bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hybrid Bacillus thuringiensis delta‐endotoxin gives resistance against a coleopteran and a lepidopteran pest in transgenic potato
Authors: Naimov Samir , Dukiandjiev Stefan , De Maagd Ruud A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryExpression of Bacillus thuringiensis delta‐endotoxins has proven to be a successful strategy for obtaining insect resistance in transgenic plants. Drawbacks of expression of a single resistance gene are the limited target spectrum and the potential for rapid adaptation of the pest. Hybrid toxins with a wider target spectrum in combination with existing toxins may be used as tool to mitigate these problems. In this study, Desiree potato plants were genetically modified to resist attack by insect species belonging to the orders Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, through the insertion of such a hybrid gene, SN19. Transgenic plants were shown to be resistant against Colorado potato beetle larvae and adults, potato tuber moth larvae, and European corn borer larvae. These are the first transgenic plants resistant to pests belonging to two different insect orders. In addition, the target receptor recognition of this hybrid protein is expected to be different from Cry proteins currently in use for these pests. This makes it a useful tool for resistance management strategies.
Transcriptional control of nutrient partitioning during rice grain filling
Authors: Zhu Tong , Budworth Paul , Chen Wenqiong , Provart Nicholas , Chang Hur‐Song , Guimil Sonia , Su Wenpei , Estes Bram , Zou Guangzhou , Wang Xun 
Published: March 2003

SummaryCereal grains accumulate carbohydrates, storage proteins and fatty acids via different pathways during their development. Many genes that participate in nutrient partitioning during grain filling and that affect starch quality have been identified. To understand how the expression of these genes is coordinated during grain development, a genomic approach to surveying the participation and interactions of all the pathways is necessary. Using recently published rice genome information, we designed a rice GeneChip microarray that covers half the rice genome. By monitoring the expression of 21 000 genes in parallel, we identified genes involved in the grain filling process and found that the expression of genes involved in different pathways is coordinately controlled in a synchronized fashion during grain filling. Interestingly, a known promoter element in genes encoding seed storage proteins, AACA, is statistically over‐represented among the 269 genes in different pathways with diverse functions that are significantly up‐regulated during grain filling. By expression pattern matching, a group of transcription factors that have the potential to interact with this element was identified. We also found that most genes in the starch biosynthetic pathway show multiple distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns, suggesting that different isoforms of a given enzyme are expressed in different tissues and at different developmental stages. Our results reveal key regulatory machinery and provide an opportunity for modifying multiple pathways by manipulating key regulatory elements for improving grain quality and quantity.
Long‐term efficacy of dietary treatment of obesity: a systematic review of studies published between 1931 and 1999
Authors: Ayyad C. , Andersen T. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryMethods: MEDLINE surveys were carried out and reference lists were cross‐checked to identify publications on long‐term outcome for dietary treatment of obesity. 898 papers were identified, 17 fulfilled our planned criteria for inclusion (dietary treatment; adults; follow‐up period ≥ 3 years; follow‐up rate ≥ 50% of original study group; information on one of the success criteria: maintenance of all weight initially lost (or further weight reduction) or maintenance of at least nine to 11 kg of initial weight loss; obesity complications of the patient group not over‐represented; English, German or Scandinavian languages). Results: The 17 included publications (hereof three publications on randomized clinical trials with control group relevant for this review) reported on 21 study groups, comprising 3030 patients. Of these 2131 (70%) were followed‐up for 3–14 years (median 5 years). Mean initial weight loss ranged from four to 28 kg (median 11 kg). Overall, 15% (median, range 0–49%) of followed‐up patients fulfilled one of the criteria for success. Overall, success rates seemed stable for up to 14 years of observation. Diet combined with group therapy lead to better long‐term success rates (median 27%) than did diet alone (median 15%) or diet combined with behaviour modification (median 14%). Active follow‐up was generally associated with better success rates than was passive follow‐up (19% vs. 10%). Conventional diet seemed to be most efficacious in addition with group therapy, whereas VLCD apparently was most efficacious if combined with behaviour modification and active follow‐up. Conclusion: The literature on long‐term follow‐up of dietary treatment of obesity, although limited and inhomogeneous, points to an overall median success rate of 15% and a possible adjuvant effect of group therapy, behaviour modification and active follow‐up.
Metabolically active components of fat‐free mass and resting energy expenditure in humans: recent lessons from imaging technologies
Authors: Müller M. J. , Bosy‐Westphal A. , Kutzner D. , Heller M. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryImaging technologies, i.e. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), are precise and accurate techniques used to study lean body mass and adipose tissue distribution. CT and MRI can also be used to assess metabolically active components of fat‐free mass (FFM). (Throughout this article, metabolic activity is defined with respect to oxidative metabolism.) To date a total of 116 in vivo measurements of organ masses (OM), in combination with the measurement of resting energy expenditure (REE), have been reported. These data suggest that MRI‐ or CT‐derived OM explains part (≈5–10%) of the interindividual variance in REE. The data also suggest that REE can be reconstructed from detailed body composition analysis. Calculating REE from the sum of individual OM multiplied by a constant organ tissue‐respiration rate showed a high correlation between calculated and measured REE, with only small and non‐significant differences of 83–96 kJ d–1. In addition to CT‐ and MRI‐derived OM, data are available of 244 obese and non‐obese subjects regarding the association between regional components of lean body mass (LBM, assessed by DEXA) and REE. These results suggest that measurement of LBM distribution also provides the opportunity to adjust for the non‐linearity of REE on body mass. Assessment of metabolically active components of FFM or LBM may also add to our understanding of malnutrition‐, obesity‐ and disease states‐related variance in REE. There is need for [1] standardization of imaging technology in body composition research; [2] reference data on detailed body composition, also including more recent autopsy data; [3] reducing the number of assumptions in model‐based predictions; and [4] a combination of imaging technologies with in vivo measurements of individual OM respiration.
Approaching healthy body mass index norms for children and adolescents from health‐related physical fitness
Authors: Chen W. , Lin C.‐C. , Peng C.‐T. , Li C.‐I. , Wu H.‐C. , Chiang J. , Wu J.‐Y. , Huang P.‐C. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryCurrent body mass index (BMI) norms for children and adolescents are developed from a reference population that includes obese and slim subjects. The validity of these norms is influenced by the observed secular increase in body weight and BMI. We hypothesized that the performance of children in health‐related physical fitness tests would be negatively related to increased BMIs, and therefore fitness tests might be used as criteria for developing a more appropriate set of BMI norms. We evaluated the existing data from a nation‐wide fitness survey for students in Taiwan (444 652 boys and 433 555 girls) to examine the relationship between BMI and fitness tests. The fitness tests used included: an 800/1600‐m run/walk; a standing long jump; bent‐leg curl‐ups; and a sit‐and‐reach test. The BMI percentiles developed from the subgroup whose test scores were better than the ‘poor’ quartile in all four tests were compared with those of the whole population and linked to the adult criteria for overweight and obesity. The BMIs were significantly related to the results of fitness testing. A total of 43% of students had scores better than the poorest quartile in all of their tests. The upper BMI percentile curves of this fitter subgroup were lower than those of the total population. The 85th and 95th BMI percentile values of the fitter 18‐year‐old‐students (23.7 and 25.5 kg m−2 for boys; 22.6 and 24.6 kg m−2 for girls) linked well with the adult cut‐off points of 23 and 25 kg m−2, which have been recommended as the Asian criteria for adult overweight and obesity. Hence, the BMI norms for children and adolescents could be created from selected subgroups that have better physical fitness. We expect that the new norms based on this approach will be used not only to assess the current status of obesity or overweight, but also to encourage activity and exercise.
Physical activity and its impact on health outcomes. Paper 2: prevention of unhealthy weight gain and obesity by physical activity: an analysis of the evidence
Authors: Erlichman J. , Kerbey A. L. , James W. P. T. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe current guidelines for physical activity are based on the prevention of cardiovascular disease. In this article the magnitude and type of physical activity required to prevent unhealthy weight gain are assessed. Five categories of analyses are considered, ranging from the most rigorous analyses (based on D2O18 measures of energy expenditure) to socio‐ecological associations. To standardize the approach, published work on the extent of exercise was expressed as a physical activity level (PAL), i.e. the ratio of total expenditure to the measured or estimated basal metabolic rate. D2O18, direct monitoring and measurements of activity patterns and detailed prospective studies of substantial population groups all suggest that a PAL of ≥1.8 is required to limit the proportion of overweight and obese adult men. Data on women are more difficult to interpret because women are less active and the relationship with physical activity is usually less clear. Post‐obese women with a PAL of >1.75 do not regain weight and other data are consistent with the need for a PAL of ≥1.8. The analyses in both sexes are based predominantly on adults living in a Western society with the ready availability of energy‐dense foods. Vigorous activity is more clearly linked to weight stability, allows a higher intensity of exercise for general activities and shortens the time needed for achieving a PAL of 1.8. This activity level is equivalent to an additional 60–90 min of brisk walking in adults who normally undertake only modest exercise. These demands are greater than the current suggested levels for cardiovascular benefit and imply the need for different environmental policies, rather than health education policies, if societies are to become generally more active and avoid unhealthy weight gain.
Chronic erosive herpes simplex virus infection of the penis, a possible immune reconstitution disease
Authors: Fox PA. , Barton SE. , Francis N. , Youle M. , Henderson DC. , Pillay D. , Johnson MA. , Fearfield L. , Gazzard BG. , Bunker CB. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To report a novel clinical presentation: a chronic erosive herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of the penis which developed in AIDS patients following the commencement of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The lesions were unresponsive to antiviral treatments which had previously been effective, and this could not be accounted for in terms of increased antiviral resistance. Design Detailed case‐note review and investigation of three cases which presented at two large HIV units in London. Methods Review of all histology with immunohistochemistry for HSV, HSV drug susceptibility assays, tissue typing and measurement of in vitro lymphocyte functional activity against HSV. Results The histology of the lesions was the same in each case, with the presence of HSV on immunohistochemistry and an unusual prominence of plasma cell and eosinophils in the inflammatory infiltrate. HSV‐specific lymphoproliferative responses were normal in two cases, but subnormal in a third case. All individuals shared the HLA class I molecules B72 and Cw0202 and the class II allele DRB4. Conclusion We believe this to be a previously unreported adverse consequence of HAART, the result of partial immune restoration, reminiscent of the the recently described syndrome of immune recovery vitritis.
Heterozygosity for CCR5‐DΔ32 but not CCR2b‐64I protects against certain intracellular pathogens
Authors: Ashton LJ , Stewart GJ , Biti R , Law M , Cooper DA , Kaldor JM 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo determine the association between CCR5 and CCR2b genotype and the clinical manifestation of first and subsequent AIDS‐defining illnesses (ADIs).MethodsThe distribution of ADIs was examined by CCR5 and CCR2b genotype in a subset of homosexual men enrolled in the Sydney AIDS Prospective Study. The expected number of ADIs was calculated from rates observed in the same tertiary hospital over the same period.ResultsInformation on initial ADI was collected for 117 homosexual men diagnosed with AIDS before January 1998. Of these individuals, 17 were heterozygous for the CCR5‐DΔ32 mutation and 11 were heterozygous for CCR2b‐64I. The number of observed cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), toxoplasmosis, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and cryptosporidiosis reported as a first ADI was substantially fewer in people heterozygous for the CCR5‐DΔ32 mutation than for those without the mutation, despite similar age, CD4 T‐cell count at AIDS diagnosis, year of AIDS diagnosis and receipt of antiretroviral treatment. In addition, among individuals heterozygous for CCR5‐DΔ32 there were fewer cases of PCP, toxoplasmosis, MAC, and cryptosporidiosis observed as subsequent ADIs compared to the number expected, based on rates measured in the same hospital during the same period (seven observed vs. 24 expected, RR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.01–0.6). The distribution of first and subsequent ADIs did not differ from the number expected in individuals heterozygous for the CCR2b‐64I mutation.ConclusionResults from this study show that heterozygosity for CCR5‐DΔ32 but not CCR2b‐64I appears to protect against opportunistic infections.
Lepromatous leprosy in an HIV‐positive patient in Spain
Authors: Moreno‐Giménez Jc , Valverde F , Rios Jj , Logroño C , Rubio F Lopez 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe report a 35‐year‐old HIV‐positive male affected by lepromatous leprosy which, to our knowledge, is the first case of its kind in Spain. The relationship between the two conditions is discussed.
Activation of cutaneous sarcoidosis following Mycobacterium marinum infection of skin
Authors: Gudi Vs , Campbell Sm , Gould Dj , Marshall R , Winterton Mc 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSarcoidosis has long been associated with mycobacterial infection, especially with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, although a causal association has not been proven. Atypical mycobacteria have also been implicated in causing sarcoidosis, but there is as yet no conclusive evidence. We report the activation of cutaneous sarcoidosis following infection with M. marinum, raising further questions about the role of these bacteria in causing this chronic granulomatous disorder.
The natural history of hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Von Der Werth JM , Williams HC 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Aim To investigate aspects of the natural history of hidradenitis. Background The natural history of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is not well known. There is incomplete published data on the average age of disease onset, progression of the disease, average monthly incidence and duration of boils, and factors that relieve or exacerbate disease symptoms. Study design Questionnaire‐based survey among HS patients identified from hospital records of three hospitals in Nottinghamshire, UK. Results One hundred and ten of 156 questionnaires (70.5%) were returned, 93 from females and 17 from males. The average patient’s age was 40.1 years and the average reported age of disease onset was 21.8 years. At the time of the survey patients had suffered an average disease duration of 18.8 years. Most patients (98 of 110) still had experienced active disease within the past year. There was some evidence that in women the condition has a tendency to ease or subside after the menopause. Forty‐four per cent of women felt that their condition was aggravated by menstruation. Thirty‐eight per cent of patients gave a positive family history of the disorder. The average duration of painful boils was 6.9 days. In addition, 62% of patients acknowledged the presence of permanently painful boils that failed to subside. Patients developed a median of two boils per month. Factors that could aggravate the condition were primarily sweating or heat, stress or fatigue and tight clothing or friction. Factors that could improve the condition consisted largely of a variety of medical treatments and a number of life‐style measures, such as swimming or baths. Twenty‐four per cent of patients had failed to find anything at all to help their condition, despite an average disease duration of almost 19 years. Conclusions The study highlights several of the factors that make HS one of the most distressing dermatological diseases, such as the average monthly incidence of painful lesions, their average duration and the chronicity of the disease. It seems striking that the mean duration of an HS boil (6.9 days) roughly equals the duration of an average course of antibiotics. The postulated response of HS to oral antibiotics may thus simply have its explanation in the natural history of the condition itself.
Photodynamic therapy for in situ squamous cell carcinoma on chronic radiation dermatitis after photosensitization with 5‐aminolaevulinic acid
Authors: Guillen Carlos , Sanmartin Onofre , Escudero Angel , Botella‐Estrada Rafael , Sevila Amparo , Castejon Pilar 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe accessibility of the skin to light treatment, as well as the developments made by dermatologists in photodynamic therapy (PDT), creates an exciting apportunity to include it as a part of our standard therapeutic armamentarium. We report a 63‐year‐old man with an in situ squamous cell carcinoma located on a chronic radiodermitis area in a finger, treated successfully with PDT. PDT appears to be a viable alternative to conventional therapy for in situ squamous cell carcinoma as well as for other superficial tumours of the skin.
Malignant atrophic papulosis (Degos’ disease): clinicopathological correlations
Authors: Chave TA , Varma S , Patel GK , Knight AG 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMalignant atrophic papulosis (MAP) is a rare disease characterized by pathognomonic cutaneous lesions and frequently fatal systemic involvement. Dermatologists should have a high index of suspicion for systemic complications in a patient presenting with MAP. We report a case of malignant atrophic papulosis to highlight the clinicopathological features and review this important dermatological diagnosis.
Rosacea fulminans triggered by high‐dose vitamins B6 and B12
Authors: Jansen T , Romiti R , Kreuter A , Altmeyer P 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRosacea fulminans is a rare variant of rosacea conglobata that occurs almost exclusively in women well past adolescence. The aetiology is unknown, although immunological, hormonal, and vascular factors have been suggested. We report the case of a 17‐year‐old girl with rosacea fulminans that was temporally associated with daily ingestion of high‐dose vitamin B supplements. The onset was sudden and cosmetically disabling. The eruption improved when the vitamin supplement was discontinued and a therapeutic regimen including isotretinoin and methylprednisolone was introduced. It seems appropriate to consider the possibility of such a vitamin B‐triggered condition in cases of subjects presenting new or exacerbating facial eruptions.
Evaluation of sexual function in subjects taking finasteride for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Tosti A , Piraccini BM , Soli M 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundOur practical experience indicates that sexual side‐effects in subjects taking finasteride 1 mg (Propecia®) for androgenetic alopecia are much less common than reported in the literature.ObjectiveTo evaluate the sexual function in subjects taking finasteride (1 mg) compared with age‐matched controls using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).MethodsThe IIEF, a brief, reliable questionnaire, was self‐administered to 236 patients taking Propecia® and 236 age‐matched males attending the Department of Dermatology of the University of Bologna.ResultsStatistical analysis showed no differences between scores obtained with the IIEF in subjects taking finasteride and controls.ConclusionsThe sexual and erectile function of subjects taking finasteride does not significantly differ from that of age‐matched controls. This is consistent with the experience of many dermatologists who do not see sexual or erectile dysfunction in patients taking Propecia®.
Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis
Authors: Luz FB , Gaspar AP , Kalil‐Gaspar N , Ramos‐e‐Silva M 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MR) is a rare histiocytic systemic disease mainly affecting the skin and synovia.Objective To present the main and newest aspects of MR.Method A review of the current medical literature, composing a retrospective study of 96 case reports published world‐wide since 1977.Results Facial and hand skin nodules with symmetric arthritis were the most frequent clinical presentation. The pathognomonic sign of ‘coral beads’ and vermicular erythematous lesions bordering nostrils, seems to be very characteristic of MR. There is a significant association with cancer. Histiocytic cells of MR are best characterized on immunohistochemistry by its immunoreactivity for vimentin, CD68 and CD45 and non‐reactivity for S‐100 protein, CD34 and factor XIIIa. Although the outcome of the disease is usually very limiting for the patients, treatment with immunosuppressive drugs may be useful.Conclusion MR is a unique histiocytic proliferative disease with a peculiar immunophenotypic pattern and distinctive clinical and histopathological aspects.
Keratosis pilaris atrophicans in mother and daughter
Authors: Khumalo NP , Loo WJ , Hollowood K , Salvary I , Graham RM , Dawber RPR 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe report two cases of keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans in a Caucasian family involving a 28‐year‐old woman and her mother. This is an unusual family in that no male relatives are similarly affected. Secondly, both patients have no significant eye changes but quite extensive scarring alopecia. To the best of our knowledge this is the second reported family in the UK.