bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective microenvironmental effects play a role in shaping genetic diversity and structure in a Phaseolus vulgaris L. landrace: implications for on‐farm conservation
Authors: TIRANTI B. , NEGRI V. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractLittle is known about the organization of landrace diversity and about the forces that shape and maintain within‐ and among‐landrace population diversity. However, this knowledge is essential for conservation and breeding activities. The first aim of this study was to obtain some insight into how variation has been sculptured within a cultivated environment and to identify the loci that potentially underlie selective effects by using a Phaseolus vulgaris L. landrace case study whose natural and human environment and morpho‐physiological traits are known in detail. The second aim of this study was to define an appropriate on‐farm conservation strategy which can serve as a model for other populations. The farmers’ populations of this threatened landrace were examined with 28 single sequence repeat molecular markers. The landrace appears to be a genetically structured population in which substantial diversity is maintained at the subpopulation level (62% of the total variance). Evidence of locus‐specific selective effects was obtained for five of the 13 loci‐differentiating subpopulations. Their role is discussed. Our data suggest that a complex interaction of factors (differential microenvironmental selection pressures by farmers and by biotic and abiotic conditions, migration rate and drift) explains the observed pattern of diversity. Appropriate on‐farm conservation of a structured landrace requires the maintenance of the entire population.
Powers of discerning: challenges to understanding dispersal processes in natural populations
Authors: DYER RODNEY J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn this issue of Molecular Ecology, authors Robledo‐Arnuncio & Garcia present a compelling approach for quantifying seed dispersal in plant populations. Building upon methods previously used for quantification of pollen dispersal, the authors not only examine the behaviour of the model with respect to sample sizes, dispersal distance, and the kurtosis of the dispersal function but also provide an empirical example using Prunus mahaleb.
Nuclear and chloroplast microsatellites reveal extreme population differentiation and limited gene flow in the Aegean endemic Brassica cretica (Brassicaceae)
Authors: EDH KRISTINA , WIDÉN BJÖRN , CEPLITIS ALF 
Published: October 2007

AbstractNuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers were used to study population structure and gene flow among seven Cretan populations of the Aegean endemic plant species Brassica cretica (Brassicaceae). Both nuclear and chloroplast markers revealed exceptionally high levels of population differentiation (overall FST = 0.628 and 1.000, respectively) and relatively little within‐population diversity (overall HS = 0.211 and 0.000, respectively). Maximum‐likelihood estimates of directional migration rates were low among all pairs of populations (average Nm = 0.286). There was no evidence that differences in flower colour between populations had any influence on historical levels of gene flow. In addition, a haplotype network showed that all five chloroplast haplotypes found in the sample were closely related. Together, these results suggest that current patterns of diversification in B. cretica are mainly a result of genetic drift during the last half million years. The main conclusions from the present study are consistent with the prevailing hypothesis that plant diversification in the Aegean region is driven by random rather than adaptive differentiation among isolated populations.
Maltose binding protein (MalE) interacts with periplasmic loops P2 and P1 respectively of the MalFG subunits of the maltose ATP binding cassette transporter (MalFGK2) from Escherichia coli/Salmonella during the transport cycle
Authors: Daus Martin L. , Berendt Susanne , Wuttge Steven , Schneider Erwin 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThe ATP binding cassette (ABC‐) transporter mediating the uptake of maltose/maltodextrins in Escherichia coli/Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is one of the best characterized systems and serves as a model for studying the molecular mechanism by which ABC importers exert their functions. The transporter is composed of a periplasmic maltose binding protein (MalE), and a membrane‐bound complex (MalFGK2), comprising the pore‐forming hydrophobic subunits, MalF and MalG, and two copies of the ABC subunit, MalK. We report on the isolation of suppressor mutations within malFG that partially restore transport of a maltose‐negative mutant carrying the malK809 allele (MalKQ140K). The mutation affects the conserved LSGGQ motif that is involved in ATP binding. Three out of four suppressor mutations map in periplasmic loops P2 and P1 respectively of MalFG. Cross‐linking data revealed proximity of these regions to MalE. In particular, as demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, Gly‐13 of substrate‐free and substrate‐loaded MalE is in close contact to Pro‐78 of MalG. These data suggest that MalE is permanently in close contact to MalG‐P1 via its N‐terminal domain. Together, our results are interpreted in favour of the notion that substrate availability is communicated from MalE to the MalK dimer via extracytoplasmic loops of MalFG, and are discussed with respect to a current transport model.
The antimicrobial peptide‐sensing system aps of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Li Min , Cha David J. , Lai Yuping , Villaruz Amer E. , Sturdevant Daniel E. , Otto Michael 
Published: October 2007

Summary Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of hospital‐associated and, more recently, community‐associated infections caused by highly virulent methicillin‐resistant strains (CA‐MRSA). S. aureus survival in the human host is largely defined by the ability to evade attacks by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and other mechanisms of innate host defence. Here we show that AMPs induce resistance mechanisms in CA‐MRSA via the aps AMP sensor/regulator system, including (i) the d‐alanylation of teichoic acids, (ii) the incorporation of lysyl‐phosphatidylglycerol in the bacterial membrane and a concomitant increase in lysine biosynthesis, and (iii) putative AMP transport systems such as the vraFG transporter, for which we demonstrate a function in AMP resistance. In contrast to the aps system of S. epidermidis, induction of the aps response in S. aureus was AMP‐selective due to structural differences in the AMP binding loop of the ApsS sensor protein. Finally, using a murine infection model, we demonstrate the importance of the aps regulatory system in S. aureus infection. This study shows that while significant interspecies differences exist in the AMP–aps interaction, the AMP sensor system aps is functional and efficient in promoting resistance to a variety of AMPs in a clinically relevant strain of the important human pathogen S. aureus.
Secondary erythromelalgia involving the ears probably preceding lupus erythematosus
Authors: Badeloe Sadhanna , Henquet Charles J. , Nieuwhof Chris M. G. , Frank Jorge 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSecondary erythromelalgia is a rare disease characterized by burning pain, marked erythema, edema, and hyperthermia of the affected limbs. Secondary erythromelalgia can be associated with various systemic diseases. Here, we describe a patient who developed secondary erythromelalgia involving the ears and concomitant clinical and laboratory, probably, indicating the initial stage of a developing lupus erythematosus.
Treatment of lymphangioma circumscriptum with the intense pulsed light system
Authors: Thissen Carleine A. C. B. , Sommer Anja 
Published: October 2007

AbstractLymphangioma circumscriptum is a superficial lymphatic malformation presenting with grouped translucent vesicles that often contain blood. In the past, several treatment modalities have been described. Here, we report for the first time on treatment with an intense pulsed light source that led to good cosmetic results.
Porphyria cutanea tarda as rare cutaneous manifestation of hepatic metastases treated with interferon
Authors: Mosterd Klara , Henquet Charles , Frank Jorge 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA 53‐year‐old woman with blistering on the hands was diagnosed with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). At that time, she was treated with interferon for liver metastasis of a pancreas tumor since 7 years. Although apparently rare, PCT has been described as possible cutaneous manifestation both of hepatic tumors and interferon treatment. Further, PCT can also be exacerbated by hepatitis C virus infection, alcohol, estrogens, HFE gene mutations predisposing for hereditary hemochromatosis, hexachlorobenzene, and 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the manifestation of PCT may be associated with distinct precipitating factors, which are briefly discussed here.
Lichen planus with bullous manifestation on the lip
Authors: Van Tuyll van Serooskerken Anne‐Moon , Van Marion Arienne M. W. , De Zwart‐Storm Eugene , Frank Jorge , Poblete‐Gutiérrez Pamela 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA 75‐year‐old Caucasian female with a previous history of cutaneous lichen planus (LP) developed vesiculae and blisters on the lip. This special variant of oral LP is very rare and has to be distinguished from LP pemphigoides, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, erythema multiforme, and herpes simplex virus infection. To date, there are only few reports on bullous oral LP on the lower lip. Although treatment is difficult, we successfully applied a topical combination of tretinoin 0.025% and triamcinolone 0.1%.
Cutaneous granulomas in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Collaris Esther J. H. , Van Marion Ariënne M. W. , Frank Jorge , Poblete‐Gutiérrez Pamela 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA 57‐year‐old man with rheumatoid arthritis and myasthenia gravis developed an asymptomatic erythematous plaque on his nose and skin‐colored nodules on the elbows. Histopathological examination was suggestive of palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis (PNGD). PNGD is a rather uncommon cutaneous finding in different collagen vascular disorders that can manifest with a broad range of clinical symptoms and histological signs. Based on the case report of the patient described here, we briefly discuss what is currently known about this disease.
Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis: case report
Authors: De Zwart‐Storm Eugene A. , Van Marion Ariënne M. W. , Gorter Simone L. , Frank Jorge , Kelleners‐Smeets Nicole W. J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA 64‐year‐old woman developed slowly expanding asymptomatic red bumps on the hands and in the face since 1 year. Histopathological examination showed mononucleated and multinucleated giant cells with a characteristic “ground glass” appearance. Based on the clinical and histopathological findings, we made the diagnosis of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH). This rare variant of histiocytosis was described for the first time in 1950. Clinically, the disorder is characterized by papulonodular cutaneous lesions, and a severe and often destructive arthropathy. The reticulohistiocytoses are a rare group of closely related non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis that most commonly manifest in adults. Because MRH can be associated with an underlying malignancies, and an interdisciplinary examination and regimen of these patients is advisable.
Onycholysis associated with subungual manifestation of barber's hair sinus
Authors: Nagtzaam Ivo F. , Van Der Velden Jaap J. A. J. , Kelleners‐Smeets Nicole W. J. , Frank Jorge 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA female hairdresser presented with hair fragments embedded under her fingernails in association with yellow‐brownish discoloration and distal detachment of the nails. Based on these findings, we made the diagnosis of subungual barber's hair sinus with onycholysis. To our knowledge, this unique clinical picture has not been reported previously. A detailed medical history revealed several risk factors that might have contributed to the disease. Here, we briefly review what is known about barber's hair sinus, an occupational disease that is usually encountered in male hairdressers and only rarely manifests in women.
Severe chronic urticaria is associated with elevated plasma levels of D‐dimer
Authors: Asero R. , Tedeschi A. , Riboldi P. , Griffini S. , Bonanni E. , Cugno M. 
Published: October 2007

Background:  Patients with chronic urticaria (CU) frequently show signs of thrombin generation as a result of the activation of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and signs of fibrinolysis as shown by slightly increased mean D‐dimer plasma levels. Here, we studied patients with severe CU to see whether the activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis parallels the severity of the disease.Methods:  Eight consecutive patients with severe exacerbations of CU and 13 with slight CU were studied. Plasma prothrombin fragment F1+2 as well as D‐dimer were measured by ELISA. Serum histamine‐releasing activity was assessed by basophil histamine release assay. Seventy‐four normal subjects were used as controls.Results:  In patients with severe CU, median levels of both D‐dimer (11.20 nmol/l) and F1+2 (592 pmol/l) largely exceeded those found in patients with slight CU [D‐dimer: 2.66 nmol/l (P = 0.001) and F1+2: 228 pmol/l (P = 0.003)] and in normal subjects [D‐dimer: 1.41 nmol/l (P = 0.0001) and F1+2: 159 pmol/l (P = 0.0001)]. Sera from 25% of patients with severe CU and 31% of those with slight CU, but from none of normal subjects, showed in vitro histamine‐releasing activity. D‐dimer and F1+2 levels were significantly correlated each other (r = 0.64, P = 0.002) and with CU severity score (r = 0.80–0.90, P = 0.0001), but no correlation was observed between serum histamine‐releasing activity and coagulation parameters or severity score.Conclusions:  Severe exacerbations of CU are associated with a strong activation of coagulation cascade and fibrinolysis. Whether this activation is the cause of CU or acts as an amplification system is still a matter of debate.
Increased prostaglandin E2 levels in the airway of patients with eosinophilic bronchitis
Authors: Sastre B. , Fernández‐Nieto M. , Mollá R. , López E. , Lahoz C. , Sastre J. , Del Pozo V. , Quirce S. 
Published: October 2007

Background:  Eosinophilic bronchitis is a common cause of chronic cough, which like asthma is characterized by sputum eosinophilia, but unlike asthma there is no variable airflow obstruction or airway hyperresponsiveness. We tested the hypothesis that the different airway function in patients with eosinophilic bronchitis and asthma could be caused by an imbalance in the production of bronchoconstrictor (LTC4) and bronchoprotective (prostaglandin E2; PGE2) lipid mediators.Methods:  We measured cytokines levels, proinflammatory mediators and eicosanoids concentration in sputum from 13 subjects with nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis, 13 subjects with asthma, and 11 healthy control subjects. Cytokines mRNA levels were measured by real time PCR, proinflammatory mediators, PGE2, and LTC4 were measured by enzyme immunoassays.Results:  The median sputum eosinophil count was not statistically different in patients with asthma (7.95%) and eosinophilic bronchitis (15.29%). The levels of mRNA specific to interleukin‐5 (IL‐5), IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐13, interferon γ (IFN‐γ), IL‐2, vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor β were similar in both conditions. In addition, no differences were found between asthma and eosinophilic bronchitis in proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐8, IFN‐γ and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) levels. Sputum cysteinyl‐leukotrienes concentration was raised both in eosinophilic bronchitis and asthma patients. We found that induced sputum PGE2 concentrations were significantly increased in subjects with eosinophilic bronchitis (838.3 ± 612 pg/ml) when compared with asthmatic (7.54 ± 2.14 pg/ml) and healthy subjects (4 ± 1.3 pg/ml).Conclusion:  This data suggest that the difference in airway function observed in subjects with eosinophilic bronchitis and asthma could be due to differences in PGE2 production in the airways.
Effects of 4‐chloro‐2,6‐bis‐(2‐hydroxyl‐benzyl)‐phenol on Healing of Skin Wounds and Growth of Bacteria
Authors: Oryan A. , Khalafi‐Nezhad A. , Toloo N. , Soltani Rad M. N. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryIn this investigation, the effects of synthesized 4‐chloro‐2,6‐bis‐(2‐hydroxyl‐benzyl)‐phenol (CBHBP) on cutaneous wound healing and growth of some of the wound contaminating microorganisms were studied. The antibacterial effects of this compound were then evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella spp., using solid dilution method. It was demonstrated that CBHBP has a significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus but it is not effective in the case of other microorganisms studied in this experiment. The effect of local administration of CBHBP on healing of a standard full‐thickness 2 cm skin incision of skeletally mature rats was evaluated. Histological changes together with mechanical properties and dry weight content of the healing tissues at the site of the lesions were assessed in treated and untreated animals. It was observed that the injured area of the treated animals was more organized and showed more fibroblasts and less inflammatory cells. Much better maturation criteria in treated tissues were observed in comparison with those of the untreated ones which contained numerous polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells after 14 days post‐injury. Many infiltrated macrophages and lymphocytes were present even 28 days after injury induction in the haphazardly organized dermis and also in subcutaneous tissues of the untreated animals. The percentage dry weight content of the treated lesions at 14 days post‐injury was remarkably higher than those of the untreated animals. The results of biomechanical tensile testing showed that the ultimate tensile strength and stress of the injured skin of the treated animals were higher than those of the untreated ones. From these results, it could be concluded that CBHBP can be effective on wound healing and may be considered as a treatment regimen after evaluating its mechanism of action as well as testing its contraindications.
Proliferation of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells in the Development of Ascites Syndrome in Broilers Induced by Low Ambient Temperature
Authors: Wang J. , Qiao J. , Zhao L. H. , Li K. , Wang H. , Xu T. , Tian Y. , Gao M. , Wang X. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryPulmonary vascular remodelling, mainly characterized by arterial medial thickening, is an important pathological feature of broiler ascites syndrome (AS). Since vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) form the major cellular component of arterial medial layer, we speculate that VSMC proliferation is one of the causes of pulmonary arterial medial thickening in ascitic broilers. Hence, the present study was designed to investigate the role of VSMC proliferation in pulmonary vascular remodelling in development of AS induced by low ambient temperature. Broilers in control group (22 ± 1.5°C) and low temperature group (11 ± 2°C) were sampled every week at 15–50 days of age. Proliferative indexes of VSMC in pulmonary arteries were assessed with proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and the relative medial thickness (RMT) and relative wall area (RWA), as indexes of pulmonary vascular remodelling, were examined by computer‐image analysing system. The results showed that the high incidence (18.75%) of AS was induced by low temperature, and a significantly increased VSMC proliferation was observed in pulmonary arteries in the low temperature group at 22–50 days of age (P < 0.05). In addition, RMT and RWA in pulmonary arteries were significantly elevated in the low temperature group from 36 days of age (P < 0.05), indicating that pulmonary vascular remodelling occurred following VSMC proliferation in AS. Our data suggest that proliferation of VSMC may facilitate pulmonary vascular remodelling and have a pivotal role in AS induced by low ambient temperature.
Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bacteria and Yeasts Isolated from Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Otitis Externa
Authors: Lyskova P. , Vydrzalova M. , Mazurova J. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThe bacterial and fungal flora of the external ear canal of dogs with otitis externa and of healthy dogs were studied. The most frequently isolated microorganism from otitic ears wasStaphylococcus intermedius(58.8%), followed byMalassezia pachydermatis(30.9%),Streptococcus canis(29.9%),Proteusspp. (14.4%) andEscherichia coli(10.3%). A statistical analysis of our results showed that the prevalence of these microorganisms is significant in dogs with otitis externa. Furthermore, the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated strains were determined. Majority of all bacterial isolates were most susceptible to gentamicin.Malassezia pachydermatis, the most prevalent yeast in this study, showed an excellent level of susceptibility to all antifungal agents tested.
A Case of Intravascular Lymphoma with Mixed Lineage Antigen Expression in a Cat
Authors: Henrich M. , Huisinga M. , Bauer N. , Reinacher M. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryA 3‐year‐old neutered male British shorthair cat was presented to the Clinic for Small Animal Medicine, Internal Medicine and Clinical Pathology, at the Justus‐Liebig‐University Giessen with a short history of lethargy, severe dyspnoea, fever, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and hyperbilirubinaemia. In blood smears and lymph node aspirates, large pleomorphic lymphatic blasts were detected. On necropsy splenic infarcts and moderate hydrothorax as well as moderate ascites could be observed. Histological examination revealed large numbers of lymphoid blasts within the lumen of the vessels of the lung, lymph nodes, the liver, the chorioid coat of the eyes, in meningeal vessels, arteries and veins of the brain, and within the larger splenic vessels. Neoplastic cells immunohistochemically stained positive for CD45R and CD3. Based on these findings, an intravascular lymphoma was diagnosed.
Extending rural and remote medicine with a new type of health worker: Physician assistants
Authors: O'Connor Teresa M. , Hooker Roderick S. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to demonstrate that the medical workforce shortage is an international phenomenon and to review one of the strategies developed in the USA in the late 1960s: the physician assistant model of health service provision. The authors consider whether this model could provide one strategy to help address the medical workforce shortage in Australia. A systematic review of the literature about medical workforce shortages, strategies used to address the medical workforce shortage, and the physician assistant role was undertaken. Literature used for the review covered the period 1967–2006. Physician assistants provide safe, high‐quality and cost‐effective primary care services under the direction of a doctor and respond to workforce shortages in rural and remote areas, family practice medicine and hospital settings. This model of health care provision has been adopted in several other developed countries, including England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Canada. The physician assistant concept might provide Australia with a novel strategy for addressing its medical workforce shortage, particularly in rural and remote settings.