bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth of N2‐fixing African savanna Acacia species is constrained by below‐ground competition with grass
Authors: Cramer Michael D. , Van Cauter An , Bond William J. 
Published: November 2009

Summary 1. The coexistence of leguminous trees and C4 grasses in many African savannas forces competition between these two distinct plant life‐forms. The nature of tree–grass coexistence and the consequent competition for resources remains poorly understood. 2. We hypothesized that grass suppression of tree seedling growth was due to competition for N in plants not capable of fixing N2 and due to the costs of N2 fixation in those capable of nodulation. 3. Growth and N2 fixation of nodulating (Acacia karroo, Acacia nilotica, Acacia tortilis and Acacia nigrescens) and non‐nodulating (Acacia ataxacantha Acacia brevispica and Acacia schweinfurthii) Acacia spp. in response to soil characteristics and fertilizer variations in irrigated field experiments were compared. The extent of N2 fixation was determined from δ15N values. 4. Grass suppressed the growth of all species, but particularly of the non‐nodulating species. The N2‐fixing tree seedlings had high tissue N and high water‐use efficiencies (WUE, based on δ13C) relative to non‐nodulating legumes, making the N2‐fixing species strong competitors with C4 grasses, which have low tissue N contents and high WUE. The suppression of seedling growth by grass was smaller for plants grown in a soil with 66 mg kg−1 than in a soil with 9 mg kg−1 of Bray II P. The tissue N : P ratios (15.1) indicated that P‐limitation constrained growth of seedlings in soils with low Bray II P when grass was present, rather than the energetic costs of N2 fixation. 5.
Synthesis. In Acacia savannas and in the absence of water limitation, competition for N is the main constraint imposed by grass on growth of Acacia seedlings and that the ability to fix N2 overcomes this limitation. However, the growth of N2 fixing Acacias may be additionally limited by grass competition for P.
Hybridization dynamics of invasive cattail (Typhaceae) stands in the Western Great Lakes Region of North America: a molecular analysis
Authors: Travis Steven E. , Marburger Joy E. , Windels Steve , Kubátová Barbora 
Published: November 2009

Summary1. By increasing vigour and broadening ecological tolerances, hybridization between native and introduced species may serve as a primary driver of invasiveness.2. Cattails (Typha,Typhaceae) are clonal wetland graminoids that are known to hybridize where anthropogenic influences have resulted in distributional overlap.3. In order to gauge the relative performance of hybrid vs. pureTypha, we characterized hybridization and clonal growth where nativeTypha latifoliaand introducedTypha angustifoliaoccur together in the Western Great Lakes Region of North America.4. Based on microsatellite markers, we documented F1hybrids as the most common class at five intensively sampled sites, constituting up to 90% of the genets and 99% of the ramets. Backcrosses to one or the other parent constituted 5–38% of the genets. PureT. latifoliawas rare and never constituted more than 12% of the genets.5. F1hybrid genets achieved the highest mean ramet numbers at three sites, and were second in size only toT. angustifoliaat two sites; however, these differences were not significant based on site‐specific one‐wayanovas.6. F1hybrids exhibited little height advantage over otherTyphaclasses, although there was a general tendency for hybrids in relatively mixed stands to be among the tallest genets in shallow water, but among the shortest genets in deeper water.7. NativeT. latifoliawas found growing at the shallowest water depths at the only site where it was sufficiently abundant to be included in statistical comparisons.8. Synthesis. The role of hybridization in plant invasions can be difficult to confirm in the absence of molecular data, particularly for clonal species where the boundaries separating individuals are otherwise difficult to discern. Here, we used molecular markers to document the prevalence and performance of hybrid genets in five invasiveTyphastands covering a broad area of the Western Great Lakes Region. We found an extremely high prevalence of F1hybrids within mixedTyphastands. This, coupled with the typically larger sizes of hybrid genets, suggests that hybrids are capable of outperforming otherTyphaspp. and that hybridization has played an influential role in the North American cattail invasion.
A conserved primary salt tolerance mechanism mediated by HKT transporters: a mechanism for sodium exclusion and maintenance of high K+/Na+ ratio in leaves during salinity stress
Authors: HAUSER FELIX , HORIE TOMOAKI 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTIncreasing soil salinity is a serious threat to agricultural productions worldwide in the 21st century. Several essential Na+ transporters such as AtNHX1 and AtSOS1 function in Na+ tolerance under salinity stress in plants. Recently, evidence for a new primary salt tolerance mechanism has been reported, which is mediated by a class of HKT transporters both in dicots such as Arabidopsis and monocot crops such as rice and wheat. Here we present a review on vital physiological functions of HKT transporters including AtHKT1;1 and OsHKT1;5 in preventing shoot Na+ over‐accumulation by mediating Na+ exclusion from xylem vessels in the presence of a large amount of Na+ thereby protecting leaves from salinity stress. Findings of the HKT2 transporter sub‐family are also updated in this review. Subjects regarding function and regulation of HKT transporters, which need to be elucidated in future research, are discussed.
The EuroPrevall‐INCO surveys on the prevalence of food allergies in children from China, India and Russia: the study methodology
Authors: Wong G. W. K. , Mahesh P. A. , Ogorodova L. , Leung T. F. , Fedorova O. , Holla A. D. , Fernandez‐Rivas M. , Clare Mills E. N. , Kummeling I. , Van Ree R. , Yazdanbakhsh M. , Burney P. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Wong GWK, Mahesh PA, Ogorodova L, Leung TF, Fedorova O, Holla AD, Fernandez‐Rivas M, Clare Mills EN, Kummeling I, van Ree R, Yazdanbakhsh M, Burney P. The EuroPrevall‐INCO surveys on the prevalence of food allergies in children from China, India and Russia: the study methodology. Allergy 2010; 65: 385–390.AbstractBackground:  Very little is known regarding the global variations in the prevalence of food allergies. The EuroPrevall‐INCO project has been developed to evaluate the prevalence of food allergies in China, India and Russia using the standardized methodology of the EuroPrevall protocol used for studies in the European Union. The epidemiological surveys of the project were designed to estimate variations in the prevalence of food allergy and exposure to known or suspected risk factors for food allergy and to compare the data with different European countries.Methods:  Random samples of primary schoolchildren were recruited from urban and rural regions of China, Russia and India for screening to ascertain possible adverse reactions to foods. Cases and controls were then selected to answer a detailed questionnaire designed to evaluate the possible risk factors of food allergies. Objective evidence of sensitisation including skin‐prick test and serum specific IgE measurement was also collected.Results:  More than 37 000 children from the three participating countries have been screened. The response rates for the screening phase ranged from 83% to 95%. More than 3000 cases and controls were studied in the second phase of the study. Furthur confirmation of food allergies by double blind food challenge was conducted.Conclusions:  This will be the first comparative study of the epidemiology of food allergies in China, India, and Russia using the same standardized methodology. The findings of these surveys will complement the data obtained from Europe and provide insights into the development of food allergy.
Application of the Cropping System Model (CSM)‐CROPGRO‐Soybean for Determining Optimum Management Strategies for Soybean in Tropical Environments
Authors: Banterng P. , Hoogenboom G. , Patanothai A. , Singh P. , Wani S. P. , Pathak P. , Tongpoonpol S. , Atichart S. , Srihaban P. , Buranaviriyakul S. , Jintrawet A. , Nguyen T. C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe determination of optimum crop management practices for increasing soybean production can provide valuable information for strategic planning in the tropics. However, this process is time consuming and expensive. The use of a dynamic crop simulation model can be an alternative option to help estimate yield levels under various growing conditions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of the Cropping System Model (CSM)‐CROPGRO‐Soybean and to determine optimum management practices for soybean for growing conditions in the Phu Pha Man district, Thailand. Data from two soybean experiments that were conducted in 1991 at Chiang Mai University and in 2003 at Khon Kaen University were used to determine the cultivar coefficients for the cultivars CM 60 and SJ 5. The CSM‐CROPGRO‐Soybean model was evaluated with data from two experiments that were conducted at Chiang Mai University. The observed data sets from farmers’ fields located in the Phu Pha Man district were also used for model evaluation. Simulations for different management scenarios were conducted with soil property information for seven different soil series and historical weather data for the period 1972–2003 to predict the optimum crop management practices for soybean production in the Phu Pha Man district. The results of this study indicated that the cultivar coefficients of the two soybean cultivars resulted in simulated growth and development parameters that were in good agreement with almost all observed parameters. Model evaluation showed a good agreement between simulated and observed data for phenology and growth of soybean, and demonstrated the potential of the CSM‐CROPGRO‐Soybean model to simulate growth and yield for local environments, including farmers’ fields, in Thailand. The CSM‐CROPGRO‐Soybean simulations indicated that the optimum planting dates from June 15 to July 15 produced maximum soybean yield in a rainfed environment. However, the planting date December 15 produced the highest yield under quality irrigation. Soybean yield was slightly improved by applying nitrogen at a rate of 30 kg N ha−1 at planting. Soybean yield also improved when the plant density was increased from 20 to 40 plants m−2. The results from this study suggest that the CSM‐CROPGRO‐Soybean model can be a valuable tool in assisting with determining optimum management practices for soybean cropping systems in the Phu Pha Man district and might be applicable to other agricultural production areas in Thailand and southeast Asia.
Occurrence and Geographical Distribution of the ‘Torrado’ Disease in Spain
Authors: Alfaro‐Fernández Ana , Córdoba‐Sellés María Del Carmen , Juárez Miguel , Herrera‐Vásquez JoseÁngel , Sánchez‐Navarro JesúsÁngel , Cebrián María Del Carmen , Font María Isabel , Jordá Concepción 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn surveys to determine the occurrence and distribution of the ‘torrado’ disease (Tomato torrado virus, ToTV) in the main Spanish tomato growing areas from 2001 to 2008, a total of 584 samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were collected from 92 greenhouses. The tests showed that 451 plants from 85 greenhouses of different areas were infected with ToTV. The majority of the positive samples showed typical symptoms of the disease. However, plants showing different symptoms of necrosis and even asymptomatic plants were infected with the virus. Co‐infection of ToTV with Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) occurred in a large number of samples (60.5%), and several samples were infected with other tomato‐infecting viruses, including Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), Parietaria mottle virus (PMoV), Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Tomato apex necrosis virus (ToANV) was not detected in any of those samples with similar symptoms to those described for that virus. Additional tests revealed that (i) ToTV whitefly transmission is highly efficient and variety‐dependent in tomato plants, (ii) Datura stramonium is another solanaceous species susceptible to this virus and (iii) the tissue‐printing hybridization is a reliable technique which could facilitate the routine diagnosis and large‐scale analysis of ToTV.
Role of definitive radiotherapy in treating patients with inoperable Merkel cell carcinoma: The Westmead Hospital experience and a review of the literature
Authors: Koh Clare SL , Veness Michael J 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon aggressive primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma with a propensity to spread to regional lymph nodes and distant sites. The head and neck is the commonest site for presentation (50–60%) and recent evidence suggests patients treated with excision (to achieve a negative microscopic margin) and adjuvant wide‐field radiotherapy (RTx) have an improved survival compared with surgery alone. Surgery is often not possible in elderly patients with multiple co‐morbidities and in patients with advanced lesions. Definitive RTx therefore remains an option in these inoperable patients, with data to report its benefit. We report the results of eight patients with inoperable MCC treated with RTx alone between 1993 and 2007 at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia, and also review the relevant literature on definitive RTx in the treatment of MCC. The median age at diagnosis was 82.5 years in five women and three men. All patients were Caucasian and none were immunosuppressed. Seven of eight patients were clinically node‐positive. The mean duration of follow up was 12 months. A median dose of 50 Gy was prescribed. Seven of eight patients with inoperable MCC achieved in‐field control, with most eventually relapsing distantly. Treatment‐related toxicity was acceptable. In keeping with our results, other studies also report high rates of in‐field locoregional control following RTx alone. These findings highlight the radioresponsiveness of advanced MCC and support a recommendation of moderate‐dose RTx alone in select cases. Lower‐dose palliative dose fractionation schedules (e.g. 25 Gy in five fractions) may be considered in patients of very poor performance status.
Childhood ocular rosacea: Considerations for diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Hong Esther , Fischer Gayle 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTRosacea in children is not as well described as it is in adults. Ocular signs may be a dominant feature and some children with what has previously been called periorificial dermatitis may in fact have rosacea. We report three cases of paediatric ocular rosacea responding to prolonged treatment with oral erythromycin. Our cases demonstrate the close association of periorificial dermatitis with childhood rosacea, and highlight the importance of eye signs in its diagnostic criteria.
Chronic localized intravascular coagulation complicating multifocal venous malformations
Authors: Martin Linda K , Russell Susan , Wargon Orli 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTWe present two female children aged 7 years with extensive multifocal venous malformations complicated by chronic localized intravascular coagulation. In both cases ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive venous malformations involving the skin, mucous membranes and pharynx, which were not apparent on clinical examination. Haematological investigations demonstrated persistent elevation of the D‐dimer, consistent with chronic localized intravascular coagulation. The course of one patient was complicated by the development of multiple painful thromboses at distant sites following percutaneous sclerotherapy. Persistent elevation of the D‐dimer occurring in association with large venous and veno‐lymphatic malformations has been termed chronic localized intravascular coagulation, and is thought to occur due to thrombosis at sites of stagnant blood flow within venous malformations. It is of clinical concern due to the potential for transformation into serious thrombohaemorrhagic coagulation disorders, including disseminated intravascular coagulation. While previously described in association with large segmental venous malformations, these cases demonstrate the occurrence of chronic localized intravascular coagulation as a complication of disseminated multifocal venous malformations.
Diagnosis of type I cryoglobulinaemia made through identifying crystals in the blood smear
Authors: Shirato Kyoko , Reid Catherine , Ibbetson Jan S , Hissaria Pravin , Shireen Sidhu 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTWe report a case of type I cryoglobulinaemia in a 52‐year‐old man who presented with widespread cutaneous necrosis. The diagnosis could not be established early on, as repeated testing for cryoglobulin was negative despite a careful collection method. The diagnosis was made 1 year later, on an incidental full blood smear that revealed crystals, which is an uncommon way to diagnose this condition. We discuss the difficulties we faced in establishing the diagnosis and emphasise the need for repeat cryoglobulin testing in this clinical setting. In such cases, examination of a blood smear should be considered.
Rhinophyma: Carbon dioxide laser with computerized scanner is still an outstanding treatment
Authors: Lim Shueh‐Wei , Lim Shueh‐Wen , Bekhor Phillip 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe cosmetic deformity produced by rhinophyma is characterized by nodular hypertrophy of the nasal skin. A retrospective review and analysis of nine consecutive patients with moderate and major rhinophyma treated with scanned carbon dioxide laser was performed. A particular method of continuous scanner use is described. This report demonstrates excellent cosmetic results and no major postoperative complications or recurrence of the condition after 1 year of follow up for seven patients. Two more patients had been followed up for 1 month at the time this paper was written. Scanned carbon dioxide laser is safe and highly effective treatment for rhinophyma.
Trichilemmal cyst with homogeneous blue pigmentation on dermoscopy
Authors: Gencoglan Gulsum , Karaarslan Isil Kilinc , Akalin Taner , Ozdemir Fezal 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTA 61‐year‐old woman was referred to our dermoscopy unit for a pigmented lesion that had been present on her left arm for 8 years. The patient did not notice any enlargement or change in colour. On dermoscopy, homogeneous blue pigmentation was seen. The lesion was excised with the pre‐operative diagnosis of melanoma, blue naevus and dermatofibroma. Histopathological examination showed a trichilemmal cyst in the mid‐dermis. Although homogeneous blue pigmentation on dermoscopy is the hallmark of blue naevus, it may be seen in metastatic melanoma and exceptionally in hemosiderotic and cellular types of dermatofibroma. Trichilemmal cyst should be borne in mind also in the dermoscopic differential diagnosis.
The burden of influenza in children under 5 years admitted to the Children's Hospital at Westmead in the winter of 2006
Authors: Iskander Mary , Kesson Alison , Dwyer Dominic , Rost Laura , Pym Margaret , Wang Han , McCaskill Mary , Booy Robert 
Published: November 2009

Objective:  Active surveillance to determine influenza disease burden in children admitted to hospital with influenza‐like illness (ILI).Methods:  A prospective hospital‐based cohort study conducted June–October 2006 in children <5 years hospitalised at The Children's Hospital at Westmead with ILI (fever and respiratory symptoms). Influenza and other viral infections were diagnosed either by antigen detection using immunofluorescence or nucleic acid amplification testing of nasopharyngeal aspirates. Data were collected using researcher‐administered questionnaires. Main outcome measures include proportion of hospitalisations with influenza, vaccination and treatment, risk factors for influenza and associated medical and social burdens.Results:  Data on 275 children with ILI aged <5 years were analysed. Thirty‐one (11%) children with ILI had influenza (22 had influenza A and 9 had influenza B). Thirty‐five percent were under 6 months of age and 61% under 1 year. Twenty‐nine percent of children with influenza A were born prematurely. The mean duration of hospital stay for influenza was 2.8 days (95% confidence interval 2.1–3.4) and 26% had a lumbar puncture. Although 68% received intravenous antibiotics, only 3% (one case) was given an antiviral. Eighty‐four percent had visited their local doctor before admission and all came through the emergency department. On average, in one‐third (32%) of families of children with influenza a parent developed, ILI during admission or soon after hospital discharge resulted in an average of 3.2 days of work absenteeism. Only 3.5% (7/199) of children older than 6 months with ILI received any influenza vaccination.Conclusions:  Both the burden of influenza in childhood morbidity and its social impact are substantial. There is considerable room for improvement in both the prevention and early recognition (trigger treatment with antivirals) of influenza. Our data will inform decisions regarding the value of a universal influenza vaccine programme.
Risperidone in the treatment of mixed state bipolar patients: Results from a 24‐week, multicenter, open‐label study in Korea
Authors: Woo Young Sup , Bahk Won‐Myong , Jon Duk‐In , Chung Sang‐Keun , Lee Sang‐Yeol , Ahn Yong Min , Pae Chi‐Un , Cho Hyun‐Sang , Kim Jeong‐Gee , Hwang Tae‐Yeon , Lee Hong‐Seok , Min Kyung Joon , Lee Kyung‐Uk , Yoon Bo‐Hyun 
Published: November 2009

Aims:  The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of risperidone combined with mood stabilizers for treating bipolar mixed state.Methods:  The present study was a 24‐week, open‐label, combination, prospective investigation of the efficacy of risperidone in combination with mood stabilizers. Risperidone (1–6 mg/day) was given in combination with mood stabilizers in flexible doses according to clinical response and tolerability for 114 patients in mixed or manic episode.Results:  Forty‐four patients met our criteria for mixed state bipolar disorder and 70 met the criteria for pure mania. Mean age for the subjects was 39.0 ± 11.0 years and 55.3% were female. The combination of risperidone with mood stabilizers significantly improved the scores on the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), 17‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), 18‐item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS), and Clinical Global Impression Scale for use in bipolar illness Severity (CGI‐BP) at 24 weeks (P < 0.0001). Analysis of the YMRS, BPRS, GAS, and CGI‐BP scores showed significant improvement in both the manic and mixed groups. The rate of response in YMRS scores was 84.2% (n = 96) and the rate of YMRS remission was 77.2% (n = 88) at week 24 in the total population. Seventy‐four patients met both YMRS ≤ 12 and HAMD ≤ 7 at week 24 (64.9%). Risperidone was well tolerated, and adverse events were mostly mild.Conclusion:  The combination of risperidone with mood stabilizers was an effective and safe treatment for manic symptoms and coexisting depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder.