bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of Repeat-Mediated Gross Mitochondrial Genome Rearrangements by RecA in the Moss Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Odahara Masaki , Kuroiwa Haruko , Kuroiwa Tsuneyoshi , Sekine Yasuhiko
Published: April 2009

RecA and its ubiquitous homologs are crucial components in homologous recombination. Besides their eukaryotic nuclear counterparts, plants characteristically possess several bacterial-type RecA proteins localized to chloroplasts and/or mitochondria, but their roles are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the role of the only mitochondrial RecA in the moss Physcomitrella patens. Disruption of the P. patens mitochondrial recA gene RECA1 caused serious defects in plant growth and development and abnormal mitochondrial morphology. Analyses of mitochondrial DNA in disruptants revealed that frequent DNA rearrangements occurred at multiple loci. Structural analysis suggests that the rearrangements, which in some cases were associated with partial deletions and amplifications of mitochondrial DNA, were due to aberrant recombination between short (<100 bp) direct and inverted repeats in which the sequences were not always identical. Such repeats are abundant in the mitochondrial genome, and interestingly many are located in group II introns. These results suggest that RECA1 does not promote but rather suppresses recombination among short repeats scattered throughout the mitochondrial genome, thereby maintaining mitochondrial genome stability. We propose that RecA-mediated homologous recombination plays a crucial role in suppression of short repeat-mediated genome rearrangements in plant mitochondria.
Extended treatment of older cigarette smokers
Authors: Hall Sharon M. , Humfleet Gary L. , Muñoz Ricardo F. , Reus Victor I. , Robbins Julie A. , Prochaska Judith J.
Published: April 2009

Aims  Tobacco dependence treatments achieve abstinence rates of 25–30% at 1 year. Low rates may reflect failure to conceptualize tobacco dependence as a chronic disorder. The aims of the present study were to determine the efficacy of extended cognitive behavioral and pharmacological interventions in smokers ≥ 50 years of age, and to determine if gender differences in efficacy existed.

Design  Open randomized clinical trial.

Setting  A free‐standing, smoking treatment research clinic.

Participants  A total of 402 smokers of ≥ 10 cigarettes per day, all 50 years of age or older.

Intervention  Participants completed a 12‐week treatment that included group counseling, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and bupropion. Participants, independent of smoking status, were then assigned randomly to follow‐up conditions: (i) standard treatment (ST; no further treatment); (ii) extended NRT (E‐NRT; 40 weeks of nicotine gum availability); (iii) extended cognitive behavioral therapy (E‐CBT; 11 cognitive behavioral sessions over a 40‐week period); or (iv) E‐CBT plus E‐NRT (E‐combined; 11 cognitive behavioral sessions plus 40 weeks nicotine gum availability).

Measurements  Primary outcome variable was 7‐day point prevalence cigarette abstinence verified biochemically at weeks 24, 52, 64 and 104.

Findings  The most clinically important findings were significant main effects for treatment condition, time and the treatment × time interaction. The E‐CBT condition produced high cigarette abstinence rates that were maintained throughout the 2‐year study period [(week 24 (58%), 52 (55%), 64 (55%) and 104 (55%)], and was significantly more effective than E‐NRT and ST across that period. No other treatment condition was significantly different to ST. No effects for gender were found.

Conclusions  Extended cognitive behavioral treatments can produce high and stable cigarette abstinence rates for both men and women. NRT does not add to the efficacy of extended CBT, and may hamper its efficacy. Research is needed to determine if these results can be replicated in a sample with a greater range of ages, and improved upon with the addition of medications other than NRT.
Quantitative trait loci underlying milk production traits in sheep
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Gil B. , El‐Zarei M. F. , Alvarez L. , Bayón Y. , De La Fuente L. F. , San Primitivo F. , Arranz J.‐J.
Published: April 2009

Improvement of milk production traits in dairy sheep is required to increase the competitiveness of the industry and to maintain the production of high quality cheese in regions of Mediterranean countries with less favourable conditions. Additional improvement over classical selection could be reached if genes with significant effects on the relevant traits were specifically targeted by selection. However, so far, few studies have been undertaken to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) in dairy sheep. In this study, we present a complete genome scan performed in a commercial population of Spanish Churra sheep to identify chromosomal regions associated with phenotypic variation observed in milk production traits. Eleven half‐sib families, including a total of 1213 ewes, were analysed following a daughter design. Genome‐wise multi‐marker regression analysis revealed a genome‐wise significant QTL for milk protein percentage on chromosome 3. Eight other regions, localized on chromosomes 1, 2, 20, 23 and 25, showed suggestive significant linkage associations with some of the analysed traits. To our knowledge, this study represents the first complete genome scan for milk production traits reported in dairy sheep. The experiment described here shows that analysis of commercial dairy sheep populations has the potential to increase our understanding of the genetic determinants of complex production‐related traits.
Holocene carbon burial by lakes in SW Greenland
Authors: ANDERSON N. J. , D'ANDREA W. , FRITZ S. C.
Published: April 2009

The role of the Arctic in future global change processes is predicted to be important because of the large carbon (C) stocks contained in frozen soils and peatlands. Lakes are an important component of arctic landscapes although their role in storing C is not well prescribed. The area around Kangerlussuaq, SW Greenland (66–68°N, 49–54°W) has extremely high lake density, with ∼20 000 lakes that cover about 14% of the land area. C accumulation rates and standing stock (kg C m−2), representing late‐ to mid‐Holocene C burial, were calculated from AMS 14C‐dated sediment cores from 11 lakes. Lake ages range from ∼10 000 cal yr bp to ∼5400 cal yr bp, and reflect the withdrawal of the ice sheet from west to east. Total standing stock of C accumulated in the studied lakes for the last ∼8000 years ranged from 28 to 71 kg C m−2, (mean: ∼42 kg C m−2). These standing stock determinations yield organic C accumulation rates of 3.5–11.5 g C m−2 yr−1 (mean: ∼6 g C m−2 yr−1) for the last 4500 years. Mean C accumulation rates are not different for the periods 8–4.5 and 4.5–0 ka, despite cooling trends associated with the neoglacial period after 4.5 ka. We used the mean C standing stock to estimate the total C pool in small lakes (<100 ha) of the Kangerlussuaq region to be ∼4.9 × 1013 g C. This C stock is about half of that estimated for the soil pool in this region (but in 5% of the land area) and indicates the importance of incorporating lakes into models of regional C balance at high latitudes.
The effect of ocean acidification on symbiont photorespiration and productivity in Acropora formosa
Authors: CRAWLEY ALICIA , KLINE DAVID I. , DUNN SIMON , ANTHONY KEN , DOVE SOPHIE
Published: April 2009

Ocean acidification is expected to lower the net accretion of coral reefs yet little is known about its effect on coral photophysiology. This study investigated the effect of increasing CO2 on photosynthetic capacity and photoprotection in Acropora formosa. The photoprotective role of photorespiration within dinoflagellates (genus Symbiodinium) has largely been overlooked due to focus on the presence of a carbon‐concentrating mechanism despite the evolutionary persistence of a Form II Rubisco. The photorespiratory fixation of oxygen produces phosphoglycolate that would otherwise inhibit carbon fixation though the Calvin cycle if it were not converted to glycolate by phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGPase). Glycolate is then either excreted or dealt with by enzymes in the photorespiratory glycolate and/or glycerate pathways adding to the pool of carbon fixed in photosynthesis. We found that CO2 enrichment led to enhanced photoacclimation (increased chlorophyll a per cell) to the subsaturating light levels. Light‐enhanced dark respiration per cell and xanthophyll de‐epoxidation increased, with resultant decreases in photosynthetic capacity (Pnmax) per chlorophyll. The conservative CO2 emission scenario (A1B; 600–790 ppm) led to a 38% increase in the Pnmax per cell whereas the ‘business‐as‐usual’ scenario (A1F1; 1160–1500 ppm) led to a 45% reduction in PGPase expression and no change in Pnmax per cell. These findings support an important functional role for PGPase in dinoflagellates that is potentially compromised under CO2 enrichment.
Responses of plants in polar regions to UVB exposure: a meta‐analysis
Authors: NEWSHAM KEVIN K. , ROBINSON SHARON A.
Published: April 2009

We report a meta‐analysis of data from 34 field studies into the effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation on Arctic and Antarctic bryophytes and angiosperms. The studies measured plant responses to decreases in UVB radiation under screens, natural fluctuations in UVB irradiance or increases in UVB radiation applied from fluorescent UV lamps. Exposure to UVB radiation was found to increase the concentrations of UVB absorbing compounds in leaves or thalli by 7% and 25% (expressed on a mass or area basis, respectively). UVB exposure also reduced aboveground biomass and plant height by 15% and 10%, respectively, and increased DNA damage by 90%. No effects of UVB exposure were found on carotenoid or chlorophyll concentrations, net photosynthesis,Fv/Fmor ΦPSII, belowground or total biomass, leaf mass, leaf area or specific leaf area (SLA). The methodology adopted influenced the concentration of UVB absorbing compounds, with screens and natural fluctuations promoting significant changes in the concentrations of these pigments, but lamps failing to elicit a response. Greater reductions in leaf area and SLA, and greater increases in concentrations of carotenoids, were found in experiments based in Antarctica than in those in the Arctic. Bryophytes typically responded in the same way as angiosperms to UVB exposure. Regression analyses indicated that the percentage difference in UVB dose between treatment and control plots was positively associated with concentrations of UVB absorbing compounds and carotenoids, and negatively so with aboveground biomass and leaf area. We conclude that, despite being dominated by bryophytes, the vegetation of polar regions responds to UVB exposure in a similar way to higher plant‐dominated vegetation at lower latitudes. In broad terms, the exposure of plants in these regions to UVB radiation elicits the synthesis of UVB absorbing compounds, reduces aboveground biomass and height, and increases DNA damage.
Effect of perceived stigmatisation on the quality of life among ageing female family carers: a comparison of carers of adults with intellectual disability and carers of adults with mental illness
Authors: Chou Y. C. , Pu C. Y. , Lee Y. C. , Lin L. C. , Kröger T.
Published: April 2009

Background  Little account has been taken of quality of life (QoL) among family carers of adults with an intellectual disability (ID) and family carers of adults with a mental illness (MI), particularly the female ageing carers' perceived stigma. We explore whether there are differences in the significant predictors of female ageing family carers' QoL between family carers of adults with ID and family carers of adults with MI and aim to examine the effect of these differences in stigma on carer QoL between the two groups.

Methods  A structural survey interview was administered to 350 female family carers supporting persons with ID and 66 female carers supporting persons with MI; the carers were aged 55 years and older, and the interviews were carried between July 2006 and April 2007 at the carers' homes in a county in Taiwan. The survey package contained standardised scales to measure the carer's stigma, social support, QoL and health as well as adult and carer socio‐demographic data.

Results  The results highlight that in both groups the ageing female family carers' health and social support were strongly associated with the level of their QoL even though there was also a strong effect of carers' perceived stigma on their QoL. Contrary to previous findings, ageing female family carers of adults with MI had a higher level of QoL compared with the carers of adults with ID. Hierarchical regressions show a stronger effect of perceived stigma on the carer QoL among the family carers of adults with MI than among the carers of adults with ID.

Conclusions  This study suggests that attempts to improve these female older family carers' health and social support must include their lifelong unmet needs in terms of how to cope with the perceived stigma associated with their position.
Depression and diffuse physical symptoms in southern Chinese with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: MCMILLAN A. S. , WONG M. C. M. , LEE L. T. K. , YEUNG R. W. K.
Published: April 2009

Summary  The study investigated the experience of depressive symptoms and the relationship with diffuse physical symptoms reporting in southern Chinese seeking professional care for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in Hong Kong. Eighty‐seven new patients [77 females/10 males; mean age 39·3 years (SD 12·7)] referred to the specialist TMD clinic at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong participated in this study. The Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC)/TMD history questionnaire was used to derive Axis II psychological data. Psychological status was assessed through depression and non‐specific physical symptoms (NPS) scores (pain items included and excluded) measured with RDC/TMD Axis II instruments; 42·5% of patients experienced moderate/severe depression symptoms; 59·8% and 57·5% had moderate/severe NPS scores when pain items were included and excluded, respectively. Strong, positive and statistically significant correlations were noted between depression scores and the NPS scores that included pain items (r = 0·80) and those that did not (r = 0·80). The correlations remained consistent and were of similar magnitude when male patients were excluded from the computation and also when the possible effect of patient age was controlled. While taking into account the modest patient sample which was related to a low rate of treatment seeking, depressive symptoms were common and similar to other western and Chinese patient groups. NPS reports were higher than in Singapore Chinese patients. There appeared to be a clear association between depression and diffuse physical symptoms. The findings should be considered in the holistic care of Chinese people with TMD.
Biopsychosocial correlations in patients with chronic oro‐facial pain. Part II. Experiences of pain and dramatic events before the 16th year of life
Authors: EITNER S. , STINGL K. , SCHLEGEL A. K. , WICHMANN M. , NICKENIG A.
Published: April 2009

Summary  Before the sixteenth year of life, biopsychosocial influences such as self‐experienced and observed accidents/illnesses, adverse medical/dental treatments, dangerous events and self‐experienced or observed force seem to affect the manifestation of chronic pain in the oro‐facial area in the forms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and psychogenic denture‐intolerance (PDI)/somatoform oro‐facial pain (SOP). We evaluated the occurrence of these types of events before the age of 16 years in 50 TMD patients, 55 PDI/SOP patients and 55 randomly selected pain‐free control group (CG) using the medical questionnaire ‘Physical well‐being and traumatic experiences (PTE). A separate dental questionnaire determined the effects of previous experiences of pain or force on the emotional self‐assessment of the patients (pain localization and body feeling). The TMD group was significantly more likely to have experienced an accident and an illness before the age of 16 years than were the other two groups (PDI/SOP and CG) (P < 0·039). Temporomandibular disorder and PDI/SOP patients suffered frequent backaches significantly more than CG patients (P < 0·028). The PDI/SOP patients were least likely to report having felt threatened before or after the age of 16 years (P < 0·003) compared with the PDI/SOP and CG group. Sociodemographic parameters, experiencing an accident, previous medical incidents, experiences of force and emotional self‐assessment influence the biopsychosocial dynamics that directly influence oro‐facial symptoms with psychogenic components. Similar to medical history, age seems to play a decisive role in the manifestation of oro‐facial psychic symptoms.
Identification of genes involved in the assembly and attachment of a novel flagellin N‐linked tetrasaccharide important for motility in the archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: VanDyke David J. , Wu John , Logan Susan M. , Kelly John F. , Mizuno Shino , Aizawa Shin‐Ichi , Jarrell Ken F.
Published: April 2009

Recently, the flagellin proteins of Methanococcus maripaludis were found to harbour an N‐linked tetrasaccharide composed of N‐acetylgalactosamine, di‐acetylated glucuronic acid, an acetylated and acetamidino‐modified mannuronic acid linked to threonine, and a novel terminal sugar [(5S)‐2‐acetamido‐2,4‐dideoxy‐5‐O‐methyl‐α‐L‐erythro‐hexos‐5‐ulo‐1,5‐pyranose]. To identify genes involved in the assembly and attachment of this glycan, in‐frame deletions were constructed in putative glycan assembly genes. Successful deletion of genes encoding three glycosyltransferases and an oligosaccharyltransferase (Stt3p homologue) resulted in flagellins of decreased molecular masses as evidenced by immunoblotting, indicating partial or completely absent glycan structures. Deletion of the oligosaccharyltransferase or the glycosyltransferase responsible for the transfer of the second sugar in the chain resulted in flagellins that were not assembled into flagella filaments, as evidenced by electron microscopy. Deletions of the glycosyltransferases responsible for the addition of the third and terminal sugars in the glycan were confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis of purified flagellins from these mutants. Although flagellated, these mutants had decreased motility as evidenced by semi‐swarm plate analysis with the presence of each additional sugar improving movement capabilities.
The pleiotropic regulator AdpA‐L directly controls the pathway‐specific activator of nikkomycin biosynthesis in Streptomyces ansochromogenes
Authors: Pan Yuanyuan , Liu Gang , Yang Haihua , Tian Yuqing , Tan Huarong
Published: April 2009

The nikkomycin‐producing strain Streptomyces ansochromogenes has a homologue (adpA‐L) of the key pleiotropic Streptomyces regulatory gene adpA. Gene disruption and genetic complementation revealed that adpA‐L was required for both nikkomycin biosynthesis and morphological differentiation. Transcriptional analysis suggested that the transcription of sanG, the specific activator gene for nikkomycin biosynthesis, was dependent on AdpA‐L. In gel‐shift and DNase 1 footprinting assays, the purified His6‐tagged recombinant AdpA‐L protein bound the upstream region of sanG at five sites, which are spread over more than one kilobase of DNA and most of which is inside the transcribed region. A consensus AdpA‐L‐binding sequence, 5′‐TGGCNNVWHN‐3′ (V: C, A or G; W: A or T; H: A, T or C; N: any nucleotide) was found in these binding sites. Transcriptional analysis of sanG carrying mutated AdpA‐L binding sites showed that transcription of sanG was eliminated when site I was mutated and its trascription was decreased when site V was mutated, whereas it was increased when the binding sites II, III or IV were mutated. Meanwhile, nikkomycin production of the mutated site III strain was enhanced comparing with the wild‐type strain as control. This work highlights a new level of complexity in the regulation of nikkomycin biosynthesis.
Effects of psychological stress on the cerebral processing of visceral stimuli in healthy women
Authors: Rosenberger C. , Elsenbruch S. , Scholle A. , De Greiff A. , Schedlowski M. , Forsting M. , Gizewski E. R.
Published: April 2009

Abstract  The aim of the study was to analyse effects of psychological stress on the neural processing of visceral stimuli in healthy women. The brain functional magnetic resonance imaging blood oxygen level‐dependent response to non‐painful and painful rectal distensions was recorded from 14 healthy women during acute psychological stress and a control condition. Acute stress was induced with a modified public speaking stress paradigm. State anxiety was assessed with the State‐Trait‐Anxiety Inventory; chronic stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Questionnaire. During non‐painful distensions, activation was observed in the right posterior insular cortex (IC) and right S1. Painful stimuli revealed activation of the bilateral anterior IC, right S1, and right pregenual anterior cingulate cortex. Chronic stress score was correlated with activation of the bilateral amygdala, right posterior IC (post‐IC), left periaqueductal grey (PAG), and right dorsal posterior cingulate gyrus (dPCC) during non‐painful stimulation, and with activation of the right post‐IC, right PAG, left thalamus (THA), and right dPCC during painful distensions. During acute stress, state anxiety was significantly higher and the acute stress – control contrast revealed activation of the right dPCC, left THA and right S1 during painful stimulation. This is the first study to demonstrate effects of acute stress on cerebral activation patterns during visceral pain in healthy women. Together with our finding that chronic stress was correlated wit the neural response to visceral stimuli, these results provide a framework for further studies addressing the role of chronic stress and emotional disturbances in the pathophysiology of visceral hyperalgesia.
Accretion of juvenile crust at the Early Palaeozoic Antarctic margin of Gondwana: geochemical and geochronological evidence from granulite xenoliths
Authors: Gemelli M. , Rocchi S. , Di Vincenzo G. , Petrelli M.
Published: April 2009

Geodynamic models for the Antarctic sector of the active Early Palaeozoic Palaeo‐Pacific margin of Gondwana are based on the nature and age of the deep crust of the Robertson Bay terrane, the outermost lithotectonic unit of the margin. As this crustal block is covered with thick turbidite deposits, the only way to probe the deep crust is through the analysis of granulite xenoliths from Cenozoic scoria cones. Low‐K felsic xenoliths yield the oldest (Middle Cambrian) laser‐probe U–Pb ages on zircon areas with igneous growth zoning. This finding, along with the positive whole‐rock εNd(500Ma), suggests that these felsic rocks derived from a juvenile magma formed during the Early Palaeozoic Ross orogenic cycle. Mafic xenoliths have geochemical‐isotopic compositions similar to those of modern primitive island arcs, suggesting the involvement of subducted oceanic crust in their magma genesis and accretion of juvenile crust at the Antarctic margin of Gondwana.
Relapsing polychondritis in a child with common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Karaca Neslihan Edeer , Aksu Guzide , Yildiz Basak , Gulez Nesrin , Turk Bengu , Dereli Tugrul , Kutukculer Necil
Published: April 2009

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is associated with recurrent infections and autoimmunity. The most common autoimmune conditions are idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, chronic arthritis, and gastrointestinal inflammation. Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is an episodic and progressive systemic inflammatory disease, characterized by auricular chondritis, polyarthritis, nasal, and respiratory tract chondritis. Autoimmunity to cartilage‐related components is thought to be involved in its pathogenesis. So far, RP has not been included within many autoimmune conditions that have been reported in patients with either CVID or any other primary immunodeficiency. In this report, a case of CVID with RP and chronic arthritis is presented.
Acne vulgaris in Nigerian adolescents – prevalence, severity, beliefs, perceptions, and practices
Authors: Yahya Husain
Published: April 2009

Background  Community‐based studies of acne vulgaris conducted in many parts of the world show that it is very common in adolescents but little is known from Africa.

Methods  In a cross‐sectional study, 539 randomly selected students aged 11–19 years in a secondary school in Kaduna, Nigeria were administered a questionnaire to assess self‐report of acne, its severity and impact; beliefs and perceptions of causes, and treatments used. 418 students were later examined to detect and grade acne severity.

Results  274 (50.8%) were male while 265 (49.2%) were female. Mean age for respondents was 16 years. 320 students (59.4%) self‐reported acne. Of 418 students examined, 379 had acne giving a prevalence of 90.7%. There was no significant gender difference in prevalence at all ages of adolescence. Prevalence of acne increased with age (76.7% at age 10–13 years; 88.2% at age 14–16 years; 97.1% at age 17–19 years). 353 of 379 (93.1%) had mild acne while 26 of 379 (6.9%) had moderate acne. The severity of acne was similar in boys and girls. 47.7% of students reported feeling “very sad/unhappy” about their acne although in more than 70% of those who self‐reported, this did not interfere with relationship with family, friends or school work. Diet was the commonest factor believed to cause acne. Cleansing agents were the most commonly used treatments.

Conclusions  Acne vulgaris is very common in Nigerian adolescents, although it is mild acne in most.
Therapeutic evaluation of UVB‐targeted phototherapy in vitiligo that affects less than 10% of the body surface area*
Authors: Welsh Oliverio , Herz‐Ruelas M. E. , Gómez Minerva , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge
Published: April 2009

Background  Current treatments for vitiligo include different therapeutic modalities, such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators, pseudocatalase, skin grafts, diverse types of phototherapy [ultraviolet B (UVB), psoralen plus UVA (PUVA), narrow‐band UVB (NB‐UVB)], and, recently, targeted phototherapy. After a literature search, we found only two studies using different targeted broad‐band UVB units for the treatment of vitiligo.

Objective  To evaluate the repigmentation response induced with broad‐band, UVB‐targeted phototherapy used as monotherapy in patients with vitiligo affecting less than 10% of the skin surface.

Methods  Twelve patients were recruited for treatment with 30 sessions of UVB‐targeted phototherapy administered twice weekly. The assessment of repigmentation was made from a comparison of baseline photographs with those after 30 sessions by two independent investigators. Morphometric analysis was performed using a computer program.

Results  Repigmentation with an average of 66.25% was obtained on lesions of the face, and of 31.5% on the neck, trunk, and genitalia. On the extremities, there was no repigmentation. Itching, a burning sensation, erythema, desquamation, and transitory hyperpigmentation were observed in some patients. Minimal blistering and ulceration were observed in one patient.

Conclusion  Targeted UVB phototherapy seems to be effective for the repigmentation of vitiligo in lesions located on the face, to a lesser degree on the trunk, and with no response in acral lesions; there were minimal adverse effects that did not require discontinuation of treatment.
Metastatic basal cell carcinoma to the bone and bone marrow
Authors: Elghissassi Ibrahim , Mikou Asmaa , Inrhaoun Hanane , Ennouhi Amine , Gamra Lamiae , Errihani Hassan
Published: April 2009

Background  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common carcinoma in the community, but the incidence of metastatic events is exceedingly low. The few reported cases most often appear in regional nodes or the lungs, and patients usually exhibit multiple concurrent organs of spread at the time of diagnosis.

Methods  We report a case of primary BCC located on the left forehead of a 48‐year‐old man, which metastasized exclusively to the bone and bone marrow, associated with hematologic disorders. A short review of the literature is included.

Results  Pathologic examination of the tumor located on the left forehead showed BCC. The patient underwent two surgical excisions because of local recurrence. Three years later, the patient developed a bicytopenia (anemia and thrombocytopenia). The bone marrow biopsy revealed metastasis of BCC. There were no abnormal findings in the other routine laboratory tests and radiologic investigations, except for the bone scan which showed multifocal skeletal metastases. The patient received two cycles of chemotherapy with cisplatin 75 mg/m2 before he died as a result of hemorrhagic complications and progressive disease.

Conclusion  Metastasis of BCC is a very rare condition that should not be overlooked. The prognosis remains very poor. We emphasize the importance of long‐term follow‐up of such patients.
Management of tolerance induction in patients with suspected penicillin allergy – a case study
Authors: Wessbecher Robert , Stangl Sabine
Published: April 2009

Background In some diseases penicillin is the treatment of choice. Case studies have shown a good response for the treatment of circumscribed scleroderma or scleroderma adultorum of Buschke. A suspected allergy to penicillin in a patient's history may limit this helpful therapy option. Allergy testing is often inconclusive. If indicated, tolerance induction leading to therapy with penicillin can be carried out.

Patients and Methods We present two patients with circumscribed sclerosis and scleredema Buschke, who had a suspected allergy to penicillin. Due to limited therapy options and in insufficient response to other therapeutics, the decision for a tolerance induction with penicillin was made. Penicillin was successfully administered by following a scheme of tolerance induction starting with oral doses and ending with high doses of intravenous penicillin G.

Results In both cases, penicillin G, administered over a period of three weeks, was well tolerated up to the high dose of 3 × 10 Mega IU/day. Substantial clinical improvement was achieved in all cases without any complications.

Conclusion This case study demonstrates that a suspected allergy to penicillin does not preclude an eventual treatment with this valuable drug. Allergy testing should routinely be carried out first. If suspicion of an allergy persists, tolerance induction can be attempted according to the new scheme described here. Starting with a careful, initial oral dose regimen, treatment can be continued with an increasing intravenous dose followed by maintenance therapy with high‐dose penicillin G. It should be clear that this policy is only restricted for patients who are at risk for a hypersensitivity to penicillin, i.e., because of a clinical manifested incompatibility in the past.
Phenol application to angiosarcomas: implications and histologic studies
Authors: Kaminaka Chikako , Yamamoto Yuki , Yonei Nozomi , Furukawa Fukumi
Published: April 2009

Background  Cutaneous angiosarcoma (AS) is an aggressive endothelial sarcoma that arises in elderly people. Effective treatment options are limited. Phenol application has been reported to be effective and economical.

Aims  To evaluate the efficacy of phenol application for the treatment of AS, and to examine the histologic changes in three cases of cutaneous AS with phenol application.

Methods  After phenol application, biopsy specimens were collected from three patients with cutaneous AS. Paraffin‐embedded sections of the skin specimens were then stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The detection of apoptosis was performed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate‐digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method, and the depth of TUNEL‐positive cell staining was examined.

Results  Phenol treatment induced a strong degeneration of tumor cells and endothelial cells in the dermis, when compared with nontreated areas. Positive staining of tumor cells and/or endothelial cells by the TUNEL method was found in phenol‐treated lesions, but not in nontreated lesions. The injurious effects on these tumor cells persisted for as long as 6 h after phenol application.

Conclusion  From a comparison of noninvasive therapy with standard surgical therapy, it is obvious that phenol peeling has several advantages with regard to the ease of the procedure, time efficiency, no need for special equipment, low therapeutic costs, good pain control, and post‐treatment follow‐up. This study suggests that phenol application can be a supportive treatment for AS.
The effects of selected probiotic strains on the development of eczema (the PandA study)
Authors: Niers L. , Martín R. , Rijkers G. , Sengers F. , Timmerman H. , Van Uden N. , Smidt H. , Kimpen J. , Hoekstra M.
Published: April 2009

Background:  Modification of the intestinal microbiota by administration of probiotic bacteria may be a potential approach to prevent allergic disease. We aimed to study primary prevention of allergic disease in high‐risk children by pre‐ and postnatal supplementation of selected probiotic bacteria.

Methods:  In a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, a mixture of probiotic bacteria selected by in‐vitro experiments (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactococcus lactis; Ecologic® Panda) was prenatally administered to mothers of high‐risk children (i.e. positive family history of allergic disease) and to their offspring for the first 12 months of life.

Results:  Parental‐reported eczema during the first 3 months of life was significantly lower in the intervention group compared with placebo, 6/50 vs 15/52 (P = 0.035). After 3 months, the incidence of eczema was similar in both groups. Cumulative incidence of parental‐reported eczema at 1 and 2 years was 23/50 (intervention) vs 31/48 (placebo) and 27 (intervention) vs 34 (placebo), respectively. The number needed to treat was 5.9 at age 3 and 12 months and 6.7 at age 2 years. The intervention group was significantly more frequently colonized with higher numbers of Lc. lactis. Furthermore, at age 3 months, in vitro production of IL‐5 (146 pg/ml vs 72 pg/ml; P = 0.04) was decreased in the probiotic‐group compared with the placebo‐group.

Conclusions:  This particular combination of probiotic bacteria shows a preventive effect on the incidence of eczema in high‐risk children, which seems to be sustained during the first 2 years of life. In addition to previous studies, the preventive effect appears to be established within the first 3 months of life.
Acute renal failure due to ureteral obstruction in a kidney transplant recipient with Candida albicans contamination of preservation fluid
Authors: Veroux M. , Corona D. , Giuffrida G. , Gagliano M. , Tallarita T. , Giaquinta A. , Zerbo D. , Cappellani A. , Veroux P.F.
Published: April 2009

Abstract: Reported rates of positive preservation fluid cultures range from 5% to 23%, with fungi accounting for 2–10% of all positive cultures. We report the case of a kidney transplant recipient who received a graft with preservation fluid contaminated by Candida albicans, who developed acute renal failure due to ureteral obstruction by fungus balls. The patient was treated with voriconazole with complete restoration of graft function. This rare clinical entity demonstrates the usefulness of pre‐transplant cultures of preservation fluid, in order to identify a group of patients who could benefit from antifungal prophylaxis therapy and thereby prevent the need for graft nephrectomy.
Use of the haematopoietic progenitor cell parameter in optimizing timing of peripheral blood stem cell harvest
Authors: Padmanabhan A. , Reich‐Slotky R. , Jhang J.S. , Dael S. , Crowder T. , Colovai A. I. , Schwartz J.
Published: April 2009

Background and objectives Timing of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvest is typically based on quantification of peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells. CD34 enumeration is expensive, requires expertise and takes a minimum of 1–2 h to perform. The Sysmex XE2100 is an automated haematology analyser that can rapidly and inexpensively identify haematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) populations in PB. The aim of this study was to examine if HPC can be used to optimize timing of PBSC harvest.

Materials and methods White blood cell (WBC), HPC and CD34 counts were determined in a total of 60 mobilized donors. Data were analysed to examine the utility of WBC and HPC counts in predicting preharvest CD34+ counts.

Results In adults presenting for autologous collection, a PB HPC threshold of > 30/µl predicts a preharvest CD34+ count of > 20/µl with sensitivity of 86% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%. Among paediatric patients with a diagnosis of neuroblastoma, an HPC threshold of > 16/µl yielded sensitivity and PPV of 100%, while in children with other diagnoses, an HPC cut‐off of > 44/µl yielded sensitivity and PPV of 67% and 100%, respectively. Eighty per cent of adequately mobilized allogeneic donors were identified using an HPC threshold > 15/µl, with a PPV of 100%. PB WBC can also aid in predicting CD34 counts in most patient groups, albeit with lower sensitivity than HPC.

Conclusion By virtue of being a sensitive and accurate predictor of preharvest CD34+ counts, our data support the use of the HPC parameter in optimizing the timing of PBSC harvest.
DNA array analysis for red blood cell antigens facilitates the transfusion support with antigen‐matched blood in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ribeiro K. R. , Guarnieri M. H. , Da Costa D. C. , Costa F. F. , Pellegrino Jr J. , Castilho L.
Published: April 2009

Background  Blood samples from patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) present to transfusion service with numerous antibodies, making the searching for compatible red blood cells (RBC) a challenge. To overcome this problem we developed an effective strategy to meet needs of supplying RBC‐compatible units to SCD patients using DNA arrays.

Methods  We selected DNA samples from 144 SCD patients with multiple (receiving > 5 units) transfusions previously phenotyped for ABO, Rh(D, C, c, E, e), K1, Fya and Jka. We also selected DNA samples from 948 Brazilian blood donors whose ABO/RhD phenotype matched that of the patients. All samples were analysed by DNA array analysis (HEA BeadchipTM, Bioarray Solutions) to determine polymorphisms associated with antigen expression for 11 blood group systems (Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy, MNS, Dombrock, Lutheran, Landsteiner‐Wiener, Diego, Colton, Scianna); and one mutation associated with haemoglobinopathies.

Results  Based on genotype results we were able to predict phenotype‐compatible donors needed in order to provide compatible units to this group of patients. Based on their ABO/Rh phenotype we were able to find in this pool of donors compatible units for 134 SCD patients.

Conclusion  Blood group genotyping by DNA array contributes to the management of transfusions in SCD patients by facilitating the transfusion support with antigen‐matched blood. It has the potential to improve the life of thousands of SCD‐transfused patients by reducing mortality due to transfusion reactions and immunization.
Not every PRP‐gel is born equal Evaluation of growth factor availability for tissues through four PRP‐gel preparations: Fibrinet®, RegenPRP‐Kit®, Plateltex® and one manual procedure
Authors: Mazzucco L. , Balbo V. , Cattana E. , Guaschino R. , Borzini P.
Published: April 2009

Background  The rationale for using topical platelet gel therapy is to provide the healing tissues with concentrated platelet‐derived factors. Several systems are available to prepare platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and from these, the platelet gel. These systems produce two‐ to six‐fold platelet and growth factor‐enriched concentrations. The bioavailability of growth factors in tissue healing depends on the amount of growth factors stored in platelets but a portion of these is lost during platelet manipulation. Very few data have been reported on the kinetics of growth factor release from PRP‐gels. The aim of this study is to assess the growth factor recovery and its bioavailability to tissues in four different PRP and PRP‐gel preparation techniques.

Materials and methods  Three commercially available devices (Fibrinet®, RegenPRP‐Kit®, Plateltex®) and one manual procedure (home made, HM) were evaluated with reference to resulting platelet concentration, growth factor content and the kinetics of growth factor release from gel.

Results  Platelet concentration increased from 1·65‐ to 4·4‐fold in comparison with whole blood initially used. The final platelet concentration (× 103/µl) was: Fibrinet 1358 ± 419, Regen 430 ± 109, HM 1196 ± 188, and Plateltex 1160 ± 164. A high variation (5‐ to 27‐fold) was found in growth factor concentration in relation to the method used and also a high variation in the kinetics of growth factor release from gels.

Conclusions  Similar methods for platelet gel preparation revealed different performances concerning growth factor recovery and the kinetics of its release from the gel. It is unclear whether these noticeable differences are important for clinical management.
Platelet concentrates produced from whole blood using the Atreus processing system
Authors: Thomas S. , Beard M. , Garwood M. , Callaert M. , Cardigan R.
Published: April 2009

Background  The Atreus 2C+ system automates whole blood (WB) processing into a red cell concentrate, plasma and buffy coat (BC) suitable for platelet concentrate (PC) manufacture. This study compared the quality of PC made from BC using the Atreus, with those made by a manual method.

Study design and methods  WB was collected into Atreus disposables or standard bottom and top processing packs and held without active cooling for 26 h at 22 ± 2°C before processing, either with the Atreus, or using a centrifuge and press. BC were rested for 3 h and then 4 BC were pooled with one unit of plasma, mixed, centrifuged and pressed to make a pooled PC. The PC were analysed for quality markers to day 9 of storage.

Results  Platelet quality was good in both Atreus 2C+ derived PC and control units throughout storage. Metabolic markers (pH, ATP and HSR) and activation markers (CD62P, sCD62P, annexin V binding, microparticles, GP IIb/IIIa) did not differ between the Atreus and control units. Atreus‐derived PC had significantly lower platelet yields (302 ± 59 × 109 platelets/unit; mean ± standard deviation, n = 8) than control PC (411 ± 76 × 109 platelets/unit; P < 0·01), but met the UK guidelines for platelet yield

Conclusion  From these in vitro data, PC produced from buffy coats prepared using the Atreus appear suitable for clinical use, and WB may be held at ambient temperature overnight without the use of active cooling devices. Optimizing the secondary processing conditions to handle Atreus 2C+ derived BC may increase the platelet yield.
Biochemical quality of the pharmaceutically licensed plasma OctaplasLG® after implementation of a novel prion protein (PrPSc) removal technology and reduction of the solvent/detergent (S/D) process time
Authors: Heger A. , Svae T.‐E. , Neisser‐Svae A. , Jordan S. , Behizad M. , Römisch J.
Published: April 2009

Background and Objectives  A new chromatographic step for the selective binding of pathological prion proteins (PrPSc) to an affinity ligand, developed and optimized for PrPSc capture and attached to synthetic resin particles (PRDT, USA; ProMetic BioSciences Ltd, Isle of Man, UK) was implemented into the manufacturing process of the solvent/detergent (S/D) treated biopharmaceutical quality plasma Octaplas®.

Materials and Methods  Pilot batches of Octaplas® with the implemented chromatographic step [labelled as OctaplasLG® (ligand gel)] were manufactured by Octapharma PPGmbH, Vienna, Austria. The biochemical quality was compared directly after manufacturing as well as after 18 months storage. All samples were tested on global coagulation parameters, fibrinogen levels, activities of coagulation factors and protease inhibitors, ADAMTS13 levels, as well as markers of activated coagulation and fibrinolysis. In addition, von Willebrand factor multimeric analysis was performed.

Results The incorporation of this novel chromatography into the large‐scale routine manufacturing process was shown to be technically feasible and the performance of the column was assessed to be excellent. The biochemical studies showed that Octaplas® and OctaplasLG® produced without and with the new column, respectively, demonstrate an identical biochemical quality. OctaplasLG® remained stable over a period of 18 months stored frozen. A parallel reduction of the S/D virus inactivation step from 4–4·5 to 1–1·5 h led to significantly higher activities of plasmin inhibitor.

Conclusion The studies confirmed that the affinity ligand chromatography under the developed conditions can be introduced into the Octaplas® manufacturing process, as a mean to reduce potentially present PrPSc, without hampering the proven quality of this product.
Genetic Diversity of Iranian AG1‐IA Isolates ofRhizoctonia solani, the Cause of Rice Sheath Blight, Using Morphological and Molecular Markers
Authors: Khodayari Mahdiyeh , Safaie Naser , Shamsbakhsh Masoud
Published: April 2009

The cause of rice sheath blight,Rhizoctonia solaniAG1‐IA (teleomorph:Thanatephorus cucumeris), is one of the most important rice pathogensworldwide including Iran. Due to the importance of the disease and lack of knowledge on the genetic diversity of this pathogen in Iran, 25 out of 47 isolates ofR. solanicollected from rice paddies in northern (mostly Guilan province) Iran were examined for anastomosis grouping, colony morphology, growth rate and genetic diversity. Based on growth rate data analysis, isolates were categorized into two distinct groups with low and high growth rate. The anastomosis group of the isolates was determined using microscopic hyphal fusion examination with standard the AG1‐IA tester and confirmed using AG1‐IA‐specific primers in 10 selected isolates in which a single band of 265 bp was amplified. Genetic diversity was estimated among 25 isolates using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and enterobacterial repetitive consensus (ERIC) analysis. DNA bands of four ISSR and a pair of ERIC primers ranged from 0.25 to 3 Kb in all isolates. Cluster analysis of the resulting data were performed using the Unweighted Pair‐Group Method with Arithmetic Average method, Jaccard`s coefficient and NTSYS‐pc software. The resulting dendrogram categorized the isolates into two groups with low and high growth rates at the 36% similarity level. At 80% similarity level, the isolates were categorized into 24 groups, which indicated a high genetic diversity of rice sheath blight fungus as revealed by ISSR and ERIC primers. Whereas the results of molecular analysis showed the correlation between isolates sclerotial size and growth rates, there was no correlation between genetic diversity, pathogenicity and geographical origins of isolates. While the results of molecular analysis categorized isolates into two distinct groups, which were superimposed on two groups of low and high growth rate isolates, no correlation was observed between genetic diversity, pathogenicity and geographical origins of isolates.