bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficiency of the CO2‐concentrating mechanism during single‐cell C4 photosynthesis
Authors: KING JENNY L. , EDWARDS GERALD E. , COUSINS ASAPH B. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe photosynthetic efficiency of the CO2‐concentrating mechanism in two forms of single‐cell C4 photosynthesis in the family Chenopodiaceae was characterized. The Bienertioid‐type single‐cell C4 uses peripheral and central cytoplasmic compartments (Bienertia sinuspersici), while the Borszczowioid single‐cell C4 uses distal and proximal compartments of the cell (Suaeda aralocaspica). C4 photosynthesis within a single‐cell raises questions about the efficiency of this type of CO2‐concentrating mechanism compared with the Kranz‐type. We used measurements of leaf CO2 isotope exchange (Δ13C) to compare the efficiency of the single‐cell and Kranz‐type forms of C4 photosynthesis under various temperature and light conditions. Comparisons were made between the single‐cell C4 and a sister Kranz form, S. eltonica[NAD malic enzyme (NAD ME) type], and with Flaveria bidentis[NADP malic enzyme (NADP‐ME) type with Kranz Atriplicoid anatomy]. There were similar levels of Δ13C discrimination and CO2 leakiness (ϕ) in the single‐cell species compared with the Kranz‐type. Increasing leaf temperature (25 to 30 °C) and light intensity caused a decrease in Δ13C and ϕ across all C4 types. Notably, B. sinuspersici had higher Δ13C and ϕ than S. aralocaspica under lower light. These results demonstrate that rates of photosynthesis and efficiency of the CO2‐concentrating mechanisms in single‐cell C4 plants are similar to those in Kranz‐type.
Postharvest temperature influences volatile lactone production via regulation of acyl‐CoA oxidases in peach fruit
Authors: XI WAN‐PENG , ZHANG BO , LIANG LI , SHEN JI‐YUAN , WEI WEN‐WEN , XU CHANG‐JIE , ALLAN ANDREW C. , FERGUSON IAN B. , CHEN KUN‐SONG 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe biosynthesis of volatile compounds in plants is affected by environmental conditions. Lactones are considered to be peach‐like aroma volatiles; however, no enzymes or genes associated with their biosynthesis have been characterized. White‐fleshed (cv. Hujingmilu) and yellow‐fleshed (cv. Jinxiu) melting peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) fruit were used as materials in two successive seasons and responses measured to four different temperature treatments. Five major lactones accumulated during postharvest peach fruit ripening at 20 °C. Peach fruit at 5 °C, which induces chilling injury (CI), had the lowest lactone content during subsequent shelf life after removal, while 0 °C and a low‐temperature conditioning (LTC) treatment alleviated development of CI and maintained significantly higher lactone contents. Expression of PpACX1 and activity of acyl‐CoA oxidase (ACX) with C16‐CoA tended to increase during postharvest ripening both at 20 °C and during shelf life after removal from cold storage when no CI was developed. There was a positive correlation between ACX and lactones in peach fruit postharvest. Changes in lactone production in response to temperatures are suggested to be a consequence of altered expression of PpACX1 and long‐chain ACX activity.
Publishing operational research from ‘real life’ programme data: a better form of accountability
Authors: Rujumba Joseph , Byamugisha Robert 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPublishing in peer‐reviewed journals especially from programme work remains very limited in low‐income countries, and several arguments have been advanced to change this situation. In this viewpoint, we propose an additional argument for publishing operational research from programmes as a better form of accountability. We urge in this article that for those involved in programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation including donors, if you do not publish articles from your programme or research project, you have not accounted well enough.
Adaptation of a Runyankore version of Skindex‐16 for oral administration in Mbarara, Uganda
Authors: Chua Ser Ling , Maurer Toby , Chren Mary‐Margaret 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  Health‐related quality of life instruments are typically developed and validated for use in developed countries by patients who can read and write. Little is known about the feasibility of using adaptations of validated instruments in situations where literacy rates are low.Objective  We aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and test an oral version of Skindex‐16 in Runyankore, the predominant language in Mbarara, Uganda, for use in dermatologic research.Methods  Skindex‐16 was forward‐ and back‐translated to Runyankore. The Runyankore version was administered orally to 47 dermatology patients and 47 random hospital visitors. Additional questions regarding duration, dyspigmentation, concealment status of the skin problem, and overall quality of life effect were also asked.Results  Oral delivery was feasible; ≤10 minutes per subject. High Cronbach α values (0.86, 0.88, and 0.85 for symptoms, emotions, and functioning subscales, respectively) demonstrated internal consistency reliability. As hypothesized, subjects with reported skin problems, dyspigmentation, and difficulty in concealment had higher mean Skindex scores. A total of 72.4% of responses to the open‐ended question were addressed in Skindex‐16, indicating content validity.Conclusion  The orally delivered Runyankore version of Skindex‐16 is reliable, with construct and content validity, and feasible for use in dermatology research in Mbarara, Uganda. Orally administered quality of life instruments have potential for use in low literacy groups worldwide.
Weekly vs. daily administration of oral methotrexate (MTX) for generalized plaque psoriasis: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Radmanesh Mohammad , Rafiei Behnam , Moosavi Zahra‐Beigum , Sina Niloofar 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMethotrexate (MTX) treatment for psoriasis is most often administered weekly, because the drug has been considered more hepatotoxic when taken daily. However, some patients may tolerate smaller, more frequent doses better.Objective To study the efficacy and toxicity of daily vs. weekly MTX.Patients and methods In a randomized controlled trial, 101 patients with generalized plaque psoriasis received oral MTX 2.5 mg daily for 6 days (Group 1), and another 101 patients received oral MTX 15 mg weekly (Group 2) in three divided doses (every 8 hours during a 24‐hour period). Patients were followed monthly for 4 months as research participants, then for 1 year as part of their routine care. Complete blood counts, liver function tests, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, urinalysis, and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores were determined pre‐treatment and at the following intervals after starting treatment: 2 weeks, 4 weeks and monthly for a total of 4 months. Changes in PASI scores were classified into three categories: >75% improvement was considered significant; 25–75% moderate; and <25% poor.Results Sixty Group 1 patients and 81 Group 2 patients showed a significant response (P‐value 0.001); 19 patients in Group 1 and 14 in Group 2 responded moderately; 22 patients in Group 1 and six patients from Group 2 responded poorly. Forty‐five patients in Group 1 and 33 in Group 2 developed transient increases in liver enzymes (P‐value 0.11). Nausea, headache, fatigue, and gastrointestinal upset were noted in four Group 1 patients and 30 Group 2 patients (P‐value 0.0001).Conclusion Nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatigue were significantly less common side effects in our patients who received MTX daily, but liver enzyme abnormalities were less common, and clinical efficacy was greater in the patients who received MTX weekly.
Hypomelanosis of Ito: pigmentary mosaicism with immature melanosome in keratinocytes
Authors: Devillers Céline , Quatresooz Pascale , Hermanns‐Lê Trinh , Szepetiuk Gregory , Lemaire Roland , Piérard‐Franchimont Claudine , Piérard Gérald E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  Hypomelanosis of Ito is a rare genetic disorder characterized by whorled areas of hypomelanosis. The purpose of the present study was to revisit some aspects of Ito’s hypomelanosis.Methods  Clinical observations included ultraviolet‐light‐enhanced visualization (ULEV) method. Histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy were performed on biopsy samples from the hypopigmented areas and the surrounding skin.Results  Both the ULEV and microscopic examinations revealed the heterogeneity of the pigmentation. Hypomelanosis was characterized by a reduction in melanosomes, both in melanocytes and keratinocytes. These organelles were immature and atypical, showing a weak tyrosinase immunoreactivity. Melanosome macroautophagy was prominent in keratinocytes. Some clusters of the same cells exhibited strong immunoreactivity for the Mac 387 antibody (Ca2+‐dependent calprotectin). Ulex europaeus agglutinin‐1 (UEA‐1) decorated the superficial layers of the epidermis. Such features are typically found in functionally altered keratinocytes. A number of dermal cells exhibited intense phagocytic activity linked to lysozyme immunoreactivity.Conclusions  Both the melanosome depletion and macroautophagy of immature melanosomes in keratinocytes appeared to represent prominent aspects of hypomelanosis of Ito. In sum, Ito’s hypomelanosis combines structural and functional changes affecting both the melanocytes and keratinocytes in the skin.
Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau: evolution of treatment options
Authors: Sehgal Virendra N. , Verma Prashant , Sharma Sonal , Srivastava Govind , Aggarwal Ashok K. , Rasool Farhan , Chatterjee Kingsuk 
Published: September 2011

AbstractEver since its inception, acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau, has been recognized as an uncommon clinical entity which has been sparingly reported from across the globe. The attempt to have cumulative information on prevalent nomenclature, definition, reminiscences, and clinical overtures has brought differential diagnosis and diagnosis in sharp focus, the highlights of which are outlined. Hence, it was considered important to review the evolution of treatment options available thus far including use of biologics.
Successful long‐term treatment with the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist icatibant in a patient with hereditary angioedema
Authors: Greve Jens , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Schuler Patrick , Lang Stephan , Chaker Adam , Bas Murat 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder caused by a C1‐esterase inhibitor (C1‐INH) deficiency (type 1) or qualitative defect (type 2). It is characterized by recurrent subcutaneous or submucosal edema attacks in various organs with a frequency from a few attacks to over one hundred attacks per year.Methods  We report on the treatment of 141 attacks in a patient with hereditary angioedema with the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist icatibant.Results  During the entire observation period, efficacy of icatibant was maintained and not altered due to repeated administrations. No systemic or cardiovascular side affects were observed.Conclusions  In the present case, icatibant proved to be an effective and safe drug for the symptomatic treatment of acute HAE attacks. Its efficacy was not impaired by repeated administrations over a three‐year period in this patient.
Validity of the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire in Polish children
Authors: Stelmach Iwona , Podlecka Daniela , Majak Paweł , Jerzyńska Joanna , Stelmach Rafał , Janas Anna , Krakowiak Jan , Stelmach Włodzimierz 
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Stelmach I, Podlecka D, Majak P, Jerzyńska J, Stelmach R, Janas A, Krakowiak J, Stelmach W. Validity of the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire in Polish children. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 660–666.AbstractBackground:  Although the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) was translated for use in Polish asthmatic children, it is necessary to confirm that its validity, reliability, and the accuracy of the responses are not influenced by culture difference. Therefore, the objective of this study was to validate the Polish version of the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire.Methods:  This was a 9‐week period cohort study. The patients were interviewed using the PAQLQ on four occasions: at baseline, 1 wk after inclusion, and after 5 and 9 wk. At each clinic visit, lung functions test and NO measurements were performed. Asthma control (according to GINA) was assessed throughout the study.Results:  One hundred and one patients completed the study. At all visits, moderate correlations (from r = −0.51 to −0.68) between all PAQLQ domains and the asthma diary were observed. We noticed a significant improvement in the understanding of the questions during the last visit compared to baseline. The gradient of correlation coefficients between the symptoms domain of PAQLQ and asthma diary was observed across study visits. The standards of reliability defined by Cronbach’s α‐coefficient (from 0.75 to 0.91) were fulfilled in all domains of the questionnaire, at all visits. We found a higher increase in PAQLQ score in patients who obtained asthma control compared to those who lost control during the study. There was no relation between PAQLQ and FeNO. At all visits, moderate correlations (from r = −0.51 to −0.68) were shown between all PAQLQ domains and the asthma diary.Conclusions:  We showed that Polish version of PAQLQ is valid and reliable among our study group. Moreover, as far as clinical practice is concerned, PAQLQ seems to be a useful tool for monitoring asthma in children especially based on the physician’s grading of asthma severity according to GINA guidelines.
Development and validation of a nighttime sleep diary in asthmatic children
Authors: Yoshihara Shigemi , Kanno Noriko , Fukuda Hironobu , Yamada Yumi , Fukuda Norimasa , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Arisaka Osamu 
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Yoshihara S, Kanno N, Fukuda H, Yamada Y, Fukuda N, Tsuchiya T, Arisaka O. Development and validation of a nighttime sleep diary in asthmatic children. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 667–670.AbstractThe aim of this study was to derive a shorter version of the asthma diary, ‘a nighttime sleep diary’ from the traditional asthma diary (original version). The nighttime sleep diary mainly consisted of nighttime awakening that met the criteria of validity and practicality necessary for monitoring clinical control in infants and young children with asthma symptoms. Validation of the diary was performed in a 6‐week prospective study of 40 children aged 6 months to 6 years treated with nebulized budesonide inhalation suspension or cromolyn sodium nebulized solution. The nighttime awakening score was significantly and positively associated with the nighttime asthma symptom score and daytime asthma symptom score along with the number of days with a cough. Therefore, the nighttime sleep diary is a simple and useful instrument to monitor day‐to‐day fluctuations in young children with asthma.
Pediatric allergy and immunology in Spain
Authors: Nieto Antonio , Mazon Angel , Martin‐Mateos Maria Anunciacion , Plaza Ana‐Maria , Garde Jesus , Alonso Elena , Martorell Antonio , Boquete Manuel , Lorente Felix , Ibero Marcel , Bone Javier , Pamies Rafael , Garcia Juan Miguel , Echeverria Luis , Nevot Santiago , Martinez‐Cañavate Ana , Fernandez‐Benitez Margarita , Garcia‐Marcos Luis 
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Nieto A, Mazon A, Martin‐Mateos MA, Plaza A‐M, Garde J, Alonso E, Martorell A, Boquete M, Lorente F, Ibero M, Bone J, Pamies R, Garcia JM, Echeverria L, Nevot S, Martinez‐Cañavate A, Fernandez‐Benitez M, Garcia‐Marcos L. Pediatric allergy and immunology in Spain. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 742–750.AbstractThe data of the ISAAC project in Spain show a prevalence of childhood asthma ranging from 7.1% to 15.3%, with regional differences; a higher prevalence, 22.6% to 35.8%, is described for rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis is found in 4.1% to 7.6% of children. The prevalence of food allergy is 3%. All children in Spain have the right to be visited in the National Health System. The medical care at the primary level is provided by pediatricians, who have obtained their titles through a 4‐yr medical residency training program. The education on pediatric allergy during that period is not compulsory and thus very variable. There are currently 112 certified European pediatric allergists in Spain, who have obtained the accreditation of the European Union of Medical Specialist for proven skills and experience in pediatric allergy. Future specialists in pediatric allergy should obtain their titles through a specific education program to be developed in one of the four accredited training units on pediatric allergy, after obtaining the title on pediatrics. The Spanish Society of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology (SEICAP) gathers over 350 pediatric allergists and pediatricians working in this field. SEICAP has a growing activity including yearly congresses, continued education courses, elaboration of technical clinical documents and protocols, education of patients, and collaboration with other scientific societies and associations of patients. The official journal of SEICAP is Allergologia et Immunophatologia, published every 2 months since 1972. The web site of SEICAP, http://www.seicap.es, open since 2004, offers information for professionals and extensive information on pediatric allergic and immunologic disorders for the lay public; the web site is receiving 750 daily visits during 2011. The pediatric allergy units are very active in clinical work, procedures as immunotherapy or induction of oral tolerance in food allergy, contribution to scientific literature, and collaboration in international projects.
Pre‐ and post‐release quality of sterile Ceratitis capitata males released by an improved automated ground release machine
Authors: Bjeliš M. , Radunić D. , Bulić P. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA prototype of an improved automated ground release machine was assessed and found, with further improvements, to have the potential to be a promising tool for the release of quality sterile Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) flies in small‐ and medium‐scale SIT control programmes. The following quality parameters of sterile flies were assessed: (i) flight ability, (ii) physical damage caused by the ground release machine, (iii) survival under stress conditions without food and water and (iv) water condensation on flies, after 0.5 and 2 h under the automatically controlled abiotic conditions of 16 ± 0.8°C and ∼58% relative humidity. A total number of seven different treatments, five involving flies held inside the ground release machine and two control treatments of chilled and non‐chilled flies not held inside the ground release machine, were evaluated to assess sterile male quality. Flight ability was as high as 97% in the control treatment (no ground release), compared with the lowest value of 92.5% when a 1‐m‐long screw‐auger, as part of the ground release machine, was tested. Use of a 1‐m‐long screw‐auger significantly increased the percentage of damaged flies up to 7.2%, compared with ≤1.7% in the control treatments. It is confirmed that the length of the screw‐auger is the most important factor affecting quality of the released flies in the ground release system tested. Also, interaction of duration of time inside the machine, screw‐auger rotation and the effect of the directional discharge blower significantly increases the percentage of damaged flies. Evaluation of sterile fly survival under stress conditions, without food and water, confirms that movement or handling of the flies inside the ground release machine drastically decreases percentage of live insects from ≤ 4.5% after 24 h and 0.0% after 48 h, compared with 18.67–21.67% after 24 h and 3.50–5.83% after 48 h in the control treatments. The most important factors affecting sterile fly quality, such as condensation, compaction and damage, from moving mechanical parts are demonstrated to be minimized or eliminated by making adaptations to the ground release machine construction.
Hybrid carrot seed crop pollination by the fly Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Howlett B. G. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMany insect species can contribute to crop pollination; however, most growers remain highly dependent on the managed honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) for this service. The European Blue Blow Fly Calliphora vicina Robineau‐Desvoidy, 1830 is one species with potential use as a pollinator. It occurs worldwide and is easy to rear. Caged trials conducted within a hybrid carrot (Daucus carota L.) seed crop found C. vicina to be an effective pollinator. Seed yield (number and weight) from field‐grown carrot plants caged with C. vicina, but excluding all other large flower visitors (body width > 3 mm), was similar to seed yield from uncaged plants in the presence of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) and other insects. In contrast, caged plants without C. vicina produced 10‐fold less seed. Under open field conditions, C. vicina spent an average of 71.0 s per umbel compared to 54.4 s for honey bees; however, under caged conditions, C. vicina spent more time on average per umbel (128.9 s). Counts of C. vicina and honey bees on umbels outside of cages and C. vicina inside cages found that honey bees were most abundant on days with maximum temperature > 25°C, while C. vicina was more abundant on cooler days around 20°C. C. vicina may therefore be a useful pollinator of crops grown in isolation cages for plant breeding purposes as well as in open fields when climatic conditions are less favourable for optimal honey bee activity.
Influence of methoprene and dietary protein on maturation and sexual performance of sterile Anastrepha ludens (Diptera:Tephritidae)
Authors: Pereira R. , Teal P. E. A. , Conway H. , Worley J. , Sivinski J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe success of the sterile insect technique (SIT) requires the release of males that can compete with wild males. Elevated juvenile hormone (JH) levels and hydrolysed yeast‐enriched adult diets improve the sexual attractiveness and competitiveness of sterile male Anastrepha ludens (Loew; Mexican fruit fly), used in large‐scale SIT programmes in Mexico and Texas. We applied methoprene (a JH analogue) to A. ludens using two methods, topically on individual sterile adults and mass‐ immersion of pupae after irradiation. Hydrolysed yeast was either used dry or in agar blocks. Laboratory and field cage experiments were conducted to compare male maturation and sexual performance when males exposed to four different treatments competed for females: (M+P+) application of methoprene and sugar plus hydrolysed yeast as adult food; (M+P−) application of methoprene and sugar only as adult food; (M−P+) no application of methoprene and sugar plus hydrolysed yeast as adult food; and (M−P−) no application of methoprene and sugar only as adult food. Methoprene and hydrolysed yeast accelerated the male sexual maturation from 9 to 5 days after the emergence. Combined application of methoprene and hydrolysed yeast had a significant effect on increased male sexual performance in both laboratory and field cage tests. Methoprene application also accelerates female maturation, although less than in males. The substantial improvements in male sexual performance and sexual maturation that can be obtained by incorporating the use of JH analogue and hydrolysed protein, and the development of techniques for their practical application on a large scale, can contribute to a more cost‐effective deployment of sterile male Mexican fruit flies in SIT programmes.