bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effective population size dynamics reveal impacts of historic climatic events and recent anthropogenic pressure in African elephants
Authors: OKELLO J. B. A. , WITTEMYER G. , RASMUSSEN H. B. , ARCTANDER P. , NYAKAANA S. , DOUGLAS‐HAMILTON I. , SIEGISMUND H. R. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTwo hundred years of elephant hunting for ivory, peaking in 1970–1980s, caused local extirpations and massive population declines across Africa. The resulting genetic impacts on surviving populations have not been studied, despite the importance of understanding the evolutionary repercussions of such human‐mediated events on this keystone species. Using Bayesian coalescent‐based genetic methods to evaluate time‐specific changes in effective population size, we analysed genetic variation in 20 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci from 400 elephants inhabiting the greater Samburu‐Laikipia region of northern Kenya. This area experienced a decline of between 80% and 90% in the last few decades when ivory harvesting was rampant. The most significant change in effective population size, however, occurred approximately 2500 years ago during a mid–Holocene period of climatic drying in tropical Africa. Contrary to expectations, detailed analyses of four contemporary age‐based cohorts showed that the peak poaching epidemic in the 1970s caused detectable temporary genetic impacts, with genetic diversity rebounding as juveniles surviving the poaching era became reproductively mature. This study demonstrates the importance of climatic history in shaping the distribution and genetic history of a keystone species and highlights the utility of coalescent‐based demographic approaches in unravelling ancestral demographic events despite a lack of ancient samples. Unique insights into the genetic signature of mid‐Holocene climatic change in Africa and effects of recent poaching pressure on elephants are discussed.
Damage and degradation rates of extracellular DNA in marine sediments: implications for the preservation of gene sequences
Authors: CORINALDESI C. , BEOLCHINI F. , DELL’ANNO A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe extracellular DNA pool in marine sediments is the largest reservoir of DNA of the world oceans and it potentially represents an archive of genetic information and gene sequences involved in natural transformation processes. However, no information is at present available for the gene sequences contained in the extracellular DNA and for the factors that influence their preservation. In the present study, we investigated the depurination and degradation rates of extracellular DNA in a variety of marine sediment samples characterized by different ages (up to 10 000 years) and environmental conditions according to the presence, abundance and diversity of prokaryotic gene sequences. We provide evidence that depurination of extracellular DNA in these sediments depends upon the different environmental factors that act synergistically and proceeds at much slower rates than those theoretically predicted or estimated for terrestrial ecosystems. These findings suggest that depurination in marine sediments is not the main process that limits extracellular DNA survival. Conversely, DNase activities were high suggesting a more relevant role of biologically driven processes. Amplifiable prokaryotic 16S rDNA sequences were present in most benthic systems analysed, independent of depurination and degradation rates and of the ages of the sediment samples. Additional molecular analyses revealed that the extracellular DNA pool is characterized by relatively low‐copy numbers of prokaryotic 16S rDNA sequences that are highly diversified. Overall, our results suggest that the extracellular DNA pool in marine sediments represents a repository of genetic information, which can be used for improving our understanding of the biodiversity, functioning and evolution of ecosystems over different timescales.
Comparison of essential and non‐essential element distribution in leaves of the Cd/Zn hyperaccumulator Thlaspi praecox as revealed by micro‐PIXE
Authors: VOGEL‐MIKUŠ KATARINA , SIMČIČ JURE , PELICON PRIMOŽ , BUDNAR MILOŠ , KUMP PETER , NEČEMER MARIJAN , MESJASZ‐PRZYBYŁOWICZ JOLANTA , PRZYBYŁOWICZ WOJCIECH J. , REGVAR MARJANA 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTA detailed localization of elements in leaf tissues of the field‐collected Cd/Zn hyperaccumulator Thlaspi praecox (Brassicaceae) growing at a highly metal‐polluted site was determined by micro‐proton‐induced X‐ray emission (micro‐PIXE) in order to reveal and compare nutrient and non‐essential element accumulation patterns in the case of multiple metal accumulation within particular leaf tissues, including the detailed distribution between apoplast and symplast regions. On the larger scans, the highest concentrations of metals were observed in the epidermis, S and Ca in the palisade mesophyll, Cl in the spongy mesophyll and vascular bundles, and P and K in the vascular bundles. On the more detailed scans, the highest Cd, Pb, Cl and K concentrations were observed in vascular bundle collenchyma. The relative element distribution (%) was calculated based on concentrations of elements in particular leaf tissues and their relative weight portions, indicating that most of the accumulated Zn was located in epidermises, while the majority of Cd and Pb was distributed within the mesophyll. Detailed scans of epidermal/mesophyll tissues revealed that Zn was mainly accumulated and detoxified in the symplast of large vacuolated epidermal cells, Cd in the mesophyll symplast, and Pb in the mesophyll symplast and apoplast.
Rabson–Mendenhall syndrome
Authors: Parveen Bashir ahamed , Sindhuja Ramasamy 
Published: July 2008

Rabson mendenhall syndrome is a rare autosomally recessive inherited insulin resistant disorder. This is characterized by growth retardation, dysmorphisms, lack of subcutaneous fat, acanthosis nigricans, enlarged genitalia hypertrichosis, premature and dysplastic dentition, coarse facial features, paradoxical fasting hypoglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia, extreme hyperinsulinemia, protracted course, and eventual development of ketoacidosis.We report a male patient with all the features of Rabson‐Mendenhall syndrome from our institute.
Onset and duration of action of topical antihistamine: a study of histamine skin test response
Authors: Suswardana, MD  , Danarti Retno , Rosmelia, MD  , Waskito Fajar , Indrastuti Niken 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Most patients who require skin prick testing cannot deal with their pruritus without taking antihistamines (AH). Orally administered AH has a quick onset of action, but it will suppress skin test responses (STR) from several days to weeks. In this study, we aimed to determine the onset and duration of action of single topical AH application by observing histamine‐STR suppression over time.Methods  A two‐step, randomized, intraindividual parallel‐comparative, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted on the volar side of the forearm. Step 1 was aimed to determine the onset, while step 2 determined the duration of action. The topical AH tested was a single application of 5% doxepin hydrochloride cream, while 10 mg/ml histamine dihydrochloride was used to test the skin responses.Results  Our 10 subjects’ mean age was 35.8 ± 3.179 years. Histamine wheal response was suppressed starting on minute 90 and the wheal width were back to ≥ 7 mm2 on minute 270. Significant histamine reactivity difference between genders (P = 0.201) and atopic status (P = 1.000), which could be a source of bias in histamine STR, was not found among our subjects.Conclusion  Single application of topical AH has an onset of action in 90 min and duration of action < 180 min. Because of its short duration of action, topical AH can be used in a patient who needs AH but is scheduled to undergo skin prick testing after a few hours, without influencing the patient's STR.
Serum levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐12 and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 in patients with psoriasis treated by the Goeckerman regimen
Authors: Borska Lenka , Andrys Ctirad , Krejsek Jan , Hamakova Kvetoslava , Kremlacek Jan , Ettler Karel , Fiala Zdenek 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  The Goeckerman regimen (GR) involves the dermal application of a crude coal tar (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, PAH) and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Both PAH and UV radiation exhibit immunosuppressive activity. This study describes the changes in the serum levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 in patients with psoriasis (n = 55) treated with GR.Methods  The serum levels of IL‐12 and IL‐10 were compared before and after GR. In addition, the IL‐12 and IL‐10 levels in psoriatic patients were compared with those in a control group of healthy blood donors (n = 47). The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was used to evaluate the efficacy of GR.Results  When compared with the control group, both IL‐12 and IL‐10 were significantly higher in psoriatic patients in all cases (P < 0.001). When compared before and after GR, the IL‐12 and IL‐10 levels (P < 0.01) and PASI value (P < 0.001) were significantly lower after GR. The decrease in the serum level of IL‐12 and IL‐10 after GR was related to the entry value before GR (IL‐12, r = 0.60, P < 0.001; IL‐10, r = 0.36, P < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between the IL‐10 level before GR and the PASI value after GR (r = –0.39; P < 0.01).Conclusions  The results indicate a strong pro‐inflammatory effect of IL‐12 in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis, and confirm the immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory effect of GR. IL‐10 seems to be a promising individual marker for a positive effect of GR therapy.
Dermoscopic findings in frontal fibrosing alopecia: report of four cases
Authors: Inui Shigeki , Nakajima Takeshi , Shono Fumie , Itami Satoshi 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is characterized by frontotemporal hair recession and eyebrow loss and by a histopathology identical to lichen planopilaris. Differential diagnosis from other types of alopecia, including alopecia areata (AA), is necessary in some cases.Objective  To describe dermoscopic findings of FFA and to investigate the possibility of utilizing dermoscopy as a diagnostic tool for FFA.Methods  Four cases of FFA diagnosed by clinical and/or histological findings were examined by dermoscopy.Results  The loss of orifices, perifollicular erythema or scale was seen in all the four cases (4/4), in three cases (3/4) or in two cases (2/4), respectively. None of the cases showed yellow dots characteristic of AA. Immunohistochemistry showed T lymphocyte infiltration into the infundibulum and isthmus.Conclusion  Dermoscopy is a helpful diagnostic tool for FFA especially to distinguish it from AA.
Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate‐irritated skin
Authors: Huang Huey‐Chun , Chang Tsong‐Min 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Stratum corneum intercellular lipids, such as ceramides, play an important role in the regulation of skin water barrier homeostasis and water‐holding capacity.Aim  To evaluate the potential water retention capacity of control emulsion and three oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsions containing ceramide 1, ceramide 3, or both.Methods  Fifteen healthy Asian women (age, 20–30 years) with healthy skin, pretreated with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), applied the tested emulsions twice daily over a period of 28 days. Skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values were measured on the indicated days with a Corneometer®825 and a TEWAMETER TM210, respectively.Results  The maximum increase in skin humidity was reached after 4 weeks, with values of 21.9 ± 1.8% and 8.9 ± 0.9% for emulsion C and control emulsion, respectively. The maximum decrease in TEWL was also reached after 4 weeks, with values of 36.7 ± 4.7% and 5.1 ± 0.8% for the same emulsions.Conclusions  It can be concluded that all the tested ceramide‐containing emulsions improved skin barrier function when compared with untreated skin. There was some indication that ceramides 1 and 3 contained in emulsion C might exert a beneficial synergistic effect on skin biochemical properties, such as skin hydration and TEWL, and play a key role in the protection mechanism against SLS irritation.
Xanthelasma palpebrarum and its relation to atherosclerotic risk factors and lipoprotein (a)
Authors: Özdöl Sevil , Şahin Sedef , Tokgözoğlu Lale 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectives  To investigate the association between xanthelasma, atherosclerotic risk factors, and lipoprotein (Lp) (a), and to determine whether xanthelasma may be a cutaneous marker for atherosclerosis.Methods  One hundred consecutive patients with xanthelasma and 100 age‐ and sex‐matched patients without xanthelasma, seen during the same time period (controls), were included in this study. The prevalence of cardiac risk factors, the rates of atherosclerotic disease, Framingham risk scores, and Lp (a) levels were compared between the patient groups.Results  Hyperlipidemia was found to be significantly more common in patients with xanthelasma (P = 0.001); however, the rate of clinically overt cardiovascular disease and future cardiovascular risk, assessed by the Framingham risk score, were similar between the groups. No significant difference was observed in serum Lp (a) levels between the groups.Conclusions  In patients with xanthelasma, no increase was observed in the rate or risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, no relationship was found between Lp (a) levels and xanthelasma.
The diagnosis of two cases of cutaneous ulcer caused by infection with Mycobacterium haemophilum: direct identification in a clinical sample by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction endonuclease analysis
Authors: Da Mata Omaira , Pérez Alfonzo Ricardo , Natera Ivelisse , Del Carmen Sucre Rosibel , Bello Teresita , De Waard Jacobus H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Mycobacterium haemophilum was first recovered from subcutaneous lesions of a patient with Hodgkin's disease. Because of its special growth requirements (it grows at 30–32 °C and requires iron‐supplemented medium), the organism cannot be isolated using routine culture techniques for other mycobacteria. Only a few developed countries have reported infection with this mycobacterium. We report the first two cases diagnosed in Venezuela.Methods  The diagnosis of the first case was established using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐restriction endonuclease analysis of the gene encoding the 65‐kDa heat shock protein (hsp65) for the direct identification of M. haemophilum in a clinical specimen in which bacilli were observed on acid‐fast smear, but growth was not detected by standard culture procedures.Results  After recognizing this bacterium as a possible cause of infection in our setting, clinical samples of cutaneous lesions were routinely cultured on blood agar at 30 °C for at least 6 weeks, which resulted in the diagnosis of the second case.Conclusions  Dermatologists should consider this bacterium in immunocompromised patients with cutaneous ulcerating lesions. Material from the lesions can be screened for mycobacteria using an acid‐fast stain and, if acid‐fast bacilli are seen, PCR analysis of mycobacterial hsp65 can be an effective tool for early diagnosis. Appropriate culture methods are required for bacteriologic confirmation of infection with M. haemophilum.
Existence of an immunoglobulin G component of naturally occurring HLA class I antibodies that are not directed against self‐antigens in human serum
Authors: Zhou B. , Saito S. , Nakazawa Y. , Kobayashi N. , Matsuda M. , Matsumoto Y. , Hosoyama T. , Koike K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe compared the frequency of immunoglobulin G (IgG) type of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antibodies between patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy controls using a highly sensitive FlowPRA method. Sixteen of 130 normal healthy males and 2 of 10 normal females without a history of pregnancy (none had ever been transfused) possessed HLA class I antibodies. In SLE, male, but not female patients, showed a significant increase in the frequency of the antibodies compared with the corresponding controls. The antibodies did not appear to be involved in the development of SLE because of no substantial relationship to the incidence of cytopenia or SLE disease activity index score. Each individual had 1–31 types of HLA class I antibodies. Interestingly, HLA class I antibodies did not correspond to the individual’s own HLA antigens. Eight of 32 types of HLA class I antigens detected were rare in the Japanese population. These results suggest that an IgG component of naturally occurring HLA class I antibodies exists in human serum and that these antibodies are not antibodies against self‐antigens.
The T244I variant of the interleukin‐7 receptor‐alpha gene and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Alcina A. , Fedetz M. , Ndagire D. , Fernández O. , Leyva L. , Guerrero M. , Arnal C. , Delgado C. , Matesanz F. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSeveral but not all studies have provided evidence for the association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the T244I variant of the interleukin‐7 receptor‐alpha gene (IL7RA), rs6897932. We performed a new replication case–control study in 599 MS patients and 594 healthy controls, all Caucasians from the south of Spain. The genotype and allele frequencies differed between MS cases and controls. The IL7RA rs6897932 C allele and the CC genotype were found to be factors for disease susceptibility [per allele odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% CI 1.1–1.6, P = 0.0031; per CC genotype vs TT + TC genotypes, OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.18–1.87, P = 0.0007]. The combined data analysis included 3324 cases and 5032 controls of Europeans and Americans of European origin resulting in stronger association with similar OR (P = 1.9 × 10E−9). These findings in our sample support previous reported association studies between IL7RA rs6897932 and MS.
Evaluation of the class II region of the major histocompatibility complex of the greyhound with the genomic matching technique and sequence‐based typing
Authors: Fliegner R. A. , Holloway S. A. , Lester S. , McLure C. A. , Dawkins R. L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe class II region of the major histocompatibility complex was evaluated in 25 greyhounds by sequence‐based typing and the genomic matching technique (GMT). Two new DLA‐DRB1 alleles were identified. Twenty‐four dogs carried the DLA‐DRB1*01201/DQA1*00401/DQB1*01303/DQB1*01701 haplotype, which carries two DQB1 alleles. One haplotype was identified from which DQB1 and DQA1 appeared to be deleted. The GMT enabled detection of DQB1 copy number, discrimination of the different class II haplotypes and the identification of new, possibly biologically relevant polymorphisms.
Expression and regulation of non‐classical HLA‐G in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Dunker K. , Schlaf G. , Bukur J. , Altermann W. W. , Handke D. , Seliger B. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractUnder physiological conditions, the non‐classical major histocompatibility complex class Ib molecule human leukocyte antigen G (HLA‐G) is selectively expressed in placental trophoblasts, thymus and cornea. In pathological situations, HLA‐G expression was frequently found in tumour cells of distinct origin, thereby allowing these tumour cells to escape immune surveillance. Although HLA‐G expression occurs at a relatively high frequency in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of the clear cell subtype, the molecular mechanisms of its aberrant expression in RCC has not yet been determined. Therefore, the constitutive and cytokine‐mediated HLA‐G expression as well as its mode of regulation was investigated. In addition to HLA‐G‐specific mRNA expression, membrane‐bound and soluble/shed HLA‐G protein was determined. Eight of 14 RCC cell lines analysed (57%) exhibited HLA‐G‐specific transcripts, whereas only 6 of 14 RCC cell lines (43%) expressed HLA‐G protein, suggesting a post‐transcriptional control of HLA‐G in some cases. Treatment of RCC cell lines with either interferon‐γ or interleukin‐10, respectively, increased HLA‐G‐specific mRNA and protein in six of eight HLA‐G+ RCC lines (75%), but not in HLA‐G− RCC cells. A 5′‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza‐dC)‐mediated demethylation of the HLA‐G promoter DNA resulted in an enhanced HLA‐G expression in four of six RCC cell lines, whereas a de novo induction of HLA‐G was only observed in one HLA‐G− RCC cell line on treatment with 5‐Aza‐dC. Thus, there exist multiple mechanisms controlling HLA‐G expression in RCC, which might also have an impact on the development of RCC‐specific immunotherapies.
Feeding of Aurelia sp. (Scyphozoa) and links to the microbial food web
Authors: Turk Valentina , Lučić Davor , Flander‐Putrle Vesna , Malej Alenka 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe impact of the scyphomedusa Aurelia sp. on planktonic assemblages was experimentally studied in enclosures incubated in situ in the sea lake of Mljet Island (Big Lake, Southern Adriatic), where jellyfish are present throughout the year. In situ feeding experiments using plankton at natural densities indicated a reduction in abundance for small calanoid and cyclopoid copepods, copepodites, nauplii and ciliates in the presence of Aurelia sp. In addition to direct predatory pressure, Aurelia sp. exerted an indirect cascading effect on autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial plankton. Phytoplankton biomass increases of up to 0.5 μg C·l−1·h−1 were mainly related to 19′‐hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin‐ and 19′‐butanoyloxyfucoxanthin‐containing phytoplankton. Bacterial production was about twice as high in the presence of Aurelia sp. and biomass was also consistently higher. It appears that the top‐down effect of predation along with material release by Aurelia sp. results in increases in microbial biomass and production.
Molecular identification of Malassezia species isolated from dermatitis affections
Authors: Affes M. , Salah S. Ben , Makni F. , Sellami H. , Ayadi A. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe lipophilic yeast of the genus Malassezia are opportunistic microorganisms of the skin microflora but they can be agents of various dermatomycoses. The aim of this study was to perform molecular identification of the commonly isolated Malassezia species from various dermatomycoses in our region. Thirty strains of Malassezia were isolated from different dermatologic affections: pityriasis versicolor (17), dandruff (5), seborrheic dermatitis (4), onyxis (2), folliculitis (1) and blepharitis (1). These species were identified by their morphological features and biochemical characterisation. The molecular identification was achieved by amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region by simple PCR. PCR technique was used for molecular characterisation of four Malassezia species: Malassezia globosa (270 bp), Malassezia furfur (230 bp), Malassezia sympodialis (190 bp) and Malassezia restricta (320 bp). We have detected the association between M. furfur and M. sympodialis in 16% and confirmed presumptive identification in 70% of the cases. The phenotypic identification based on microscopic and physiological method is difficult and time consuming. The application of a simple PCR method provides a sensitive and rapid identification system for Malassezia species, which may be applied in epidemiological surveys and routine practice.