bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do leaf hydraulics limit stomatal conductance at high water vapour pressure deficits?
Authors: BUNCE JAMES A. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTA reduction in leaf stomatal conductance (g) with increasing leaf‐to‐air difference in water vapour pressure (D) is nearly ubiquitous. Ecological comparisons of sensitivity have led to the hypothesis that the reduction in g with increasing D serves to maintain leaf water potentials above those that would cause loss of hydraulic conductance. A reduction in leaf water potential is commonly hypothesized to cause stomatal closure at high D. The importance of these particular hydraulic factors was tested by exposing Abutilon theophrasti, Glycine max, Gossypium hirsutum and Xanthium strumarium to D high enough to reduce g and then decreasing ambient carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]), and observing the resulting changes in g, transpiration rate and leaf water potential, and their reversibility. Reducing the [CO2] at high D increased g and transpiration rate and lowered leaf water potential. The abnormally high transpiration rates did not result in reductions in hydraulic conductance. Results indicate that low water potential effects on g at high D could be overcome by low [CO2], and that even lower leaf water potentials did not cause a reduction in hydraulic conductance in these well‐watered plants. Reduced g at high D in these species resulted primarily from increased stomatal sensitivity to [CO2] at high D, and this increased sensitivity may mediate stomatal responses to leaf hydraulics at high D.
Gene expression profiles of O3‐treated Arabidopsis plants
Authors: TOSTI NICOLA , PASQUALINI STEFANIA , BORGOGNI ANDREA , EDERLI LUISA , FALISTOCCO EGIZIA , CRISPI STEFANIA , PAOLOCCI FRANCESCO 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTTo analyse cellular response to O3, the tolerant Arabidopsis thaliana genotype Col‐0 was exposed to O3 fumigation (300 ppb) for 6 h and the modulation of gene expression during the treatment (3 h after the beginning of the treatment, T3 h) and the recovery phase (6 h from the end of the treatment, T12 h) assessed by gene chip microarray and real‐time reverse transcriptase (RT)‐PCR analyses. The Arabidopsis transcriptional profile is complex, as new genes (i.e. reticuline oxidase) and pathways, other than those already reported as O3‐responsive, appear to be involved in the O3 response. The steady‐state transcript levels of several WRKY genes were increased in O3‐treated plants and the W‐box was the cis‐element over‐represented in the promoter region of T3 h up‐regulated genes. The fact that the W‐box element was also over‐represented in almost all T3 h‐induced receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) suggests a WRKY‐mediated control of RLKs under O3 stress and a mechanicistic similarity with the pathogen‐induced transcriptional responses. We investigated the molecular and physiological implications of our findings in relation to O3‐induced plant stress response.
Eradication of Plasmodiophora brassicae during composting of wastes
Authors: Fayolle L. , Noble R. , Coventry E. , Aime S. , Alabouvette C. 
Published: June 2006

Survival of infectious inoculum of the clubroot pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae was assessed following bench‐scale flask composting experiments and large‐scale composting procedures. Clubroot‐affected material was provided by artificial inoculation of Chinese cabbage or naturally infected Brussels sprout and cabbage roots. Both sets of diseased material were used in flask experiments, and the latter in large‐scale windrow and aerated tunnel experiments. Municipal green wastes, onion waste and spent mushroom compost were evaluated in flask experiments with varying temperature, aeration and moisture conditions. Green wastes were used in larger‐scale composts. Within the limits of a Chinese cabbage seedling bioassay, both temperature and moisture content were critical for eradication of P. brassicae spores extracted from composted clubroot‐affected residues. Incubation in compost at 50°C for 7 days or 1 day at 60°C with high moisture levels (= −5 kPa matric potential or 60% w/w moisture content) eradicated inoculum from artificially inoculated Chinese cabbage roots. In large‐scale windrows and aerated tunnels, the pathogen was eradicated from naturally infected brassica wastes after 6–7 days at 54–73°C.
Clinical and Immunoserological Characteristics of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Associated with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Vegh J. , Szodoray P. , Kappelmayer J. , Csipo I. , Udvardy M. , Lakos G. , Aleksza M. , Soltesz P. , Szilágyi A. , Zeher M. , Szegedi G. , Bodolay E. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe investigated the clinical characteristics and immunoserological alterations in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Anti‐U1RNP autoantibodies, anti‐endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) and serum thrombomodulin (TM) as well as von Willebrand factor antigen (vWFAg) concentrations were measured in 25 patients with MCTD associated with PAH and in 154 MCTD patients without PAH. The results showed that the probability of survival was lower in MCTD patients with PAH than in the 154 MCTD‐non‐PAH patients (5‐year survival rate in MCTD with PAH: 73%, versus 96% in MCTD‐non‐PAH; P < 0.01). AECA were more frequently present in the sera of MCTD patients with PAH than in MCTD‐non‐PAH (P < 0.001). Serum TM and vWFAg levels were higher in MCTD‐PAH patients than in MCTD‐non‐PAH patients (TM: P < 0.001; vWFAg: P < 0.001). Significant correlation was noticed between the quantity of AECA and TM level (r = 0.466) as well as the quantity of AECA and vWFAg level (r = 0.550). In conclusion, our results suggest that in MCTD the presence of AECA and endothelial cell activation may play a role in the development of PAH and in the maintenance of obliterative vascular processes.
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells and Immune Regulation
Authors: Liu G. , Wu C. , Wu Y. , Zhao Y. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe termination of the apoptotic programme occurs in most cases via recognition and clearance by phagocytes, especially the professional phagocytes, such as macrophages and immature dendritic cells. Engulfed cells do not simply disappear from the midst of living tissues. The fine‐defined presentation of yielded self‐antigens to T cells is a central event in the induction or the maintenance of the peripheral immune tolerance to self. Conversely, abnormality in this pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of systemic and organ‐specific autoimmune diseases. We herein reviewed the relationship between phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and immune regulation, especially the effects of engulfed apoptotic cells on immune tolerance and autoimmune diseases.
Human Serum Amyloid P Component Binds to Peripheral Blood Monocytes
Authors: MacDonald S. L. , Kilpatrick D. C. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe binding of human serum amyloid P component (SAP) to blood cells and monocyte‐derived dendritic cells was investigated by flow cytometry. Monocytes bound biotinylated SAP with avidity in a dose‐dependent and saturable manner. By contrast, the binding of SAP to monocyte‐derived dendritic cells was weak. No binding to erythrocytes, NK cells, T lymphocytes or B lymphocytes could be detected. The SAP–monocyte interaction was calcium‐independent and readily inhibited by C1q. SAP was nonmitogenic for human mononuclear cells and had no apparent influence on lymphocyte proliferation induced by mitogenic lectins. We speculate that binding of SAP by monocytes could be of physiological relevance at extravascular sites by influencing complement regulation.
Participation in three consecutive mass drug administrations in Leogane, Haiti
Authors: Mathieu Els , Direny Abdel N. , De Rochars Madsen Beau , Streit Thomas G. , Addiss David G. , Lammie Patrick J. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryObjectives  In the global effort to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, mass drug administrations (MDAs) are organised annually. The success of this strategy depends on achieving high levels of drug coverage, which reduce the number of persons with circulating microfilariae and consequently transmission. Persons who consistently fail to participate in MDAs represent a potential threat to the goal of filariasis elimination. We wanted to know the drug coverage, the proportion of persons who were systematically non‐compliant and factors associated with this behaviour.Methods  We conducted three surveys following the third annual MDA of a filariasis elimination program in Leogane, Haiti: (1) a total population survey to determine coverage; (2) an adult survey to determine non‐compliance and associated factors and (3) an urban survey to make a rural–urban comparison.Results  During the third MDA, the overall surveyed coverage was 78.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 74.4–82.6] A survey among adult population showed coverage estimates for persons >14 years old of 59.4% (95% CI 52.0–66.7), 61.0% (95% CI 55.0–67.4) and 67.3% (95% CI 60.5–74.0), for the first, second and third MDA respectively. The coverage in rural areas (78.3%) was significantly higher than in urban areas (68.3%, P < 0.05). Of the population >14 years of age, 18% never took the drugs during any of three MDAs. These persons did not differ significantly from MDA participants by age, gender or other characteristics that we assessed.Conclusion  More research is needed to identify characteristics of systematically non‐compliant persons in order to refine health education messages and improve distribution strategies to increase drug coverage.
Estimation of the cost of Taenia solium cysticercosis in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Carabin H. , Krecek R. C. , Cowan L. D. , Michael L. , Foyaca‐Sibat H. , Nash T. , Willingham A. L. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryObjectives  To provide a comprehensive estimate of the societal costs of Taenia solium cysticercosis for the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa, as an objective measure of its impact in this endemic area.Methods  Epidemiological data on the prevalence of epilepsy, proportion of epilepsy cases due to neurocysticercosis (NCC) and consequences of cysticercosis were gathered from published and unpublished sources. Economical data were mostly obtained from governmental sources. Three methods were used for estimating productivity losses. Monte Carlo sampling was used to represent the uncertainty of the estimates with 95% Credible Intervals (95% CI). The estimation is for 1 year using a societal approach. All costs are reported in 2004 US$.Results  Overall, there were an estimated 34 662 (95% CI: 17 167–54 068) NCC‐associated cases of epilepsy in ECP in 2004. The overall monetary burden (in million of US$) was estimated to vary from US$18.6 (95% CI: US$9.0–32.9) to US$34.2 (95% CI: US$12.8–70.0) depending on the method used to estimate productivity losses. The agricultural sector contributed an average of $5.0 million. The prevalence of epilepsy, proportion of productivity reduction and the proportion of epilepsy cases attributable to NCC had the largest impact on the overall estimates.Conclusion  This preliminary estimate suggests that T. solium cysticercosis results in considerable monetary costs to a region that is already economically constrained. Because this infection is preventable, these results could guide stakeholders in deciding where to invest scarce health and agricultural resources in their countries.
Unabated schistosomiasis transmission in Erinle River Dam, Osun State, Nigeria: evidence of neglect of environmental effects of development projects
Authors: Oladejo S. O. , Ofoezie I. E. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryThe status of Schistosoma haematobium infection around Erinle Dam in Osun State, Nigeria, was investigated 10 years after the disease was first reported in the area. School children in two rural communities (Ilie and Oba‐Ile) were examined for infection and the lake surveyed for snail intermediate host species between March 2000 and February 2001. Overall infection rate among 320 children examined in both communities was 46.6% (52.3% in Ilie and 43.0% in Oba‐Ile). Mean intensity of infection ranged between 144.2 ± 389 and 156.5 ± 378 eggs per 10 ml urine in Ilie and Oba‐Ile respectively (overall: 148.8 ± 378 eggs per 10 ml urine). Prevalence and intensity were comparable in both communities and between boys and girls, but varied significantly (P < 0.05) with age. Bulinus globosus identified by a previous study as the local intermediate host species was found to be abundant in the lake and occurred throughout the year, in contrast to seasonal occurrence reported previously. Both prevalence and intensity of infection also increased significantly over the levels reported 10 years earlier. These results are clear indications that transmission has remained unabated in the lake during the period. The need for urgent and effective national control programme to reduce the public health importance of schistosomiasis in Erinle and other dams in Nigeria was discussed.
Antenatal clinic‐based HIV prevalence in Zambia: Declining trends but sharp local contrasts in young women
Authors: Sandøy Ingvild F. , Kvåle Gunnar , Michelo Charles , Fylkesnes Knut 
Published: June 2006

SummaryObjectives  To describe regional variation in human immunodefffeciency virus (HIV) prevalence trends in the period 1994–2002 and to assess the effects on prevalence trends of residence, educational level and age, and potential interaction between these variables.Methods  The data were from the national HIV sentinel surveillance system comprising information collected using interviews and unlinked anonymous testing of blood among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in 22 sites in 1994, 1998 and 2002.Results  There was a decline in HIV prevalence in the age group 15–24 years in the period 1994–2002 both in rural (by 11%) and urban (by 26%) areas. The decline was strongest among highly educated women. However, this overall decline masked striking differences at community (site) levels with clearly declining epidemics in many sites contrasted by increasing epidemics in some and stability in others. Urban/rural residence, age, educational attainment, marital status and parity were factors closely associated with HIV infection. Having born many children was associated with lower risk of being infected by HIV, even in the age group 15–24.Conclusions  The HIV prevalence decline in young women is likely to reflect a drop in incidence during the period. However, there were sharp geographical contrasts in trends. Such local contrasts probably indicate differences in effectiveness of preventive interventions. Understanding factors and mechanisms explaining the differences will be of critical importance to better guide preventive interventions.
Cryptosporidiose humaine et espèces en cause en Haïti
Authors: Raccurt Christian P. , Brasseur Philippe , Verdier Rose I. , Li Xunde , Eyma Etna , Stockman Christine Pannier , Agnamey Patrice , Guyot Karine , Totet Anne , Liautaud Bernard , Nevez Gilles , Dei‐Cas Eduardo , Pape Jean W. 
Published: June 2006

RésuméLa cryptosporidiose constitue un problème majeur de santé publique en Haïti. Pour évaluer son impact chez les patients atteints du SIDA et les sujets contacts, les enfants en bas âge, et pour déterminer les espèces en cause par génotypage, une étude a été menée à Port‐au‐Prince, incluant l’étude de la viabilité des oocystes éliminés dans les selles des patients. De janvier 2000 à janvier 2001, sur 1.529 selles diarrhéiques provenant de patients suivis dans les Centres GHESKIO et d'enfants hospitalisés à l'hôpital de l'Université d’État d’Haïti, 158 (10,3%) ont montré la présence d'oocystes de cryptosporidies. Chez ces malades, 56 adultes sur 57 (98%) et 7 enfants sur 36 (19%) étaient VIH‐positifs. Chez 102 sujets contacts examinés, un seul a été dépisté porteur sain de cryptosporidies du même génotype que celui de l'isolat trouvé chez le malade VIH‐positif. Le génotypage par biologie moléculaire de 69 isolats de cryptosporidies a identifié trois espèces: Cryptosporidium hominis (41), C. parvum (26) et C. felis (2). C'est la première fois qu'est rapportée dans la Caraïbe l'infestation de deux patients VIH‐positifs par C. felis. Les enfants généralement non infectés par le VIH sont dans 72% des cas parasités par C. hominis. Les adultes VIH‐positifs sont parasités aussi bien par le génotype humain que par les génotypes animaux. Sur 18 isolats de cryptosporidies étudiés à l'aide d'un modèle expérimental (souriceau nouveau‐né), la viabilité des oocystes a été confirmée pour 17 d'entre eux (12 C. hominis, 4 C. parvum, 1 C. felis). Le pouvoir infestant est dose‐dépendant et plus élevé avec C. parvum qu'avec les deux autres espèces. Au moins trois espèces de cryptosporidies circulent en Haïti où la population pauvre vit dans des conditions d'hygiène précaires, et utilise pour sa consommation une eau polluée notamment par des fèces d'origine humaine et animale, dans un tissu urbain surpeuplé où les animaux domestiques se déplacent en toute liberté.
Rolling out insecticide treated nets in Eritrea: examining the determinants of possession and use in malarious zones during the rainy season
Authors: Macintyre Kate , Keating Joseph , Okbaldt Yohannes B. , Zerom Mehari , Sosler Stephen , Ghebremeskel Tewolde , Eisele Thomas P. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryObjective  This paper describes determinants of insecticide treated net (ITN) ownership and use in malarious areas of Eritrea. With ITN distribution and re‐treatment now free for all living in these areas, we examine barriers (other than cost) to access and use of ITNs. We explore the differences between use of an ITN as a proportion of all households in the survey (the roll back malaria indicator), and use of an ITN as a proportion of those households who already own an ITN.Methods  A modified two‐stage cluster design was used to collect data from a sample of households (n = 2341) in the three most malarious administrative zobas (zones or provinces). Logistic regression was used to analyse the data.Results  Our findings suggest environmental heterogeneity among zobas (including program effects specific to each zoba), perception of risk, and proximity to a clinic are important predictors of ITN possession and use. Among households with at least one ITN, 17.0% reported that children under five were not under an ITN the night before the survey, while half of all such households did not have all occupants using them the night before the survey. The number of ITNs, as well as zoba, was also significant determinants of use in these households with at least one ITN.Conclusion  Current efforts to disseminate ITNs to vulnerable populations in Eritrea are working, as suggested by high ITN ownership and net‐to‐person ratios inside households. However, the gap between ITN ownership and use, given ownership, is large, and may represent lost opportunities to prevent infection. Closing this gap requires concerted efforts to change behaviour to ensure that all household members use ITNs as consistently and correctly as possible during and following the rains.
High seroprevalence of antibodies against dengue virus in a prospective study of schoolchildren in Managua, Nicaragua
Authors: Balmaseda Angel , Hammond Samantha N. , Tellez Yolanda , Imhoff Laurel , Rodriguez Yoryelin , Saborío Saira I. , Mercado Juan C. , Perez Leonel , Videa Elsa , Almanza Elvis , Kuan Guillermina , Reyes Miguel , Saenz Leyla , Amador Juan J. , Harris Eva 
Published: June 2006

SummaryTo investigate the incidence of dengue virus (DENV) infection in Nicaragua, a 2‐year prospective study was conducted in schoolchildren 4–16 years old in the capital city of Managua. Blood samples were collected before the rainy season in 2001, 2002 and 2003, and were assayed for DENV‐specific antibodies. Participants were monitored for dengue‐like illness, and acute and convalescent blood samples were collected from suspected dengue cases. In 2001 and 2002, 602 and 397 students were recruited, respectively, and paired annual serum samples were available from 467 and 719 participants in 2001–2002 and 2002–2003, respectively. The overall seroprevalence of anti‐DENV antibodies was 91%, increasing from 75% at age 4 to 100% at age 16. The incidence of DENV infection was 12% in Year 1 and 6% in Year 2 (P < 0.001). During Year 1, four laboratory‐confirmed dengue cases were detected, with one DENV2 isolate; during Year 2, there were six confirmed dengue cases, with one DENV1 isolate. These and additional circulating serotypes were confirmed by plaque reduction neutralisation test. This study demonstrates surprisingly high transmission of DENV in urban Nicaragua.
Impact of chloroquine on viral load in breast milk
Authors: Semrau Katherine , Kuhn Louise , Kasonde Prisca , Sinkala Moses , Kankasa Chipepo , Shutes Erin , Vwalika Cheswa , Ghosh Mrinal , Aldrovandi Grace , Thea Donald M. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryThe anti‐malarial agent chloroquine has activity against HIV. We compared the effect of chloroquine (n = 18) to an anti‐malarial agent without known anti‐HIV‐activity, sulfadoxine‐pyrimethamine (n = 12), on breast milk HIV RNA levels among HIV‐infected breastfeeding women in Zambia. After adjusting for CD4 count and plasma viral load, chloroquine was associated with a trend towards lower levels of HIV RNA in breast milk compared with sulfadoxine‐pyrimethamine (P = 0.05). Higher breastmilk viral load was also observed among women receiving presumptive treatment for symptomatic malaria compared with asymptomatic controls and among controls reporting fever in the prior week. Further research is needed to determine the potential role of chloroquine in prevention of HIV transmission through breastfeeding.
Regressing cutaneous malignant melanoma and vitiligo‐like depigmentation
Authors: Arpaia Nicola , Cassano Nicoletta , Vena Gino A. 
Published: June 2006

Association of malignant melanoma (MM) with various clinical forms of skin depigmentation is well‐known. We report a case highlighting the importance of careful examination of patients with skin hypomelanoses, including vitiligo and halo nevi, in order to exclude the presence of MM.A 66‐year‐old woman presented with a 6‐month history of vitiligo‐like depigmentation of the face and halo nevi. Physical examination unexpectedly revealed also the presence of a regressing MM associated with a clinically evident lymphoadenopathy. Predominant dermoscopic features of the lesion were an irregular vascular pattern and regression structures, associated with peripheral areas of irregular pigmentation without pigment network.The literature concerning the association between leukoderma and MM is also reviewed.
Lingual traumatic ulceration (Riga–Fede disease)
Authors: Baroni Adone , Capristo Carlo , Rossiello Luigi , Faccenda Franco , Satriano Rocco Alfredo 
Published: June 2006

An 11‐month‐old male infant was referred to our clinic because of a painful ulcer of approximately 5 months’ duration on the ventral surface of the tongue (Fig. 1). On physical examination, the lesion was circular (3 cm × 2 cm) with erythematous, raised, and indurated borders.Ulcer on the tongueimageNo pathologic findings emerged from the laboratory data, neurologic examination, or clinical history. The family history was also negative for developmental disorders and congenital syndromes. No biopsy was performed in view of the age of the infant, the particular site of the lesion, and the clinical evidence of diagnosis. The treatment included odontologic cream (methylvinylether/maleic acid) as a protective shield, a collutorium (chlorhexidine 0.2%), and the use of a teething ring. Complete healing of the lesion (Fig. 2) occurred within 3 weeks.Healing of the ulcer after treatmentimage