Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Healthy Controls (healthy + control)
Kinds of Healthy Controls Terms modified by Healthy Controls Selected AbstractsMidbrain SERT in degenerative parkinsonisms: A 123I-FP-CIT SPECT study,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 12 2010Francesco Roselli MD Abstract SPECT imaging is widely used for the differential diagnosis of degenerative parkinsonisms by exploiting the high affinitiy of the radiotracer 123I-FP-CIT for the dopamine transporter. Reduced levels of DAT are found in Parkinson Disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) compared to in Essential Tremor (ET) and Healthy Controls (HC). However, the extent of the neurodegenerative process may extend beyond nigrostriatal system. We have exploited the affinity of the same radiotracer 123I-FP-CIT for the serotonin transporter to investigate SERT levels in the midbrain of patients with PD, DLB, PSP, and ET compared to HC. Using MRI images as anatomical templates for midbrain uptake quantification, we found a mild decrease in SERT levels in PD compared to ET and HC, with marked inter-individual variability; on the other side, PSP and DLB patients displayed markedly reduced to undetectable levels of SERT, respectively. These findings show that the neurodegenerative process affects serotoninergic neurons in parkinsonisms, with much more severe involvement in DLB than in PD patients, despite the comparable loss of striatal DAT. SERT-dependent 123I-FP-CIT uptake may allow a more comprehensive assessment of neurochemical disturbances in degenerative parkinsonisms and may have a value for differential diagnosis. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society [source] FSFI Scores of Women with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder Compared with Published Scores of Women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder and Healthy ControlsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009Sandra R. Leiblum PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Although persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) has been mistaken for hypersexuality, there is no research documenting the sexual functioning of PGAD women to support or refute such an assumption. Aim., To compare the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores of PGAD women to that of women diagnosed with female sexual arousal syndrome (FSAD) and healthy controls. Methods., The FSFI scores of heterosexual women who met all five features qualifying for a diagnosis of PGAD (N = 172) on an online questionnaire were compared with previously published FSFI scores of women diagnosed with FSAD (N = 128) and healthy controls (N = 131). Main Outcome Measure., Total and subscale scores on the FSFI. Results., On every subscale of the FSFI with the exception of desire, the PGAD women obtained scores between that of the FSAD and the healthy control group. The FSAD women displayed the greatest problems in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain while women with PGAD reported somewhat more desire than the control group but did not meet the cutoff score for sexual dysfunction. PGAD women are more similar to the normal control group than women with FSAD. Conclusions., There is no evidence to support the belief that women who meet criteria for a diagnosis of PGAD are "hypersexual." In fact, their overall sexual functioning falls within the normal range and is significantly better than that of women diagnosed with FSAD. Leiblum SR, and Seehuus M. FSFI scores of women with persistent genital arousal disorder compared with published scores of women with female sexual arousal disorder and healthy controls. J Sex Med 2009;6:469,473. [source] QT Variability during Rest and Exercise in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and Healthy ControlsANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Mark C. Haigney M.D. Background: Increased QT Variability (QTVI) is predictive of life threatening arrhythmias in vulnerable patients. The predictive value of QTVI is based on resting ECGs, and little is known about the effect of acute exercise on QTVI. The relation between QTVI and arrhythmic vulnerability markers such as T-wave alternans (TWA) has also not been studied. This study examined the effects of exercise on QTVI and TWA in patients with arrhythmic vulnerability. Methods: Digitized ECGs were obtained from 47 ICD patients (43 males; age 60.9 ± 10.1) and 23 healthy controls (18 males; age 59.7 ± 9.5) during rest and bicycle exercise. QTVI was assessed using a previously validated algorithm and TWA was measured as both a continuous and a categorical variable based on a priori diagnostic criteria. Results: QTVI increased with exercise in ICD patients (,0.79 ± 0.11 to 0.36 ± 0.08, P < 0.001) and controls (,1.50 ± 0.07 to ,0.19 ± 0.12, P < 0.001), and QTVI levels were consistently higher in ICD patients than controls during rest and exercise (P < 0.001). The magnitude of QTVI increase from baseline levels was not larger among ICD patients versus controls (P > 0.20). Among ICD patients, elevated exercise QTVI was related to lower LV ejection fraction and inducibility of ischemia (P < 0.05). QTVI at rest correlated with exercise TWA (r = 0.54, P = 0.0004). Conclusions: QT variability increases significantly with exercise, and exercise QTVI is related to other well-documented markers of arrhythmic vulnerability, including low ejection fraction, inducible ischemia, and TWA. Resting QTVI may be useful in the risk stratification of individuals incapable of performing standard exercise protocols. [source] Variation in the TNF Gene Promoter and Risk of Osteolysis After Total Hip ArthroplastyJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 11 2003FRCS, J Mark Wilkinson PhD Abstract Genetic factors may influence implant failure caused by osteolysis after THA. In an association study of 481 subjects after THA, we found that carriage of the TNF - 238A allele was associated with an increased incidence of osteolysis versus noncarriage (odds ratio, 1.7) and was independent of other risk factors. Genetic and environmental factors influence implant survival after THA. Introduction: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is thought to play a role in osteolysis, the major cause of implant failure after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Natural sequence variations at ,238 and ,308 in the TNF gene promoter are associated with differences in susceptibility to several TNF-mediated diseases. We tested whether these polymorphisms are associated with osteolysis after THA. Materials and Methods: A total of 481 whites (214 with failed versus 267 with intact implants) were recruited 11.7 ± 4 years after cemented THA. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and genotyped for the ,238 and ,308 polymorphisms using the Taqman 5, nuclease method. Healthy controls (n = 500) from the background population were also genotyped to establish the local prevalence of these alleles. Results: The carriage of ,238A was 8.8% in the background population and 10.9% in the THA controls (p > 0.05). Carriage of ,238A in the osteolysis group was 17.3% (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0,2.9). Carriage was highest (20.5%) in patients with more widespread osteolysis (OR, 2.1; 1.2,3.8). The association of ,238A with osteolysis was independent of other risk factors for osteolysis (logistic regression analysis: OR, 1.8; 1.0,3.2). Carriage of ,308A was not associated with osteolysis. Conclusion: Genetic, as well as environmental factors, influence implant failure after THA. Whether the TNF - 238 polymorphism causes a biological change that predisposes to loosening or is in linkage disequilibrium with such a locus is not yet known. [source] Adrenocortical and Pituitary Glucocorticoid Feedback in Abstinent Alcohol-Dependent WomenALCOHOLISM, Issue 5 2010Bryon Adinoff Background:, The long-term ingestion of alcohol diminishes hypothalamic,pituitary,adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity in alcohol-dependent men, potentially altering future relapse risk. Although sex differences in HPA axis functioning are apparent in healthy controls, disruptions in this system have received little attention in alcohol-dependent women. In this study, we assessed the basal secretory profile of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, adrenocortical sensitivity in both the presence and absence of endogenous corticotropic pituitary activation, and feedback pituitary glucocorticoid sensitivity to dexamethasone. Methods:, Seven women 4- to 8-week abstinent alcohol-only dependent subjects and 10 age-matched female healthy controls were studied. All subjects were between 30 and 50 years old, not taking oral contraceptives, and were studied during the early follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. Circulating concentrations of ACTH and cortisol were measured in blood samples collected at frequent intervals from 2000 to 0800 hour. A submaximal dose of cosyntropin (0.01 ,g/kg), a synthetic ACTH (1,24), was administered at 0800 hour to assess adrenocortical sensitivity. In a separate session, low-dose cosyntropin was also administered following high-dose dexamethasone (8 mg intravenous) to assess adrenocortical sensitivity in the relative absence of endogenous ACTH. In addition, the ACTH response to dexamethasone was measured to determine the pituitary glucocorticoid negative feedback. Sessions were 5 days apart, and blood draws were obtained every 5 to 10 minutes. Results:, Mean concentrations and pulsatile characteristics of ACTH and cortisol over 12 hours were not statistically different between the 2 groups. Healthy controls had a somewhat higher (p < 0.08) net peak, but not net integrated, cortisol response to cosyntropin relative to the alcohol-dependent women. There were no significant group differences in either the ACTH or cortisol response to dexamethasone nor in the net cortisol response to cosyntropin following dexamethasone. Conclusion:, Significant differences in pituitary,adrenal function were not apparent between alcohol-dependent women and matched controls. Despite the small n, it appears that alcohol-dependent women do not show the same disruptions in HPA activity as alcohol-dependent men. These findings may have relevance for gender-specific treatment effectiveness. [source] Airway Mucus in Recurrent Airway Obstruction, Short-Term Response to Environmental ChallengeJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2004V. Gerber Mucus accumulation and neutrophilic inflammation in the airways are hallmarks of heaves. Endoscopically visible mucus accumulations, however, have not been studied during exposure to dusty hay and allergens (ie, environmental challenge). We hypothesized that (1) heaves-affected horses have increased mucus accumulation compared with controls, (2) mucus accumulations increase in heaves-affected horses during environmental challenge, and (3) environmental challenge also induces neutrophilic inflammation and mucus accumulation in control horses. Mucus accumulation was graded endoscopically (mucus grades [MGs] 1,5), and airway inflammation was evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology before (0 hours) and during (6, 24, 48 hours) environmental challenge. Large amounts of mucus (MG 4,5) were specific for heaves-affected horses in this study. Variation among controls was considerable, however, and intermediate grades (MG 2,3) were nonspecific, showing complete overlap between the 2 groups. Median mucus accumulations (25th, 75th percentiles) increased in heaves-affected horses from MG 2.5 (1.5, 3.5) at baseline to MG 3.5 (2.0, 4.0), 4.0 (3.0, 4.0), and 4.0 (4.0, 4.0) at 6, 24, and 48 hours, respectively. MG values did not increase in controls,overall MG 1.0 (1.0, 2.0),even though controls also showed a moderate increase of BALF neutro-phils. Mucus accumulations before and especially after exposure to dust and allergens are increased in heaves-affected horses compared with controls. Healthy controls show considerable variability in mucus accumulation but, despite an influx of neutrophils into the airways, no increase of mucus accumulation after exposure to hay dust. [source] Carbamylated erythropoietin increases frataxin independent from the erythropoietin receptorEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 6 2010Brigitte Sturm Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (6): 561,565 Abstract Background, Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by decreased expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Recently we showed in a clinical pilot study in Friedreich's ataxia patients that recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) significantly increases frataxin-expression. In this in vitro study, we investigated the role of the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R) in the frataxin increasing effect of rhuEPO and if nonerythropoietic carbamylated erythropoietin (CEPO), which cannot bind to the classical EPO-R increases frataxin expression. Materials and methods, In our experiments human erythroleukaemic K562 cells (+ EPO-R), human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells (, EPO-R) and isolated primary lymphocytes from healthy control and FRDA patients were incubated with different concentrations of rhuEPO or CEPO. Frataxin-expression was detected by an electrochemical luminescence immunoassay (based on the principle of an ELISA). Results, We show that rhuEPO increases frataxin-expression in K562 cells (expressing EPO-R) as well as in THP-1 cells (without EPO-R expression). These results were confirmed by the finding that CEPO, which cannot bind to the classical EPO-R increased frataxin expression in the same concentration range as rhuEPO. In addition, we show that both EPO derivatives significantly increase frataxin-expression in vitro in control and Friedreich's ataxia patients primary lymphocytes. Conclusion, Our results provide a scientific basis for further studies examining the effectiveness of nonerythropoietic derivatives of erythropoietin for the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia patients. [source] Prognostic significance of serum p53 protein and p53 antibody in patients with surgical treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinomaHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 4 2001Vivian Chow M. Phil Abstract Objectives This study aims at investigating the prognostic values of serum p53 protein and anti-p53 antibody in patients undergoing surgical treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods Serum p53 protein and anti-p53 antibody concentrations were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 75 patients with HNSCC and 28 healthy controls. In 28 patients, formalin-fixed tumor tissues were also available for immunohistochemical staining by an anti-p53 DO7 monoclonal antibody. The results were correlated with the clinicopathologic parameters. Results The mean preoperative serum concentration of p53 protein in patients with HNSCC was significantly higher than healthy controls (59.45 pg/mL vs 16.4 pg/mL, p = .007). Preoperative serum p53 antibody was present in 23 (31%) patients and was present in one healthy control. Eighteen (62%) tumor tissues showed p53 overexpression by immunohistochemistry. The presence of serum anti-p53 antibody before operation was associated with a significantly higher incidence (65%) of nodal metastasis compared with 27% nodal metastasis in patients with absence of serum anti-p53 antibody (p = .002). Conclusion Preoperative serum p53 antibody was a significant prognostic factor for nodal metastasis of HNSCC. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 286,291, 2001. [source] Chronic alcohol consumption augments loss of sialic acid residues and alters erythrocyte membrane charge in type II diabetic patientsJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Serkan Degirmenci Abstract In this study, the effects of alcohol consumption on erythrocyte membrane properties in type 2 diabetic patients were investigated. Therefore, we measured total and lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA) levels, sialidase activities, and erythrocyte membrane negative charge. Three groups, including control group (n = 20), alcohol-consuming diabetic patients group (n = 14), and diabetic patients without alcohol consumption group (n = 42), were created. Plasma total sialic acid (TSA) levels of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group were elevated as compared to the healthy control and diabetic group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). TSA levels of the diabetic group were significantly elevated as compared to the healthy control group (p > 0.001). Plasma LSA levels of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group were higher than that in the healthy control and diabetic group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). LSA levels of the diabetic group were found to be high as compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05). Plasma sialidase activities of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group and diabetic group were significantly elevated as compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). Sialidase activities of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group were elevated as compared to the diabetic group, but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Erythrocyte membrane negativity levels of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group and diabetic group were significantly decreased (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) as compared to the healthy control group. Erythrocyte membrane negativity levels of the alcohol-consuming diabetic group were decreased as compared to the diabetic group, but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that chronic alcohol consumption may augment membrane alterations in type 2 diabetic patients. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:320,327, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20243 [source] Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Working Memory among Multiple Sclerosis PatientsJOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 2 2004Lawrence H. Sweet PhD ABSTRACT Background and Purpose. Verbal working memory (VWM) deficits have been a well-replicated finding among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) studies have described a VWM system in healthy samples; however, functional neuroimaging of this system among MS patients is just beginning to appear. Methods. Fifteen MS patients and 15 sex-, age-, education-, and IQ-matched healthy control (HC) participants completed a 2-Back VWM task as whole-brain FMRI was conducted. Results. Each group exhibited increased brain activity compared to the 0-Back control task in regions associated with the 2-Back in previous neuroimaging studies. These included Broca's area, supplementary motor area (SMA), premotor cortices (PMC), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC). MS patients exhibited greater cortical activity than did HC participants in left primary motor and somatosensory cortices, PMC, DLPFC, anterior cingulate, and bilateral SMA. MS patients exhibited relatively less activation in Broca's area, bilateral cerebellum, and other regions not typically associated with the 2-Back (eg, right fusiform gyrus, left lingual gyrus, right hippocampus). Performance accuracy and reaction time did not differ between groups. Conclusions. Normal performance of a challenging VWM task among high-functioning MS patients is associated with a shift toward greater activity in regions related to sensorimotor functions and anterior attentional/executive components of the VWM system. Posterior memory storage systems appeared unaffected, while portions of the visual processing and subvocal rehearsal systems were less active. Although a shift in neural activity was noted relative toHC participants, deviation from regions normally involved in VWM function was not observed in this patient sample. [source] Adenosine deaminase activity, trypsin inhibitory capacity and total antioxidant capacity in psoriasisJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 3 2010M Hashemi Abstract Background, Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pathological skin lesions because of various exogenous and endogenous factors and associated with a number of biochemical and immunological disturbances. Objective, The aim of the present study was to determine the level of adenosine deaminase activity, serum trypsin inhibitory capacity and total antioxidant capacity of plasma in psoriatic patients. Subjects and methods, The study was performed in controls (n = 46) and in psoriatic patients (n = 40). The patients were scored with PASI (psoriasis area and severity index). The serum ADA activity was determined using Aguisti and Galanti method and serum trypsin inhibitory capacity (sTIC) were measured by enzymatic assay. Besides, serum total antioxidant capacity was measured using ferric reducing ability of plasma. Results, The serum ADA activity of the psoriatic patients was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that of the healthy control. We also found that the trypsin inhibitory capacity was significantly higher in patients than in control group (P < 0.001). Total antioxidant capacity of plasma was significantly lower in psoriatic patients than in healthy controls (P = 0.025). There were no significant correlations among ADA, TAC and TIC. Conclusion, Serum ADA activity and sTIC were increased in psoriatic patients. In parallel, serum total anti-oxidant activity was decreased in these patients. [source] Abstracts of the 8th Meeting of the Italian Peripheral Nerve Study Group: 3JOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, Issue 1 2003F Terenghi Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) are successfully used as immunomodulatory therapy in patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) but their mechanism of action remains unknown. An anti-idiotypic block of pathogenic autoantibodies has been often postulated even if other possible mechanisms, including a modulation of the release of various cytokines, have been proposed. To evaluate the expression of cytokines in patients with MMN and their possible modulation by IVIg, we determined circulating levels of TNF,, INF,, IL2, IL4, IL10, and IL12 by ELISA in serum samples of 17 patients with MMN and compared them with 12 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 12 with multiple sclerosis (MS), 6 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), 5 with myasthenia gravis (MG) and 12 healthy controls (NS). Comparable levels of INF,, IL2, IL4, IL10 and IL12 were detected in patients' sera and controls. Even if TNF, levels did not differ significantly among patients' groups, they were higher than in any healthy control (mean ± SD 1.2 ± 0.5 pg/ml, range 0.7,2.4 pg/ml), in 12 (70%) MMN patients (mean ± SD 3.6 ± 1.9 pg/ml; range 0.2,7.5 pg/ml), all ALS, 3 MS (25%), 2 CIDP (40%) and 2 MG (40%). We then measured the concentration of TNF, before and after IVIg therapy in 9 MMN and 2 ALS patients. In all but one MMN patients, circulating levels of TNF, slightly increased after treatment with IVIg (mean values 4.3 vs. 7.2 pg/ml) and decreased 3 weeks after therapy while in both ALS patients they decreased or remained unchanged. No detectable level of TNF, was found in IVIg preparation. This study shows that, similarly to what previously reported in other autoimmune neuropathy as GBS and CIDP, TNF, serum levels are slightly increased in MMN but, at odds with what reported in these disease, their concentration tend to increase parallel to clinical improvement after IVIg therapy. Further studies are necessary to clarify the pathogenetic implication of this finding and in particular whether a possible deviation from a presumably Th2 to a Th1 immune response may help explaining the effect of IVIg in MMN. [source] Hepatitis E virus infection as a cause of graft hepatitis in liver transplant recipientsLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2010Sven Pischke Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection induces self-limiting liver disease in immunocompetent individuals. Cases of chronic hepatitis E have recently been identified in organ transplant recipients. We questioned if chronic hepatitis E plays a role in graft hepatitis after liver transplantation in a low endemic area. Two hundred twenty-six liver transplant recipients, 129 nontransplanted patients with chronic liver disease, and 108 healthy controls were tested for HEV antibodies. HEV RNA was investigated in all sera from transplanted patients. HEV antibodies were detected in 1 healthy control (1%), 4 patients with chronic liver disease (3%), and 10 liver transplant recipients (4%). Three liver transplant patients also tested positive for HEV RNA. Two of them developed persistent viremia with HEV genotype 3. The patients were anti-HEV immunoglobulin G,negative and HEV RNA,negative before transplantation and had an episode of acute hepatitis 5 or 7 months after transplantation, which led to advanced liver fibrosis after 22 months in 1 patient. Seroconversion to anti-HEV occurred not before 4 months after the first detection of HEV RNA. The possibility of reverse zoonotic transmission was experimentally confirmed by the infection of 5 pigs with a patient's serum. The pigs showed histological inflammation in the liver, and HEV RNA was detectable in different organs, including muscle. In conclusion, the prevalence of HEV infection in Central European liver transplant recipients is low; however, chronic hepatitis E may occur and needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of graft hepatitis. The diagnosis of HEV infection should be based on HEV RNA determination in immunosuppressed patients. We suggest that immunocompromised individuals should avoid eating uncooked meat and contact with possibly HEV-infected animals. Liver Transpl 16:74,82, 2010. © 2009 AASLD. [source] Referred Pain Elicited by Manual Exploration of the Lateral Rectus Muscle in Chronic Tension-Type HeadachePAIN MEDICINE, Issue 1 2009César Fernández-de-las-Peñas PT ABSTRACT Objective., To analyze the presence of referred pain elicited by manual examination of the lateral rectus muscle in patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). Design., A case-control blinded study. Setting., It has been found previously that the manual examination of the superior oblique muscle can elicit referred pain to the head in some patients with migraine or tension-type headache. However, a referred pain from other extraocular muscles has not been investigated. Methods., Fifteen patients with CTTH and 15 healthy subjects without headache history were included. A blinded assessor performed a manual examination focused on the search for myofascial trigger points (TrPs) in the right and left lateral rectus muscles. TrP diagnosis was made when there was referred pain evoked by maintained pressure on the lateral corner of the orbit (anatomical projection of the lateral rectus muscle) for 20 seconds, and increased referred pain while the subject maintained a medial gaze on the corresponding side (active stretching of the muscle) for 15 seconds. On each side, a 10-point numerical pain rate scale was used to assess the intensity of referred pain at both stages of the examination. Results., Ten patients with CTTH (66.6%) had referred pain that satisfied TrPs diagnostic criteria, while only one healthy control (0.07%) reported referred pain upon the examination of the lateral rectus muscles (P < 0.001). The elicited referred pain was perceived as a deep ache located at the supraorbital region or the homolateral forehead. Pain was evoked on both sides in all subjects with TrPs, with no difference in pain intensity between the right and the left. The average pain intensity was significantly greater in the patient group (P < 0.001). All CTTH patients with referred pain recognized it as the frontal pain that they usually experienced during their headache attacks, which was consistent with active TrPs. Conclusion., In some patients with CTTH, the manual examination of lateral rectus muscle TrPs elicits a referred pain that extends to the supraorbital region or the homolateral forehead. Nociceptive inputs from the extraocular muscles may sustain the activation of trigeminal neuron, thus sensitizing central pain pathways and exacerbating headache. [source] Increased carbonyl protein level in the stratum corneum of inflammatory skin disorders: A non-invasive approachTHE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2010Ichiro IWAI Abstract The stratum corneum (SC) is the interface of body and environment, and is continuously exposed to oxidative stress, resulting in carbonyl modification of proteins. We have developed a simple and non-invasive method to assess carbonyl protein (CP) level in the SC, applied it to various kinds of skin, and revealed a link between the stratum corneum carbonylated protein (SCCP) level and water content in the SC. The purpose of the present study is to examine the SCCP level in inflammatory skin disorders associated with xerosis. Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and atopic dermatitis (AD) are typical inflammatory skin disorders, of which the stratum corneum shows markedly low water content. SC samples were non-invasively collected from the lesional and non-lesional areas of PV and AD by adhesive tape stripping, and their carbonyl groups were determined by reaction with fluorescein-5-thiosemicarbazide. The average fluorescence intensity of the SC was calculated as SCCP level. Higher SCCP level was observed in the lesional area of PV as compared with non-lesional area or healthy control. Lesional area of AD also exhibited higher SCCP level than corresponding non-lesional area, of which SCCP level was slightly higher than the healthy control. These data suggest the involvement of oxidative modification of the SC protein, at least in part, in generation of xerotic skin in inflammatory skin disorders as well as dry skin in healthy subjects. [source] Glutamate levels and activity of the T cell voltage-gated potassium Kv1.3 channel in patients with systemic lupus erythematosusARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 5 2008C. Poulopoulou Objective Alterations in glutamate homeostasis and Kv1.3 voltage-gated potassium channel function have been independently associated with T cell dysfunction, whereas selective blockade of Kv1.3 channels inhibits T cell activation and improves T cell,mediated manifestations in animal models of autoimmunity. Because low extracellular glutamate concentrations enhance the activity of this channel in normal T cells ex vivo, we undertook this study to examine serum glutamate concentrations and Kv1.3 channel activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We used high-performance liquid chromatography for glutamate measurements, and we used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique for electrophysiologic studies performed in freshly isolated, noncultured peripheral T cells. Results Mean ± SD serum concentrations of glutamate were lower in patients with either clinically quiescent SLE (77 ± 27 ,M [n = 18]) or active SLE (61 ± 36 ,M [n = 16]) than in healthy controls (166 ± 64 ,M [n = 24]) (both P < 0.0001). The intrinsic gating properties of the Kv1.3 channels in lupus T cells were found to be comparable with those in healthy control,derived T cells. Notably, electrophysiologic data from SLE patient,derived T cells exposed to extracellular glutamate concentrations similar to their respective serum levels (50 ,M) demonstrated Kv1.3 current responses enhanced by almost 20% (P < 0.01) compared with those subsequently obtained from the same cell in the presence of glutamate concentrations within control serum levels (200 ,M). Conclusion Based on the key role of Kv1.3 channel activity in lymphocyte physiology, an enhancing in vivo effect of low serum glutamate concentrations on the functional activity of this channel may contribute to lupus T cell hyperactivity. Studies to further elucidate Kv1.3 responses in SLE, as well as the possible pathogenetic role of this unsuspected metabolic abnormality, may have therapeutic implications for SLE patients. [source] Erythropoietin Receptor Is Expressed on Human Peripheral Blood T and B Lymphocytes and Monocytes and Is Modulated by Recombinant Human Erythropoietin TreatmentARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 8 2010Katarzyna A. Lisowska Abstract Erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R) appears on the cell surface in the early stages of erythropoiesis. It has also been found on endothelial cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, suggesting erythropoietin (EPO) role beyond erythropoiesis itself. Earlier reports have shown that treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients improves interleukin-2 production and restores the T lymphocyte function. We decided to investigate possible expression of EPO-R on circulating peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes of CRF patients in order to assess the possibility of rhEPO direct action on these cells. Flow cytometry was used for detection and quantification of EPO-R, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for detection of the EPO receptor mRNA. Our results show for the first time the existence of EPO-R on cell surface of human T and B lymphocytes and monocytes as well as at the transcriptional activity of the EPO-R gene in these cells, both in healthy and CRF individuals. We have also found significant differences between the numbers of EPO-R molecules on T and B lymphocytes of CRF patients not treated and treated with rhEPO and healthy control. Discovery of EPO-R expression on human lymphocytes suggests that EPO is probably able to directly modulate some signaling pathways important for these cells. [source] Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF-C levels as tumor markers in patients with cervical carcinomaCANCER, Issue 4 2005Akira Mitsuhashi M.D. Abstract BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF-C play a crucial role in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis. The current study examined the significance of serum VEGF and VEGF-C levels in relation to conventional clinicopathologic parameters, response to treatment, and survival in patients with cervical carcinoma. METHODS Between December 1999 and March 2004, serum VEGF and VEGF-C levels were analyzed in 78 patients with cervical carcinoma undergoing primary treatment (primary surgery [n = 40] and radiotherapy [n = 38]), as well as in 30 healthy controls. Serum VEGF and VEGF-C levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and within 2 weeks after treatment. RESULTS Serum VEGF and VEGF-C levels were higher in patients with cervical carcinoma than in the healthy control (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0007, respectively). Both VEGF and VEGF-C concentrations increased significantly in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC vs. normal control: P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0001, respectively), but not in adenocarcinoma (vs. normal control: P = 0.2982 and P = 0.7766, respectively). In an analysis of SCC, the pretherapeutic serum levels of VEGF and VEGF-C correlated significantly with advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and large tumor size, but not with lymph node metastasis. The pretherapeutic serum level of VEGF-C also correlated significantly with disease recurrence or persistence after treatment. Both serum VEGF and VEGF-C levels decreased significantly after treatment. CONCLUSIONS The serum levels of both VEGF and VEGF-C have potential usefulness as biologic markers of SCC of the uterine cervix. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society. [source] Susceptibility and reactivity in polysensitized individuals following controlled inductionCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2010Nannie Bangsgaard Background: It is uncertain whether polysensitized patients acquire multiple allergies only because of a high degree of exposure to environmental allergens, or because of being highly susceptible to developing contact allergy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare susceptibility and reactivity in polysensitized and monosensitized individuals, and in healthy controls. Patients/methods: We sensitized 66 adult individuals (21 polysensitized, 22 monosensitized, and 23 healthy controls) with diphenylcyclopropenone and assessed challenge responses with visual scoring and ultrasound. We compared sensitization rates using a chi-square test and logistic regression analyses, and calculated linear regression lines of the elicitation responses for each individual. The mean values of the slopes and the intercepts for each group were used to measure the strength of the elicitation response, and were compared using the Mann,Whitney test. Results: Sensitization ratio was equal in the three groups: 57% for the polysensitized, 59% for the monosensitized, and 65% for the healthy control group. There was a lowered elicitation threshold in the polysensitized group compared with that in the monosensitized and healthy control groups and, although not statistically significant, a stronger elicitation response was observed in the polysensitized group. Conclusion: Increased reactivity was found in the polysensitized group, demonstrated by a lowered elicitation threshold, compared with that in the monosensitized and healthy control groups. [source] Lipids and skin barrier function , a clinical perspectiveCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2008Jakob Mutanu Jungersted The stratum corneum (SC) protects us from dehydration and external dangers. Much is known about the morphology of the SC and penetration of drugs through it, but the data are mainly derived from in vitro and animal experiments. In contrast, only a few studies have the human SC lipids as their focus and in particular, the role of barrier function in the pathogenesis of skin disease and its subsequent treatment protocols. The 3 major lipids in the SC of importance are ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol. Human studies comparing levels of the major SC lipids in patients with atopic dermatitis and healthy controls have suggested a possible role for ceramide 1 and to some extent ceramide 3 in the pathogenesis of the disease. Therapies used in diseases involving barrier disruption have been sparely investigated from a lipid perspective. It has been suggested that ultraviolet light as a treatment increases the amount of all 3 major SC lipids, while topical glucocorticoids may lead to a decrease. Such effects may influence the clinical outcome of treatment in diseases with impaired barrier function. We have, therefore, conducted a review of the literature on SC lipids from a clinical perspective. It may be concluded that the number of human studies is very limited, and in the perspective of how important diseases of impaired barrier function are in dermatology, further research is needed. [source] Regulation of nickel-induced T-cell responsiveness by CD4+CD25+cells in contact allergic patients and healthy individualsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 2 2005H. Moed In this study, we investigated the capacity of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells to suppress nickel-specific effector T cells, both in nickel-allergic patients and healthy controls. CD4+ cells isolated from allergic patients showed an increased proliferative response to nickel, whereas CD4+ cells from negative controls did not respond to allergen. When CD4+CD25+ cells were depleted, nickel-specific responsiveness was strongly increased both in allergic and in non-allergic individuals, with the most pronounced effect in allergic patients. These regulatory T cells were anergic to nickel but inhibited nickel-specific CD4+CD25, effector T cells in coculture experiments. CD4+CD25+ cells from nickel-allergic patients showed only a limited capacity to suppress effector T-cell responsiveness, because an increased nickel reactivity could still be detected in these cocultures. None of the isolated CD4+CD25+ cells, either isolated from healthy controls or allergic patients, produced IL-10 in response to nickel. Overall, these results support the view that CD4+CD25+ cells can control the activation of nickel-specific effector T cells in non-allergic individuals, whereas this regulatory capacity is impaired in allergic patients. To investigate the presence of allergen-specific regulatory T cells in truly naïve, non-sensitized individuals, T-cell reactivity should also be studied with non-environmental contact allergens, such as para-phenylenediamine. [source] Indirect evidence for increased mechanosensitivity of jejunal secretomotor neurones in patients with idiopathic bile acid malabsorptionACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2009A. Bajor Abstract Aim:, The interdigestive motor rhythm, the migrating motor complex (MMC), is accompanied by active secretion of chloride during periods of distally propagating maximal motor activity (MMC phase III). We studied the behaviour of this system in bile acid malabsorption (BAM), a relative common cause of chronic diarrhoea. We measured motor activity and transmucosal potential difference (PD, reflecting active chloride secretion), in the proximal jejunum in healthy controls (n = 18) and in a group of patients with BAM (n = 11). The phase III-generated voltage was related to the degree of BAM quantified by the 75SeHCAT test. Methods:, We used a multi-channel intestinal infusion system to simultaneously measure jejunal pressure and PD. Saline passing calomel half-cells was infused into the jejunum and subcutaneously. Pressure and PD were recorded in the fasting state and after a test meal. Results:, In the absence of motor activity, jejunal PD was not significantly different from zero in either group. During MMC phase III, PD reached significantly higher mean and peak levels in BAM patients. The product of MMC phase III length multiplied by voltage, over 3 h, was also significantly higher in BAM patients (controls: median 307 mV × cm, range 70,398; BAM: median 511, range 274,2271, P < 0.01). This value was also significantly correlated with the degree of BAM as reflected by the 75SeHCAT test (P < 0.05). Conclusion:, Phase III induced jejunal secretion may be upregulated in BAM patients, resulting in overload of colonic reabsorption capacity. [source] Impaired oxygen kinetics in beta-thalassaemia major patientsACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2009I. Vasileiadis Abstract Aim:, Beta-thalassaemia major (TM) affects oxygen flow and utilization and reduces patients' exercise capacity. The aim of this study was to assess phase I and phase II oxygen kinetics during submaximal exercise test in thalassaemics and make possible considerations about the pathophysiology of the energy-producing mechanisms and their expected exercise limitation. Methods:, Twelve TM patients with no clinical evidence of cardiac or respiratory disease and 10 healthy subjects performed incremental, symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and submaximal, constant workload CPET. Oxygen uptake (Vo2), carbon dioxide output and ventilation were measured breath-by-breath. Results:, Peak Vo2 was reduced in TM patients (22.3 ± 7.4 vs. 28.8 ± 4.8 mL kg,1 min,1, P < 0.05) as was anaerobic threshold (13.1 ± 2.7 vs. 17.4 ± 2.6 mL kg,1 min,1, P = 0.002). There was no difference in oxygen cost of work at peak exercise (11.7 ± 1.9 vs. 12.6 ± 1.9 mL min,1 W,1 for patients and controls respectively, P = ns). Phase I duration was similar in TM patients and controls (24.6 ± 7.3 vs. 23.3 ± 6.6 s respectively, P = ns) whereas phase II time constant in patients was significantly prolonged (42.8 ± 12.0 vs. 32.0 ± 9.8 s, P < 0.05). Conclusion:, TM patients present prolonged phase II on-transient oxygen kinetics during submaximal, constant workload exercise, compared with healthy controls, possibly suggesting a slower rate of high energy phosphate production and utilization and reduced oxidative capacity of myocytes; the latter could also account for their significantly limited exercise tolerance. [source] CD203c-based basophil activation test in allergy diagnosis: Characteristics and differences to CD63 upregulation,CYTOMETRY, Issue 5 2010Eva M. Sturm Abstract Background: The basophil activation test (BAT) based on CD203c upregulation has been validated as a reliable tool for the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergies. Nevertheless, CD203c-based BAT is hardly comparable with that of CD63-based tests, as the mechanisms of CD203c versus CD63 induction differ considerably. The aim of the present study was to identify potent influencing factors of the CD203c-based BAT and to emphasize differences between CD63 and CD203c detection. Methods: CD203c-based BAT was determined in 82 healthy controls and in 79 allergic patients. The effects of interleukin (IL)-3 and degranulation enhancing substances were investigated and compared with CD63 upregulation. Furthermore, the influence of different storage conditions and incubation times was evaluated and the impact of antiallergic drugs on the test results was assessed. Results: CD203c and CD63 expression was rapidly upregulated reaching a maximum after 20,30 min. Basophil CD203c upregulation assayed after storage times up to 48 h declined already after 4 h. IL-3 treatment increased CD203c and CD63 baseline levels and decreased basophil CD203c responses in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, cytochalasin B and latrunculin B did not affect CD203c responses but decreased CD63-based BAT. Finally, therapeutic concentrations of dimetindene and desloratadine did not affect CD203c upregulation. Conclusion: CD203c-based basophil activation test should be performed preferentially within 4 h after taking the blood samples. Priming and degranulation-enhancing factors are not required for CD203c-based BAT. In contrast to skin testing, CD203c-based BAT can be performed in patients undergoing antiallergic treatment. © 2010 International Clinical Cytometry Society [source] Simultaneous flow cytometric detection of basophil activation marker CD63 and intracellular phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in birch pollen allergy,CYTOMETRY, Issue 1 2009Nicolaas E. Aerts Abstract Background: Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK is a crucial step in IgE-receptor signaling in basophils. The relation of p38 MAPK to the well-validated diagnostic cell surface marker CD63 has not been evaluated in a clinical allergy model. Methods: Expression of CD63 and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK were analyzed flow cytometrically in anti-IgE-gated basophils from 18 birch pollen allergic patients, five grass pollen allergic patients, and five healthy individuals, after 3 and 20 min of stimulation with recombinant major birch pollen allergen (rBet v 1). Additional time points and the influence of p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 were studied in birch pollen allergic patients. Results: Phospho-p38 MAPK and CD63 were expressed dose-dependently in birch pollen allergic patient basophils within 1 minute of rBet v 1 stimulation. P38 MAPK phosphorylation was fastest and subsided gradually while CD63 expression remained elevated for at least 20 min. Inhibition of p38 MAPK significantly inhibited CD63 upregulation. With optimal stimulation of the cells (1 ,g/mL), sensitivity and specificity for the discrimination between patients and a group of control individuals (grass pollen allergic patients and healthy controls) were 94% and 100% for CD63 at 3 and 20 min and for phospho-p38 MAPK at 3 min. Conclusion: Antigen-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation in human basophils essentially contributes to CD63 upregulation. It is a sensitive and specific intracellular marker for allergy diagnosis and offers new insight into the mechanisms of basophil activation. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society [source] Effects of C-peptide on forearm blood flow and brachial artery dilatation in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitusACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2001E. Fernqvist-Forbes Recent studies suggest that C-peptide increases blood flow in both exercising and resting forearm in patients with type 1 diabetes. Now we have studied the effect of C-peptide administration on endothelial-mediated and non-endothelial-mediated arterial responses as well as central haemodynamics in 10 patients with type 1 diabetes in a placebo-controlled double-blind study. Euglycaemia was maintained with an i.v. insulin infusion before and during the study. A high-resolution ultrasound technique and Doppler echocardiography were used to assess haemodynamic functions. Brachial artery blood flow and brachial artery diameter were measured in the basal state, 1 and 10 min after reactive hyperaemia and 4 min after sublingual glyceryl trinitrate administration (GTN; endothelial-independent vasodilatation), both before and after the end of 60-min C-peptide (6 pmol kg,1 min,1) or saline infusion periods. Echocardiographic measurements were also performed before and at the end of the infusion periods. Seven healthy age-matched males served as controls for vascular studies. The patients showed a blunted brachial dilatation after reactive hyperaemia in comparison with the healthy controls (2.1 ± 0.5% vs. 9.3 ± 0.3%, P < 0.001), indicating a disturbed endothelial function. C-peptide infusion compared with saline resulted in increased basal blood flow (33 ± 6%, P < 0.001) and brachial arterial dilatation (4 ± 1%, P < 0.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction seemed to be improved (5 ± 2%, P < 0.05) at the end of C-peptide infusion compared with placebo. The vascular response to reactive hyperaemia and GTN was not affected by C-peptide infusion. Our results demonstrate that physiological concentrations of C-peptide increase resting forearm blood flow, brachial artery diameter and left ventricular systolic function in patients with type 1 diabetes. [source] Objective measurement of motor activity during cognitive performance in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010S. Lis Lis S, Baer N, Stein-en-Nosse C, Gallhofer B, Sammer G, Kirsch P. Objective measurement of motor activity during cognitive performance in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Objective:, This study investigates whether hyperactivity, i.e. an increased level of motor activity, can be observed in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method:, An infrared motion-tracking system was used to measure motor activity in 20 unmedicated adults with ADHD and 20 matched healthy controls (HC) during a 1-back working memory task. Results:, Motor activity was higher in ADHD. It increased with the duration of testing and co-varied with cognitive performance in ADHD only. Subjective and objective measurements of motor activity were related in HC, but not in ADHD. Conclusion:, Higher levels of motor activity in ADHD are objectively measurable not only in children, but in adults as well. It is linked to cognitive performance arguing against distinguishable diagnostic subtypes. The objective measurement of motor activity seems to extend the description of ADHD symptoms derived from rating scales and might thus help to bridge the gap between psychopathological symptom description and neurobiological alterations. [source] Dopamine release in ventral striatum of pathological gamblers losing moneyACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010J. Linnet Linnet J, Peterson E, Doudet DJ, Gjedde A, Møller A. Dopamine release in ventral striatum of pathological gamblers losing money. Objective:, To investigate dopaminergic neurotransmission in relation to monetary reward and punishment in pathological gambling. Pathological gamblers (PG) often continue gambling despite losses, known as ,chasing one's losses'. We therefore hypothesized that losing money would be associated with increased dopamine release in the ventral striatum of PG compared with healthy controls (HC). Method:, We used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with [11C]raclopride to measure dopamine release in the ventral striatum of 16 PG and 15 HC playing the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Results:, PG who lost money had significantly increased dopamine release in the left ventral striatum compared with HC. PG and HC who won money did not differ in dopamine release. Conclusion:, Our findings suggest a dopaminergic basis of monetary losses in pathological gambling, which might explain loss-chasing behavior. The findings may have implications for the understanding of dopamine dysfunctions and impaired decision-making in pathological gambling and substance-related addictions. [source] Facial emotion recognition and alexithymia in adults with somatoform disordersDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 1 2009Francisco Pedrosa Gil M.D. Abstract Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate facial emotion recognition in patients with somatoform disorders (SFD). Also of interest was the extent to which concurrent alexithymia contributed to any changes in emotion recognition accuracy. Methods: Twenty patients with SFD and twenty healthy, age, sex and education matched, controls were assessed with the Facially Expressed Emotion Labelling Test of facial emotion recognition and the 26-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-26). Results: Patients with SFD exhibited elevated alexithymia symptoms relative to healthy controls. Patients with SFD also recognized significantly fewer emotional expressions than did the healthy controls. However, the group difference in emotion recognition accuracy became nonsignificant once the influence of alexithymia was controlled for statistically. Conclusions: This suggests that the deficit in facial emotion recognition observed in the patients with SFD was most likely a consequence of concurrent alexithymia. Impaired facial emotion recognition observed in the patients with SFD could plausibly have a negative influence on these individuals' social functioning. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Facial emotion recognition and alexithymia in adults with somatoform disordersDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 11 2008Francisco Pedrosa Gil M.D. Abstract The primary aim of this study was to investigate facial emotion recognition (FER) in patients with somatoform disorders (SFD). Also of interest was the extent to which concurrent alexithymia contributed to any changes in emotion recognition accuracy. Twenty patients with SFD and 20 healthy, age, sex and education matched, controls were assessed with the Facially Expressed Emotion Labelling Test of FER and the 26-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Patients with SFD exhibited elevated alexithymia symptoms relative to healthy controls. Patients with SFD also recognized significantly fewer emotional expressions than did the healthy controls. However, the group difference in emotion recognition accuracy became nonsignificant once the influence of alexithymia was controlled for statistics. This suggests that the deficit in FER observed in the patients with SFD was most likely a consequence of concurrent alexithymia. It should be noted that neither depression nor anxiety was significantly related to emotion recognition accuracy, suggesting that these variables did not contribute the emotion recognition deficit. Impaired FER observed in the patients with SFD could plausibly have a negative influence on these individuals' social functioning. Depression and Anxiety, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||