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Cu
Kinds of Cu Terms modified by Cu Selected AbstractsTemperature dependence of tunnel magnetoresistance and magnetization of IrMn based MTJPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 8 2004P. Wi, niowski Abstract The temperature dependence of spin-polarized tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) is investigated between 30 K and 300 K for annealed junctions with the structure of Ta(5)/Cu(10)/Ta(5)/NiFe(2)/Cu(5)/IrMn(10)/CoFe(2.5)/Al2O3(1.5)/CoFe(2.5)/NiFe(t)/Ta(5), where t = 10 and 100 nm. For the junction (t = 100 nm) annealed in 270 °C we were able to separate electron polarization spin-dependent and spin-independent contributions of TMR temperature dependence. The thermally spin waves excitation constants determined from temperature dependence of magnetization and polarization are comparable. For junction with t = 10 nm annealed in 300 °C electron spin polarization conductance is small in comparison to high conductance via trapped states, which arises from defects and magnetic impurities diffusion. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Light soaking effect on photocurrent collection in (Zn,Mg)O/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cellsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 5 2009Takashi Minemoto Abstract The metastable behaviour, so-called light soaking (LS) effect, on (Zn,Mg)O (ZMO)/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells with controlled conduction band offset (CBO) values of the ZMO/CIGS layers was characterized. When the conduction band of ZMO is higher than that of CIGS, which creates the notch of the ZMO/CIGS interface in the conduction band, metastable current-voltage curves were observed. The metastability becomes prominent with increasing the CBO value. Quantum efficiency measurements before and after the LS revealed that the LS effect was mainly originated by the metastability in the photocurrent collection which influenced by the notch acting as a barrier for photo-generated electrons in the CIGS layer. The model for the LS effect is discussed with simulated energy band diagrams. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Magnetic properties of spin valves having extremely thin underlayersPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 12 2007Jiwon Kim Abstract Magnetic properties of spin valve elements having Mo(N) and Ta(N) underlayers were studied by varying their thickness. Spin valve structure was Si/SiO2/Underlayer(tÅ)/NiFe(21 or 42Å)/CoFe(28Å)/Cu(22Å)/CoFe(18Å)/IrMn(65Å)/Ta(25Å). Spin valve elements having exteremely thin Mo(N) and Ta(N) underlayers showed high MR ratio of about 7 - 8%. Annealing of such spin valve elements having underlayer thickness of 7 to 8 Å showed comparable behavior with the spin valve elements with thicker (35Å) underlayer, which can be utilized to reduce overall device thickness. Also, it was found that Mo(N) underlayers for spin valve elements may be used as diffusion barriers between Si substrate and ensuing active spin valve layers, simultaneously. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Study on electrical properties of Al/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Schottky junction and ZnO/CdS/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 heterojunction using admittance spectroscopyPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 8 2006T. Sakurai Abstract The electrical properties of Al/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (Al/CIGSe) Schottky junction and ZnO/CdS/CIGSe heterojunction were studied by admittance spectroscopy. Three distinct peaks (peaks ,, ,, and ,) were detected from all the CIGSe samples. The activation energies for the traps corresponding to peaks , and , were estimated to be approximately 10 meV and 300 meV, respectively. The peak , may be due to the shallow acceptor, and peaks , and , may be due to defects in the CIGSe layer. The characteristics of the peak , have close correlation with the surface potential of the CIGSe layer. Therefore, the peak , may be caused by traps such as grain boundary defects near the surface of the CIGSe layer. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] 10-Year trends in the treatment and outcomes of patients with first-episode schizophreniaACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010J. Nielsen Nielsen J, le Quach P, Emborg C, Foldager L, Correll CU. 10-Year trends in the treatment and outcomes of patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Objective:, The first episode of schizophrenia is a critical period for illness course and outcomes. We aimed to investigate treatments and outcomes during the first year after the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Method:, Pharmacoepidemiologic inception cohort study of all newly diagnosed patients with schizophrenia in Denmark (n = 13 600) 1996,2005. Results:, From 1996 to 2005, the mean age at first diagnosis decreased significantly (29.2,26.1 years), more patients received antipsychotics (67.2,80.7%, annual OR = 1.07, CI: 1.06,1.09, P < 0.001) and antipsychotic polypharmacy for >4 months (16.7,37.1%, OR = 1.14, CI: 1.12,1.57, P < 0.001). The antipsychotic defined daily dosage (DDD) doubled (150,332 DDD, P < 0.001), use of antidepressants (24.3,40.6%, P < 0.001). Bed days [89.9 days (CI: 81.8,98.8) to 71.8 days, CI: 63.7,80.8, P < 0.0001] decreased, whereas outpatient contacts [10.2 (CI: 9.5,11.0) to 21.4 (CI: 19.9,21.0), P < 0.0001] doubled. Conclusion:, Between 1996 and 2005, there was an earlier recognition of schizophrenia, intensified outpatient treatment, increased use and dosing of antipsychotics and antidepressants, but also more antipsychotic polypharmacy. [source] Heritability of antisocial behaviour at 9: do callous-unemotional traits matter?DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008Essi Viding A previous finding from our group indicated that teacher-rated antisocial behaviour (AB) among 7-year-olds is particularly heritable in the presence of callous-unemotional (CU) traits. Using a sample of 1865 same-sex twin pairs, we employed DeFries-Fulker extremes analysis to investigate whether teacher-rated AB with/without CU traits also shows aetiological differences among 9-year-olds. Furthermore, we assessed whether the differences in the magnitude of heritability would be evident even when hyperactive symptoms were controlled for in the statistical analysis. AB among 9-year-olds was more heritable with than without concomitant CU. The heritability difference was even more pronounced in magnitude when hyperactive symptoms were controlled. CU traits thus appear to index one valid way of sub-typing children with early-onset AB. [source] Modeling the genetic and environmental association between peer group deviance and cannabis use in male twinsADDICTION, Issue 3 2009Nathan A. Gillespie ABSTRACT Background Peer group deviance (PGD) is linked strongly to liability to drug use, including cannabis. Our aim was to model the genetic and environmental association, including direction of causation, between PGD and cannabis use (CU). Method Results were based on 1736 to 1765 adult males from the Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry with complete CU and PGD data measured retrospectively at three time-intervals between 15 and 25 years using a life-history calendar. Results At all ages, multivariate modeling showed that familial aggregation in PGD was explained by a combination of additive genetic and shared environmental effects. Moreover, the significant PGD,CU association was best explained by a CU,PGD causal model in which large portions of the additive genetic (50,78%) and shared environmental variance (25,73%) in PGD were explained by CU. Conclusions Until recently PGD was assumed to be an environmental, upstream risk factor for CU. Our data are not consistent with this hypothesis. Rather, they suggest that the liability to affiliate with deviant peers is explained more clearly by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that are indexed by CU which sits as a ,risk indicator' in the causal pathway between genetic and environmental risks and the expression of PGD. This is consistent with a process of social selection by which the genetic and environmental risks in CU largely drive the propensity to affiliate with deviant peers. [source] Volatile organic compounds: a potential direct long-distance mechanism for antagonistic action of Fusarium oxysporum strain MSA 35ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Daniela Minerdi Summary Fusarium oxysporum MSA 35 [wild-type (WT) strain] is an antagonistic Fusarium that lives in association with a consortium of bacteria belonging to the genera Serratia, Achromobacter, Bacillus and Stenotrophomonas in an Italian soil suppressive to Fusarium wilt. Typing experiments and virulence tests provided evidence that the F. oxysporum isolate when cured of the bacterial symbionts [the cured (CU) form], is pathogenic, causing wilt symptoms identical to those caused by F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae. Here, we demonstrate that small volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the WT strain negatively influence the mycelial growth of different formae speciales of F. oxysporum. Furthermore, these VOCs repress gene expression of two putative virulence genes in F. oxysporum lactucae strain Fuslat10, a fungus against which the WT strain MSA 35 has antagonistic activity. The VOC profile of the WT and CU fungus shows different compositions. Sesquiterpenes, mainly caryophyllene, were present in the headspace only of WT MSA 35. No sesquiterpenes were found in the volatiles of ectosymbiotic Serratia sp. strain DM1 and Achromobacter sp. strain MM1. Bacterial volatiles had no effects on the growth of the different ff. spp. of F. oxysporum examined. Hyphae grown with VOC from WT F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae strain MSA 35 were hydrophobic whereas those grown without VOCs were not, suggesting a correlation between the presence of volatiles in the atmosphere and the phenotype of the mycelium. This is the first report of VOC production by antagonistic F. oxysporum MSA 35 and their effects on pathogenic F. oxysporum. The results obtained in this work led us to propose a new potential direct long-distance mechanism for antagonism by F. oxysporum MSA 35 mediated by VOCs. Antagonism could be the consequence of both reduction of pathogen mycelial growth and inhibition of pathogen virulence gene expression. [source] Occurrence of seizures in association with work-related stress in young male army recruitsEPILEPSIA, Issue 8 2008Shlomo Moshe Summary Purpose: To examine the risk of undergoing an epileptic seizure as a function of differing levels of occupational stress (physical and mental) in new military recruits with no previous history of epilepsy or with epilepsy in remission for over 2 years. Methods: The medical records of over 300,000 18-year-old men recruited to the Israeli army between mid-eighties and mid-nineties were used to assemble a cohort, which was followed for a period of 30 months. The severity of epilepsy at recruitment was determined according to four categories, 0 (no history of seizures) and 1,3 (history of seizures with different relapse-free periods, with or without treatment). The soldiers were subdivided according to their occupational categories to: combat units (CU), maintenance units (MU), and administrative units (AU). Results: The annual incidence rates per 100,000 in category 0 were 317, 298, and 401 in AU, MU, and CU, respectively. The incidence of seizures in category 0 was higher (relative risk [RR]= 1.29, CI = 1.03,1.62) in CU compared to AU and MU. No differences were found for seizure recurrence among various occupational groups. Conclusion: The increased risk of seizures in CU compared to AU and MU may indicate contribution of service conditions in CU, like physical and mental stress. The equivalent rates of seizure relapse, regardless of the type of occupation, suggests the need for minimal occupational restrictions for epilepsy patients who have been free of seizures for long periods. [source] Increased levels of serum IL-31 in chronic spontaneous urticaria,EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Ulrike Raap Please cite this paper as: Increased levels of serum IL-31 in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 464,466. Abstract:, IL-31 represents a novel cytokine involved in pruritic skin diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD). We, therefore, aimed at investigating IL-31 levels in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CU). We included 46 patients with CU, 26 non-atopic skin healthy subjects as negative and 28 patients with AD as positive controls. IL-31 serum levels were analysed using commercial ELISA kit. IL-31 serum levels were higher in patients with CU compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001), but lower compared to patients with AD (P < 0.001). There was no difference in IL-31 serum levels in autologous serum skin test positive or negative CU patients and patients with infectious trigger factors including helicobacter pylori infection. IL-31 serum levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of CU. This is supported by the finding that not all patients with CU respond to antihistamine treatment but to the treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. [source] PREFERENTIAL TRADE AGREEMENTS AND MULTILATERAL TARIFF COOPERATION*INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC REVIEW, Issue 1 2006Kamal SaggiArticle first published online: 23 JAN 200 Are preferential trade agreements (PTAs) building or stumbling blocks for multilateral trade liberalization? I address this question in an infinitely repeated tariff game between three countries engaged in intraindustry trade under oligopoly. The central result is that when countries are symmetric, a free trade agreement (FTA) undermines multilateral tariff cooperation by adversely affecting the cooperation incentive of the nonmember whereas a customs union (CU) does so via its effect on the cooperation incentives of members. However, when countries are asymmetric with respect to either market size or cost, there exist circumstances where PTAs facilitate multilateral tariff cooperation. [source] ,HPV vulvitis' revisited: frequent and persistent detection of novel epidermodysplasia verruciformis-associated HPV genotypesJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Ming-Tseh Lin Background:, ,Human papillomavirus (HPV) vulvitis' is a disputed entity where most studies examining for genital-mucosal (GM) HPV have been negative. Methods:, Using degenerate and type specific primers for cutaneous (CU), GM and epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) HPV types, the prevalence of specific HPV types was investigated in biopsy specimens from 19 women with ,HPV vulvitis', seven with asymptomatic vulvar squamous papillomatosis (ASxVSP), and controls of vulvar fibroepithelial polyps (FEP) (15), vulvar condyloma (10) and normal vulva (NV) (10). Results:, HPV DNA/EV HPV/GM HPV/CU HPV were detected in 84/74/47/5% of vulvitis patients, 78/71/0/28% of ASxVSP, 47/20/20/7% of FEP, 10/10%/0/0 of NV and 100/0/100/10% of condyloma. Fourteen putatively novel HPV genotypes were detected in vulvitis and ASxVSP patients, but not in controls. The two most frequent novel EV HPV, Alb-4 and DL285, were detected in 9/19 (47%) and 5/19 (26%) of vulvitis cases and were persistently identified in serial biopsies. HPV co-infection and Alb-4 infection occurred significantly more frequently in vulvitis patients, particularly those complaining of ,burning' (62/62% vs. 17/7%, p , 0.004). Koilocytosis was identified significantly more frequently in vulvitis compared with non-condyloma controls (81% vs. 40%, p = 0.0001), and its presence correlated with detection of HPV DNA (r = 0.3, p = 0.002). Conclusion:, The high frequency of novel EV HPV in HPV vulvitis and correlation of clinicopathologic findings with HPV DNA suggests that HPV vulvitis may indeed exist. [source] Mast cells and IgE-containing cells in gastric mucosa of Helicobacter pylori infected and non-infected patients with chronic urticariaJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2004M Liutu ABSTRACT Background, Several studies have indicated that antibiotic therapy aimed at eradication of Helicobacter pylori has effects on symptoms of chronic urticaria (CU) patients. However, the possible connections and pathomechanism by which H. pylori might be linked to CU have remained largely unknown. The IgE-mediated pathway might be a possible link between H. pylori infection and CU. We therefore clarified the role of H. pylori as an inducer of IgE response. Materials and methods, Gastroscopy was performed and mucosal biopsy specimens were taken to evaluate the histology, as well as the presence of H. pylori bacteria, mast cells and IgE-containing cells in the antral mucosa, in 21 CU patients. Controls (n = 48) included 19 patients with lichen planus, nine patients with atopic dermatitis and 20 patients with no skin or allergic disease. Results, The mean densities of IgE-containing cells were significantly higher in H. pylori- infected patients and in patients with skin disease compared to non- H. pylori -infected patients with no skin or allergic disease. No significant difference was found in the number of IgE-containing cells between H. pylori -infected and non-infected patients with CU. There was no significant difference in the mean densities of mast cells in the different patient groups. Conclusions, Our findings suggest that H. pylori gastritis leads to increased IgE production. However, we could not show a significant difference in IgE staining between H. pylori -infected and non-infected patients with CU. [source] One-year treatment of chronic urticaria with mizolastine: efficacy and safetyJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2 2000G Lorette Abstract Aim,To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of the H1-receptor antagonist mizolastine in the symptomatic treatment of chronic urticaria (CU). Background,Mizolastine is a novel second generation antihistamine with additional anti-inflammatory properties which has been shown to be effective in this condition as well as in allergic rhinitis. As the drug is used for chronic treatment, a detailed study of its efficacy and safety over a prolonged period was warranted. Methods,This open label multicentre trial recruited 211 patients suffering from CU (67% female; mean age 40 ± 13 years), with , 1 episode/week if untreated. After a 7-day placebo run-in period, patients received mizolastine (10 or 15 mg) for 12 months. Efficacy was assessed by the patient using daily diary cards and overall condition evaluation at study visits. Clinicians also assessed the same parameters at each visit, and gave a global assessment at study termination. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events and laboratory parameters. Cardiac safety was monitored every 4 months using 12-lead ECGs, with particular attention to QT intervals. Results,The trial was completed by 127 patients. Mizolastine reduced overall discomfort from the second week of therapy, and reduced itching and the number and size of wheals, as assessed by the patients. The clinician's assessment of the proportion of patients with > 10 wheals decreased from 42% to 28% after 2 months. Clinical assessment also indicated that itch intensity and angioedema were improved by mizolastine, and the improvement was sustained throughout the trial. The investigators estimated that 70% of patients benefited from therapy. There were no drug-related serious adverse events during the study. The cardiac repolarization assessed according to the QTc intervals was not modified during prolonged administration. Conclusion,Mizolastine improves CU symptoms, and these improvements are sustained over 12 months with no loss of drug sensitivity. No specific side-effects are associated with its long-term use in the current study. [source] Is the Cost of Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Higher Than Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation?LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2004Mark W. Russo MD Background An important long-term consideration for living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is the expense compared with cadaveric-liver transplantation. LDLT is a more complex procedure than cadaveric transplantation and the cost of donor evaluation, donor surgery, and postoperative donor care must be included in a cost analysis for LDLT. In this study, we compare the comprehensive cost of LDLT with that of cadaveric-liver transplantation. Methods All costs for medical services provided at our institution were recorded for 24 LDLT and 43 cadaveric recipients with greater than 1 year follow-up transplanted between August 1997 and April 2000. The donor costs include donors evaluated and rejected, donors evaluated and accepted, donor right hepatectomy costs, and donor follow-up costs (365 days postdonation). LDLT and cadaveric recipient costs include medical care 90 days pre-LDLT, recipient transplant costs, and recipient follow-up costs (365 days posttransplant) including retransplantation. Cost is expressed as an arbitrary cost unit (CU) that is a value between $500 to $1,500. Results Total LDLT costs (evaluations of rejected donors + evaluations of accepted donors + donor hepatectomy + donor follow-up care for 1 year + pretransplant recipient care [90 days pretransplant] + recipient transplantation + recipient 1-year posttransplant care)= 162.7 CU. Total mean cadaveric transplant costs (pretransplant recipient care [90 days pretransplant] + recipient transplantation [including organ acquisition cost] + recipient 1-year posttransplant care)=134.5 CU, (P = ns) Conclusions The total comprehensive cost of LDLT is 21% higher than cadaveric transplantation, although this difference is not significant. (Transplantation 2003;75:473,476.) [source] Coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation markers are associated with disease activity in patients with chronic urticariaALLERGY, Issue 5 2010S. Takahagi To cite this article: Takahagi S, Mihara S, Iwamoto K, Morioke S, Okabe T, Kameyoshi Y, Hide M. Coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation markers are associated with disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria. Allergy 2010; 65: 649,656. Abstract Background:, The evaluation of disease severity and activity of chronic urticaria (CU) is essential for the adequate treatment of patients. However, there is no reliable biomarker for such evaluations. Recently, markers of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis have been revealed to be elevated in severe cases of CU. In this article, we studied the coagulation/fibrinolysis and inflammation markers and their relationship to disease activity in patients with CU. Methods:, Plasma fibrin degradation products (FDP), d- dimer and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured with the assessment of disease severity and skin reaction to autologous serum in 82 patients with CU and 37 patients with acute urticaria, idiopathic angioedema (AE) or inducible types of urticaria (IU). Results:, The levels of FDP in patients with CU were significantly higher than those in patients with IU, but no other differences in FDP, d- dimer and CRP were observed among patients with different types of urticaria. These markers of patients with CU were well correlated with each other and significantly associated with disease severity of CU, but not with skin reactions to autologous serum. In 37 patients with CU, levels of all these parameters reduced as their disease condition improved, while they increased when the disease became aggravated. Regarding FDP, this relationship was observed even if FDP concentrations were within normal range throughout the study. Conclusions:, The measurement of plasma FDP, d- dimer and serum CRP may be useful for the assessment of disease activity of CU. [source] Comparison of the efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg vs levocetirizine 5 mg for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria: a multi-centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studyALLERGY, Issue 4 2010T. Zuberbier To cite this article: Zuberbier T, Oanta A, Bogacka E, Medina I, Wesel F, Uhl P, Antépara I, Jáuregui I, Valiente R, the Bilastine International Working Group. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg vs levocetirizine 5 mg for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria: a multi-centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Allergy 2010; 65: 516,528. Abstract Background:, Bilastine is a novel nonsedative H1 -receptor antagonist, which may be used for the symptomatic treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CU). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg vs levocetirizine 5 mg and placebo in CU patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms. Methods:, Overall 525 male and female subjects aged 18,70 years were randomized to receive bilastine 20 mg, levocetirizine 5 mg or placebo, once daily for 28 days, in double-blind manner, in 46 centres across Europe and Argentina. Patients rated symptoms of pruritus, number of wheals, and maximum size of wheals (on predefined scales) as reflective (over past 12 h) symptoms twice daily, for assessment of change from baseline in the total symptoms scores (TSS) over 28 days as the primary efficacy measure. Changes in reflective and instantaneous symptoms scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and CU-associated discomfort and sleep disturbance were assessed as secondary outcomes. Safety was assessed according to adverse events, laboratory tests and electrocardiograms. Results:, Bilastine reduced patients' mean reflective and instantaneous TSS from baseline to a significantly greater degree than placebo (P < 0.001); from day 2 onwards of treatment. The DLQI, general discomfort, and sleep disruption were also improved significantly in bilastine-treated patients as compared with placebo-treated patients (P < 0.001 for all parameters). Comparison with levocetirizine indicated both treatments to be equally efficacious as well as equally safe and well tolerated as compared with placebo. Conclusions:, Bilastine 20 mg is a novel effective and safe treatment option for the management of CU. [source] Plasma levels and skin-eosinophil-expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with chronic urticariaALLERGY, Issue 11 2009A. Tedeschi Background:, Although chronic urticaria (CU) is often regarded as autoimmune in nature, only less than 50% of sera from CU patients contain histamine-releasing autoantibodies. This suggests that other factors may contribute to its pathogenesis. We evaluated the possible involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the major mediators of vascular permeability, in CU. Methods:, Eighty consecutive adult patients with CU and 53 healthy subjects were studied. VEGF and prothrombin fragment F1+2 were measured by enzyme immunoassays. Autologous plasma skin test (APST) was performed in CU patients and, in six of them, skin biopsy specimens were taken from wheals to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Results:, Plasma VEGF concentrations were higher in CU patients (8.00 ± 0.90 pmol/l) than in controls (0.54 ± 0.08 pmol/l) (P = 0.0001) and tended to parallel both the severity of CU and to correlate with F1+2 levels. APST was positive in 85.1% of patients. VEGF concentration was significantly higher in APST-positive than in APST-negative patients (P = 0.0003). Immunohistochemically, all specimens from patients with CU showed a strong expression of VEGF (P = 0.002) that colocalized with ECP, a classic eosinophil marker. Conclusions:, VEGF plasma levels are elevated in CU and parallel the disease severity. This supports a possible role of this molecule in CU pathophysiology. Eosinophils are the main cellular source of VEGF in CU lesional skin. [source] EAACI/GA2LEN task force consensus report: the autologous serum skin test in urticariaALLERGY, Issue 9 2009G. N. Konstantinou Injection of autologous serum collected during disease activity from some patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CU) into clinically normal skin elicits an immediate weal and flare response. This observation provides a convincing demonstration of a circulating factor or factors that may be relevant to the understanding of the pathogenesis and management of the disease. This test has become known as the autologous serum skin test (ASST) and is now widely practised despite incomplete agreement about its value and meaning, the methodology and the definition of a positive response. It should be regarded as a test for autoreactivity rather than a specific test for autoimmune urticaria. It has only moderate specificity as a marker for functional autoantibodies against IgE or the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc,RI), detected by the basophil histamine release assay, but high negative predictive value for CU patients without them. It is usually negative in other patterns of CU, including those that are physically induced. Positive ASSTs have been reported in some subjects without CU, including those with multiple drug intolerance, patients with respiratory allergy and healthy controls, although the clinical implications of this are uncertain. It is essential that failsafe precautions are taken to ensure that the patient's own serum is used for skin testing and aseptic procedures are followed for sample preparation and handling. CU patients with a positive ASST (ASST+) are more likely to be associated with HLADR4, to have autoimmune thyroid disease, a more prolonged disease course and may be less responsive to H1-antihistamine treatment than those with a negative ASST (ASST,) although more evidence is needed to confirm these observations conclusively. [source] The German version of the chronic urticaria quality-of-life questionnaire: factor analysis, validation, and initial clinical findingsALLERGY, Issue 6 2009ynek Background:, Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder that causes a substantial burden on patients' quality-of-life (QoL). The aim of this work was to generate and validate a German version of the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) and to provide reference assessments of QoL. Methods:, The Italian CU-Q2oL was translated into German and administered to 157 CU patients. They also completed two well-established general dermatology QoL questionnaires, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-29. Factor analysis was used to identify scales of the German CU-Q2oL. Correlation to the DLQI and Skindex-29 was used for validation. Multiple linear regression was used to determine which patient characteristics were associated with which dimensions of QoL. Results:, The factor analysis identified six scales of the German CU-Q2oL: functioning, sleep, itching/embarrassment, mental status, swelling/eating, and limits looks, which accounted for 70% of the data variance. Five of these six scales showed good internal consistency, and another five demonstrated convergent validity. On a percentile scale, they had these median CU-Q2oL scores: 29 functioning, 44 sleep, 50 itching/embarrassment, 50 mental status, 31 swelling/eating, 31 limits looks. Disease severity significantly predicted scores on all scales. Age predicted functioning, sleep, itching/embarrassment, and swelling/eating. Sex predicted itching/embarrassment and limits looks. Conclusion:, This study yielded a robust validation of the German version of the CU-Q2oL. It confirmed previous studies that CU has a clinically meaningful burden on QoL, especially for sleep and mental health, and that women are more severely affected by pruritus. The German CU-Q2oL should be widely adopted in clinical research on the treatment of CU. [source] Chronic urticaria: a patient survey on quality-of-life, treatment usage and doctor,patient relationALLERGY, Issue 4 2009M. Maurer Background:, Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder characterized by recurrent spontaneous outbreaks of itchy wheals and/or angioedema. It has been shown to have substantial impact on patient quality-of-life, but little else is known about patient perspectives on CU and its treatment. Methods:, An internet survey was conducted with 321 randomly selected, representative adults in Germany and France who were diagnosed with CU. The survey included the Skindex-29 questionnaire on quality-of-life and questions about treatment usage and patients' relation to their physician. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of quality-of-life, use of prescription medication and various aspects of the doctor,patient relation. Results:, The survey confirmed that CU has substantial impact on quality-of-life, with median Skindex scores of 68 for symptoms, 50 for functioning and 53 for emotions. Only two in three respondents were taking prescription medication for their CU. Older respondents, French respondents and fully employed respondents were significantly (P < 0.01) more likely to be taking prescription medication. Only three in five respondents under a physician's care reported that their physician had discussed the emotional impact of CU on them. Patients whose physicians had discussed this emotional impact were significantly (P < 0.001) more satisfied with treatment and more trusting of their physician. Conclusions:, CU has a heavy impact on quality-of-life. Physicians need to be aware that many patients are not taking second generation anti-histamines and counsel them better on this point. Physicians should also discuss the emotional impact of CU with patients, because it improves their satisfaction and trust. [source] Matrix metalloproteinase-9: a novel biomarker for monitoring disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria patients?ALLERGY, Issue 4 2009S. Altrichter Background:, Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, an enzyme that contributes to inflammatory responses and subsequent tissue remodelling, has recently been suggested to be a good biomarker for monitoring disease activity in patients with chronic urticaria (CU). Here, we assessed whether total MMP-9 and/or active MMP-9 plasma levels are increased and correlated to disease activity in patients with CU. Methods:, Total MMP-9 and active MMP-9 plasma levels were determined by ELISA in 70 CU patients and control subjects (patients with psoriasis and healthy controls). CU activity was measured using weekly and daily composite symptom scores (urticaria activity score) calculated from the number of wheals and the intensity of pruritus. Results:, Significantly increased levels of total and active MMP-9 were detected in patients with CU as compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, patients with psoriasis also had clearly elevated plasma levels of total and active MMP-9, indicating that MMP-9 plasma levels do not specifically reflect CU activity. Most notably, total and active MMP-9 levels were not correlated with disease activity in CU or psoriasis patients. Conclusion:, Plasma MMP-9 is not a good CU biomarker and should not be used for assessing the efficacy of treatment in CU patients or their spontaneous changes in disease activity. [source] Determination of pseudophakic accommodation with translation lenses using Purkinje image analysisOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 2 2005Achim Langenbucher Abstract Purpose:, To determine pseudophakic accommodation of an accommodating posterior chamber intraocular lens (translation lens) using Purkinje image analysis and linear matrix methods in the paraxial space. Methods:, A 2 × 2 system matrix was defined for each Purkinje image I to IV using refraction, translation and mirror matrices. Image size (m) and axial image position (z) was determined as an example for an off-axis object (a 0.2 m off-axis object located 0.5 m in front of the cornea.). First, our method was applied to the phakic relaxed (emmetropic) and accommodated (6.96 D) Le Grand eye. Secondly, for demonstration of the applicability of the calculation scheme to the pseudophakic eye, we provide a clinical example where we determine the accommodation amplitude of the translation lens (1 CU, HumanOptics, Erlangen, Germany) from photographed Purkinje images in the relaxed and accommodated state. From the biometric data: axial length 23.7 mm, corneal power 43.5, corneal thickness 550 microns, implanted intraocular lens (IOL) with a refractive power of 20.5 D (shape equi-biconvex, refractive index 1.46), and refractive indices of the cornea, aqueous and vitreous from the Le Grand model eye, we calculated the refractive state and the sizes of Purkinje images I and III initiated from two off-axis light sources. Results:, For the Le Grand model eye, Purkinje image II (z/m = 3.5850 mm/0.0064) is slightly smaller than and directly in front of image I (z/m = 3.8698 mm/0.0077). Purkinje image III (z/m = 10.6097 mm/0.0151) is nearly double the size of image I and during accommodation it moves from the vitreous into the crystalline lens. Purkinje IV (z/m = 4.3244 mm/,0.0059) is inverted, three quarters the size of image I, lies in the crystalline lens and moves slightly towards the retina. For the pseudophakic eye, pseudophakic accommodation of 1.10 D was calculated from the proportion of distances between both Purkinje images I and III in the relaxed (3.04) and accommodated (2.75) state, which is in contrast to the total subjective accommodation of 2.875 D evaluated with an accommodometer. Conclusions:, We present a straightforward mathematical strategy for calculation of the Purkinje images I,IV. Results of our model calculation resemble the values provided by Le Grand. In addition, this approach yields a simple en bloc scheme for determination of pseudophakic accommodation in pseudophakic eyes with accommodative lenses (translation lenses) using Purkinje image photography. [source] Chronic urticaria and associated coeliac disease in children: A case,control studyPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2005L. Caminiti Celiac disease (CD) and chronic urticaria (CU) are both sustained by immune mechanisms, but there are so far few data on their clinical association. We performed a case,control study to determine the occurrence of CD in urticaria and matched control children, and to assess the clinical relevance of this association. Children and adolescents were diagnosed to have severe chronic idiopathic urticaria in the presence of hives for more than 6 wk poorly or not responsive to oral antihistamines. Other known causes of urticaria had to be excluded. A matched control group without urticaria was enrolled. In both groups, the presence of CD was searched by assaying antitransglutaminase and antiedomysial antibodies, and confirmed with endoscopic intestinal biopsy. Results. CD was diagnosed and confirmed in 4/79 (5.0%) of children with CU and in 17/2545 (0.67%) of the controls (p = 0.0003). In the four children with urticaria and CD the gluten free diet (GFD) lead to complete remission of urticaria within 5,10 wk, whereas the disappearance of serological markers occurred in longer times (5,9 months). Conclusions. The presence of CD in children with CU was significantly more frequent than in controls. GFD resulted in urticaria remission. CD may be regarded in such subjects as a cause of CU. [source] The contribution of callous-unemotional traits and conduct problems to bullying in early adolescenceTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 4 2009Essi Viding Background:, Although a lot is known about the association of conduct problems with bullying, less attention has been paid to co-occurring traits, such as callous-unemotional (CU) traits that might additionally contribute to the risk of engaging in bullying. This study investigated the contribution of CU traits to direct and indirect bullying, alongside the contributions made by conduct problems and gender. Methods:, Seven hundred and four 11,13-year-olds completed self-report measures of callous-emotional traits and psychopathology, including conduct problems. Peer-report measures of direct and indirect bullying were collected from classmates. Results:, Higher levels of CU traits were associated with higher levels of direct bullying, over and above the association between bullying and conduct problems. Conduct problems and CU traits interacted in the prediction of both direct and indirect bullying. In line with previous research, males were more likely to engage in direct and females in indirect bullying. Conclusions:, This study highlights the importance of viewing CU traits and conduct problems, not only as related phenomena, but also as distinct entities in mediating the underlying susceptibility of children to bully others directly. Furthermore, a combination of these traits appears to be a particularly potent risk factor for both direct and indirect bullying. Implications for intervention are discussed, in particular the concern that lack of empathy and insensitivity to punishment in those with CU traits may also make them particularly resistant to current forms of bullying intervention. [source] Research Review: The importance of callous-unemotional traits for developmental models of aggressive and antisocial behaviorTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 4 2008Paul J. Frick The current paper reviews research suggesting that the presence of a callous and unemotional interpersonal style designates an important subgroup of antisocial and aggressive youth. Specifically, callous-unemotional (CU) traits (e.g., lack of guilt, absence of empathy, callous use of others) seem to be relatively stable across childhood and adolescence and they designate a group of youth with a particularly severe, aggressive, and stable pattern of antisocial behavior. Further, antisocial youth with CU traits show a number of distinct emotional, cognitive, and personality characteristics compared to other antisocial youth. These characteristics of youth with CU traits have important implications for causal models of antisocial and aggressive behavior, for methods used to study antisocial youth, and for assessing and treating antisocial and aggressive behavior in children and adolescents. [source] Differential correlates to self-report and parent-report of callous,unemotional traits in a sample of juvenile sexual offendersBEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW, Issue 6 2009Stuart F. White M.A. The association of callous,unemotional (CU) traits with violence and severe antisocial behavior has led to a recent focus on the association between CU traits and sexual offending behavior. When assessing juveniles with sexual offenses, practice standards recommend that multiple sources of data are considered. However, the differential correlates of parent-report versus self-report of CU traits in juvenile sex offenders have not been investigated. A sample of 94 detained male youth (mean age,=,15.22, SD,=,1.48) was administered both youth and parent versions of the Inventory of Callous,Unemotional Traits (ICU), a general delinquency risk assessment tool (YLS), and a sexual offending risk assessment tool (J-SOAP-II) to investigate concordance between self-report and parent-report of CU traits as well as association with general and sex-specific risk factors. Both parent-report and self-report of CU traits were significantly related to higher general delinquency risk scores, with parent-report showing stronger correlations than self-report. Both parent-report and self-report were related to sex-specific risk factors. However, only parent-report significantly predicted static sexual risk, while self-report significantly predicted dynamic sexual risk scores. Evidence supports the importance of including both parent- and self-report of CU traits in the comprehensive assessment of sexually offending youth. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Antipsychotic and mood stabilizer efficacy and tolerability in pediatric and adult patients with bipolar I mania: a comparative analysis of acute, randomized, placebo-controlled trialsBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 2 2010Christoph U Correll Correll CU, Sheridan EM, DelBello MP. Antipsychotic and mood stabilizer efficacy and tolerability in pediatric and adult patients with bipolar I mania: a comparative analysis of acute, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 116,141. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objective:, To compare antipsychotic and mood stabilizer (MS) efficacy and tolerability in youth and adults with bipolar mania. Methods:, Medline/PubMed search for studies including: (i) youth (< 18 years) or adults (, 18 years); (ii) bipolar I disorder; (iii) double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (DB-RPCT); (iv) , 12 weeks of treatment; and (v) calculable effect sizes (ES) and/or numbers needed to treat/harm (NNT/NNH) ± 95% confidence intervals (CI). Non-overlapping 95% CIs determined significant group differences. Results:, We identified nine DB-RPCTs in youth (n = 1,609), 5 evaluating second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) (n = 1,140) and 4 evaluating MSs (n = 469). We also identified 23 DB-RPCTs in adults (n = 6,501), 14 including SGAs (n = 3,297), 5 using haloperidol as an active comparator (n = 580), and 11 including MSs (n = 2,581). Young Mania Rating Scale scores improved significantly more with SGAs than MSs in youth (ES = 0.65, CI: 0.53,0.78 versus 0.24, CI: 0.06,0.41) and adults (ES = 0.48, CI: 0.41,0.55 versus 0.24, CI: 0.17,0.31). After excluding topiramate studies, SGAs had larger ES than MSs only in youth (ES = 0.65, CI: 0.53,0.78 versus 0.20, CI: 0.02,0.39), but not adults (ES = 0.48, CI: 0.41,0.55 versus 0.46, CI: 0.37,0.55). However, in adults SGAs had significantly larger ES regarding Clinical Global Impressions scores than MSs, even without topiramate (ES = 0.75, CI: 0.68,0.82 versus 0.24, CI: 0.07,0.41). Rates of response, remission, and discontinuation due to any reason compared to placebo were similar between medication and age groups, except for more favorable NNTs for remission with SGAs than MSs in adults after excluding topiramate. SGAs caused more weight gain than MSs in youth (ES = 0.53, CI: 0.41,0.66 versus 0.10, CI: ,0.12,0.33), but not in adults (ES = 0.13, CI: 0.05,0.22 versus 0.00, CI: ,0.08,0.08). However, results were heterogeneous and not significant in either age group after excluding topiramate. Nevertheless, SGA-related weight gain was significantly greater in youth than adults. In youth, SGA-related somnolence was greater than with MSs (NNH = 4.7, CI: 3.9,6.0 versus 9.5, CI: 6.3,23.5), and more likely than in adults (NNH = 7.1, CI: 6.1,8.8). Conversely, youth experienced less akathisia with SGAs than adults (NNH = 20.4, CI: 14.1,36.5 versus 10.2, CI: 8.1,13.7), likely due to lower doses/slower titration. Conclusions:, In treating mania, potentially greater short-term efficacy compared to placebo with SGAs versus MS needs to be balanced against increased adverse events, especially in youth. [source] Emotional processing in children with conduct problems and callous/unemotional traitsCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2008M. Woodworth Abstract Background A considerable body of evidence now suggests that conduct problem (CP) children with callous/unemotional (CU) traits differ in many ways from CP children without these characteristics. Previous research has suggested that there are important differences for youth with CP and CU characteristics in their ability to process emotional information. The current study investigated the ability of children with disruptive behaviour disorders to label emotional faces and stories. Methods Participants (aged 7,12) were involved in a summer day treatment and research programme for children with disruptive behaviour problems. Two tasks were administered that were designed to measure participant's ability to recognize and label facial expressions of emotion, as well as their ability to label emotions in hypothetical situations. Results Results indicated that children with higher levels of CU traits, regardless of whether they had elevated CP scores, were less accurate in identifying sad facial expressions. Interestingly, children with higher CU scores were more accurate in labelling fear than were children with lower CU scores, while children with high CP but low CU traits were less accurate than other children in interpreting fearful facial emotions. Further, children's recognition of various emotional vignettes was not associated with CP, CU traits or their interaction. Conclusions The current study demonstrated that it was the combination of CP and a high number of CU traits that differentiated emotional attributions. Consistent with previous research, youth with CU traits had more difficulty in identifying sad facial expressions. However, contrasting with some previous studies, higher CU traits were associated with more accurate perceptions of fearful expressions. It is possible that there is something specific to fear recognition for individuals with more psychopathic, CU traits that actually make them more successful for observing or recognizing fearful expressions. Additional research is needed to clarify both the recognition and processing of fear expression in CP children with and without CU. [source] Desloratadine in combination with montelukast in the treatment of chronic urticaria: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 9 2004E. Nettis Summary Background Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin condition. It is frequently a disabling disease due to the persistency of clinical symptoms, the unpredictable course and negative influence on the quality of life. Objective The aim of this study is to determine whether montelukast, a LTD4 receptor antagonist, plus desloratadine, is more efficacious than desloratadine alone in the treatment of chronic urticaria. Materials A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 81 patients with a diagnosis of CU. A 1-week single-blind placebo run-in period (baseline) was followed by a 6-weeks double blind active treatment period. The patients were randomized to receive the following treatment once daily: (a) oral desloratadine (5 mg) plus placebo; (b) desloratadine (5 mg) plus montelukast (10 mg); (c) oral placebo alone. The study ended after another 1-week single-blind placebo washout period. Results The evaluable population thus consisted of 76 patients. Both desloratadine alone and desloratadine plus montelukast administered once daily yielded improvements with respect to the baseline assessment as regards pruritus, number of separate episodes, size and number of weals, visual analogue score and patients' quality of life and with respect to the placebo group both in the active treatment period and in the run-out period. However, desloratadine plus montelukast was shown to improve the symptoms and patients' quality of life significantly more than desloratadine alone, although it did not have a significant effect on the number of urticarial episodes. Conclusion The combination of desloratadine plus montelukast is effective in the treatment of CU. It may therefore be a valid alternative in patients with relatively mild CU, in view of its efficacy and the lack of adverse events. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||