bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscale oxygen distribution in various invertebrate burrow walls
Authors: ZORN M. E. , LALONDE S. V. , GINGRAS M. K. , PEMBERTON S. G. , KONHAUSER K. O.
Published: May 2006

Profiles of dissolved oxygen were measured in pore waters of unburrowed sediment and the burrow walls of seven invertebrate dwellings. Burrows studied include those of Corophium volutator, Heteromastus filiformis, Arenicola marina, Saccoglossus bromophenolosus, Clymenella sp., Hemigrapsus oregonensis and Cirriformia luxuriosa all from mudflats in Willapa Bay, Washington. These animals comprise a range of burrow architectures ranging from simple, unlined burrows to more complex, mucous lined burrows. Oxygen penetrated unburrowed sediment between depths of 0.4–2.6 mm, whereas oxygen penetrated the burrow walls from 0.3 mm to 2.3 mm. Three groups of burrows are recognized based on the oxygen diffusive properties relative to the unburrowed sediment including those that: (1) slightly impeded oxygen penetration, (2) clearly inhibited oxygen penetration, and (3) enhanced oxygen penetration. Differences in the diffusive properties of the burrow wall are related to the burrow microstructure and presumably the microbial communities living within the burrow microenvironment. The results of this study suggest that burrow shape and burrow‐wall architecture may play an important role in controlling the diffusion of oxygen, and possibly of other dissolved gases (i.e. CO2, H2S). The results further demonstrate that simplified assumptions (i.e. that bioturbation uniformly enhances oxygen diffusion into suboxic and anoxic sediments), while requisite for numerical modelling, are not necessarily representative of field data.
Determination of isotope fractionation factors and quantification of carbon flow by stable carbon isotope signatures in a methanogenic rice root model system
Authors: PENNING H. , TYLER S. C. , CONRAD R.
Published: May 2006

Methanogenic processes can be quantified by stable carbon isotopes, if necessary modeling parameters, especially fractionation factors, are known. Anoxically incubated rice roots are a model system with a dynamic microbial community and thus suitable to investigate principal geochemical processes in anoxic natural systems. Here we applied an inhibitor of acetoclastic methanogenesis (methyl fluoride), calculated the thermodynamics of the involved processes, and analyzed the carbon stable isotope signatures of CO2, CH4, propionate, acetate and the methyl carbon of acetate to characterize the carbon flow during anaerobic degradation of rice roots to the final products CO2 and CH4. Methyl fluoride inhibited acetoclastic methanogenesis and thus allowed to quantify the fractionation factor of CH4 production from H2/CO2. Since our model system was not affected by H2 gradients, the fractionation factor could alternatively be determined from the Gibbs free energies of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. The fractionation factor of acetoclastic methanogenesis was also experimentally determined. The data were used for successfully modeling the carbon flow. The model results were in agreement with the measured process data, but were sensitive to even small changes in the fractionation factor of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Our study demonstrates that stable carbon isotope signatures are a proper tool to quantify carbon flow, if fractionation factors are determined precisely.
PHYSIOLOGICAL SNAPSHOTS REFLECT ECOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF THE SEA PALM, POSTELSIA PALMAEFORMIS (PHAEOPHYCAEA) ACROSS INTERTIDAL ELEVATION AND EXPOSURE GRADIENTS1
Authors: Nielsen Karina J. , Blanchette Carol A. , Menge Bruce A. , Lubchenco Jane
Published: May 2006

Postelsia palmaeformis Ruprecht is an intertidal kelp found only on very wave‐exposed rocky shores of the northeast Pacific. In areas dominated by mussels, Postelsia depends on wave‐induced disturbances to complete its life‐history cycle. Postelsia also recruits where mussels are absent, but not at less wave‐exposed shores. Thus, physical conditions related to wave exposure limit its horizontal distribution. It is not clear what limits the vertical distribution of Postelsia. We investigated factors contributing to Postelsia's limited distribution using transplant experiments, demographic monitoring, and field fluorometry to evaluate growth and performance across gradients of tidal elevation and wave exposure. Survivorship and growth were sharply reduced at upper and wave‐protected edges relative to mid‐level, wave‐exposed sporophytes. Reproductive output was reduced at upper and lower levels, and growth but not survivorship was lower at the lower level. Effects were independent of population of origin and were a manifestation of the environment. Maximum electron transport rates (ETRm), light saturation parameters (Ek), and maximum quantum yields (ΔF/Fm) provided insight into physiological dynamics; all were lowest at the high edge, but increased when desiccation stress was alleviated by a mock sea‐spray treatment. The ETRm and Ek values of low sporophytes were not as high as the values for mid‐sporophytes, despite higher or equivalent nitrogen content, chl a, and absorptance, suggesting a trade‐off between light‐capturing and carbon‐fixation capacity. Physiological limitations at upper and lower levels and deleterious desiccation effects at wave‐protected sites prevent establishment, thus constraining Postelsia to a mid‐zone, wave‐exposed distribution. Physical conditions related to wave exposure may limit the horizontal distribution of Postelsia because this kelp is also found in areas where mussels are lacking but not on less wave‐exposed shores.
UPTAKE AND RELEASE OF NITROGEN BY THE MACROALGAE GRACILARIA VERMICULOPHYLLA (RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: Tyler Anna Christina , McGlathery Karen J.
Published: May 2006

Macroalgae, often the dominant primary producers in shallow estuaries, can be important regulators of nitrogen (N) cycling. Like phytoplankton, actively growing macroalgae release N to the water column; yet little is known about the quantity or nature of this release. Using 15N labeling in laboratory and field experiments, we estimated the quantity of N released relative to assimilation and gross uptake by Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Ohmi) Papenfuss (Rhodophyta, Gracilariales), a non‐native macroalgae. Field experiments were carried out in Hog Island Bay, a shallow back‐barrier lagoon on the Virginia coast where G. vermiculophylla makes up 85%–90% of the biomass. There was good agreement between laboratory and field measurements of N uptake and release. Daily N assimilation in field experiments (32.3±7.2 μmol N·g dw−1·d−1) was correlated with seasonal and local N availability. The average rate of N release across all sites and dates (65.8±11.6 μmol N·g dw−1·d−1) was 67% of gross daily uptake, and also varied among sites and seasons (range=33%–99%). Release was highest when growth rates and nutrient availability were low, possibly due to senescence during these periods. During summer biomass peaks, estimated N release from macroalgal mats was as high as 17 mmol N·m−2·d−1. Our results suggest that most estimates of macroalgal N uptake severely underestimate gross N uptake and that N is taken up, transformed, and released to the water column on short time scales (minutes–hours).
THE EVOLUTION OF ELONGATE SHAPE IN DIATOMS1
Authors: Alverson Andrew J. , Cannone Jamie J. , Gutell Robin R. , Theriot Edward C.
Published: May 2006

Diatoms have been classified historically as either centric or pennate based on a number of features, cell outline foremost among them. The consensus among nearly every estimate of the diatom phylogeny is that the traditional pennate diatoms (Pennales) constitute a well‐supported clade, whereas centric diatoms do not. The problem with the centric–pennate classification was highlighted by some recent analyses concerning the phylogenetic position of Toxarium, whereby it was concluded that this “centric” diatom independently evolved several pennate‐like characters including an elongate, pennate‐like cell outline. We performed several phylogenetic analyses to test the hypothesis that Toxarium evolved its elongate shape independently from Pennales. First, we reanalyzed the original data set used to infer the phylogenetic position of Toxarium and found that a more thorough heuristic search was necessary to find the optimal tree. Second, we aligned 181 diatom and eight outgroup SSU rDNA sequences to maximize the juxtapositioning of similar primary and secondary structure of the 18S rRNA molecule over a much broader sampling of diatoms. We then performed a number of phylogenetic analyses purposely based on disparate sets of assumptions and found that none of these analyses supported the conclusion that Toxarium acquired its pennate‐like outline independently from Pennales. Our results suggest that elongate outline is congruent with SSU rDNA data and may be synapomorphic for a larger, more inclusive clade than the traditional Pennales.
POTENTIAL UTILITY OF MITOCHONDRIAL CYTOCHROME B AND ITS MRNA EDITING IN RESOLVING CLOSELY RELATED DINOFLAGELLATES: A CASE STUDY OF PROROCENTRUM (DINOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Lin Senjie , Zhang Huan , Jiao Nianzhi
Published: May 2006

Difficulties often occur in separating closely related dinoflagellate species. In this study, the potential utility of mitochondrial cytochrome b (cob) gene sequence and mRNA editing characteristics was assessed using Prorocentrum Ehrenberg as a model. The cob sequences and the patterns of their mRNA editing were analyzed for several Prorocentrum taxa. Results revealed little difference in cob sequence and mRNA editing characteristics between geographic populations of P. minimum (Pavillard) Schiller, while a notable difference was detected between different species (P. minimum and P. micans Ehrenberg). Furthermore, these P. minimum populations consistently formed a tight cluster on phylogenetic trees inferred from cob sequences as well as mRNA editing characteristics, whereas different Prorocentrum species were well separated, with a genetic distance of 0.0042±0.0024 for the former and 0.0141±0.0012 for the latter (P<0.01; two‐tailed t‐test). When the analysis was applied to the case of P. donghaiense Lu et Goebel and CCMP1517 strain of P. dentatum Stein, no differences were detected between these two taxa with respect to cob mRNA editing pattern and only small differences equivalent to those between P. minimum populations were detected in terms of cob sequence. On the cob sequence‐ and editing‐based phylogenetic trees, P. donghaiense and P. dentatum CCMP1517 consistently clustered together at a position sister to P. minimum. The results suggest that cob, combined with its mRNA editing, can potentially be a useful delineator of Prorocentrum species, and that P. donghaiense and P. dentatum CCMP1517 are most likely the same species and both are closely related to P. minimum.
INTRASPECIFIC GENETIC DIVERSITY IN THE MARINE COCCOLITHOPHORE EMILIANIA HUXLEYI (PRYMNESIOPHYCEAE): THE USE OF MICROSATELLITE ANALYSIS IN MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON POPULATION STUDIES1
Authors: Débora Iglesias‐Rodríguez María , Schofield Oscar M. , Batley Jacqueline , Medlin Linda K. , Hayes Paul K.
Published: May 2006

Using primer pairs for seven previously described microsatellite loci and three newly characterized microsatellite loci from the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Lohm.) Hay and Mohler, we assessed genetic variation within this species. Analysis of microsatellite length variants (alleles) was conducted for 85 E. huxleyi isolates representative of different ocean basins. These results revealed high intraspecific genetic variability within the E. huxleyi species concept. Pairwise comparison of a 1992 Coastal Fjord group (FJ92) (n=41) and a North East Atlantic (NEA) group (n=21), using FST as an indicator of genetic differentiation, revealed moderate genetic differentiation (FST=0.09894; P=0; significance level=0.05). Gene flow between the FJ92 and NEA groups was estimated to be low, which is in agreement with the moderate levels of genetic differentiation revealed by the microsatellite data. A genetic assignment method that uses genotype likelihoods to draw inference about the groups to which individuals belong was tested. Using FJ92 and NEA as reference groups, we observed that all the E. huxleyi groups tested against the two reference groups were unrelated to them. On a global biogeographical scale, E. huxleyi populations appear to be highly genetically diverse. Our findings raise the question of whether such a high degree of intraspecific genetic diversity in coccolithophores translates into variability in ecological function.
Condom Versus Indwelling Urinary Catheters: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Saint Sanjay , Kaufman Samuel R. , Rogers Mary A. M. , Baker Paul D. , Ossenkop Kathleen , Lipsky Benjamin A.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES: To compare condom and indwelling urinary catheters in terms of infection risk and patient satisfaction.

DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, unblinded, controlled trial.

SETTING: An academically affiliated Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalized men aged 40 and older who required a urinary collection device.

MEASUREMENTS: The incidence of adverse outcomes (bacteriuria, symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI), or death) and patient device‐related satisfaction as determined according to a questionnaire. Dementia status was recorded to assess effect modification by the presence of dementia.

RESULTS: Seventy‐five subjects were randomized: 41 receiving an indwelling catheter and 34 a condom catheter. The incidence of an adverse outcome was 131/1,000 patient‐days with an indwelling catheter and 70/1,000 patient‐days with a condom catheter (P=.07). The median time to an adverse event was 7 days in the indwelling group and 11 days in the condom group. After adjusting for other risk factors, it was found that condom catheter use reduced adverse outcomes (P=.04). Patients without dementia who had an indwelling catheter were approximately five times as likely to develop bacteriuria or symptomatic UTI or to die (hazard ratio=4.84, 95% confidence interval=1.46–16.02) as those with a condom catheter (P=.01). Patients reported that condom catheters were more comfortable (P=.02) and less painful (P=.02) than indwelling catheters.

CONCLUSION: The use of condom catheters is less likely to lead to bacteriuria, symptomatic UTI, or death than the use of indwelling catheters. This protection is especially apparent in men without dementia.
Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture with Positive Affect Have Better Functional Recovery over 2 Years
Authors: Fredman Lisa , Hawkes William G. , Black Sandra , Bertrand Rosanna M. , Magaziner Jay
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether patients with hip fracture with high positive affect had better functioning than those with low positive affect or depressive symptoms in three performance‐based measures over 2 years after the fracture.

DESIGN: Longitudinal study with assessments at baseline and 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months posthospitalization.

SETTING: Community.

PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred thirty‐two patients, aged 65 and older, hospitalized for hip fracture in Baltimore, Maryland, between 1990 and 1991.

MEASUREMENTS: High and low positive affect and depressive symptoms were based on baseline Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score, usual and rapid walking speed, one chair stand, demographic factors, comorbidities, and history of cognitive impairment.

RESULTS: At each follow‐up point, respondents with high positive affect at baseline (36% of sample) had faster walking and chair stand speeds than those with low positive affect (13%) and depressive symptoms (51%). For example, at 6 months, the mean usual walking pace was 0.4 m/s (standard error (SE)=0.02) for respondents with high positive affect, versus 0.4 m/s (SE=0.03) and 0.35 m/s (SE=0.02) for patients with low positive affect and depressive symptoms, respectively; adjusted differences were 0.02 (95% confidence interval (CI)=−0.06–0.09) and 0.06 (95% CI=0.01–0.11). Respondents with high positive affect appeared to achieve their maximum improvement in usual pace approximately 6 months before other respondents, but this interaction was not statistically significant. Respondents with consistently high positive affect had the best functioning over the follow‐up period.

CONCLUSION: High positive affect seems to have a beneficial influence on performance‐based functioning after hip fracture.
Risk of Cognitive Decline in Older Patients After Carotid Endarterectomy: An Observational Study
Authors: Bo Mario , Massaia Massimiliano , Speme Stefania , Cappa Giorgetta , Strumia Khenya , Cerrato Paolo , Ponzio Federico , Poli Leone
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CE) for symptomatic left internal carotid artery (LICA) stenosis have greater risk of cognitive decline than patients with asymptomatic LICA disease or right internal carotid artery (RICA) disease.

DESIGN: Observational.

SETTING: Vascular surgery day hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: The analysis included 103 patients (mean age 72.6±7.0, 73 men), of whom 50 had LICA disease (29 symptomatic).

MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive function was evaluated (age‐ and education‐adjusted Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Clock tests (CLOX1 and 2)) at baseline and at the end of the study period (average follow‐up±standard deviation 44.4±14.3 months) in a sample of patients aged 65 and older, free from cognitive impairment, consecutively undergoing CE.

RESULTS: At the end of the study period, MMSE, CLOX1, and CLOX2 scores were significantly lower in patients with symptomatic LICA disease (P<.001, P<.001, and P=.002, respectively) and not in the other groups of patients. Patients with symptomatic LICA disease had greater risk of cognitive decline than other individuals according to MMSE score (F=5.18, P=.002) or CLOX1 and 2 scores (F=5.66, P=.001, and F=4.33, P=.006, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing CE for symptomatic LICA disease appear to be at greater risk of cognitive decline than other subjects. These findings suggest that future studies should evaluate the effects on cognitive function of different timing for CE in patients with LICA and RICA disease.
Development of a Protocol for Capillary Blood Glucose Testing in Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Settings
Authors: Mader Scott L. , Fuglee Kathleen A. , Allen Deanna S. , Werner Lisa R. , Wanlass Wendy A. , Pagel Keith J. , Beliel Kay L. , McEuen Judy A. , Stephens Elizabeth A. , Allison Nancy L. , McWhorter Karen A. , Vandling Julie E.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES: To develop an algorithm to standardize capillary blood glucose (CBG) testing in nursing home and rehabilitation patients.

DESIGN: Descriptive study in which an interdisciplinary team from a nursing home, a rehabilitation center, and a diabetes mellitus care program developed and tested a protocol to standardize diabetes management parameters and CBG testing frequency.

SETTING: Department of Veterans Affairs nursing home and rehabilitation unit.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred one patients admitted to the units during the 6‐month study period who had orders for CBG testing.

INTERVENTION: Use of a standardized CBG testing protocol.

MEASUREMENTS: Use of management goal, use of CBG testing protocol, total CBG tests/month.

RESULTS: One hundred one subjects received orders for CBG testing; 72 (72%) received orders for a management goal, and 69 (69%) received orders to use the CBG protocol. Of these 69 patients, 22 met their CBG goals and were advanced to less‐frequent CBG testing using the protocol, and 15 did not meet their CBG goals and were not advanced. An additional 15 patients were advanced to less‐frequent CBG testing but not using the protocol. In all, 54 of 69 patients (78%) were advanced or could have been advanced by protocol to less‐frequent CBG testing. Total CBG testing per month did not change before, during, or after the study period.

CONCLUSION: This protocol would be useful in long‐term care facilities and in other congregate living settings where patients with diabetes mellitus have staff assisting with their diabetes management. Barriers to successful implementation are discussed.
A Prospective, Longitudinal Study of the Functional Status and Quality of Life of Older Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Hurria Arti , Hurria Anju , Zuckerman Enid , Panageas Katherine S. , Fornier Monica , D'Andrea Gabriella , Dang Chau , Moasser Mark , Robson Mark , Seidman Andrew , Currie Violante , VanPoznak Catherine , Theodoulou Maria , Lachs Mark S. , Hudis Clifford
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES: To examine the toxicity experienced by a cohort of older women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer and the longitudinal effect on their functional status and quality of life (QOL).

DESIGN: A geriatric assessment measuring functional status, comorbidity, mood, nutritional status, and QOL was performed before chemotherapy, at the end of chemotherapy, and 6 months later.

SETTING: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.

PARTICIPANTS: Fifty patients aged 65 and older with Stage I to III breast cancer receiving any adjuvant chemotherapy; 49 were evaluable.

MEASUREMENTS: The chemotherapy regimen and the toxicity to chemotherapy were recorded. A geriatric assessment was performed before the start of chemotherapy, on completion of chemotherapy, and 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. QOL testing was performed at the same times.

RESULTS: Patients (mean age 68, range 65–84) received an anthracycline‐based chemotherapy regimen (n=15) or cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 intravenously (IV), methotrexate 40 mg/m2 IV, 5‐fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 IV every 3 weeks for eight cycles (n=34). Grade 3 or 4 toxicity occurred in 53% (n=26), hematological toxicity in 27% (n=13), and nonhematological toxicity in 31% (n=15). Despite toxicity, there was no significant longitudinal change in functional status or QOL.

CONCLUSION: Despite toxicity from adjuvant chemotherapy, this cohort of relatively young older patients maintained their functional status and QOL from before chemotherapy to 6 months postchemotherapy. Subtle changes in higher‐order functioning would require assessment using different geriatric assessment tools.
Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elders (GRACE): A New Model of Primary Care for Low‐Income Seniors
Authors: Counsell Steven R. , Callahan Christopher M. , Buttar Amna B. , Clark Daniel O. , Frank Kathryn I.
Published: May 2006

The majority of older adults receive health care in primary care settings, yet many fail to receive the recommended standard of care for preventive services, chronic disease management, and geriatric syndromes. The Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elders (GRACE) model of primary care for low‐income seniors and their primary care physicians (PCPs) was developed to improve the quality of geriatric care so as to optimize health and functional status, decrease excess healthcare use, and prevent long‐term nursing home placement. The catalyst for the GRACE intervention is the GRACE support team, consisting of a nurse practitioner and a social worker. Upon enrollment, the GRACE support team meets with the patient in the home to conduct an initial comprehensive geriatric assessment. The support team then meets with the larger GRACE interdisciplinary team (including a geriatrician, pharmacist, physical therapist, mental health social worker, and community‐based services liaison) to develop an individualized care plan including activation of GRACE protocols for evaluating and managing common geriatric conditions. The GRACE support team then meets with the patient's PCP to discuss and modify the plan. Collaborating with the PCP, and consistent with the patient's goals, the support team then implements the plan. With the support of an electronic medical record and longitudinal tracking system, the GRACE support team provides ongoing care management and coordination of care across multiple geriatric syndromes, providers, and sites of care. The effectiveness of the GRACE intervention is being evaluated in a randomized, controlled trial.
Minimal heating dose: a novel biological unit to measure infrared irradiation
Authors: Lee Hyoun Seung , Lee Dong Hun , Cho Soyun , Chung Jin Ho
Published: May 2006

Background and Objective: Infrared (IR) rays, which comprise approximately 40% of the solar radiation which reaches the earth's surface, have received relatively scant attention. As no standard method has yet been agreed upon for the biological evaluation of IR irradiation, the objective of this study is to suggest a new unit for IR irradiation.

Methods: The skin temperature of 38 Korean volunteers was measured after IR irradiation with varying irradiance.

Results: Skin temperature after IR irradiation at an irradiance of 2.02 W/cm2 remained unchanged after 652±22 s (mean±standard error), which corresponds, in this case, to a total radiation dose of IR 1317.3±44.84 J/cm2. This quantity was designated as the minimal heating dose (MHD). We also demonstrated that MHD increased with increasing IR irradiance at lower IR irradiance (1.17 and 2.02 W/cm2), whereas it became constant at higher irradiance (2.87 and 3.22 W/cm2). No statistically significant correlations were detected between MHD and volunteers' ages, erythema index, or melanin index.

Conclusion: We propose ‘MHD’ as a biological unit for the measurement of IR irradiation.
Photodynamic action of red light for treatment of erythrasma: preliminary results
Authors: Darras‐Vercambre S. , Carpentier O. , Vincent P. , Bonnevalle A. , Thomas P.
Published: May 2006

Background: Erythrasma is a superficial cutaneous infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum and is characterized by fluorescence under Wood's light (UV) because of the presence of porphyrins. These molecules are photosensitizing and we propose to assess efficacy of red light that activates porphyrins (photodynamic reaction) in treatment of this pathology.

Objectives: Assessment of effects of photodynamic action of red light for treatment of erythrasma without exogenous photosensitizing molecules.

Methods: Thirteen patients with erythrasma were treated by one illumination (80 J/cm2) by red light (broad band, peak at 635 nm) without exogenous photosensitizing molecules. Disappearance or reduction of extent of lesions were observed 2 weeks later. If lesions were still present, a second irradiation was conducted with the same method.

Results: Preliminary results are presented. As a result of red light irradiation, we noticed a complete recovery for three patients and, in most other cases, reduction of extent of lesions (mean: −29% after one session). The treatment was well tolerated.

Conclusion: We report first cases of photodynamic treatment of erythrasma. There are other reports of clinical applications of antimicrobial action of photodynamic therapy in dermatology (acne vulgaris, leishmaniasis, warts, etc.). But there are few applications without addition of exogenous photosensitizing agent. The originality and interest of our study is to use spontaneous presence of porphyrins in the lesions. This technique seems to be an interesting alternative, inexpensive and easy, for the treatment of this localized infection. But an optimal method is still to be determined to improve efficacy.
Pheomelanin and eumelanin in human skin determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography and its relation to in vivo reflectance measurements
Authors: Kongshoj Brian , Thorleifsson Ari , Wulf Hans Christian
Published: May 2006

Background/purpose: Clinical experience has shown that red haired, fair‐skinned people have an increased frequency of skin cancer and in addition a relatively high content of pheomelanin and low content of eumelanin in their skin. Of these, eumelanin is presumed photoprotective, and pheomelanin phototoxic. Thus, a fast, easy, and non‐invasive method for determining skin content of eumelanin and pheomelanin was sought.

Methods: Skin reflectance measurements using a UV‐Optimize apparatus were performed before taking suction blisters of the same skin area. Each skin sample was freeze dried and submitted to alkaline hydrogen peroxide degradation. Two eumelanin degradation compounds:Pyrrole‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid (PDCA) and pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA), and two pheomelanin degradation compounds: Thiazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid (TDCA) and 1,3‐thiazole‐2,4,5‐tricarboxylic acid (TTCA) were determined in a single chromatographic analysis. Each degradation compound was correlated to reflectance measurements of red (660 nm), green (555 nm), and blue (488 nm) light and additionally correlated to the pigmentation % and redness % given by UV‐Optimize.

Results: Neither of the investigated parameters were significantly correlated to either PDCA or TTCA. Contrarily, a highly significant correlation was found for the eumelanin marker, PTCA (r2=0.79, P<0.0001). The pheomelanin marker, TDCA, was likewise found to be significantly correlated (r2=0.43, P<0.0001).

Conclusion: Based on the coefficients of determination it was concluded that in vivo spectrophotometric reflectance measurements of human skin were highly useful for determining the eumelanin content of skin and to classify the pheomelanin content of skin non‐invasively. This may be used individually and in population‐based studies.
Treatment of localized vitiligo with targeted broadband UVB phototherapy: a pilot study
Authors: Asawanonda Pravit , Charoenlap Marisa , Korkij Wiwat
Published: May 2006

Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy and 308 nm excimer laser have produced encouraging therapeutic results for vitiligo. Repigmentation of various degrees was obtained in different studies.

Materials and methods: Twenty‐nine vitiliginous lesions from six patients were treated with targeted, broadband UV‐B phototherapy. UV fluences were started at 50% of the minimal erythema dose, then increased gradually. Treatments were carried out twice weekly for 12 weeks.

Results: Some degree of repigmentation occurred in all subjects. Responses varied among the different anatomic locations, with acral lesions achieving the least improvement. Onset of repigmentation was as early as 3 weeks of treatment in some subjects. Treatments were well tolerated, with only minimal erythema and hyperpigmentation.

Limitations: This study was carried out in a smaller number of patients with skin types III and IV. The irradiation device was a broadband UVB device, and thus the results may not be similar to those obtained from a more monochromatic system such as an excimer laser.

Conclusions: Targeted broadband UVB is an efficacious and safe modality for the treatment of localized vitiligo.
Evaluation of the effects of NB‐UVB in both segmental and non‐segmental vitiligo affecting different body sites
Authors: Anbar T. S. , Westerhof W. , Abdel‐Rahman A. T. , El‐ Khayyat M. A.
Published: May 2006

Background: Narrow band (NB)‐UVB has been used in the treatment of vitiligo for years but statistical evaluation of the clinical response in both segmental and non‐segmental vitiligo patients has yet to be assessed.

Objectives: Statistical evaluation of the clinical response of vitiligo patients to NB‐UVB in both segmental and non‐segmental types affecting different body sites.

Methods: This study included 150 patients with vitiligo either segmental (10%) or non‐segmental (90%). NB‐UVB therapy was given twice weekly till reaching our end point of 100% re‐pigmentation or a cut point in unresponsive cases. Evaluation of the percentage of re‐pigmentation was performed by total body photography and planimetry every 8 weeks.

Results: The overall response to therapy in the non‐segmental vitiligo group demonstrated that 48% of the patients showed marked response, 27% showed moderate response and 25% showed mild response after UVB therapy. The patients showed marked response in 76.3% in face lesions, 41.9% in trunk lesions and 37.6% in limbs lesions. None of the patients in the acral areas achieved marked response. The mean duration of therapy was 7.8 months. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the earlier the patient was treated, the better the response was especially for lesions on the face, trunk and limbs. On the other hand, in the segmental vitiligo group, patients showed no more than mild response to NB‐UVB whatever the site of the lesion was. No side effects were encountered with NB‐UVB therapy except for aggravation of the disease in two cases and erythema in one patient who was an outdoor worker and was skin type II.

Conclusion: The type of vitiligo, the affected anatomical area and the disease duration are important factors that influence potential re‐pigmentation.
Eruptive melanocytic nevi of the palms and soles in a patient with Crohn disease
Authors: Binder Barbara , Ahlgrimm‐Siess Verena , Hofmann‐Wellenhof Rainer
Published: May 2006

Eruptive melanocytic nevi of the palms and soles are a rare phenomenon which has been associated with a number of different diseases. A variety of pathogenetic mechanisms have been proposed. A 22‐year‐old woman with Crohn disease since 1998 presented with multiple eruptive melanocytic nevi of the palms and soles. She is the second case in the literature describing the association between Crohn disease and eruptive melanocytic nevi. In contrast to the first report by Belloni‐Fortina et al.[7], in our case the melanocytic nevi appeared only on the palms and soles.
Dystrophic calcinosis cutis after subcutaneous administration of para‐aminosalicylic acid for treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Meissner Markus , Varwig Domenica , Beier Christian , Jacobi Volkmar , Kaufmann Roland , Gille Jens
Published: May 2006

An 81‐year‐old women presented with monstrous subcutaneous mobile masses on the ventral and ventrolateral surfaces of her thighs. Radiography as well as computer tomography showed extensive soft tissue calcifications. We interpreted these alterations as dystrophic calcinosis cutis, most likely resulting from repeated subcutaneous PAS infusions for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Vacuum therapy in dermatology: a review
Authors: Renner Regina , Rogalski Christina , Friedlein Helmut , Simon Jan C.
Published: May 2006

Modern wound therapy is developing continuously. Vacuum therapy is an estab‐lished procedure to treat wounds. Available on the market is, among others, the V.A.C.® (Vacuum Assisted Closure) therapy system. Here, we report the various effects of the vacuum therapy on wounds such as reducing the bacterial contamination, improving granulation and microcirculation and focus on the practical use of the V.A.C.®, possible complications, contraindications and the economic aspects of the therapy. Since V.A.C.® therapy allows rapid mobilization of patients especially with postoperative or posttraumatic wounds, infrequent dressing changes and relative analgesia, this treatment modality is well‐accepted by patients with acute or chronic wounds. One explanation for the high acceptance on part of the therapists and the widespread use of the method are the excellent clinical results.
Oscillations in the stable starless core Barnard 68
Authors: Redman M. P. , Keto E. , Rawlings J. M. C.
Published: May 2006

New molecular line observations of the Bok globule Barnard 68 in HCO+ irrefutably confirm the complex pattern of red and blue asymmetric line profiles seen across the face of the cloud in previous observations of CS. The new observations thus strengthen the previous interpretation that Barnard 68 is undergoing peculiar oscillations. Furthermore, the physical chemistry of B68 indicates that the object is much older than the sound crossing time and is therefore long-lived. A model is presented for the globule in which a modest external pressure perturbation is shown to lead to oscillations about a stable equilibrium configuration. Such oscillations may be present in other stable starless cores as manifested by a similar signature of inward and outward motions.
USE OF ENZYMES TO ENHANCE OIL RECOVERY DURING AQUEOUS EXTRACTION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED OIL
Authors: ABDULKARIM S.M. , LAI O.M. , MUHAMMAD S.K.S. , LONG K. , GHAZALI H.M.
Published: May 2006

Moringa oleifera seed oil was extracted using four different types of enzymes to obtain the most efficient extraction parameters. The enzymes used were Neutrase 0.8L (neutral protease), Termamyl 120L, type L (α‐amylase), Pectinex Ultra SP‐L (pectinase) and Celluclast 1.5L FG (cellulase). These were used either separately or in combination. Individually, Neutrase was found to be the most effective, followed by Termamyl, Celluclast and Pectinex. A combination of the four enzymes was found to be more effective than used separately, with 74% oil recovery. Percent oil recovery for individual enzymes under optimal conditions and with pH adjusted to the individual enzyme's optimum pH were 71.9, 64.8, 62.6 and 56.5 for Neutrase, Termamyl, Celluclast and Pectinex, respectively. Neutrase, Pectinex and the combination of all the four enzymes at 2% (v/w) were found to perform best at 45C, while Termamyl and Celluclast were best at 60C. The physical and chemical properties of the extracted oils such as iodine value (IV) (66.0–67.2 g iodine/100 g oil), free fatty acid (FFA) content (1.13–1.25 as % oleic acid), complete melting points (MPs) (18.6–19.1C) and viscosities (83.1–85.0 cP) except the color were not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by the type of enzyme used in the pretreatment of the seed. However, apart from IV and MP, the values for other properties were significantly different (P < 0.05) from those obtained for solvent‐extracted samples.
THE INFLUENCE OF DIET ENRICHED WITH RED PALM OIL ON THE FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF PLASMA AND LIVER IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS
Authors: SZULCZEWSKA‐REMI A. , NOGALA‐KALUCKA M. , NOWAK K.W. , RUDZINSKA M. , CHALUPKA D.
Published: May 2006

Red palm oil is a natural source of antioxidants, mainly tocopherols and tocotrienols, as well as beta‐carotene. Because of its semiliquid consistency, due to 50% saturated and 50% unsaturated fatty acids, red palm oil is a valuable component of almost all margarines as well as frying and baking oils present in the market. The experimental rat groups were fed a diet supplemented with plant‐based fat “Planta,” palm oil, palm oil with a concentrate obtained from red palm oil, palm oil with rapeseed oil or rapeseed oil. The percentage of each fatty acid in animal plasma and liver was significantly different for subjects receiving different dietary lipid components.
LIPID DAMAGE DURING FROZEN STORAGE OF WHOLE JACK MACKEREL (TRACHURUS SYMMETRICUS MURPHYI)
Authors: ARANDA M. , MENDOZA N. , VILLEGAS R.
Published: May 2006

The damage on the lipid fraction of whole jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus murphyi, Carangidae) during 120 days of frozen storage was studied. The chemical composition was determined through proximate analysis. Lipid quality deterioration was evaluated by measuring free fatty acids, peroxide values, conjugated dienes and p‐anisidine values. Also, the total volatile base‐nitrogen value was determined to check the bacterial activity during frozen storage. The results showed that jack mackerel is a medium‐fat fish species with 74–78% moisture, 3–5% fat (crude) with 20–27% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The lipid hydrolysis was the major damage during frozen storage, with a correlation coefficient of 0.96 after 75 days of storage. The normal oxidative rancidity (primary and secondary products) present in fillets of different species was not observed in the whole fish. The autolytic changes were predominant, because bacterial activity was low during the entire storage time.
EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF LIPIDS DURING ALKALINE COOKING OF CORN
Authors: MARTINEZ‐FLORES H.E. , GARNICA‐ROMO M.G. , ROMERO V.J.U. , YAHUACA J.B.
Published: May 2006

The effect of alkaline cooking on corn oil quality characteristics was investigated. This process is used to produce tortillas and snacks. The corn was cooked in a solution of calcium hydroxide at the concentrations of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0% for 45 min. The oil was then extracted from cooked grains and saponification (SV), iodine (IV) and peroxide (PV) values were determined. Color parameters L and b were also measured. The SV was 85.7 (mg KOH/g oil) in the absence of calcium hydroxide and increased to 89.9 for the 3.0% calcium hydroxide treatment. The IV decreased from 126.4 (g iodine/100 g oil) in the absence of calcium hydroxide to 102.6 in the treatment with 3.0% calcium hydroxide. The b and L color parameters increased as calcium hydroxide concentration increased. The calcium hydroxide concentration recommended for cooking of corn was found to be between 0.5 and 1.0%.
VITAMIN E CONTENTS OF PROCESSED MEATS BLENDED WITH PALM OILS
Authors: WAN ROSLI W.I. , BABJI A.S. , AMINAH A. , FOO S.P. , ABD MALIK O.
Published: May 2006

The vitamin E contents of beef burgers and chicken frankfurters blended with palm oil (PO) were determined. PO and red PO cooked beef burgers resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) loss of vitamin E from 427.5 to 178.0 µg/g and from 367.0 to 271.0 µg/g, respectively, after 6 months of storage. The concentration of alpha‐tocopherol (α‐tocopherol) for all retorted chicken frankfurters was reduced (P < 0.05) by 66.0–91.50 (16–46%) µg/g while the alpha‐tocotrienol (α‐tocotrienol) in all retorted chicken frankfurters significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by 63.0–95.5 µg/g (28–48%) after 6 months of storage. Both α‐tocopherol and α‐tocotrienol decreased at a faster rate (62–64% and 53–61% loss, respectively) and was less stable than the gamma‐tocotrienol (12–59%) and the delta‐tocotrienol (4–28%) in beef burgers. The effect of processing, cooking, frozen storage and the type of fats used could influence vitamin E stability and content in meat products.
CHROMIUM (III) ACETATE HYDROXIDE – AN EFFICIENT CATALYST FOR PREPARATION OF 1‐MONOACYLGLYCEROLS BY THE GLYCIDOL–FATTY ACID REACTION
Authors: JANIŠ RAHULA , KLÁSEK ANTONÍN , BOBÁLOVÁ JANA
Published: May 2006

Partial monoacyl esters of glycerol and fatty acids (monoacylglycerols) exhibit amphiphatic properties and are widely used as potent surfactants, antistatics, antibacterial compounds and lubricants. Pure 1‐monoacylglycerols may be prepared by the addition of individual fatty acids to glycidol. This work deals with application of chromium (III) acetate hydroxide for catalysis of this reaction. Pure 1‐monoacylglycerols of caprylic, capric, lauric, palmitic and oleic acids were prepared in high yields using a solvent‐free system. The conversion rates as well as activation parameters of the reaction were evaluated. In all cases, 98–99% conversions were attained using 0.5% (w/w) catalyst at 90C.
CHARACTERIZATION AND SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE EXTRACTION OF PALM OIL (ELAEIS GUINEENSIS)
Authors: LAU HARRISON LIK NANG , CHOO YUEN MAY , MA AH NGAN , CHUAH CHENG HOCK
Published: May 2006

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) was used to extract palm oil from palm mesocarp (Elaeis guineensis). The conditions surveyed were 40 to 80C and 14 to 30 MPa. The free fatty acid content in SC‐CO2 extracted palm oil was found to be 0.61% as compared to 3.15% in commercial crude palm oil (CPO). The average peroxide value of the SC‐CO2 extracted CPO was 1.68 meq O2/kg, which indicated that SC‐CO2 extraction does not induce the formation of undesirable peroxides and hydroperoxides. The deterioration of bleachability index of SC‐CO2 extracted palm oil met the specification of fairly good CPO with average value of 2.60. The oxidative stability of SC‐CO2 extracted palm oil was slightly lower than commercial and n‐hexane extracted CPO. The pro‐oxidants such as iron and copper were significantly reduced in the SC‐CO2‐produced oil. Minor components such as carotenes, vitamin E (e.g., tocopherols and tocotrienols), phytosterols and squalene were co‐extracted during the SC‐CO2 extraction. The overall quality of SC‐CO2 extracted CPO appears equivalent to those obtained by commercial processing of CPO.
EFFECT OF ANTICAKING AGENT ADDITION AND HEADSPACE REDUCTION IN THE POWDERED‐DRINK MIX SENSORY STABILITY
Authors: CASTRO INAR A. , MOTIZUKI MIRIAM , MURAI HÉLCIO , CHIU MING C. , SILVA RUI S.S.F.
Published: May 2006

The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of the addition of 0.2% anticaking agent “silicon dioxide” (S) and of 70.0% reduction of the headspace in the package (H) both individually and combined (SH), on the sensory and physicochemical characteristics of a powdered‐drink mix over a shelf‐life period of 120 days. The “difference from control” test was applied to 10 trained panelists in order to assess the four treatments at 30‐day intervals throughout the experimental period, according to visual aspect of the powdered mix and drink flavor. The results demonstrated that a reduction of 70% of the headspace was the most effective treatment for product sensory stability. Water activity (Aw) was a more sensitive parameter than moisture content and ascorbic acid degradation. AlthoughAwhas shown a significant difference over time, the sensory properties still seemed to be a better shelf‐life indicator for powdered mixes. Based on the sensory alterations of the aspect of the powder, a reduction of headspace and the limiting of shelf life to between 60 and 90 days could be recommended for powdered‐drink mixes packaged in polypropylene containers.
USE OF CLARIFYING AGENTS AND ULTRA FILTER TO DECREASE FUMARIC ACID, HMF AND INCREASE CLARITY OF APPLE JUICE
Authors: TULEK YAHYA , YILMAZ SUKRU
Published: May 2006

In this study, the effects of eight different processing treatments of apple juice (AJ) production (Process 1: Ultra filtration [UF], Process 2: Activated charcoal [AC], Process 3: polyvinylpolypyrolidone [PVPP], Process 4: Gelatine [G] + Bentonite [B], Process 5: [G + B] + UF, Process 6: [G + B] + AC, Process 7: [G + B] + PVPP and Process 8: [G + B] + Kieselguhr [K]) on the fumaric acid (FA), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), color and clearness values of AJ were investigated. With the exception of Processes 1 and 5, AC, K, PVPP, G and B were used at various doses in other processes. FA, HMF, color and clearness values of control sample were determined as 3.24 mg/L, 3.84 mg/L, 48.5 (%T) and 94.1 (%T), respectively. The highest proportional decrement in FA and HMF values of the samples were observed with Process 6 at the level of 5. The fifth level of Process 6 resulted in 35.8% (3.24–2.08 mg/L) and 35.9% (3.84 to 2.46 mg/L) reductions in FA and HMF values, respectively. On the other hand, the best improvement in clearness of AJ was obtained with Process 6 at the fourth level and obtained as 98.9 (%T).
HEAVY METAL LEVELS IN VEGETABLES IN TURKEY ARE WITHIN SAFE LIMITS FOR Cu, Zn, Ni AND EXCEEDED FOR Cd AND Pb
Authors: DEMİREZEN DILEK , AKSOY AHMET
Published: May 2006

Copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) contents of various vegetables (cucumber, tomato, green pepper, lettuce, parsley, onion, bean, eggplant, peppermint, pumpkin and okra) produced in Kayseri, Turkey and the soils in which they were grown were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP–OES). These plants are the basis of human nutrition in the study area. The results obtained from the urban area were higher than those of the rural area as a result of pollution. The order of the elements in various vegetables and their concentration ranges in μg/g were Cu (22.19–76.5), Cd (0.24–0.97), Ni (0.44–13.45), Pb (3–10.7) and Zn (3.56–259.2). The concentrations of Cu, Zn and Ni in vegetables studied are within the recommended international standards. The results also show that onion (0.97 μg/g) and peppermint (76.5 μg/g) have the ability to accumulate more Cd and Cu than the other vegetables studied, respectively. Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the levels of Zn and Pb in all vegetables analyzed from urban and rural areas. Concentrations of metals analyzed in samples could be related to their concentration in the corresponding soils. Enhanced levels of metals observed in some vegetable species could be related to their concentration in the corresponding soils.