bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Holocene carbon burial by lakes in SW Greenland
Authors: ANDERSON N. J. , D'ANDREA W. , FRITZ S. C. 
Published: April 2009

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

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

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

AbstractBackground  Little account has been taken of quality of life (QoL) among family carers of adults with an intellectual disability (ID) and family carers of adults with a mental illness (MI), particularly the female ageing carers' perceived stigma. We explore whether there are differences in the significant predictors of female ageing family carers' QoL between family carers of adults with ID and family carers of adults with MI and aim to examine the effect of these differences in stigma on carer QoL between the two groups.Methods  A structural survey interview was administered to 350 female family carers supporting persons with ID and 66 female carers supporting persons with MI; the carers were aged 55 years and older, and the interviews were carried between July 2006 and April 2007 at the carers' homes in a county in Taiwan. The survey package contained standardised scales to measure the carer's stigma, social support, QoL and health as well as adult and carer socio‐demographic data.Results  The results highlight that in both groups the ageing female family carers' health and social support were strongly associated with the level of their QoL even though there was also a strong effect of carers' perceived stigma on their QoL. Contrary to previous findings, ageing female family carers of adults with MI had a higher level of QoL compared with the carers of adults with ID. Hierarchical regressions show a stronger effect of perceived stigma on the carer QoL among the family carers of adults with MI than among the carers of adults with ID.Conclusions  This study suggests that attempts to improve these female older family carers' health and social support must include their lifelong unmet needs in terms of how to cope with the perceived stigma associated with their position.
Identification of genes involved in the assembly and attachment of a novel flagellin N‐linked tetrasaccharide important for motility in the archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: VanDyke David J. , Wu John , Logan Susan M. , Kelly John F. , Mizuno Shino , Aizawa Shin‐Ichi , Jarrell Ken F. 
Published: April 2009

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

SummaryThe nikkomycin‐producing strain Streptomyces ansochromogenes has a homologue (adpA‐L) of the key pleiotropic Streptomyces regulatory gene adpA. Gene disruption and genetic complementation revealed that adpA‐L was required for both nikkomycin biosynthesis and morphological differentiation. Transcriptional analysis suggested that the transcription of sanG, the specific activator gene for nikkomycin biosynthesis, was dependent on AdpA‐L. In gel‐shift and DNase 1 footprinting assays, the purified His6‐tagged recombinant AdpA‐L protein bound the upstream region of sanG at five sites, which are spread over more than one kilobase of DNA and most of which is inside the transcribed region. A consensus AdpA‐L‐binding sequence, 5′‐TGGCNNVWHN‐3′ (V: C, A or G; W: A or T; H: A, T or C; N: any nucleotide) was found in these binding sites. Transcriptional analysis of sanG carrying mutated AdpA‐L binding sites showed that transcription of sanG was eliminated when site I was mutated and its trascription was decreased when site V was mutated, whereas it was increased when the binding sites II, III or IV were mutated. Meanwhile, nikkomycin production of the mutated site III strain was enhanced comparing with the wild‐type strain as control. This work highlights a new level of complexity in the regulation of nikkomycin biosynthesis.
Accretion of juvenile crust at the Early Palaeozoic Antarctic margin of Gondwana: geochemical and geochronological evidence from granulite xenoliths
Authors: Gemelli M. , Rocchi S. , Di Vincenzo G. , Petrelli M. 
Published: April 2009

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

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

AbstractBackground  Community‐based studies of acne vulgaris conducted in many parts of the world show that it is very common in adolescents but little is known from Africa.Methods  In a cross‐sectional study, 539 randomly selected students aged 11–19 years in a secondary school in Kaduna, Nigeria were administered a questionnaire to assess self‐report of acne, its severity and impact; beliefs and perceptions of causes, and treatments used. 418 students were later examined to detect and grade acne severity.Results  274 (50.8%) were male while 265 (49.2%) were female. Mean age for respondents was 16 years. 320 students (59.4%) self‐reported acne. Of 418 students examined, 379 had acne giving a prevalence of 90.7%. There was no significant gender difference in prevalence at all ages of adolescence. Prevalence of acne increased with age (76.7% at age 10–13 years; 88.2% at age 14–16 years; 97.1% at age 17–19 years). 353 of 379 (93.1%) had mild acne while 26 of 379 (6.9%) had moderate acne. The severity of acne was similar in boys and girls. 47.7% of students reported feeling “very sad/unhappy” about their acne although in more than 70% of those who self‐reported, this did not interfere with relationship with family, friends or school work. Diet was the commonest factor believed to cause acne. Cleansing agents were the most commonly used treatments.Conclusions  Acne vulgaris is very common in Nigerian adolescents, although it is mild acne in most.
Therapeutic evaluation of UVB‐targeted phototherapy in vitiligo that affects less than 10% of the body surface area*
Authors: Welsh Oliverio , Herz‐Ruelas M. E. , Gómez Minerva , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground  Current treatments for vitiligo include different therapeutic modalities, such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators, pseudocatalase, skin grafts, diverse types of phototherapy [ultraviolet B (UVB), psoralen plus UVA (PUVA), narrow‐band UVB (NB‐UVB)], and, recently, targeted phototherapy. After a literature search, we found only two studies using different targeted broad‐band UVB units for the treatment of vitiligo.Objective  To evaluate the repigmentation response induced with broad‐band, UVB‐targeted phototherapy used as monotherapy in patients with vitiligo affecting less than 10% of the skin surface.Methods  Twelve patients were recruited for treatment with 30 sessions of UVB‐targeted phototherapy administered twice weekly. The assessment of repigmentation was made from a comparison of baseline photographs with those after 30 sessions by two independent investigators. Morphometric analysis was performed using a computer program.Results  Repigmentation with an average of 66.25% was obtained on lesions of the face, and of 31.5% on the neck, trunk, and genitalia. On the extremities, there was no repigmentation. Itching, a burning sensation, erythema, desquamation, and transitory hyperpigmentation were observed in some patients. Minimal blistering and ulceration were observed in one patient.Conclusion  Targeted UVB phototherapy seems to be effective for the repigmentation of vitiligo in lesions located on the face, to a lesser degree on the trunk, and with no response in acral lesions; there were minimal adverse effects that did not require discontinuation of treatment.
Metastatic basal cell carcinoma to the bone and bone marrow
Authors: Elghissassi Ibrahim , Mikou Asmaa , Inrhaoun Hanane , Ennouhi Amine , Gamra Lamiae , Errihani Hassan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground  Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common carcinoma in the community, but the incidence of metastatic events is exceedingly low. The few reported cases most often appear in regional nodes or the lungs, and patients usually exhibit multiple concurrent organs of spread at the time of diagnosis.Methods  We report a case of primary BCC located on the left forehead of a 48‐year‐old man, which metastasized exclusively to the bone and bone marrow, associated with hematologic disorders. A short review of the literature is included.Results  Pathologic examination of the tumor located on the left forehead showed BCC. The patient underwent two surgical excisions because of local recurrence. Three years later, the patient developed a bicytopenia (anemia and thrombocytopenia). The bone marrow biopsy revealed metastasis of BCC. There were no abnormal findings in the other routine laboratory tests and radiologic investigations, except for the bone scan which showed multifocal skeletal metastases. The patient received two cycles of chemotherapy with cisplatin 75 mg/m2 before he died as a result of hemorrhagic complications and progressive disease.Conclusion  Metastasis of BCC is a very rare condition that should not be overlooked. The prognosis remains very poor. We emphasize the importance of long‐term follow‐up of such patients.
Management of tolerance induction in patients with suspected penicillin allergy – a case study
Authors: Wessbecher Robert , Stangl Sabine 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground In some diseases penicillin is the treatment of choice. Case studies have shown a good response for the treatment of circumscribed scleroderma or scleroderma adultorum of Buschke. A suspected allergy to penicillin in a patient's history may limit this helpful therapy option. Allergy testing is often inconclusive. If indicated, tolerance induction leading to therapy with penicillin can be carried out.Patients and Methods We present two patients with circumscribed sclerosis and scleredema Buschke, who had a suspected allergy to penicillin. Due to limited therapy options and in insufficient response to other therapeutics, the decision for a tolerance induction with penicillin was made. Penicillin was successfully administered by following a scheme of tolerance induction starting with oral doses and ending with high doses of intravenous penicillin G.Results In both cases, penicillin G, administered over a period of three weeks, was well tolerated up to the high dose of 3 × 10 Mega IU/day. Substantial clinical improvement was achieved in all cases without any complications.Conclusion This case study demonstrates that a suspected allergy to penicillin does not preclude an eventual treatment with this valuable drug. Allergy testing should routinely be carried out first. If suspicion of an allergy persists, tolerance induction can be attempted according to the new scheme described here. Starting with a careful, initial oral dose regimen, treatment can be continued with an increasing intravenous dose followed by maintenance therapy with high‐dose penicillin G. It should be clear that this policy is only restricted for patients who are at risk for a hypersensitivity to penicillin, i.e., because of a clinical manifested incompatibility in the past.
Phenol application to angiosarcomas: implications and histologic studies
Authors: Kaminaka Chikako , Yamamoto Yuki , Yonei Nozomi , Furukawa Fukumi 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground  Cutaneous angiosarcoma (AS) is an aggressive endothelial sarcoma that arises in elderly people. Effective treatment options are limited. Phenol application has been reported to be effective and economical.Aims  To evaluate the efficacy of phenol application for the treatment of AS, and to examine the histologic changes in three cases of cutaneous AS with phenol application.Methods  After phenol application, biopsy specimens were collected from three patients with cutaneous AS. Paraffin‐embedded sections of the skin specimens were then stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The detection of apoptosis was performed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate‐digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method, and the depth of TUNEL‐positive cell staining was examined.Results  Phenol treatment induced a strong degeneration of tumor cells and endothelial cells in the dermis, when compared with nontreated areas. Positive staining of tumor cells and/or endothelial cells by the TUNEL method was found in phenol‐treated lesions, but not in nontreated lesions. The injurious effects on these tumor cells persisted for as long as 6 h after phenol application.Conclusion  From a comparison of noninvasive therapy with standard surgical therapy, it is obvious that phenol peeling has several advantages with regard to the ease of the procedure, time efficiency, no need for special equipment, low therapeutic costs, good pain control, and post‐treatment follow‐up. This study suggests that phenol application can be a supportive treatment for AS.
The effects of selected probiotic strains on the development of eczema (the PandA study)
Authors: Niers L. , Martín R. , Rijkers G. , Sengers F. , Timmerman H. , Van Uden N. , Smidt H. , Kimpen J. , Hoekstra M. 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Modification of the intestinal microbiota by administration of probiotic bacteria may be a potential approach to prevent allergic disease. We aimed to study primary prevention of allergic disease in high‐risk children by pre‐ and postnatal supplementation of selected probiotic bacteria.Methods:  In a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, a mixture of probiotic bacteria selected by in‐vitro experiments (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactococcus lactis; Ecologic® Panda) was prenatally administered to mothers of high‐risk children (i.e. positive family history of allergic disease) and to their offspring for the first 12 months of life.Results:  Parental‐reported eczema during the first 3 months of life was significantly lower in the intervention group compared with placebo, 6/50 vs 15/52 (P = 0.035). After 3 months, the incidence of eczema was similar in both groups. Cumulative incidence of parental‐reported eczema at 1 and 2 years was 23/50 (intervention) vs 31/48 (placebo) and 27 (intervention) vs 34 (placebo), respectively. The number needed to treat was 5.9 at age 3 and 12 months and 6.7 at age 2 years. The intervention group was significantly more frequently colonized with higher numbers of Lc. lactis. Furthermore, at age 3 months, in vitro production of IL‐5 (146 pg/ml vs 72 pg/ml; P = 0.04) was decreased in the probiotic‐group compared with the placebo‐group.Conclusions:  This particular combination of probiotic bacteria shows a preventive effect on the incidence of eczema in high‐risk children, which seems to be sustained during the first 2 years of life. In addition to previous studies, the preventive effect appears to be established within the first 3 months of life.