitory effect of stiripentol on carbamazepine and saquinavir metabolism in human
Authors: Cazali N. , Tran A. , Treluyer J. M. , Rey E. , D’Athis P. , Vincent J. , Pons G. 
Published: October 2003

Aims  To characterize the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effect of stiripentol, a new anticonvulsant, on the metabolism of carbamazepine and saquinavir, which are substrates of CYP3A4.Methods  Human liver microsomes and cDNA‐expressed CYP enzymes were used for the in vitro experiments. Pharmacokinetic data from epileptic children and healthy adults were used for the carbamazepine and saquinavir in vivo studies, respectively.Results  Carbamazepine biotransformation to its 10,11‐epoxide by human liver microsomes (Vmax = 10.3 nmol min−1 nmol−1 P450, apparent Km = 362 µm), cDNA‐expressed CYP3A4 (Vmax = 1.17 nmol min−1 nmol−1 P450, apparent Km = 119 µm) and CYP2C8 (Vmax = 0.669 nmol min−1 nmol−1 P450, apparent Km = 757 µm) was inhibited by stiripentol (IC50 14, 5.1, 37 µM and apparent Ki 3.7, 2.5, 35 µm, respectively). Saquinavir biotransformation to its major metabolite M7 by human liver microsomes (Vmax = 5.7 nmol min−1 nmol−1 P450, apparent Km = 0.79 µm) was inhibited by stiripentol (IC50 163 µM, apparent Ki 86 µm). In epileptic children treated with carbamazepine and stiripentol, the plasma concentration ratio of carbamazepine epoxide/carbamazepine was decreased by 65%. The in vivo apparent Ki for stiripentol ranged from 10.5 to 41.4 µm. The pharmacokinetics of saquinavir was not modified by stiripentol in healthy adults. The 95% confidence intervals for the difference for Cmax and AUC of saquinavir between the placebo and stiripentol phase were (−39.8, 39.8) and (−33.2, 112), respectively.Conclusions  These results showed that stiripentol was a weak inhibitor of saquinavir metabolism both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, stiripentol is a potent inhibitor of carbamazepine 10,11‐epoxide formation in vitro and in vivo in epileptic patients.
Detection of malaria sporozoites by standard ELISA and VecTestTM dipstick assay in field‐collected anopheline mosquitoes from a malaria endemic site in Ghana
Authors: Appawu Maxwell A. , Bosompem Kwabena M. , Dadzie Samuel , McKakpo Uri S. , Anim‐Baidoo Isaac , Dykstra Elizabeth , Szumlas Daniel E. , Rogers William O. , Koram Kwadwo , Fryauff David J. 
Published: October 2003

SummaryWe compared the VecTestTM dipstick assay for detection of Plasmodium sporozoites in Anopheles vectors of malaria with standard circumsporozoite (CS) microplate ELISA for detection of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) in Anopheles mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were collected from a malaria endemic site (Kassena Nankana district) in northern Ghana. Of 2620 randomly sampled mosquitoes tested, the standard CS‐ELISA gave a sporozoite rate of 10.8% compared with 11.2% by VecTestTM, which was not statistically different (P = 0.66). Visual reading of the CS‐ELISA results gave a sporozoite rate of 13.4%, which was higher than the other tests (P > 0.05). To allow a more objective evaluation of the sensitivity of the dipstick, an additional 136 known CS‐ELISA‐positive specimens were analysed. The prevalence of the test (including the additional samples) was 14.6% and 14.7% for CS‐ELISA and dipstick, respectively (P > 0.05). The estimated prevalence by visual assessment of the CS‐ELISA results was 17.5%. The relative specificity and sensitivity of the VecTestTM dipstick and visually read ELISA were estimated based on the CS‐ELISA as a gold standard. The specificities of the dipstick and visual ELISA were high, 98.0% and 96.6%, respectively. However, the sensitivities of the two assays were 88.8% for VecTest and 100% for visual ELISA (P < 0.01). Concordance between VecTest and CS‐ELISA was good (κ = 0.86). Similarly, there was a good concordance between the dipstick and the visually read ELISA (κ =  0.88). Extrapolating from PfCSP controls (titrated quantities of P. falciparum sporozoites), mean sporozoite loads of CS‐ELISA‐positive An. gambiae (286 ± 28.05) and An. funestus (236 ± 19.32) were determined (P = 0.146). The visual dipstick grades showed high correlation with sporozoite load. The more intense the dipstick colour, the higher the mean sporozoite load (+ = 108, ++  = 207, +++ = 290, r = 0.99, r2 = 1). The VecTest dipstick offers practical advantages for field workers needing rapid and accurate means of detection of sporozoites in mosquitoes.
Polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium and soil‐transmitted helminth infections among school children in Loum, Cameroon
Authors: Tchuem Tchuenté L.‐A. , Behnke J. M. , Gilbert F. S. , Southgate V. R. , Vercruysse J. 
Published: October 2003

SummaryPrevalence and abundance of Schistosoma haematobium and soil‐transmitted helminths (STH) were assessed among a total of 1600 pupils (urine, n = 1190; faecal samples, n = 1454) attending five schools in Loum, Littoral Province, Cameroon, with the specific aim of assessing the extent of polyparasitism and the extent to which infections were focused in particular subsets of the study group. Prevalence of S. haematobium was 62.8% with an abundance (arithmetic mean of egg counts) of 54 eggs/10 ml urine. For the STH these were 47.7% and 619 eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) for Trichuris trichiura, 65.5% and 3636 EPG for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 1.4% and <0.1 EPG for hookworms. Most children (90.3%) were infected with at least one of these four species, the largest proportion (34.3%) carrying two species; 27.4% carried three and 1.1% carried concurrently all four species of parasites. The average number of species harboured increased with age, as did the prevalences of S. haematobium and T. trichiura but not that of A. lumbricoides. All STH showed marked differences in prevalence between the five schools but only T. trichiura varied significantly between sexes. Mean abundance of infection varied significantly between age classes, among schools and between the sexes, with females showing heavier mean EPGs for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura and males higher mean eggs/10 ml urine for S. haematobium infections. A highly significant association was detected between A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura, that was not context‐dependent. This was confirmed in quantitative analyses after controlling for differences in abundance between schools, sexes and age classes. A weaker context‐dependent association (prevalence data) was detected between S. haematobium and A. lumbricoides (sex‐ and age‐dependent) but quantitative associations between these two species, as well as between S. haematobium and T. trichiura, were not convincing.
Transmission of Helicobacter pylori infection in families of preschool‐aged children from Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Rocha Gifone Aguiar , Rocha Andreia Maria Camargos , Silva Luciana Diniz , Santos Adriana , Bocewicz Ana Carolina Dias , Queiroz Renata de Magalhães , Bethony Jeffrey , Gazzinelli Andréa , Corrêa‐Oliveira Rodrigo , Queiroz Dulciene Maria Magalhães 
Published: October 2003

SummaryWe evaluated the role of the family in the transmission of Helicobacter pylori infection in preschool‐aged children from a rural district in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sixty‐six families (66 index children, 63 mothers, 60 fathers and 134 siblings), defined as at least one parent living in the same household with at least one offspring up to 8 years old, were studied. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by logistic regression controlling for age, gender, number of children in household and H. pylori status of the father, mother and siblings. The prevalence of the infection was 69.7% (469 of 673) and it increased with age (P < 0.001). Positive mothers were a strong and independent risk factor for infection (OR 22.70; 95% CI 2.31–223.21). Positive siblings were also positively associated with infection (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.01–3.30).
Breastfeeding status as a predictor of mortality among refugee children in an emergency situation in Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Jakobsen Marianne , Sodemann Morten , Nylén Gunnar , Balé Carlitos , Nielsen Jens , Lisse Ida , Aaby Peter 
Published: October 2003

SummaryObjective To identify the population risk factors in emergency situations, we studied breastfeeding status as a predictor for child mortality during a war in Guinea‐Bissau.Methods Data on breastfeeding status are routinely collected by the surveillance system of the Bandim Health Project in Bissau. We used data collected during a 3‐month period prior to the war in Guinea‐Bissau in June 1998 to assess the impact of breastfeeding status on mortality in an emergency. We compared the war cohort with two cohorts of children who had had their breastfeeding status assessed in a similar way by the surveillance system in the 3 months prior to June 1996 and June 1997. As very few are weaned prior to 9 months of age and the median age of weaning is 22 months, we assessed the risk of dying over a 3‐month period for breastfed and weaned children aged 9–20 months.Results Controlling for age, weaned children experienced a sixfold higher mortality [mortality rate (MR) = 5.73 (95% CI 2.40–13.71)] during the first 3 months of the war compared with children still breastfeeding. In the two control cohorts from 1996 and 1997, weaned children did not have higher mortality than the breastfed children over a similar 3‐month period. Mortality in weaned children was five times higher [MR = 4.96 (1.44–16.63)] during the first 3 months of the conflict than in a similar group of weaned children from early June 1996 and June 1997, whereas there was no significant difference in mortality between breastfed children during the conflict and the preceding years [MR = 1.46 (0.84–2.55)]. Control for other background factors, including living with mother, gender, ethnic group, mother's schooling and district, did not change these differences.Conclusion The protective effect of breastfeeding against infections may be particularly important in emergencies. Continuing or recommencing breastfeeding should be emphasized in emergency situations.