bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum zinc and copper status in Iranian patients with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Yazdanpanah Mohammad Javad , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Taji Alireza , Javidi Zari , Pezeshkpoor Fakhrozaman , Tavallaie Shima , Momenzadeh Akram , Esmaili Habibollah , Shojaie‐Noori Saber , Khoddami Mohsen , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground The role of nutritional factors including trace elements has been reported in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases.Objective Regarding the relatively high prevalence of pemphigus vulgaris in Iran, we investigated the serum levels of zinc and copper as two important trace elements, together with the oxidative stress status in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.Materials and methods This case‐control study was performed on 25 patients with newly diagnosed pemphigus vulgaris and 25 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects. Serum concentrations of zinc, copper, ceruloplasmin as well as copper/zinc ratio were determined for each subject. Oxidative stress was also measured using a novel assay of peroxidant‐antioxidant balance (PAB).Results Mean serum concentrations of zinc and copper as well as copper/zinc ratio were significantly lower in patients (mean age: 47.2 ± 16.2 years; male/female: 14/11) compared with the controls (mean age: 47.3 ± 12.8 years; male/female: 14/11;P < 0.001). In contrast, PAB values were significantly elevated in patients compared with controls (P < 0.01). No significant difference in serum ceruloplasmin concentrations was observed between the groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion Our findings indicate that low serum zinc and copper and increased oxidative stress may be associated with pemphigus vulgaris.
Treatment of imported New World cutaneous leishmaniasis in Germany
Authors: Harms Gundel , Scherbaum Helmut , Reiter‐Owona Ingrid , Stich August , Richter Joachim 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a parasitic disease which represents a public health problem, particularly in Central and South America, has become a leading condition in travelers who return from tropical countries with skin disorders. Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, the most common causative agent, requires systemic treatment because it is potentially able to disseminate and to cause mucosal or mucocutaneous disease. Although several drugs are available for the systemic treatment of leishmaniases, a definitive treatment regimen for infection caused by species of the Viannia subgenus has yet to be established in many countries, including Germany.Methods We analyzed treatment outcomes in 23 returnees from Central and South America who were diagnosed with L. (V.) braziliensis CL by polymerase chain reaction.Results Complete cure within one month following treatment was observed in 18 patients (78%). Cure was achieved with liposomal amphotericin B in 11 of 13 patients, miltefosine in five of eight patients, and meglumine antimoniate in two (of two) patients. Of the five patients (22%) who failed to respond to initial therapy, four were cured with meglumine antimoniate and one with liposomal amphotericin B.Conclusions In this outcome evaluation of treatment of imported L. (V.) braziliensis infections, liposomal amphotericin B, miltefosine, and meglumine antimoniate proved to be effective. Conventional meglumine antimoniate showed high efficacy as a first‐line treatment and cured lesions that failed to respond to the other two drugs. A multi‐country study using standardized treatment protocols is needed to establish a definitive regimen.
Presence of Borrelia burgdorferi“Sensu Lato” in patients with morphea from the Amazonic region in Brazil
Authors: Santos Mônica , Ribeiro‐Rodrigues Rodrigo , Talhari Carolina , Ferreira Luiz C. L. , Zelger Bernhard , Talhari Sinesio 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  In the present study, Borrelia spirochetes were found in four (26,6%) out of 15 patients with Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini (IAPP) and lichen sclerosis et atrophicans (LSA) from the Brazilian Amazon Region.Material and methods  Borreliosis was investigated by immunohistochemistry and focus floating microscopy for Borrelia burgdorferi in skin biopsy samples from 15 patients with both clinical and histopathology evidences compatible with Morphea, LSA, and IAPP.Results  Spirochetes were detected by specific immunohistochemistry and focus floating microscopy for B. burgdorferi in samples from three patients. A limitation of our study was the fact that we were not able to isolate and culture these organisms.Conclusion  Our data confirm the presence of borreliosis cases in the Amazon.
Prophylactic use of zoledronic acid to prevent early bone loss is safe and feasible in patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ganguly Siddhartha , Divine Clint L. , Aljitawi Omar S. , Abhyankar Sunil , McGuirk Joseph P. , Graves Leland 
Published: October 2011

Ganguly S, Divine CL, Aljitawi OS, Abhyankar S, McGuirk JP, Graves L. Prophylactic use of zoledronic acid to prevent early bone loss is safe and feasible in patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01527.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Osteopenia and osteoporosis are well‐known consequences of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT). The role of prophylactic zoledronic acid on bone turnover following allo‐SCT has not been well characterized. We prospectively studied the role of prophylactic use of zoledronic acid on bone metabolism in 17 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing allo‐SCT over a period of three yr (2006–2009). We measured bone mineral density using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning and the markers of bone turnover by urinary N‐terminal telopeptide (uNTX) and serum osteocalcin levels prior to and serially following transplantation. All patients received 4 mg of zoledronic acid (Zometa, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., Basel, Switzerland) intravenously prior to starting conditioning regimen and at six months after SCT. DXA scores did not change significantly in any patient over time (p > 0.05). uNTX progressively decreased over time (p < 0.001) and serum osteocalcin stabilized after six months. No patient developed osteonecrosis of the jaw. In conclusion, in this prospective pilot study, prophylactic use of zoledronic acid to prevent early bone loss was found to be safe and feasible in patients with AML undergoing allo‐SCT during the immediate post‐transplantation period.
Phengite geochronology of crystalline schists in the Sakuma–Tenryu district, central Japan
Authors: NUONG NGUYEN DIEU , THANH NGO XUAN , GOUZU CHITARO , ITAYA TETSUMARU 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe Sakuma–Tenryu district consists mainly of pelitic and basic schists. Its metamorphic sequence has been divided into two units, the Shirakura and the Sejiri units. We carried out K–Ar analyses of phengite separates and X‐ray diffraction analyses of carbonaceous materials from the pelitic schists of both units. The age–d002 relationships show that the ages become older (66–73 Ma) in the Shirakura unit and younger (57–48 Ma) in the latter with increasing metamorphic temperature. The former has a positive relationship observed in the Sanbagawa meta‐Accretionary Complex (meta‐AC) (Sanbagawa metamorphic belt sensu stricto) in central Shikoku and the latter, a negative one in the Shimanto meta‐AC (a subunit of traditional Sanbagawa belt) of the Kanto Mountains. These contrasting age–temperature relationships are due to different tectonic styles relating to the exhumation of the metamorphic sequences. The duration from the peak metamorphism to the closure of the phengite K–Ar system was significantly different between the two metamorphic sequences: longer than 31 my in the Sanbagawa meta‐AC and shorter than 13 my in the Shimanto meta‐AC. The different natures of subducted plate boundaries may cause the different exhumation processes of metamorphic belts.
Fluid inclusion microthermometry for P–T constraints on normal displacement along the Median Tectonic Line in Northern Besshi area, Southwest Japan
Authors: FUKUNARI TETSUZO , WALLIS SIMON R. , TSUNOGAE TOSHIAKI 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe Median Tectonic Line (MTL) is a first‐order tectonic boundary that separates the Sanbagawa and Ryoke metamorphic belts. Documented large‐scale top‐to‐the‐north normal displacements along this fault zone have the potential to contribute to the exhumation of the Sanbagawa high‐pressure metamorphic belt. Fluid inclusion analyses of vein material formed associated with secondary faults within the Sanbagawa belt affected by movement on the MTL show normal movement was initially induced under temperatures greater than around 250°C. Microstructures of quartz and K‐feldspar comprising the vein material suggest a deformation temperature of around 300°C, supporting the results of fluid inclusion analyses and suggesting deformation at depths of around 10 km. The retrograde P–T path of the Sanbagawa metamorphic rocks and the estimated isochore of the fluid inclusions do not intersect. The semi‐ductile structures of surrounding rocks and lack of evidence for hydrothermal metamorphism around the veins imply the temperature of the rocks was similar to that of the fluid. These observations suggest fluid pressure of the veins was lower than lithostatic pressure close to the MTL.
The use of non‐invasive ventilation for the relief of dyspnoea in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; a systematic review
Authors: SMITH TRACY A. , DAVIDSON PATRICIA M. , LAM LAWRENCE T. , JENKINS CHRISTINE R. , INGHAM JANE M. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) improves outcomes in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD); however, the efficacy in relieving dyspnoea is uncertain. The objective of this systematic review was to identify, synthesize and interpret the data regarding the relief of dyspnoea afforded by NIV in patients admitted with acute respiratory failure occurring during AECOPD.Methods:  Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing usual medical care (UMC) to UMC plus NIV and reporting dyspnoea as a patient‐reported outcome were identified by searching relevant databases and manual searching. The full text of potentially relevant articles was retrieved. Data describing the impact of NIV on dyspnoea was extracted.Results:  Four RCTs met the review criteria. One found NIV did not relieve dyspnoea. The other three RCTs reported NIV relieving dyspnoea. The degree of dyspnoea relief was clinically significant in two of these three studies. However, in all but one RCT, methodological or reporting limitations constrain the confidence that can be had in this conclusion.Conclusions:  Limited data exist to determine if NIV relieves subjective dyspnoea in AECOPD. Due to limitations in these studies, it is not possible to definitively conclude if NIV relieves dyspnoea. Standardized reporting and analysis of patient reported outcomes will facilitate objective comparisons of interventions with respect to symptom relief. Future studies involving NIV should routinely incorporate patient reported outcomes in order to answer the important clinical question: ‘Does NIV relieve dyspnoea?’
Effects of oxygen on exertional dyspnoea and exercise performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: MIKI KEISUKE , MAEKURA RYOJI , HIRAGA TORU , KITADA SEIGO , MIKI MARI , YOSHIMURA KENJI , TATEISHI YOSHITAKA 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The results of studies on the oxygen response in patients with COPD should provide important clues to the pathophysiology of exertional dyspnoea. We investigated the exercise responses to hyperoxia in relation to dyspnoea profile, as well as cardiopulmonary, acidotic and sympathetic parameters in 35 patients with stable COPD (mean FEV1 46% predicted).Methods:  This was a single‐blind trial, in which patients breathed 24% O2 or compressed air (CA) in random order during two incremental cycle exercise tests.Results:  PaO2 and PaCO2 were higher (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05, respectively) at each exercise point while patients were breathing 24% O2 compared with CA. At a standardized time point near peak exercise, use of O2 resulted in reduced plasma lactate and plasma noradrenaline concentrations (P < 0.01). Peak minute ventilation/indirect maximum voluntary ventilation was similar while breathing 24% O2 and CA. At peak exercise, the dyspnoea score, pH and plasma noradrenaline concentrations were similar while breathing 24% O2 and CA. The dyspnoea—ratio (%) of Δoxygen uptake (peak minus resting oxygen uptake) curve reached a break point that occurred at a similar exercise point while breathing 24% O2 or CA.Conclusions:  Regardless of whether they breathed CA or 24% O2, patients with COPD did not develop ventilatory compensation for exertional acidosis, and the pH values measured were similar. Hyperoxia during a standardized exercise protocol did not alter the pattern of exertional dyspnoea in these patients, compared with breathing CA, although hyperoxia resulted in miscellaneous effects.
The revenge of time: fungal deterioration of cultural heritage with particular reference to books, paper and parchment
Authors: Sterflinger Katja , Pinzari Flavia 
Published: October 2011

SummaryHyphomycetous fungi – so called ‘mould’– are the most important agents of biodeterioration in museums, museums' storage rooms, in libraries, collections and restoration studios. Fungi are able to live at low water activities, they are perfectly adapted to indoor environments and thrive in microclimatic niches caused by condensation, lack of ventilation or water retention by hygroscopic materials. Fungi spoil valuable pieces of art aesthetically, mechanically, chemically and by degradation of organic components. Historical material made of paper and oil paintings with high amounts of organic binders are especially susceptible to fungal deterioration. In order to prevent fungal contamination or to treat already contaminated objects an integrated approach including climate control, material‐specific cleaning and application of carefully selected biocides is necessary.
Single‐cell analysis reveals a novel uncultivated magnetotactic bacterium within the candidate division OP3
Authors: Kolinko Sebastian , Jogler Christian , Katzmann Emanuel , Wanner Gerhard , Peplies Jörg , Schüler Dirk 
Published: October 2011

SummaryMagnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are a diverse group of prokaryotes that orient along magnetic fields using membrane‐coated magnetic nanocrystals of magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4), the magnetosomes. Previous phylogenetic analysis of MTB has been limited to few cultivated species and most abundant members of natural populations, which were assigned toProteobacteriaand theNitrospiraephyla. Here, we describe a single cell‐based approach that allowed the targeted phylogenetic and ultrastructural analysis of the magnetotactic bacterium SKK‐01, which was low abundant in sediments of Lake Chiemsee. Morphologically conspicuous single cells of SKK‐01 were micromanipulated from magnetically collected multi‐species MTB populations, which was followed by whole genome amplification and ultrastructural analysis of sorted cells. Besides intracellular sulphur inclusions, the large ovoid cells of SKK‐01 harbour ∼175 bullet‐shaped magnetosomes arranged in multiple chains that consist of magnetite as revealed by TEM and EDX analysis. Sequence analysis of 16 and 23S rRNA genes from amplified genomic DNA as well as fluorescencein situhybridization assigned SKK‐01 to the candidate division OP3, which so far lacks any cultivated representatives. SKK‐01 represents the first morphotype that can be assigned to the OP3 group as well as the first magnetotactic member of the PVC superphylum.
Methanogenesis facilitated by electric syntrophy via (semi)conductive iron‐oxide minerals
Authors: Kato Souichiro , Hashimoto Kazuhito , Watanabe Kazuya 
Published: October 2011

SummaryMethanogenesis is an essential part of the global carbon cycle and a key bioprocess for sustainable energy. Methanogenesis from organic matter is accomplished by syntrophic interactions among different species of microbes, in which interspecies electron transfer (IET) via diffusive carriers (e.g. hydrogen and formate) is known to be the bottleneck step. We report herein that the supplementation of soil microbes with (semi)conductive iron‐oxide minerals creates unique interspecies interactions and facilitates methanogenesis. Methanogenic microbes were enriched from rice paddy field soil with either acetate or ethanol as a substrate in the absence or presence of (semi)conductive iron oxides (haematite or magnetite). We found that the supplementation with either of these iron oxides resulted in the acceleration of methanogenesis in terms of lag time and production rate, while the supplementation with an insulative iron oxide (ferrihydrite) did not. Clone‐library analyses of 16S rRNA gene fragments PCR‐amplified from the enrichment cultures revealed that the iron‐oxide supplementation stimulated the growth of Geobacter spp. Furthermore, the addition of a specific inhibitor for methanogenesis suppressed the growth of Geobacter spp. These results suggest that Geobacter grew under syntrophic association with methanogens, and IET could occur via electric currents through (semi)conductive iron‐oxide minerals (termed ‘electric syntrophy’). Given the ubiquity of conductive minerals in nature, such energetic interactions may occur widely in soil and sediments and can be used to develop efficient bioenergy processes.
Gender differences in iridocorneal angle morphology: a potential explanation for the female predisposition to primary angle closure glaucoma in dogs
Authors: Tsai Susan , Bentley Ellison , Miller Paul E. , Gomes Filipe E. , Vangyi Chang , Wiese Anne , Almazan Alexandra , Li Huajiang , Conforti Paul , Lee Susan S. , Robinson Michael R. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjective Female dogs have approximately twice the risk of males for developing primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). The cause of this gender difference is unknown, but one theory proposes that the gender differences in iridocorneal angle morphology are involved in this risk differential.Procedures Fifty beagles (25 males, 25 females) were included into this study and had normal baseline ophthalmic examinations. Normal dogs were selected so as to avoid any potentially confounding influence of goniodysgenesis. Standardized 20‐MHz high‐resolution ultrasound images of the iridocorneal angle were acquired from one eye of each dog with the scan plane perpendicular to the limbus in the superior temporal quadrant. Images were imported into ImageJ, and the angle opening distance (AOD) and angle recess area (ARA) were measured by a masked observer, and the analysis of variance method was used to compare differences.Results The mean (±SD) AOD was significantly smaller for female dogs (0.847 ± 0.241 mm) vs. male dogs (1.058 ± 0.322 mm)P‐value = 0.012. The mean (±SD) ARA tended to be smaller for female dogs (0.584 ± 0.278 mm) vs. male dogs (0.748 ± 0.385 mm), but this difference was not significant (P‐value = 0.092).Conclusions Female dogs have a significantly smaller AOD vs. males. This difference may render the female iridocorneal angle more susceptible to closure and may partially explain the 2:1 female/male predisposition to PACG. Further studies using goniodysgenic dogs are warranted.
Integrative inventory of Bolivia’s lowland anurans reveals hidden diversity
Authors: Jansen Martin , Bloch Rebecca , Schulze Arne , Pfenninger Markus 
Published: October 2011

Jansen, M., Bloch, R., Schulze, A. & Pfenninger, M. (2011). Integrative inventory of Bolivia’s lowland anurans reveals hidden diversity. —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 567–583.We conducted an integrative species inventory and re‐evaluated the taxonomic status of anuran populations from lowland Bolivia that we putatively ordered to 59 a priori species. The analyses of own and published data of mtDNA (16S), bioacoustics, and adult and tadpole morphology, however, revealed a total number of 69 divergent lineages. With the data at hand, the taxonomic assignment of only 27 from 69 lineages (39.1%) to nominal species was supported, the assignment of nine lineages (14.5% of 69) was attributed to incertae sedis, and another 33 divergent lineages (47.8%) could not yet be assigned to any species. Of those lineages, 16 were confirmed as divergent to other species by at least two of the following lines of evidence: high genetic divergence, strong differences in advertisement calls, morphology or ecology. These ‘confirmed genealogical lineages’ are suggested to belong to good species following standards of divergence of the group under study, many of them probably being candidates for formal descriptions. Another 17 lineages were considered as ‘unconfirmed genealogical lineages’ showing significant difference to all other described species only in one line of evidence. Within 6 of our 69 revealed lineages, we detected deep conspecific lineages. Some species in this study showed remarkable intraspecific call variation not congruent with genetic divergence. Our results suggest that many Bolivian anuran species that are assigned to supposedly ‘widespread’ South American species apparently belong to previously unrecognized lineages with supposedly smaller distribution areas. Our data on a regional scale urge for an integrative taxonomic review of these and other widespread lowland Neotropical anuran species, as many of them may actually represent species complexes. However, a complete inventory of Neotropical amphibians apparently is a far more complex challenge than previously thought, and only cooperative, supraregional and cross‐country approaches will reveal the actual amphibian diversity in the Neotropics. We postulate that Bolivia’s lowlands can be assessed as a region joining distinct regional faunal diversity and thus deserve reinforced conservation and research efforts to fulfil its unique situation as climatic and biogeographic transition zone.
Climate Change and Uneven Development*
Authors: Bretschger Lucas , Valente Simone 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn this paper, using a theoretical model with endogenous capital depreciation, we study the effects of climate change and adaptation on long‐run development. We show that climate change affects economic growth depending on climate exposure and adaptation efficiency, which are asymmetric between different countries. Poor countries are likely to be hurt more, because of the negative effects of climate change on the rate of depreciation of the assets that represent the engine of growth. These asymmetries generally induce growth deficits and unsustainability traps in less‐developed economies.
Rural Citizens' Rights to Accessible Health Services: An Exploration
Authors: Farmer Jane , Nimegeer Amy , Farrington John H. , Rodger Gaener 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRural citizens protest about changes in their model of local health services provision, appealing to a concept of social justice for equivalence of accessibility to services. This article explores the areas where citizens perceive deficits in social justice regarding services and the extent to which their appeals might have support in law and government guidance. The article explores how asymmetric philosophies of resource allocation and interpretations of inclusion in decision‐making process may underlie protest and concludes that, while policy rhetoric ignores constraints on citizen roles and choices in service design, protest will continue, as it is a manifestation of rural citizens' frustration.