bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of different rates and timing of application of nitrogen as slurry and mineral fertilizer on yield of herbage and nitrate‐leaching potential of a maize/Italian ryegrass cropping system in north‐west Portugal
Authors: Trindade H. , Coutinho J. , Jarvis S. , Moreira N. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEfficient use of cattle‐slurry to avoid nitrogen (N) leaching and other losses is important in designing intensive dairy systems to minimize pollution of air and water. The response in dry‐matter (DM) yield of herbage and nitrate‐leaching potential to different rates and timing of application of N as cattle slurry and/or mineral fertilizer in a double‐cropping system producing maize (Zea mays L.) silage and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) was investigated in north‐west Portugal. Nine treatments with different rates and combinations of cattle slurry, and with or without mineral‐N fertilizer, applied at sowing and as a top‐dressing to both crops, were tested and measurements were made of DM yield of herbage, N concentration of herbage, uptake of N by herbage and amounts of residual soil nitrate‐N to a depth of 1 m, in a 3‐year experiment. Regression analysis showed that the application of 150 and 100 kg of available N ha−1 to maize and Italian ryegrass, respectively, resulted in 0·95 of maximum DM yields of herbage and 0·90 of maximum N uptake by herbage. Residual amounts of nitrate‐N in soil after maize ranged from 48 to 278 kg N ha−1 with an exponential increase in response to the amount of N applied; there were higher values of nitrate‐leaching potential when mineral‐N fertilizer was applied. The results suggest that it is possible in highly productive maize/Italian ryegrass systems to obtain high DM yields of herbage for maize silage and Italian ryegrass herbage with minimal leaching losses by using slurry exclusively at annual rates of up to 250 kg available N ha−1 (equivalent to 480 kg total N ha−1) in three applications.
Herpes simplex virus: a histopathologic study of the depth of herpetic wounds
Authors: Patel Asha R. , Romanelli Paolo , Roberts Brenda , Kirsner Robert S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground  Herpes is a prevalent, infectious disease that can occur anywhere on the body; it is found primarily on the face and genitalia. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) are the DNA viruses that cause human herpes. Clinically, HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 infections produce lesions generally located on the mucocutaneous junctions of the face and genitalia. At times, vesicular lesions may ulcerate, leaving recalcitrant wounds that are challenging to treat. Until now, the basis of treatment has been related to the eradication of the viral infection. Little attention has focused on the consequence of the viral infection and the resulting wounds, specifically whether this represents an epidermal or dermal injury.Methods  Using 10 herpetic lesions from different individuals, we studied the depth of the injury via routine hematoxylin and eosin stains, as well as periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and type IV collagen stains, which demonstrate the presence of the basement membrane.Results  In all cases, we found an inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis and selective disruption of the basement membrane.Conclusion  This suggests that herpetic lesions involve the dermis and are best classified as partial‐thickness wounds.
Polymerase chain reaction compared to other laboratory findings and to clinical evaluation in the diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria skin infection
Authors: Abdalla Cristina Martinez Zugaib , De Oliveira Zilda Najjar Prado , Sotto Mirian N. , Leite Kátia Ramos Moreira , Canavez Flávio Canellas , De Carvalho Cláudia Muraro 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground   Cutaneous tuberculosis has re‐emerged in the last 15 years together with the higher incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis and multidrug resistance. The choice for a single diagnostic tool among the many available today is a challenge. Our objective was to compare polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with other exams in the diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria skin infection.Methods   PCR and a set of five different exams were performed in 32 patients (34 samples of paraffin‐embedded tissue) evaluated for 3 years in a university hospital, considering the response to mycobacterial infection treatment as a positive case.Results   PCR was the most sensitive (88%) and specific (83%) exam. Culture, immunohistochemistry and acid‐fast bacilli were not in agreement with clinical response to treatment.Conclusions   Although PCR is a useful tool, careful clinical exam is still the gold standard for the evaluation and treatment of cutaneous tuberculosis and mycobacteria skin infection.
Autochthonous leprosy in metropolitan France presenting with a diffuse infiltration of the face and febrile illness
Authors: Ezzedine Khaled , Malvy Denis , Beylot Claire , Longy‐Boursier Maïté 
Published: December 2008

AbstractLeprosy is now considered in Western Europe as a strictly imported disease.A case of presumed locally acquired diffuse lepromatous leprosy was observed in a native‐Portuguese woman living in France who developed an acute febrile presentation with extensive cutaneous signs.
Efficacy and safety of tarcrolimus cream 0.1% in the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Xu Ai‐E. , Zhang Di‐Min , Wei Xiao‐Dong , Huang Bo , Lu Liang‐Jun 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground  Vitiligo is an acquired, pigmentary skin disorder which is disfiguring and difficult to treat. Phototherapy and application of topical corticosteroids are most commonly prescribed. However, these therapies are often not effective and use of corticosteroids on the face may lead to cutaneous atrophy, telangiectasia, and ocular complications.Objective  We sought to assess the efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of vitiligo.Methods  A prospective pilot study was performed of 30 patients with vitiligo. Patients were treated with tacrolimus ointment for at least 4 months. Clinical responses were documented during clinic visits, and by pretacrolimus and post‐tacrolimus photography.Results  Twenty‐five (83.3%) patients showed some repigmentation at the end of 4 months. Patients with vitiligo for more than 5 years also responded well to tacrolimus ointment. Repigmentation in active vitiligo was superior to that in stable vitiligo. 80% of patients with segmental vitiligo of the head and neck showed some response to tacrolimus, but there was no statistical significance between segmental and vulgaris vitiligo. The mean percentage of repigmentation on the head and neck was greater than that on the trunk and extremities. Four patients initially experienced burning on application.Conclusions  Topical tacrolimus ointment is an effective and well‐tolerated alternative therapy for vitiligo especially involving the head and neck.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis associated with visceral leishmaniasis in a case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Authors: Pourahmad Morteza , Hooshmand Farhang , Rahiminejad Masood 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIntroduction  Leishmania/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection is emerging as an increasingly frequent and extremely serious new disease. Although many reports have described the association of visceral leishmaniasis and AIDS, cutaneous leishmaniasis associated with AIDS is very uncommon.Case summary   We describe a case of visceral leishmaniasis/HIV coinfection associated with cutaneous Leishman body‐positive lesions in a patient from Jahrom, a city in Fars province in Iran.Conclusion   Our case demonstrated that it is better to evaluate the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in patients who present with cutaneous leishmaniasis and HIV infection.
A novel mutation in the ATP2C1 gene is associated with Hailey–Hailey disease in a Chinese family
Authors: Liu Zhou Jiang , Yang Tao , Li Xiuchao , Liu Mugen , Wang Qing Kenneth , Liu Jing Yu 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground  A three‐generation Chinese family with Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) was identified and characterized. The proband developed HHD with severe recurrent blisters and crusted erosions involving the body folds. Skin biopsy studies showed epidermal hyperkeratosis and defects in cell‐to‐cell adhesion. Three other members in the family were also affected with HHD and had the same clinical manifestations. The purpose of this study was to identify the pathogenic gene or mutation in the family.Methods  All exons and exon–intron boundaries of ATP2C1 were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified and sequenced with DNA samples from the proband. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis for the intron 23–exon 24 boundary of ATP2C1 was performed in all family members and in 100 normal control subjects.Results  A novel 2‐bp deletion (c.2251delGT) was detected in exon 24 of the ATP2C1 gene. The mutation was present in the three other affected family members and in two asymptomatic young carriers, but not in the other normal family members or the 100 normal controls. The mutation resulted in a frameshift change and led to the formation of a premature termination codon (PTC) four amino acid residues downstream from the sixth transmembrane domain.Conclusions  Our results indicate that the novel c.2251delGT (p.V751fs) mutation in the ATP2C1 gene is responsible for HHD in this Chinese family. This study expands the spectrum of ATP2C1 mutations associated with HHD.
Evaluation of treatment with pentamidine for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Suriname
Authors: Van Der Meide Wendy F. , Sabajo Leslie O. A. , Jensema Annigje J. , Peekel Inge , Faber William R. , Schallig Henk D. F. H. , Fat Rudy F. M. Lai A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground  In Suriname, pentamidine isethionate (PI) is the only drug available for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Recently, local dermatologists have observed an increase in CL patients not responding adequately to the standard doses.Methods  In this study, patient compliance to PI treatment was assessed, and its efficacy was evaluated by comparing the clinical criteria and parasitologic load in week 3 of treatment. Skin biopsies were collected before, during and at the end of therapy and tested by quantitative nucleic acid sequence‐based amplification.Results  In total, 67 patients with suspected CL were enrolled during the recruitment period, of which only 23 patients with confirmed CL were followed until the end of treatment. All 23 patients were found to be infected with Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis. A lower cure rate (76–78%) was estimated than that obtained previously (90%), and only 50% of the recruited CL patients finished the complete treatment schedule.Conclusions  As one‐half of the CL patients were treated insufficiently, a much shorter treatment protocol should be considered to improve the inadequate follow‐up.
Neutrophilic dermatosis of the hands after influenza vaccination
Authors: Wolf Ronni , Barzilai Aviv , Davidovici Batya 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAn otherwise healthy 72‐year‐old man presented with a painful eruption composed of grouped hemorrhagic purulent blisters on erythematous plaques, on both palms of his hands, which appeared 12 h after he had been vaccinated against influenza.Based on the patient's history, physical examination, histopathological and laboratory findings, the diagnosis of neutrophilic dermatosis of the hands (NDH) was made.NDH is currently considered a distributional variant of Sweet's syndrome (SS). It is identical to atypical pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) and pustular vasculitis of the hands.There are only seven reported cases of SS after vaccination, none of them with lesions confined solely to the palms or soles. Our current case is the third one of SS following influenza vaccination.
Highlights in cardiovascular effects of histamine and HI‐receptor ansgonists
Authors: Genovese A. , Spadaro G. 
Published: December 2008

Despite numerous studies, the cardiac actions of histamine are still obscure. Yet, histamine could probably be clinically relevant. It is stored in large amounts in human cardiac tissue, where it is contained in the cytoplasmatic granules of mast cells (1). Mast cells are present in normal human heart tissue; they are more abundant in diseased human heart tissue where they lie in close proximity to blood vessels and between myocytes (2, 3). The histamine content of human heart mast cells is comparable to the histamine content of lung parenchymal and skin mast cells (4). Ultrastructural studies confirmed the presence of mast cells around vessels and between myocytes (2). Consequently, these cells are easily accessible to circulating antigens, drugs and stimuli that activate the cells to release vasoactive mediators which in turn can exert significant cardiovascular effects (5–7).Histamine possesses arrhythmogenic effects and once locally released, may enhance automaticity and induce triggering activity resulting in severe tachyarrhythmias. The major arrhythmogenic effects of histamine consist in increasing sinus rate and ventricular automaticity, and in slowing atrioventricular conduction (8). In addition, histamine may interfere with depolarization and repolarization through its effects on calcium and potassium currents. These effects are mediated by H2‐receptor (9). Therefore direct activation of histamine receptor can induce cardiac arrhythmias. Consequently, the interference of these histaminergic effects may explain, at least in part, the arrhythmogenic effects described for some second‐generation antihistamines, such as terfenadine and astemizole (10–25).In this brief review we will discuss the cardiac effects of histamine in experimental animal models and in man, and will review data on the safety of the new second‐generation antihistamines, focusing on their cardiotoxic effects.
Epidemiology of allergic diseases
Authors: SCHÄFER T. , RING J. 
Published: December 2008

Schäfer T, Ring J. Epidemiology of allergic diseases.The escalation of allergic diseases (hay fever, asthma, atopic eczema) over recent decades has been linked to an increase in environmental pollutants. The prevalence of hay fever is associated with genetic predisposition, and some reports show an association with urban areas, socioeconomic status, and combined high allergen and automobile exhaust exposure. In asthma, there is also some evidence for geographical variations in prevalence; exercise challenge tests prove positive more often in urban areas than in rural areas. Although genetic predisposition is the strongest single risk factor for atopic eczema, air pollutants may aggravate the condition by acting as unspecific irritants and immunomodulators, leading to increased immunoglobulin E expression. In a study of 678 pre‐school children, the influence of maternal smoking habits on individual measures of atopy revealed a positive association between smoking during pregnancynactation, and a positive history of atopic eczema. An East‐West German comparative study examining different types and levels of air pollution, i.e. sulphurous (industrial; East) and oxidising (urban; West), showed that the prevalence of atopic eczema was greatest in East Germany. When various direct and indirect parameters of air pollution exposure were measured, the greatest association with atopic eczema was found with NOx exposure (indoor use of gas without a cooker hood), and close proximity to roads with heavy traffic. The increased prevalence of atopic eczema cannot be explained by changes in study methodology over time, or conventional risk factors alone; environmental risk factors may be an important contributing factor.
Epidemiology of pollution‐induced airway disease in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe
Authors: BJÖRKSTÉN B. 
Published: December 2008

Björkstén B. Epidemiology of pollution‐induced airway disease in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.Several potential environmental factors, particularly air pollutants, have been implicated as causal factors for the increased prevalence of allergic disease in western industrialized countries. However, even when combined, these factors can only partly explain the increase. Differences in prevalence of allergy are apparent between urban and rural areas of industrialized countries, with positive skin prick tests being more common in children living in urban regions. However, the prevalence of atopy is lower in children in central and Eastern Europe, where air pollution poses a major problem, than in Western Europe. Indeed, preliminary data from the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Children (ISAAC) confirm that the prevalence of childhood atopy is lower in Eastern Europe than in Scandinavia. Although air pollution is undoubtedly associated with the development of allergic disease, other factors connected with western lifestyle, such as changes in diet and living conditions, may play an important role and provide a possible explanation for the higher prevalence of allergic disease in western industrialized countries.
Mechanisms of pollution‐induced airway disease: in vivo studies
Authors: PEDEN D. B. 
Published: December 2008

Peden DB. Mechanisms of pollution‐induced airway disease: in vivo studies.Several studies have investigated the effects of ozone, sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on lung function in normal and asthmatic subjects. Decreased lung function has been observed with ozone levels as low as 0.15 ppm ‐ this effect is concentration dependent and is exacerbated by exercise. A number of lines of evidence suggest that the effect on lung function is mediated, at least in part, by neural mechanisms. In both normals and asthmatics, ozone has been shown to induce neutrophilic inflammation, with increased levels of several inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2. However, in normal subjects, none of the markers of inflammation correlate with changes in lung function. The lung function changes in asthmatics may be associated with inflammatory effects; alternatively, ozone may prime the airways for an increased response to subsequently inhaled allergen. Indeed, an influx of both polymorphonucleocytes and eosinophils has been observed in asthmatic patients after ozone exposure. It has been suggested that the effect of ozone on classic allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction may be more significant than any direct effect of this pollutant in asthmatics. SO2 does not appear to affect lung function in normal subjects, but may induce bronchoconstriction in asthmatics. Nasal breathing, whlch is often impaired in asthmatics, reduces the pulmonary effects of SO2, since this water‐soluble gas is absorbed by the nasal mucosa. NO2 may also influence lung function in asthmatics, but further research is warranted. SO2 and NO2 alone do not seem to have a priming effect in asthmatics, but a combination of these two gases has resulted in a heightened sensitivity to subsequently inhaled allergen.
Mechanisms of pollution‐induced airway disease: in vitro itudies in the upper and lower airways
Authors: DEVALIA J. L. , BAYRAM H. , RUSZNAK C. , CALDERÓN M. , SAPSFORD R. J. , ABDELAZIZ M. A. , WANG1 J. , DAVIES R. J. 
Published: December 2008

Devalia JL, Bayram H, Rusznak C, Calderón M, Sapsford RJ, Abdelaziz MA, Wang J, Davies RJ. Mechanisms of pollution‐induced airway disease: in vitro studies in the upper and lower airways.Evidence from both epidemiological and laboratory‐based studies suggests that increased exposure to liquid petroleum and gas‐derived air pollutants [nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, and respirable particulate matter] may play a role in the clinical manifestation of both allergic and non‐allergic airway disease. The mechanisms and cell types involved in pollutant‐mediated effects in the airways, however, are not clear. In vitro studies have suggested that human fibroblasts, B‐lymphocytes, alveolar macrophages, and epithelial cells/cell lines may be involved. Studies of fibroblasts and macrophages have demonstrated that exposure to ozone results in decreased cell viability and increased release of pro‐inflammatory mediators from macrophages. Similarly, studies of B‐lymphocytes have demonstrated that exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) enhances the synthesis of immunoglobulin E by these cells. The airway epithelial cells have received the greatest attention in mechanistic studies of air pollution‐induced airway disease and suggest that these cells are likely to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of airways disease. Various studies have demonstrated that exposure of nasal or bronchial epithelial cells to NO2, ozone, and DEP results in significant synthesis and release of pro‐inflammatory mediators, including eicosanoids, cytokines, and adhesion molecules. Additionally, evidence suggests that epithelial cells of atopic individuals release significantly greater amounts of cytokines such as granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐8, and regulated on activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), on exposure to NO2 and ozone. Studies investigating the biological relevance of epithelial cell‐derived pro‐inflammatory mediators have shown that these enhance eosinophil chemotaxis and eosinophil adherence to endothelial cells, suggesting that pollution‐induced inflammation of the airways is likely to be influenced by modulation of epithelial synthesis and release of these mediators.
The structure of major birch pollen allergens ‐ epitopes, reactivity and cross‐reactivity
Authors: Spangfort Michael D. , Mirza Osman , Holm Jens , Laisen Jørgen N , Henning Løwenstein Henrik Ipsen 
Published: December 2008

To cite this article:Spangfort Michael D., Mirza Osman., Holm Jens., Laisen Jørgen N., Ipsen Henrik., Løwenstein Henning. The structure of major birch pollen allergens ‐ epitopes, reactivity and cross‐reactivity. Allergy 1999, 54, 23–26.Copyright © Munksgaard 1999 ISSN 0108–1675
Can the natural course of allergy and asthma be changed by allergen vaccinations?
Authors: Valovirta E. 
Published: December 2008

To cite this article:Valoviita E. Can the natural course of allergy and asthma be changed by allergen vaccinations? Allergy 1999, 54, 37–29.Copyright © Munksgaard 1999 ISSN 0108–1675
Inhaled corticosteroids versus anti‐leukotrienes: a literature review on the clinical effects
Authors: Ind P.W. 
Published: December 2008

To cite this article:Dr. Ind Philip W. Inhaled corticosteroids versus anti‐leukotrienes: a literature review on the clinical effects. Allergy 1999, 54, 43–46.Copyright © Munksgaard 1999 ISSN 0108–1675
IL15 gene variants are not associated with asthma and atopy
Authors: Pinto L. A. , Depner M. , Steudemann L. , Klopp N. , Illig T. , Von Mutius E. , Kabesch M. 
Published: December 2008

Background:  Interleukin 15 (IL15) promotes activation and proliferation of CD8+ T cells and enhances the differentiation into Th2 cells. A previous study described five polymorphisms in the IL15 gene to be associated with asthma in a haplotype analysis.Aim:  We selected HapMap tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from IL15 to systematically investigate these IL15 associations in a large population‐based sample.Methods:  Genotyping of seven IL15 SNPs was performed using MALDI‐TOF MS in a cross‐sectional study population of 3099 children from Dresden or Munich (age 9–11 years). All children were phenotyped by standardized and validated protocols for atopic phenotypes. Effects of single SNPs and haplotypes were studied using sas 9.1.3 and haploview. Equivalence tests were performed to prove the significance of negative results.Results:  Neither single IL15 polymorphisms nor haplotype analyses showed associations with asthma or atopy after correction for multiple testing.Conclusion:  These results do not confirm previous case–control studies and suggest that IL15 gene variants do not play an important role in the development for asthma or other atopic disorders.