bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracellular cytokine expression in whole blood preparations from normals and patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: FERRY B , ANTROBUS P , HUZICKA I , FARRELL A , LANE A , CHAPEL H 
Published: November 2003

SUMMARY
In recent years, the importance of characterizing the role of cytokines in a wide range of clinical conditions has resulted in development of new methods to assess cytokine expression in clinical samples. The use of anti-cytokine MoAbs and flow cytometry to detect cytokines intracellularly at the single-cell level has the potential to quantify cytokine production in different diseases. For this technique to be useful in a clinical setting, rapid throughput of clinical samples and a cheap, reliable assay would be required, therefore the development of the above technique using unseparated whole blood samples would be advantageous. Using this technique, only one study to date (Maino et al., 1996) has used unseparated whole blood as the source of cells for detecting intracellular cytokines. In clinical practice, whole blood may be optimal, since this most closely approximates conditions in vivo: as no purification of blood mononuclear cells is required, very little blood is needed to detect a number of cytokines simultaneously in various lymphocyte subpopulations, and the assay can be applied to samples from infants and children. In this study we describe an intracellular cytokine assay using unseparated whole blood from normals. In activated CD8− T cells, IL-2 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were optimally induced after 10 h stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin, and in CD8+ T cells IL-2 was optimally induced after 10 h and IFN-γ after 6 h. The levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in CD8+ and CD8− T cells in four healthy individuals were consistent on four occasions over a 3-month period. In a large group of 34 normal subjects, there was considerable heterogeneity in CD3/IL-2+ (range 9·7–41·3) and CD3/IFN-γ+ cells (10·1–44), expressed as a percentage of total lymphocytes. In patients with atopic dermatitis (n = 5) there was a significantly decreased percentage of CD3+/CD8+ peripheral blood T cells expressing IFN-γ and an increased percentage of CD3+/CD8− T cells expressing IL-4 compared with non-atopic dermatitis controls (n = 5). Possible applications of this technique are discussed.
The in vivo induction of lymphocyte apoptosis in MRL-lpr/lpr mice treated with FTY720
Authors: Suzuki S , Li X-K , Shinomiya T , Enosawa S , Amemiya H , Amari M , Naoe S 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The in vitro treatment of lpr thymocytes with FTY720 resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability due to apoptosis. In order to study the effect of FTY720 in vivo, lpr mice received an oral daily dose of 1 mg/kg FTY720 for 14 days, beginning at 16 weeks of age which was when the animals were developing massive lymphoadenopathy. Compared with untreated lpr mice, FTY720-treated lpr mice had significantly prolonged lives. At 24 weeks of age, treated mice demonstrated markedly reduced weights of the spleen and lymph nodes, and the proportion of CD3+B220+ and CD4−CD8− cells in the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes decreased markedly. In addition, in these mice the percentage of CD4+CD8+ and CD3−B220− cells in the thymus and the percentage of CD4+CD8−, CD4−CD8+, CD3+B220− and CD3−B220+ cells in the spleen returned to almost the normal values observed in wild-type mice. Histological observation 1 day after the final administration of FTY720 revealed a remarkable infiltration of neutrophils in the lymphoid organs. Apoptotic cells were detected in all the lymphoid organs using in situ DNA nick-end labelling. Electron microscopy showed that the apoptotic cells were ingested by phagocytes. FTY720 therapy is thus highly effective in Fas-mutant animals with abnormally expanding lymphocytes.
Bone mass and metabolism in women aged 45–55
Authors: Garton Mark , Martin James , New Susan , Lee Sue , Loveridge Nigel , Milne John , Reid David , Reid Ivan , Robins Simon 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVE Changes in calcium homeostasis and bone mass around the climacteric are poorly understood. We examined relations between endocrine factors and indices of bone mass and metabolism in healthy women approaching the menopause.DESIGN Cross‐section study.PATIENTS Sixty‐eight spontaneously menstruating women aged 45–55.MEASUREMENTS Bone density measured at lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and distal non‐dominant forearm using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. We recorded menstrual history, physical activity and dietary calcium, and measured serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, vitamin D, fT3, T4, TSH, PTH, FSH and oestradiol (E2), and urinary pyridinoline (PYD) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) excretion.RESULTS Using serum FSH level as a marker of ovarian function, 63 subjects could be classified into one of three groups: group A (serum FSH <10 U/l, n = 29), group B (10–35 U/l, n = 27) and group C (>35 U/l, n = 7). Bone density fell with declining ovarian function at the LS, FN and forearm trabecular (but not cortical) sites. Serum PTH was lower in group A vs B (mean (SD) 2.68 (0.97) vs 3.52 (1.17) pmol/l, P < 0.05), but similar to group C (2.90 (1.09) pmol/l, P = NS). Serum phosphate was elevated in group C compared to groups A and B (1.17 (0.15) vs 1.04 (0.11) and 1.05 (0.13) mmol/l, P < 0.05), and urinary PYD (61.1 (8.0) vs 50.4 (11.6) and 43.9 (8.1) μmol/mol creatinine) and DPD (15.9 (3.9) vs 12.0 (3.6) and 11.4 (3.6) μmol/mol creatinine) excretion were also increased. There were no significant differences in vitamin D metabolites or osteocalcin. Multivariate analysis suggested serum osteocalcin was positively related to physical activity and serum 1,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol levels. Serum free T3 was positively correlated with urinary DPD excretion, and inversely related to serum PTH. In all subjects, serum PTH was related to body weight (r = 0.38, P = 0.002).CONCLUSIONS Declining ovarian function before menopause is accompanied by reductions in bone mass and altered calcium metabolism. Free T3 may regulate bone resorption and indirectly modulate PTH release.
Delayed growth response of Mountain Birch seedlings to a decrease in fertilization and temperature
Authors: Weih M. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract1. The effects of previous‐year environment on current growth response were tested in seedlings of Mountain Birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh. ssp. czerepanovii[Orlova] Hämet‐Ahti), a subarctic tree species with indeterminate shoot growth.2. Mountain Birch seedlings were pot‐grown outdoors in subarctic Sweden for 2 years and showed a clear delay in growth response when fertilization and temperature were reduced after the first year. The seedlings were grown under four experimental treatments (two temperatures and two nutrient availabilities) in 1994, and under low‐temperature/low‐nutrient conditions in 1995.3. When nutrient supply and/or temperature was reduced in 1995 compared to 1994, the seedlings maintained the high relative growth rates (RGR) of the previous growing season, although the internal plant N accumulation rate was lower than in 1994. This resulted in decreasing plant N concentration (PNC), and a poor relationship between RGR and PNC during 1995. The high RGR in 1995 was achieved in response to phenotypic adjustments (e.g. number of foliar buds) to a more favourable environment in the past, and by dilution of the internal nutrient storage.4. The effects of delayed responses found in this study indicate problems for the interpretation of results from growth studies performed under any climate with great year‐to‐year variability, such as the subarctic, because a delay in growth response could distort the relationships between plant growth, resource availability and climate. Predictions of current growth are therefore meaningless if the previous history of the plants is not taken into account.
The efficiency and timing of initiation of replication of multiple replicons of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome VI
Authors: Yamashita Minoru , Hori Yuji , Shinomiya Tomoyuki , Obuse Chikashi , Tsurimoto Toshiki , Yoshikawa Hiroshi , Shirahige Katsuhiko 
Published: November 2003

Background:A complete set of nine ARSs was identified (the tenth ARS in this paper), mapped on chromosome VI of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and characterized for functional elements.Results:The level of activity of all ARSs as chromosomal replication origins was determined by neutral/neutral 2D gel‐electrophoresis. These origins were classified into three groups: (i) three high frequency origins used once nearly every cell cycle, (ii) four intermediate frequency origins used once in two to three cycles and (iii) two low frequency origins used in fewer than 5% of cell cycles. These variations in initiation frequency among origins of chromosome VI are present in three common laboratory wild‐type strains. Each origin is initiated at a fixed time and passively replicated by incoming replication forks at a fixed time during a synchronous S phase. Replication of each arm of the chromosome starts from one major origin located one‐fifth (left arm) and one‐third (right arm) of the distance from the centromere, and expands sequentially in both directions. Two telomere vicinity origins are replicated last. Time of initiation and replication of the last replicating origin, Ori609, was remarkably variable from cell to cell.Conclusions:Chromosome VI of S. cerevisiae contains nine replication origins that comprise five active replicons under normal cell growth conditions. A clear correlation was found between the efficiency of initiation and the order of replication. The timing of initiation of most origins, except for the first and last, is coincident with the time of passive replication by incoming forks from neighbouring origins.
Microendoscopy in the operating room
Authors: Van Der Wat J. 
Published: November 2003

ObjectiveTo test the capabilities of microlaparoscopes in the performance of gynaecological endoscopic surgery.DesignA prospective study involving 118 cases. The surgical procedures performed were stratified according to surgical skills as defined by the American Society of Reproductive Surgeons.SettingA fully equipped endoscopy operating room.SubjectsPatients presenting for gynaecological diagnostic and surgical procedures.InterventionsMicrolaparoscopy using a 2‐mm fibreoptic laparoscope, and performance of endoscopic surgery using microinstrumentation where possible.ResultsMicrolaparoscopy can be used for level I procedures. A break‐point occurred with level II procedures, as a quarter of cases could not be completed using the microlaparoscope. This was mainly because of lens contamination with blood and peritoneal fluid.ConclusionMicroendoscopy can be used to perform level I and some level II procedures with precision and confidence. It is atraumatic and well tolerated.
Daycare diagnostic laparoscopy: experience with the first 1000 patients in a tropical gynaecological service
Authors: Babarinsa I.A. , Ajayi A.B. , Adewole I.F. , Adeleye J.A. 
Published: November 2003

ObjectiveTo review outpatient diagnostic laparoscopy in a tropical gynaecological service.DesignA retrospective, descriptive study.SettingA teaching hospital in Nigeria, West Africa.SubjectsPatients in the reproductive age group, predominantly with symptoms of infertility and chronic pelvic pain.Main outcome measuresThe safety and acceptability of outpatient diagnostic laparoscopy, especially as related to the most common complications, the status of the laparoscopist and instances where the procedure initially could not be performed satisfactorily.ResultsOver a period of 10 years, 1033 patients underwent laparoscopy. Most procedures were performed by senior registrars (46.4%). The most common associated problem (22.7%) was allergic cutaneous reaction to pethidine. Initially, laparoscopy could not be performed in 4% of patients, presumably due to inadequate analgesia. Failure to achieve a pneumoperitoneum was, however, the main technical problem associated with a primary patient drop‐out rate of 2.32%.ConclusionDaycare diagnostic laparoscopy appears to be acceptable in tropical gynaecological practice. It is recommended for more widespread use with a view to saving the patient's time, reducing costs and minimizing anaesthetic risks.
The observation of intact hepatic endothelial cells by cryo‐electron microscopy
Authors: Braet F. , Bomans P. H. H. , Wisse E. , Frederik P. M. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryLiver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) can optimally be imaged by whole mount transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, TEM allows only investigation of vacuum‐resistant specimens and this usually implies the study of chemically fixed and dried specimens. Cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) can be used as a good alternative for imaging samples as whole mounts. Cryo‐EM offers the opportunity to study intact, living cells while avoiding fixation, dehydration and drying, at the same time preserving all solubles and water as vitrified ice. Therefore, we compared the different results obtained when LSECs were vitrified using different vitrification conditions. We collected evidence that manual blotting at ambient conditions and vitrification by the guided drop method results in the production of artefacts in LSECs, such as the loss of fenestrae, formation of gaps and lack of structural details in the cytoplasm. We attribute these artefacts to temperature and osmotic effects during sample preparation just prior to vitrification. By contrast, by using an environmentally controlled glove box and a vitrification robot (37 °C and 100% relative humidity), these specific structural artefacts were nearly absent, illustrating the importance of controlled sample preparation. Moreover, data on glutaraldehyde‐fixed cells and obtained by using different vitrification methods suggested that chemical prefixation is not essential when vitrification is performed under controlled conditions. Conditioned vitrification therefore equals chemical fixation in preserving and imaging cellular fine structure. Unfixed, vitrified LSECs show fenestrae and fenestrae‐associated cytoskeleton rings, indicating that these structures are not artefacts resulting from chemical fixation.
A composite method for the determination of the chirality of single walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Meyer R. R. , Friedrichs S. , Kirkland A. I. , Sloan J. , Hutchison J. L. , Green M. L. H. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryAn approach to the unambiguous determination of the conformation of individual single walled nanotubes utilizing high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and digital image processing is described. The exit plane wave of single walled nanotubes restored from a focal series of images is used in a stepwise characterization procedure utilizing both the phase of the real space restoration and its Fourier transform. A combination of these complementary characterization steps yields an accurate measurement of the chiral vector for an individual nanotube.
Etiologic factors in Peyronie's disease
Authors: Muralidhar Sivaram , Kumar Bhushan , Sharma Surinder K. , Sharma Meera , Mandal Arup K. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background The etiology of Peyronie's disease remains a mystery. An attempt is made to resolve this. Materials and methods A total of 25 patients with Peyronie's disease were examined and investigated for the presence of various implicated etiologic factors. Results Of the 25 patients examined, two presented with ischemic heart disease, 10 with hypertension, 10 with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, 18 with hypercholesterolemia, two with fibrosing disorders, two with autoimmune disorders, and three with diabetes mellitus. None had any sexually transmitted disease. Seven of the 10 hypertensive patients had received (3‐blockers. On comparing the prevalence of these factors between patients and the general population, a significant association was found between hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperuricemia, and Peyronie's disease. Conclusions Known factors, such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, lead to weakening of the vasculature and its rupture during coitus. This leads to the formation of a hematoma and its subsequent organization in predisposed individuals to fibrous plaques. The identification and treatment of these factors might prevent, secondarily, the development of Peyronie's disease.
Melanoma on dysplastic nevus spilus
Authors: Grinspan David , Casala Augusto , Abulafia Jorge , Mascotto Jorge , Allevato Miguel 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Nevus spilus is found with relative frequency. It is observed as a tan to brown macule serving as base to a speckle of smaller and darker maculo‐papular elements. On rare occasions it turns into a malignant melanoma. Purposes To describe one case with some characteristics different from routine observations and to revise the cases published reporting nevus spilus that turned into malignant melanoma, in order to point out the most frequent aspects. Results The 17 patients with nevus spilus and melanomas, including ours, were white, with ages between 35 and 56 years. Most of the cases were localized in the dorsal region. Five patients were men. Almost all nevus were congenital and their size ranged between 2 and 10 cm in diameter. Histologically, the speckled spots were junctional nevus, and few of them had dysplastic characterics. Melanomas corresponded to the extensive superficial type MES; one of them was nodular. Some had systemic ganglial metastases and three of the patients are known to have died. Our patient had an intradermal cellular nevus on the main spot, and terminal hairs could be observed on it. The speckled elements were junctional nevus with dysplastic cells. Conclusions Nevus spilus must be closely monitored, because it may turn into a malignant melanoma.
Lymphomatoid papulosis type A: clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic study
Authors: Sioutos Nicholas , Asvesti Catherine , Sivridis Efthimios , Aygerinou Georgia , Tsega Artemis , Zakopoulou Nikoletta , Zographakis Ioannis 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a cutaneous clonal or polyclonal Ki‐1 + T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder, morphologically resembling Ki‐1 + anaplastic large cell lymphomas (Ki‐1 + ALCL) or Hodgkin's disease (HD). Lymphomatoid papulosis usually has a characteristic benign clinical course with remissions and relapses of the cutaneous eruptions. Methods The authors studied three patients with LyP. in each case the diagnosis was established based on the typical clinical history and presentation of the cutaneous lesions as well as the morphologic and immunophenotypic findings. Results in all three cases the skin biopsies showed a polymorphic, nonepidermotropic, dermal lymphocytic infiltrate, composed of small lymphocytes and fewer large, atypical cells. The large ceils were positive for the activation markers CD30 (Ki‐1) and CD45R (leukocyte common antigen), and were negative for the HD marker CD15 (Leu Ml). Conclusions In most cases, LyP can be distinguished from Ki‐1 + ALCL and HD on the basis of clinical, morphologic, and/or immunophenotypic findings. We emphasize the importance of the recognition of LyP as a clinicopathologic entity and the awareness of dermatologists, oncoiogists, and surgical pathologists in differentiating LyP from other primary cutaneous Ki‐1 + lymphoproliferative disorders (Ki‐1 + ALCL and HD). The prognosis of cutaneous Ki‐1 + ALCL and HD is usually different from LyP and requires a different therapeutic approach.
Cutaneous disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients in south Florida
Authors: Bellman Betty , Berman Brian , Sasken Harvey , Kirsner Robert S. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background
Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic pathogenic fungus endemic to the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys. In the immunocompetent it causes a self‐limited disease, but in the immunocompromised may lead to disseminated disease (disseminated histoplasmosis (DH)). It is one of the opportunistic infections which defines the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and is rarely encountered outside endemic regions. Methods Clinical, laboratory, and histologic information concerning seven patients with DH and AIDS in South Florida was recorded. Results We report seven cases of DH with mucocutaneous lesions in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). All patients had markedly depressed CD4 counts of less than 40 cells/mm3, and only two had traveled to endemic areas. Two out of the seven patients were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at the time DH was identified. All of our patients had mucocutaneous lesions at the time of diagnosis, which clinically presented as a generalized papular eruption, ulcers, and erythematous scaly plaques. Conclusions Even in non‐endemic regions, HIV‐positive patients presenting with fever, chills, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, cough, lymphadenopathy, and mucocutaneous lesions should have an early skin biopsy specimen taken for mycologic tissue culture and histopathologic evaluation for disseminated fungal infections.
Impaired neutrophil functions in patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Authors: Grunwald Marcelo H. , Shriker Ofra , Halevy Sima , Alkan Michael , Levy Rachel 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LV) is characterized by segmental inflammation of small blood vessels, resulting in ischemic damage to the surrounding tissue. It is considered to be related to a type III hypersensitivity reaction, although the exact etiologic mechanism is not clear. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate neutrophil functions in patients with LV in order to understand their role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Methods Neutrophil functions were examined in 25 LV patients. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A consisted of 14 patients with drug‐induced LV and Group B consisted of 11 patients where LV was induced by other factors. Results Both groups of patients showed significantly reduced chemotaxis and phagocytosis. Superoxide generation was significantly lower (P < 0.001) only in neutrophils from patients in Group A: 5.8 ± 0.5 nmoles O2/106 cells/min compared to 9.08 ± 0.8 nmoles O2/106 cells/min in the controls. Preincubation on normal neutrophils with the patients' sera caused an increase in their superoxide generation in accordance with the high IL‐8 levels in these sera. Conclusions Neutrophil functions were significantly impaired in patients with LV. It is likely that factors present in LV plasma may chronically activate neutrophils, so that they become refracfory to further stimulation. Our study showed that neutrophil superoxide generation is low only in drug‐induced LV; this test may assist in distinguishing such patients from those with LV induced by other causes.