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Complete Disappearance (complete + disappearance)
Selected AbstractsCognitive behaviour therapy with coping training for persistent auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia: a naturalistic follow-up study of the durability of effectsACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2001D. Wiersma Objective: To investigate the durability of positive effects of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) with coping training on psychotic symptoms and social functioning. Method: Forty patients with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders and refractory auditory hallucinations were given CBT and coping training in an integrated single family treatment programme. In a naturalistic study patients were followed after 2 and 4 years since the start of treatment. Results: The treatment improved overall burden of ,hearing voices', with a generalization into daily functioning. Improvement with regard to fear, loss of control, disturbance of thought and interference with thinking was sustained by 60% of the patients while one-third improved further. Complete disappearance of hallucinations occurred in 18% of the patients. Conclusion: CBT with coping training can improve both overall symptomatology and quality of life, even over longer periods of time, but a status of persistent disablement indicates a continuing need for mental health care. [source] Desmocollin 1 expression and desmosomal remodeling during terminal differentiation of human anagen hair follicle: an electron microscopic studyEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2004Elena Donetti Abstract:, The terminal differentiation (TD) program of keratinocytes of the human hair follicle (HF) occurs with specific temporal and spatial features in the various layers of the inner root sheath (IRS) and in the innermost layer of the outer root sheath (companion layer). This process is characterized by complex nuclear and cytoplasmic morphological changes, accompanied by profound modifications in intercellular junctions. As no correlation exists between the structure and the molecular composition of desmosomes during TD of the IRS/companion unit, the aim of our study was to investigate by transmission electron microscopy the remodeling of desmosomes in keratinizing cells of these compartments. By immunogold post embedding technique, we studied in anagen HFs the modulation of the synthesis of desmocollin 1 (Dsc1), a transmembrane glycoprotein specifically synthesized in the IRS and in the companion layer. Dsc1 immunoreactivity was actually confined to these compartments and tended to increase just before the level of TD, particularly in the Henle's layer and in the IRS cuticle. In Huxley's layer, the immunolabeling was patchy and in the companion layer Dsc1 synthesis was detected above the level of keratinization of Huxley's layer. In the whole IRS, concomitantly with TD, there was an abrupt and almost complete disappearance of Dsc1 synthesis. An asymmetric distribution of Dsc1 was noticed (i) between cells at different stages of differentiation and (ii) between cells belonging to layers with different spatial/temporal features of TD. Our results show that the ultrastructural modifications of desmosomes during TD of HF are paralleled by the modulation of the synthesis of desmocollin 1. [source] Rituximab for congenital haemophiliacs with inhibitors: a Canadian experienceHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 1 2006M. CARCAO Summary., When a high titre inhibitor develops in a patient with haemophilia, attempts are made to eradicate it through immune tolerance induction therapy (ITI) involving the frequent and regular administration of factor, usually for months to years. ITI is successful in only two thirds of patients prompting investigators to explore alternate regimens to use in haemophiliacs failing conventional ITI. Rituximab is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, which has shown promise in the treatment of B-cell-mediated disorders. We developed a protocol for the use of rituximab in haemophilia A (HA) patients failing conventional ITI or in those haemophiliacs where the likelihood of success of conventional ITI is poor. Patients receive 375 mg m,2 of intravenous rituximab weekly for 4 weeks followed by monthly (up to 5 months) until inhibitor disappearance and establishment of normal FVIII pharmacokinetics (recovery and half-life). Patients are concurrently placed on recombinant FVIII (100 U kg,1 day,1). We have placed five haemophiliacs (four children with severe HA, and one adult with mild HA) on this protocol. In three patients (two with severe HA and one with mild HA) inhibitors disappeared although in neither severe haemophiliac did FVIII pharmacokinetics completely normalize. The fourth patient had a significant drop in inhibitor titres although not a complete disappearance of the inhibitor. All four of these patients ceased bleeding following rituximab. The fifth patient had no response to rituximab. This non-responding patient was not placed on concurrent FVIII. Our five cases suggest that rituximab may hold promise in the eradication of inhibitors. Prospective randomized studies are required to determine the value of this agent in inhibitor management. [source] Suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma by transplantation of ex-vivo immune-modulated NKT lymphocytesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 3 2005Maya Margalit Abstract NKT cells are a regulatory subset of T lymphocytes with immune modulatory effects and an important role in anti-tumor immunity. The feasibility of "ex-vivo education" of NKT cells has recently been demonstrated. To evaluate the anti-tumor effect of ex-vivo immune-modulated NKT lymphocytes in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma. Athymic Balb/C mice were sublethally irradiated and transplanted with human Hep3B HCC. NKT cells prepared from immunocompetent Balb/C mice were pulsed ex vivo with HCC-derived antigens (Group A), Hep3B cells (group B) or BSA (group C), and adoptively transferred into HCC harboring mice (1 × 06 NKT cells per mouse). Group D mice did not undergo NKT cell transplantation. Group E mice were transplanted with 1 × 106 NKT cells from HBV-immunized donors. Mice were followed for tumor size and weight. To determine the mechanism of the anti-tumor effect, intrasplenic lymphocyte populations were analyzed by FACS for NKT, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subpopulations; STAT 1, 4 and 6 expression in splenocytes was assessed by Western blot, and serum cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. Adoptive transfer of NKT cells pulsed with HCC-derived antigens (group A) and NKT cells from immunized donors (group E) resulted in complete disappearance of tumors within 4 weeks and attenuated weight loss (6.5% and 7% in groups A and E, respectively). In contrast, mice in groups B, C, and D developed large, necrotic tumors and severe weight loss (21%, 17% and 23% weight loss in groups B, C, and D, respectively). NKT/CD4 and CD8/CD4 ratios were significantly increased in groups A and E (12.3 and 17.6 in groups A and D, respectively, compared to 6.4, 4.8 and 5.6 in groups B, C and D, respectively, for the NKT/CD4 ratio; 41 and 19.8 in groups A and E, respectively, compared to 6.5, 11.8 and 3.2 in groups B, C, and D, respectively, for the CD8/CD4 ratio). Expression of the transcription factor STAT4 was evident in group A, but not in groups B-D. Serum IFN,, IL12 and IL4 levels were increased in groups A and E. Adoptive transfer of NKT lymphocytes exposed ex vivo by HCC-derived antigens loaded on dendritic cells and NKT cells from immunized donors led to suppression of HCC in mice. NKT-mediated anti-tumor activity was associated increased NKT and CD8+ T lymphocyte numbers, increased expression of STAT4, a marker for IL-12 activity and elevated serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IFN, and IL12, and of IL4. Ex-vivo modulation of NKT lymphocytes holds promise as a novel mode of immune therapy for HCC. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Topical formic acid puncture technique for the treatment of common wartsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2001Ramesh M. Bhat MD Background Warts are a common chronic skin disorder that can be cosmetically disfiguring and, depending on the location, cause inhibition of function. The presence of dozens of topical and systemic treatments for warts is a testament to the lack of a rapid, simple, uniformly effective, inexpensive, nonscarring, and painless treatment. Aim The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of 85% formic acid application, an inexpensive therapy, for the treatment of warts. Methods A placebo-controlled, nonrandomized, open trial was performed in 100 patients with common warts attending Father Muller's Medical College Hospital, Mangalore. Fifty patients received 85% formic acid application and 50 patients received placebo (water) using a topical application/needle puncture technique every other day. Results Ninety-two per cent of patients who received formic acid application showed complete disappearance of warts after a 3,4-week treatment period, compared to 6% in the placebo group. Conclusions The results show that 85% formic acid application is a safe, economical, and effective alternative in the treatment of common warts with few side-effects and good compliance. A multicenter trial is needed to examine the efficacy and safety of this treatment. [source] Quantitative microstructural and texture characterization by X-ray diffraction of polycrystalline ferroelectric thin filmsJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2004Jesús Ricote Texture becomes an important issue in ferroelectric materials as it greatly influences the physical properties of polycrystalline films. The use of advanced methods of analysis of the X-ray diffraction profiles, namely quantitative texture analysis or the recently developed combined approach, allows access to quantitative information on the different components of the global texture and to more accurate values of structural and microstructural parameters of both the ferroelectric film and the substrate, not available by more conventional methods of analysis. The results obtained allow important conclusions to be drawn regarding the mechanisms that lead to the development of preferred orientations in thin films and, also, the correlation between them and the ferroelectric behaviour. For example, it is observed that the inducement of a strong ,111, texture component does not mean the complete disappearance of the so-called `natural' ,100,, ,001, components, and that the ratio between the contributions to the global texture of these two components can be changed by the presence of tensile or compressive stress during crystallization of the films. The relative contributions of these texture components are also related to the final properties of the ferroelectric films. [source] Successful Double Percutaneous Alcohol and Coil Embolization of Bilateral Coronary-to-Pulmonary Artery FistulasJOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 3 2000GIUSEPPE SANGIORGI M.D. We report the case of a 70-year-old man with recent myocardial infarction who was admitted for further evaluation of his effort angina. Cardiac catheterization and selective coronary angiography excluded significant coronary atherosclerotic disease of the coronary arteries. Double coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistulas, one originating from the proximal right, the other from the left anterior descending coronary arteries, and draining into the right and left branch of the pulmonary artery, respectively, were observed. A left-to-right shunt was visualized at angiography. The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous alcohol and coil embolization of both coronary artery fistulas with total resolution of clinical symptoms. At 6-month follow-up a coronary angiography confirmed complete disappearance of the fistulas. We conclude that a "coronary steal" phenomenon caused by the fistulas induced myocardial ischemia in this patient and that percutaneous transcatheter exclusion with chemical and mechanical devices is a safe. effective, and reasonable alternative to traditional cardiac surgery. [source] Resolution of orofacial granulomatosis with amalgam removalJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 3 2003E Guttman-Yassky ABSTRACT A 61-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of an abnormal erythematous swelling on the upper lip and cheek. Upon examination there were no other physical findings. Histological examination found discreet sarcoidal granulomas in the lower dermis. Routine laboratory studies, chest radiographs and pulmonary functions were all normal. Clinical presentation and histological findings were, therefore, compatible with the diagnosis of orofacial granulomatosis (OFG). The patient was patch tested with an extended standard series that included metal,salt, dental prosthesis, bakery and corticosteroids series. The patch test was positive (score ++) after 48 and 72 h for mercury in the metal,salt and dental prosthesis series. During the past decade the patient had received amalgam fillings of several dental cavities, including one adjacent to the swollen cheek. The unilateral localization of the soft tissue swelling adjacent to the amalgam tooth fillings, along with the positive patch test for mercury, raised the possibility that the OFG was part of a delayed hypersensitive reaction to the fillings. The patient therefore underwent a total amalgam replacement procedure; complete disappearance of the swelling overlying the right cheek was observed within 7 weeks and the swelling of the upper lip subsided completely within 6 months. We propose that mercury in amalgam tooth fillings is another cause of OFG and suggest appropriate patch testing in patients who do not have an apparent cause of OFG. [source] Eosinophilic oesophagitis and coeliac disease: is there an association?ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2007L. QUAGLIETTA Aim, To report a series of 17 children affected by eosinophilic oesophagitis. Six of them also received a diagnosis of coeliac disease. Methods, Seventeen children with history of dyspeptic symptoms were investigated. Results, Six patients (M/F:2/4; mean age ± s.d.: 5.6 ± 1.3 years, range: 4,7 years; Group A) affected by eosinophilic oesophagitis also received a diagnosis of coeliac disease. The other 11 children (M/F:10/1, mean age ± s.d.:7.5 ± 2.3 years, range: 4,10 years, Group B) were affected solely by eosinophilic oesophagitis. All children underwent a change in dietary regimen. Group A received a gluten-free diet. Group B attempted dietary restriction based on the allergy testing results. After 6 months follow-up, all patients in Group A showed a complete disappearance of symptoms and three of them, who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, showed histologic remission. Patients from Group B had moderate clinical improvement and in seven of them (64%) a repeated upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a statistically significant reduction in eosinophilic infiltration. Conclusions, This is the first reported group of patients with an association between coeliac disease and eosinophilic oesophagitis. To date, it is not possible to exclude that in a subgroup of children with coeliac disease the oesophageal eosinophilic infiltration could be caused by coeliac disease itself. [source] Production of dyestuffs from indole derivatives by naphthalene dioxygenase and toluene dioxygenaseLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2003J.Y. Kim Abstract Aims: To isolate and characterize the phorate [O,O-diethyl-S-(ethylthio)methyl phosphoradiothioate] degrading bacteria from agricultural soil, and their assessment for multifarious biological activities of environmental and agronomic significance. Methods and Results: Based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics, the selected isolates PS-1, PS-2 and PS-3 were presumptively identified as Rhizobium, Pseudomonas and Proteus species, respectively. The HPLC analysis of phorate in bioaugmented soil revealed its complete disappearance within 40 days. The degradation isotherms of the isolates PS-1, PS-2 and PS-3 suggested time-dependent disappearance of phorate following the first-order rate kinetics at the corresponding rate constants of 0.04, 0.05 and 0.04 d,1. Besides, the isolates concurrently exhibited substantial phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid (IAA) and siderophore production, as well as limited biocontrol activity against fungal phytopathogens. Conclusions, Significance and Impact of the Study: The data revealed the potential of isolates for collateral plant growth promotion, biocontrol and bioremediation. The selected strains may serve as an important bioresource for development of effective super-bioinoculants. [source] Isolation and characterization of phorate degrading soil bacteria of environmental and agronomic significanceLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2003N. Bano Abstract Phorate [O,O -diethyl- S -(ethylthio)methyl phosphoradiothioate] degrading bacteria were isolated from agricultural soil and characterized based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics. The selected isolates PS-1, PS-2 and PS-3 were presumptively identified as Rhizobium, Pseudomonas and Proteous species, respectively. The HPLC analysis of phorate in bioaugmented soil revealed its complete disappearance within 40 days. The degradation isotherms of the isolates PS-1, PS-2 and PS-3 suggested time-dependent disappearance of phorate following the first order rate kinetics at the corresponding rate constants of 0·04, 0·05 and 0·04 days,1. Besides, the isolates concurrently exhibited substantial phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid, and siderophore production. The isolate PS-3 also showed anti-fungal activity against a phytopathogen Fusarium oxysporum. As a result of the multifarious biological properties, the isolates have been suggested to be important bioresource for efficient bioinoculant development. [source] Analysis of a dextran-binding domain of the dextranase of Streptococcus mutansLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2002H. Morisaki Aims: To examine the dextran-binding domain of the dextranase (Dex) of Streptococcus mutans. Methods and Results: Deletion mutants of the Dex gene of Strep. mutans were prepared by polymerase chain reaction and expressed in Escherichia coli cells. Binding of the truncated Dexs to dextran was measured with a Sephadex G-150 gel. Although the Dexs which lacked the N-terminal variable region lost enzyme activity, they still retained dextran-binding ability. In addition, further deletion into the conserved region from the N-terminal did not influence the dextran-binding ability. However, the Dex which carried a deletion in the C-terminus still possessed both enzyme activity and dextran-binding ability. Further deletion into the conserved region from the C-terminal resulted in complete disappearance of both enzyme and dextran-binding activities. Conclusions: Deletion analysis of the Dex gene of Strep. mutans showed that the C-terminal side (about 120 amino acid residues) of the conserved region of the Dex was essential for dextran-binding ability. Significance and Impact of the Study: The dextran-binding domain was present in a different area from the catalytic site in the conserved region of the Dex molecule. The amino acid sequence of the dextran-binding domain of the Dex differed from those of glucan-binding regions of other glucan-binding proteins reported. [source] Cure of gastric antral vascular ectasia by liver transplantation despite persistent portal hypertension: A clue for pathogenesisLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 8 2002Catherine Vincent Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare cause of chronic bleeding in cirrhotic patients. It has been suggested that these gastric lesions might be related to portal hypertension, hepatic insufficiency, or both parameters. We report two cases of cirrhotic patients in whom GAVE was the source of recurrent bleeding. These patients also had complete portal vein thrombosis. Liver transplantation was performed and an end-to-end cavoportal anastomosis was performed, leaving patients with persistent portal hypertension after surgery. We observed complete disappearance of the antral lesions several weeks after transplantation, which shows that the GAVE is not related to portal hypertension but is rather a direct consequence of liver failure. Possible pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed. [source] Migraine-Related Vertigo: Diagnostic Criteria and Prophylactic TreatmentTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 10 2006Arturo Maione MD Abstract Objective/Hypothesis: The objective of this prospective, observational study was to evaluate the efficacy of migraine pharmacologic prophylaxis on a group of vertiginous patients considered affected by migraine-related vertigo on the basis of precise criteria of inclusion. Methods: Fifty-three patients affected by migraine-related vertigo were selected from a cohort of 652 vertiginous patients referred to our Dizziness Unit from March 2001 to June 2005. Inclusion criteria were at least five vertigo attacks occurred in any period of time or dizziness and/or positional vertigo for at least 6 months; migraine, past or present, and/or a family history of migraine and/or motion intolerance; and exclusion of other causes. Patients were submitted to migraine pharmacologic prophylaxis selected on the basis of the characteristics of the patients and of the drug side effects. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated after 6 months by questionnaire divided into five outcome categories (resolution, substantial control, moderate control, minimal control, no improvement or worsening) and, for the patients with recurrent vertiginous attacks, also reporting the percentage reduction of the attack frequency. Results: Thirty-six patients completed the study and were submitted to analysis of the results: 10 reported complete resolution of symptoms, 15 substantial control, 7 moderate control, one minimum control and 3 no improvement. Thirty-three of them had recurrent vertigo: 19 reported complete disappearance of the attacks, 8 reduction of the frequency >50%, 5 reduction <50%, and one no reduction. Conclusions: Migraine prophylactic treatment shows encouraging results in patients with migraine-related vertigo selected with our criteria of inclusion: 69.3% reported satisfactory control of symptoms (sum of complete resolutions and substantial controls) and 81.8% had at least a 50% reduction of the vertiginous episodes frequency. [source] Elevational gradients in species abundance, assemblage structure and energy use of rainforest birds in the Australian Wet Tropics bioregionAUSTRAL ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2010STEPHEN E. WILLIAMS Abstract Elevational patterns of species richness, local abundance and assemblage structure of rainforest birds of north-eastern Australia were explored using data from extensive standardized surveys throughout the region. Eighty-two species of birds were recorded with strong turnover in assemblage structure across the elevational gradient and high levels of regional endemism in the uplands. Both species richness and bird abundance exhibited a humped-shaped pattern with elevation with the highest values being between 600 and 800 m elevation. While much of the variability in species richness could be explained by the species,area relationship, analyses of net primary productivity (NPP) and total daily energy consumption of the bird community (energy use) suggest that ecosystem energy flow or constraints may be a significant determinant of species richness. Species richness is positively correlated with local bird abundance which itself is closely related to total energy use of the bird community. We suggest the hypothesis that lower NPP limits bird abundance and energy use in the uplands (>500 m) and that low bird energy use and species richness in the lowlands is limited by a seasonal bottleneck in available primary productivity and/or a species pool previously truncated by an extinction filter imposed by the almost complete disappearance of rainforest in the lowlands during the glacial maxima. We suggest that some of the previously predicted impacts of global warming on biodiversity in the uplands may be partially ameliorated by increases in NPP because of increasing temperatures. However, these relationships are complex and require further data specifically in regard to direct estimates of primary productivity and detailed estimates of energy flow within the assemblage. [source] The Ototoxic Effects Induced in Rats by Treatment for 12 Weeks with 2-Butenenitrile, 3-Butenenitrile and cis-2-PentenenitrileBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2001François Gagnaire The rats were given, by gastric intubation, doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg ,· ,kg,1 3-butenenitrile (allyl cyanide) and 25, 50 and 100 mg ,· ,kg,1 of either cis/trans-2-butenenitrile (crotononitrile) or cis-2-pentenenitrile once a day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks. Oral administration of the three unsaturated nitriles produced deafness and absence of reaction when the animals were subject to droptest. Rats in the high dosage groups exhibited a complete disappearance of the five waves of the auditory evoked-potentials. There was a decrease in the amplitudes of the 2nd component of the auditory evoked-potentials. Those changes were not reversible at the 8th week of the recovery period. A dose-dependent effect on inner and outer hair cells was observed in the organ of Corti. The basal part of the cochlea was the most affected. Though no measurements were made of systemic exposure, a tentative ranking of decreasing ototoxicity of these three unsaturated nitriles might be proposed based on the electrophysiological deficiencies and histological losses observed: 3-butenenitrile >cis-2-pentenenitrile >cis/trans-2-butenenitrile. Moreover, rats treated with those nitriles showed a corneal opacity as well as a decrease in the amplitude and lengthening of the peak latencies of the visual evoked-potentials. These latter changes were reversible by the end of the 8th week of the recovery period and appeared to be related to the opacity of the cornea. [source] Catalysis of a Peptidic Micellar Assembly Covalently Immobilized within Mesoporous Silica Channels: Importance of Amphiphilic Spatial DesignCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 6 2007Wataru Otani Abstract A mesostructured silica/organic composite 1-MS, constructed from a rodlike micelle of amino acid amphiphile 1 that has a condensable head group and that can be used as a template, was found to be able to catalyze the acetalization of cyclohexanone, in ethanol at 25,°C (50,% in 12,h), whereas no reaction took place with unfunctionalized mesoporous silica. In sharp contrast, hydrolytic removal of the C16 alkyl tail of immobilized 1 resulted in the complete disappearance of the catalytic activity, which suggests the importance of a hydrophobic inner domain for the admission of cyclohexanone. Unsupported peptide amphiphile 2, under identical conditions to those above, was inefficient for acetalization regardless of the absence (2,% in 24,h) or presence of mesoporous silica (7,% in 24,h). Reference composite 2-MS, which is a noncovalently immobilized peptidic micelle, was virtually inactive (1,% in 24,h). These observations indicate the importance of covalent immobilization of the peptidic rod micelle for catalysis. Mesostructured silicate 3-MS hybridized with a nonpeptidic, ammonium ion amphiphile (3) showed a certain catalytic activity, but the yield (12,% in 24,h) of the acetal was much lower than that achieved by using 1-MS as the catalyst. Amorphous silica with immobilized 1 on its surface was much less active than 1-MS for acetalization (5,% in 24,h). [source] | ||||||||||||||||