bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nargile (Hubble‐Bubble) smoking‐induced hand eczema
Authors: Onder Meltem , Oztas Murat , Arnavut Onder 
Published: March 2003

A 65‐year‐old retired man with hand eczema presented to the Dermatology clinic in October of 2001. He complained of scaly, fissured plaque‐type lesions over the radial margin of his right index finger and thumb (Fig. 1). He first noticed these changes 2 years ago.There was no history of irritation from his occupation. None of the other family members were affected. There was no history of atopy or psoriasis.Hyperkeratotic scaly plaques along the outer margin of the right index finger and thumb related with habit of nargile smokingimageThe physical examination was remarkable for scaly, fissured, hyperkeratotic patches on the palms and palmar surfaces of the finger tips of the right hand. No nail changes were noted. The other fingers were free from lesions.There were no changes on the feet or soles. A diagnosis of eczema was suspected. Hobbies and repeated trauma to the hands were investigated. He had a habit of “nargile” smoking,starting at 35 years of age and he was using this apparatus more than 2 h a day.We performed patch tests with European standart test serial and they were negative. Yeast examination using KOH was negative. The diagnosis of Nargile (Hubble‐bubble) eczema was made. It was advised that he stop smoking. Mild topical corticosteroids and emollient with urea were started. Clinical evaluation demonstrated resolution of the lesions after 2 weeks of therapy.
Mees’ lines in a patient following acute arsenic intoxication
Authors: Seavolt Maralyn B. , Sarro Robert A. , Levin Kerry , Camisa Charles 
Published: March 2003

A 62‐year‐old Turkish man developed nausea and vomiting 1 h following a dinner with friends and business associates. In the following few days, he developed dark urine, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Five of his dinner companions developed similar symptoms of varying degrees, and one died. It is unknown how their food and beverage consumption differed during the meal. During the subsequent month, the patient developed gait ataxia, leg weakness, and burning pain and numbness in a glove‐and‐stocking distribution. Six weeks later, he traveled to the USA and was evaluated by our Department of Neurology. An electromyogram demonstrated generalized peripheral polyneuropathy, with motor and sensory axon loss. The patient was referred to the Department of Dermatology for evaluation of possible arsenic poisoning.Cutaneous examination revealed one transverse white band on several fingernails approximately 3–4 mm distal to the proximal nail fold, consistent with Mees’ lines (Fig. 1). A plaque of confluent 3‐mm hypopigmented macules was evident on the extensor aspect of the left forearm (Fig. 2). Hair, nail, and urine samples were obtained to rule out heavy metal poisoning; the arsenic levels obtained were 27.6 µg/g (normal, 0.03–3 µg/g), 2.98 µg/g (normal, 0.03–3 µg/g), and 82 µg/L (normal, < 81 µg/L), respectively.Mees' lines present on the fingernailsimageHypopigmented macules on the forearm characteristic of “raindrops on a dusty road,” which developed after the arsenic intoxicationimageThese laboratory findings were consistent with acute arsenic poisoning. The patient was treated with oral succimer (water‐soluble analog of dimercaprol), 10 mg/kg every 8 h, for 14 days with improvement of his neurologic symptoms. It is unknown exactly how the arsenic poisoning occurred, or the motivation behind it; however, criminal intent was suspected and is under investigation by the Turkish authorities.
Pentamidine, the drug of choice for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Surinam
Authors: Lai A Fat Esther J. S. K. , Vrede Martinus A. , Soetosenojo Ramon M. , Lai A Fat Rudy F. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Surinam. The disease was treated until the early 1970s with pentavalent antimony. Pentamidine mesylate was introduced by Niemel in 1973 for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Surinam.Materials and methods In this retrospective study, we evaluate the results of treatment with pentamidine mesylate in 235 patients and with pentamidine isethionate in 80 patients.Results In the pentamidine mesylate‐ and pentamidine isethionate‐treated groups, a cure rate (healing without relapse) of nearly 90% was found. Relapses were seen in approximately 10% of patients in both groups. Minor side‐effects, such as pain at the injection site, bitter taste, and nausea, were seen with both drugs in about 65% of patients. Complaints of the respiratory tract were seen in less than 10% of patients in the pentamidine isethionate‐treated group, but were uncommon in the pentamidine mesylate‐treated group.Conclusions Pentamidine mesylate and isethionate have similar safety, efficacy, and side‐effect profiles in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Surinam.
Prolidase deficiency
Authors: Kokturk Aysin , Kaya Tamer Irfan , Ikizoglu Guliz , Koca Aynur 
Published: March 2003

A 32‐year‐old mentally retarded woman was admitted to hospital with recurrent ulcers on her legs, which appeared for the first time at 8 years of age. Apart from recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and chronic otitis media, her personal history was unremarkable. Her parents were second‐degree relatives. The family history showed no similar disease or mental retardation. Physical examination revealed that the patient had an unusual facial appearance, with a high‐arched palate; she had multiple tooth caries (Fig. 1).Facial appearance of the patientimageThere was edema and induration on both legs; extensive polygonal ulcers with elevated borders were noted. All lesions were 2–4 mm deep with vertical margins and a necrotic base. The surrounding skin was atrophic, and depigmented cicatricial lesions were detected (Fig. 2). She had crops of erythematous lesions and telangiectasias over the face, shoulders, arms, and extremities. She also showed photosensitivity, palmar hyperkeratosis, verrucous papules and plaques on the dorsal aspects of both feet consistent with lymphedematous changes, pes planus deformity, and hyperextensible joints. There was a scleroatrophic appearance and flexion contracture of the little fingers on both hands. Her abdomen was relatively protuberant and she had splenomegaly. Laboratory analysis revealed an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hypergammaglobulinemia, and iron deficiency anemia. A large amount of hydroxyproline was detected after hydrolysis of a 24‐h urine specimen (205 mg/day). Her plasma manganese level was 1.94 mg/dL (normal) and her vitamin C level was 1.4 mg/dL (below normal). Skin biopsies showed nonspecific inflammatory changes. Topical silver sulfadiazine and oral vitamin C (3 g/day) treatment was started.Ulcers and depigmented cicatricial lesions on the legsimage
The effects of seeing on Sèrsic profiles
Authors: Trujillo I. , Aguerri J. A. L. , Cepa J. , Gutiérrez C. M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The effects of seeing on the parameters of the Sèrsic profile are studied in an analytical form using a Gaussian point spread function. The surface brightness of Sèrsic profiles is proportional (in magnitudes) to r1/n. The parameter n serves to classify the type of profile and is related to the central luminosity concentration. It is the parameter most affected by seeing; furthermore, the value of n that can be measured is always smaller than the real one. It is shown that the luminosity density of the Sèrsic profile with n less than 0.5 has a central depression, which is physically unlikely. Also, the intrinsic ellipticity of the sources has been taken into account and we show that the parameters are dependent when the effects of seeing are non-negligible. Finally, a prescription for correcting raw effective radii, central intensities and n parameters is given.
`I'd rather go and know': women's understanding and experience of DEXA scanning for osteoporosis
Authors: Richardson Jane C. , Hassell Andrew B. , Hay Elaine M. , Thomas Elaine 
Published: March 2003

Objective  To explore women's knowledge and understanding of osteoporosis and of dual energy x‐ray absorptiometer (DEXA) scans; the factors influencing their decision to have a scan and their experience of undergoing a DEXA scan. Design  In‐depth interviews (using a topic guide) were carried out with 12 women [before a DEXA scan and after they had discussed the results with their general practitioner (GP)] and with three women who chose not to have a scan. Setting  Stoke‐on‐Trent, Staffordshire, UK. Participants  Women who responded to a primary‐care based questionnaire were purposively selected for interview. Results  The women interviewed had varied levels of understanding of osteoporosis. For the majority of participants the scan was an overwhelmingly positive experience, despite some women's negative expectations. Findings are also explored in terms of the influences on women's decision‐making about whether to have a scan and the concept of `knowing' one's risk status. Conclusions  The main implication for primary care is how to improve women's understanding of osteoporosis and DEXA scans in order to promote the strategy of scanning high‐risk women.
The relative fitness of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera, Drosophilidae) that have successfully defended themselves against the parasitoid Asobara tabida (Hymenoptera, Braconidae)
Authors: Fellowes  , Kraaijeveld  , Godfray  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster larvae defend themselves against parasitoid attack via the process of encapsulation. However, flies that successfully defend themselves have reduced fitness as adults. Adults which carry an encapsulated parasitoid egg are smaller and females produce significantly fewer eggs than controls. Capsule-bearing males allowed repeated copulations with females do not show a reduction in their number of offspring, but those allowed to copulate only once did. No differences were found in time to first oviposition in females, or in time to first copulation in males. We interpret the results as arising from a trade-off between investing resources in factors promoting fecundity and mating success, and in defence against parasitism. The outcome of this investment decision influences the strength of selection for defence against parasitism.
Below-threshold mortality: implications for studies in evolution, ecology and demography
Authors: Promislow  , Tatar  , Pletcher  , Carey  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Evolutionary biologists, ecologists and experimental gerontologists have increasingly used estimates of age-specific mortality as a critical component in studies of a range of important biological processes. However, the analysis of age-specific mortality rates is plagued by specific statistical challenges caused by sampling error. Here we discuss the nature of this ‘demographic sampling error’, and the way in which it can bias our estimates of (1) rates of ageing, (2) age at onset of senescence, (3) costs of reproduction and (4) demographic tests of evolutionary models of ageing. We conducted simulations which suggest that using standard statistical techniques, we would need sample sizes on the order of tens of thousands in most experiments to effectively remove any bias due to sampling error. We argue that biologists should use much larger sample sizes than have previously been used. However, we also present simple maximum likelihood models that effectively remove biases due to demographic sampling error even at relatively small sample sizes.
Evolution of phenotypic plasticity a comparative approach in the phylogenetic neighbourhood of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Pigliucci  , Cammell  , Schmitt  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The evolution of phenotypic plasticity has rarely been examined within an explicitly phylogenetic framework, making use of modern comparative techniques. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine phylogenetic patterns in the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in response to vegetation shade (the ‘shade avoidance’ syndrome) in the annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana and its close relatives. Specifically, we asked the following questions: (i) Do A. thaliana and related species differ within or among clades in the magnitude and/or pattern of plasticity to shade? (ii) Are the phenotypic variance–covariance matrices (phenotypic integration) of these taxa plastic to the changes in light quality induced by the presence of a canopy? (iii) To what extent does the variation in uni- and multivariate plasticity match the phylogeny of Arabidopsis? In order to address these questions we grew individuals from six taxa of known phylogenetic relationship in a greenhouse under full sun and under a grass canopy. Taxa differed in the magnitude, but not in the pattern, of plasticities for all traits. At the univariate level, the late flowering species, A. pumila and A. griffithiana, as well as the late flowering Moscow ecotype of A. thaliana, showed greater plasticity for allocation to vegetative and reproductive meristems. At the multivariate level, several taxa displayed a very low stability of their variance–covariance structures to environmental change, with only one taxon sharing as many as three principal components across environments. We conclude that both univariate and multivariate plasticities to vegetation shade can evolve rapidly within a genus of flowering plants, with little evidence of historical constraints (phylogenetic inertia).
Plant domestication: a model for studying the selection of linkage
Authors: D’Ennequin M. Le Thierry , Toupance  , Robert  , Godelle  , Gouyon  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The process of domestication leads to acquisition of traits that are often similar between plant species that belong to the same family but have different breeding systems. Hence domestication is a useful model for studying evolutionary responses to selection in plants with contrasting breeding systems. We consider a stochastic model simulating gene flow between a natural population and an initial population containing mutants with domesticated phenotypes at low frequency. We assume that a large number of loci contribute equally to the cultivated phenotype. Our results indicate that the number of loci for which the mutant (‘domestication’) allele is maintained is larger in autogamous plants than in allogamous ones and that domestication can lead to the selection of tightly linked combinations of genes in allogamous plants. This work provides a general model for the selection of gene clusters through a sieve effect and it is discussed in comparison with models proposed to explain the evolution of linkage of genes determining wing patterns in butterflies exhibiting Batesian mimicry.
A pluralist approach to sex and recombination
Authors: West  , Lively  , Read  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
One of the greatest challenges for evolutionary biology is explaining the widespread occurrence of sexual reproduction and the associated process of genetic recombination. A large number of theories have been developed that provide a sufficient short-term advantage for sex to offset its two-fold cost. These theories can be broadly classified into environmental (or ecological) and mutation-based models. Traditionally, the different theories have been viewed as competing, and empirical work has attempted to distinguish between them. Here we highlight the advantages that may be gained from considering that multiple mechanisms (environmental and mutational) may be at work, and that interactions between the theories may be very important.
A quantitative genetic analysis of leaf beetle larval performance on two natural hosts: including a mixed diet
Authors: Ballabeni  , Rahier  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Published quantitative genetic studies of larval performance on different host plants have always compared performance on one host species or genotype vs. performance on another species or genotype. The fact that some insects may feed on more than one plant species during their development has been neglected. We executed a quantitative genetic analysis of performance with larvae of the leaf beetle Oreinaelongata, raised on each of two sympatric host plants or on a mixture of them. Growth rate was higher for larvae feeding on Adenostylesalliariae, intermediate on the mixed diet and lowest on Cirsium spinosissimum. Development time was shortest on A. alliariae, intermediate on mixed diet and longest on C. spinosissimum. Survival was higher on the mixed diet than on both pure hosts. Genetic variation was present for all three performance traits but a genotype by host interaction was found only for growth rate. However, the reaction norms for growth rate are unlikely to evolve towards an optimal shape because of a lack of heritability of growth rate in each single environment. We found no negative genetic correlations for performance traits among hosts. Therefore, our results do not support a hypothesis predicting the existence of between-host trade-offs in performance when both hosts are sympatric with an insect population. We conclude that the evolution of host specialized genotypes is unlikely in the study population.
Transitions in the evolution of meiosis
Authors: Hurst  , Randerson  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Meiosis may have evolved gradually within the eukaryotes with the earliest forms having a one-step meiosis. It has been speculated that the putative transition from a one-step meiosis without recombination to one with recombination may have been stimulated by the invasion of Killer alleles. These imaginary selfish elements are considered to act prior to recombination. They prime for destruction (which occurs after cell division) the half of the cell on the opposite side of the meiotic spindle. Likewise the transition from one-step to two-step meiosis might have been stimulated by a subtly different sort of imaginary distorter allele, a SisterKiller. These are proposed to act after recombination. It has yet to be established that the presence of such distorter alleles could induce the transitions in question. To investigate these issues we have analysed the dynamics of a modifier (1) of recombination and (2) of the number of steps of meiosis, as they enter a population with one-step meiosis. For the modifier of recombination, we find that invasion conditions are very broad and that persistence of Killer and modifier is likely through most parameter space, even when the recombination rate is low. However, if we allow a Killer element to mutate into one that is self-tolerant, the modifier and the nonself-tolerant alleles are typically both lost from the population. The modifier of the number of steps can invade if the SisterKiller acts at meiosis II. However, a SisterKiller acting at meiosis I, far from promoting the modifier’s spread, actually impedes it. In the former case the invasion is easiest if there is no recombination. The SisterKiller hypothesis therefore fails to provide a reasonable account of the evolution of two-step meiosis with recombination. As before, the evolution of self-tolerance on the part of the selfish element destroys the process. We conclude that the conditions under which SisterKillers promote the evolution of two-step meiosis are very much more limited than originally considered. We also conclude that there is no universal agreement between ESS and modifier analyses of the same transitions.
Close relatedness between mitochondrial DNA from seven Anser goose species
Authors: Ruokonen  , Kvist  , Lumme  
Published: March 2003

Abstract
The phylogenetic relationships of seven goose species and two of the subspecies representing the genus Anser were studied by approximately 1180 bp of mitochondrial DNA tRNAglu, control region and tRNAphe sequences. Despite obvious morphological and behavioural affinities among the species, their evolutionary relationships have not been studied previously. The small amount of genetic differentiation observed in the mitochondrial DNA indicates an extremely close evolutionary relationship between the Anser species. The sequence divergences between the species (0.9–5.5%) are among the lowest reported for avian species with speciation events of Anser geese dating to late Pliocene and Pleistocene. The species grouped into four mtDNA lineages: (1) snow and Ross’ goose, (2) greylag goose, (3) white-fronted goose, and (4) bean, pink-footed and lesser white-fronted goose. The phylogenetic relationships of the most closely related species, bean, pink-footed and lesser white-fronted goose, indicate a period of rapid cladogenesis. The poor agreement between morphological relationships and the phylogenetic relationships indicated by mtDNA sequences implies that either ancestral polymorphism and lineage sorting, hybridization and introgression or convergent evolution has been involved.
Fitness-consequences of geitonogamous selfing in a clonal marine angiosperm (Zostera marina)
Authors: Reusch T. B. H. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Plant mating systems have received considerable attention because the proportion of selfed vs. outcrossed progeny is an important evolutionary factor. In clonally reproducing plants, geitonogamous selfing between distant ramets belonging to the same genet is expected to be widespread, yet empirical data are sparse. Nothing is known about between-ramet selfing in aquatic flowering plants with subaqueous pollen transfer, most of which display pronounced clonal reproduction. From two locations in the western Baltic Sea, I present data on the effects of patch isolation and clonal diversity on the outcrossing rate of eelgrass, Zostera marina L., based on the genotypes of maternal plants and recently fertilized ovules scored at eight microsatellite loci. There were no differences in outcrossing rates between vegetation patches and continuous meadow although patches were nearly always composed of single genets. Quantitative effects of clonal diversity were present in the continuous vegetation where a significant positive correlation between genet diversity and the proportion of outcrossed offspring was detected (Kendall’s τ=0.82, P=0.0017). On a population-scale as well, the genotypic diversity was positively correlated with outcrossing. The relative fitness of selfed offspring was low (ω ± 95% confidence interval=0.56 ± 0.032 and 0.322 ± 0.15) indicating that geitonogamy incurred substantial fitness costs. Selfing rates in Z. marina may not be in evolutionary equilibrium because of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of clonal size and diversity. The high prevalence of dioecy in seagrasses may have evolved to avoid the fitness costs associated with geitonogamy.