bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellulite histopathology and related mechanobiology
Authors: Quatresooz P. , Xhauflaire‐Uhoda E. , Piérard‐Franchimont C. , Piérard G. E.
Published: May 2006

Synopsis

Cellulite, sometimes called gynoid lipodystrophy, is much more prevalent in women than in men. There are glaring discrepancies regarding the microanatomical descriptions of this condition in the literature. A lumpy aspect of the dermo‐hypodermal interface is often cited, but it appears to represent a gender‐linked characteristic of the thighs and buttocks without being a specific sign of cellulite. Incipient cellulite recognized by a discrete padded look or ‘orange peel’ aspect appears correlated with the presence of a network of focally enlarged fibrosclerotic strands partitioning the hypodermis and serving as a physiological buttress limiting the outpouching of fat lobules on pinching the skin. These connective tissue structures might represent a hormonal‐dependent reactive process to sustained mechanical tensions caused by the adipocyte lobules. Full blown cellulite is recognized by a lumpy‐bumpy and dimpled skin surface. It likely represents subjugation of the hypertrophic response of the hypodermal connective tissue strands when their resistance is overcome by progressive fat accumulation. In these cases, histological aspects reminiscent of striae distensae are identified within the hypodermal connective tissue strands. The mechanical properties of skin involved by cellulite process are altered, but may tend to resume to normal under treatment. These functional changes influence the mechanobiology of connective tissue cells, in particular the Factor XIIIa‐positive dermal dendrocytes.
Word‐stem completion task to investigate semantic network in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Passafiume D. , Di Giacomo D. , Carolei A.
Published: May 2006

Semantic impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is revealed by tasks of verbal naming, verbal fluency, and semantic knowledge. Causes of the deficit remain unclear in spite of many studies to investigate whether AD patients suffer from the inability to have voluntary access to an almost intact semantic store or from its break down. Word‐stem completion (WSC) tasks have been utilized in healthy subjects in order to study semantic memory and network by exploiting the possibility of the involuntary access to them. Available conflicting data refer to the presence of semantic prime in AD patients. To explore the semantic network in AD, patients were requested to complete with the first word that sprang to their mind a stem submitted immediately after presentation of the word prime, as a WSC task. Stems consisted of the three beginning letters of words that were semantically related to primes. We compared data obtained with this task from patients with mild to moderate AD with those from normal controls (NC). AD patients completed less stems (P < 0.001) with the expected words than NC, suggesting a break down of the semantic network rather than a deficit in the access to the semantic store.
Use of antiepileptic drugs in Estonia: an epidemiologic study of adult epilepsy
Authors: Õun A. , Haldre S. , Mägi M.
Published: May 2006

An evaluation of general antiepileptic treatment patterns and utilization of particular drugs was carried out based on the prevalence study of adult active epilepsy in a sample of the Estonian population. The antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used, and their doses were recorded and compared with clinical characteristics. Nineteen per cent of the subjects did not take any AED on the prevalence day; 83% of those on medication were taking a single drug, 15% two, and 2% three AEDs. Localization‐related symptomatic epilepsies were most frequently treated with AEDs and were also the largest group receiving polytherapy. The most common agent was carbamazepine (68%), followed by barbiturates. Valproate and phenytoin were used much less. The study design and its impact on the interpretation of results is discussed. The percentage of sodium‐channel blockers is generally comparable with that reported from other European countries. The small share of valproate is probably a result of the extensive utilization of barbiturates, and is partially related to the age distribution in the study. The high figure of AED‐free cases, and small percentage of polytherapy indicates a tendency for undertreatment. Some points for improvement in AED therapy are discussed.
Clinical course after change of immunomodulating therapy in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Caon C. , Din M. , Ching W. , Tselis A. , Lisak R. , Khan O.
Published: May 2006

We examined the clinical course after switching disease‐modifying therapy (DMT) in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Eighty‐five consecutive RRMS patients who received weekly interferon beta‐1a (IFN beta‐1a) 6 MU i.m. for at least 18 months were enrolled. Baseline annualized relapse rate (ARR) for the 2 years prior to initiating therapy with IFN beta‐1a was obtained from charts. All 85 patients received treatment with IFN beta‐1a at 6 MU i.m. weekly for 18–24 months (mean 19.7 months). Treatment with IFN beta‐1a reduced the mean ARR from 1.41 to 1.23 (P = 0.005). All 85 patients were then switched to glatiramer acetate (GA) 20 mg s.c. daily and prospectively followed up for 36–42 months (mean 37.5 months). Patients were switched because of persistent clinical disease activity (n = 62) or persistently unacceptable toxicity (n = 23) as determined by the treating neurologist. Treatment with GA reduced the mean ARR from 1.23 to 0.53 (P = 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients who were switched because of lack of efficacy (n = 62), the mean ARR was reduced from 1.32 on IFN beta‐1a to 0.52 on GA (P = 0.0001). In contrast, in patients who switched because of persistent toxicity (n = 23), the mean ARR was reduced from 0.61 on IFN beta‐1a to 0.47 on GA (P, non‐significant). Our observations suggest that clinical observations such as relapse rate and tolerability may be used as criteria for switching DMT in clinical practice. More definitive consensus criteria incorporating magnetic resonance imaging and clinical observations for defining optimal response and tolerability need to be developed for the routine clinical management of RRMS patients receiving DMT.
Inflammatory biomarkers in blood of patients with acute brain ischemia
Authors: Sotgiu S. , Zanda B. , Marchetti B. , Fois M. L. , Arru G. , Pes G. M. , Salaris F. S. , Arru A. , Pirisi A. , Rosati G.
Published: May 2006

Although many failed surrogate markers are provided in the literature, inflammation may contribute to the outcome of ischemic stroke. In 50 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke, in the absence of symptoms and signs of concomitant infection, we evaluated a panel of biomarkers reported to be variably associated with brain ischemia, and correlate their serum level with the brain lesion volume and clinical outcome. Infarct size was calculated on computed tomography (CT) scans by means of the Cavalieri's method. Neurological impairment was scored by using the Glasgow Coma Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale and National Institutes of Health (NIH) scales at stroke onset and 3‐month follow‐up. Some markers showed a direct significant correlation with both initial and final NIH scale and with infarct size, particularly tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) (P = 0.002), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (P < 0.01) and matrix metalloproteinase‐2/9 (P = 0.001). In contrast to previous reports, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) serum level showed a significant inverse correlation with both final neurological impairment and infarct size (P < 0.001). This novel finding allows us suggesting that IL‐6, in the context of a complex pro‐inflammatory network occurring during stroke, is associated with neuroprotection rather than neurotoxicity in patients with ischemic brain injury.
l‐2‐Hydroxyglutaric aciduria: clinical, genetic, and brain MRI characteristics in two adult sisters
Authors: Goffette S. M. , Duprez T. P. , Nassogne M.‐C. L. , Vincent M.‐F. A. , Jakobs C. , Sindic C. J.
Published: May 2006

l‐2‐Hydroxyglutaric (l‐2‐HG) aciduria is a rare inherited metabolic disease usually observed in children. Patients present a very slowly progressive deterioration with cerebellar ataxia, mild or severe mental retardation, and various other clinical signs including extrapyramidal and pyramidal symptoms, and seizures. The disease is characterized by increased levels of l‐2‐HG in body fluids such as urine and cerebrospinal fluid. We report on two sisters from consanguineous parents, in whom l‐2‐HG aciduria was diagnosed at an adult age. Although magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopic findings were severely abnormal in both, they experienced a different clinical course. The older sister presented with severe mental retardation, recurrent epileptic seizures, and progressive deterioration in her ability to walk and to talk; she is now confined to a wheelchair with severe speech deficit. In contrast, the younger sister only had a few epileptic seizures in childhood and moderate mental retardation, is still able to walk, and performs manual work, and has a social life in a specialized institution for moderately mentally handicapped persons. For the two patients, a complete deletion of exon 9 was demonstrated in a gene located on chromosome 14q22.1, which most probably encodes for L‐2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase. The pathological findings observed in this metabolic disorder could therefore be related to a toxic effect of L‐2‐hydroxyglutarate on the central nervous system, although the presence of other toxic metabolites cannot be excluded.
Is TEE useful in patients with small subcortical strokes?
Authors: Rabinstein A. A. , Chirinos J. A. , Fernandez F. R. , Zambrano J. P.
Published: May 2006

Although the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the investigation of stroke mechanism is well established, the value of this test in patients with lacunar presentation is unclear. Review of 214 patients with acute cerebral ischemia referred for TEE to exclude cardioaortic sources of embolism after non‐diagnostic basic work‐up including carotid ultrasound and transthoracic echocardiography. TEE was considered positive when it showed large or complex aortic arch plaques, left atrial thrombus, mitral or aortic valve vegetations, or patent foramen ovale with atrial septal aneurysm. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the value of lacunar syndrome and radiological small subcortical infarctions in predicting TEE result. Predictive values and likelihood ratios for these variables were calculated. Fifty‐two patients (24%) had positive TEE. The most common embolic source was large or complex aortic plaques in 19% of patients. Neither clinical presentation with lacunar syndrome nor the presence of small subcortical infarction on CT scan predicted a negative TEE result on univariate or multivariate analysis. However, the combination of lacunar syndrome with radiological small subcortical infarction was uniformly associated with negative TEE (P = 0.01; negative predictive value 100%). The combination of lacunar syndrome with small subcortical radiological infarct predicts the absence of cardioaortic sources of embolism on TEE in patients with acute cerebral ischemia.
Identifying the affected hemisphere by 1H‐MR spectroscopy in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and no pathological findings in high resolution MRI
Authors: Hammen T. , Kerling F. , Schwarz M. , Stadlbauer A. , Ganslandt O. , Keck B. , Tomandl B. , Dörfler A. , Stefan H.
Published: May 2006

Up to 30% of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) remain without remarkable changes in MRI. In this study we investigated the role of 1H‐MR spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) in lateralizing the affected hemisphere in the mentioned patient group. Twenty‐two consecutive patients diagnosed with TLE were investigated by high resolution MRI and 1H‐MRS. We examined the incidence and diagnostic accuracy of temporal metabolite alterations determined by Linear Combination of Model Spectra (LCModel) via water reference. Metabolite values of each hemisphere of TLE patients were compared with healthy controls. Results of metabolite alterations were related to intensive video EEG focus localization. Reduction of N‐acetylaspartate + N‐acetylaspartyl‐glutamate (tNAA) in the affected hemisphere revealed identification in six of nine patients (66%) with unilateral TLE. Group comparison revealed a significant reduction of tNAA (6.1 ± 0.8*) in the involved temporal lobe compared with controls (6.67 ± 0.4*, P = 0.026). Choline levels were significantly increased in the affected hemisphere (1.42 ± 0.17*) compared with healthy controls (1.22 ± 0.17*, P = 0.035). The results of our study show that 1H‐MRS is able to identify the affected hemisphere of MRI negative TLE patients and can be used as an additive tool in multimodal focus localization.
A vascular risk factor index in relation to mortality and incident dementia
Authors: Mitnitski A. , Skoog I. , Song X. , Waern M. , Östling S. , Sundh V. , Steen B. , Rockwood K.
Published: May 2006

To develop a method for quantifying risks of death and dementia in relation to vascular risk factors the Gothenburg H‐70 1901–02 birth cohort was studied (n = 380, was followed over 20 years, with 103 incident dementia cases). Separate vascular risk factor indices were calculated using 23 vascular risk factors to predict: (i) dementia‐free‐survival, and (ii) incident dementia derived from post hoc optimal separation of affected and unaffected cases. Classification of adverse outcomes (dementia/non‐dementia; alive/dead) was assessed using receiver–operator characteristic (ROC) curves, and the area under the curve (AUC). Each index showed high separation between affected and unaffected cases. For dementia/non‐dementia, the AUC was 0.74 ± 0.02 for 10 year and 0.67 ± 0.02 for 20 year; for death/survival, the AUC was 0.75 ± 0.02 for 10 years and 0.79 ± 0.03 for 20 years. Of note, few items were important in both indexes, and most showed reciprocal effects (e.g. decreased the risk of death but increased the risk of dementia). Our results suggest that vascular risk factor indexes can give robust estimates of dementia and life span prognoses in elderly people, but death and dementia have different risk profiles. This may be because of death being a competing risk for incident late‐onset dementia.
Is there a role for physiotherapy during deep brain stimulation surgery in patients with Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Chevrier E. , Fraix V. , Krack P. , Chabardes S. , Benabid A.‐L. , Pollak P.
Published: May 2006

In our center, a physiotherapist is present in the operative room to bring relief to the Parkinsonian patient during subthalamic nucleus stimulation surgery under local anesthesia. This study searched to determine the causes of pain and suffering during bilateral electrode implantation and to assess the role of physiotherapy. Ninety‐two consecutive patients operated on between 2001 and 2004 were included in this retrospective study. A questionnaire with eight items was developed and mailed to the patients. Seventy‐five responses to questionnaires were available. All patients except one experienced physical pain and psychological suffering, alleviated by physiotherapy. These preliminary results need to be confirmed in a prospective randomized study.
Elevated cerebrospinal fluid lactate levels and the pathomechanism of calcification in Fahr's disease
Authors: Hagiwara N. , Ooboshi H. , Ishibashi M. , Kurushima H. , Kitazono T. , Ibayashi S. , Iida M.
Published: May 2006

In this study, we report the case of a 68‐year‐old man complaining of involuntary movement of his left shoulder and lower jaw plus dyspnea. On cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, marked and symmetrical calcification at the basal ganglia and dentate nuclei was documented. An elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate level was confirmed by spinal tap examination and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The raised CSF lactate level, clinical characteristics such as diabetes, bilateral hearing loss and symmetrical cerebral calcification strongly suggested some kinds of mitochondrial disease. However, gene analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes revealed no typical or known mutations. Under the diagnosis of Fahr's disease, we treated him with haloperidol, which completely abolished his symptoms. In Ellsworth–Howard test, he showed markedly decreased phosphaturic response to parathyroid hormone with same pattern as type 2 pseudohypoparathyroidism. This abnormal response in our patient, probably due to respiratory alkalosis reflecting chronic hyperventilation, might in part explain similar mechanism of ectopic calcification underlying these two diseases.
Isolation and characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the devastating dry rot fungus, Serpula lacrymans
Authors: HÖGBERG N. , SVEGÅRDEN I. B. , KAUSERUD H.
Published: May 2006

Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from microsatellite‐enriched DNA libraries of the devastating dry rot fungus, Serpula lacrymans. The loci exhibited two to four alleles per locus and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.13 to 0.47. The codominant markers, described here for this fungus, will permit further studies in population genetics and phylogeography of this economically highly important species.
Composition and implications of diverse lipids in New Zealand Geothermal sinters
Authors: PANCOST R. D. , PRESSLEY S. , COLEMAN J. M. , TALBOT H. M. , KELLY S. P. , FARRIMOND P. , SCHOUTEN S. , BENNING L. , MOUNTAIN B. W.
Published: May 2006

Microbial adaptations associated with extreme growth environments, including high temperatures and low pH, are of interest to astrobiologists and origin of life researchers. As part of a survey of microbial lipids present in terrestrial geothermal settings, we examined four silica sinters associated with three different hot spring areas of the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ), New Zealand. Dominant bacterial lipids include free fatty acids, 1,2‐diacylglycerophospholipids, 1,2‐di‐O‐alkylglycerols, 1‐O‐alkylglycerols, wax esters, alkanols, alkan‐1,2‐diols and various hopanoids, whereas dominant archaeal lipids include both archaeol and glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers. Although many of these compounds occur in other settings, in the TVZ sinters their distributions (with high abundances of β‐OH fatty acids and high‐molecular‐weight (> C18) fatty acyl components) and carbon isotopic compositions (ranging from −40 to +4, with up to 25 variability in a single sample) are unusual. In addition, we have identified a range of unusual compounds, including novel macrocyclic diethers and hopanoids. The distributions of these compounds differ among the study sites, suggesting that, where preserved in ancient sinters, they could serve as an important tool in studying past hydrothermal environments.
Microbial fuel cell energy from an ocean cold seep
Authors: REIMERS C. E. , GIRGUIS P. , STECHER H. A. , TENDER L. M. , RYCKELYNCK N. , WHALING P.
Published: May 2006

Benthic microbial fuel cells are devices that generate modest levels of electrical power in seafloor environments by a mechanism analogous to the coupled biogeochemical reactions that transfer electrons from organic carbon through redox intermediates to oxygen. Two benthic microbial fuel cells were deployed at a deep‐ocean cold seep within Monterey Canyon, California, and were monitored for 125 days. Their anodes consisted of single graphite rods that were placed within microbial mat patches of the seep, while the cathodes consisted of carbon‐fibre/titanium wire brushes attached to graphite plates suspended ∼0.5 m above the sediment. Power records demonstrated a maximal sustained power density of 34 mW·m−2 of anode surface area, equating to 1100 mW m−2 of seafloor. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of microbial biofilms that formed on the electrode surfaces revealed changes in microbial community composition along the anode as a function of sediment depth and surrounding geochemistry. Near the sediment surface (20–29 cm depth), the anodic biofilm was dominated by micro‐organisms closely related to Desulfuromonas acetoxidans. At horizons 46–55 and 70–76 cm below the sediment–water interface, clone libraries showed more diverse populations, with increasing representation of δ‐proteobacteria such as Desulfocapsa and Syntrophus, as well as ɛ‐proteobacteria. Genes from phylotypes related to Pseudomonas dominated the cathode clone library. These results confound ascribing a single electron transport role performed by only a few members of the microbial community to explain energy harvesting from marine sediments. In addition, the microbial fuel cells exhibited slowly decreasing current attributable to a combination of anode passivation and sulfide mass transport limitation. Electron micrographs of fuel cell anodes and laboratory experiments confirmed that sulfide oxidation products can build up on anode surfaces and impede electron transfer. Thus, while cold seeps have the potential to provide more power than neighbouring ocean sediments, the limits of mass transport as well as the proclivity for passivation must be considered when developing new benthic microbial fuel cell designs to meet specific power requirements.
Are environmental conditions recorded by the organic matrices associated with precipitated calcium carbonate in cyanobacterial microbialites?
Authors: GAUTRET P. , DE WIT R. , CAMOIN G. , GOLUBIC S.
Published: May 2006

The amino acid composition of organic matrices associated with calcium carbonate precipitates in microbialites built by different Phormidium species (cyanobacteria) has been compared for samples recovered in lagoonal settings from two regions of the Southern Tropical Pacific separated by more than 4000 km: New Caledonia (Nouméa lagoon) and French Polynesia (Tikehau atoll). Calcium carbonate precipitation in these microbial structures was observed mainly in the interior of the domes and clearly separated from the photosynthetically active surface layer. This study focuses on the hydrolysable amino acid composition of the associated organic matrices that are typically rich in cysteine, leucine, alanine and arginine in New Caledonia, whereas they are particularly rich in dicarboxylic amino acids in French Polynesia. This striking difference is seemingly related to different environmental conditions that characterize the two reef settings. The high cysteine content suggests an origin from metallothioneins produced by the cyanobacteria and/or by epiphytic diatoms that were observed on the top layer, as the result of the input of metals from terrestrial origin in the Nouméa lagoon. In addition, we analysed the bulk organic matter of the photosynthetically active surface layer and of the interior of the domes. The former showed remarkable variations of amino acid composition throughout the year 2001, which may potentially reflect the impact of climatological events (e.g. cyclones) and/or a much stronger seasonality in New Caledonia than in French Polynesia. Although the mechanisms behind the differences remain elusive, our study clearly shows that environmental conditions can be reflected by amino acid compositions, particularly for the organic matrices associated with carbonate precipitates.
PHOTOINHIBITION AND PHOTOACCLIMATION OF TURF ALGAL COMMUNITIES ON A TEMPERATE REEF, AFTER IN SITU TRANSPLANTATION EXPERIMENTS1
Authors: Copertino Margareth S. , Cheshire Anthony , Watling Jennifer
Published: May 2006

The photophysiology of turf algal communities was studied in situ on a temperate reef off the coast of South Australia. Algal communities were grown on artificial substrate at depths of 2, 4, and 10 m. To investigate the response of the algal communities to changing light environments in both the short and long term, reciprocal transplantation experiments were conducted among these depths on a seasonal basis. The extent of photoinhibition was assessed every 3 h for the first 2 days following transplantation and then on a daily basis for 16 days after transplantation. Photosynthetic acclimation was assessed using photosynthesis–light curves obtained from transplanted and non‐transplanted turfs after the acclimation period. Transplanted turfs responded very quickly to the light shift. Algae acclimated to low light (10 m depth) were highly susceptible to photoinhibition and photodamage, having greater decreases in maximum and effective quantum yields than turfs from shallower depths. Yield recovery and acclimation usually occurred very rapidly in algae from all depths (3–5 days), but were faster in spring and summer compared with winter. Changes in photosynthetic capacity (across seasons, depths, and after transplantation to a different depth) were accompanied by changes in respiration, so that the ratio of net to gross photosynthetic capacity (Pmnet : Pmgross) remained high and constant over the whole range of light levels. We discuss the possible acclimation strategies of turfs, taking into account the balance between photoacclimation, production, and growth strategy.
PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSES OF THE BRYOPSIDALES (ULVOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA) BASED ON RUBISCO LARGE SUBUNIT GENE SEQUENCES1
Authors: Lam Daryl W. , Zechman Frederick W.
Published: May 2006

Current taxonomy of the Bryopsidales recognizes eight families; most of which are further categorized into two suborders, the Bryopsidineae and Halimedineae. This concept was supported by early molecular phylogenetic analyses based on rRNA sequence data, but subsequent cladistic analyses of morphological characters inferred monophyly in only the Halimedineae. These conflicting results prompted the current analysis of 32 taxa from this diverse group of green algae based on plastid‐encoded RUBISCO large subunit (rbcL) gene sequences. Results of these analyses suggested that the Halimedineae and Bryopsidineae are distinct monophyletic lineages. The families Bryopsidaceae, Caulerpaceae, Codiaceae, Derbesiaceae, and Halimediaceae were inferred as monophyletic, however the Udoteaceae was inferred as non‐monophyletic. The phylogenetic position of two taxa with uncertain subordinal affinity,Dichotomosiphon tuberosusLawson andPseudocodium floridanumDawes & Mathieson, were also inferred.Pseudocodiumwas consistently placed within the halimedinean clade suggesting its inclusion into this suborder, however familial affinity was not resolved.D. tuberosuswas the inferred sister taxon of the Halimedineae based on analyses ofrbcL sequence data and thus a possible member of this suborder.
DIFFERENTIAL IMPACTS OF PHOTOACCLIMATION AND THERMAL STRESS ON THE PHOTOBIOLOGY OF FOUR DIFFERENT PHYLOTYPES OF SYMBIODINIUM (PYRRHOPHYTA)1
Authors: Robison Jennifer D. , Warner Mark E.
Published: May 2006

The capacity for photoacclimation to light at 100 or 600 μmol photons·m−2·s−1 and the subsequent response to thermal stress was examined in four genetically distinct cultures of symbiotic dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium with the ITS2 designations A1, A1.1, B1, and F2. While all algal types showed typical signs of photoacclimation to high light via a reduction in chl a, there was a differential response in cellular growth, photosystem II (PSII) activity, and the chl a‐specific absorption coefficient between cultures. When maintained at 32°C for up to 10 days, significant variation in the susceptibility to thermal stress was observed in the rate of loss in PSII activity and electron transport, PSII reaction center degradation, and cellular growth. The order of thermal tolerance did not change between the two light levels. However, as expected, loss in photosynthetic function was exacerbated in the thermally sensitive phylotypes (B1 and A1.1) when acclimated to the higher light intensity. There was no consistent relationship between thermal tolerance and changes in light energy dissipation via non‐photochemical pathways. Phylotypes F2 and A1 showed a high degree of thermal tolerance, yet the cellular responses to light and temperature were markedly different between these algae. The F2 isolate showed the greatest capacity for photoacclimation and growth at high light and temperature, while the A1 isolate appeared to adjust to thermal stress by a slight decline in PSII activity and a significant decline in growth, possibly at the expense of increased photosystem and cellular repair rates.
Characteristics of Frail Older Adult Drivers
Authors: Carr David B. , Flood Kellie L. , Steger‐May Karen , Schechtman Kenneth B. , Binder Ellen F.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of driving in older adults with mild to moderate physical frailty and to compare characteristics of current frail older adult drivers with those of former drivers in the sample.

DESIGN: Retrospective study of frail older adults enrolled in randomized trials of exercise and hormone replacement therapy.

SETTING: Urban, academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighty‐three sedentary community‐dwelling men and women aged 75 and older with mild to moderate physical frailty, as defined by two of the following three criteria: modified Physical Performance Test (PPT) score between 18 and 32, peak oxygen uptake (VO2) between 10 and 18 mL/kg per minute, and self‐report of difficulty or assistance with one activity of daily living (ADL) or two instrumental ADLs. Participants were classified as current or former drivers.

MEASUREMENTS: Demographic characteristics, medical diagnoses, medication use, modified PPT score, and psychometric tests.

RESULTS: The majority (85%) of the participants were drivers. Former drivers were more likely to be older, be female, reside in congregate independent living for the elderly, have a higher incidence of arthritis and congestive heart failure, take sedating medications, have lower total ADL scores, have lower VO2 peak scores, and have more impairment on tests of cognition and physical strength, although only age, type of residence, and grip strength were independent predictors of driving cessation in the regression analysis.

CONCLUSION: Despite the presence of physical frailty, many older adults choose to continue to drive. Further studies are needed to better understand the driving behaviors of frail older adults and explore opportunities for optimizing driving abilities.
Ultraviolet B radiation suppresses Langerhans cell migration in the dermis by down‐regulation of α4 integrin
Authors: Hamakawa Motoko , Sugihara Akira , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Horio Takeshi
Published: May 2006

Background/Purpose: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation affects the migration and function of epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) and causes immunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity. It is known that LC leaves the epidermis after exposure to UVB. To know the behavior of LC in the dermis after UVB radiation, we studied the effect of UVB radiation on the expression of integrin families on freshly isolated or cultured murine LC. We also examined whether UVB radiation affects the migration of LC to secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC/6Ckine).

Methods: Integrin expressions of murine LC cultured in epidermal cell suspension were analyzed using flowcytometry. We used murine LC sorted flowcytometrically for binding assay to extracellular matrix and for migration assay to chemokine. Skin explant assay and immnohistochemical staining for ‘cords formation’ were performed as previously described.

Results: Twenty and 40 mJ/cm2 of UVB radiation down‐regulated the expression of α4 integrin on 24 h‐cultured LC, but not that of α6, β1, or β4 integrin. The number of cultured LC adhered to fibronectin, a ligand for α4 integrin, was decreased after UVB irradiation, while that to laminin, a ligand for α6 integrin, was not influenced. UVB radiation reduced the number of migrating LC to SLC. Furthermore, skin sheet explant experiments showed that UVB radiation inhibited the ‘cords’ formation in dermal vessels of the 48 h‐cultured skin.

Conclusions: These data suggest that UVB radiation may suppress the migration of LC from the dermis to lymphatic vessels. UVB radiation may downregulate the adherence of LC to dermal fibronectin and migration to SLC, and consequently suppress the migration of LC from the UVB‐irradiated dermis to lymphatics.
The inhibition spectrum of solar urticaria suppresses the wheal–flare response following intradermal injection with photo‐activated autologous serum but not with compound 48/80
Authors: Fukunaga A. , Horikawa T. , Yamamoto A. , Yamada Y. , Nishigori C.
Published: May 2006

Background: The inhibition spectrum (IS) in solar urticaria was identified mainly in Japanese patients with solar urticaria, although the mechanism of action of the IS has not been elucidated.

Methods: Because an intradermal injection of action spectrum (AS)‐irradiated serum in a case of solar urticaria induced a wheal response, we studied the responsiveness of the intradermal injection after an IS irradiation.

Results: An AS in this patient was composed of visible light shorter than 500 nm, while an IS was composed of visible light longer than 530 nm. When the IS was exposed immediately after the AS irradiation, the wheal response was inhibited. However, when the IS was exposed before the AS irradiation, the wheal response was not inhibited. An intradermal injection of her serum produced no reaction, whereas an intradermal injection of her serum pre‐irradiated with visible light induced a wheal flare response. Further examination revealed that the in vivo wheal‐inducing activity of her serum irradiated with visible light could be attenuated by post‐IS irradiation at the injection site, while the wheal‐inducing activity of her visible light‐irradiated serum was not inhibited by irradiation of the activated serum with the IS. The wheal–flare response induced by compound 48/80 and histamine was not altered by IS irradiation at the site of skin tests.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that photoallergens in the patient's serum that are activated by visible light irradiation are responsible for the development of her symptoms and that the IS may suppress the wheal response by inhibiting the binding of the photoallergens to mast cells, not by inactivating the photoallergens and stabilizing mast cells.
Haemorrhagic polymorphic light eruption: two cases of a rare variant
Authors: Clayton Rima , George Sheru
Published: May 2006

Polymorphic light eruption is a common photosensitivity disorder of unknown aetiology, that usually presents in the spring or summer months as an intermittent non‐scarring, itchy erythematous, papulo‐vesicular eruption. We present two cases of haemorrhagic polymorphic light eruption, a rare variant of this condition of which there are no case reports in the literature.
Effects of some emollients on the transmission of ultraviolet
Authors: Fetil Emel , Akarsu Sevgi , Ilknur Turna , Kuşku Ergün , Güneş Ali Tahsin
Published: May 2006

Background/purpose: Various topical agents which can be used in combination with phototherapy may have blocking or enhancing effects. In this in vivo study, the effects of topical petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine and olive oil on the transmission of ultraviolet B (UVB) were investigated.

Methods: A phototest was performed to determine the minimal erythema dose (MED) on 32 volunteers and the test was repeated with white petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine, olive oil and sunscreen (0.3 cm3/25 cm2). The effects of each agent on MED was determined after 24 h.

Results: MEDs were increased with the application of white petrolatum and basis cream. However, MEDs were not changed with the application of glycerine and olive oil.

Conclusion: The application of white petrolatum and basis cream, which have blocking effects, immediately before UVB therapy is not recommended. However, glycerine and olive oil, which does not have any effect, can be used before phototherapy.
In vivo persistent pigment darkening method: a demonstration of the reproducibility of the UVA protection factors results at several testing laboratories
Authors: Moyal Dominique , Wichrowski Karine , Tricaud Caroline
Published: May 2006

Background/Purpose: The aims of the present studies were to check that persistent pigment darkening (PPD) method can produce accurate and reproducible results for high UVA protection factors (UVAPF) and to provide data on the variability between laboratories and on the influence of skin types.

Methods: The Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA) PPD method was used to determine the UVAPF in different laboratories of different sunscreen formulations with increasing UVAPF. Two formulations were tested at seven independent laboratories and five products within two laboratories. The influence of skin types on the UVAPF of two products was tested within one laboratory on two panels of volunteers. All laboratories complied with the JCIA method specifications.

Results: Reproducible results have been obtained between the different labs and a low and satisfactory variability was achieved with a panel size of 10 subjects. Furthermore, skin type was demonstrated to have no influence within the defined selection criteria.

Conclusions: From this multiple center testing, the PPD method has been shown to be appropriate for testing sunscreen formulations with UVAPFs above 20. It is reasonable to expect that test results will be consistent if an identical protocol is used between laboratories.
Current situation of dermatologic surgery in Germany
Authors: Hensen Peter , Müller Marcel L. , Petres Johannes , Luger Thomas A. , Gollnick Harald
Published: May 2006

Background: Dermatologic surgery has become an increasingly important issue in dermatology in recent years. At present, no current epidemiologic or care‐related data on cutaneous surgery procedures in dermatology are available.

Methods: To determine the extent of cutaneous surgery procedures in dermatological hospitals, a national survey was performed. Both the procedure codes for 2004 based on the OPS‐classification and the DRG figures grouped to the major diagnostic category 09 of G‐DRG version 2004 were considered in detail. Methods of descriptive statistics were applied.

Results: The submitted data reveal that the contributing hospitals provided 164487 cutaneous surgery procedures in the investigation period. The vast majority is represented by extensive procedures and plastic‐reconstructive operations, as opposed to less complex surgeries such as simple excisions. Analysis of DRG assignment indicates that surgical procedures account for 44.2% of inpatient cases.

Conclusions: The present survey demonstrates that in Germany cutaneous surgery procedures are widely performed by dermatological hospitals and dermatologists. The increasing incidence of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer including precursor lesions will increase the need for dermatologists to perform cutaneous surgery in the future.
The -M relationship in pre-main sequence stars
Authors: Clarke C. J. , Pringle J. E.
Published: May 2006

We examine the recent data and analysis of Natta et al. concerning the accretion rate on to young stars as a function of stellar mass, and conclude that the apparently steep dependence of accretion rate on mass is strongly driven by selection/detection thresholds. We argue that a convincing demonstration of a physical relationship between accretion and stellar mass requires further studies which, as is the case for Natta et al., include information on upper limits, and which quantify the possible incompleteness of the sample, at both low and high accretion rates. We point out that the distribution of detections in the (M, )-plane can in principle be used to test conventional accretion disc evolutionary models, and that higher sensitivity observations might be able to test the hypothesis of accelerated disc clearing at late times.
Sub-GeV flashes in γ-ray burst afterglows as probes of underlying bright far-ultraviolet flares
Authors: Fan Yizhong , Piran Tsvi
Published: May 2006

Bright optical and X-ray flares have been observed in many γ-ray burst (GRB) afterglows. These flares have been attributed to late activity of the central engine. In most cases the peak energy is not known and it is possible and even likely that there is a significant far-ultraviolet component. These far-ultraviolet photons escape our detection because they are absorbed by the neutral hydrogen before reaching Earth. However, these photons cross the blast wave produced by the ejecta that has powered the initial GRB. They can be inverse Compton upscattered by hot electrons within this blast wave. This process will produce a strong sub-GeV flare that follows the high-energy (soft X-ray) tail of the far-ultraviolet flare but lasts much longer and can be detected by the upcoming Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) satellite. This signature can be used to probe the spectrum of the underlying far-ultraviolet flare. The extra cooling produced by this inverse Compton process can lower the X-ray emissivity of the forward shock and explain the unexpected low, early X-ray flux seen in many GRBs.
LIPASE‐CATALYZED MODIFICATION OF BLACK CURRANT OIL
Authors: KADAM M. , BHOWMICK D.N.
Published: May 2006

Black currant seed oil was modified with capric acid using a 1,3‐specific lipase, Lipozyme IM. Acidolysis reactions were carried out in the presence of organic solvents. A typical acidolysis reaction was carried out with 1:5 mole ratio of black currant oil (BCO) to capric acid in isooctane at 60C with Lipozyme IM. Effects of reaction temperature, mole ratio of reactants, enzyme load and reaction medium on the incorporation of capric acid were studied. About 42.16 mol % of capric acid was incorporated into BCO after 15 h of reaction. Modified BCO is expected to have beneficial effects on health.
THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POLYLACTIC ACID/WHEAT GLUTEN BLENDS
Authors: MOHAMED ABDELLATIF A. , GORDON SHERALD H. , CARRIERE CRAIG J. , KIM SANGHOON
Published: May 2006

The interaction between polylactic acid (PLA) and wheat gluten (gluten) has been studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and phase contrast microscope. The primary DSC thermogram of gluten showed one glass transition (Tg) at 63C. Neat (pure) PLA also showed a Tg around the same temperature range followed by crystallization (Cry) and a melting (Mel) transition. Different PLA : gluten blends (20:80, 50:50, 80:20) showed a Tg followed by PLA Cry and immediate Mel transitions. However, subsequent heating‐cooling cycling of the blend demonstrated a decrease in PLA Cry and Mel transitions and the appearance of a second Tg. The presence of gluten reduced the number of cycles needed to change PLA Cry structure to mostly amorphous. The low PLA Cry indicates an interaction between the two polymers. The TGA data showed slower PLA degradation compared with gluten, where 10% was degraded at 316C while 10% of the gluten degraded at 254C. Solid‐state FTIR showed that amide I and II peaks significantly decreased signifying gluten‐heat degradation. A strong peak, corresponding to ester formation between gluten and hydrolyzed gluten molecules, appeared at 1750/cm. The esterification increased in the presence of PLA. The phase contrast microscope demonstrated that the melting of PLA starts at 150C, which means that the continuous phase between 150 and 250C was the melted PLA. At 220C, gluten formed a thin layer; and at about 245C, it aggregated.
Regulation of the cell swelling‐activated chloride conductance by cholesterol‐rich membrane domains
Authors: Lim C. H. , Schoonderwoerd K. , Kleijer W. J. , De Jonge H. R. , Tilly B. C.
Published: May 2006

Aim:  The role of high cholesterol‐containing microdomains in the signal transduction cascade leading to the activation of volume‐regulated anion channels (VRACs) was studied.

Methods:  Osmotic cell swelling‐induced efflux of 125I− was determined in human epithelial Intestine 407 cells and in skin fibroblasts obtained from healthy controls or Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) patients. Cellular cholesterol content was modulated by pre‐incubation with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin in the presence of acceptor lipid vesicles.

Results:  Osmotic cell swelling of human Intestine 407 cells leads to the rapid activation of a compensatory anion conductance. Treatment of the cells with cyclodextrin enhanced the response to submaximal hypotonic stimulation by approx. twofold, but did not further increase the efflux elicited by a saturating stimulus. In contrast, the volume‐sensitive anion efflux was markedly inhibited when cholesterol‐loaded cyclodextrin was used. Potentiation of the response by cholesterol depletion was maintained in caveolin‐1 deficient Caco‐2 colonocytes as well as in sphingomyelinase‐treated Intestine 407 cells, indicating that cholesterol‐rich microdomains are not crucially involved. However, treatment of the cells with progesterone, an inhibitor of NPC1‐dependent endosomal cholesterol trafficking, not only markedly reduced the hypotonicity‐provoked anion efflux, but also prevented its potentiation by cyclodextrin. In addition, the volume‐sensitive anion efflux from human NPC skin fibroblasts was significantly smaller when compared with control fibroblasts.

Conclusions:  The results support a model of regulatory volume decrease involving recruitment of volume‐sensitive anion channels from intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane.
Osmotic stress and the cytoskeleton: the R(h)ole of Rho GTPases
Authors: Di Ciano‐Oliveira C. , Thirone A. C. P. , Szászi K. , Kapus A.
Published: May 2006

Hyperosmotic stress initiates a variety of compensatory and adaptive responses, which either serve to restore near‐normal volume or remodel and reinforce the cell structure to withstand the physical challenge. The latter response is brought about by the reorganization of the cytoskeleton; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Recent research has provided major breakthroughs in our knowledge about the link between message and structure, i.e. between signalling and cytoskeletal remodelling, predominantly in the context of cell migration. The major components of this progress are the in‐depth characterization of Rho family small GTPases, master regulators of the cytoskeleton, and the discovery of the actin‐related protein 2/3 complex, a signalling‐sensitive structural element of the actin polymerization machinery. The primary aim of this review is to find the place of these novel and crucial players in osmotically induced (volume‐dependent) remodelling of the cytoskeleton. We aim to address three questions: (1) What are the major structural changes in the cytoskeleton under hyperosmotic conditions? (2) Are the Rho family small GTPases (Rho, Rac and Cdc42) regulated by osmotic stress, and if so, by what mechanisms? (3) Are Rho GTPases involved, as mediators, in major adaptive responses, including cytoskeleton rearrangement, changes in ion transport and genetic reprogramming? Our answers will show how fragmentary our current knowledge is in these areas. Therefore, this overview has been written with the hardly disguised intention that it might foster further research in this field by highlighting some intriguing questions.