bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minor cutaneous features of atopic dermatitis in South Korea
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Jeong , Cho Sang‐Hyun , Ha Seog‐Jun , Ahn Won‐Keun , Park Young‐Min , Byun Dae‐Gyoo , Kim Jin‐Wou
Published: March 2003

Background Minor cutaneous features are important in atopic dermatitis (AD) because they are related to the ethnic or genetic background and to the etiopathogenesis of the disease other than atopic allergy. In addition, they can be used as auxiliary diagnostic criteria in patients with uncertain major features. It is our experience that our AD patients have characteristic features that have not been described previously in the literature.

Methods AD patients (n = 130) and control subjects (n = 198) were examined for the 32 conventional and seven additional minor features (sandpaper‐like skin lesions on elbow/knee/lateral malleolus, hangnail, ventral wrist dermatitis, itchy hyperkeratotic papules on the dorsum of the hands, oily skin, fissured heel, and palmar erythema). The frequency of each feature was compared between AD patients and controls. The diagnostic significance of these minor features was analyzed separately in the childhood and adolescent–adult AD groups, and the age‐related changes were documented.

Results The seven additional features were significant for the diagnosis of AD in South Korean patients. Many of the other conventional minor features were also significant. Nine features were of diagnostic importance only in the adolescent–adult AD group, and three features were characteristic only in the childhood AD group.

Conclusions Our data suggest that ethnic backgrounds influence the phenotype of AD and that an additional seven features need to be examined to confirm the ethnic effect. As the general clinical presentation of AD is dependent upon age, the frequency of minor features varied in the different age groups.
A study of cutaneous myiasis in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kumarasinghe S. Prasad W. , Karunaweera N. D. , Ihalamulla R. L.
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  and objectives Cutaneous myiasis (CM) due to Diptera fly larvae shows different patterns in different regions. Many modalities of treatment have been described. The objectives of our study were to identify the species causing CM in Sri Lanka, the common sites of infestation, and the contributory factors, and to assess some treatment modalities, in particular mineral turpentine and certain herbal preparations.

Methods  All patients with CM admitted or referred to the Dermatology Unit at the General Hospital, Kalutara, over 18 months starting from July 1997, and all patients with CM from the orthopedic and surgical wards of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo over 6 months from July 1997, were studied. Details of the history and examination were recorded on specially designed forms. Maggots extracted were identified at the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. The modalities of treatment employed in the patients were recorded. In the Department of Parasitology, a colony of Chrysomya megacephala was maintained. Homogenized leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Pongamia pinnata (Indian beech) and mineral turpentine (active ingredient–‐low aromatic white spirits) were tested for efficacy in killing C. megacephala larvae in vitro. Leaf extracts were not used directly on patients.

Results  There were 16 patients (10 males and five females; the sex of one patient was not recorded). The mean age was 58.5 years (range, 11–94 years). Identification of larvae revealed C. bezziana in 14 (87.5%) and C. megacephala in two (12.5%) patients. The foot was affected in 15 (93.7%) and the scalp in one patient. The immediate predisposing factor for CM in dermatology patients was infected dermatitis. The other relevant associated factors were: diabetes mellitus, psychiatric illness, leprosy, and mental subnormality. Turpentine was a useful adjunct in the removal of maggots manually. There were no side‐effects to turpentine. In the in vitro testing, turpentine was 100% effective in killing maggots. Some patients required surgical removal under anesthesia. Indian beech and neem leaf extracts were not effective against Chrysomya larvae in vitro.

Conclusions  All cases of CM were due to larvae of Chrysomya species. The commonest was C. bezziana. C. megacephala larvae causing CM have been reported for the first time in Sri Lanka. The foot was the site of predilection. Dermatitis, psychiatric illness, leprosy, diabetes, and mental subnormality were some contributory factors. Topically instilled mineral turpentine, followed by manual removal of maggots, was effective in most cases. The plant extracts tested in vitro were ineffective. As C. bezziana is an obligatory parasite capable of penetrating deeply, the importance of preventive measures is emphasized.
Cutaneous cryptococcosis associated with lepromatous leprosy
Authors: Azulay Rubem David , Mendonça Ignez Regina Muri , Santos Cristiane Marcia , Monteiro Paulo Cesar Fialhomonteiro , Lazéra Marcia Santos , Kac Bernardo Kawa , Schechtman Regina Casz
Published: March 2003

A 65‐year‐old Brazilian man presented with an erythematous nodular lesion on the left forearm (Fig. 1). The patient had been treated with multidrug therapy for 8 months for lepromatous leprosy. During therapy, he developed recurrent episodes of reactions which were treated with high doses of prednisone and thalidomide. The histopathology of the cutaneous nodular lesion showed a granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate; some histiocytes contained vacuolations and others demonstrated oval‐like or coma‐like structures (Fig. 2). The specimen was cultivated in Sabouraud agar at room temperature. The colonies were transferred to Petri dishes containing Niger Seed Agar (NSA) (Fig. 3). The confirmed diagnosis was Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans based on microscopy and physiology, including the canavanine–glycine–bromothymol blue (CGB) medium (Lazéra MS, Pires FDA, Camillo‐Coura L et al. Natural habitat of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans in decaying wood forming hollows in living trees. J Med Vet Mycol 1996; 34: 127–131). The liquor culture was negative. Hemoculture and urine culture were also negative. Latex agglutination test was blood positive and liquor negative.

Erythematous nodular lesion on the left forearm measuring 9 cm in diameter

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Granulomatous infiltrate presenting oval‐like or coma‐like structures inside the histiocytes (mucicarmine stain, × 100)

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Petri dishes with Niger Seed Agar containing numerous colonies of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans

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The patient's hemogram revealed normocytic anemia and normal total and differential white blood count. The CD4 count was 189/m3 and the CD8 count was 141/m3. Serology for anti‐human immunodeficiency virus‐I (anti‐HIV‐I) antibodies was negative. The X‐ray of the lungs showed an areolar image in the superior lobe of the right lung.

Therapy with prednisone was suspended and fluconazole (300 mg/day) was prescribed. The nodular cutaneous lesion regressed completely after 90 days. The patient was submitted to a second skin biopsy for treatment control. The culture of the specimen taken was still positive and the histopathology showed the same picture as before treatment. After 5 months of continued therapy with fluconazole, another biopsy was performed but no fungus was recovered from the specimen.
Allergic contact dermatitis to temporary tattoos with positive para‐phenylenediamine reactions: report of four cases
Authors: Chung Wen‐Hung , Wang Chun‐Min , Hong Hong‐Shang
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  In recent years, temporary tattoos instead of permanent tattoos have become popular worldwide. Although contact allergy to temporary henna tattoos appears to be rare in the past, it is progressively more commonly reported.

Patients  Four Taiwanese patients of allergic contact dermatitis following application of temporary tattoos were patch tested and they were followed up for 1 year after treatment.

Results  All four of the tested patients were positive to paraphenylenediamine. At 1‐year follow‐up, all four patients still showed various degrees of remnant hyperpigmentation on their previous tattooed areas.

Conclusion  Temporary tattoos may pose similar risks of allergic reactions associated with permanent tattoos. A high risk of prolonged post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation after allergic contact dermatitis from temporary tattoos should also be alerted, especially in Asian skin type.
Eosinophilic folliculitis occurring in a patient affected by Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Vassallo Camilla , Ciocca Olga , Arcaini Luca , Brazzelli Valeria , Ardigò Marco , Lazzarino Mario , Borroni Giovanni
Published: March 2003

A 25‐year‐old female had a 4‐month history of bilateral cervical lymphoadenopathies, weight loss, mild fever, and severe pruritus. A few months earlier, allergological analysis had been performed which revealed raised IgE (4.6 kU/L) against fungi antigens. A right cervical node biopsy led to histological diagnosis of nodular sclerosis‐type Hodgkin lymphoma. Clinical symptoms, bilateral cervical lymphoadenopathies, and a large mediastinal involvement (revealed by chest X‐ray and thoracic TC) were characteristic of stage IIB (bulky disease). The patient was treated with adriblastine, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine polychemotherapy (ABVD). Immediately after the administration of this cycle, she developed slightly erythematous, follicular, itchy papules and pustules, localized on her scalp (Fig. 1), trunk (Fig. 2), and thighs. A biopsy from the scalp was obtained under local anesthesia, after patient's consent. Histopathologic findings were characterized by a superficial and deep, dense perifollicular and interstitial infiltrate composed mainly of eosinophils, accompanied by few neutrophils and lymphocytes. Eosinophilic folliculitis involved the whole follicle (inferior segment, isthmus and infundibulum), and also the sebaceous gland (Fig. 3). PAS revealed the presence of some spores of Pityrosporum on the epidermis and also in the follicle. Gram stains proved negative. Eosinophilic folliculitis in an immunocompromised patient was diagnosed. Laboratory findings ascertained that the eosinophil count was in the normal range (eosinophils: 1%; white blood cell count: 10 700/mm3). The lesions healed spontaneously in about 10 days. After a second cycle of polychemotherapy (without dacarbazine, because the patient suffered repeated vascular injection injuries due to this chemotherapeutic agent), new crops of lesions in the same areas developed and in a few days faded away spontaneously. The blood clotting analysis performed just before this new cycle of ABV therapy revealed an eosinophil count of 10%, with a white blood cell count of 4500 mm3. Radiotherapy and four additional cycles of ABV polychemotherapy were made; in the meanwhile, the patient did not develop cutaneous lesions. Actually she is free from Hodgkin lymphoma and from eosinophilic folliculitis.

Pustules with extrusion of whitish material, on the patient's scalp

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Papules and pustules, some of them excoriated, localized on the chest

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The eosinophilic infiltrate is present also inside the sebaceous gland, a typical finding of eosinophilic folliculitis in immunocompromised patients (H&E, original magnification × 40)

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Microcirculatory changes in travelers to a tropical country
Authors: Zeegelaar Jim E. , De Feijter Annemieke , De Vries Henry J. C. , Fat Rudy F. M. Lai A , Neumann Martino A. M. , Faber William R.
Published: March 2003

Background Travelers to tropical areas seem to be affected by nonhealing leg ulcers more frequently. One of the factors that can affect wound healing in a negative manner is leg edema. This study was performed to determine whether there is increased leg edema in travelers to tropical areas.

Method In this study, we measured the capillary filtration rate (CFR) of the lower leg by strain gauge plethysmography, as a measure of leg edema, on location in Surinam. Three groups were included: A, travelers in the first few weeks after arrival; B, travelers who had stayed in the tropics for a minimum of 2 months; C, native inhabitants.

Results The mean CFR (mL/100 mL tissue/min) was significantly higher in group A than in groups B and C; the difference between groups B and C was not significant (group A 0.05 mL/100 mL tissue/min (standard deviation (SD), 0.03) vs. group B 0.02 mL/100 mL tissue/min (SD, 0.02), P = 0.01, and vs. group C 0.02 mL/100 mL tissue/min (SD, 0.02), P = 0.01).

Conclusions Travelers to tropical areas are affected by increased CFR in the first few weeks after arrival. A prolonged stay leads to the normalization of the CFR. Compression therapy is recommended for travelers to the tropics.
Lymphocyte subtypes and adhesion molecules in actinic prurigo: observations with cyclosporin A
Authors: Umaña Angela , Gómez Alberto , Durán María Mélida , Porras Luisa
Published: March 2003

Background Actinic prurigo is a photodermatitis in which UV light is implicated by an unknown mechanism.

Methods Skin biopsies of 19 patients with actinic prurigo and 11 controls were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results In actinic prurigo patients, there was a significant increase in the number of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RA, CD45RO, and CD45RB lymphocytes and Langerhans cells, as well as in the level of human leukocyte antigen‐DR (HLA‐DR) expression and cell adhesion molecules lymphocyte functional antigen‐1 (LFA‐1), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule‐1 (ELAM‐1). Actinic prurigo patients were treated with cyclosporin A (CsA), and a final skin biopsy was taken after 6 months of treatment. All the cell populations and markers studied, except for the CD4 lymphocytes, Langerhans cells, and HLA‐DR expression, returned to normal levels.

Conclusions CsA was found to be effective in relieving the clinical symptoms of actinic prurigo.
Infraorbital eyelid edema as the presenting sign of bronchogenic carcinoma
Authors: Wenzel Joerg , Gerdsen Rainer , Christ Stephanie , Bieber Thomas , Uerlich Manfred
Published: March 2003

A 59‐year‐old man presented at our department with a 4‐week history of persisting and therapy‐refractory infraorbital edema (Fig. 1). There was no previous history of eyelid edema, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, or new medications. Earlier therapy with corticosteroids and antihistamines was ineffective.

Persistent swelling of both infraorbital folds

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The patient suffered from coronary heart disease and long‐standing chronic bronchitis presenting with dyspnea on exertion. He had smoked 50 cigarettes per day since early youth. There was no history of worsening of his bronchogenic symptoms, weight loss, or night sweats over the last 3 months.

Initial physical examination revealed marked infraorbital edema, enlarged liver, and decreased breath sounds in the left lung field. Moreover, there was a minor telangiectatic erythema localized to the periumbilical area and to the anterior chest. There was no suffusion of the neck and no remarkable peripheral edema.

Laboratory parameters, including electrolytes, blood cell count, creatinine, transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, protein electrophoresis, C1‐esterase inhibitor, C‐reactive protein, immunoglobulin E, and thyroid parameters, were within normal limits.

X‐Ray of the chest detected a mediastinal widening. Computed tomography was performed and revealed a mediastinal tumor, 7 cm in diameter, reaching from the aortic arch to the heart. This tumor was compressing the superior vena cava, resulting in stasis of the leading vessels followed by infraorbital edema. Histopathologic examination of tumor biopsies led to the diagnosis of a bronchogenic small‐cell carcinoma.

Six cycles of polychemotherapy with doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and vincristine, radiation therapy (50 Gy), and intravascular stenting of the vena cava superior were performed.

Following this treatment, regression of the tumor and a distinct decline in infraorbital edema were observed.
Treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with botulinum‐A toxin
Authors: Salmanpoor Rahmat , Rahmanian Mohammad Javad
Published: March 2003

Background Severe axillary hyperhidrosis is a source of great embarrassment and considerable emotional stress to individuals afflicted with this condition. Existing topical and surgical therapies are either ineffective or associated with unacceptable morbidity. We attempt to determine the effect of botulinum‐A toxin (Dysport) in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.

Patients and methods After visualization of hyperhidrosis using the iodine–starch test, 10 patients with axillary hyperhidrosis underwent intradermal injection with 125 units of Dysport on each axilla. Patients were observed for 7 months after treatment.

Results The treatment was well tolerated without side‐effects. All patients experienced relatively complete anhidrosis of the axillary skin after about 1 week for periods ranging from 4 to 7 months.

Conclusions Botulinum‐A toxin may offer a fast, safe, and highly effective therapeutic option for severe hyperhidrosis.
Multiple eruptive dermatofibromas in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with prednisone
Authors: Massone C. , Parodi A. , Virno G. , Rebora A.
Published: March 2003

Solitary dermatofibromas are a common occurrence, especially on the lower limbs of young women, while multiple dermatofibromas (MDF) are rare, accounting for less than 0.3% of all dermatofibromas1 and may suddenly develop in immunosuppressed patients. We report a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed MDF while she was taking oral prednisone.

A 46‐year‐old woman presented in 1989 complaining of photosensitivity, arthralgias, fatigue, malaise and dyspepsia. The patient denied fever, Raynaud's phenomenon, oral ulcer and hair loss.

On examination she presented a typical SLE malar rash. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was elevated (54 mm/h). Speckle patterned IgG/IgM antinuclear antibodies were present at 1/1280 titer. Antibodies anti Ro/SSA were detected by counterimmunelectrophoresis up to 1/8 titer. Other laboratory findings were negative or within normal limits.

Systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed and the patient given 50 mg/day prednisone. After a few months, both clinical symptoms and immunologic parameters improved. Eighteen months later, prednisone was replaced by 500 mg/day hydroxychloroquine.

In 1994, she presented again with malar rash, arthralgias and facial hyperpigmentation. Prednisone 15 mg/day was reintroduced and hydroxychloroquine stopped being a possible cause of the facial hyperpigmented macules.

In 1996, while she was taking 5 mg/day prednisone, several nodules developed on her limbs within a few months.

On examination we observed 16 firm, slightly elevated 3–15‐mm wide brown nodules on her arms, legs and trunk.

A biopsy specimen of a lesion of the trunk revealed an epidermal seborrheic‐keratosis‐like hyperplasia with dermal fibrosis and fibroblastic proliferation (Fig. 1). Dermatofibroma was diagnosed.

Hyperplasia of epidermis and fibrosis with fibroblastic proliferation

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A case of basal cell carcinoma arising in epidermal nevus
Authors: Ceylan Can , Özdemir Fezal , Öztürk Günseli , Akalın Taner
Published: March 2003

A 24‐year‐old man was admitted to our outpatient clinic with lesions in a linear configuration. On dermatologic examination, widespread, dark brown, warty papules and plaques over an erythematous base, following Blaschko"s lines, extended from the middle of the chest to the right arm. These lesions had been present on the chest since birth and had gradually extended during childhood. Recently, a nodular lesion had appeared in the pre‐existing epidermal nevus in the middle part of the chest (Fig. 1). The nodular lesion was totally excised by a plastic surgeon.

Basal cell carcinoma (white arrow) appearing on the epidermal nevus in the middle part of the chest

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Pathologic examination of a section stained with hematoxylin and eosin revealed acanthosis and papillomatosis, as well as numerous sebaceous glands connected to the epidermis (Fig. 2). This histologic feature was compatible with nevus sebaceous. In addition, in the middle of the section, there was a tumor connected to the epidermis. Histologically, the tumor islands, composed of basaloid cells with mostly solid growth pattern, were compatible with basal cell carcinoma. There were also some features of nevus sebaceous, characterized by papillomatosis, and sebaceous glands attached to the epidermis were seen at the edge (Fig. 3).

Acanthosis and papillomatosis, as well as numerous sebaceous glands connected to the epidermis (hematoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification, × 40)

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Basal cell carcinoma characterized by tumor islands composed of basaloid cells, and a component of nevus sebaceous, the sebaceous glands being attached to the epidermis (hematoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification, × 40)

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On systemic examination, there was no other developmental abnormality, except that the patient was mildly mentally retarded. There was no family history of a neurocutaneous disorder. All laboratory analyses were within normal limits.
Advances in the management of psoriasis: monoclonal antibody therapies
Authors: Mehrabi Don , DiCarlo Joshua B. , Soon Seaver L. , McCall Calvin O.
Published: March 2003

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder characterized by erythematous, scaling plaques. Until recently, therapies for this disease have been aimed at reducing keratinocyte proliferation. We have learned that psoriasis is not primarily a disorder of keratinocyte hyperproliferation, but is an inflammatory disease. This knowledge, especially our current understanding of the role of activated T cells in psoriasis, has led to new therapeutic options and new areas of research. Immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporine have proven very useful in the treatment of psoriasis, but their use is limited by toxicity. Monoclonal antibodies directed against key components of the inflammatory process have been studied in an attempt to produce safer, more selective immunosuppressive agents. This review summarizes much of the available literature describing the use of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of psoriasis.
Ig M class anticardiolipin antibody and anti‐Ro/SS‐A positivity in urticarial vasculitis associated with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Hatice Sanli , Esin Özdemir
Published: March 2003

The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, cryoglobulinemia and urticarial vasculitis is well documented. However, urticarial vasculitis is extremely rare in HCV infection when not complicated by cryoglobulinemia. Here we describe a patient with urticarial vasculitis who had previously received interferon therapy for HCV infection. This HCV‐infected patient with urticarial vasculitis was found to be negative for cryoglobulinemia but positive for anticardiolipin and anti‐SS‐A/Ro antibodies. The association between HCV infection, urticarial vasculitis, interferon therapy and anticardiolipin antibodies are discussed.
Antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from impetigo patients between 1994 and 2000
Authors: Nishijim Setsuko , Ohshima Shigeo , Higashida Toshiaki , Nakaya Hideo , Kurokawa Ichiro
Published: March 2003

Background The incidence of strains of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to the antimicrobial agents used in treating impetigo has been increasing.

Aim To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of S. aureus in impetigo.

Methods We measured the antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from impetigo patients between 1994 and 2000.

Results The MIC50 of gentamicin was always higher than that of other antimicrobial agents until 1999. In isolates obtained since 1996, the MIC90 of gentamicin was over 12.5 µg/mL, which is markedly higher than that found for other skin infections (folliculitis, furuncles, paronychia, phlegmone, secondary infection of eczema, dermatitis, ulcer and decubitus). There were no strains of S. aureus resistant to vancomycin and fusidic acid. After 2000, we could find only one strain resistant to minocycline and ofloxacin.

Conclusion Clindamycin has shown excellent activity against most S. aureus isolates between 1994 and 2000. The incidence of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus was always below 20%.
Artificial ion channels formed by a synthetic cyclic peptide
Authors: Wang D. , Guo L. , Zhang J. , Roeske R.W. , Jones L.R. , Chen Z. , Pritchard C.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: A new cyclic peptide 1 having an (llld)3 configuration pattern was designed that is capable of forming artificial transmembrane ion channels by self‐assembly of planar peptide rings, with hydrophilic groups arrayed in the interior of the channel. Ion permeability in the presence of the synthetic peptide 1, cyclo[‐Trp‐Dap‐Leu‐d‐Ala‐Trp‐Ser‐Val‐d‐Ala‐Trp‐Ser‐Ile‐Gly‐] (Dap: l‐diaminopropionic acid), was observed in lipid bilayer membranes. The pH dependence of ionic conductance showed that the β‐amino group of Dap may play a role in the conductance of the peptide channels. Fourier‐transform infrared and circular dichroism data imply that, in a membrane, a stack of cyclic peptides is formed in which the inter peptide H bonds form a kind of β‐structure analogous to that in the gramicidin A dimer and distinct from the H‐bonding pattern of the β‐barrels.
Ac10c: a medium‐ring, cycloaliphatic Cα,α‐disubstituted glycine. Incorporation into model peptides and preferred conformation
Authors: Moretto A. , Formaggio F. , Crisma M. , Toniolo C. , Saviano M. , Benedetti E. , Iacovino R. , Vitale R.M.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Two complete series of N‐protected oligopeptide esters to the pentamer level from 1‐amino‐cyclodecane‐1‐carboxylic acid (Ac10c), an α‐amino acid conformationally constrained through a medium‐ring Cαi ↔ Cαi cyclization, and either the l‐Ala or Aib residue, along with the N‐protected Ac10c monomer and homo‐dimer alkylamides, were synthesized using solution methods and fully characterized. The preferred conformation of these model peptides was assessed in deuterochloroform solution using FT‐IR absorption and 1H NMR techniques. Furthermore, the molecular structures of two derivatives (Z‐Ac10c‐OH and Fmoc‐Ac10c‐OH) and two peptides (the dipeptide ester Z‐Ac10c‐l‐Phe‐OMe and the tripeptide ester Z‐Aib‐Ac10c‐Aib‐OtBu) were determined in the crystal state using X‐ray diffraction. The experimental results support the view that β‐bends and 310‐helices are preferentially adopted by peptides rich in Ac10c, the third largest cycloaliphatic Cα,α‐disubstituted glycine known. This investigation allowed us to complete a detailed conformational analysis of the whole 1‐amino‐cycloalkane‐1‐carboxylic acid (Acnc, with n = 3–12) series, which represents the prerequisite for our recent proposal of the ‘Acnc scan’ concept.
Determinants of sex allocation in a gynodioecious wild strawberry: implications for the evolution of dioecy and sexual dimorphism
Authors: Ashman
Published: March 2003

One evolutionary pathway from plants with combined male and female functions (hermaphroditism) to those with separate sexes (dioecy) involves females coexisting with hermaphrodites (gynodioecy). The research presented here explores sex allocation in Fragaria virginiana (a gynodioecious wild strawberry), within the context of theory on the gynodioecy–dioecy transition. By growing clonally replicated plants in the greenhouse and surveying six populations in situ, I evaluated the effects of plant size, genotype, sexual identity, population of origin and female frequency on sex allocation. I found significant positive effects of plant size on most sex allocation traits studied. In addition to strong sex-specific allocation patterns, I found significant broad-sense heritabilities for all traits, suggesting that plants could respond to selection. Moreover, there was a negative genetic correlation between pollen production and fruit set per flower within hermaphrodites, lending support to a basic assumption of sex allocation theory. On the other hand, several sex allocation traits, namely pollen and ovules per flower in hermaphrodites, were positively genetically correlated, suggesting that they may act to constrain the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Populations differed in the frequency of females, and females were more prevalent on sites with lower soil moisture and where hermaphrodites were least likely to produce fruit, suggesting that females’ seed fitness relative to that of hermaphrodites may be strongly environment-dependent in this species.
Effects of environmental stress on leaf hair density and consequences for selection
Authors: Roy  , Stanton  , Eppley
Published: March 2003

We explored how five different environmental stresses and a benign environment affect the phenotypic expression of leaf hairs, and the potential for evolutionary response in this trait. To address these questions we planted full-sib families that had been selected for stress tolerance in a factorial design in which selection history was fully crossed with the current environment (eight families × six selection histories × six current environments × three blocks=864 plants). Our data suggest that leaf hair density is a complex character composed of two separable traits: leaf area and the number of hairs initiated per leaf. Leaf size is primarily controlled by the growth environment, whereas leaf hair initiation shows more genetically based variation. In the control and low water environments there was a negative linear relationship between leaf size and leaf hair density. However, within the low light and high boron treatments, leaf hair density remained constant across a range of leaf sizes, suggesting that these stresses disrupt normal leaf hair development. Selection gradient analysis showed that leaf hair density and leaf size were significantly positively associated with fitness in 4/6 of our environments. Our results suggest that environmental variation may diminish the ability of herbivores and pathogens to cause directional selection on leaf hair density.
No evidence for Wolbachia-induced parthenogenesis in the social Hymenoptera
Authors: Wenseleers  , Billen
Published: March 2003

In some parasitoid wasps, infection by the micro-organism Wolbachia leads to asexual reproduction. Within the Hymenoptera, the limits of distribution of parthenogenesis inducing Wolbachia have not yet been established. To address this issue, we screened all known thelytokous social hymenopteran species using a PCR assay. None was infected, and therefore we conclude that worker thelytoky evolves independently of Wolbachia in ants and bees. This supports the previously proposed hypothesis that a sex determining system based on heterozygosity may form a proximate limitation to Wolbachia-induced parthenogenesis.
Maintenance of a genetic polymorphism by fluctuating selection on sex-limited traits
Authors: Reinhold K.
Published: March 2003

Fluctuating selection is often thought to be ineffective in maintaining a genetic polymorphism except when generations overlap, for example when a seed bank causes a storage effect. Here, I demonstrate that fluctuating selection on sex-limited traits automatically includes such a ‘storage effect’ because sex-limited alleles are shielded from selection in the sex where they are not expressed. With analytical calculations and numerical simulations I show that fluctuating selection can maintain a genetic polymorphism in sex-limited traits. Such a protected polymorphism can reduce the cost of sex when female-limited traits are involved. But, this effect will probably be small compared to the two-fold advantage of asexual reproduction unless many polymorphic loci interact or exceptionally strong environmental fluctuations are present. It is argued that genetic polymorphisms maintained by fluctuating selection on sex-limited traits may partly explain the large genetic variance of traits under strong sexual selection.
Evolutionary importance of parental care performance, food resources, and direct and indirect genetic effects in a burying beetle
Authors: Rauter C. M. , Moore A. J.
Published: March 2003

Indirect genetic effects (IGE) of parental care performance and the direct–indirect covariance contribute substantially to total heritability in domesticated and laboratory mammals. For animals from natural populations empirical estimates of IGE are sparse. Thus, despite recent models relating IGE to evolution, evolutionary interpretations of IGE are limited. To address this deficit, we used a reciprocal cross-fostering breeding design to estimate environmental influences, direct and indirect genetic effects, and direct–indirect genetic covariances in the burying beetle Nicrophorus pustulatus to determine the evolutionary importance of IGE arising from variation in parental care performance. Carrion size positively affected adult mass and time on carrion, but had no effect on total development time. Males were slightly larger than females. For both mass and development, independent of these environmental influences, direct and indirect genetic effects were of moderate magnitude. Total genetic effects explained 36–50% of the phenotypic variance in mass and size and 27–37% of phenotypic variance in development time. Direct–indirect genetic covariances were zero or close to zero. Thus, for both mass and development time, the response to natural selection arising from environmental variation may be accelerated by the presence of IGE in N. pustulatus. The generality of this pattern and the evolutionary significance of IGE arising from parental care awaits further study of natural populations.
Evidence for cryptic hybridization between different evolutionary lineages of the invasive clam genus Corbicula (Veneroida, Bivalvia)
Authors: Pfenninger M. , Reinhardt F. , Streit B.
Published: March 2003

We studied two Corbicula morphotypes in a syntopic population in the Rhine River in order to reveal their taxonomic, reproductive and phylogenetic relationship, using morphometrics, DAF-fingerprinting, mitochondrial COI and nuclear ITS1 sequence variation. Morphometric analysis showed that two statistically distinguishable morphotypes with few intermediates were present.Mitochondrial sequence analysis detected two divergent clades. DAF-fingerprinting revealed three highly distinctive multilocus genotypes. Two of the multilocus genotypes were significantly associated with different morphotypes and mitochondrial lineages. The third genotype B, however, was found in both morphotypes, intermediates and mitochondrial lineages. Conclusive evidence for hybridization came from RFLP analysis of the nuclear ITS1 locus. We interpret the hybrids as F1 hybrids between different evolutionary lineages. Integration of Corbicula sequences from all over the world into Maximum Parsimony analysis suggested a simultaneous radiation resulting in several evolutionary lineages whose species status remained doubtful. An unequivocal taxonomic assignment of the two evolutionary lineages in the Rhine population was therefore not possible.
Population divergence of genetic (co)variance matrices in a subdivided plant species, Brassica cretica
Authors: Widén B. , Andersson S. , Rao G-Y. , Widén M.
Published: March 2003

The present study of Brassica cretica had two objectives. First, we compared estimates of population structure (Qst) for seven phenotypic characters with the corresponding measures for allozyme markers (Fst) to evaluate the supposition that genetic drift is a major determinant of the evolutionary history of this species. Secondly, we compared the genetic (co)variance (G) matrices of five populations to examine whether a long history of population isolation is associated with large, consistent differences in the genetic (co)variance structure. Differences between estimates of Fst and Qst were too small to be declared significant, indicating that stochastic processes have played a major role in the structuring of quantitative variation in this species. Comparison of populations using the common principal component (CPC) method rejected the hypothesis that the G matrices differed by a simple constant of proportionality: most of the variation involved principal component structure rather than the eigenvalues. However, there was strong evidence for proportionality in comparisons using the method of percentage reduction in mean-square error (MSE), at least when characters with unusually high (co)variance estimates were included in the analyses. Although the CPC and MSE methods provide different, but complementary, views of G matrix variation, we urge caution in the use of proportionality as an indicator of whether genetic drift is responsible for divergence in the G matrix.
Levels of selection in positive-strand virus dynamics
Authors: Krakauer D. C. , Komarova N. L.
Published: March 2003

Conflicting selection pressures occurring over the life cycle of an organism constitute serious challenges to the robustness of replication. Viruses present a credible model system for analysing problems that arise through evolutionary conflicts of interest. We present a multi-level selection model for the life cycle of positive-strand RNA viruses. The model combines within-cell replication kinetics and protein synthesis, and between-cell population dynamics of virion production and transmission. We show how these two levels of within-host selection interact to produce tradeoffs in the life history strategy of a virus without consideration of host mortality. We find that viruses evolve towards intermediate rather than maximum encapsidation rates. This can be interpreted as selection for intermediate virulence through cellular persistence. We characterize a theoretical persistence threshold arising from the trade-off between genome replication and genetic translation within the cell. We present counter-intuitive relationships whereby increasing genome decay rates and rates of encapsidation lead to increases in the abundance of virus-encoded proteins. Data from poliovirus suggest that viruses might be unable to resolve the vertical conflicts of interests among different levels of selection.
Monitoring transfusion practices at two university hospitals
Authors: Titlestad K. , Georgsen J. , Jorgensen J. , Kristensen T.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Considering the clinical importance of blood transfusions, the limited knowledge of transfusion practices is remarkable. New methods are needed to elucidate the observed variation of transfusion practices.

Materials and methods

All patients transfused or pretransfusion tested (i.e. at risk for blood transfusion) at two tertiary teaching hospitals during the full years of 1997 and 1998 were included in the study.

Results

The observed practices contained substantial variance at the level of hospitals. The contributions to the total variance of the different specialities were highly significant, as was the contribution of hospitals to the variance in plasma and platelet transfusions. Significant interactions between hospitals and specialities were observed in transfusion of red cells, plasma and platelets.

Conclusion

To our knowledge this is the first survey of this size to combine transfusions, diagnoses and biochemical tests, exclusively based on an existing computerized register. The aim is to establish a basis for comparison of local transfusion practices with other commensurate hospitals and regions at a national (and international) level.
DNA vaccination: a potential weapon against infection and cancer
Authors: Stevenson F. K. , Rosenberg W.
Published: March 2003

DNA vaccination is a novel approach for inducing immunity against target antigens. It provides a direct link between identification of genes encoding these antigens and incorporation of the gene sequences into a vaccine vehicle. Identification of candidate genes is proceeding very rapidly both for infectious organisms and for cancer cells. One advantage is that DNA appears to activate all pathways of immunity, especially cytotoxic T‐cell responses, which have been difficult to induce with protein vaccines. For viruses, including those which have caused problems for blood transfusion, DNA vaccination could be used for prevention. However, for chronic infection, or for cancer, vaccination will be performed in a therapeutic setting. For this situation, it is probable that immune‐activating sequences will have to be included in the vaccine. The ease of manipulation of gene sequences, together with the increasing knowledge of the operation of the immune system, means that we now have the tools to take vaccines into the next exciting stage of development.
Effect of leucocyte reduction on the potential alloimmunogenicity of leucocytes in fresh‐frozen plasma products
Authors: Hiruma K. , Okuyama Y.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Adverse effects mediated by leucocytes in cellular blood products are widely recognized. There are few studies, however, concerning the effects of residual leucocytes in fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP). We examined the quantities and characteristics of leucocytes in FFP in order to investigate the potential leucocyte‐associated adverse effects of FFP transfusion, focusing on the risk of alloimmunization.

Materials and Methods

The quantity of leucocytes in FFP was estimated by using the Nageotte method and flow cytometry (FCM) analysis. The viability and subsets of leucocytes were determined by FCM using propidium iodide (PI) and fluorescein‐conjugated antibodies. To investigate alloimmunogenicity caused by the leucocytes in FFP, mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) were performed using fresh, allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as responder cells and cell‐concentrated thawed FFP as a stimulator. We also studied the performance of leucocyte‐reduction filters with FFP products.

Results

The average number of leucocytes in a single unit of FFP, derived from 200 ml of whole blood, was 2·98 × 106 (range 0·99–8·38 × 106). The majority of these cells were PI‐positive dead cells; however, a small but consistent population of PI‐negative cells was present in these products. Both dead and live cells expressed human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens, and ≈ 38% of these cells expressed HLA class II antigens. The average number of viable CD3+ T cells in one unit of FFP was 2·36 × 104. Growth of the allogeneic PBMCs increased following stimulation with highly concentrated FFP. Use of leucocyte‐reduction filters significantly reduced the concentrations of both PI‐positive (dead) and PI‐negative (live) cells. The growth of allogeneic lymphocytes after stimulation with FFP was also completely suppressed by leucocyte filtration of FFP.

Conclusion

Transfusion of FFP is potentially alloimmunogenic owing to its residual leucocyte content. Leucocyte‐reduction filters appear to be effective in suppressing the alloimmunogenicity of FFP.
Stem cell collection filter system for human placental/umbilical cord blood processing
Authors: Yasutake M. , Sumita M. , Terashima S. , Tokushima Y. , Nitadori Y. , Takahashi T. A.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

The hydroxyethyl starch method and the Top & Bottom method have been used worldwide for the volume reduction of human placental/umbilical cord blood (PCB) units. To simplify the preparation of nucleated cell (NC) concentrates, we developed a new filter device – the stem cell collection filter system (SCF SYSTEM) – which can collect mononuclear cells (MNC) at a high recovery rate.

Materials and Methods

The SCF SYSTEM consisted of a filter and two bags. Multilayered polyethylene terephthalate non‐wovens, coated with a hydrophilic polymer, were used as filter media. PCB units were filtered by gravity (n = 12). Red blood cells, platelets and plasma were drained into the drain bag, and the NC trapped on the filter media was collected in the recovery bag by reverse washing. Recovered cell fractions were evaluated.

Results

The volume of cell concentrate recovered was 27·4 ± 2·2 ml (mean ± SD, n = 12). The whole time required for processing was less than 30 min, and handling was very simple. The viability of recovered NC was 97·8 ± 3·2%. The recovery of lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes was 79·5 ± 16·9%, 79·8 ± 20·4% and 39·0 ± 19·5%, respectively. The recovery rate of granulocytes was significantly lower than that of monocytes and lymphocytes (P ≤ 0·0001). The recovery rates of CD3+ cells, CD19+ cells and CD56+ cells were almost the same as that of MNC. The recovery rates of CD34+ cells, total colony‐forming cells and long‐term culture‐initiating cells were 81·7 ± 27·0% (n = 11), 80·8 ± 27·7% (n = 12) and 75·0 ± 18·4% (n = 2), respectively.

Conclusion

The new filter system was shown to be efficient for PCB processing, encompassing a very simple handling procedure with a good recovery of haematopoietic progenitor cells. Hence, the SCF SYSTEM is potentially useful for the volume reduction of PCB units for cord blood banking.
Evaluation of solutions for the storage of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐mobilized granulocyte concentrates
Authors: Lightfoot T. , Gallelli J. , Matsuo K. , Kwon S.‐W. , Leitman S. F. , Stroncek D. F.
Published: March 2003

Background

High cell counts in granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐mobilized granulocytes are detrimental to concentrate storage. An eightfold dilution with autologous plasma improves storage, but this method is impractical. The purpose of this study was to identify an infusible solution that could be used in place of autologous plasma to dilute and store granulocytes.

Materials and Methods

Granulocytes collected from donors given dexamethasone (8 mg per os) and/or G‐CSF (5 µg/kg subcutaneously [SQ]) were diluted eightfold in the following cell culture media: X‐Vivo 10, Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s minimal essential medium (DMEM) or Iscoves modified Dulbecco’s medium (IMDM); or in the following infusible solutions: Plasma‐Lyte A; Normosol R; lactated ringers, supplemented with 1% human serum albumin and 50 mm histidine (LRAH); or Plasma‐Lyte A supplemented with 50 mm histidine buffer or 25 mm HEPES buffer plus 1% human serum albumin. The granulocytes were stored for 48 h at room temperature. White blood cell (WBC) counts, WBC viability and pH were measured after ≈ 2 h, 24 h and 48 h of storage.

Results

Cell counts, viability and pH were maintained after 2 h, 24 h and 48 h in cells stored in the three cell culture media. The pH fell slightly after 48 h to 6·86 ± 0·10 in granulocyte concentrates diluted in LRAH, but fell to a greater extent after 24 h and 48 h, to 6·36 ± 0·23 (48‐h value) in granulocyte concentrates diluted in Plasma‐Lyte A and to 6·40 ± 0·19 (48‐h value) in granulocyte concentrates diluted in Normosol R. The cell counts of concentrates diluted in LRAH were stable for 48 h, but fell in granulocyte concentrates stored in Plasma‐Lyte A and Normosol R. Plasma‐Lyte A supplemented with histidine maintained the pH of diluted granulocyte concentrates better than Plasma‐Lyte A supplemented with HEPES; 6·91 ± 0·10 and 6·65 ± 0·11, respectively, after 24 h. Cell counts were maintained best in granulocyte concentrates diluted in Plasma‐Lyte A supplemented with albumin and one or both of the buffers.

Conclusions

Culture media were best for granulocyte storage, but they are not approved for in vivo use. Infusible solutions are not buffered adequately and lack sufficient protein, but infusible solutions, such as lactated Ringer’s solution or Plasma‐Lyte A supplemented with buffers and albumin, hold promise as effective and licensable solutions for granulocyte storage.