bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological restoration and estuarine management: placing people in the coastal landscape
Authors: Weinstein Michael P.
Published: July 2007

Amid signs that estuarine ecosystems are increasingly degraded and may reach new thresholds of irreversible decline, restoration ecologists and coastal managers world‐wide have joined the debate on how best to reverse the trends of the recent past.

Any meaningful effort at reversal must, however, recognize that humans are an integral part of the landscape, particularly in urban estuarine settings, and that natural resource baselines have permanently shifted. Consequently, the human dimensions component of sustainability science has become an integral part of ecological restoration/rehabilitation planning, and new schema evolving out of coastal governance and management are not only increasingly underpinned by transdisciplinary science, but are beginning to address the sacrifices and compromises that will be necessary to achieve a balance between human uses of estuarine resources and biotic integrity.

The challenge will be to preserve ecosystem functions and use natural capital at a variety of scales while simultaneously sustaining local communities, social and formal institutions, economies and markets at the highest levels of system organization.

How we manage competing uses while at the same time preserving the dynamic properties and resilience of ecosystems will be a significant test. Current ecosystem management and restoration goals appear to be weighted towards returning and/or preserving natural functions decoupled from system reliability. In human‐dominated systems, however, they should be redirected towards goals and mandates to rehabilitate the functions associated with service reliability.

Synthesis and applications. If we are to avoid the harsh lessons of the utilization of terrestrial resources, scientists, practitioners and coastal managers will have to find a middle ground between continued economic growth and preservation/conservation of coastal resources. Success will require broad acceptance that humans are as coastally dependent as any part of the biota, and that future plans for managing, restoring and/or rehabilitating estuarine ecosystems must recognize that humans occupy the highest level of the ecological–cultural landscape.
A new multidisciplinary approach to integrating best evidence into musculoskeletal practice
Authors: Stevenson Kay , Bird Lesley , Sarigiovannis Panagiotis , Dziedzic Krysia , Foster Nadine E. , Graham Carol
Published: July 2007

Rationale  The effective integration of research evidence into everyday clinical practice continues to be an important challenge.

Aims  The group aimed to answer locally relevant clinical question and produce recommendations for practice based on the best available evidence.

Methods  Through a new initiative, a multidisciplinary group with a specific interest in musculoskeletal disease has been established in order to help address this problem. The group consists of clinical and academic professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, clinical researchers and information technology librarians representing the health economy.

Results  Results from the group’s activities are shared locally through presentations and clinical algorithms and nationally through conference presentations and the National Electronic Library for Health.

Conclusion  As well as clinical recommendations, other benefits of the group have been improved networking, enhanced continual professional development and identifying areas in need of further research.
How do doctors use information in real‐time? A qualitative study of internal medicine resident precepting
Authors: Tilburt Jon C. , Goold Susan D. , Siddiqui Nazema , Mangrulkar Rajesh S.
Published: July 2007

Background  Despite the importance of evidence‐based medicine in medical education, little observational research exists on how doctors‐in‐training seek and use evidence from information resources in ambulatory care.

Objective  To describe information exchange behaviour by internal medicine residents and attendings in ambulatory resident clinic precepting rooms.

Design  We observed resident behaviour and audiotaped resident–attending doctor interactions during precepting sessions.

Participants  Participating residents included 70 of an eligible 89 residents and 28 of 34 eligible attendings from one large academic internal medicine residency programme in the Midwestern USA. Residents were observed during 95 separate precepting interactions at four ambulatory sites.

Approach  Using a qualitative approach, we analysed transcripts and field notes of observed behaviours and interactions looking for themes of information exchange. Coders discussed themes which were refined using feedback from an interdisciplinary panel.

Results  Four themes of information exchange behaviour emerged: (i) questioning behaviours that were used as part of the communication process in which the resident and attending doctor could reason together; (ii) searching behaviour of non‐human knowledge sources occurred in a minority of precepting interations; (iii) unsolicited knowledge offering and (iv) answering behaviours were important means of exchanging information.

Conclusions  Most clinic interactions between resident and attending doctors relied heavily on spoken deliberation without resorting to the scientific literature or other published information resources. These observations suggest a range of factors that may moderate information exchange behaviour in the precepting context including relationships, space and efficiency. Future research should aim to more readily adapt information resources to the relationships and practice context of precepting.
Effects of mechanical and chemical methods on denture biofilm accumulation
Authors: PARANHOS H. F. O. , SILVA‐LOVATO C. H. , SOUZA R. F. , CRUZ P. C. , FREITAS K. M. , PERACINI A.
Published: July 2007

summary  The aim of this study was to quantify biofilm on the internal surface of upper complete dentures following six possible cleansing methods. Thirty‐six edentulous subjects were submitted to a time‐series trial and dentures were cleansed according to six methods: (i) rinsing with water; (ii) soaking in an alkaline peroxide solution (Bonyplus); (iii) brushing with dentifrice (Dentu‐Creme) and soft Johnson and Johnson’s toothbrush; (iv) combination between soaking and brushing according to methods 2 and 3; (v) brushing with dentifrice (Dentu‐Creme) and soft Oral B toothbrush; (vi) combination between soaking and brushing according to methods 2 and 5. Each method was randomly used throughout 21 days. Denture biofilm was disclosed by 1% neutral red solution and quantified by means of digital photos taken from the internal surface. The six methods presented significant differences in percentage of biofilm coverage (repeated measures anova, P < 0·0001). Method 1 showed the highest values, 2 was intermediate and other results were the lowest. The most efficacious approach was 6. Biofilm tended to accumulate predominantly over specific zones of the denture base, but this pattern did not change regardless of the method employed. It can be concluded that brushing alone was more effective than the chemical method employed. The best results were obtained by a combination of methods.
Effect of bolus size on chewing, swallowing, oral soft tissue and tongue movement
Authors: BLISSETT A. , PRINZ J. F. , WULFERT F. , TAYLOR A. J. , HORT J.
Published: July 2007

summary  Simultaneous 3D articulograph and ultrasonograph techniques were used to monitor the chewing, swallowing, oral soft tissue and tongue movements of six subjects whilst consuming varying numbers (1, 2 and 4) of a confectionery product. Modifying the number of confectionery units had a variable effect on chewing, swallowing and oral soft tissue movements during the start of the chewing sequence. The distance, range and velocity of chin movement were significantly lower when 1 confectionery unit was consumed compared with 2 and 4 during the middle stage of the chewing sequence. Significant differences in modioli movement were observed during the initial stages of chewing allowing the identification of a working and non‐working side, whilst no differences in thyroid cartilage movement were noted over the whole chewing sequence. Increasing the number of confectionery units caused a significant increase in the index of tongue movement during the end of the eating sequence, although the mean index of tongue movement over the total chewing sequence remained constant. Jaw movement correlated with tongue movement, where for all samples, gape decreased linearly as the chewing sequence progressed, reflected in a similar decline in the index of tongue movement. The lack of differences in the index of tongue movement observed over the start and middle of the chewing sequence as a consequence of the number of confectionery units consumed suggested that the change in the physical properties of the bolus had a greater effect on the index of tongue movement than the change in bolus size.
Mitochondrial DNA variation in space and time in the northeastern Pacific gastropod, Littorina keenae
Authors: LEE HYUK JE , BOULDING ELIZABETH G.
Published: July 2007

The present population structure of a species reflects the influence of population history as well as contemporary processes. To examine the relative importance of these factors in shaping the current population structure of Littorina keenae, we sequenced 762 base pairs of the mitochondrial ND6 and cytochrome b genes in 584 snails from 13 sites along the northeastern Pacific coast. Haplotype network analysis revealed a ‘star‐like’ genealogy indicative of a recent population expansion. Nested clade and mismatch analyses also supported the hypothesis of sudden population expansion following a population bottleneck during the Last Glacial Maximum. Analysis of molecular variance and pairwise ΦST showed no significant spatial population differentiation from Mexico to Oregon – not even across the recognized biogeographic boundary at Point Conception. This is probably due to high contemporary gene flow during the free‐swimming larval stage of this snail. Surprisingly, we found a highly significant temporal population differentiation between a San Pedro sample from 1996 and one from 2005, which gave an estimate of effective population size (Ne) of only 135. Nearly statistically significant changes in the frequency of a particular haplotype in three other populations over 2–3 years further support Hedgecock's ‘sweepstakes’ hypothesis. When by chance nearly all of the progeny from an aggregation of highly fecund sisters that possess a rare haplotype successfully recruit to become the next generation, the rare haplotype can become temporarily common across the entire species’ range. This modification of the sweepstakes hypothesis can explain why the temporal variation that we observed was much greater than the spatial variation.
Inferences on the population structure and colonization process of the invasive oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)
Authors: AKETARAWONG N. , BONIZZONI M. , THANAPHUM S. , GOMULSKI L. M. , GASPERI G. , MALACRIDA A. R. , GUGLIEMINO C. R.
Published: July 2007

The phytophagous insects of the Tephritidae family offer different case histories of successful invasions. An example is Bactrocera dorsalis sensu stricto, the oriental fruit fly which has been recognized as a key pest of Asia and the Pacific. It is known to have the potential to establish adventive populations in various tropical and subtropical areas. Despite the economic risk associated with a putative stable presence of this fly, the genetic aspects of its invasion process have remained relatively unexplored. Using microsatellite markers we have investigated the population structure and genetic variability in 14 geographical populations across the four areas of the actual species range: Far East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Area. Results of clustering and admixture, associated with phylogenetic and migration analyses, were used to evaluate the changes in population genetic structure that this species underwent during its invasion process and establishment in the different areas. The colonization process of this fly is associated with a relatively stable population demographic structure, especially in an unfragmented habitat, rich in intensive cultivation such as in Southeast Asia. In this area, the results suggest a lively demographic history, characterized by evolutionary recent demographic expansions and no recent bottlenecks. Cases of genetic isolation attributable to geographical factors, fragmented habitats and/or fruit trade restrictions were observed in Bangladesh, Myanmar and Hawaii. Regarding the pattern of invasion, the overall genetic profile of the considered populations suggests a western orientated migration route from China to the West.
The second messenger bis‐(3′‐5′)‐cyclic‐GMP and its PilZ domain‐containing receptor Alg44 are required for alginate biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Merighi Massimo , Lee Vincent T. , Hyodo Mamoru , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Lory Stephen
Published: July 2007

The ubiquitous bacterial second messenger c‐di‐GMP regulates the expression of various virulence determinants in a wide range of bacterial pathogens. Several studies have suggested that proteins with a PilZ domain function as c‐di‐GMP receptors. We have identified in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa genome eight genes encoding for PilZ orhologues and demonstrated binding of c‐di‐GMP to all but one of these proteins in a direct ligand binding assay. One protein with the PilZ domain, Alg44, is involved in biosynthesis of the extracellular polysaccharide alginate. We have shown that increasing c‐di‐GMP levels by overexpression of highly active diguanylate cyclases, or hydrolysis of c‐di‐GMP by phosphodiesterases, enhanced or reduced formation of alginate in mucoid strains, respectively. We have engineered substitutions in several conserved residues of the PilZ domain of Alg44 determined that they resulted in simultaneous loss of c‐di‐GMP binding and the ability to support production of alginate in P. aeruginosa. A 6xHis‐tagged Alg44 fusion was also shown to localize in the membrane fraction of P. aeruginosa independently from its ability to bind c‐di‐GMP. Alg44 appears to be an essential component of the alginate biosynthetic apparatus, where, following binding of c‐di‐GMP, it controls polymerization or transport of the polysaccharide.
Emergence of novel functions in transcriptional regulators by regression to stem protein types
Authors: Galvão Teca Calcagno , Mencía Mario , De Lorenzo Víctor
Published: July 2007

Evolutionary expansion of metabolic networks entails the emergence of regulatory factors that become sensitive to new chemical species. A dedicated genetic system was developed for the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida aimed at deciphering the steps involved in the gain of responsiveness of the toluene‐activated prokaryotic regulator XylR to the xenobiotic chemical 2,4 dinitrotoluene (DNT). A mutant library of the A domain of XylR was screened in vivo for those variants activated by DNT through coupling the cognate promoter Pu to the P. putida yeast URA3 homologue, pyrF. All DNT‐responsive clones maintained their sensitivity to ordinary effectors of XylR and broadened the range of inducers to unrelated aromatics. Yet, none of the altered amino acids lay in the recognizable effector binding pocket of the polypeptide. Instead, mutations appeared in protein surfaces believed to engage in the conformational shifts that follow effector binding and modulate signal transmission between XylR domains. It thus seems that transcriptional factors are likely to regress into functionally multipotent forms (i.e. stem protein types) as a first step towards the divergence of a new specificity.
The discovery of a massive supercluster at
z= 0.9 in the UKIDSS Deep eXtragalactic Survey
Authors: Swinbank A. M. , Edge A. C. , Smail Ian , Stott J. P. , Bremer M. , Sato Y. , Van Breukelen C. , Jarvis M. , Waddington I. , Clewley L. , Bergeron J. , Cotter G. , Dye S. , Geach J. E. , Gonzalez-Solares E. , Hirst P. , Ivison R. J. , Rawlings S. , Simpson C. , Smith G. P. , Verma A. , Yamada T.
Published: July 2007

We analyse the first publicly released deep field of the UK Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) Deep eXtragalactic Survey to identify candidate galaxy overdensities at z∼ 1 across ∼1 deg2 in the ELAIS-N1 field. Using I−K, J−K and K− 3.6 μm colours, we identify and spectroscopically follow up five candidate structures with Gemini/Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph and confirm that they are all true overdensities with between five and 19 members each. Surprisingly, all five structures lie in a narrow redshift range at z= 0.89 ± 0.01, although they are spread across 30 Mpc on the sky. We also find a more distant overdensity at z= 1.09 in one of the spectroscopic survey regions. These five overdense regions lying in a narrow redshift range indicate the presence of a supercluster in this field and by comparing with mock cluster catalogues from N-body simulations we discuss the likely properties of this structure. Overall, we show that the properties of this supercluster are similar to the well-studied Shapley and Hercules superclusters at lower redshift.
Parasite loss and inhibited development of Teladorsagia circumcincta in relation to the kinetics of the local IgA response in sheep
Authors: HALLIDAY A. M. , ROUTLEDGE C. M. , SMITH S. K. , MATTHEWS J. B. , SMITH W. D.
Published: July 2007

Groups of yearling sheep, which had been trickle infected with Teladorsagia circumcincta for 8 weeks and then drenched, were challenged with 50 000 T. circumcincta larvae together with groups of worm‐free controls. Fewer parasites and a greater proportion of early fourth stage larvae were recovered from previously infected sheep compared to controls. Worm loss and arrested development were evident by 5 days after challenge whereas growth retardation of developing worms was observed by day 10. In the previously infected sheep a secondary IgA response was observed in the efferent gastric lymph from 5 days post‐infection. Western blot analysis showed the lymph IgA to be predominantly dimeric and nonsecretory in nature and that the somatic antigens recognized were predominantly in the 100–250 kDa range. The concentration of IgA in lymph was always higher than in blood and in the previously infected sheep increased fivefold 8 days post‐challenge in contrast to blood where IgA levels were unchanged. The timing of the response suggested that it occurred too late to have been the cause of worm loss or arrested development, though it may have retarded the growth of developing parasites.
Pathogenicity assays restrict the species Xanthomonas campestris into three pathovars and reveal nine races within X. campestris pv. campestris
Authors: Fargier E. , Manceau C.
Published: July 2007

The species Xanthomonas campestris (Vauterin) groups bacteria associated with cruciferous plants. In order to clarify and refine the pathovar and race structures within X. campestris, 47 representative strains of six pathovars were characterized for their pathogenicity on a large host range of Brassicaceae, including all original hosts. Three diseases were observed on tested plants: (i) black rot disease on cruciferous plants; it was proposed that all strains causing black rot on at least one cruciferous plant be grouped in the single pathovar X. c. pv. campestris; (ii) leaf spot disease caused by X. c. pv. raphani on hosts belonging to the Brassicaceae and Solanaceae; the sequenced strain 756C identified as X. c. pv. armoraciae was included in this pathovar and the existence of another leaf spot disease caused by X. c. pv. armoraciae was not supported; and (iii) bacterial blight of garden stocks caused by X. c. pv. incanae. No plants susceptible to X. c. pv. barbareae were found. Strains that did not induce any symptom on cruciferous plants tested, including their original hosts, were removed from the pathovar scheme and were named X. campestris only. Three new races were described in addition to the six races previously described within X. c. pv. campestris. The sequenced strains ATCC 33913 (CFBP 5241) and Xcc 8004 (CFBP 6650) belonged to race 3 and to race 9 (one of the new races described), respectively.
Differential Locomotion of Long‐ and Short‐term IL‐2‐activated Murine Natural Killer Cells in a Model Matrix Environment
Authors: Albertsson P. , Basse P. H. , Edsparr K. , Kim M. H. , Golfarb R. H. , Kitson R. P. , Lennernäs B. , Nannmark U. , Johansson B. R.
Published: July 2007

Tumour infiltration by activated natural killer (A‐NK) cells is a pre‐requisite for tumour eradication by adoptive NK cell transfer. Extravasated A‐NK cells do not always succeed in reaching the crucial target cell conjugation. Therefore, we wished to study A‐NK cell locomotion and interactions with melanoma cells in a matrix environment (Matrigel) by electron, confocal and fluorescence microscopy. Two distinct patterns of A‐NK cell‐mediated matrix disintegration were revealed during incubation of tumour cells and A‐NK cells in Matrigel: (1) A‐NK cells pre‐cultured for 5 days altered the homogeneous texture of the Matrigel, an initial microporous appearance became a loose filamentous meshwork by 24 h. Matrix degrading protease inhibitors could not fully prevent this, but could delay the process; and (2) A‐NK cells pre‐cultured for 6 days or more, instead formed large excavations in the Matrigel leaving the remaining matrix less affected compared to the effects by the younger A‐NK cells. By histochemical staining with Cupromeronic Blue, the excavations were shown to contain proteoglycan material. Protease inhibitors had no discernable effect on the development of the excavations. The conspicuous capacity of A‐NK cells to disintegrate extracellular matrix and the formation of large excavations seems only partially to depend on matrix‐degrading proteases. Formation of extracellular proteoglycan material is suggested to facilitate A‐NK cell locomotion within a matrix environment.
Effects of LT‐K63 and CpG2006 on Phenotype and Function of Murine Neonatal Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Olafsdottir T. A. , Hannesdottir S. G. , Giudice G. D. , Trannoy E. , Jonsdottir I.
Published: July 2007

The immature state of the immune system of neonates makes them vulnerable to infectious agents, including Streptococcus pneumoniae. The aim of our study was to analyse and compare the effects of Escherichia coli heat‐labile enterototoxin (LT)‐K63 and CpG2006 on cells and key molecules of the neonatal immune system, using a previously established immunization model with pneumococcal polysaccharide of serotype 1 conjugated to tetanus toxoid (TT) (Pnc1‐TT). The cellular response was evaluated by measuring cytokine secretion and proliferation upon in vitro stimulation with TT, the protein moiety of Pnc1‐TT, and antibody (Ab) to both the polysaccharide (PS) and protein parts of the vaccine were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Antigen (Ag)‐presenting and co‐stimulatory capacity of neonatal B‐cells was evaluated by staining for major histocompatibility complex (MHC)II, CD80, CD86 and CD40. The results showed that both LT‐K63 and CpG2006 significantly enhanced the neonatal Ab response to Pnc1‐TT. Spleen cells from mice receiving LT‐K63 showed enhanced proliferation and interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐10 secretion upon TT stimulation, whereas cells from mice receiving CpG2006 could only enhance IL‐10 secretion. LT‐K63 and to a lesser extent CpG2006 enhanced the capacity of B‐cells to up‐regulate the expression of co‐stimulatory and activation markers compared with those of mice receiving Pnc1‐TT alone. Thus, we conclude that LT‐K63 markedly improves T‐cell activation whereas the direct adjuvant effect of CpG2006 on neonatal B‐cells may partly compensate for lower T‐cell help resulting in enhanced neonatal Ab responses to both the TT and PS parts of the vaccine by both adjuvants.
Biological Variation in Circulating Levels of Mannan‐Binding Lectin (MBL) and MBL‐Associated Serine Protease‐2 and the Influence of Age, Gender and Physical Exercise
Authors: Ytting H. , Christensen I. J. , Thiel S. , Jensenius J. C. , Svendsen M. N. , Nielsen L. , Lottenburger T. , Nielsen H. J.
Published: July 2007

Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) and MBL‐associated serine protease 2 (MASP‐2) are central components of the MBL pathway of complement activation, and may have potential as clinical biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC). Prior to clinical usage, knowledge of the biological variations of the molecules is needed. We here investigate variations of MBL and MASP‐2 in healthy persons over time and in relation to gender, age and physical activity. MBL and MASP‐2 concentrations were determined in serum from healthy adults over a 3‐week period and this was repeated 6 months later (n = 32); during a 24‐h period (n = 16); and in relation to physical exercise (n = 14). Concentrations in serum and plasma were compared (n = 198). No significant variation over 6 months and no circadian variation was found for MBL (P = 0.39 and P = 0.34 respectively) or MASP‐2 (P = 0.54 and P = 0.55). Physical exercise did not affect the levels (P > 0.8). Serum and plasma levels were only marginally different, and were independent of age and gender. Circulating levels of MBL and MASP‐2 are stable over time in healthy individuals, which is advantageous for their potential application as biomarkers.
Antigen‐Specific T‐Cell Immunity in Multiple Myeloma Patients is Restored Following High‐Dose Therapy: Implications for Timing of Vaccination
Authors: Svane I. M. , Nikolajsen K. , Johnsen H. E.
Published: July 2007

The present study analyses the influence of high‐dose chemotherapy (HD) and autologous stem cell transplantation on natural and vaccine induced specific immunity in multiple myeloma patients. Peripheral blood was collected from six multiple myeloma (MM) patients at serial time points in connection with treatment and during a follow‐up period of 3 months. T‐cell response to cytomegalovirus (CMV), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and tetanus toxoid (TT) was determined by flow cytometry analysis for CD69, TNFα, IFNγ, IL‐4 expression and cell proliferation. At diagnosis and prior to induction chemotherapy TNFα expressing T cells in 5/6 patients were found specific for CMV, 3/6 for VZV and 4/6 for TT. Serial analyses during treatment conclude impaired immune response, however, 3 months post‐transplantation all but one patient had regained cytokine expressing CD8+ T cells specific for CMV, VZV and TT. The highest percentages of cytokine responding T cells were observed after stimulation with CMV antigen. A striking observation was the low cytokine reactivity (close to zero) measured in G‐CSF mobilized blood at the time of leukapheresis. In spite of a general reduction of the CD4/CD8 ratio following transplantation, recovery of antigen specific CD4+ T cells reactivity generally occurred prior to CD8+ recovery and often to a higher level. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that natural as well as vaccine induced specific immunity present prior to HD was regained after stem cell transplantation, hence identifying a possible window for future vaccination trials.
Interaction of Calreticulin with CD40 Ligand, TRAIL and Fas Ligand
Authors: Duus K. , Pagh R. T. , Holmskov U. , Højrup P. , Skov S. , Houen G.
Published: July 2007

The molecular chaperone calreticulin has been shown to bind C1q and mannan‐binding lectin (MBL), which are constituents of the innate immune defence system. C1q and MBL do not share a large sequence identity but have a similar overall molecular architecture: an N‐terminal triple‐helical collagen‐like domain and a C‐terminal globular domain with ligand‐binding properties. C1q is a hetero‐trimer, while MBL is a homo‐trimer, but due to the presence of N‐terminal cysteines they both form higher order oligomers of trimers, which are the mature functional molecules. The same molecular architecture is utilized by many other functionally diverse molecules and in this work the interaction of calreticulin with C1q and structurally similar molecules was investigated. In addition to C1q and MBL, CD40 ligand (CD40L), tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) and Fas ligand (FasL) were found to bind calreticulin strongly. A low level or no binding was observed for adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), CD30L, surfactant protein‐A and ‐D and collagen VIII. The interaction with calreticulin required a conformational change in CD40L, TRAIL and FasL and showed the same characteristics as calreticulin’s interaction with C1q and MBL: a time‐dependent saturable binding to immobilized protein, which was initially sensitive to salt but gradually developed into a salt‐insensitive interaction. Thus, the interaction requires a structural change in the interaction partner and leads to a conformational change in calreticulin itself. The implications of these results are that calreticulin may function as a general response modifier for a whole group of immunologically important proteins.
High elevation of low‐relief surfaces in mountain belts: does it equate to post‐orogenic surface uplift?
Authors: Babault Julien , Bonnet Stéphane , Driessche Jean Van Den , Crave Alain
Published: July 2007

We present experiments of upraising and relaxing topographies showing that peneplanation can occur above the ultimate base level (sea level). After active uplift, the erosion of a topography bounded by a piedmont generates a final smooth and highly elevated topography. Smoothing at high elevation is even possible during active uplift if the evolution of topography is disrupted by the deposition of the products of erosion on its piedmont which is the case at the transition from underfilled to overfilled conditions in foreland basins.
Evidence for a pulse of 1.45 Ga anorthosite–mangerite–charnockite–granite (AMCG) plutonism in Lithuania: implications for the Mesoproterozoic evolution of the East European Craton
Authors: Skridlaitė Gražina , Whitehouse Martin , Rimša Andrius
Published: July 2007

Several subcropping anorthosite–mangerite–charnockite–granite (AMCG) plutonic suites are aligned along E–W trending lineaments in the Lithuanian part of the East European Craton. The Rukai quartz monzodiorite from the Nemunas suite yields a zircon U–Pb intrusion age of 1447 ± 5 Ma, and the Geluva granite an age of 1445 ± 8 Ma, both obtained using secondary ion mass spectrometry. These rocks are 50 Myr younger than the 1.53–1.50 Ga Mazury AMCG complex in southern Lithuania and northern Poland.

The Nemunas and Geluva AMCG rocks correlate in age with Bornholm granitoids in the Baltic Sea and Blekinge granites in southern Sweden, and are similarly aligned along E–W trending lineaments. This regional 1.45 Ga magmatic event across the Baltic Sea may be regarded as an inboard manifestation of the accretionary 1.50 Ga Danopolonian orogeny (cf. Pol. Mineral. Soc. Spec. Publ., 2005, 26:18) farther west.
Intracontinental tectonic melange in Southern Apennines
Authors: Catalano Stefano , Grasso Giuseppe , Mazzoleni Paolo , Monaco Carmelo , Tortorici Luigi
Published: July 2007

On the axial zone of the Southern Apennines the major tectonic boundary between the inner platform (Western platform unit) and the pelagic (Lagonegro units) domains is represented by a thick level of highly deformed rock‐assemblage. Structural analysis reveals that this tectonic unit represents an intracontinental melange complex characterized by a block‐in‐matrix fabric that contains blocks from both hangingwall platform and footwall basin units. This unit comprises different sets of structures that, caused by shearing processes, developed at depths ranging from about 8–9 km to the surface. These tectonites represent the product of a crustal shear zone developed at the major boundary between platform‐basin domains of Adria during the thick‐skinned tectonic processes controlling the Southern Apennines mountain building.
TECHNICAL ADVANCE: Indel arrays: an affordable alternative for genotyping
Authors: Salathia Neeraj , Lee Hana N. , Sangster Todd A. , Morneau Keith , Landry Christian R. , Schellenberg Kurt , Behere Aditi S. , Gunderson Kevin L. , Cavalieri Duccio , Jander Georg , Queitsch Christine
Published: July 2007

Natural variation and induced mutations are important resources for gene discovery and the elucidation of genetic circuits. Mapping such polymorphisms requires rapid and cost‐efficient methods for genome‐wide genotyping. Here we report the development of a microarray‐based method that assesses 240 unique markers in a single hybridization experiment at a cost of less than US$50 in materials per line. Our genotyping array is built with 70‐mer oligonucleotide elements representing insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphisms between the Arabidopsis thaliana accessions Columbia‐0 (Col) and Landsberg erecta (Ler). These indel polymorphisms are recognized with great precision by comparative genomic hybridization, eliminating the need for array replicates and complex statistical analysis. Markers are present genome‐wide, with an average spacing of approximately 500 kb. PCR primer information is provided for all array indels, allowing rapid single‐locus inquiries. Multi‐well chips allow groups of 16 lines to be genotyped in a single experiment. We demonstrate the utility of the array for accurately mapping recessive mutations, RIL populations and mixed genetic backgrounds from accessions other than Col and Ler. Given the ease of use of shotgun sequencing to generate partial genomic sequences of unsequenced species, this approach is readily transferable to non‐model organisms.
Intervention program to reduce waiting time of a dermatological visit: Managed overbooking and service centralization as effective management tools
Authors: Bibi Yuval , Cohen Arnon D. , Goldfarb Dan , Rubinshtein Elias , Vardy Daniel A.
Published: July 2007

Background  Long waiting times are an impediment of dermatological patient care world‐wide, resulting in significant disruption of clinical care and frustration among carers and patients.

Objective  To reduce waiting times for dermatological appointments.

Methods  A focus group including dermatologists and management personnel reviewed the scheduling process, mapped potential problems and proposed a comprehensive intervention program. The two major approaches taken in the intervention program were revision of the scheduling process by managed overbooking of patient appointments and centralization of the dermatological service into a centralized dermatological clinic.

Results  Following the intervention program, the average waiting time for dermatological appointments decreased from 29.3 to 6.8 days. The number of scheduled appointments per 6 months rose from 17,007 to 20,433. Non‐attendance proportion (no‐show) decreased from 33% to 28%. Dermatologist work‐hours were without significant change.

Conclusions  Waiting lists for dermatological consultations were substantially shortened by managed overbooking of patient appointments and centralization of the service.
Epidermal nevus syndrome
Authors: Chatproedprai Susheera , Wananukul Siriwan , Prasarnnaem Thanaboon , Noppakun Nopadon
Published: July 2007

Epidermal nevus syndrome is a group of congenital neurocutaneous disorders characterized by epidermal nevi in association with cerebral, ocular, skeletal, and sometimes cardiac and renal abnormalities. These nevi have been classified according to their predominant component. We described a child presenting with inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus on the head, which is an uncommon location. He also encountered ocular and central nervous system structural disorders.
Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis recidivans with a combination of allopurinol and meglumine antimoniate: a clinical and histologic study
Authors: Esfandiarpour Iraj , Dabiri Shahriar H.
Published: July 2007

Background  Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in Iran, particularly in Kerman Province. Leishmaniasis recidivans (LR) is one of the characteristics of this disease with a chronic course. Most patients with LR are resistant to the usual treatments.

Methods  Thirty‐two patients (18 females and 14 males), suffering from LR, whose disease had been demonstrated by previous direct smears or skin biopsies, were included in this study in Kerman. The duration of disease in all patients was more than 1.5 years, and they had all previously received various drugs for their disease. All patients were treated with a combination of oral allopurinol (20 mg/kg for 30 days) and intramuscular injection of meglumine antimoniate (50 mg/kg for 15 days) and were followed up for 2 years. Skin biopsies were obtained from the skin lesions of nine cases at the beginning (baseline), during, and end of therapy. All patients were checked for complete blood count (CBC) and liver and kidney function tests on the first and last day of treatment.

Results  All patients, except two (87.5%), responded well to treatment within 30 days. No significant side‐effects were observed. The disease of two patients (Cases 24 and 28) recurred 6 and 13 months after treatment, respectively. Histologic examination of nine cases during and at the end of therapy showed a progression to atrophied granulomata, more lymphocytic than histiocytic infiltration, and, finally, fibrosis replacing the granulomata.

Conclusions  From the results of this study, a combination of allopurinol plus meglumine antimoniate may be considered as a highly effective treatment for LR.
Preprandial vs. postprandial pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Umezawa Yoshinori , Mabuchi Tomotaka , Ozawa Akira
Published: July 2007

Background Cyclosporine is usually administered after meals. Preprandial administration of cyclosporine has been shown to enhance drug absorption in patients with nephritic syndrome.

Methods We compared the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine after preprandial and postprandial administration in patients with psoriasis. The study group comprised 12 patients (10 men and two women) with psoriasis vulgaris with a mean age of 47.1 years (range, 27–58 years). The subjects received an oral dose of cyclosporine microemulsion (Neoral®) once daily in the morning, either before or after breakfast. The mean dose of cyclosporine was 1.8 mg/kg/day (range, 1.0–2.8 mg/kg/day). Blood samples were collected immediately before and 1, 2, 3, and 4 h after treatment.

Results After the postprandial administration of cyclosporine, the mean area under the drug concentration–time curve from 0 to 4 h after treatment (AUC0−4) was 1393.5 ng h/mL and the mean maximum drug concentration (Cmax) was 604.1 ng/mL. After preprandial administration, the mean AUC0−4was 2195.2 ng h/mL and the meanCmaxwas 1054.9 ng/mL. AUC0−4andCmaxwere significantly greater after preprandial administration of oral cyclosporine than after postprandial administration.

Conclusions Our results suggest that the preprandial administration of cyclosporine enhances drug absorption in patients with psoriasis, potentially allowing the daily dose of cyclosporine to be reduced when compared with postprandial administration.
Familial keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans associated with woolly hair
Authors: Lacarrubba Francesco , Dall’Oglio Federica , Rossi Alfredo , Schwartz Robert A. , Micali Giuseppe
Published: July 2007

Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD) is a rare inherited disorder of keratinization clinically characterized by diffuse follicular hyperkeratosis, progressive scarring alopecia of scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes, corneal dystrophy and photophobia. Woolly hair is a hereditary condition, transmitted as an autosomal dominant or recessive trait, usually seen in Caucasians at birth or shortly after, in which there are curly, thick, often heavily pigmented hairs.

 We report two cases, a son and his mother, in whom KFSD occurred in association with woolly hair. In addition, various dental anomalies, including agenesis, inclusions and teeth malformations, were present in the child. Interestingly, both patients simultaneously developed an inflammatory tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis.

 To our knowledge, the association of KFSD with woolly hair has not been described. The dental anomalies found in the child are intriguing, as they have never been reported previously in patients with KFSD. Finally, the concomitant onset of inflammatory tinea capitis in both patients may be explained by the enhanced susceptibility to fungal infection in keratinizing disorders.
Skin color measurement in Chinese female population: analysis of 407 cases from 4 major cities of China
Authors: Wei Liu , Xuemin Wang , Wei Lai , Li Li , Ping Zhang , Yanyu Wu , Ying Lu , Yan Li , Yan Tian , Yan Wu , Li Chen
Published: July 2007

Background  Color assessment of human skin is an important index both in dermatology and in cosmetology.

Methods  Skin color measured in 407 Chinese women selected from four different cities in China is reported in the 1976 Commission International de L’eclairage (CIE)‐color space, according to the skin color typing method proposed by Chardon et al. in 1991. The skin color of buttocks and hands, which represent sun unexposed and exposed sites, respectively, were measured with a Minolta 2500d chromameter. Individual typology angle (ITA°) of each volunteer was calculated based on the measured L* and b* values and her skin complexion was graded accordingly.

Results  The results show that most of the volunteers had a “light” skin color at their unexposed sites, namely grade II (65.5%), and then grade III (intermediate, 23.1%), and I (very light, 9.6%). The skin colors at exposed sites of the studied group were mainly grade III (intermediate, 45.7%), followed by grade IV (tan, 42.0%) and II (light, 7.9%). The difference among the investigated cities, the relationship between skin color and ages, and the complexion changes from unexposed site to exposed site were analyzed based on the data from the research.

Conclusion  The authors believed that the present results might basically represent the complexion conditions of Chinese women.
Serum lipoprotein (a) levels and Behçet's disease: is there an association?
Authors: Balik Ozgul , Gur Gunes , Lenk Nurdan , Artuz Ferda , Alli Nuran
Published: July 2007

Background  Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder found in individuals with a particular genetic background. Hemostatic studies in BD support an imbalance towards a prothrombotic state at different levels. Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) has atherogenic and thrombogenic properties. It is mostly under genetic regulation. We investigated the possible relationship between Lp(a) and BD.

Methods  Forty patients diagnosed with BD and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. The clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Serum total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, and Lp(a) levels of the two groups were assessed and compared statistically.

Results  All patients (100%) had oral aphthous ulcers. Thirty (75%) had genital ulceration, 37 (92.5%) had either erythema nodosum or papulopustular lesions, and 10 (25%) had eye involvement. Twelve (30%) had a positive pathergy test. Four (10%) had vascular involvement. The Lp(a) level of the patient population was 19.6 ± 18.8 mg/dL. This level was higher than that of the controls, but not statistically significant. The Lp(a) levels of the four patients with vascular complications were within normal limits.

Conclusions  Lp(a) is of interest, as it is a genetically determined parameter that was found to be high in BD patients in our study group. The levels were independent of thrombotic complications, perhaps suggesting a different role for this lipoprotein in the etiopathogenesis of BD. Further studies with a larger number of patients are essential to discover the exact role of Lp(a) in BD.
Comparative evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of dermabrasion, dermabrasion combined with topical 5% 5‐fluorouracil cream, and dermabrasion combined with topical placentrex gel in localized stable vitiligo
Authors: Sethi Shweta , Mahajan Bharat Bhushan , Gupta Rajesh Rani , Ohri Ashish
Published: July 2007

Background  Vitiligo affects 1% of the world's population with a higher incidence in dark‐skinned individuals. Many medical treatments have been attempted with partial success, but recent focus has been on surgical techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the therapeutic efficacy of dermabrasion, dermabrasion combined with 5% 5‐fluorouracil cream, and dermabrasion combined with topical placentrex gel in the management of localized stable vitiligo.

Methods  Thirty patients with localized stable vitiligo (at least three lesions each) were treated. After dermabrasion, a soframycin tulle dressing was placed on the first lesion, a topical 5% 5‐fluorouracil dressing on the second, and a topical placentrex gel dressing on the third for 7 days after the procedure, and the patients were followed up for 6 months.

Results  The efficacy of treatment was highest (73.33%) and most rapid in lesions treated with dermabrasion combined with 5‐fluorouracil. Dermabrasion alone and dermabrasion combined with placentrex gel showed similar efficacy in localized stable vitiligo.

Conclusion  Dermabrasion combined with 5‐fluorouracil is the most efficacious of the three treatment modalities studied.
Clinical pearl: the evaluation of the surface area of small pigmented lesions
Authors: Patel Asha R. , Vejjabhinanta Voraphol , Nouri Keyvan
Published: July 2007

The ability to calculate the surface area of small pigmented lesions is an important assessment tool, especially if one is suspicious for malignancy. Calculation of the surface area can be an arduous task if one does not have a standard technique. This article is in regards to the inexpensive and relatively easy technique of calculating the surface area of small pigmented lesions. This technique is a unique method, not described in the literature before, and may be utilized by any dermatologist at any level of experience. Our method is presented because the calculation of small pigmented lesions is an important tool to utilize, especially in cases of skin carcinoma. This technique can also be modified to calculate the surface area of much larger lesions and therefore may have a broad clinical application in the field of dermatology and cutaneous surgery.
Familial CHARGE syndrome because of CHD7 mutation: clinical intra‐ and interfamilial variability
Authors: Delahaye A , Sznajer Y , Lyonnet S , Elmaleh‐Bergès M , Delpierre I , Audollent S , Wiener‐Vacher S , Mansbach A‐L , Amiel J , Baumann C , Bremond‐Gignac D , Attié‐Bitach T , Verloes A , Sanlaville D
Published: July 2007

CHARGE syndrome (OMIM #214800) is a multiple malformation syndrome with distinctive diagnostic criteria, usually because of CHD7 (chromodomain helicase DNA binding 7) haploinsufficiency. Familial occurrence of CHARGE syndrome is rare. We report six patients from two Caucasian families (both with one parent and two children) affected by mild to severe CHARGE syndrome. Direct sequencing of the CHD7 gene was performed in these two unrelated families. A mutation in exon 8 (c.2501C>T – p.S834F) in first chromodomain was found in family A and a nonsense mutation in exon 2 (c.469C>T – p.R157X) in family B. Both mutations are de novo in the parents. In family A, the elder son had bilateral cleft lip and palate, esophageal atresia with fistula, complex heart defect and vertebral abnormalities, while the younger had a posterior coloboma. Their mother had asymptomatic vestibular dysfunction and retinal coloboma, identified after the molecular diagnosis of her children. In family B, both affected children had severe expression of CHARGE syndrome. The father carrying the mutation only had asymmetric anomaly of the pinnae. These familial reports describe the intrafamilial variability of CHARGE syndrome, and underline the presence of CHD7 mutations in patients who do not fit the ‘classical clinical criteria’ for CHARGE syndrome.