bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of scalp seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis with an ointment of 40% urea and 1% bifonazole
Authors: Shemer Avner , Nathansohn Nir , Kaplan Baruch , Weiss Glen , Newman Nathan , Trau Henri
Published: March 2003

Seventy‐one patients (52 patients with psoriasis capitis and 19 with scalp seborrheic dermatitis) enrolled in this open‐label study. All had stable disease for at least 6 months. Patients who were allergic to imidazoles, were pregnant or breastfeeding, or were aged less than 18 years were excluded. Only psoriatic patients with scalp involvement alone or whose body surface area involvement was less than 25% were included. All patients reported incomplete response to previous topical therapies (used alone or in combination: corticosteroids, salicylic acid, tar, anthralin, and ketoconazole shampoo) and had a washout period of at least 1 month.

The patients applied 40% urea plus 1% bifonazole in an ointment base nightly. They were instructed to apply a fixed amount (1 cm in length = 0.32 g) of ointment for each 10 cm 2of involved area. Each morning, 1% bifonazole shampoo was applied for 5 min and rinsed with water; 10–20 min later, one drop of 1% bifonazole solution per 10 cm
2area was applied to the scalp. This treatment regimen was repeated daily for 7 days. If clearance was not achieved in the first week, the regimen was continued for one more week.

After this initial treatment (for 7 or 14 days), maintenance therapy with once‐weekly application of the regimen was continued for up to 3 months. In addition, during this follow‐up period, the scalp was washed in 2‐day intervals with the shampoo alone, which was left on for 5 min and then washed off.

On each visit (weeks 0, 1, 2 and 12), the scalp was evaluated for redness, scaling, and pruritus and each parameter was scored as absent (0), mild 1, moderate
2, or severe
3. On each visit, the scalp's condition was scored as follows: worsening (− 1), no improvement (0), mild (0–25%) improvement
1, moderate (25–50%) improvement
2, marked (50–75%) improvement
3, and (> 75%) cleared
4.
The therapeutic potential of calcipotriol in diseases other than psoriasis
Authors: Holm Elisabeth A. , Jemec Gregor B. E.
Published: March 2003

Background Calcipotriol is a vitamin D analog, which has antiproliferative and anti‐ inflammatory effects, and stimulates terminal differentiation. It has been an established treatment for psoriasis since 1991 in Europe and 1994 in the USA.

Objective To assess the clinical efficacy of topical calcipotriol in diseases other than psoriasis.

Results A total of 36 original papers were found describing 21 different diseases in which the clinical use of calcipotriol ointment was described as having an effect. These papers were predominantly case reports (n = 22) and observational studies (n = 5), but nine papers described small randomized controlled trials.

Conclusions Calcipotriol may generally be effective in diseases characterized by pathogenic elements, such as impaired differentiation or increased keratinocyte proliferation, and activated T lymphocytes. This study of the existing literature suggests that randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies of calcipotriol therapy may be worthwhile in a number of diseases.
Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet’s syndrome) with nodular episcleritis and polyneuropathy
Authors: Kato Taizo , Kunikata Nagisa , Taira Hikaru , Kobayashi Naoki , Tanji Kazuyo , Endo Minoru
Published: March 2003

A 56‐year‐old Japanese housewife presented with multiple erythematous lesions in association with ocular hyperemia and pain in the right upper and lower extremities, including the hands and feet. These symptoms were preceded by a sore throat with persistent fever higher than 38.5 °C for about 1 week.

Dermatologic examination showed tender, dull‐red, erythematous lesions, measuring 1–2 cm in diameter, located predominantly on the forehead, cheeks, auricular region, neck, forearm, hands, and feet. A biopsy specimen obtained from an erythematous lesion on the right forearm revealed prominent edema in the papillary dermis and remarkable inflammatory cell infiltration throughout the entire dermis (Fig. 1). The infiltrate predominantly consisted of neutrophils and nuclear dust without signs of vasculitis. In routine examination, the leukocyte count was 15,000/mL (normal range, 4000–8000/mL) with severe neutrophilia (80%). The C‐reactive protein (CRP) level was 17.65 mg/dL (normal range, < 0.5 mg/dL) and the anti‐streptolysin (ASLO) level was 611 IU/mL (normal range, < 166 IU/mL). In human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing, HLA‐A2, ‐B39, ‐B35, ‐Cw2, and ‐Cw7 were positive, and HLA‐B51, ‐B54, and ‐Cw1 were negative.

Histologic picture showing a dermal infiltrate of neutrophils

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Ocular hyperemia was caused by episcleritis forming a nodule and surrounding congestion of the superficial episcleritic vessels at the central portion of the sclera (Fig. 2). The patient suffered from pain once an hour, continuing for about 3 min, at the lateral portion of the right upper and lower extremities, as well as the right small finger. Neurologic examination demonstrated moderate or slight muscle weakness in the extremities. Hand grasping powers were 9 and 7 kg on the right and left, respectively. The patient was right‐handed. Dysesthesia and paresthesia were also observed on the hands and feet. The deep tendon reflexes were preserved, however, even in the distal portion of the upper and lower limbs. In addition, essential tremor localized to the neck was recognized. Magnetic resonance imaging did not show any episodes of transient abnormal signal intensity in the central nervous system.

Nodular episcleritis (right eye). Telangiectasia of winding vessels with nodular elevation was observed at the upper portion of the sclera

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The patient was treated with prednisolone (initial dose of 30 mg/day) and intravenous injection of cefazolin sodium (2 g/day for 5 days). Almost complete regression of the ocular and neurologic manifestations, as well as the skin lesions, was achieved in 2 weeks. Prednisolone was reduced gradually and suspended after 4 weeks. Leukocyte and neutrophil counts, CRP, and ASO returned to normal on suspension of therapy. Slight paresthesia remained in the right small finger even after stopping steroid. There was no recurrence at follow‐up 6 months later.
Immunoablative high‐dose cyclophosphamide without stem cell rescue in pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Cohen Mark A. , Cohen Jonathan J. , Kerdel Francisco A.
Published: March 2003

Background  There is growing evidence that immunoablative high‐dose cyclophosphamide without stem cell rescue is effective and safe in patients with refractory autoimmune diseases such as paraneoplastic pemphigus, systemic lupus erythematosus, aplastic anemia, and more recently pemphigus vulgaris.

Methods  We report a 51‐year‐old patient with severe pemphigus foliaceus, which was recalcitrant to multiple medical regimes. The patient presented with multiple thick hyperpigmented and scaly, ill‐defined plaques on the face. In addition, she had multiple superficial erosions and crusts on her scalp, thorax, upper and lower extremities. The patient also had a few discrete intact flaccid bullae. A skin biopsy and direct immunofluorescence was consistent with pemphigus foliaceus. The patient's circulating pemphigus autoantibodies were present at a titer of 1 : 2560. The patient received immunoablative high‐dose cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg/day) for 4 consecutive days, and tolerated the regime well.

Results  Approximately 3 months after therapy, the skin lesions had healed and her prednisone, which had been as high as 80 mg daily, was tapered to 30 mg daily. In addition, her circulating autoantibodies decreased after treatment. Nearly 10 months after treatment, the patient did relapse. However, her disease was less severe and more easily managed with lower doses of immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusion  This case contributes to the growing evidence of high‐dose cyclophosphamide's efficacy without stem cell rescue in recalcitrant autoimmune diseases, including pemphigus foliaceus.
Malignant melanoma mortality rates in Chile (1988–98)
Authors: Zemelman Vivian , Garmendia M. L. , Kirschbaum A.
Published: March 2003

Background Malignant melanoma (MM) mortality has increased in the Caucasian population many fold over the past several decades. In this study, we analyzed the Chilean‐specific, age‐adjusted MM mortality rates per 100,000 population during the decade 1988–98 in order to establish changes in that period.

Methods We analyzed all death certificates from the Chilean Death Registry Office (1988–98) and retrieved the deaths attributed to MM. The data were categorized according to sex and age group. The annual age‐adjusted and sex‐specific rates of MM mortality per 100,000 population were calculated.

Results Chilean MM mortality rates increased by 14% between 1988 and 1998. The relative risk for males vs. females was 1.3 with a tendency to rise, showing an increase of 30%. The relative risk of dying from MM in Chile increased linearly with age. An individual of 75 years or older had a 44.24 times greater risk of dying of MM than an individual in the 0–44‐year age group. The rates in the > 75‐year age group also showed a tendency to rise over the decade, with an increase of 64% (1988–98).

Conclusions The Chilean MM mortality rates are lower than the world standardized rates. The total Chilean MM mortality rates showed an increase over the decade 1988–98, mainly due to MM mortality in males. The MM mortality in Chilean females was lower than that in males, and was unchanged over the decade; this is in agreement with the results reported in other countries. This is one of the first studies of MM mortality in the Chilean population. The results are important when the geographic location of Chile is considered.
Perception of men with androgenetic alopecia by women and nonbalding men in Korea: how the nonbald regard the bald
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Jeong , Ha Seog‐Jun , Kim Dongjae , Kim Hyung‐Ok , Kim Jin‐Wou
Published: March 2003

Background Baldness has significant negative psychosocial effects. It has been asserted that the negative effects of baldness are often trivialized by the nonbald. Most studies concerning the perception of baldness have focused on the perceptions of the bald by themselves. In this study, we assessed the perception of baldness by the nonbald in Korea.

Method A questionnaire on the perception of balding men was answered by 130 women (age range 15–58 years), 90 nonbalding men (age range 18–72 years) and 30 balding men (age range 20–63 years).

Results Balding men were perceived as being older and less attractive by over 90% of respondents. A perception that balding men are less confident, duller, and less potent was reported by less than half of respondents. A perception that balding men are less attractive was significantly more common among women than among nonbalding men (P < 0.05). A perception that balding men appear less confident was significantly more common among balding men than among nonbalding men (P < 0.05).

Conclusion In this study of Koreans, the perception of balding men by others was similar to the perception of balding men by themselves. It is likely that androgenetic alopecia adversely influences social interactions of those who are subject to it.
Milia en plaque in a renal transplant patient: a rare presentation
Authors: Dogra Sunil , Kaur Inderjeet , Handa Sanjeev
Published: March 2003

A 56‐year‐old man presented with a 1‐month history of an asymptomatic, erythematous plaque studded with numerous white elevated lesions over the right lower limb. He denied a history of trauma, any topical applications, or ionizing radiation to that area. For the past 2 years following renal transplantation, the patient had taken immunosuppressive therapies. His current medications included cyclosporine, 100 mg, azathioprine, 100 mg, and prednisolone, 7.5 mg, daily. Cutaneous examination revealed an indurated, erythematous, 6 × 4 cm, well‐marginated plaque with overlying, numerous, tiny, yellowish papules present over the lower one‐third of the anteromedial aspect of the right leg (Fig. 1). The patient also had a few discrete milia on the right cheek. There was no tenderness or local warmth. The patient had no systemic symptoms. Histopathology of the skin lesions could not be performed as the patient refused skin biopsy.

Patient's hands showing prominent acral cyanosis and bluish discoloration

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Autoimmune and rheumatic manifestations and antinuclear antibody study in HIV‐infected Thai patients
Authors: Kulthanan Kanokvalai , Jiamton Sukhum , Omcharoen Viboon , Linpiyawan Rumpa , Ruangpeerakul Jaratsak , Sivayathorn Apichati
Published: March 2003

Background There have been reports concerning an association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine autoimmune and rheumatic manifestations in HIV‐infected patients and their correlation with antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests.

Methods The clinical and laboratory results of HIV‐infected patients attending the Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, from February 1999 to January 2000, were analyzed. Laboratory studies included serum CD4 lymphocyte count and ANA tests.

Results Sixty‐two patients were enrolled prospectively in the study. Myalgia was the most common clinical presentation (50%). Others included photosensitivity (on history) (39%), arthralgia (26%), vasculitis (18%), sicca complex (10%), arthritis (7%), and Reiter's syndrome (2%). A history of hair loss was given by 23% of patients. A positive ANA test was detected in 3%. No cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or dermatomyositis were seen.

Conclusions Autoimmune and rheumatic manifestations were not uncommonly detected in patients with HIV infection. HIV infection may sometimes mimic systemic lupus erythematosus clinically.
Metastatic gastric cancer presenting as a solitary axillary cutaneous nodule
Authors: Sáez‐Rodríguez Miguel , García‐Bustínduy Marta , Noda‐Cabrera Antonio , Guimerá‐Martín‐Neda Francisco , Dorta‐Alom Sara , Escoda‐García Marina , Fagundo‐González Eva , Sánchez‐González Rosalba , Sanz‐Manzano Cipriano , Martín‐Herrera Antonio , García‐Montelongo Rafael
Published: March 2003

An 84‐year‐old man, with a medical history of dilated cardiomyopathy, was admitted to our hospital with a nodular lesion in his right axilla of 6 weeks’ duration. There was no history of weight loss, nausea, or vomiting. Physical examination revealed a red–violet axillary nodule, 7 cm in diameter and 3 cm thick, with an ulcerated surface (Fig. 1). A palpable right adenopathy was also found. The rest of the physical examination was normal.

Cutaneous nodule located on the right axilla

image

A metastatic tumor from an unknown origin was suspected. A biopsy of the cutaneous nodule was performed.

Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a round and well‐defined nodule, located in the dermis. The nodule was composed of solid nests of atypical cells, with large nuclei and scanty cytoplasm, which tended to form a pseudoglandular pattern (Fig. 2). Atypical mitotic figures were frequently seen. Immunohistochemical examination of the tumoral cells showed a positive reaction with carcinoembryonic antigen and cytokeratin KL1 and a negative reaction with antileukocyte antibody.

Tumoral cells with pseudoglandular pattern (hematoxylin and eosin stain, ×40)

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With these histologic findings, a diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis was made. Blood laboratory evaluation revealed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (43 mm/h). Tumor markers, including α‐fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, prostate‐specific antigen, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, and carbohydrate antigen 19–9, were all within normal limits. A chest X‐ray film was normal and an occult blood test was also negative.

Neck and chest computed tomography scan identified some adenopathies located on the neck and the right axilla. Barium studies showed an intramural mass lesion in the minor curvature of the stomach. An upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy showed a submucosal nodule in the cardia. Biopsy of this gastric nodule demonstrated a poorly differentiated carcinoma. Biopsy of both cervical and axillar lymph nodes was performed and no tumoral cells were found.

Abdominal–pelvic computed tomography scan and bone scintigraphy showed no pathologic findings. Although supportive chemotherapy was performed, the patient died 6 months later.
Leser‐Trelat sign
Authors: Ceylan Can , Alper Sibel , Kılınç Işıl
Published: March 2003

A male patient aged 74, an inpatient at the chest diseases clinic at Ege University Hospital, ⋖zmir, Turkey with squamous cell carcinoma in the right lung, was referred for consultation to the dermatology outpatient clinic as he presented with itchy papules recently increasing in number and a lesion on his nose with a duration of 2 years. In a lung X‐ray taken to investigate hemoptisis, a mass 7 × 5 cm in size was observed on the upper part of the right lung, and as a result of lung biopsy, squamous cell carcinoma (T41MO‐phase 3b) was diagnosed. The patient had been smoking 10 cigarettes a day for 60 years and had been taking digoxin for heart insufficiency for 7 years. Biochemical laboratory analyses of the case were observed to be within normal limits and no findings of metastasis were obtained in ultrasonographic and tomographic scanning.

In the dermatological examination, an ulceration on the apex nasi, 2 × 1.5 cm in size, covered with crusts, was observed. On the thorax, lesions parallel to one another, linearly distributed, partly pigmented and raised from the skin, having a diameter of 0.5–2 cm, were observed, consistent with seborrheic keratoses (Fig. 1). In addition to these lesions, symmetrically localized, velvety, slightly raised plaques with light brown pigmentation were present on the axillary folds (Fig. 2).

Seborrheic keratosis lesions on the back

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Acanthosis nigricans plaque on the axillary fold

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Histopathological investigation of the incisional biopsy taken from the apex nasi revealed tumor islands of different sizes. Histopathological changes were found to be in accordance with solid‐type basal cell carcinoma. In the histopathological investigation of the incisional biopsy taken from the lesion consistent with seborrheic keratosis, epidermal thickening consisting of basaloid cells and keratin cysts was observed, and the result of the biopsy taken from the axilla was acanthosis nigricans, showing hyperkeratosis, focal acanthosis and papillomatosis in the epidermis.
Polymerase chain reaction in cutaneous tuberculosis: is it a reliable diagnostic method in paraffin‐embedded tissues?
Authors: Senturk Nilgün , Sahin Sedef , Kocagoz Tanil
Published: March 2003

Background Most cutaneous tuberculosis lesions contain few bacilli, so identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in conventional laboratory tests is difficult. In vitro amplification of specific DNA sequences using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become a valuable tool in the rapid detection of slow‐growing organisms like M. tuberculosis.

Aim To investigate the presence of M. tuberculosis DNA in cutaneous tuberculosis.

Methods Twenty‐two archival biopsy specimens diagnosed as cutaneous tuberculosis were investigated for the presence of M. tuberculosis DNA by PCR. Normal skin samples of 29 healthy patients were used as a control.

Results Amplification of the M. tuberculosis DNA was observed in one of the cutaneous tuberculosis specimens and in a healthy control.

Conclusion Although PCR is a rapid diagnostic method, fixation procedures may decrease its sensitivity.
Cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome: a case report
Authors: Ribeiro de Castro Maria Cristina , De Aquino Adriana Moura , Camilo Carlos , Maceira Juan Piñeiro , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia
Published: March 2003

Cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome is a genetic disorder with a characteristic facies, abnormal skin and hair, mental retardation and congenital heart disease. It may be confused with Noonan's syndrome, which has a familial pattern and does not present hyperkeratotic skin lesions and abnormal hair, and there are few cases reported in the literature. We describe the first case of typical cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome observed in Brazil.
Stingray injury in a domestic aquarium
Authors: Schiera Alberto , Battifoglio Maria Luisa , Scarabelli Gabriele , Crippa Dario
Published: March 2003

A 36‐year‐old man presented with acute blistering on the dorsal aspect of his left hand and a bullous eruption on the dorsal aspect of the fingers, which were erythematous and edematous. A small, deep laceration, partially covered by a crust, was also visible on the same hand (Fig. 1). The patient stated that he had been stung by a freshwater stingray (Potamotrygon reticulatus) (Fig. 2) while he was feeding the animal in his aquarium.

Blistering on the dorsal aspect of the hand and bullous eruption on the dorsal aspect of the fingers. A small, deep ulceration, partially covered by a crust, is also visible

image

Juvenile specimen of stingray, Potamotrygon reticulatus

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He complained of quite intense pain, beginning a few minutes after envenomation at the site of the injury, and progressively extending into the surrounding areas.

He received intravenous fentanyl + morphine + tramadol, while the affected part was immersed in hot water (45 °C) in order to denature the heat‐labile venom and provide pain relief. The patient refused prophylactic injection of tetanus toxoid.

The area was infiltrated with 1% lidocaine and examined carefully. Pieces of foreign material were removed. The wound was thoroughly irrigated and cleansed with antiseptic solution and left open. A plain radiographic study of the injured area excluded retained barbs or other foreign material.

A neurologic examination revealed reduction of tactile sensitivity at the distal part of the left forearm and fingers. There were no obvious abnormal physical signs: electrocardiogram was normal, as well as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.

The patient received a prophylactic short course of oral antibiotic therapy with an advanced generation cephalosporin and a macrolide.

Over the next 2 months, the wound healed slowly by second intention, the wound was allowed to heal from the edge without surgical closure. At a 5‐month follow‐up visit, the wound appeared to be completely healed, although the patient still complained of sporadic para‐anesthesia of the left hand and forearm.
Molecular and morphological divergence in the butterfly genus Lycaeides (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in North America: evidence of recent speciation
Authors: Nice C. C. , Shapiro A. M.
Published: March 2003

Male genital morphology, allozyme allele frequencies and mtDNA sequence variation were surveyed in the butterfly species Lycaeides idas and L. melissa from across much of their range in North America. Despite clear differences in male genital morphology, wing colour patterns and habitat characteristics, genetic variation was not taxonomically or geographically structured and the species were not identifiable by either genetic data set. Genetic distances (Nei's D=0.002–0.078, calculated from allozyme data) between all populations of both species were within the range commonly observed for conspecific populations of other butterflies. The most frequent mtDNA haplotype was present in individuals of both species in populations from southern California to Wisconsin. We conclude that speciation has probably happened recently and the lack of genetic differentiation between the species is the product of either (1) recent or ongoing gene flow at neutral loci, and/or (2) an insufficiency of time for lineage sorting. The evolution of male genital morphology, wing colour patterns and ecological characteristics has proceeded more rapidly than allozyme or mtDNA evolution.
Karyotype polymorphism correlates with intraspecific infertility in the homothallic ascomycete Sordaria macrospora
Authors: Pöggeler  , Masloff  , Jacobsen  , Kück
Published: March 2003

The homothallic fungus Sordaria macrospora produces perithecia with meiotically derived ascospores. In most cases, intraspecies crosses between strains from different culture collections generate fertile hybrid perithecia in the contact zone of two mycelia. However, in some of these crosses we observed a significant decrease in the fertility of the hybrid perithecia when strains of different origin were used for mating. Since we assumed that chromosome variability between the culture collection strains might contribute to this reduction in fertility, we performed pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. In the course of our study, we were able to identify two major groups of electrophoretic karyotypes in S. macrospora culture collection strains. A quantitative analysis revealed that polymorphic karyotypes contribute to a reduction of fertility in forced crosses between strains carrying differently sized chromosomes. The observed intraspecific chromosome length polymorphism might have consequences on the speciation process of a homothallic fungus capable of sexual but not of asexual spore formation.
Incipient adaptive radiation of New Zealand and Australian Microseris (Asteraceae): an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) study
Authors: Vijverberg K. , Kuperus P. , Breeuwer J. A. J. , Bachmann K.
Published: March 2003

The disjunct allotetraploid lineage of the North American genus Microseris in New Zealand and Australia originated from one or a few diaspores after a single introduction via long-distance dispersal. The plants have evolved into four morphologically distinct ecotypes: ‘fine-pappus’, ‘coastal’, ‘murnong’, and ‘alpine’, from which the first two are grouped as Microseris scapigera, mainly from New Zealand and Tasmania, and the latter two as M. lanceolata, endemic to the Australian mainland. Three chloroplast (cp) DNA types were distinguished in each of the species, but their distribution, especially in M. lanceolata, showed discrepancies with ecotype differentiation. Here, we analyse the genetic structure of the nuclear (n) DNA among two plants of each of 55 New Zealand, Tasmanian, and Australian Microseris populations for amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). The nuclear genetic structure is compared to geographical, ecotype, and cpDNA distribution, in order to resolve and illustrate the early process of adaptive radiation. The strongest signal in the AFLP pattern was related to geographical separation, especially between New Zealand and Australian accessions, and suggested an initial range expansion after establishment. The ecotypic differentiation was less-well reflected in the AFLP pattern, and evidence was found for the occurrence of hybridization among plants at the same geographical region, or after dispersal, irrespective of the cpDNA- and ecotypes. This indicated that the ecotype characteristics were maintained or re-established by selection. It also showed that genetic differentiation is not an irreversible and progressive process in the early stage of adaptive radiation. Our results illustrate the precarious balance between geographical isolation and selection as factors that favour differentiation, and hybridization as factor that reduces differentiation.
Geographic structure in the searching behaviour of a specialist parasitoid: combining molecular and behavioural approaches
Authors: Althoff D. M. , Thompson J. N.
Published: March 2003

An increasing number of studies have shown that the traits important to species interactions may differ geographically among populations or groups of populations within a single interacting species. We examined geographic structure in the searching behaviour of a recently discovered parasitoid in the genus Agathis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) by examining the pattern of population structure obtained from sequence data of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I and the pattern of population differentiation in female searching behaviour. Analyses of population structure showed no isolation by distance and suggested long distance dispersal among populations. This pattern is consistent with recent post-glacial expansion of Agathis n. sp. Observations of searching behaviour demonstrated that populations of Agathis n. sp. differed in a subset of the behavioural traits examined and also one morphological trait. These population differences appear to be driven in part by local host plant characteristics, and based on the population structure of Agathis n. sp., have arisen relatively quickly in evolutionary time. This study suggests that the interaction between parasitoids and their host insects may exhibit substantial geographic variation, and studies that focus at the level of single populations or the species-level may be missing much of the evolutionary dynamics of parasitoid–host interactions.
Investment in survival and reproduction along a semelparity–iteroparity gradient in the Beta species complex
Authors: Hautekèete N.-C. , Piquot Y. , Van Dijk H.
Published: March 2003

The Beta species complex shows a gradient of life histories from pronounced semelparity (big-bang reproduction) to pronounced iteroparity (repeated reproduction). Models assume a trade-off between investment in reproduction and survival. Reproductive effort is thought to increase with decreasing life span, and to be invariable in semelparous plants and susceptible to environmental conditions in iteroparous plants. These assumptions and hypotheses were verified by a greenhouse experiment testing six different life cycles at three contrasting nutrient levels. This study suggests that reproductive effort is negatively correlated with mean life span along the life-cycle gradient. Unlike semelparous beets, reproductive effort in iteroparous beets is extremely sensitive to nutrient level. Phenotypic correlation between allocation to reproduction and allocation to survival generally appeared significantly negative in the longest-lived iteroparous beets, nonsignificant in intermediate life histories and obviously positive in semelparous beets (no trade-off control).
Signalling conflict between prey and predator attraction
Authors: Bruce M. J. , Herberstein M. E. , Elgar M. A.
Published: March 2003

Predators may utilize signals to exploit the sensory biases of their prey or their predators. The inclusion of conspicuous silk structures called decorations or stabilimenta in the webs of some orb-web spiders (Araneae: Araneidae, Tetragnathidae, Uloboridae) appears to be an example of a sensory exploitation system. The function of these structures is controversial but they may signal to attract prey and/or deter predators. Here, we test these predictions, using a combination of field manipulations and laboratory experiments. In the field, decorations influenced the foraging success of adult female St. Andrew’s Cross spiders, Argiope keyserlingi: inclusion of decorations increased prey capture rates as the available prey also increased. In contrast, when decorations were removed, prey capture rates were low and unrelated to the amount of available prey. Laboratory choice experiments showed that significantly more flies (Chrysomya varipes; Diptera: Calliphoridae) were attracted to decorated webs. However, decorations also attracted predators (adult and juvenile praying mantids, Archimantis latistylus; Mantodea: Mantidae) to the web. St. Andrew’s Cross spiders apparently resolve the conflicting nature of a prey- and predator-attracting signal by varying their decorating behaviour according to the risk of predation: spiders spun fewer decorations if their webs were located in dense vegetation where predators had greater access, than if the webs were located in sparse vegetation.
Temporal change in mite abundance and its effect on barn swallow reproduction and sexual selection
Authors: Møller A. P.
Published: March 2003

The tropical fowl mite Ornithonyssus bursa parasitizing barn swallows Hirundo rustica in a Danish population demonstrated a dramatic change in abundance during 1982–2000. Prevalence of mites in nests showed a decrease from 66% in 1987 to a minimum of 1% in 1999. Two parasite manipulation experiments of barn swallow nests in 1988 and 1999 revealed a strong effect of parasites on host reproductive success in the first year (with an average reduction in seasonal reproductive success of 30% when 50 mites were added to nests as compared with controls), but only a weak effect the last year. This pattern was paralleled by a positive relationship between reduction in host reproductive success between egg laying and fledging and mite prevalence during different years of the study period. Mite abundance on adult hosts was negatively related to tail length of males (a secondary sexual character) at the peak of mite abundance in 1988, while that relationship became weaker in the beginning of the 1990s and disappeared at the end of the 1990s. Assortative mating with respect to mite loads in the 1980s also disappeared in the 1990s. Mean tail length of male hosts increased by 1.3 standard deviations during the study period because of changes in phenotype-dependent patterns of mortality outside the breeding season. This microevolutionary change in mean male phenotype of the host was accompanied by a correlated response in mite abundance. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the host has become more resistant to the mite during the study period, and that the mite from earlier playing an important role in natural and sexual selection of the host now is of little importance.
Phylogeographical patterns in chloroplast DNA variation within the Acacia acuminata (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) complex in Western Australia
Authors: Byrne M. , MacDonald B. , Coates D.
Published: March 2003

The Acacia acuminata complex includes three taxa, A. acuminata ssp. acuminata, A. acuminata ssp. burkittii and A. oldfieldii, along with several informal variants of A. acuminata. It is widespread throughout southern Australia with the centre of diversity in south-west Western Australia. Phylogeographical patterns in the complex were investigated using a nested clade analysis of cpDNA RFLPs from 25 populations in Western Australia. Except for A. oldfieldii that was clearly identified as a distinct entity, haplotypes were not restricted to sub-specific taxa or variants within A. acuminata. There was significant association between phylogenetic position of many haplotypes and their geographical distribution. The fine-scale phylogeographical patterns were complex but at deeper levels in the phylogeny there was evidence of divergence between two lineages. The pattern of shared haplotypes between lineages suggests retention of ancestral polymorphism as a result of incomplete lineage sorting. The divergence of these lineages is consistent with fragmentation caused by climatic instability during the Pleistocene.
Functional significance of seminal receptacle length in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Miller G. T. , Pitnick S.
Published: March 2003

Despite its central role in post-copulatory sexual selection, the female reproductive tract is poorly understood. Here we provide the first experimental study of the adaptive significance of variation in female sperm-storage organ morphology. Using populations of Drosophila melanogaster artificially selected for longer or shorter seminal receptacles, we identify relationships between the length of this primary sperm-storage organ and the number of sperm stored, pattern of progeny production, rate of egg fertilization, remating interval, and pattern of sperm precedence. Costs and benefits of relatively short or long organs were identified. Benefits of longer receptacles include increased sperm-storage capacity and thus progeny production from a single insemination. Results suggest that longer receptacles have not naturally evolved because of developmental time costs and a correlated reduction in longevity of mated females. This latter cost may be a consequence of sexual conflict mediated by ejaculate toxicity. Receptacle length did not alter the pattern of sperm precedence, which is consistent with data on the co-evolution of sperm and female receptacle length, and a pattern of differential male fertilization success being principally determined by the interaction between these male and female traits.
Fluctuating asymmetry in a secondary sexual trait: no associations with individual fitness, environmental stress or inbreeding, and no heritability
Authors: Kruuk L. E. B. , Slate J. , Pemberton J. M. , Clutton-Brock T. H.
Published: March 2003

It has been suggested that fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in secondary sexual traits may be a useful indicator of either individual quality or environmental stress. We tested this concept using a series of analyses of FA in male antler size in a wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) population, using four measures of size repeated across successive years on the same individuals. We found no consistent evidence of correlations between traits in levels of FA, nor of any associations between known environmental or developmental conditions. None of the four measures of FA showed a significant heritability (average h2=0.041), nor was there any evidence of inbreeding depression. For three of the four traits, fluctuating asymmetry did not predict either annual or lifetime breeding success. However there were significant associations between breeding success and FA in antler length. Given the series of null results in our other tests, it seems likely that this was a direct mechanistic effect rather than because measures of FA were indicative of individual quality or condition.
The ‘cherry buffy‐coat syndrome’, a cause of decreased platelet yield in platelet concentrates obtained from buffy‐coats
Authors: Rebulla P. , Smacchia C. , Greppi N. , Porretti L. , Lopa R. , Cernuschi M. , Sirchia G.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

A large number of European blood centres, including our own, use the buffy‐coat method for platelet production. In this article we describe a previously unnoticed phenomenon shown by a proportion of buffy‐coats, which display an unusually bright cherry colour and low platelet counts.

Materials and Methods

We performed bacterial cultures, platelet counts, pO2, pCO2 and pH, and evaluated platelet activation by flow cytometry in cherry versus normal‐colour (control) buffy‐coats. In addition, we compared donor characteristics in the two groups and platelet counts in the packed red blood cells (RBC) obtained from the original donations. Finally, we monitored the frequency of cherry buffy‐coats in the bags of three manufacturers, and determined the concordance rate of two trained technicians in detecting cherry buffy‐coats.

Results

Bacterial cultures were negative. Cherry buffy‐coats contained significantly fewer platelets, more O2, less CO2 and had a significantly higher pH than normal buffy coats. Platelet activation was slightly higher in cherry buffy‐coats. RBC from donations yielding cherry buffy‐coats contained a significantly higher number of platelets than controls. Donor characteristics were not significantly different. Cherry buffy‐coats were significantly more frequent with bags from one manufacturer (24%) than from others (9% and 11·6%). The concordance study showed excellent agreement.

Conclusions

Our hypothesis is that the cherry colour is caused by O2 accumulation in buffy‐coats with low platelet counts. The latter may be caused by platelet activation and aggregation during blood processing. Further work is needed to determine the cause of this phenomenon, its frequency in different laboratories and means to prevent it.
A multicentre evaluation of a new filtration protocol for leucocyte depletion of high‐haematocrit red blood cells collected by an automated blood collection system
Authors: Soli M. , Blanco L. , Riggert J. , Martínez‐Clavel A. , Lucas C. , Lunghi M. , Belloni M. , Wolf C. , Van Waeg G. , Antoon M.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

A multicentre trial was set up to evaluate the performance of a new leucodepletion protocol.

Materials and Methods

Filtration at high haematocrit was started during collection of red blood cell (RBC) products by apheresis with Trima. SAG‐M was added after filtration through the filter. Haematocrits and haemoglobin of the filtered RBCs were measured. Residual leucocytes were determined by Nageotte counting.

Results

One‐hundred and forty seven procedures were carried out. The haematocrit and haemoglobin contents were 57·3 ± 3·0% and 55·1 ± 4·3 g/unit, respectively. All products showed low residual leucocyte levels (≤ 0·75 × 106/unit; 99·31% < 1 × 106).

Conclusion

Immediate, on‐line, high‐haematocrit filtration of red cells collected on Trima resulted in leucoreduced RBCs, which met the AABB and Council of Europe criteria.
Leucoreduced platelet concentrates in additive solution: an evaluation of filters and storage containers
Authors: Van Der Meer P. , Pietersz R. , Reesink H.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objective

Buffy coat (BC) pooling sets are integrated systems, consisting of a pooling bag, a filter and a platelet storage container, for the production of leucoreduced platelet concentrates (LR‐PCs) from pooled BCs. It was our aim to compare various pooling sets that are currently marketed.

Materials and Methods

LR‐PCs were made by pooling five BCs and adding 250 g of PAS‐II. In study I, filters were compared: four BC pools (of five BCs each) were mixed and divided, and after centrifugation the platelet‐rich supernatant (PRS) was expressed through one of the following filters: CLX‐5, BioP‐plus, Autostop or Imugard. In study II, storage containers were compared: five LR‐PCs were mixed and divided over the following storage containers: 1300‐ml PL‐2410, 1000‐ml and 1500‐ml polyolefin, 1500‐ml CLX or 1000‐ml DnDP‐PVC. These LR‐PCs were stored for 9 days with sampling performed on days 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9. We required that the pH remained between 6·8 and 7·4, and that the swirling effect was present at the end of the storage period.

Results

All filters gave LR‐PCs that contained uniformly < 1 × 106 leucocytes (n = 12 experiments) with a recovery of, on average, 70% of the platelets originally present in the BC pools, except for the BioP‐plus filter, which had a recovery of 43 ± 10%. The 1500‐ml CLX bag had, in two of nine cases, a pH < 6·8 on day 5 of storage, while the other storage containers were able to maintain a pH of > 6·8 until day 9. With the CLX container, the oxygen level remained adequate until day 9, but low glucose, high lactate and high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels suggested high platelet metabolism and/or activation.

Conclusions

BC pooling sets have various benefits, such as less welding, resulting in a lower work‐load, but not all combinations of filters and storage containers tested were suitable. Therefore, validation prior to routine use in a blood centre is necessary.
Lymphocyte collection for donor leucocyte infusion from normal donors: estimation of the minimum processed blood volume and safety of the procedure
Authors: Sato H. , Shiobara S. , Yasue S. , Chuhjo T. , Nakao S.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

To estimate the minimum volume of processed blood necessary for the purpose of donor leucocyte infusion (DLI), we determined the number of CD3+ cells harvested by apheresis from normal donors and examined adverse events during the procedure.

Materials and Methods

Leukapheresis utilizing the COBE Spectra‘ was performed a total of 24 times from 12 normal donors. Blood counts were obtained and the number of CD3+ cells was evaluated before and after apheresis and in the peripheral blood products. Complications associated with the procedure were documented.

Results

Blood products contained, on average, 51·1% CD3+ cells. A linear correlation was found between the number of CD3+ cells collected and the processed blood volume, up to 12 000 ml (r = 0·930, P < 0·001). Cytoreduction was observed in all donors after apheresis. In particular, the platelet and lymphocyte values decreased to ≈ 70% of the preapheresis value. Two donors reported adverse effects: one was a mild vaso‐vagal reaction and the other was citrate‐related lip paresthesia. These symptoms were mild and disappeared spontaneously.

Conclusions

We found a linear correlation between the number of CD3+ cells collected and the processed blood volume, which enabled us to estimate the minimum volume of processed blood necessary for DLI. The adverse events observed were acceptable.
Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides are eliminated from therapeutic Factor VIII and immunoglobulin concentrates and reduced in albumin by plasma fractionation
Authors: Covaci A. , Laub R. , Di Giambattista M. , Branckaert T. , Hougardy V. , Schepens P.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives Persistent organochlorine pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides, are found in the general population and tend to accumulate in blood and tissues. Their distribution was examined in the starting plasma pools for fractionation, Cohn plasma fractions and therapeutic concentrates.

Materials and Methods In each process fraction, total protein, cholesterol and triglycerides were measured as well as organochlorine pesticides and PCB congeners.

Results Organochlorine compounds were undetectable in cryoprecipitate, Cohn fraction I, Factor VIII and immunoglobulin concentrates, and reduced in albumin preparations.

Conclusion Cohn plasma fractionation is very efficient for removing pollutants present in the starting material. Biological processing techniques should be analysed for their capacity to eliminate/reduce persistent organochlorine pollutants from the therapeutic proteins.
A novel method using formamide for the elution of antibodies from erythrocytes
Authors: Caruccio L. , Byrne K. , Procter J. , Stroncek D.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives Accurate identification of antibodies that sensitize red blood cells (RBCs) involves dissociating them from RBCs using an in vitro elution method that does not alter their antigen‐binding properties, and analysis of the eluates against a panel of RBCs.

Materials and Methods A method was developed that allowed efficient RBC antibody elution. Human polyclonal anti‐D was used to sensitize Rh‐positive RBCs, and known antigen–antibody disruptive reagents were tested using these RBCs. The best reagent conditions were optimized. Eluates made were tested and compared to results obtained with a glycine‐acid‐based commercial elution kit to determine efficacy. Patient samples that were positive with direct antiglobulin tests (DATs), and in vitro commercial antisera‐sensitized RBCs representing clinically significant antibodies, were used for evaluating the new method.

Results The formamide method was efficient at removing antibodies from RBCs. The patient samples with a positive DAT had antibodies recovered with the same specificity when compared to the acid‐based technique. The length of preparation time was similar for both formamide and acid‐based methods. Results of testing the eluates made from reagent RBCs sensitized with commercial antisera were distinct with antigen‐positive and ‐negative erythrocytes.

Conclusions The formamide method compares well with acid techniques and may be an alternative choice of elution method.