text: content Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) ABSTRACTS Bonte F., 1994. Influence of asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside on human collagen I synthesis. Bruckdorfer KR., 1995. Increased susceptibility to oxidation of low-densitylipoproteins isolated from patients with systemic sclerosis. DiGiacomo RA., 1989. Fish - oil dietary supplementation in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon: a double-blind, controlled, prospective study. Guseva NG., 1998. [Madecassol treatment of systemic and localized scleroderma]. Herrick AL., 1996. Dietary intake of micronutrient antioxidants in relation to blood levels in patients with systemic sclerosis. Horrobin DF., 1984. Essential fatty acid metabolism in diseases of connective tissue with special reference to scleroderma and to Sjogren's syndrome. Horrobin DF., 1986. Essential fatty acid and prostaglandin metabolism in Sjogren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Klyscz T., 1999. Biomechanical stimulation therapy. A novel physiotherapy method for systemic sclerosis. Krasagakis K., 1998. Management of severe scleroderma with long-term extracorporeal photopheresis. Maquart FX., 1999. Triterpenes from Centella asiatica stimulate extracellular matrix accumulation in rat experimental wounds. Murav'ev IuV., 1989. [The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on the thromboelastographic indices and the microcirculation in patients with rheumatic diseases] Safayhi H., 1992. Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. Serhan CN., 2000. Novel functional sets of lipid-derived mediators with anti-inflammatory actions generated from omega-3 fatty acids via cyclooxygenase 2-nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and transcellular processing. Sommerburg O., 1996. Enhanced lipid peroxidation in systemic scleroderma Widgerow AD., 2000. New innovations in scar management. Zic JA., 1999. The North American experience with photopheresis. SUGGESTED READING. Failli P., 2002. Effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on peroxynitrite and superoxide anion production of lung alveolar macrophages in systemic sclerosis. Kalin R., 2002. Activin, a grape seed-derived proanthocyanidin extract, reduces plasma levels of oxidative stress and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin) in systemic sclerosis. Simonini G., 2000. Emerging potentials for an antioxidant therapy as a new approach to the treatmentof systemic sclerosis. Denton CP., 1999. Probucol improves symptoms and reduces lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. Carossino AM., 1996. Effect of melatonin on normal and sclerodermic skin fibroblast proliferation. Akesson A., 1985. Gastrointestinal function in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. Influence of asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside on human collagen I synthesis. Bonte F, Dumas M, Chaudagne C, Meybeck A. LVMH Recherche, Colombes, France. Planta Med 1994 Apr;60(2):133-5 Asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside, terpenoids with an ursane skeleton, were tested separately and in combination on skin human fibroblast collagen I synthesis in vitro. In the absence of ascorbic acid, the mixture as well as each individual component stimulated collagen I synthesis to a similar extent. In the presence of ascorbic acid, the level of collagen I secretion was higher for each individual component and for the mixture. A comparison of asiaticoside and asiatic acid shows that the sugar moiety of the molecule does not seem to be necessary for this biological activity. Increased susceptibility to oxidation of low-densitylipoproteins isolated from patients with systemic sclerosis. Bruckdorfer KR; Hillary JB; Bunce T; Vancheeswaran R; Black CM Department of Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, England. Arthritis Rheum (United States) Aug 1995, 38 (8) p1060-7 OBJECTIVE. To examine the resistance to oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) compared with healthy controls. METHODS. Plasma LDL were isolated from patients with diffuse cutaneous and limited cutaneous SSc (dcSSc and lcSSc, respectively), patients with primary RP, and healthy control subjects. The lipoproteins were assessed for their resistance to oxidation in the presence of cupric ions, using spectrophotometric assays. RESULTS. LDL from patients with dcSSc and lcSSc were more susceptible to oxidation than were those from healthy control subjects or patients with RP. CONCLUSION. Our findings suggest that free radicals may play a role in the pathology of SSc. Fish - oil dietary supplementation in patients withRaynaud's phenomenon: a double-blind, controlled, prospective study. DiGiacomo RA; Kremer JM; Shah DM Division of Rheumatology, Albany Medical College, New York 12208. Am J Med (United States) Feb 1989, 86 (2) p158-64 PURPOSE: The ingestion of omega -3 fatty acids could benefit patients with Raynaud's phenomenon because, among other effects, these fatty acids induce a favorable vascular response to ischemia. The aim of our study was to investigate, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner, the effects of fish - oil fatty-acid dietary therapy in patients with rheumatic disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with primary or secondary Raynaud's phenomenon were randomly assigned to olive-oil placebo or fish-oil groups. Patients ingested 12 fish-oil capsules daily containing a total of 3.96 g eicosapentaenoic acid and 2.64 g docosahexaenoic acid or 12 olive-oil capsules and were evaluated at baseline and after six, 12, and 17 weeks. All patients ingested olive oil between Weeks 12 to 17. Digital systolic blood pressures and blood flow were measured at room air and water baths of 40 degrees C, 25 degrees C, 15 degrees C, and 10 degrees C using strain gauge plethysmography. Onset of Raynaud's phenomenon was timed with a stop watch and defined as plethysmographic evidence of cessation of blood flow and blood pressure in the study finger. RESULTS: In the fish-oil group, the median time interval before the onset of Raynaud's phenomenon increased from 31.3 +/- 1.3 minutes baseline to 46.5 +/- 2.1 minutes at six weeks (p = 0.04). Patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon ingesting fish oil had the greatest increase in the time interval before the onset of the condition. Five of 11 patients (45.5 percent) with primary Raynaud's phenomenon ingesting fish oil in whom the phenomenon was induced at baseline could not be induced to develop Raynaud's at the six- or 12-week visit compared with one of nine patients (11 percent) with primary Raynaud's ingesting olive oil (p = 0.05). The mean digital systolic pressures were higher in the patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon ingesting fish oil than in patients with primary Raynaud's ingesting olive oil in the 10 degrees C water bath (+32 mm Hg, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the ingestion of fish oil improves tolerance to cold exposure and delays the onset of vasospasm in patients with primary, but not secondary, Raynaud's phenomenon. These improvements are associated with significantly increased digital systolic blood pressures in cold temperatures. [Madecassol treatment of systemic and localized scleroderma]. [Article in Russian] Guseva NG, Starovoitova MN, Mach ES. Ter Arkh 1998;70(5):58-61 AIM: The trial of efficacy of 6-month therapy with madecassol (tablets, ointment, powder) of patients with systemic and focal scleroderma (SS and FS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 54 patients (49 females and 5 males) aged 15 to 70 years with scleroderma running from 3 months to 15 years entered the study. 30 patients had typical SS, 24 patients had FS. Tablets were given to 18 patients, ointment was applied in 42 patients, powder in 3 and tablets + ointment in 9 patients. Madecassol 10 mg tablets were taken 3 times a day by patients with SS and advanced FS. The ointment was preferred in ulcers and scars on fingers and toes in SS and vascular trophic lesions in FS. In active focal scleroderma the ointment was applied to the skin lesions. The ointment was used 2 times a day (in the morning and evening) for 1-6 months. Madecassol powder was employed rarely, primarily of anal and vulval lesions. RESULTS: 6-month oral course (30 mg/day) in 12 SS patients brought about a decrease of indurative lesions, hyperpigmentation (8), vascular trophic disorders (6) and improvement of general condition (5). Subjective response was good in 10 patients and corresponded to absence of progression. In progressive disease and diffuse skin lesions the drug was ineffective. The best response was obtained in local application of madecassol ointment on digital ulcers in SS. CONCLUSION: Madecassol is effective and well tolerated and therefore recommended for oral and local use in combined treatment of SS adn FS. Indications for per os utelization are: chronic or subchronic SS with limited skin involvement, advanced and/or prone to progression FS in which combined administration of the tablets and ointment is proposed. Dietary intake of micronutrient antioxidants in relation to blood levels in patients with systemic sclerosis. Herrick AL; Worthington H; Rieley F; Clarke D; Schofield D; Braganza JM; Jayson MI University of Manchester Rheumatic Diseases Centre, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK. J Rheumatol (Canada) Apr 1996, 23 (4) p650-3 OBJECTIVE. To document habitual intakes of micronutrient antioxidants in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in light of studies reporting subnormal levels of ascorbate and selenium in this patient group. METHODS. Dietary intakes of vitamin C , selenium, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and sulfur amino acid precursors of glutathione were assessed using the 7 day weighed record in 12 patients with SSc and in 12 healthy control subjects. The intakes of the first 4 substances were examined in relation to plasma/serum levels, while intakes of sulfur amino acids were examined in relation to urinary inorganic sulfate. RESULTS. Antioxidant and sulfur amino acid intakes were similar in patients and controls, although the patients had lower levels of selenium (median 74 compared to 87 milligrams in controls; p = 0.014) and of vitamin C in plasma (median 6.0 compared to 11.1 milligrams/l in controls; p = 0.08). Inorganic sulfate concentration in urine was similar in patients and controls. CONCLUSION. Our results suggest that reduced blood levels of the water soluble antioxidants selenium and ascorbic acid in patients with SSc are not due to dietary deficiency. Other explanations must therefore be sought. Essential fatty acid metabolism in diseases of connective tissue with special reference to scleroderma and to Sjogren's syndrome. Horrobin DF Med Hypotheses (England) Jul 1984, 14 (3) p233-47 Drugs which modify the conversion of essential fatty acids to prostaGLAndins and leukotrienes are the mainstays of treatment in rheumatology. Yet these drugs have little or no action in scleroderma or Sjogren's syndrome and under some circumstances may have adverse effects. Patients with scleroderma have been shown to have very high levels of circulating prostaglandins, coupled with depletion of the prostaglandin precursors, dihomogammalinolenic acid and arachidonic acid. Levels of the metabolites of arachidonic acid, 22:4n-6 and 22:5n-6, which have major roles in maintaining normal cell membrane characteristics were exceptionally low in both plasma and red cell membranes. Others have observed that various functions are highly resistant to normal actions of PGs in scleroderma. This raises the possibility that the high rate of PG formation in scleroderma may be beneficial, in compensation, and that clinical symptoms develop when PG precursors begin to be depleted. Red cell membrane fatty acids patterns in Sjogren's syndrome are almost identical to those in scleroderma. Placebo-controlled trials of supplementation with essential fatty acids have been found to be beneficial in both scleroderma and Sjogren's syndrome. Essential fatty acid and prostaglandin metabolism in Sjogren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Horrobin DF Scand J Rheumatol Suppl (Sweden) 1986, 61 p242-5 Evidence from biochemical studies and from experimental animals indicates that abnormalities of essential fatty acid (EFA) and eicosanoid metabolism could lead to salivary and lacrimal GLAnd atrophy and to immunological and cardio-vascular defects. Measurements of EFA levels in erythrocytes from patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome have shown that abnormalities are indeed present. Controlled clinical trials of supplementation with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) as evening primrose oil (Efamol) in both primary Sjogren's syndrome and systemic sclerosis have given positive results. There are strong arguments to indicate that sophisticated manipulation of EFA metabolism may have a role to play, not only in Sjogren's syndrome but also in other rheumatological disorders. (16 Refs.) Biomechanical stimulation therapy. A novel physiotherapy method for systemic sclerosis. Klyscz T, Rassner G, Guckenberger G, Junger M. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Tubingen, Germany. Adv Exp Med Biol 1999;455:309-16 To improve the mobility of joints, particularly of the finger joints and the mandibular joint, and to reduce the edema of the skin, various physical therapies have to be used in patients with SSc. As the quality of patients' life depends on the use of their fingers and of their mouth, these therapeutics belong to the basic measures in the treatment of SSc. In addition to the manually performed lymph drainage a new method, the biomechanical stimulation therapy, has proven to be efficacious to improve the mobility of the joints and to reduce the edema in SSc-patients. By devices of various size, longitudinal vibrations are transduced to patients' body: finger, hand, face, mandibular joint, the oral mucosa, the legs and the trunk. In 6 patients we found: significant (p < 0.05) increase of skin score, grip strength, mobility of joints (10-30%). No side effects were observed. We conclude from these data, that skin, mucosa, joints and patients' quality of life are improved by the biomechanical stimulation therapy in a clinical relevant degree. Management of severe scleroderma with long-term extracorporeal photopheresis. Krasagakis K, Dippel E, Ramaker J, Owsianowski M, Orfanos CE. Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Benjamin Franklin, Free University of Berlin, Germany. Dermatology 1998;196(3):309-15 BACKGROUND: The management of systemic sclerosis remains unsatisfactory. Thus far, the action of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in severe systemic scleroderma has been evaluated in short-term studies, and only limited experience has been obtained with long-term application. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate prospectively the long-term effect of ECP in a group of 16 patients suffering from severe scleroderma, showing visceral involvement and progressive clinical course. METHODS: Fourteen patients with systemic scleroderma involving several organs, 1 with CREST syndrome and another with scleroderma-myositis overlap syndrome were treated with ECP over a period of 6-45 months. In 3 cases, gamma-IFN was additionally administered. Skin and visceral involvement were assessed by evaluating a series of clinical criteria and results from laboratory, imaging and functional tests. RESULTS: Overall, clear improvement was encountered in 6 patients, mixed response in 2, stable disease in 3 and continuing progressive course in 5 patients. Four out of 6 patients with improvement were treated with ECP early after onset of scleroderma (< or = 2 years), whereas all patients with a progressive course under ECP had had scleroderma for longer than 2 years. Immunosuppressive drugs previously administered could be reduced or fully withdrawn under ECP treatment in 5 patients, but additional oral medication was introduced in 4 patients due to disease progression. Addition of gamma-IFN to ECP did not reveal further benefit. No side-effects were recorded under ECP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this observation, we believe that long-term ECP represents an effective treatment modality in severe scleroderma particularly when started early, with stabilization of the disease course and partial remission of the cutaneous findings, whereas visceral involvement, if present, may rarely improve. Triterpenes from Centella asiatica stimulate extracellular matrix accumulation in rat experimental wounds. Maquart FX, Chastang F, Simeon A, Birembaut P, Gillery P, Wegrowski Y. Laboratory of Biochemistry, UPRESA CNRS 6021, IFR-53 Biomolecules, Faculty of Medicine, Reims, France. email@example.com Eur J Dermatol 1999 Jun;9(4):289-96 Titrated Extract from Centella asiatica (TECA) is a drug which has been used for many years in Europe for the treatment of wound healing defects. It is a reconstituted mixture of 3 triterpenes extracted from the plant, asiatic acid, madecassic acid and asiaticoside. In this report, we studied the effects of TECA and its separated components in the wound chamber model described by Schilling et al. Stainless steel wound chambers were surgically inserted under the skin of rats and received serial injections of either TECA or its purified components. Chambers were collected at days 7, 14, 21 or 28 for biochemical analysis or histological examination. TECA-injected wound chambers were characterized by increased dry weight, DNA, total protein, collagen and uronic acid contents. Peptidic hydroproline was also increased, showing an increased remodeling of the collagen matrix in the wound. The 3 purified components of TECA were all able to reproduce the effects of the complete drug, with some differences depending on the product. Asiatic acid and asiaticoside were the most active of the 3 triterpenes. Asiaticoside exerted a preferential stimulation of collagen synthesis and was active at low doses only. In addition to collagen, the 3 components were also able to stimulate glycosaminoglycan synthesis. [The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on the thromboelastographic indices and the microcirculation in patients with rheumatic diseases] Murav'ev IuV; Loskutova TT; Anikina NV; Shcherbakov AB; Sokolov VB Ter Arkh (USSR) 1989, 61 (12) p106-9 Using a blind method for assessing the results, a study was made of the effect of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on fibrin formation and microcirculation in 42 patients with rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic scleroderma, Raynaud's syndrome). It has been shown that the therapeutic effect of DMSO in rheumatic diseases is determined to a definite degree by its normalizing action on fibrin formation and microcirculation. Boswellic acids: novel, specific, nonredox inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. Safayhi H, Mack T, Sabieraj J, Anazodo MI, Subramanian LR, Ammon HP. Department of Pharmacology, University of Tuebingen, FRG. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1992 Jun;261(3):1143-6 Isomers (alpha- and beta-) of boswellic acids (BAs), 11-keto-beta-BA and their acetyl derivatives were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata. BA and derivatives concentration dependently decreased the formation of leukotriene B4 from endogenous arachidonic acid in rat peritoneal neutrophils. Among the BAs, acetyl-11-keto-beta-BA induced the most pronounced inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) product formation with an IC50 of 1.5 microM. In contrast to the redox type 5-LO inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid, BA in concentrations up to 400 microM did not impair the cyclooxygenase and 12-lipoxygenase in isolated human platelets and the peroxidation of arachidonic acid by Fe-ascorbate. The data strongly suggest that BAs are specific, nonreducing-type inhibitors of the 5-LO product formation either interacting directly with the 5-LO or blocking its translocation. Novel functional sets of lipid-derived mediators with anti-inflammatory actions generated from omega-3 fatty acids via cyclooxygenase 2-nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and transcellular processing. Serhan CN, Clish CB, Brannon J, Colgan SP, Chiang N, Gronert K. Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. firstname.lastname@example.com J Exp Med 2000 Oct 16;192(8):1197-204 Aspirin therapy inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis without directly acting on lipoxygenases, yet via acetylation of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) it leads to bioactive lipoxins (LXs) epimeric at carbon 15 (15-epi-LX, also termed aspirin-triggered LX [ATL]). Here, we report that inflammatory exudates from mice treated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and aspirin (ASA) generate a novel array of bioactive lipid signals. Human endothelial cells with upregulated COX-2 treated with ASA converted C20:5 omega-3 to 18R-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE) and 15R-HEPE. Each was used by polymorphonuclear leukocytes to generate separate classes of novel trihydroxy-containing mediators, including 5-series 15R-LX(5) and 5,12,18R-triHEPE. These new compounds proved to be potent inhibitors of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte transendothelial migration and infiltration in vivo (ATL analogue > 5,12,18R-triHEPE > 18R-HEPE). Acetaminophen and indomethacin also permitted 18R-HEPE and 15R-HEPE generation with recombinant COX-2 as well as omega-5 and omega-9 oxygenations of other fatty acids that act on hematologic cells. These findings establish new transcellular routes for producing arrays of bioactive lipid mediators via COX-2-nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-dependent oxygenations and cell-cell interactions that impact microinflammation. The generation of these and related compounds provides a novel mechanism(s) for the therapeutic benefits of omega-3 dietary supplementation, which may be important in inflammation, neoplasia, and vascular diseases. Enhanced lipid peroxidation in systemic scleroderma Sommerburg O.; Brenke A.; Muller G.-M.; Siems W.; Grune T. Abteilung fur Kindernephrologie, Medizinische Fakultat, Humboldt-Universitat, Schumannstrasse 20/21,10117 Berlin Germany Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie (Germany) 1996, 182/3 (124+126-128) Scleroderma, the aetiology of which remains uncertain, is a rare, autoimmunological disease of the vascular system and connective tissues often accompanied by joint pain. It has been shown that in patients with scleroderma, a considerable accumulation of free radicals, and massive lipid peroxidation occurs. The serum of these patients contains levels of 4-hydroxynonenal - an aldehydic product of lipid peroxidation which is toxic at lowdoses - that are three times as high as those seen in healthy subjects. Under treatment with the antioxidant, vitamin E, the concentrations of 4-hydroxynonenal decrease by more than two-thirds, and the subjective feeling of well-being clearly improves. New innovations in scar management. Widgerow AD, Chait LA, Stals R, Stals PJ. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2000 May-Jun;24(3):227-34 As current aesthetic surgical techniques become more standardized and results more predictable, a fine scar may be the demarcating line between acceptable and unacceptable aesthetic results. With this in mind, a scar management program has been adopted based on the modalities of wound support, hydration, and hastened maturity, all factors gleaned from scientific evidence published over the past 25 years. Tension on a scar in one axis will result in a stretched scar, probably initiated by neutrophils and their neutral proteases [18,26]. Tension on a scar from many directions or intermittently will result in a hypertrophic scar, possibly initiated by lymphocytes but definitely related to a prolongation of the inflammatory process, with increased fibroblast activity and overabundant extracellular matrix secretion [24,26]. The common initiating factor is the tension on the scar, and the critical element needed to counteract this tension is scar support. Clinical experience has shown us that the most reliable way to support a scar is by using microporous tape. Hydration is a second beneficial influence on scar control and is the basis of the use of silicone sheeting and gel [7,29,36]. Alpha Centella cream has two main components. The first is an extract from the plant Bulbine frutescens. This increases hydration under the tape by leaving a layer of fatty vesicles of glycoprotein on the skin surface. This also has antibacterial properties. The second component is the principal terpenoids extracted from the Centella asiatica plant. These include asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside. Centella asiatica has been documented to aid wound healing in a large number of scientific reports [5,12,21,22,33,34,40]. The most beneficial effect appears to be the stimulation of maturation of the scar by the production of type I collagen [4,19] and the resulting decrease in the inflammatory reaction and myofibroblast production. Thus these components have been incorporated into the formulation of a scar management program. This publication reviews much of the available literature relating to scar management and describes the formulation and use of a scar management program based on this information. The North American experience with photopheresis. Zic JA, Miller JL, Stricklin GP, King LE Jr. Division of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine/Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee, USA. Ther Apher 1999 Feb;3(1):50-62 Photopheresis or extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is a novel immunomodulatory therapy based upon pheresis of light-sensitive cells. Whole blood is removed from patients who have previously ingested the photosensitizing agent 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) followed by leukapheresis and exposure of the 8-MOP containing white blood cells (WBCs) extracorporeally to an ultraviolet A (UVA) light source prior to their return to the patient. In 1988, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Treatment of CTCL with photopheresis has been reported in over 300 patients worldwide. Photopheresis has also demonstrated encouraging results in the treatment of solid organ transplant rejection, graft versus host disease, scleroderma, and other autoimmune diseases although fewer patients have been studied. This review will focus on the North American experience with photopheresis. SUGGESTED READING Effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on peroxynitrite and superoxide anion production of lung alveolar macrophages in systemic sclerosis. Failli P, Palmieri L, D'Alfonso C, Giovannelli L, Generini S, Rosso AD, Pignone A, Stanflin N, Orsi S, Zilletti L, Matucci-Cerinic M. Department of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Firenze, Italy. email@example.com Nitric Oxide. 2002 Dec;7(4):277-82. Lung macrophages may play a relevant role in oxidative processes producing both superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) and NO. In this view, an antioxidant therapy can be useful in the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is able to expand natural antioxidant defenses by increasing intracellular gluthatione concentration and it has been proposed as an antioxidant therapy in respiratory distress syndromes. The aim of our study was to determine whether lung macrophages obtained from SSc patient bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) express the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and whether NAC can reduce the peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) and O(2)(-) production of these cells. Alveolar macrophages were isolated from BAL of 32 patients and used for the immunocytochemical determination of iNOS, and the production of ONOO(-) and O(2)(-) was measured by fluorimetric or spectrophotometric methods, respectively. Lung macrophages obtained from SSc patients expressed a higher level of iNOS compared to healthy subject cells. NAC preincubation (5 x 10(-5)M, 24h) significantly reduced (-21%) the ONOO(-) production in formyl Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-activated cells and slightly reduced it under resting conditions, whereas NAC preincubation was unable to modify the release of O(2)(-) both in basal condition and in fMLP-stimulated cells. We conclude that since SSc lung macrophages express high levels of iNOS and produce a significant quantity of ONOO(-), NAC administration reduces ONOO(-) production and can be an useful treatment to alleviate SSc symptoms. Activin, a grape seed-derived proanthocyanidin extract, reduces plasma levels of oxidative stress and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin) in systemic sclerosis. Kalin R, Righi A, Del Rosso A, Bagchi D, Generini S, Cerinic MM, Das DK. Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington 06030-2110, USA. Free Radic Res. 2002 Aug;36(8):819-25. This study evaluated whether a new generation antioxidant Activin derived from the grape seed proanthocyanidins, could reduce the induction of the adhesion molecules as a result of inflammatory response in the plasma of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. SSc patients were divided into two groups: one group was treated with Activin, a grape seed-derived proanthocyanidins, while the other group served as control. Patients were given Activin 100 mg/day orally for one month after which the blood samples were withdrawn from both groups of the patients. Blood was also taken from normal human volunteers. Plasma was obtained in fasting state between 8 to 9 A.M. from two groups of SSc patients and controls. Soluble adhesion molecules including ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin and P-selectin as well as malonaldehyde, a marker for oxidative stress, were measured. The results of our study demonstrated up-regulation of these soluble adhesion molecules except for P-selectin, in the plasma of the SSc patients compared to those obtained from human volunteers. Activin significantly attenuated the increased expression of these adhesion molecules. In addition, there was a significant increase in the amount of malondialdehyde formation in the plasma of the SSc patients, which was also attenuated by Activin. The results of this study demonstrated that Activin could reduce the inflammatory response and the oxidative stress developed in SSc patients. Emerging potentials for an antioxidant therapy as a new approach to the treatmentof systemic sclerosis. Simonini G, Pignone A, Generini S, Falcini F, Cerinic MM, Gabriele S, Alberto P, Sergio G, Fernanda F, Marco MC. Department of Pediatrics, University of Florence, Institute of Internal Medicine, Italy. Toxicology. 2000 Nov 30;155(1-3):1-15. Oxidative stress, favoring disease progression by a rapid degeneration of endothelial cell function is deeply involved in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), present in 90% of patients with SSc, provoking frequent daily episodes of hypoxia-reperfusion injury, produces several episodes of free radicals-mediated endothelial derangement. These events results in a positive feedback effect of luminal narrowing and ischemia and therefore to the birth of a vicious cycle of oxygen free radicals (OFR) generation, leading to endothelial damage, intimal thickening and fibrosis. Thus ischemia and reperfusion are two criticals events that may induce oxidative stress and inactivation of antioxidant enzymes. In RP and SSc, a reduced concentration of ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene as well as low values of Selenium have been reported. This antioxidative potential deficiency increases the propensity to oxidative stress. favoring the development of injury mediated by OFR. We reviewed several antioxidant compounds, aiming at their capacity of reverting endothelial dysfunction and damage, scavenging lipid peroxidation and reducing multiple episodes of hypoxia-reperfusion injury. In order to interrupt SSc vicious cycle, we propose a main strategy for SSc treatment by a supplementation of antioxidants and different kind of drugs with antioxidant property, such as Lazaroids, Resveratrol, Melatonin and Probucol. Probucol improves symptoms and reduces lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. Denton CP, Bunce TD, Darado MB, Roberts Z, Wilson H, Howell K, Bruckdorfer KR, Black CM. Academic Unit of Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, UK. Rheumatology (Oxford). 1999 Apr;38(4):309-15. OBJECTIVE: Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and vascular disease. We have undertaken a controlled trial to evaluate probucol, a synthetic antioxidant, as a potential therapy for Raynaud's phenomenon. METHODS: The study cohort included patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; n = 20), primary Raynaud's phenomenon (n = 15) or 'autoimmune Raynaud's' (n = 5). Patients were allocated to receive either probucol (500 mg daily) or nifedipine (20 mg daily) for 12 weeks. Clinical and biochemical variables at baseline were compared with those at completion of treatment. Evaluation included assessment of Raynaud's attack frequency and severity by visual analogue scale, measurement of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation lag time, and plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, vitamin E and vitamin C. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction of both the frequency and severity of Raynaud's attacks in the patients who received probucol, but not in the control group. LDL oxidation lag time, reflecting in vitro susceptibility to oxidation, was also increased by probucol therapy and serum cholesterol levels were significantly reduced. Similar changes were observed in both SSc- and non-SSc-associated Raynaud's cases. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that probucol may be useful for the symptomatic treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon and also reduces LDL oxidation susceptibility. Since oxidized lipoproteins may mediate vascular damage in SSc, the use of probucol could have additional disease-modifying benefits. Based upon the results of this pilot study, further evaluation of this novel form of therapy is warranted. Effect of melatonin on normal and sclerodermic skin fibroblast proliferation. Carossino AM, Lombardi A, Matucci-Cerinic M, Pignone A, Cagnoni M. Institute of Internal Medicine IV, University of Florence, Italy. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 1996 Sep-Oct;14(5):493-8. OBJECTIVE: We studied the effect of melatonin (MLT) (N-acetyl 5-methoxytryptamine) on the growth rate of normal skin fibroblasts and of fibroblasts from involved and apparently uninvolved skin of patients affected by systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: The growth rate was evaluated on the basis of growth curves and a 3H-thymidine incorporation assay. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that a dose of 200 micrograms/ml of MLT inhibits (> 80%) both control and SSc fibroblasts. Inhibition was dose-dependent and was greater than 70% for MLT concentrations of 100 micrograms/ml, 200 micrograms/ml and 400 micrograms/ml. 3H-thymidine incorporation was correlated with the effect on thegrowth curves (81% at 200 micrograms/ml of MLT). In contrast, at a low dosage of 6 micrograms/ml, MLT exerted a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation in all the cell lines analyzed. Cell viability was not affected by MLT at any of the concentrations tested. A recovery study indicated that replacement of MLT-containing medium with MLT-free medium resulted in a re-establishment of cell growth. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MLT, at higher dosages, is a potent inhibitor of the proliferation of fibroblasts derived from the skin of healthy and SSc patients. Gastrointestinal function in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. Akesson A; Akesson B; Gustafson T; Wollheim F Clin Rheumatol (Belgium) Dec 1985, 4 (4) p441-8 In 24 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) the pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion was determined to investigate if acid hypersecretion is associated with reflux-oesophagitis--the most common complication to oesophageal involvement in PSS. Gastro-oesophageal reflux was observed in 12, reflux-oesophagitis in 9 and oesophageal mycosis in 8 patients. Gastric acid secretion was increased in 13 (54%) patients and tended to be higher in patients with oesophagitis. Patients with reflux and increased acid secretion seemed to be free from oesophageal mycosis. Bacterial overgrowth and malabsorption are known complications to intestinal scleroderma and these items were investigated using non-invasive methods. Four patients had increased bile acid deconjugation, 3 had increased (14C)xylose degradation indicating bacterial overgrowth and 7 patients had decreased fat absorption in the triolein breath test. Nutritional status with respect to selenium, folate, cobalamin and fat-soluble vitamins was essentially normal. Page1234


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As mentioned in my prior post announcing my summer programming class for kids you will need to supply your own computer and setup your software ahead of time. Follow the instructions on this post to get things ready.
We will be using Windows operating system that supports the free version of Visual Studio called "Express 2013 for Windows Desktop."
Even though the Visual Studio Express is free you should create a Microsoft Login Account. May already have one if you have a Skype, Xbox, Hotmail, or any other Microsoft login. If not then goto http://www.outlook.com and create one. Here are the instructions Microsoft has for creating a Microsoft Account.
There are a number of flavors of Visual Studio Express so be sure you install the "Express 2013 for Windows Desktop" version only!
Install this version for our class: à
Click Here to Download Express 2013 for Windows Desktop
If you don't have a machine powerful enough to run Visual Studio you are out of luck so go have your parents pick up a shiny new PC for you. If you need recommendations email me and I'll help.
If you are a Mac user you will need to setup a Windows Virtual machine. I won't be able to help with this type of setup so it is best to find someone with Mac expertise to help you. I have cousin who is a big-shot Mac user and I am sure he will help J. Another idea is that you may be able to go to the Apple store and schedule some time with them to help.
Here is what your PC will need to have in order to support Visual Studio
- Windows 7, 8, or 8.1
- 1.6 GHz or faster core CPU Processor
- 1 GB RAM (1.5 GB RAM is using a Virtual Machine)
- 4 GB of available Hard Disk which will be used to install Visual Studio
If you have questions please email me and I'll help!

subset: commoncrawl


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Don't Scapegoat Gay Community Because Of Alleged Homosexuality Of Cult Leader
Will the shock, sorrow and surprise of the recent mass suicide of members of the Heaven's Gate cult now turn to rage, resentment and retribution because of Easter weekend press reports that cult leader Marshal Applewhite may have been gay?
That was the question asked by Kerry Lobel, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director, in response to a news article which appeared in the Saturday March 29, 1997 edition of The Washington Post. The newspaper reported that Applewhite was fired from his teaching job at a Houston university in the late 1960's for having an affair with a male student. The paper also said that Applewhite's dismissal led him to seek psychiatric treatment so that he could be cured of his gay impulses.
Since the news story broke, Applewhite has been called a "homosexual freak" by the son of the cult's co-founder who also described him as "as gay as they come."
"My fear is that gays will be scapegoated for the atrocities brought about by the cult leader," said Lobel. "Once again, we may be vilified by those who associate everything bad, wrong, strange, or tragic with homosexuality," she added.
Greg Herek, a research psychologist at the University of California at Davis said the fact that Applewhite may have been gay may make it easier for some people to connect him to dysfunctional behavior, because of their perceptions of homosexuality and of gay people.
"The Heaven's Gate incident is a reflection of the trust that followers put in cult leaders," Lobel concluded. "To use this incident to perpetuate the wholesale scapegoating of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people is unacceptable and will not be tolerated." she said.
The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the political power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community from the ground up. We do this by training activists, organizing broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and by building the organizational capacity of our movement. Our Policy Institute, the movement's premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality and to counter right-wing lies. As part of a broader social justice movement, we work to create a nation that respects the diversity of human expression and identity and creates opportunity for all. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., we also have offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis and Cambridge.
- The Issues
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- Support Us
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On-Campus Student Employment
Opening an Account
To open your account, contact the Student Employment Coordinator for a username and password to the CometCareers system (972-883-2943).
Posting an Opportunity
To submit a hard copy of your student job posting for data entry by the Career Center, print, complete and return the Student Employment Job Posting Form to the Career Center (fax to x2431).
Printing a Timesheet
To submit your Federal Work-Study Community Service Timesheet to the Career Center, print, complete and return the UT Dallas Career Center Semi-Monthly Student Employment Timesheet to the Career Center in person (SSB 3.300), email, or fax to 972-883-2431. Please review a Sample Timesheet.
Student Employee Performance Evaluation
To conduct periodic evaluations of your student employee's performance, print and complete the Student Employee Performance Evaluation Form. This performance evaluation may be used for student employees and work-study students. Completed performance evaluations should remain on file in the hiring department.


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On my seasoned barbecue, I usually cook pork ribs or chicken wings or other delicious kind of meats but i have never cooked fish and i would like to try.
What types of fish are suitable for cooking on the grill?
closed as not constructive by KatieK, Mien, rumtscho♦ May 24 '13 at 11:59
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Salmon is very good when it's grilled on a cedar plank. The smoke from the cedar flavors the meat while it's cooking and gives it a great flavor.
You can buy cedar planks at many cooking stores.
Salmon, Tuna, Snapper, and Monkfish, as already mentioned. Swordfish is also great. Skin on Trout.
Generally, what you want to avoid are very flaky fish as they will stick to the grill and fall apart when you try to take them up. A meaty fish is more likely to stay together. It helps greatly if you oil your grill well before putting the meat on and re-oil as you flip the meat. Skin can also help keep your fish together. Sear the flesh side first and then finish it skin side down. The skin may stick to the grill as you take it off, so be careful. Plank smoking is great for fish on a grill and by far the easiest method of smoking. That way, you can cook nice flaky fish too.
Sardines are lovely barbequed. You need to get a cage to put them in as they'll slip through the barbeque. Marinate in a little olive oil and lemon first, if you like.
I tend to work with the fish that are readily available here in Minnesota and tend to BBQ/hot smoke* fish that other people don't.
In particular, I end up hot smoking walleye, tilapia and catfish. Because they are less firm and more flaky than the typical suggestions for fish on a grill or smoker, I tend to cook them on greased foil to avoid sticking and usually pop a few holes in the foil so the fish doesn't end up getting poached in its own liquid.
I think these fish turn out great when my smoker is right around 300F and I basically "bake" the seasoned fish in the smoky environment.
I usually season with "BBQ" style seasonings and I'm happy with the results.
*Hot smoking is when you both smoke AND cook the food at the same time. Cold smoking is the kind of smoking that bacon and other uncooked food (including lots of fish) goes through that doesn't cook the food, but does preserve it.
Salmon, Tuna, Snapper
Those are the three fish I stick to cooking on the grill. They're not as delicate as some of the other fish out there, and are very delicious when cooked properly.
Monkfish. It can be hard to find, but it is around. Very nice grilled. Like Tuna, it ends up with a very meaty texture.
definitely salmon, tuna, and swordfish. any firm-fleshed fish, really.
I grill salmon that I get with the skin on. I start with a lot of dill on the flesh side along with salt and pepper. Then a spray of olive oil and onto a hot grill for 5 minutes. I then use two spatulas to flip it over onto the skin side. At this point the skin helps to protect it and keep it from falling apart. Keep an eye on it at this point, sometimes the skin catches fire and things get a bit burnt. When I pull it off I use the same trick with the two spatulas. Works like a charm every time. Also, I use a gas grill and preheat it hot.
Most fish works, but fat fish are most suitable. Halibut, sardine and mackerel are my favorites.
You could also bake in tin foil if you want to preserve the juice.
Salmon is a great choice and it's readily available pretty much everywhere. There are many recipes for salmon.
Mahi-Mahi is extremely firm and holds up great, as well.
You can grill any thick fish, such as Salmon, Grouper, Mahi Mahi. I look for the freshest fish at the fish market. I ask them to debone and separate the skin from the meat. I then keep the meat of the fish on the skin while cooking but also use a grill skillet large enough to handle the entire fish, making easy to separate and serve. Use whatever spices or marinades on the fish and enjoy!


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2006-11-23 / Schools/Sports
Deauville Garden Elementary students learn math through threatre
PetraPuppets recently treated the students at Deauville Gardens Elementary School in Copiague to a performance highlighting the importance of math. The PTAsponsored Money, Math, Maniacs presentation was a curriculum based exploration of money and mathematics, which allowed and encouraged student par
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Saundra Roberts said her Detroit home was targeted by crooks not once, but twice this week. Two suspects were caught on camera and she's hoping you can help identify them.
"It's scary because you always think someone might, maybe, but someone actually doing it, that's kind of a little fear because what if I was at home," said homeowner Saundra Roberts.
Roberts' cameras got pictures of two suspects on two different days both in the mid-morning. One guy was wearing an old English D Tigers cap and the other guy was wearing a Carhartt winter cap with ear flaps tied up over the top.
"So yesterday, a guy just causally (walked) in my backyard like he lived here, went straight to my patio and cut the screen on my patio and kicked in my armor guard door and he set off the alarm, and he ran as soon as the alarm went off," Roberts explained.
Someone on Friday actually broke in and stole diamond jewelry and cash.
Roberts lives in Rosedale-Grantmont neighborhood in northwest Detroit. We've previously reported about a Detroit Police home invasion task force working this neighborhood.
The ADT alarm company notified police and Roberts and within minutes police were on scene, but both suspects managed to escape.
"So when I pulled up, the actual uniform cops, they were here. It was two young ladies. They were so nice. They were here. They were already on the scene, so by the time I came home, they were already here before I got here. So I would say literally they came like minutes after he left," Roberts said.
Roberts has been in this neighborhood for ten years and said that in her view, the horrible economy is what brought out the crooks.
If you have any information about these incidents, you are asked to call Detroit Police.
205 N. Michigan AvenueGround FloorChicago, IL 60601Station Operator: (312) 565-5532Newsroom: (312)565-5533


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Interested in a weekend break in France at a character hotel ? Check out INTER-HOTEL's promotional offers. INTER-HOTEL has 300 authentic hotels to welcome you for weekends in the country, discovery weekends or group gateways with friends. You can also save on your trip by taking advantage of our special INTER-HOTEL hotel offers.
Find a special offer in a French hotel for a rural, sports or well-being break Whether youre dreaming of a hotel with a pool, sauna, or spa jacuzzi; of a sporty break that takes in fishing, golf or surfing; or even of getting back to nature in deepest rural France, where you can hike for hours: we have a special offer at a French hotel thats just perfect for you! Make the most of these themed breaks by booking your hotel on line. And if you want to go away for a weekend or take a business trip without breaking the bank, take a look at our many promotions: well give you a special offer for a French hotel at a truly unbeatable price!
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Signpost (Weber, Utah), 1994-11-141
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Monday, November 14, 1994 The home stretch .'.Ails ; i i ."J Chris Jones heads toward a third-place finsh in the NCAA District 7 Cross Country Championships. The finish qualifies Jones for the NCAA championships. The competition will be held Nov. 21 at Prairie Grove, Ark. Writer stresses value, importance of history By Michelle Gallagher Signpost staff writer John A. Byrne, senior writer for Business Week, was the guest speaker during the Ralph Nye Lecture Series Thursday. Byrne has worked for the past eight years for Business Week magazine in New York writing numerous cover stories and articles covering all management topics for the magazine. Some of his articles deal with the fairness of executive pay and fads. Byrne is the author of "The Whiz Kids: Ten Founding Fathers of American Business and the Legacy They Left Us." He discussed the book, which deals with the life of 10 military officers who joined together to work for the Ford Motor Co. and helped remake the company.His book centers on the history of business in the postwar period. "History can enrich our experiences and our perspectives in ways that are really valuable," Byrne said. Byrne said the legacy of the , 5 i t rrf- 4 whiz kids, which is not a positive one, consists of the burden and tragedies they had during their lives because of their work. "By everyone reading this book, they will find a little bit of themselves in each of these men, and how we are involved in the intensity of our work. We will need to find some sort of balance in our lives," Byrne said. Byrne said that people need to look at their lives and find a balance between work and daily activities. "The lesson you should learn is that you can't believe in any one philosophy or system because neither one can guide your life successfully," he said. Byrne has been a very successful writer for Business Week and at his previous job as an associate editor and staff writer for Forbes magazine. He received a master's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and a bachelor of arts in political science and English from William Patterson College. f .. 46' l-1f ( j t i : f .. ? 5 w v Children suffering from lack of support By Sheri Staples Signpost staff writer Recovering past due or current child support from non-custodial parents can be a very difficult, if not impossible task. Students were offered solutions to this problem by representatives from the Utah Office of Recovery Services and the Child Support Enforcement Co. at Honors Issues Forum Thursday. "There are as many reasons for not providing support for your children as there are folks out there. The supporting of one's family is certainly a moral obligation that I don't think any of us would disagree with." Terry Schow, manager of the Office of Recovery Services in Ogden, said. "The frustration and the sadness that I've felt in the 18 years that I've been with the organization is that sadly, the children are the ones who really are disadvantaged, because the support is for their advantage. Moms and dads can have their difficulties and I can certainly appreciate that, but what happens is that the kids become little blackmail instruments, or tug-of-war instruments." According to Schow, in Utah unpen) Tlx' 'vrw, " ' STEVE CONLINTHe SIGNPOST there are approximately 100,000 cases of delinquent child support. The Ogden office has a case load of 35,000 divided between nine people. Recovery Services uses methods such as telephone calls, garnishing wages, and filing criminal charges against the delinquent parent. Recently, they have been given jurisdiction over recovering medical costs and insurance for the child involved. Elaine Lake of Recovery Services said they use an administrative process to recover any fees owed to the children or parent. "Our goal is to get the children the child support that they need and that they deserve," Lake said. Lake said that the term "dead beat dads" is a term they neither use nor promote. It is a label given by the media. Public recovery services, such as the Office of Recovery Services, is available for all persons who are supposed to be receiving child support. There is a minimal application fee of $25, and in cases of financial hardship, there is a possibility that the fee may be waived. If the person receiving child support is receiving aid from the state, See Support page 3 Volume 57 Number 30 Quick Takes A&E Band performs "Band-o-rama" tonight in the Browning Center. See page 6 Opinion Stereotypes lack truth and reinforce negative beliefs. See page 4 Features "Kiss your butts good-bye," it's the Great American Smokeout. See page 7 Sports Fans get first look at the basketball teams at the Purple and White game. See page 9 Weather Monday Highs 37 lows 22 Mostly sunny Tuesday Highs 40s lows 30s Partly cloudy MI.M.M1IJ,Mllllia.l)U IW i vi .-' j ' -""
Object Description
|Signpost (Weber, Utah), 1994-11-14, Vol. 57, No. 30
|Weber State University
|Associated Students of Weber State University; A generous grant from the Utah State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
|Weber's current student newspaper, the Signpost, first appeared on September 29, 1937. For two years prior to that time, campus news was disseminated via announcements posted on a bulletin board known as the "Signpost". As a result, the masthead of the first issue of the paper itself featured a rudimentary wooden sign with the title spelled out in rustic-looking letters. Over the years the paper has been published continuously, though the look, size and style has changed several times.
|Date Original
|College student newspapers and periodicals; Weber State University
|Digital Format
|Publisher Digital
|Stewart Library, Weber State University
|Date Digital
|University Archives LD5893.W55 S5, Stewart Library, Weber State University
|Digital Identifier
|Rights Management
|Public Domain. Courtesy of University Archives, Stewart Library, Weber State University.
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Robert Glasper grew up in Houston, moved to New York in 1997 and gradually established himself as one of the top new jazz pianists, his music awash with gospel warmth -- and pulsing with influences as disparate as Radiohead and J Dilla, the late hip-hop guru and producer.
These days, he's in breakout mode, performing on David Letterman and last month winning a Grammy for "Black Radio" (Blue Note Records). It's by the Robert Glasper Experiment -- his electric hip-hop-soul-and-everything-else band -- and features guest spots from Erykah Badu, Lalah Hathaway, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Bilal and others. They're all Glasper's friends; he has a parallel career in hip-hop and R&B. Which isn't entirely different from the experiences of jazz musicians in previous generations; John Coltrane played with Big Maybelle, Sam Rivers with T-Bone Walker.
I phoned Glasper, 34, at his home in New York, where he was resting after spending time producing Chaka Khan's new album in Los Angeles. Now preparing to record "Black Radio, Vol. 2," which will feature more famous friends, Glasper performs with the Experiment tonight and Friday in Oakland, and Saturday at the San Jose Jazz Winter Fest.
Q Robert, congratulations on the Grammy.
A Thank you. Oh my God, that's a big Grammy; R&B album of the year? People doing it 20 years never get that, and we stepped in nine months and grabbed it. I was like, "Wow, did they really say that?" And then to have Jimmy Jam give me the Grammy ...
Q I just read a blog post where a writer describes your music as "post-genre black music." What do you think of the label?
A I like that. I'll take it. Because all the music that we play is comprised of all kinds of black music, plus hints of rock. There's hints of soul music, hints of rhythm and blues, of gospel.
Q Are you still a jazz musician at heart?
A Totally. To me just being a jazz musician gives you the tools to play anything you want to play. To be a bad jazz musician, you still have to pretty much master your instrument. If you're a bad R&B piano player, you probably suck. If you're a bad jazz piano player, you're still pretty good.
Q Are you holding onto your jazz audience -- or losing some of the older jazz-head crowd?
A You always have to stay relevant. If what you're playing sounds like 1960 at its best, or at its worst, you're not going to have a lot of younger people hanging around.
When "In My Element" came out (in 2007), that was a big record for me and an important feature for my trio. But it had hints of hip-hop in it, and that made my audience change a lot. All kinds of people were showing up: old white people and young black girls, because there was a little bit of something for everybody. You had some jazz happening, you had some acoustic hip-hop happening.
With "Black Radio," the Experiment is less of a straight-up jazz band; it's more electric and it's more hip-hop-based. Old people come in there sometimes and have to plug their ears. So, it's mostly a younger audience -- which I'm fine with, because the older jazz audience pretty much already knows what I'm about, what I can play. These days, my whole quest is to get a younger audience and to get people thinking out of the box.
Q You think jazz has lost much of its cultural relevance, that it's gotten snobby and become obsessed with its past, that it's lost its sense of fun, its feel, even its sense of rhythm. Have I covered it all? Is that an accurate paraphrase?
A Definitely. With jazz, as long as it's breathing and moving, you can't say what it's supposed to be. Miles Davis knew that. Herbie Hancock knows that. Wayne Shorter knows that. All of our real jazz heroes know that you can't lock anything down.
Jazz to me has always been a music that reflected the society it was in at the time. It was never a music that celebrated the past. It was celebrated in its present tense and all the cats playing it were the hippest cats.
The people who don't really have the means to push the music want to hold it hostage. They've turned it into a museum.
Q When you were growing up in Houston, were there good black radio stations?
A It was better. Everybody now is chasing the same damn artists. You've got to be Chris Brown or Rihanna. There's rarely room for anyone who's out of the box. It's not about the artistry, it's about what's hot. "That's hot? OK, we've to got to get somebody who's just like that." Gimmicky songs, gimmicky artists, people with no talent whatsoever.
Q You once said it's as hard for jazz musicians to play a J Dilla groove as it is for hip-hop musicians to play Coltrane's "Giant Steps."
A Totally, because Dilla's groove, it's a very intricate thing. It just sounds easy.
If you get a jazz drummer, and say, "Hey, play this Dilla beat" -- trust me, they're not going to get it the first time ... or the fourth time.
Q You're a dad, right?
A Yes, I have a little boy, Riley, who's 4. He's a drummer; look out world! He's pretty serious.
Q How does being a father change you as a musician?
A Being a father kind of puts things in perspective, business-wise. I'm not just feeding myself now. ... You weed out the b.s., and it makes me focus more and actually have a plan. As musicians, a lot of us don't have a plan. We just play the gigs when they come. Then you look back and you're doing the same thing for 10 years.
So remember: All plans don't go as planned, but have a plan.
Contact Richard Scheinin at 408-920-5069, read his stories and reviews at www.mercurynews.com/richard-scheinin and follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/richardscheinin.
San Jose Jazz
Winter Fest
With the Robert Glasper Experiment
When: 8 and 10 p.m.
Where: Theatre on
San Pedro Square, 29
San Pedro St., San Jose
Tickets: $25-$30,
Also: The San Jose Jazz Winter Fest runs Friday and Saturday and March 15 at the Theatre on San Pedro Square and the San Pedro Square Market. Also performing: Jose James, Vijay Iyer, Andre Thierry, Carolyn Wonderland and more. Tickets range from $5 to $35, depending on event. For schedule and tickets: www.sanjosejazz.org.
Robert Glasper Experiment
When: 9 p.m. Thursday-Friday
Where: The New Parish,
579 18th St., Oakland
Tickets: $30-$35,
Also: 8 (sold out) and 10 p.m., Saturday, Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 San Pedro St., San Jose, $25-$30, www.sanjosejazz.org


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Home > Find an Internist > IA > Iowa City Internists > Dr. John Chase, MD
Dr. John Chase MD is a male Internist, has 17 years of experience and practices in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease.
Dr. John Chase has 3 office locations.
University Of Iowa Hospital & Clinic
200 Hawkins Dr
Iowa City, IA 52243
Phone Number
Locations and availability (3)
University Of Iowa Hospital & Clinic
200 Hawkins Dr
Iowa City, IA 52243
Phone Number
Locations and availability (3)
License & Identifications
A medical license is required for a doctor to practice medicine in a particular state. Requirements vary by state but most require, at a minimum, post-graduate training in the doctor's specific specialty. An NPI number is a national identifier unique to an individual health care provider and is managed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Learn more about Dr. John Chase:
View the full profile to get information on:
- Qualifications
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Specialties & Research
- He has special expertise in 5 areas:
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
- Heart Block
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Unstable Angina
Education & Awards
Dr. Chase graduated from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Dr. Chase has 12 hospital affiliations:
- Orlando Regional Medical Center
- Florida Hospital
Accepted Insurance Plans
Dr. Chase accepts these health insurances in at least one office:
- United Healthcare - 7 plans
- Great-West Healthcare - 2 plans
- Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield - 6 plans
- Unicare - 4 plans
- Humana - 3 plans
- Cigna - 3 plans
- Iowa Medicaid - 1 plan
- USA H & W Network - 1 plan
Similar doctors nearby
Dr. John Rachow
Internal Medicine
34 years experience
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Internal Medicine
1 years experience
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- Additional Information
- Where does Dr. John Chase practice?
Dr. John Chase practices Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease near Iowa City, IA.
Additional practice locations include: Lake Mary, FL and Winter Park, FL.
See Iowa City Internists and Iowa City Cardiologists.


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42 U.S. Code Division A, Subchapter IX - ATOMIC ENERGY LICENSES
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- § 2131. License required
- § 2132. Utilization and production facilities for industrial or commercial purposes
- § 2133. Commercial licenses
- § 2134. Medical, industrial, and commercial licenses
- § 2135. Antitrust provisions governing licenses
- § 2136. Classes of facilities
- § 2137. Operators' licenses
- § 2138. Suspension of licenses during war or national emergency
- § 2139. Component and other parts of facilities
- § 2139a. Regulations implementing requirements relating to licensing for components and other parts of facilities
- § 2140. Exclusions from license requirement
- § 2141. Licensing by Nuclear Regulatory Commission of distribution of special nuclear material, source material, and byproduct material by Department of Energy
- § 2142. Domestic medical isotope production
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