bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel targets for valproic acid: up‐regulation of melatonin receptors and neurotrophic factors in C6 glioma cells
Authors: Rincón Castro Lyda M. , Gallant Michel , Niles Lennard P. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractValproic acid (VPA) is a potent anti‐epileptic and effective mood stabilizer. It is known that VPA enhances central GABAergic activity and activates the mitogen‐activated protein kinase–extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (MAPK–ERK) pathway. It can also inhibit various isoforms of the enzyme, histone deacetylase (HDAC), which is associated with modulation of gene transcription. Recent in vivo studies indicate a neuroprotective role for VPA, which has been found to up‐regulate the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the rat brain. Given the interaction between the pineal hormone, melatonin, and GABAergic systems in the central nervous system, the effects of VPA on the expression of the mammalian melatonin receptor subtypes, MT1 and MT2, were examined in rat C6 glioma cells. The effects of VPA on the expression of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and BDNF were also examined. RT‐PCR studies revealed a significant induction of melatonin MT1 receptor mRNA in C6 cells following treatment with 3 or 5 mm VPA for 24 h or 5 mm VPA for 48 h. Western analysis and immunocytochemical detection confirmed that the VPA‐induced increase in MT1 mRNA results in up‐regulation of MT1 protein expression. Blockade of the MAPK–ERK pathway by PD98059 enhanced the effect of VPA on MT1 expression, suggesting a negative role for this pathway in MT1 receptor regulation. In addition, significant increases in BDNF, GDNF and HDAC mRNA expression were observed after treatment with VPA for 24 or 48 h. Taken together, the present findings suggest that the neuroprotective properties of VPA involve modulation of neurotrophic factors and receptors for melatonin, which is also thought to play a role in neuroprotection. Moreover, the foregoing suggests that combinations of VPA and melatonin could provide novel therapeutic strategies in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Commentary on cellulite: skin mechanobiology and the waist‐to‐hip ratio
Authors: Piérard Gérald E 
Published: September 2005

SummaryCellulite is a gender‐related condition which is the clinical expression of conformational changes taking place in the fibrous strands partitioning the hypodermis. The affected skin areas are those where fat deposition is under the influence of estrogens. Some hypodermal fibrous strands become enlarged and others become loose and look similar to striae distensae. Cellulite is not a result of increased body mass, but its aspect may be influenced by the waist‐to‐hip ratio.
Capillaroscopy and videocapillaroscopy assessment of skin microcirculation: dermatologic and cosmetic approaches
Authors: Humbert Philippe , Sainthillier Jean‐Marie , Mac‐Mary Sophie , Petitjean Adeline , Creidi Pierre , Aubin François 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBackground Different noninvasive bioengineering techniques exist to study the microvasculature of the skin and the dynamics of the microcirculation. The goal of these techniques is to visualize the skin capillary circulation easily and directly. Indeed, this information is irreplaceable to study the physiology and physiopathology of the skin capillary circulation efficiently.Aims Capillaroscopy and video‐capillaroscopy techniques are presented with different methods to study the capillary structure of the skin.Methods he methods presented in this work include image processing analysis combining morphology, statistics, geometry, and neural network detection designed to quantify the microcirculation and to follow its evolution. To illustrate the combination of these techniques and methods, different examples of their application are described, in dermatology (hypertension, venous insufficiency, age‐related changes) as well as in cosmetology (rosacea and erythrosis assessment).Conclusion The determination of structural or dynamic changes in the cutaneous microcirculation belongs to the noninvasive techniques of the biometrological domain. Thus, every capillary modification resulting from topical cosmetic products, or chemical agents can be observed. In pathology, numerous conditions can be better examined with this system. Associated with the potential of numerical image analysis, capillaroscopy techniques will probably extend their application fields to the assessment of the influence of arterial and venous diseases on the skin nutritional circulation.
Treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A: 44 months of experience
Authors: Pérez‐Bernal Ana María , Avalos‐Peralta Patricia , Moreno‐Ramírez David , Camacho Francisco 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBackground  Palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) can produce social and occupational difficulties and reduce the quality of life of those who suffer from this kind of problem. When dealing with focal hyperhidrosis, the patients’ attitudes and their subjective approaches regarding the process may influence the objective evaluation of the disorder.Objective  To evaluate, by means of a scale, the subjective improvement of sweat production after treatment with botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) in a group of patients with severe, invalidating PH.Patients and methods  Over a period of 44 months, 69 patients were treated and followed‐up, 27 patients had to be treated twice, and 11 patients required a third application; 80–100 U was injected in each palm. Regional nerve block was performed before the procedure. The patients were asked to evaluate their improvement at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of baseline.Results  At 1 month, 53.6% of the patients reported an excellent improvement. Three months later, results were still excellent in 33.3% of the patients, and acceptable in 29%. From then on there was a statistically significant decrease of BTX‐A effectiveness. A second application was carried out at an interval of 7.5 ± 2.6 months, and a third one at 9 ± 4.4 months. The following complications could be observed: transitory weakness of hand muscles in 13 patients, wrist pain in 5 patients, and cramps in 1 patient.Conclusions  Botulinum toxin is an effective alternative for the treatment of severe, invalidating PH. The maximum improvement persists up to 3 months; from then on, the effects slowly diminish. In our experience, there were no statistically significant differences with further applications of BTX‐A. The patients’ subjective assessment can be used to evaluate the sweat production after treatment with BTX‐A in those medical centers where a more objective evaluation becomes difficult or impossible.
Clinical efficacy assessment in photodamaged skin of 0.5% and 1.0% idebenone
Authors: McDaniel DH , Neudecker BA , DiNardo JC , Lewis JA , Maibach HI 
Published: September 2005

SummaryIdebenone is an antioxidant lower molecular weight analogue of coenzyme Q10. Previously, idebenone was shown to be a very effective antioxidant in its ability to protect against cell damage from oxidative stress in a variety of biochemical, cell biological, and in vivo methods, including its ability to suppress sunburn cell (SBC) formation in living skin. However, no clinical studies have been previously conducted to establish the efficacy of idebenone in a topical skincare formulation for the treatment of photodamaged skin. In this nonvehicle control study, 0.5% and 1.0% idebenone commercial formulations were evaluated in a clinical trial for topical safety and efficacy in photodamaged skin. Forty‐one female subjects, aged 30–65, with moderate photodamaged skin were randomized to use a blind labelled (either 0.5% or 1.0% idebenone in otherwise identical lotion bases) skincare preparation twice daily for six weeks. Blinded expert grader assessments for skin roughness/dryness, fine lines/wrinkles, and global improvement in photodamage were performed at baseline, three weeks and six weeks. Electrical conductance readings for skin surface hydration and 35 mm digital photography were made at baseline after six weeks. Punch biopsies were taken from randomly selected subjects, baseline and after six weeks, and stained for certain antibodies (interleukin IL‐6, interleukin IL‐1b, matrixmetalloproteinase MMP‐1, collagen I) using immunofluorescence microscopy. After six weeks’ use of the 1.0% idebenone formula, a 26% reduction in skin roughness/dryness was observed, a 37% increase in skin hydration, a 29% reduction in fine lines/wrinkles, and a 33% improvement in overall global assessment of photodamaged skin. For the 0.5% idebenone formulation, a 23% reduction in skin roughness/dryness was observed, a 37% increase in skin hydration, a 27% reduction in fine lines/wrinkles, and a 30% improvement in overall global assessment of photodamaged skin. The immunofluorescence staining revealed a decrease in IL‐1b, IL‐6, and MMP‐1 and an increase in collagen I for both concentrations.
Striae distensae in darker skin types: the influence of melanocyte mechanobiology
Authors: Piérard‐Franchimont C , Hermanns J F , Hermanns‐Lê T , Piérard G E 
Published: September 2005

SummaryIntroduction   Striae distensae in White people are commonly described as being reddish at first and turning white in time. This dual perception has been challenged. Indeed, the color difference between striae distensae and their surrounding skin varies on a wide range in part depending upon typology.Aim   To study striae nigrae that are found only in subjects of darker complexion.Materials and methods   In the present study conducted in 44 darker skin adults, dermoscopy was combined to reflectance colorimetry.Results   Striae nigrae exhibited hypermelanosis of the epidermal rete ridges crossing transversally the lesions in a laddering pattern. By contrast, striae albae showed only faint melanotic networks.Conclusions   As striae distensae are in part under the influence of skin stretching, their colors are likely to be controlled by some mechanobiological process activating or inhibiting melanogenesis in people of darker complexion. No argument involving an inflammatory mechanism is supported by the present observations.
An Investigation of FRAXA Intermediate Allele Phenotype in A Longitudinal Sample
Authors: Ennis S. , Murray A. , Youings S. , Brightwell G. , Herrick D. , Ring S. , Pembrey M. , Morton N. E. , Jacobs P. A. ,   The ALSPAC Study Team
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe FRAXA trinucleotide repeat at Xq27.3 gives rise to fragile X syndrome when fully expanded, and both premature ovarian failure (POF) and fragile X tremor and ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) when in the premutation range. Reports of phenotypic effects extending into the intermediate repeat range are inconsistent but some studies suggest that these smaller expansions predispose to special educational needs (SEN). This study utilises the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort to investigate cognitive and behavioural variables that might be associated with FRAXA intermediate alleles.The current study failed to find any strong evidence of association of FRAXA intermediate alleles with SEN, behavioural problems or cognitive difficulties. However, our findings illustrate some of the difficulties encountered in identifying individuals with SEN. The power to identify specific components of cognitive and behavioural difficulties was reduced due to elective drop‐out, which is characteristic of longitudinal studies. Our findings demonstrate the non‐random loss of participants from this cohort and highlight problems that may arise when such data are used in genetic association studies.
Companion planting – behaviour of the cabbage root fly on host plants and non‐host plants
Authors: Morley Kate , Finch Stan , Collier Rosemary H. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractSix‐hundred individual female cabbage root flies (Delia radicum L.) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) were each observed for 20 min under laboratory conditions to record how they behaved after landing on a host or a non‐host plant. Fly movements were recorded on host plants [cabbage –Brassica oleracea var. capitata (Cruciferae)] and non‐host plants [clover –Trifolium subterraneum L. (Papilionaceae)] surrounded by bare soil and on cabbage surrounded by clover. The most frequently observed behaviours made by the flies were (1) hops/spiral flights and (2) walks/runs. In the bare soil situation, the 50 individual flies observed in each treatment made 66 hops/spiral flights on the cabbage and 94 on the clover. When the two plants were tested together the movements were not additive as, instead of the expected 160 hops/spiral flights in the mixed plant treatment, the flies made 210 hops/spiral flights when they landed initially on cabbage but only 130 when they landed initially on clover. Few of the flies that landed initially on clover moved onto the host plant, even though the host plant was only a few centimetres away. The duration of the individual walks and runs made by the cabbage root flies were similar on both the host and non‐host plants. The only differences were the numbers of walks/runs made and the time the flies remained inactive. On the host plants, the females made four walks/runs, each of about 12 s duration, interspersed by rest periods that totalled 1.5 min. In contrast, on the non‐host plants the females made 10 walks/runs, each of about 9 s duration, interspersed by rest periods that totalled 7 min. Therefore, after landing on a plant, the flies, on average, left the host plant after 2.25 min and the non‐host plant after 8.5 min. Our conclusion is that the protracted time spent on the non‐host plants is the mechanism that disrupts insects from finding host plants in diverse plantings. Hence, the flies were arrested by non‐host plants rather than being repelled or deterred as suggested in earlier studies.
Maternal effects increase survival probability in Drosophila subobscura larvae
Authors: Rohlfs Marko , Hoffmeister Thomas S. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractDrosophilid flies breeding on ephemeral resource patches (e.g., decaying fruits) are assumed to transfer yeasts to their oviposition sites, presumably in order to positively affect offspring development. We tested this hypothesis with Drosophila subobscura Collin (Diptera: Drosophilidae) by manipulating their nutritional (yeast‐fed vs. non‐yeast‐fed) and reproductive status (mated vs. non‐mated). Flies were then released into vials containing decaying fruits (either sloes, crab apples, or Syrian plums). After a constant residence time in the vials, the flies were removed, 16 first‐instar larvae were transferred to the fruits and their survival probability to the adult stage was recorded. Whereas previous exposure of the larval substrate to yeast‐fed males and virgin females (yeast‐fed and non‐yeast‐fed) had no effect on survivorship, exposure to yeast‐fed and mated females that deposited eggs on the fruits (subsequently removed) led to a significant increase in the survival probability of the transferred larvae to the adult stage. Although the exact mechanism of yeast transmission remains to be determined, we suggest an active inoculation of the breeding substrates with yeast by ovipositing females. In agreement with previous studies, we found a negative effect of mould growth on larval survival, which, however, depended on the fruit type. We discuss various scenarios of yeast involvement in benefits to the insect larvae and suggest that insect–mould interactions should be examined in detail in order to better understand the behavioural and life‐history traits of insects that depend on ephemeral resources.
In vitro cultivation of parthenogenesis‐inducing Wolbachia in an Aedes albopictus cell line
Authors: Kubota Masako , Morii Tomohiro , Miura Kazuki 
Published: September 2005

AbstractParthenogenesis‐inducing (PI) Wolbachia, infecting the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma kaykai Pinto and Stouthamer (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), were successfully maintained and cultivated in a mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), cell line, NIAS‐AeAl‐2. A parthenogenesis‐inducing (PI) Wolbachia strains with wasp ovaries were introduced into flasks with cultures of the cell line. The PI Wolbachia proliferated in NIAS‐AeAl‐2 as confirmed using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Our final goal is to induce parthenogenesis in other hymenopteran species of commercial interest through the artificial transfer of PI Wolbachia. As a step towards this goal, we microinjected pupae of Trichogramma with PI Wolbachia culture in NIAS‐AeAl‐2 cells and PI Wolbachia was detected from recipient by PCR with Wolbachia specific primers (wsp gene).
β‐eudesmol‐induced aggression in the leaf‐cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa
Authors: Marinho C. G. S. , Della Lucia T. M. C. , Guedes R. N. C. , Ribeiro M. M. R. , Lima E. R. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractLeaf‐cutting ants are highly polyphagous insects, but some plants escape their attack due to the presence of secondary metabolites that are toxic to the ant–fungus symbiosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the terpenoid β‐eudesmol extracted from Eucalyptus species (Myrtaceae) is responsible for the deleterious behavior in colonies of leaf‐cutting ant species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of β‐eudesmol on workers of the leaf‐cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). This chemical caused behavioral modification in the colonies, leading to mutilation and death of workers. It is suggested that β‐eudesmol interferes with colony nestmate recognition. As a consequence, colony cohesion may be disrupted by β‐eudesmol what could be used as an additional control tactic against this important pest ant.
Structural and morphometrical study in glandular parenchyma from alcoholic sialosis
Authors: Carranza M. , Ferraris M. E. , Galizzi M. 
Published: September 2005

Background:  The aim of this work was to determine morphometrical changes in lingual, labial and submaxillar salivary glands from alcoholic chronics.Methods:  Five samples of each type of gland were obtained from autopsies of chronic alcoholics and equal number of samples from individuals whose death cause was accidental (controls). Serous acini in von Ebner and submaxillar glands and mucous acini in labial and Blandin–Nühn glands were analysed. In the ductal system, intra and interlobular striated ducts were studied. A digital‐image analyser was used to measure different parameters in the acini and ducts.Results:  Statistical analysis revealed that lingual and submaxillar salivary glands presented a significant acinar hypertrophy and hyperplasy. These changes were not observed in labial salivary glands. All studied glands showed significant structural modifications in the striated ducts.Conclusion:  These results indicate that the significant variations together with the histological qualitative pattern could be useful as confident indicators for the differential histopathological diagnosis with other sialosis from different aetiology.
Risk factors associated with denture stomatitis in the United States
Authors: Shulman J. D. , Rivera‐Hidalgo F. , Beach M. M. 
Published: September 2005

Background:  This study reports denture stomatitis (DS) prevalence from a large USA probability sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994 (NHANES III).Methods:  Oral examinations were performed on 3450 individuals 18–90+ years of age (mean: 59.2; SD: 0.50 years), 57.7% male and 42.3% female. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted for DS using sociodemographic, denture quality, blood analytes, alcohol and tobacco use, history of diabetes, and current antibiotic use as covariates. Odds ratios (OR), adjusted for other covariates in each model (AOR) are presented.Results:  Of 3450 removable denture wearers, 963 (27.9%) had DS. DS prevalence was associated with wearing maxillary (AOR: 6.20) and mandibular (AOR: 5.21) complete dentures continuously; smoking ≥15 cigarettes day (maxillary complete: AOR = 1.31; mandibular complete: AOR = 1.50; maxillary partial: AOR = 2.04); vitamin A deficiency (mandibular complete: AOR = 5.97; maxillary partial: AOR = 5.67; mandibular partial: AOR = 24.42). Maxillary dentures with inadequate relines had approximately half the OR of DS than those with adequate relines (maxillary complete: AOR = 0.42; mandibular complete: AOR = 0.50).Conclusions:  Denture stomatitis prevalence is associated with the amount of tissue covered by dentures, low vitamin A levels, cigarette smoking, and constant denture wear.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α increases chemokine gene expression and production in synovial fibroblasts from human temporomandibular joint
Authors: Ogura Naomi , Tobe Makiko , Sakamaki Hiroyuki , Nagura Hideaki , Abiko Yoshimitsu , Kondoh Toshirou 
Published: September 2005

Background:  Synovitis, which is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells, often accompanies progression of clinical symptoms of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Synovial fibroblasts of the TMJ are believed to play important roles in progression of synovitis. The purpose of this study was to examine production and gene expression of chemokines by synovial fibroblasts stimulated by tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α).Methods:  Protein levels of chemokines were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene expression of chemokines was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results:  Production of interleukin (IL)‐8, growth‐related oncogene (GRO)‐α, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1, and regulated upon activation normal T‐cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) protein by synovial fibroblasts was increased by TNF‐α. In contrast, stromal cell‐derived factor (SDF)‐1α, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α and ‐1β were not detectable in conditioned media of synovial fibroblasts, with or without TNF‐α treatment. Increases in gene expression of IL‐8, GRO‐α, MCP‐1, and RANTES in response to TNF‐α treatment were detected.Conclusions:  Increased protein production and gene expression of chemokines by synovial fibroblasts in response to TNF‐α treatment appears to play an important role in recruitment of inflammatory cells into synovium and the progression of synovitis in the TMJ.
Expression of alpha‐defensin‐1 in chronic hyperplastic candidosis
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Niissalo Sirkku , Hietanen Jarkko , Laine Mikael , Rautemaa Riina , Konttinen Yrjö 
Published: September 2005

Background:  Chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC) represents a chronic opportunistic candida infection. We clarified the presence, localization and participation of α‐defensin‐1 in host response against chronic candidal stimulus.Methods:  Immunohistochemically stained CHC biopsies (n = 10) were compared to candida negative idiopathic leukoplakia (n = 10).Results:  In CHC α‐defensin‐1 was detected in neutrophils intravascularly, in lamina propria and in the epithelium, in part in intraepithelial microabscesses. Staining intensity of individual neutrophils varied and was associated with peri‐ and extracellular staining, in particular in the superficial epithelial cell layers. In controls only very few homogeneously staining neutrophils were detected intravascularly without any extracellular α‐defensin‐1 deposition.Conclusions:  Neutrophils form microabscesses and respond to Candida by activation and release of α‐defensin‐1 to peri‐ and extracellular matrix. This together with the epithelial cell migration from the basal layer to epithelial surface leads to α‐defensin‐1 rich protective shield in the most superficial epithelial cell layers.