bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postfire response of North American boreal forest net primary productivity analyzed with satellite observations
Authors: Hicke Jeffrey A. , Asner Gregory P. , Kasischke Eric S. , French Nancy H. F. , Randerson James T. , James Collatz G. , Stocks Brian J. , Tucker Compton J. , Los Sietse O. , Field Christopher B. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractFire is a major disturbance in the boreal forest, and has been shown to release significant amounts of carbon (C) to the atmosphere through combustion. However, less is known about the effects on ecosystems following fire, which include reduced productivity and changes in decomposition in the decade immediately following the disturbance. In this study, we assessed the impact of fire on net primary productivity (NPP) in the North American boreal forest using a 17‐year record of satellite NDVI observations at 8‐ km spatial resolution together with a light‐use efficiency model. We identified 61 fire scars in the satellite observations using digitized fire burn perimeters from a database of large fires. We studied the postfire response of NPP by analyzing the most impacted pixel within each burned area. NPP decreased in the year following the fire by 60–260 g C m−2 yr−1 (30–80%). By comparing pre‐ and postfire observations, we estimated a mean NPP recovery period for boreal forests of about 9 years, with substantial variability among fires. We incorporated this behavior into a carbon cycle model simulation to demonstrate these effects on net ecosystem production. The disturbance resulted in a release of C to the atmosphere during the first 8 years, followed by a small, but long‐lived, sink lasting 150 years. Postfire net emissions were three times as large as from a model run without changing NPP. However, only small differences in the C cycle occurred between runs after 8 years due to the rapid recovery of NPP. We conclude by discussing the effects of fire on the long‐term continental trends in satellite NDVI observed across boreal North America during the 1980s and 1990s.
Implications of climate change for North American wood warblers (Parulidae)
Authors: Strode Paul K. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractSince 1912, Neotropical–Nearctic migrant birds may now have up to 20 fewer days to travel between Southern Illinois, where spring is arriving later, and Northern Minnesota, where spring is arriving earlier, to exploit optimal habitat conditions (expanding leaves and caterpillar activity) for refueling and breeding. As case studies of the effect of climate change on bird migration, I analyzed two long‐term data sets of arrival times for eight species of northern breeding migratory wood warblers (Parulidae) gathered over a 100 year period in east‐central Illinois (IL, USA) and a 40 year period in western Minnesota (MN, USA). Six (IL) and seven (MN) of the wood warbler species showed no significant tendency to migrate earlier in response to earlier springs in their breeding range. These results suggest that climate change may force many species of long‐distance migratory songbirds to become uncoupled in the spring from their food resources that are driven by temperature.
Mycobacterium chelonae infection with multiple cutaneous lesions after treatment with acupuncture
Authors: Ara Mariano , De Santamaría Carmen Sáenz , Zaballos Pedro , Yus Carmen , Lezcano María Antonia 
Published: July 2003

A 58‐year‐old‐woman was first seen in November 1999 with a 4‐week history of several tender, deep red or purple, suppurating subcutaneous nodules on the skin of the abdomen, suggestive of a panniculitis (Fig. 1). She had no history of systemic immunosuppression. Three months prior to examination, the patient had treated with acupuncture for obesity. Two biopsy specimens of the nodules were taken and sent for culture and histologic examination. Histology showed a pattern of panniculitis with chronic inflammatory cells mixed with areas of polymorphonuclear abscesses and necrosis (Fig. 2). Culture of the biopsy specimen grew acid fast bacilli within 4 days, later identified with biochemical and molecular tests as Mycobacterium chelonae (subspecies chelonae). Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction enzyme pattern analysis (PRA) was used for molecular identification of mycobacteria. In vitro sensitivity tests showed sensitivity to clarithromycin, amikacin, tobramycin, doxycycline and erythromycin and resistance to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, imipenem and cefoxitin. Oral clarithromycin (500 mg b.d.) was started and after 3 months of therapy the lesions had cleared completely.Abdomen with disseminated subcutaneous erythematous nodules due to M. chelonae after treatment with acupunctureimageSkin biopsy specimen shows a pattern of panniculitis with chronic inflammatory cells mixed with areas of polymorphonuclear abscesses and necrosis (hematoxylin‐eosin, × 100)image
Common allergens in shoe dermatitis: our experience in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Rani Zahida , Hussain Ijaz , Haroon Tahir Saeed 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackground Shoe dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to shoes. Different chemicals, in conjunction with a hot and humid environment within the shoe, give rise to allergic or irritant dermatitis. Allergic shoe dermatitis is commonly caused by constituents of rubber, leather, adhesives, and rarely by linings and dyes.Aim To determine the frequency of various allergens in shoe dermatitis in our patients.Methods One hundred and nine patients suspected of having contact dermatitis due to shoe allergens were included. All patients were patch tested with the Shoe series and European Standard series. Patches were applied on the upper back and removed after 48 h. Results were read at 48, 72, and 120 h and interpreted according to International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) criteria.Results Of the 119 patients, 87 (73%) reacted positively to various allergens, 48% of whom showed polysensitivity. Glues (33.6%), particularly para‐tert‐butylphenol formaldehyde resin (PTBP‐FR) (26.9%), were the leading cause of shoe dermatitis. Other allergens were leather chemicals (26.4%), potassium dichromate (16.18%), rubber allergens (7.6%), and dyes (7.6%). Shoe scrapings tested positive in 26.3% of patients. Other common allergens were nickel sulfate (22.7%), neomycin sulfate (10.1%), and cobalt chloride (8.4%).Conclusions Considering the diversity of allergens, all patients presenting with shoe dermatitis should be patch tested with the Shoe series and a standard series to determine the etiologic allergens.
Comparison of chronic autoimmune urticaria with chronic idiopathic urticaria
Authors: Bakos Noémi , Hillander Maria 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackground Chronic urticaria has been described in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Despite numerous studies, the correlation between H. pylori infection and chronic urticaria is doubtful. Our study was performed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in autoimmune urticaria and in patients suffering from autoimmune urticaria and autoimmune thyroiditisMethods The authors widely investigated 48 patients. The examinations were extended principally to autologous serum skin test, antithyroid antibodies, and the presence of H. pylori infection as well as detection of antibodies against H. pylori.Results Out of the 48 patients, 26 were regarded as having autoimmune origin. The prevalence of antithyroid antibodies was different in the two groups of patients with urticaria. There were 11 patients (42.3%) in the autoimmune group compared with three patients (13.6%) in the nonautoimmune group with antithyroid peroxidase antibody (P = 0.03). The difference in the prevalence of H. pylori infection was significant between autoimmune urticaria with and without thyroid autoimmunity (90.9% vs. 46.7%; P = 0.02). Autoimmune thyroiditis was connected with CagA +H. pylori strains, as the H. pylori‐ specific IgG antibodies revealed significant differences in a prevalence of 120 kDa (P < 0.05).Conclusions The authors observed a relationship between autoimmune urticaria and autoimmune thyroiditis. The results strengthen the possibility of cross‐reactivity being triggered between CagA plus H. pylori strains and some other organ‐specific autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune urticaria and autoimmune thyroiditis. This indicates a possible role of H. pylori in triggering autoimmune urticaria in at least a select group of patients.
Paederus dermatitis in northern Iran: a report of 156 cases
Authors: Zargari Omid , Kimyai‐Asadi Arash , Fathalikhani Fateme , Panahi Mehdi 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackground Paederus dermatitis develops when beetles of the genus Paederus (often called rove beetles) are crushed on the skin, releasing the vesicant pederin. These beetles are found in many tropical and subtropical habitats.Methods We describe 156 patients who presented to a dermatology clinic in the Guilan province of northern Iran during a 6‐month period (May–October 2001).Results The peak time of presentation was in September, and the face and neck were the most common sites of involvement. Clinically, the most common presentation comprised geographic erythematous plaques with micropustules. In three‐quarters of patients, more than one lesion was present. Kissing lesions were seen in 5% of cases, and 15% of patients developed diffuse desquamation. The majority of patients resided within 1 km of rice fields and used fluorescent lighting at home. In half of the cases, another family member was also affected.Conclusions Paederus dermatitis is a common skin condition in northern Iran. We believe that increased public awareness of this condition can decrease mucocutaneous exposure to pederin.
Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients attending a hospital dermatology clinic in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yu‐Fu , Chang Jeffrey S. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackground Recent studies have indicated that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been gaining popularity around the world. Previous studies showed that CAM use was common among dermatology patients in Western nations. This study presents the prevalence and types of CAM use among a group of patients in a dermatology clinic in Taiwan.Methods A convenient sample of 198 patients was recruited from the dermatology clinic of Show Chwan Memorial Hospital in Changhua City, Taiwan. Each patient completed a standardized questionnaire. Chi‐square tests were used to compare the demographic characteristics of those who did and did not use CAM. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the strength of association between correlate variables and CAM use.Results Forty‐one per cent of subjects had used CAM to treat their dermatological conditions. Subjects in the younger (< 30 years) and older (> 50 years) age groups were more likely to use CAM than those in the 30–50‐year age group. Those that participated in religious or social groups were more likely to use CAM. CAM users felt a more negative impact of their dermatological conditions on daily living, relationships, emotional well‐being and physical health.Conclusions As in Western nations, CAM use is prevalent among dermatology patients in Taiwan: not only the traditionally popular Chinese CAM, but also Western CAM. With CAM being popular in the younger age group, dermatologists will likely encounter more CAM users in the future. Because some CAM may produce serious side‐effects, dermatologists need to help and guide patients to assess the benefits and dangers of using CAM to treat dermatological conditions.
Lymphoscintigraphic analysis in chromoblastomycosis
Authors: Ogawa Marília M. , Alchorne Maurício M. A. , Barbieri Antonio , Castiglioni Mário L. V. , Penna Adriana Porto Benatti , Tomimori‐Yamashita Jane 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackground One of the main complications of chromoblastomycosis is lymphedema. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lymphatic system of the limbs of patients with chromoblastomycosis using lymphoscintigraphy. It is a reliable, objective and noninvasive means of supporting the diagnosis of lymphedema.Methods Lymphoscintigraphy was performed in seven patients with chromoblastomycosis, six with lesions in the lower limb and one in the upper limb. Tc‐99 m dextran was injected into the interdigital spaces of the upper or lower extremities. The qualitative parameters analyzed were the visibilization of the lymph vessels and the lymph nodes, dermal backflow, and existence of collateral vessels. All patients were treated with the association of itraconazole and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.Results Three out of the 14 extremities examined had lymphedema clinically, and the lymphoscintigraphy showed abnormalities in the qualitative parameters; whereas these parameters were normal in the extremities without lymphedema. During the treatment of chromoblastomycosis, a second lymphoscintigraphy exam was performed on 10 limbs and did not show any improvement of the previous lymphoscintigraphic alterations.Conclusions The qualitative lymphoscintigraphy was a reliable method to show the morphology of the lymph vessels and confirm objectively the diagnosis of lymphedema secondary to chromoblastomycosis. The association of oral itraconazol and cryotherapy did not modify the lymphatic alterations in chromoblastomycosis.
Head lice on pillows, and strategies to make a small risk even less
Authors: Speare Rick , Cahill Christine , Thomas Genelle 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackground Due to a lack of evidence, controversy exists about the role of bedding in the transmission of head lice.Aims To determine the proportion of the head lice population found on pillowcases of people with head lice, and to test strategies available to householders to kill head lice on pillowcases.Methods To assess the incidence of head lice on pillowcases, people with active pediculosis had their head lice collected and counted and the pillowcase they had used the night before examined for head lice. To test strategies to kill head lice on pillowcases, live head lice were experimentally placed in miniature pillowcases, and the cases were subjected to a hot wash, a cold wash, hot dryer, and hanging out to dry on an outdoor clothes line.Results Forty‐eight people and their pillowcases were recruited from Townsville, Qld, Australia (dry tropics). One thousand, eight hundred and forty‐five lice were collected from their heads to give an average and median intensity of infection of 38.4 and 21 lice, respectively. Two of the 48 pillowcases contained live lice, one nymph on each, 2 h and 9 h after the pillowcases had been removed from the bed. Another pillowcase contained a dehydrated nymph. The incidence of live lice on pillowcases was 4.2% per night and the proportion of the head louse population on the pillowcases was 0.11%. Heat (hot wash and hot clothes dryer) killed head lice experimentally placed in pillowcases. Cold wash and hanging pillowcases out to dry did not kill head lice.Conclusions Head lice transfer to pillowcases at night, but the incidence is low. Pillowcases pose a risk for re‐infection with head lice, but the risk is low, and changing the pillowcase is a reasonably cost‐efficient strategy to minimize this risk. Lice on pillowcases can be killed by heating the pillowcase by immersion in water at > 60 °C, by a hot wash, or by 15 min in a hot clothes dryer.
Case of generalized lichen amyloidosis
Authors: Tursen Umit , Kaya Tamer Irfan , Dusmez Duygu , Ikizoglu Guliz 
Published: July 2003

A 23‐year‐old white female patient presented with a 3‐year history of a pruritic rash on the trunk, extensor surfaces of the extremities, back, abdomen, and the glutea. There was no family history of any similar dermatological disease. Dermatological examination revealed generalized rough, mildly keratotic, symmetrical dome‐shaped papules, involving dorsal and extensor surfaces of both the lower and upper extremities, abdomen, back and the glutea (Fig. 1). Physical examination was normal.Dome‐shaped, lichenified papules, 4–5 mm in diameter, on the right lower extremityimage
Waardenburg syndrome: case report
Authors: Krishtul Anna , Galadari Ibrahim 
Published: July 2003

A 15‐year‐old Arab boy presented with congenital deafness, heterochromia iridis (right, brown; left, blue), poliosis (white forelock), with an area of leukoderma beneath the forelock, broad nasal root, and lateral displacement of the medial canthi (Fig. 1). Further investigation revealed that one of his siblings was similarly affected. The child was diagnosed with Waardenburg syndrome.Waardenburg syndrome: white forelock, heterochromia iridis, broad nasal root, leukoderma and hypertrichosis of medial eyebrowsimageAs the child grew older, the leukodermic patch on the scalp became more evident, together with confluence of the eyebrows (synophrys).
Is topical metronidazole effective in seborrheic dermatitis? A double‐blind study
Authors: Koca Rafet , Altinyazar H. Cevdet , Eştürk Emel 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackground Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic, papulosquamous dermatosis. Although several types of treatment have been developed, repetitive treatment courses are often necessary.Aim To perform a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical study with metronidazole 0.75% gel in patients with mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis of the face.Methods Eighty‐four patients (52 males and 32 females) with seborrheic dermatitis were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to the application of metronidazole 0.75% gel or placebo to their facial lesions, twice daily for 8 weeks. Patients were scored with regard to the severity of the lesions at the initial evaluation and every 2 weeks for 2 months. All patients were evaluated for a final assessment of improvement at the end of the study.Results At baseline, both treatment groups were comparable in terms of demographic data and lesion severity score. Seventy‐eight patients (48 males and 30 females), 48 (62%) in the metronidazole group and 30 (38%) in the placebo group, completed the study. Two patients in the metronidazole group and four patients in the placebo group left the study. There was no statistically significant difference in the change in the mean severity score between the two groups at the end of the study (P > 0.05). At the final evaluation of the response at 8 weeks, no statistically significant difference was found between the treatment groups (P > 0.05). Metronidazole gel was generally tolerated well during the study.Conclusions Metronidazole 0.75% gel and placebo show similar efficacy in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
308‐nm excimer laser for the treatment of localized vitiligo
Authors: Taneja Atul , Trehan Manju , Taylor Charles R. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBackground and Objective Vitiligo is commonly treated with PUVA, and more recently, narrow‐band UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy. Given the proximity of the wavelengths of NBUVB (311 nm) and the excimer laser (308 nm), we undertook a clinical trial to test the efficacy of this device.Methods Twice‐weekly 308‐nm UV‐B radiation was given to selected vitiligo lesions for a maximum of 60 treatments. These lesions had been unsuccessfully treated previously with at least one other method of treatment. Initial doses were 100 mJ/cm2 with increments of 10–25%. Improvement was assessed on a visual scale via serial photographs.Results Subjects tolerated the treatment well. Improvement varied with body site. After 60 treatments, lesions on the hands and feet showed grade 2 improvement in 2/10 subjects and grade 1 in 8/10. For the axillae, there was grade 4 improvement in 1/3 subjects and grade 2 improvement in 2/3 by treatment 60. The face demonstrated the most rapid repigmentation with grade 4 repigmentation seen in 3/5 subjects by 40 treatments and grade 3 in 2/5 by 30 treatments. There were no adverse effects.Conclusions The user‐friendly 308‐nm excimer laser allows targeted treatments of localized vitiligo.
Plant‐Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Hop Production in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Hay F. , Pethybridge S. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe abundance, diversity and temporal fluctuations in plant‐parasitic nematodes associated with hop production, and their effect on cone yield and levels of alpha acids were assessed in two hop (cv. ‘Pride of Ringwood’) gardens in Tasmania, Australia within the 1999/2000 season at Forrester River, and within the 2001/2002 season at Gunns Plains. The most abundant plant‐parasitic nematode found at both sites was Heterodera humuli Filipjev 1934. Heliocotylenchus dihystera, Pratylenchus spp. and Meloidogyne spp. were present in comparatively low numbers. Temporal fluctuations in the numbers of H. humuli suggested that one generation occurred at Forrester River and Gunns Plains. At Forrester River, the numbers of H. humuli second stage juveniles (J2) on 11 October 1999 were significantly negatively correlated with cone yield on 17 March 2000. No significant correlations were detected between numbers of H. humuli J2 and cone yield at later dates, or between numbers of H. humuli J2 at any sampling date and alpha acid content.
Pathogenic Variation among Isolates of Pyrenophora teres, the Causal Agent of Barley Net Blotch
Authors: Arabi M. I. E. , Al‐Safadi B. , Charbaji T. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractIsolates of Pyrenophora teres, the causal agent of net blotch of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been collected from France and Syria. Their virulence spectra were evaluated using 11 barley genotypes as differential hosts. The genotypes exhibited a continuous range of response from highly susceptible to moderately resistant. A mean disease rating of 3.7 is considered as the separation point between avirulent and virulent reactions. The frequency of virulence was highest for isolates S5, R5 and S6‐2 and lowest for R‐ICA31 and R‐HAS‐6. A cluster analysis indicated that the isolates exhibited distinct differential virulence patterns and they were identified into five groups. The French isolates S5, R5 and S6‐2 had a higher mean virulence and a low variance across all genotypes. None of the tested genotypes was highly resistant to all investigated isolates.
Cultural Characterization and Conidial Dimorphism in Colletotrichum sublineolum
Authors: Souza‐Paccola E. A. , Fávaro L. C. L. , Bomfeti C. A. , Mesquita S. F. P. , Paccola‐Meirelles L. D. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractAnthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum, is one of the most important diseases of sorghum in Brazil. This fungus showed conidial dimorphism when cultivated on solid or in liquid media. In solid media only falcate conidia were produced, whereas in liquid media the conidia were of variable size, but mostly oval. Wild strains, differentiated by their α and β esterase electrophoretic profiles, were assessed. The effect of different culture media on the production of both conidial types was evaluated. Unlike that of oval conidia, the production of falcate conidia was light‐dependent. Some strains failed to produce falcate conidia in solid media, but all produced oval conidia in all the liquid media. The falcate conidia were uninucleate, but oval conidia contained one to three nuclei, although most were uninucleate. Both types of conidia induced symptoms in inoculable sorghum plants under controlled conditions. Both oval and falcate conidia produced mutants after exposure to UV light, and hyphal anastomoses occurred in crosses between mutant conidia carriers of complementary markers. The production of these oval conidia in C. sublineolum is an alternative to pathogenicity tests and genetic studies, especially for strains that sporulate poorly in solid culture media.