bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐species functional complementation of cellulose synthase during the development of cellular slime molds
Authors: Kuwayama Hidekazu , Tohyama Takeru , Urushihara Hideko
Published: September 2014

Cellulose is a major and important component of the extracellular matrix during the development of Dictyostelium discoideum. Upon starvation, solitary amoebae of D. discoideum gather and form fruiting bodies in which cells differentiate into stalk cells and spores. The stalk tubes and walls of spores and stalk cells are made of cellulose. In the genus Acytostelium, however, all cells are destined to become spores and the stalks comprise only a cellulose tube, suggesting species‐specific regulation of cellulose synthesis. In this study, we cloned a putative cellulose synthase gene (cesA) of Acytostelium subglobosum and performed comparative analyses with the D. discoideum cellulose synthase gene (dcsA). Although the deduced amino acid sequences were highly conserved between cesA and dcsA, the numbers of transmembrane spans preceding the catalytic domain were dissimilar; 2 and 3, respectively. Since ectopic expression of cesA in dcsA−null cells failed to restore the developmental defects of the mutant, we constructed a series of chimerical genes for complementation analyses and found that the catalytic domain of cesA was functional in D. discoideum cells if the preceding transmembrane region was swapped with dcsA. The non‐functional products that contained the cesA‐derived transmembrane region were localized to lysosomes. These results indicate that the transmembrane region of cellulose synthase is essential for proper accumulation of cellulose during the development of D. discoideum and that its differential localization in A. subglobosum may be related to the characteristic morphogenesis in this species.
The development of stocked eels (Anguilla anguilla) in previously eel‐free Austrian Alpine lakes
Authors: Essl Katharina , Gassner Hubert , Schabetsberger Robert , Jagsch Albert , Kaiser Roland
Published: September 2014

Over a period of 34 years (1954–1987), a total of 11.9 million glass eels were stocked all over Austria to improve the yields of commercial fishermen and to make the lakes more attractive for anglers. Nearly half (48%) of the imported glass eels were introduced into natural, previously eel‐free Alpine lakes until stocking ceased in 1988. Twenty‐five years later, their occurrence could be verified in 56% (N = 22) of the Austrian Alpine lakes larger than 50 ha and mean body length had increased to 66 cm. Eels from seven selected Austrian Alpine lakes exhibited a yearly mean increase in length between 0.6 and 1.5 cm, indicating a comparatively poor growth compared with the majority of eel populations from within their natural distribution range. At the same time, high expectations in developing a flourishing eel fishery were not met. In all but one lake, the harvest remained below 3% of the total yearly catch and salmonids remained the dominant target species. During peak harvest in the 1980s, it exceeded 8% in mesotrophic Wallersee (2600 kg). Simulations of stock development indicated that the yield could have been improved, but contrary to earlier expectations eels never became important for local cuisine and catches remained too low for the development of a profitable export business. On the other hand, eels may have contributed to the loss of small‐bodied fish taxa.
Population ecology and seasonal demography of the endangered grotto sculpin (Cottus specus)
Authors: Day Julie , Gerken Joseph E. , Adams Ginny L.
Published: September 2014

Subterranean fishes are understudied worldwide and often at risk before their populations are discovered and described. The nature of karst systems limits the applicability of ecological paradigms and hinders our ability to identify and preserve endemic fauna. Aquatic karst taxa in particular are subject to environmental threats that increase in severity over time. Once a population or species is recognised as distinct, it is imperative we gain understanding of its biology to inform effective resource management and mitigate risk factors. The grotto sculpin (Cottus specus) is endemic to Perry County, Missouri, U.S. caves and was formally described and listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2013. We used mark–recapture methods to quantify population densities and estimate population sizes in two caves and two corresponding spring branches. Size structure varied among habitats and seasons. Spring branches were dominated by juveniles year‐round with peak young‐of‐year (YOY) densities in May. Adult densities in both macrohabitats decreased in winter, possibly due to recruitment or seasonal stress, and were lower at spring branches compared to caves and declined further during late winter which may be indicative of cave spawning. YOY were captured variably underground with peak densities in summer. The ecology of grotto sculpin appears to be more complex than has been reported previously for subterranean fishes. Variable patterns of demography requiring multiple contiguous habitats are unique for cave species and support the recently substantiated suggestion that subterranean systems are not as simple or disconnected as once thought.
Rapid dopamine transmission within the nucleus accumbens: Dramatic difference between morphine and oxycodone delivery
Authors: Vander Weele Caitlin M. , Porter‐Stransky Kirsten A. , Mabrouk Omar S. , Lovic Vedran , Singer Bryan F. , Kennedy Robert T. , Aragona Brandon J.
Published: September 2014

While most drugs of abuse increase dopamine neurotransmission, rapid neurochemical measurements show that different drugs evoke distinct dopamine release patterns within the nucleus accumbens. Rapid changes in dopamine concentration following psychostimulant administration have been well studied; however, such changes have never been examined following opioid delivery. Here, we provide novel measures of rapid dopamine release following intravenous infusion of two opioids, morphine and oxycodone, in drug‐naïve rats using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry and rapid (1 min) microdialysis coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography ‐ tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS). In addition to measuring rapid dopamine transmission, microdialysis HPLC‐MS measures changes in GABA, glutamate, monoamines, monoamine metabolites and several other neurotransmitters. Although both opioids increased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, their patterns of drug‐evoked dopamine transmission differed dramatically. Oxycodone evoked a robust and stable increase in dopamine concentration and a robust increase in the frequency and amplitude of phasic dopamine release events. Conversely, morphine evoked a brief (~ 1 min) increase in dopamine that was coincident with a surge in GABA concentration and then both transmitters returned to baseline levels. Thus, by providing rapid measures of neurotransmission, this study reveals previously unknown differences in opioid‐induced neurotransmitter signaling. Investigating these differences may be essential for understanding how these two drugs of abuse could differentially usurp motivational circuitry and powerfully influence behavior.
History of silence affects auditory evoked fields regardless of intervening sounds: a magnetoencephalographic study
Authors: Okamoto Hidehiko , Kakigi Ryusuke
Published: September 2014

The amplitudes of auditory evoked N1 m responses are known to depend on the length of the pre‐stimulus silent interval. However, it remains unknown whether pre‐penultimate silent intervals affect the auditory evoked responses elicited by test stimuli. In the present study, we investigated the N1 m responses elicited by a train of four successive tones with a silent interval of 1 s subsequent to that with a 0.25‐, 0.5‐, 2‐ or 4‐s silent interval using magnetoencephalography. The results obtained demonstrated that the N1 m source strength decreased as the pre‐penultimate silent interval became shorter. A history of silences had a significant impact on the N1 m source strength. Human brain activity that is modulated by silence history may play an important role in encoding a series of sound streams that include silences, such as speech and music.
Reach endpoint formation during the visuomotor planning of free arm pointing
Authors: Berret Bastien , Bisio Ambra , Jacono Marco , Pozzo Thierry
Published: September 2014

Volitional motor control generally involves deciding ‘where to go’ and ‘how to go there’. Understanding how these two constituent pieces of motor decision coordinate is an important issue in neuroscience. Although the two processes could be intertwined, they are generally thought to occur in series, whereby visuomotor planning begins with the knowledge of a final hand position to attain. However, daily activities are often compatible with an infinity of final hand positions. The purpose of the present study was to test whether the reach endpoint (‘where’) is an input of arm motor planning (‘how’) in such ecological settings. To this end, we considered a free pointing task, namely arm pointing to a long horizontal line, and investigated the formation of the reach endpoint through eye–hand coordination. Although eye movement always preceded hand movement, our results showed that the saccade initiation was delayed by ~ 120 ms on average when the line was being pointed to as compared with a single target dot; the hand reaction time was identical in the two conditions. When the latency of saccade initiation was relatively brief, subjects often performed double, or even triple, saccades before hand movement onset. The number of saccades triggered was found to significantly increase as a function of the primary saccade latency and accuracy. These results suggest that knowledge about the reach endpoint built up gradually along with the arm motor planning process, and that the oculomotor system delayed the primary reach‐related saccade in order to gain more information about the final hand position.
Structural and energetic basis of isopropylmalate dehydrogenase enzyme catalysis
Authors: Palló Anna , Oláh Julianna , Gráczer Éva , Merli Angelo , Závodszky Péter , Weiss Manfred S. , Vas Mária
Published: September 2014

The three‐dimensional structure of the enzyme 3‐isopropylmalate dehydrogenase from the bacterium Thermus thermophilus in complex with Mn2+, its substrate isopropylmalate and its co‐factor product NADH at 2.0 Å resolution features a fully closed conformation of the enzyme. Upon closure of the two domains, the substrate and the co‐factor are brought into precise relative orientation and close proximity, with a distance between the C2 atom of the substrate and the C4N atom of the pyridine ring of the co‐factor of approximately 3.0 Å. The structure further shows binding of a K+ ion close to the active site, and provides an explanation for its known activating effect. Hence, this structure is an excellent mimic for the enzymatically competent complex. Using high‐level QM/MM calculations, it may be demonstrated that, in the observed arrangement of the reactants, transfer of a hydride from the C2 atom of 3‐isopropylmalate to the C4N atom of the pyridine ring of NAD+ is easily possible, with an activation energy of approximately 15 kcal·mol−1. The activation energy increases by approximately 4–6 kcal·mol−1 when the K+ ion is omitted from the calculations. In the most plausible scenario, prior to hydride transfer the ε‐amino group of Lys185 acts as a general base in the reaction, aiding the deprotonation reaction of 3‐isopropylmalate prior to hydride transfer by employing a low‐barrier proton shuttle mechanism involving a water molecule.

Database

Structural data have been submitted to the Protein Data Bank under accession number 4F7I.
Thermal ecology of subadult and adult muskellunge in a thermally enriched reservoir
Authors: Cole A. J. , Bettoli P. W.
Published: September 2014

The movement of adult muskellunge, Esox masquinongy Mitchill, has been investigated in a variety of systems, but temperature selection by muskellunge has not been examined where well‐oxygenated waters were available over a range of temperatures for much of the year. Thirty subadult and adult muskellunge tagged internally with temperature‐sensing radio tags were tracked from March 2010 to March 2011 in a Tennessee reservoir. Mean tag temperatures were 18.9 °C in spring (March to May), 22.1 °C in summer (June to August), 16.5 °C in autumn and 9.8 °C in winter (December to February). When the greatest range in water temperatures was available (7.1–33.3 °C; May to early August 2010), their realised thermal niche (mean ± 1 SD) was 22.3 °C ± 1.8; the realised thermal niche was affected by fish size (smaller fish selected slightly warmer temperatures) but not sex. An electric generating steam plant discharging warm water resumed operation in January 2011, and most (86%) tagged fish occupied the plume where temperatures were ≈10 °C warmer than ambient water temperatures. No mortalities were observed 15 days later when plant operations ceased. Their affinity for the heated plume prompted concerns that muskellunge will be too easily exploited when the plant operates during winter.
Disease and competition, not just predation, as drivers of impacts of the black rat (Rattus rattus) on island mammals
Authors: Smith Helen M. , Banks Peter B.
Published: September 2014

Hanna & Cardillo (2014) report an association between the presence of black rats (Rattus rattus) and extinctions of endemic mammals on Australian islands. Although we agree that introductions of the black rat are likely to have had a significant impact on island ecosystems, we suggest that there is little empirical support for their main conclusion, that predation (and thus mesopredator processes) is the causal mechanism driving the association between the presence of black rats and extinctions of native mammals on Australian islands. We present a brief literature review of evidence for two alternative mechanisms – introduction of novel diseases and competition – which suggest there are multiple explanations for how native mammal extinctions on Australian islands may have occurred. The potential impact of these processes interacting across different trophic levels is rarely considered, but is applicable across many different ecosystems world‐wide.
Resilience for Whom? Emerging Critical Geographies of Socio‐ecological Resilience
Authors: Cretney Raven
Published: September 2014

Resilience has fast become a popular catchphrase used by government, international finance organisations, NGOs, community groups and activists all over the globe. Despite its widespread use, there remains confusion over what resilience is and the purpose it serves. Resilience can, in some cases, speak to a desire to successfully respond and adapt to disruptions outside of the status quo. However, this conceptualisation of resilience is far from uncontested. Emerging research has shown a lack of consideration for power, agency and inequality in popular and academic use of these frameworks. Criticism has also been raised regarding the use of resilience to justify projects informed by neoliberal ideologies that aim to decrease state involvement, increase community self‐reliance and restructure social services. Despite this, resilience is being used by community and activist groups that aim to address local and global environmental and social issues. With this critical insight, the need has arisen to question what is being maintained, for whom and by whom, through these discourses of resilience. In this review, I trace the evolution of the concept in the literature. Building on this, I discuss three interpretations of the resilience paradigm in current academic, political and activist arenas. I conclude by discussing possible future directions for critical geographic perspectives of resilience.
Creative Industries from an Evolutionary Perspective: A Critical Literature Review
Authors: Berg Su‐Hyun , Hassink Robert
Published: September 2014

Although creative industries have been popular as a research topic among social scientists from various backgrounds, most studies lack an explicit evolutionary, history‐informed perspective. In this paper, we critically explore whether the notions of evolutionary economic geography can contribute to analyzing and explaining the spatial dynamics of creative industries, which has not been done yet in a systematic way. Although not all evolutionary concepts are useful, we conclude that co‐evolution in particular has important potential in helping to explain the spatial dynamics of creative industries in a comparative perspective.
Geographies of Production: The Institutional Foundations of a Design‐Intensive Manufacturing Strategy
Authors: Hatch Carolyn J.
Published: September 2014

This article critically reviews research on the national institutional influence on firm practice in economic geography, in particular the “varieties of capitalism” school (VoC) and national business systems, in order to promote a deeper examination of the role of corporate agency in contemporary institutionalist approaches. In order to do so, it invokes a growing segment of the contemporary economy – design‐intensive manufacturing – and draws on the knowledge base framework developed by Asheim and Gertler () to identify a core set of industrial practices that enable design‐intensive manufacturing firms to integrate diverse knowledge bases (synthetic and symbolic) in order to compete effectively in global markets. In integrating these knowledge bases, firms are pressured to both align with, yet also deviate from, the dominant national institutional environment in which they operate. In the case of the latter, they may be prompted to develop local and sectoral forms of economic governance that compensate for an apparent disjunction at the national scale in order to adapt to certain aspects of the sectorally specific terms of competition. The case of design‐intensive manufacturing emphasizes the importance of hybrid institutions and practices in the global knowledge economy and demonstrates that an agency‐centered perspective is critical to our understanding of a more nuanced theory of firm practice.
A case of disseminated histoplasmosis diagnosed after oral presentation in an old HIV‐negative patient in Sweden
Authors: Mota de Almeida Fernando J. , Kivijärvi Kristina , Roos Göran , Nylander Karin
Published: September 2014

Histoplasmosis is an endemic disease in various regions such as North America and South‐East Asia but remains rare in Europe. Disseminated histoplasmosis is unusual in HIV‐negative patients. Here, we describe a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in an HIV‐negative patient diagnosed after oral presentation.
Cost‐related dental non‐attendance in older adulthood: evidence from eleven European countries and Israel
Authors: Listl Stefan
Published: September 2014

Background

Although relevant for health policy, so far only little is known about the extent to which persons avoid dental attendance because of associated costs.

Objectives

To examine the cost‐relatedness of dental non‐attendance in various older adulthood populations.

Material and methods

Secondary analyses were conducted of data from wave 1 of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which includes unique information on recent dental non‐attendance and care foregone due to costs by persons aged 50+ from eleven European countries and Israel. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to detect differences in the extent to which dental non‐attendance is attributable to associated costs.

Results

The study sample comprised 13 935 persons who did not access dental care within the past year. Levels of cost‐related non‐attendance differed between the twelve examined countries, ranging from 6.8% in Israel to 0.5% in Austria. Cost‐related non‐attendance was 47% less likely among persons with good as compared to compromised chewing ability (Odds Ratio: 0.53; 95%CI: 0.43–0.66). Cost‐related non‐attendance was 33% less likely among persons with tertiary as compared to (pre‐) primary educational attainment (Odds Ratio: 0.67; 95%CI: 0.47–0.96). Cost‐related dental non‐attendance was significantly more likely among persons with low levels of general health (Odds Ratio for lowest vs. highest level of general health: 3.05; 95%CI: 1.88–4.95).

Conclusions

The findings of the present study suggest that a relatively small proportion of dental non‐attendance in older adulthood is cost‐related. For specific population subgroups in various countries, however, dental care costs may still pose a relevant barrier to dental care.
Induced polyploidy in inter‐subspecific maize hybrids to reduce heterosis breakdown and restore reproductive fertility
Authors: Niazi I. A. K. , Rauf S. , Teixeira da Silva J. A. , Iqbal Z. , Munir H.
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to reduce the breakdown of hybrid vigour by crossing maize × teosinte subspecies through induced tetraploidy and to improve the biomass and reproductive fertility of the induced tetraploids. To achieve this, seeds of maize breeding lines selected from an open‐pollinated population ‘Sargodha‐2002’ and a maize × teosinte cross were germinated in colchicine solution (0·25, 0·5 or 1·0%) until they had a thick radical and protruded plumule. Colchicine at 0·5% induced the highest number of tetraploids with the lowest number of chimeric plants. The induced tetraploids of maize and maize × teosinte crosses showed a significant (P ≤ 0·05) increase in leaf area (5 and 14%), total soluble solids (20 and 18%), leaf oil percentage (42 and 12%) and leaf crude protein contents (10 and 14%) in leaves relative to the diploid subspecies. Moreover, induced tetraploidy also arrested hybrid vigour by slowing down the decay of heterosis in progenies (4x) for plant height, leaf biomass and leaf oil percentage. Induced maize × teosinte hybrid tetraploids selected for frequent bivalent chromosome pairing resulted in higher seed setting cob−1 (increased 58%), pollen fertility (increased 59%) and seed setting percentage (increased 100%) than the quadrivalent variant.
Dissolved Organic Carbon in Groundwater Overlain by Irrigated Sugarcane
Authors: Thayalakumaran Thabo , Lenahan Matthew J. , Bristow Keith L.
Published: September 2014

Elevated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) has been detected in groundwater beneath irrigated sugarcane on the Burdekin coastal plain of tropical northeast Australia. The maximum value of 82 mg/L is to our knowledge the highest DOC reported for groundwater beneath irrigated cropping systems. More than half of the groundwater sampled in January 2004 (n = 46) exhibited DOC concentrations greater than 30 mg/L. DOC was progressively lower in October 2004 and January 2005, with a total decrease greater than 90% indicating varying load(s) to the aquifer. It was hypothesized that the elevated DOC found in this groundwater system is sourced at or near the soil surface and supplied to the aquifer via vertical recharge following above average rainfall. Possible sources of DOC include organic‐rich sugar mill by‐products applied as fertilizer and/or sugarcane sap released during harvest. CFC‐12 vertical flow rates supported the hypothesis that elevated DOC (>40 mg/L) in the groundwater results from recharge events in which annual precipitation exceeds 1500 mm/year (average = 960 mm/year). Occurrence of elevated DOC concentrations, absence of electron acceptors (O2 and NO3–) and both Fe2+ and Mn2+ greater than 1 mg/L in shallow groundwater suggest that the DOC compounds are chemically labile. The consequence of high concentrations of labile DOC may be positive (e.g., denitrification) or negative (e.g., enhanced metal mobility and biofouling), and highlights the need to account for a wider range of water quality parameters when considering the impacts of land use on the ecology of receiving waters and/or suitability of groundwater for irrigated agriculture.
Analytical Solutions Using Integral Formulations and Their Coupling with Numerical Approaches
Authors: Morel‐Seytoux Hubert J.
Published: September 2014

Analytical and numerical approaches have their own distinct domains of merit and application. Unfortunately there has been a tendency to use either one or the other even when their domains overlap. Yet there is definite advantage in combining the two approaches. Being relatively new this emerging technique of combining the approaches is, at this stage, more of an art than a science. In this article we suggest approaches for the combination through simple examples. We also suggest that the integral formulation of the analytical problems may have some advantages over the differential formulation. The differential formulation limits somewhat the range of linear system descriptions that can be applied to a variety of practical problems. On the other hand the integral approach tends to focus attention to overall integrated behavior and properties of the system rather than on minute details. This is particularly useful in the coupling with a numerical model as in practice it generally deals also with only the integrated behavior of the system. The thesis of this article is illustrated with some simple stream‐aquifer flow exchange examples.
Groundwater Resources Potential in Hard Rock Terrain: A Multivariate Approach
Authors: Earon Robert , Dehkordi S. Emad , Olofsson Bo
Published: September 2014

Groundwater resources are limited and difficult to predict in crystalline bedrock due to heterogeneity and anisotropy in rock fracture systems. Municipal‐level governments often lack the resources for traditional hydrogeological tests when planning for sustainable use of water resources. A new methodology for assessing groundwater resources potential (GRP) based on geological and topographical factors using principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was developed and tested. ANOVA results demonstrated statistically significant differences in classed variable groups as well as in classed GRP scores with regard to hydrogeological indicators, such as specific capacity (SC) and transmissivity. Results of PCA were used to govern the weight of the variables used in the prediction maps. GRP scores were able to identify 79% of wells in a verification dataset, which had SC values less than the total dataset median. GRP values showed statistically significant correlations using both parametric (using transformed datasets) and non‐parametric methods. The method shows promise for municipal or regional level planning in crystalline terrains with high levels of heterogeneity and anisotropy as a hydrogeologically and statistically based tool to assist in assessing groundwater resources. The methodology is executed in a geographic information systems environment, and uses often readily available data, such as geological maps, feature maps and topography, and thus does not require expensive and time‐consuming aquifer tests.
Serum granulysin levels as a predictor of serious telaprevir‐induced dermatological reactions
Authors: Suda Goki , Yamamoto Yoshiya , Nagasaka Astushi , Furuya Ken , Kudo Mineo , Chuganji Yoshimichi , Tsukuda Yoko , Tsunematsu Seiji , Sato Fumiyuki , Terasita Katsumi , Nakai Masato , Horimoto Hiromasa , Sho Takuya , Natsuizaka Mitsuteru , Ogawa Kouji , Ohnishi Shunsuke , Chuma Makoto , Fujita Yasuyuki , Abe Riichiro , Taniguchi Miki , Nakagawa Mina , Asahina Yasuhiro , Sakamoto Naoya ,   NORTE Study Group
Published: September 2014

Aim

Telaprevir‐based therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients is effective; however, the high prevalence of dermatological reactions is an outstanding issue. The mechanism and characteristics of such adverse reactions are unclear; moreover, predictive factors remain unknown. Granulysin was recently reported to be upregulated in the blisters of patients with Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS). Therefore, we investigated the risk factors for severe telaprevir‐induced dermatological reactions as well as the association between serum granulysin levels and the severity of such reactions.

Methods

A total of 89 patients who received telaprevir‐based therapy and had complete clinical information were analyzed. We analyzed the associations between dermatological reactions and clinical factors. Next, we investigated the time‐dependent changes in serum granulysin levels in five and 14 patients with grade 3 and non‐grade 3 dermatological reactions, respectively.

Results

Of the 89 patients, 57 patients had dermatological reactions, including nine patients with grade 3. Univariate analysis revealed that grade 3 dermatological reactions were significantly associated with male sex. Moreover, serum granulysin levels were significantly associated with the severity of dermatological reactions. Three patients with grade 3 dermatological reaction had severe systemic manifestations including SJS, drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome, and systemic lymphoid swelling and high‐grade fever; all were hospitalized. Importantly, among the three patients, two patients' serum granulysin levels exceeded 8 ng/mL at onset and symptoms deteriorated within 6 days.

Conclusion

Male patients are at high risk for severe telaprevir‐induced dermatological reactions. Moreover, serum granulysin levels are significantly associated with the severity of dermatological reactions and may be a predictive factor in patients treated with telaprevir‐based therapy.
Horizontal transmission of de novo hepatitis B between spouses: A case report
Authors: Mawatari Seiichi , Uto Hirofumi , Moriuchi Akihiro , Tabu Kazuaki , Muromachi Kaori , Tabu Eriko , Oda Kohei , Imanaka Dai , Oshige Akihiko , Nakazawa Junichi , Kumagai Kotaro , Tamai Tsutomu , Okamoto Hiroaki , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Ido Akio
Published: September 2014

We report a female patient with acute hepatitis B due to horizontal transmission of hepatitis B virus from her husband, who suffered from de novo hepatitis B. A 48‐year‐old man underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) for adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma. Nine months after the initial treatment, he was referred to our hospital because of jaundice. Laboratory data showed elevated serum aminotransferase levels and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity. We diagnosed de novo hepatitis B because a pre‐PBSCT serum sample was negative for HBsAg and positive for anti‐hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb). His liver function improved with entecavir therapy. Two months after his diagnosis of hepatitis B, his 31‐year‐old wife was admitted with fever and appetite loss. She was diagnosed with acute hepatitis B because of increased serum aminotransferase levels and HBsAg and immunoglobulin M HBcAb positivity. Sequencing of HBV DNA in the serum obtained from both patients showed 99.9% homology. Therefore, we diagnosed her acute hepatitis B as due to horizontal transmission of de novo hepatitis B from her husband. HBV derived from de novo hepatitis B should be considered a potential source of infection, although intrafamilial transmission of de novo hepatitis B is rare.
Emotional assessment of patients with oral lichen planus
Authors: Alves Mônica Ghislaine Oliveira , do Carmo Carvalho Bruna Fernandes , Balducci Ivan , Cabral Luiz Antonio Guimarães , Nicodemo Denise , Almeida Janete Dias
Published: September 2014

Background

Oral lichen planus is a chronic immune‐mediated disease with an estimated prevalence of 0.5–2.5% in the general population. Patients with oral lichen planus are often emotionally unstable and anxious and may develop concomitant systemic disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate emotional characteristics of patients with oral lichen planus.

Methods

Two groups were studied: the first group consisted of 48 patients with a diagnosis of oral lichen planus, and the second group consisted of controls without the disease matched for age and gender at a proportion of 1 : 1. The emotional state of the patients was evaluated using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, SF‐36 generic quality of life questionnaire, and the Self Reporting Questionnaire‐20.

Results and conclusions

The present investigation demonstrated the presence of anxiety and depression in patients with oral lichen planus and a negative impact of the disorder on the patient's quality of life as indicated by impairment of the physical aspect, vitality, mental health, and social aspect domains. This could indicate that associated psychological treatment may be important in the follow‐up of these patients.
Polymorphisms in nucleotide excision repair genes and basal cell carcinoma of the skin
Authors: Pesz Karolina A. , Bieniek Andrzej , Gil Justyna , Laczmanska Izabela , Karpinski Pawel , Makowska Izabela , Trusewicz Alicja , Sasiadek Maria M.
Published: September 2014

Background

Mutations in nucleotide excision repair (NER) genes are the cause of xeroderma pigmentosum, a genetic syndrome with proneness to basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may affect the effectiveness of DNA repair and hence influence individual susceptibility to a variety of neoplasms. The aim of this study was to find associations between SNPs in selected NER genes and sporadic BCC development.

Materials and methods

The study group consisted of 100 patients with histopathologically confirmed BCCs and the control group of 100 elderly individuals with no personal history of any cancer. DNA isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes was genotyped for seven SNPs in five different NER genes. Statistical analyses for associations were performed.

Results

A weak association between XPD exon 6 silent C/A polymorphism and BCC development risk was found when comparing single polymorphisms between the two groups. When considering sex and SNPs, men with the A‐allele in XPC intron 11 C/A have been found to have a decreased risk of BCC.

Conclusions

There is no consistency in association studies between SNPs and BCC susceptibility. SNPs in NER genes seem to have an insignificant influence on the risk of developing BCC of the skin.
Herpes zoster‐associated severity and duration of pain, health‐related quality of life, and healthcare utilization in Taiwan: a prospective observational study
Authors: Tsai Tsen‐Fang , Yao Chien‐An , Yu Hsin‐Su , Lan Cheng‐Che , Chao Sheau‐Chiou , Yang Jen‐Hung , Yang Kuo‐Chia , Chen Ching‐Yu , White Ron R. , Psaradellis Eliofotisti , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Kawai Kosuke , Acosta Camilo J. , Sampalis John S.
Published: September 2014

Background

To assess the severity and duration of herpes zoster (HZ)‐associated pain (ZAP) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) and healthcare utilization (HCRU) from a patient perspective in routine care in Taiwan.

Methods

A prospective, observational, single‐cohort study was conducted in five centers across Taiwan. Patients were recruited at different time points during their HZ episode and were followed for ≤180 days. ZAP was assessed with the Initial Zoster Impact Questionnaire and the Zoster Brief Pain Inventory, QoL with the EQ‐5D, and HCRU with a simple questionnaire.

Results

A total of 150 patients were included with a mean age of 64.9 years and mean time since rash onset of 18.8 days. Prodromal pain was experienced by 64.7% of patients, of whom 91.8% reported moderate‐to‐severe pain. At enrollment, 98.0% of patients experienced ZAP. Mean ± SD worst pain score decreased from 5.95 ± 3.09 at enrollment to 2.65 ± 2.98 at 30 days and 0.28 ± 0.83 at 180 days. Postherpetic neuralgia was observed in 20.7% of patients. Mean ± SD EQ‐5D score significantly decreased (P < 0.001) from 0.91 ± 0.16 before rash onset to 0.67 ± 0.18 after rash onset, showing significant QoL deterioration up to 60 days. The impact of HZ on QoL and pain severity was similar across age groups. Significant HCRU was observed including visits to the doctor (83.3% of patients), specialist (30.7%), emergency department (24.7%), physiotherapist (23.3%), and hospitalizations (20.7%).

Conclusion

Severe morbidity and significant HCRU are associated with HZ in Taiwan, supporting the need for early intervention and preventive strategies to reduce the HZ‐associated burden of illness.
Giant melanocytic nevus with malignant melanoma: a rare disorder in a black African child
Authors: Katibi Oludolapo Sherifat , Ogunbiyi Adebola , Brown Biobele Jotham , Adeyemi Oyedeji Oladele
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) is rare in babies of African descent. Unfortunately, it has an increased potential for malignant transformation.

Report

A 3‐year‐old female child presented with a 6‐month history of multiple nodules on an existing giant congenital melanocytic nevus and swelling in the right axilla of four weeks duration. Skin biopsy of the nodular skin lesions was in keeping with a metastatic malignant melanoma (Clark stage 4). She completed a full course of chemotherapy but subsequently died four months after presentation.

Conclusion

Patients with large GCMN should be counseled and followed up appropriately to improve and prolong life.
Bathing suit ichthyosis caused by a TGM1 mutation in a Tunisian child
Authors: Benmously‐Mlika Rym , Zaouak Anissa , Mrad Ridha , Laaroussi Nadia , Abdelhak Sonia , Hovnanian Alain , Mokhtar Insaf
Published: September 2014

Background

Bathing suit ichthyosis (BSI) is an uncommon phenotype classified as a minor variant of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI).

Objectives

We report a case of BSI in a 3‐year‐old Tunisian girl with a novel mutation of the transglutaminase 1 gene (TGM1).

Case Report

This infant had been born with a collodion membrane encasing her entire body. From the age of three months, brownish scaling was noted on the bathing suit area. Histology showed orthohyperkeratosis with acanthosis of the epidermis. The granular layer was normal, and the superficial dermis was mildly inflammatory, confirming a diagnosis of proliferating ichthyosis. Molecular analysis in the patient and her parents revealed the mutation I304F of TGM1. Treatment with emollients and keratolytics partially improved the patient's skin condition.

Conclusions

Bathing suit ichthyosis is an uncommon phenotype unique in its topography, which involves the trunk but spares the face and extremities. Previous studies using molecular analysis have shown that BSI is caused mainly by mutations in TGM1. Twenty missense mutations have been reported in BSI. Of these 20 missense mutations, nine occurred only in patients with the BSI phenotype and 11 were common to BSI and other types of ARCI. Until recently, there has been no genotype‐phenotype correlation. Therefore, the same mutation of the transglutaminase 1 could result in either generalized ARCI or BSI. The present case demonstrates this phenotype in a White Tunisian patient with a novel mutation of TGM1 (I304F) not previously reported in BSI.
The efficacy of methotrexate plus pioglitazone vs. methotrexate alone in the management of patients with plaque‐type psoriasis: a single‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lajevardi Vahide , Hallaji Zahra , Daklan Soroush , Abedini Robabeh , Goodarzi Azadeh , Abdolreza Mona
Published: September 2014

Recently, thiazolidinediones have shown to be efficacious with a favorable safety profile when used in the treatment of chronic plaque‐type psoriasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of a combination of methotrexate plus pioglitazone and methotrexate alone in plaque‐type psoriasis. A total of 44 adult patients with plaque‐type psoriasis were included in the study. Patients were randomized to treatment with methotrexate alone (group A) or methotrexate plus pioglitazone (group B) for 16 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome measure was psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score change between the study groups at week 16 relative to baseline. The secondary efficacy outcome measure was dermatology life quality index (DLQI) score change between the two groups at week 16 relative to baseline. The PASI 75 score was also measured. After 16 weeks of therapy, the percentage of reduction in the mean PASI score was 70.3% in group B and 60.2% in group A. PASI 75 was achieved in 14 patients (63.6%) in group B compared with two patients (9.1%) in group A within 16 weeks, which was significant (P < 0.001). At 16 weeks from the baseline, a 63.6% decrease in the mean DLQI score of group B was seen, while the decrease for group A was 56.9%. Pioglitazone enhances the therapeutic effect of methotrexate in plaque‐type psoriasis, as demonstrated by a reduction in the mean PASI scores. In terms of DLQI, there was no extra benefit by the addition of pioglitazone to methotrexate therapy.
Effects of loratadine and cetirizine on serum levels of neuropeptides in patients with chronic urticaria
Authors: Başak Pinar Y. , Vural Huseyin , Kazanoglu Oya O. , Erturan Ijlal , Buyukbayram Halil I.
Published: September 2014

H1‐receptor inhibiting drugs, namely loratadine and cetirizine, were frequently used in treatment of chronic urticaria. Urticarial weal and flare reactions, a neurogenic reflex due to neuropeptides, were reported to be more effectively inhibited by cetirizine than loratadine. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effects of systemic loratadine and cetirizine treatments on serum levels of selected neuropeptides in chronic urticaria. Treatment groups of either systemic loratadine or cetirizine (10 mg/d), consisting of 16 and 22 patients, respectively, were included. Serum levels of stem cell factor (SCF), neuropeptide Y (NPY), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), nerve growth factor (NGF), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP) were detected before and after one week of treatment with antihistamines. Serum NPY and VIP levels were significantly decreased when compared before and after treatment with antihistamines (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). SCF and NGF values were also decreased after antihistamine treatment (P < 0.05). Post‐treatment levels of CGRP were significantly higher compared with pretreatment values, while no significant difference was detected between pre and post treatment levels of SP. Cetirizine was significantly more effective than loratadine on lowering serum levels of SCF among the other neuropeptides. Systemic loratadine and cetirizine treatments in patients with chronic urticaria precisely caused variations in serum levels of neuropeptides. The predominant effect of cetirizine compared to loratadine on reducing serum SCF levels might be explained with anti‐inflammatory properties of cetirizine.
Do suncreens protect us?
Authors: Maslin Douglas L.
Published: September 2014

Sunlight stimulates a multitude of important biological effects on skin, causing, amongst other pathological changes, photocarcinogenesis. Sunscreens are designed to provide protection against these harmful properties of ultraviolet radiation, and public health campaigns have been employed to encourage their use. Despite this, there has been a continued rise in the incidence and mortality of the most harmful skin cancer, malignant melanoma. This review article therefore looks at the role of ultraviolet radiation in causing skin cancer; summarizes the available evidence on both the beneficial and harmful effects of sunscreen use; and concludes with practical advice on how we might advise our patients to best protect themselves from photocarcinogenesis.
Keeping up with the times: revising the dermatology residency curriculum in the era of molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine
Authors: LaChance Avery , Murphy Michael J.
Published: September 2014

Background

The clinical use of molecular diagnostics, genomics, and personalized medicine is increasing and improving rapidly over time. However, medical education incorporating the practical application of these techniques is lagging behind. Although instruction in these areas should be expanded upon and improved at all levels of training, residency provides a concentrated period of time in which to hone in on skills that are practically applicable to a trainee's specialty of choice. Although residencies in some fields, such as pathology, have begun to incorporate practical molecular diagnostics training, this area remains a relative gap in dermatology residency programs.

Methods

Herein, we advocate for the incorporation of training in molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine into dermatology residency programs and propose a basic curriculum template for how to begin approaching these topics.

Results/Conclusions

By incorporating molecular diagnostics into dermatology residency training, dermatologists have the opportunity to lead the way and actively shape the specialty's transition into the era of personalized medicine.
“Pocket sandwich” dressing in auricular surgery
Authors: Schmidtberger Lindsey , El Tal Abdel Kader , MacFarlane Deborah F.
Published: September 2014

Background

The auricular dressing presents a challenge to medical staff and patients alike. The task is to dress the ear, which may include exposed cartilage, in a manner that provides protection but does not distort auricular anatomy.

Methods

Two lengths of adhesive tape are sandwiched over the posterior and anterior aspects of the ear to cover the defect in an occlusive manner, creating a “pocket sandwich”‐type dressing.

Results

This method results in a dressing that can be used to cover a post‐surgical defect on any part of the ear. It is inexpensive and easily reproducible by the patient.

Conclusions

The present dressing is non‐bulky, easy to perform, and encases the ear in a pocket of adhesive tape. Further advantages are that it avoids the auricular distortion that may occur with overly bulky dressings, provides an occlusive environment, is esthetically pleasing, and comfortably accommodates eyewear. We highly recommend its use for ear wound defects.
Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Ayhan Erhan , Ucmak Derya , Baykara Sule Nergiz , Akkurt Zeynep Meltem , Arica Mustafa
Published: September 2014

Background

Dermoscopy is a method to aid in the visualization of the epidermis and dermis. In recent years, the use of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of non‐melanocytic lesions such as those of leishmania cutis has increased.

Objectives

This study was intended to establish whether dermoscopic investigation has any diagnostic value in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).

Methods

Fifty‐five patients diagnosed with CL at the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Dicle University, between February and October 2012, were included in the study. Collectively, the patients exhibited a total of 127 lesions.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 25.7 ± 21.3 years (range: 4–86 years). Twenty‐three (41.8%) patients were male, and 32 (58.2%) were female. In dermoscopy, teardrop‐like structures were observed in 42.5% of the lesions. Vascular structures were detected in 115 (90.6%) lesions; no vascular structures were observed in 12 (9.4%) lesions. Branching, linear, comma‐like, and polymorphic vessels were seen more commonly in lesions on the face; pin‐point and hairpin‐like vessels were seen more commonly in lesions on the upper extremities.

Conclusions

When the findings obtained in this study were evaluated along with those reported in the literature, it became apparent that follicular plugs, also called “teardrop‐like structures”, seen on the face and neck may be a dermoscopic feature specific to CL. As hairpin‐like vessels seen in an asymmetric radial arrangement were often observed on parts of the body other than the face, further dermoscopic studies comparing the lesions of CL with other ulcerating lesions are necessary.