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Possible Correlation (possible + correlation)
Selected AbstractsPlasma Agouti-Related Protein Level: A Possible Correlation with Fasted and Fed States in Humans and RatsJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 8 2002C.-P. Shen Abstract We measured plasma concentrations of agouti-related protein (AGRP) in humans and rats and determined whether these were affected by ingestion of a meal after fasting. In 17 healthy human subjects, the mean plasma concentration of AGRP was lower in the fed state than in the fasted state. Two hours after a breakfast meal, AGRP levels dropped by 39%. By contrast, a continued fast for 2 h increased the average AGRP concentration by 73%. In rats with diet-induced obesity, refeeding resulted in a 50% decrease in plasma AGRP concentrations following a fasting-refeeding protocol. Our results support the notion that plasma AGRP may serve as a biomarker for the transition from a fasted to the satiated state. [source] Clinical significance of pre-S mutations in patients with genotype C hepatitis B virus infectionJOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 3 2007M. S. Choi Summary., We investigated the overall and site-specific prevalence of pre-S mutations and its clinical significance in patients with genotype C hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Three hundred subjects were included: 50 asymptomatic carriers (AC), 87 chronic hepatitis (CH), 91 liver cirrhosis (LC) and 72 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Pre-S mutations were determined by nucleotide sequence analysis. Possible correlations between pre-S mutations and clinical/virological parameters were examined. Pre-S mutations were detected in 82 cases (27.3%); it was more frequently found in HCC (43.1%) and LC (35.2%) group than in the CH (20.7%) and AC (2.0%) group. Pre-S2 deletion was the most commonly found mutation (10.7%), followed by pre-S2 start codon mutation (9.7%), pre-S1,S2 deletion (3.0%) and both pre-S2 deletion and start codon mutation (2.7%). Pre-S2 deletion and pre-S2 start codon mutation were more frequently detected in advanced diseases (LC and HCC). Pre-S mutations were associated with older age and higher rates of positive HBV DNA (,0.5 pg/mL). Advanced disease and positive HBV DNA were shown to be independent predictors of pre-S mutations by logistic regression analysis. These findings suggest that pre-S mutations, especially pre-S2 deletions and pre-S2 start codon mutations, are common in patients with genotype C HBV infection and are associated with advanced liver disease and active viral replication. [source] DNA damage and TNF, cytokine production in hairdressers with contact dermatitisCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2005Delia Cavallo The present work was undertaken to study in hairdressers exposed to several irritants and allergens (prevalently hair-dyeing) and affected by hand contact dermatitis the possible correlation between exposure and direct-oxidative DNA damage, production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF,) and allergic inflammatory disease. We evaluated in 19 hairdressers with hand contact dermatitis, 14 allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and 5 irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and in a selected control group TNF, serum levels by ELISA and direct-oxidative DNA damage by Fpg (formamido-pyrimidine-glycosylase)-modified Comet test on blood. Hairdressers were divided on the basis of number of hair-dyeing carried out weekly into 2 groups: low-exposure (<60 hair-dyeing/week) and high-exposure hairdressers (,60 hair-dyeing/week) that reflect also the exposure to other allergens and irritants and 2 different tasks (hairdressers and apprentice hairdressers, respectively). Serum levels of TNF, in hairdressers with ACD were significantly higher than controls with a correlation to exposure level. Significant DNA damage in ICD hairdressers with higher exposure as compared to controls was found. These findings suggest that occupational exposure can induce in hairdressers, particularly ICD, DNA damage, increase the TNFa levels particularly in ACD and induce allergic sensitization, suggesting a relationship between direct-oxidative DNA damage, TNF, production and allergic inflammatory disease. [source] Histological and Clinical Findings in Different Surgical Strategies for Focal Axillary HyperhidrosisDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 8 2008FALK G. BECHARA MD INTRODUCTION Although a variety of different surgical strategies for focal axillary hyperhidrosis (FAH) have proven effective, little is known of intraoperative and postoperative histologies of different surgical methods. OBJECTIVE The objective was to use pre-, intra-, and postoperative histologic findings to evaluate different surgical procedures for FAH in establishing a possible correlation between the interventions and clinical outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 40 patients underwent surgery with 15 undergoing liposuction-curettage (LC), 14 radical skin excision (RSE) with Y-plasty closure, and 11 a skin-sparing technique (SST). Before surgery, density and ratio of eccrine and apocrine sweat glands were evaluated with routine histology. Further biopsies were taken directly after surgery in the RSE and SST groups and 1 year postoperatively in all patients. Additionally, gravimetry was performed, side effects were documented, and patients were asked to evaluate the aesthetic outcome of the surgical method by using an analogue scale. RESULTS Preoperatively, the mean density of eccrine glands was 11.1/cm2 compared to 16.9/cm2 apocrine glands (apocrine/eccrine ratio, 1.6). Biopsy specimen directly after surgery showed remaining sweat glands in 7/15 (46.7%) LC patients and in 4/11 (36.4%) of the SST patients. One year after surgery, sweat gland density was significantly reduced in the LC (79.1%) and the SST (74.9%) groups. In the RSE group, only scar formation was present. Gravimetry showed significantly reduced sweat rates 12 months after surgery in all groups (LC, 66.4%; SST, 62.9%; RSE, 65.3% [p<.05]). Most frequent side effects were hematoma (LC, n=3; SST, n=2; RSE, n=3), subcutaneous fibrotic bridles (LC, n=8; SST, n=3; RSE, n=0), skin erosion (LC, n=3; SST, n=4; RSE, n=0), focal hair loss (LC, n=9; SST, n=11; RSE, n=14), and paresthesia (LC, n=4; SST, n=3; RSE, n=5). CONCLUSION Histologic distribution and density of sweat glands were comparable to previous studies. All three surgical procedures evaluated are effective in the treatment of FAH. RSE and SST techniques are associated with a higher risk of side effects and cause more extensive scarring. However, one LC patient (n=1; 6.7%) did not respond to treatment. [source] The potential of cinnamon to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistanceDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 12 2009S. Kirkham Aim: Cinnamon has a long history as an antidiabetic spice, but trials involving cinnamon supplementation have produced contrasting results. The aim of this review was to examine the results of randomized controlled clinical trials of cinnamon and evaluate the therapeutic potential amongst patients with diabetes and insulin-resistant patients, particularly the ability to reduce blood glucose levels and inhibit protein glycation. Methods: A systematic electronic literature search using the medical subject headings ,cinnamon' and ,blood glucose' was carried out to include randomized, placebo-controlled in vivo clinical trials using Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia conducted between January 2003 and July 2008. Results: Five type 2 diabetic and three non-diabetic studies (total N = 311) were eligible. Two of the diabetic studies illustrated significant fasting blood glucose (FBG) reductions of 18,29% and 10.3% (p < 0.05), supported by one non-diabetic trial reporting an 8.4% FBG reduction (p < 0.01) vs. placebo, and another illustrating significant reductions in glucose response using oral glucose tolerance tests (p < 0.05). Three diabetic studies reported no significant results. Conclusions: Whilst definitive conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the use of cinnamon as an antidiabetic therapy, it does possess antihyperglycaemic properties and potential to reduce postprandial blood glucose levels. Further research is required to confirm a possible correlation between baseline FBG and blood glucose reduction and to assess the potential to reduce pathogenic diabetic complications with cinnamon supplementation. [source] Intralesional bovine papillomavirus DNA loads reflect severity of equine sarcoid diseaseEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2010R. HARALAMBUS Summary Reasons for performing study: Sarcoids are nonmetastasising, yet locally aggressive skin tumours that constitute the most frequent neoplasm in equids. Infection by bovine papillomaviruses types 1 and 2 (BPV-1, BPV-2) has been recognised as major causative factor in sarcoid pathogenesis, but a possible correlation of intralesional virus load with disease severity has not been established thus far. Hypothesis: Given the pathogenic role of BPV-1 and BPV-2 in sarcoid disease, we suggest that intralesional viral DNA concentration may reflect the degree of affection. Methods: Severity of disease was addressed by recording the tumour growth kinetics, lesion number and tumour type for 37 sarcoid-bearing horses and one donkey. Viral load was estimated via quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) of the E2, E5, L1 and L2 genes from the BPV-1/-2 genome for one randomly selected lesion per horse and correlated with disease severity. Results: Quantitative PCR against E2 identified viral DNA concentrations ranging from 0,556 copies/tumour cell. Of 16 horses affected by quiescent, slowly growing single tumours or multiple mild-type lesions, 15 showed a viral load up to 1.4 copies per cell. In stark contrast, all equids (22/22) bearing rapidly growing and/or multiple aggressive sarcoids had a viral load between 3 and 569 copies per cell. Consistent results were obtained with qPCR against E5, L1 and L2. Conclusions: While tumours of the same clinical type carried variable virus load, confirming that viral titre does not determine clinical appearance, we identified a highly significant correlation between intralesional viral load and disease severity. Potential relevance: The rapid determination of BPV viral load will give a reliable marker for disease severity and may also be considered when establishing a therapeutic strategy. [source] Multiple myeloma in elderly patients: prognostic factors and outcomeEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Athanasios Anagnostopoulos Abstract:,Objectives:,Purpose of this study was to compare prognostic factors and outcome of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) aged >70 yr at diagnosis with those of younger patients. We also applied the recently proposed International Staging System (ISS) for MM in these patients. Patients and methods:,Among 1,162 newly diagnosed, symptomatic MM patients included in our database, 357 (31%) were >70 yr of age. Clinical and laboratory variables were evaluated in patients >70 yr and in younger patients and were assessed for possible correlation with survival in patients >70 yr of age. Results:,Most clinical and laboratory features were similar in the two groups of patients but older patients presented more frequently with advanced ISS (P = 0.02). Despite similar response rates to primary treatment, younger patients survived longer than patients >70 yr of age (40 vs. 28 months, P = 0.001). There was a longer survival of younger patients than that of older patients diagnosed with ISS stage 1 (median 71 vs. 54 months, P = 0.007) and ISS stage-2 patients (median: 38 vs. 26 months, P = 0.0008) but for patients with ISS stage 3 median survival was similarly poor in the younger and older age group (21 and 20 months, P = 0.283). Other variables associated with impaired prognosis were severe anemia, extensive bone marrow plasmacytosis and elevated serum LDH. Conclusions:,Older patients with MM present more often with advanced ISS and have significantly shorter survival than younger patients. The ISS retained its prognostic significance within the group of elderly patients. [source] Measuring fatigue in patients with Parkinson's disease , the Fatigue Severity ScaleEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 6 2002K. Herlofson The objective was to compare the prevalence and severity of fatigue in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with that in two control groups, one consisting of randomly chosen control subjects of the same age and sex distribution and the other consisting of patients with coxarthrosis waiting to receive total hip replacement. We also explored the possible correlation of demographic and clinical data to the presence and severity of fatigue. Sixty-six patients with PD, 131 randomly chosen controls and 79 patients with coxarthrosis, waiting to receive total hip replacement, were evaluated for fatigue. Patients and controls with a depressive mood disorder or cognitive impairment had been excluded from the study. Fatigue was measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). For the patients with PD the mean total FSS score was 4.1, compared with 2.7 amongst the randomly chosen control group and 2.9 in the group consisting of patients with coxarthrosis. Fifty per cent of the patients with PD had a mean total FSS score of 4 or higher, compared with 25% in both of the two control groups. There was no correlation between pain, presence of self-reported nocturnal sleep disorders or duration of PD and fatigue. The patients with fatigue did have a more advanced disease, measured both by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score and Hoehn and Yahr stage. Although the univariate analyses indicated that more severe parkinsonism was correlated to the symptom, the multivariate analysis showed that none of the studied variables were significant explanatory factors for fatigue. Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with PD without depression or dementia. The study indicates that fatigue is an independent symptom of the disease without relation to other motor or non-motor symptoms. [source] Effects of aluminum on activity of Krebs cycle enzymes and glutamate dehydrogenase in rat brain homogenateFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 10 2000P. Zatta Aluminum is a neurotoxic agent for animals and humans that has been implicated as an etiological factor in several neurodegenerative diseases and as a destabilizer of cell membranes. Due to its high reactivity, Al3+ is able to interfere with several biological functions, including enzymatic activities in key metabolic pathways. In this paper we report that, among the enzymes that constitute the Krebs cycle, only two are activated by aluminum: ,-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase. In contrast, aconitase, shows decreased activity in the presence of the metal ion. Al3+ also inhibits glutamate dehydrogenase, an allosteric enzyme that is closely linked to the Krebs cycle. A possible correlation between aluminum, the Krebs cycle and aging processes is discussed. [source] Decreased virulence of a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa O12 overexpressing a chromosomal type 1 ,-lactamase could be due to reduced expression of cell-to-cell signaling dependent virulence factorsFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2000Françoise Ramisse Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a large variety of virulence factors and is characterized by its capacity to rapidly develop resistance when exposed to antibiotics. In order to evaluate a possible correlation between acquired resistance to antibiotics and virulence, we examined the virulence of four isogenic variants of P. aeruginosa O12 that differ in their resistance phenotypes to various ,-lactam antibiotics in a mouse model of acute pneumonia. Strains overproducing a chromosomal type 1 ,-lactamase were less virulent in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed animals. Whereas the production of the exopolysaccharide alginate was similar between the four strains, extracellular virulence factors (elastase, rhamnolipid) that are controlled by the cell-to-cell signaling system circuit were detected in reduced amounts in the supernatant of the two isolates overproducing type 1 ,-lactamase. These results suggest that strains overexpressing the chromosomal type 1 ,-lactamase could be less virulent because of a reduction of cell-to-cell signaling dependent virulence factor production. [source] Effect of systemic hormonal cyclicity on skinINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 1 2006N. Muizzuddin Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can cause changes in body systems other than the reproductive system. We conducted several studies to determine a possible correlation between phases of the menstrual cycle and specific skin properties. Healthy Caucasian women (ages 21,48), who had a typical 26,29 day menstrual cycle, participated in the studies. Measurements of skin barrier strength, dryness, response to lactic acid stinging, skin surface lipids, and microflora were obtained every week for 2 to 3 months. Ultraviolet B (UV-B) susceptibility in terms of minimal erythemal dose was also studied. The skin barrier was the weakest between days 22 and 26 of the cycle. Elevated neuronal response (lactic acid sting) was not observed to vary much with the cycle. Skin was driest between day 1 and day 6, while skin surface lipid secretion appeared to be highest on days 16,20 of the hormonal cycle. The highest microbial count was around days 16,22, and there was a high UV-B susceptibility between days 20 and 28 of the menstrual cycle. [source] A modified Ising model for the thermodynamic properties of local and global protein folding,unfolding observed by circular dichroism and small-angle X-ray scatteringJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 2007Ying-Jen Shiu Based on the mean-field approximation, we have applied a modified Ising model to describe general protein unfolding behavior at thermodynamic equilibrium with the free energy contributed by the subgroup units (amino acids or peptide bonds) of the protein. With the thermodynamic properties of the protein, this model can associate the stepwise change of an unfolding fraction ratio profile with the local and global conformation unfolding. Taking cytochrome c (cyt c) as a model protein, we have observed, using small-angle X-ray scattering and circular dichroism (CD), the global and local structure changes for the protein in three kinds of denaturant environments: acid, urea and guanidine hydrochloride. The small-angle X-ray scattering and CD results are mapped to the unfolding fractions as a function of the pH value or denaturant concentration, from which we have extracted local and global unfolding free energies of cyt c in different denaturant environments using a modified Ising model. Based on the characteristics of the thermodynamic properties deduced from the local and global protein folding,unfolding, we discuss the thermodynamic stabilities of the protein in the three denaturant environments, and the possible correlation between the global conformation change of the protein and the local unfolding activities of the S,Fe bond in the Met80-heme and the ,-helices. [source] Role of selenium in heart lesions produced by neuroleptics in the rabbitJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2008F. Vaillant Abstract Organic and/or functional heart lesions sometimes resulting in sudden death have been described in psychiatric patients treated with neuroleptics. As selenium has been suggested previously to play a role in the development of such lesions, the present study was undertaken to determine whether a correlation could be found between heart lesions induced by neuroleptics and changes in blood selenium as well as myocardial tissue concentrations in the rabbit. Twelve NZW adult rabbits were treated intramuscularly with both levomepromazine (3 mg kg,1 day,1) and risperidone (1 mg kg,1 once every other week) for 3 months, and compared with 12 saline-treated controls. Blood samples were drawn before and at the end of the study. Tissue samples from the heart, liver and kidneys were obtained at the end of treatment, and the hearts were examined histologically. Heart lesions including disorganization of cardiac fibers, myolysis, interstitial and endocardial fibrosis, and necrosis were noted in treated animals, but not in controls. There was a 20% decrease in selenium blood levels and a 50% decrease in selenium myocardial tissue levels in treated animals compared with controls (P < 0.001). In contrast, no differences in selenium levels in liver and kidneys were found across the experimental groups. These results suggest a possible correlation between selenium depletion and neuroleptics-induced heart lesions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Correlation Between Atrial ZnT-1 Expression and Atrial Fibrillation in Humans: A Pilot StudyJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Ph.D. , YORAM ETZION M.D. Background: Until recently, the membrane protein ZnT-1 was studied mainly in the context of zinc homeostasis. However, new findings indicate that it acts as an inhibitor of L-type calcium channels. We recently found that acute rapid pacing of the rat atria in vivo augments the expression of ZnT-1, while knockdown of ZnT-1 in culture can oppose the inhibition of L-type calcium channels following rapid pacing. This pilot study, the first to assess cardiac ZnT-1 in humans, was designed to look for possible correlation between the atrial expression of ZnT-1 and atrial fibrillation. Methods: Right atrial appendage tissue was collected from 39 patients (27 with sinus rhythm and 12 with atrial fibrillation; 6-permanent, 6- paroxysmal or persistent) undergoing open-heart surgery. The expression of ZnT-1 was analyzed by Western blot utilizing ,-actin as an internal loading control and a standard rat heart sample (STD) for inter-blot comparison. Results: Overall atrial fibrillation patients (n = 12) had median ZnT-1/,-actin of 1.80 STD (inter-quartile range 1.26 to 2.85) versus 0.73 STD (0.24 to 1.64) in the sinus rhythm group (P = 0.002). No association was found between ZnT-1 level and most other clinical parameters tested. Multivariate analysis determined that atrial fibrillation and increased body mass index were the only independent variables clearly associated with higher ZnT-1 levels (Standardized coefficients Beta = 0.62, 0.31; P = 0.002, P = 0.04, respectively). Conclusions: This pilot study provides evidence for increased ZnT-1 expression in the atria of patients with atrial fibrillation. [source] Evidences of a role for eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) in mouse embryogenesis and cell differentiationJOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Lucas T. Parreiras-e-Silva Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) has a unique character: the presence of an unusual amino acid, hypusine, which is formed by post-translational modifications. Even before the identification of hypusination in eIF5A, the correlation between hypusine formation and protein synthesis, shifting cell proliferation rates, had already been observed. Embryogenesis is a complex process in which cellular proliferation and differentiation are intense. In spite of the fact that many studies have described possible functions for eIF5A, its precise role is under investigation, and to date nothing has been reported about its participation in embryonic development. In this study we show that eIF5A is expressed at all mouse embryonic post-implantation stages with increase in eIF5A mRNA and protein expression levels between embryonic days E10.5 and E13.5. Immunohistochemistry revealed the ubiquitous presence of eIF5A in embryonic tissues and organs at E13.5 day. Interestingly, stronger immunoreactivity to eIF5A was observed in the stomodeum, liver, ectoderm, heart, and eye, and the central nervous system; regions which are known to undergo active differentiation at this stage, suggesting a role of eIF5A in differentiation events. Expression analyses of MyoD, a myogenic transcription factor, revealed a significantly higher expression from day E12.5 on, both at the mRNA and the protein levels suggesting a possible correlation to eIF5A. Accordingly, we next evidenced that inhibiting eIF5A hypusination in mouse myoblast C2C12 cells impairs their differentiation into myotubes and decreases MyoD transcript levels. Those results point to a new functional role for eIF5A, relating it to embryogenesis, development, and cell differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 500,505, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor produces a decrease in IFN, and increase in IL-4 when administrated to healthy donorsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL APHERESIS, Issue 4 2010Octavio Rodríguez-Cortés Abstract Hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT) is the leading curative therapy for a variety of hematological and hereditary diseases; however, graft versus host disease (GVHD), an immunologic phenomenon that is favored by Th1 cytokines and cytotoxic cells from donors, is present frequently and is one of the most important causes of transplant related mortality. Peripheral blood HSCT is the preferred source of stem cells in almost 100% of the cases of autologous HSCT and in 70% of allogeneic transplants. The best mobilizing agent to get the stem cells out from the bone marrow is the Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF). In this work, our main objective was to study a possible correlation between the graft cell dose and the patient's clinical outcome. We evaluated the immunologic changes produced by G-CSF in the lymphocyte and cytokine profiles in allogeneic HSC donors. HSC from twelve donors were mobilized with G-CSF at 16 ,g/kg/day, for 5 days. Basal Peripheral Blood (BPB), Mobilized Peripheral Blood (MPB), and aphaeresis mononuclear cells (G-MNC) samples were taken from all donors. Using flow cytometry, we quantified CD19+, CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, NK, NKT, DC1, and DC2 cells. Cytokines were determined by ELISA in culture supernatants. CD19+ (p = 0.001), DC1 (p < 0.002) and DC2 (p < 0.001) cells were increased in MPB with respect to BPB. An increase in Th2 cytokines such as (IL-4) and a decrease in Th1 cytokines (IFN,, IL-2) were also found in MPB samples. In conclusion, Th1 and Th2 cytokines are relevant in predicting the clinical outcome after allogeneic peripheral blood HSCT. J. Clin. Apheresis 25:181,187, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Should TPMT genotype and activity be used to monitor 6-mercaptopurine treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2007M. Fakhoury PharmD PhD Summary Background and objective: The activity of thiopurine S -methyltransferase (TPMT), a key enzyme in the metabolism of purine analogues, displays wide inter-subject variability partly due to a genetic polymorphism. Previous studies have suggested adjusting purine analogues dosing according to TPMT activity but measurements are costly and time-consuming. It is still unclear, especially under treatment, whether the simpler TPMT genotyping reliably predicts enzyme activity. Our aim was to study the possible correlation of TPMT genotype with phenotype. Methods: We determined the genotypic status and TMPT activity, at diagnosis and after 6 months of maintenance therapy, of 118 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Results and Discussion: Eighty-nine per cent of the children had a homozygous wild-type genotype (group 1), 11% had one or two mutant allele(s) (group 2). At both time points, TPMT activity (U/mL peripheral red blood cell) was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P < 0·001) but inter-group levels overlapped considerably. There was considerable heterogeneity in the percentage increase in TPMT activity after therapy, and little correlation between metabolites ratio [6-methylmercaptopurine derivative/6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN)] and TPMT activity at the end of 6 months' maintenance treatment. These results show that TPMT activity cannot be used as an accurate tool for 6-mercaptopurine monitoring. Conclusion: Genotyping at diagnosis identifies patients with a homozygous mutant TPMT and may prevent severe and life-threatening toxicity. ALL treatment monitoring should preferentially be based on repeated determinations of intracellular active metabolites (6-TGN) and methylated metabolites. [source] The influence of reactivation of the telomerase in tumour tissue on the prognosis of squamous cell carcinomas in the head and neckJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 9 2004S. Koscielny Background:, The reactivation of the telomerase seems to be an important step in the carcinogenesis of most human cancer types. Cell clones, which express this enzyme, get the ability of indefinite proliferation, means become immortal. Methods:, In this study, 80 patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SSC) in oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx were recorded prospectively concerning a possible correlation of telomerase activity and clinical and prognostic factors. Telomerase activity was analysed by a modified telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay. Results:, In 75% of the tumour tissues the telomerase was demonstrated independently of the localization of the tumour. The known clinical prognostic factors did not show any correlation to the expression rate of the telomerase activity in the tumour tissues. Also, reactivated telomerase did not affect the tumour-dependent survival. Only the number of lymph node metastases was in tendency higher in patients with telomerase-positive tumours. The number and timeframe of local and regional recurrences was not influenced by the telomerase status. Conclusions:, Although telomerase seems to be an important part of the carcinogenesis of SCC our data show that the reactivation of telomerase in tumour tissue did not have any prognostic significance for these tumours. The tendency that tumours with active telomerase developed lymph node metastases in a higher number should be evaluated by further enlarged studies for its clinical relevance. [source] Cyclic guanosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity in human gingival carcinomaJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 4 2003Giuseppe Spoto Abstract Background:, Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is an essential second messenger metabolized by phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Objectives:, We looked for a possible correlation of PDE activities in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with and without lymph node metastases. Materials and methods:, The analysis of phosphodiesterase activity and the cGMP assay were done by reverse-phase HPLC on samples of fresh or frozen gingival tissues. Analysis of cGMP was confirmed with the enzyme-linked immunoabsorption assay. Results and conclusions:, cGMP PDE activity was 34.92 ± 7.17 SD, 12.89 ± 4.43 SD, and 35.88 ± 8.76 SD (nmols/mg of protein), respectively, in controls, samples without lymph node involvement (N,), and specimens with lymph node metastases (N+). cGMP values were 1.97 ± 0.63 SD, 3.30 ± 1.47 SD, and 3.49 ± 1.47 SD (nmols/mg of protein). Our data support the hypothesis of a role for cGMP and PDE in the progression of OSCC. [source] Assessment of correlation between computerized tomography values of the bone, and maximum torque and resonance frequency values at dental implant placementJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 12 2006I. TURKYILMAZ summary, The aim of this study was to determine the bone density in the designated implant sites using computerized tomography (CT), the fastening torque values of dental implants, and the implant stability values using resonance frequency analysis. Further aim was to evaluate a possible correlation between bone density, fastening torque and implant stability. Eighty-five patients were treated with 158 Brånemark System implants. CT machine was used for preoperative evaluation of the jawbone for each patient, and bone densities were recorded in Hounsfield units (HU). The fastening torque values of all implants were recorded with the OsseoCare equipment. Implant stability measurements were performed with the Osstell machine. The average bone density and fastening torque values were 751·4 ± 256 HU and 39·7 ± 7 Ncm for 158 implants. The average primary implant stability was 73·2 ± 6 ISQ for seventy implants. Strong correlations were observed between the bone density, fastening torque and implant stability values of Brånemark System TiUnite MKIII implants at implant placement (P < 0·001). These results strengthen the hypothesis that it may be possible to predict and quantify initial implant stability and bone quality from pre-surgical CT diagnosis. [source] Obtaining a thorough sleep history and routinely screening for obstructive sleep apneaJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 4 2008FNP-BC, Jamie Lamm RN Abstract Purpose: To present a clinical case study of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and discuss a potential correlation between OSA, unexplained distal pain symptoms, and pyschoemotional concerns. Data sources: A review of the scientific literature was performed on OSA using the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and MEDLINE. Conclusions: OSA is potentially life threatening and can have serious consequences to a patient's health. Many of the obvious signs of OSA occur at night, and the symptoms of OSA may correspond to a variety of other diseases. Clinicians should recognize a possible correlation between OSA and unexplained distal pain symptoms as well as psychoemotional concerns. These clinically associated conditions may be less apparent but may dramatically affect quality of life. By improving recognition and treatment of OSA, morbidity and mortality can be reduced and quality of life can be improved for patients and their families. Implications for practice: It is imperative that clinicians are attentive and take detailed histories to recognize the clinical signs and symptoms of OSA, paying more attention to the less obvious symptomatology that may be significantly impacting quality of life. [source] Cytokine pattern determines the progression of experimental periodontal disease induced by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans through the modulation of MMPs, RANKL, and their physiological inhibitorsMOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006G. P. Garlet Objective:, Inflammatory and immune reactions raised in response to periodontopathogens are thought to trigger periodontal tissue destruction. We therefore investigated the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the osteoclastogenic factor RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-,B ligand), their respective inhibitors TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases) and OPG (osteoprotegerin) and their possible correlation with the expression of inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in the course of experimental periodontal disease in mice. Methods:, We characterized the time course of leukocyte migration and alveolar bone loss in C57BL/6 mice infected with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RealTime PCR) and ELISA were performed to determine the expression of MMPs, TIMPs, RANKL, OPG and cathepsin K, interleukin-1,, tumor necrosis factor-,, interferon-,, interleukin-12, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 in periodontal tissue samples harvested throughout the course of experimental disease. Results:, Oral inoculation of A. actinomycetemcomitans results in an intense and widespread migration of leukocytes to the gingival tissues, besides marked alveolar bone resorption. Our data also demonstrate two distinct patterns of MMP/TIMP and RANKL/OPG expression in the course of experimental periodontal disease. The expression of MMPs (MMP-1, 2 and 9) and RANKL was correlated with the expression of interleukin-1,, tumor necrosis factor-, and interferon-,, in a time period characterized by the intense increase of inflammatory reaction and alveolar bone loss. On the other hand, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 were associated with higher expression of TIMPs (TIMP 1, 2 and 3) and OPG, with a lower expression of MMPs and RANKL, and with reduced rates of increase of cellular infiltration in periodontal tissues and alveolar bone loss. Conclusions:, It is possible that the pattern of cytokines produced in periodontal tissues determines the progression and the severity of experimental periodontal disease, controlling the breakdown of soft and bone tissues through the balance between MMPs/TIMP and RANKL/OPG expression in gingival tissues. [source] Preoperative erectile function is one predictor for post prostatectomy incontinence,NEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 1 2007S. Wille Abstract Aims The precise etiology of post prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) is not fully understood and risk factors are not yet comprehensively defined. It has been reported that sparing of the neurovascular bundle during prostatectomy improves postoperative erectile function, whereas the influence on urinary control is unclear. From daily clinical experience we made the impression that patients who are in the best shape have better erections and better continence. We therefore searched our database for a possible correlation between the preoperative erectile function and the incidence of PPI. Patients and Methods Four hundred three patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between January 2000 and May 2003 were enrolled into this retrospective study. Data of 327 patients (response rate 81%) at a median follow-up of 26 months were analyzed using the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF 5), the validated Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI6) and a standardized urinary symptom inventory. Continence was defined as usage of no or one pad daily. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) was defined as none/mild or moderate/severe with an IIEF 5 score of 17 or more or less than 17, respectively. Results Univariate and mulitvariate logistic regression analysis including preoperative IIEF 5 scores, age and nerve sparing prostatectomy, identified preoperative erectile function as significant predictor for PPI (P,=,0.024), whereas age (P,=,0.759) and nerve sparing prostatectomy (P,=,0.504) did not predict PPI. Conclusion Erectile function is a predictor of PPI and should be recorded preoperatively. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Correlation between the occurrence of 1H-MRS lipid signal, necrosis and lipid droplets during C6 rat glioma developmentNMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 4 2003Sonja Zoula Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the possible correlation between the 1H MRS mobile lipid signal, necrosis and lipid droplets in C6 rat glioma. First, the occurrence of necrosis and lipid droplets was determined during tumor development, by a histological analysis performed on 34 rats. Neither necrosis nor lipid droplets were observed before 18 days post-implantation. At later stages of development, both necrosis and lipid droplets were apparent, the lipid droplets being mainly located within the necrotic areas. Using a second group of eight rats, a temporal correlation was evidenced between mobile lipid signal detected by in vivo single-voxel one- (136,ms echo time) and two-dimensional J -resolved 1H MR spectroscopy, and the presence of necrosis and lipid droplets on the histological sections obtained from the brains of the same rats. Finally, spatial distribution of the mobile lipid signal was analyzed by chemical-shift imaging performed on a third group of eight animals, at the end of the tumor growth. The spectroscopic image corresponding to the resonance of mobile lipids had its maximum intensity in the center of the tumor where necrotic regions were observed on the histological sections. These necrotic areas contained large amounts of lipid droplets. All these results suggest that mobile lipids detected in vivo by 1H MRS (136,ms echo time) in C6 rat brain glioma arise mainly from lipid droplets located in necrosis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Airway reactivity in children before and after stem cell transplantationPEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 9 2009Lea Bentur MD Abstract Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is associated with pulmonary complications. We encountered several children post-SCT with a clinical picture suggestive of airway hyper-reactivity (AHR) and evidence of reversible airway obstruction that was not reported pre-transplant. We evaluated the possibility of increased AHR as assessed by methacholine challenge test (MCT) following the course of SCT, and assessed a possible correlation between AHR and pulmonary complications. This was a prospective study evaluating consecutive patients referred for SCT to the Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology. Evaluation included pulmonary function test and MCT before and after SCT, and assessment of pulmonary complications. Twenty-one of 33 patients completed the study. The mean PC20 was 14.3,±,4.1 mg/ml prior to SCT; afterward the mean PC20 decreased to 11.2,±,5.6 mg/ml (P,=,0.018). The number of patients with airway reactivity (PC20,,,8 mg/ml) increased from 2/21 patients before SCT to 8/21 patients after SCT (P,=,0.043; McNemar test with Yates correction). Pulmonary complications and hospitalization were recorded in 33.3% of the patients (7/21 patients): 62.5% of the patients (5 patients) with AHR compared to 15.4% (2 patients) in the group without AHR (P,=,0.041; Fisher exact test). There were 10 hospitalizations among the 8 patients with positive MCT compared to 2 hospitalizations in 13 patients with negative MCT (median 1 vs. 0, P,=,0.045; Mann,Whitney U -test). Increased airway reactivity was observed in our study following the course of SCT. Positive MCT after SCT may be associated with increased risk of pulmonary complications. Larger prospective studies are needed to evaluate the possible mechanisms responsible for increased AHR and the clinical importance of these findings. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:845,850. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Correlation between melanogenic and catalase activity in in vitro human melanocytes: a synergic strategy against oxidative stressPIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Vittoria Maresca Summary UV-induced DNA damage can lead to melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Understanding the mechanisms employed by melanocytes to protect against UV is therefore a key issue. In melanocytes, catalase is the main enzyme responsible for degrading hydrogen peroxide and we have previously shown that that low basal levels of catalase activity are associated with the light phototype in in vitro and ex vivo models. Here we investigate the possible correlation between its activity and melanogenesis in primary cultures of human melanocytes. We show that while the total melanin concentration is directly correlated to the level of pigmentation, the more the degree of pigmentation increased, the lower the proportion of pheomelanin present. Moreover, in human melanocytes in vitro, catalase-specific mRNA, protein and enzymatic activity were all directly correlated with total cellular melanin content. We also observed that immediately after a peroxidative treatment, the increase in reactive oxygen species was inversely associated with pigmentation level. Darkly pigmented melanocytes therefore possess two protective strategies represented by melanins and catalase activity that are likely to act synergistically to counteract the deleterious effects of UV radiation. By contrast, lightly pigmented melanocytes possess lower levels of melanogenic and catalase activity and are therefore more susceptible to accumulate damage after UV exposition. [source] The Pigmentation of Human Iris Influences the Uptake and Storing of ZincPIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH, Issue 5 2004Despina Kokkinou Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is more prevalent among the elderly Caucasians than in Africans. A significant association between light iris colour, fundus pigmentation and incidence of AMD is reported, suggesting a possible correlation with melanin pigment. Zinc is known to bind to melanin in pigmented tissues and to enhance antioxidant capacity by function as a cofactor or gene expression factor of antioxidant enzymes in the eye. In this in vitro study, we investigated the uptake and storage of zinc in human irides. Irides of blue and brown human eyes were used. The number of melanocytes was measured. Tissues without any treatment served as controls. The irides were incubated with 100 ,M zinc chloride in culture medium for 24 h. Specimens of the tissues were stored for the uptake examination. The remained pieces were further incubated for 3 and 7 d to investigate the storage of zinc. The concentration of zinc was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Melanocytes count was significantly higher in the brown tissues (P < 0.0001). Zinc concentration of blue coloured irides after 24 h zinc treatment was close to the controls. We did not observe any significant storing. In contrast, the concentration of zinc in brown irides was significantly increased after 24 h (P , 0.01) and remained at a high level for 7 d. The uptake of zinc is likely dependent on the amount of pigmentation in human iris. Therefore, we assume that in patients suffering from AMD the degree of pigmentation of the irides and eventually fundi should be under consideration when the patients are treated with zinc supplementation. [source] A recurrent ITGA9 missense mutation in human fetuses with severe chylothorax: possible correlation with poor response to fetal therapyPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 11 2008Gwo-Chin Ma Abstract Objectives To assess the possible correlations between the reported candidate genes (VEGFR3, FOXC2, ITGA9 and ITGB1) and the clinical response in fetuses with severe congenital chylothorax (CC) treated by prenatal OK-432 pleurodesis. Methods We studied 12 unrelated fetuses with severe CC, receiving fetal therapy by OK-432 pleurodesis. Genotyping of the candidate genes and the clinical parameters of these 12 fetuses were investigated. Additional 96 control individuals were enrolled to evaluate the possible polymorphisms at these candidate genes in population. Results A recurrent heterozygous missense mutation (c.1210G > A, p.G404S) was identified in the beta-propeller domain of integrin ,9 (ITGA9), a cell adhesion receptor, in four of the five fetuses who failed to respond to the OK-432 treatment. Computer modeling of the p.G404S substitution supported the deleterious nature of this mutation. Family analyses in three affected fetuses demonstrated that the heterozygous mutant allele is of parental origin, suggesting an autosomal recessive inheritance of this genetic defect. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first insight into the possible link between ITGA9 and CC in human fetuses. The identification of pathogenetic mutations and their possible link to the clinical responses of particular treatments may contribute to better pregnancy counseling and management. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Understanding the relationship between the primary structure of proteins and its propensity to be soluble on overexpression in Escherichia coliPROTEIN SCIENCE, Issue 3 2005Susan Idicula-Thomas Abstract Solubility of proteins on overexpression in Escherichia coli is a manifestation of the net effect of several sequence-dependent and sequence-independent factors. This study aims to delineate the relationship between the primary structure and solubility on overexpression. The amino acid sequences of proteins reported to be soluble or to form inclusion bodies on overexpression in E. coli under normal growth conditions were analyzed. The results show a positive correlation between thermostability and solubility of proteins, and an inverse correlation between the in vivo half-life of proteins and solubility. The amino acid (Asn, Thr, Tyr) composition and the tripeptide frequency of the protein were also found to influence its solubility on overexpression. The amino acids that were seen to be present in a comparatively higher frequency in inclusion body-forming proteins have a higher sheet propensity, whereas those that are seen more in soluble proteins have a higher helix propensity; this is indicative of a possible correlation between sheet propensity and inclusion body formation. Thus, the present analysis shows that thermostability, in vivo half-life, Asn, Thr, and Tyr content, and tripeptide composition of a protein are correlated to the propensity of a protein to be soluble on overexpression in E. coli. The precise mechanism by which these properties affect the solubility status of the overexpressed protein remains to be understood. [source] Correlation between electroencephalography and heart rate variability during sleepPSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 1 2003MMLSC , Mina Ako MT Abstract It is known that autonomic nervous activities change in correspondence with sleep stages. However, the characteristics of continuous fluctuations in nocturnal autonomic nerve tone have not been clarified in detail. The study aimed to determine the possible correlation between the electroencephalogram (EEG) and autonomic nervous activities, and to clarify in detail the nocturnal fluctuations in autonomic nerve activities. Overnight EEGs and electrocardiograms of seven healthy males were obtained. These EEGs were analyzed by fast Fourier transformation algorithm to extract delta, sigma and beta power. Heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were calculated in consecutive 5-min epochs. The HRV indices of low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and LF/HF ratio were calculated from the spectral analysis of R-R intervals. The sleep stages were manually scored according to Rechtschaffen and Kales' criteria. Low frequency and LF/HF were significantly lower during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) than REM, and were lower in stages 3 and 4 than in stages 1 and 2. Furthermore, delta EEG showed inverse correlations with LF (r = , 0.44, P < 0.001) and LF/HF (r = , 0.41, P < 0.001). In contrast, HF differed neither between REM and NREM nor among NREM sleep stages. Detailed analysis revealed that correlation was evident from the first to third NREM, but not in the fourth and fifth NREM. Delta EEG power showed negative correlations with LF and LF/HF, suggesting that sympathetic nervous activities continuously fluctuate in accordance with sleep deepening and lightening. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||