bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stomatal responses to changes in vapour pressure difference between leaf and air
Authors: YONG J. W. H. , WONG S. C. , FARQUHAR G. D. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTWe observed that stomata of Gossypium hirsutum, Glycine max and Xanthium strumarium respond to a change in vapour pressure difference between leaf and air at ambient partial pressures of CO2 and below the CO2 compensation point. Our report is at variance with a recent report (J. A. Bunce 1997, Plant, Cell and Environment 20, pp. 131–135) that stomatal sensitivity of leaves to a change in vapour pressure difference between leaf and air was eliminated when gas exchange measurements were made at near‐zero carbon dioxide partial pressures (0–5 Pa).
H+ flux kinetics around plant roots after short‐term exposure to low temperature: identifying critical temperatures for plant chilling tolerance
Authors: SHABALA S. N. , NEWMAN I. A. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTH+ flux kinetics were measured in solution around the roots of chilling‐tolerant pea (Pisum sativum) and bean (Vicia faba), chilling‐sensitive cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), and intermediate corn (Zea mays) species using a microelectrode technique to measure net flux. As a root warmed to room temperature alter 90 min at 4°C, at which temperature the H+ flux was near zero, the flux rose (influx) and then fell. These changes occurred at two apparent critical temperatures, which were higher for the more chilling‐sensitive species. The First, lower, apparent critical temperature may represent the start of passive inward H+ transport. The higher critical temperature may represent the start of active H+ extrusion. From these apparent critical temperatures we have calculated the real critical temperature and the time delay of the chilling signal transduction process. Passive and active H+ transporters appear to have the same real critical temperature of chilling sensitivity, about 9°C, but have, respectively, 4 min and 11 min time delays. Measurement of these apparent critical temperatures may provide quick and reliable screening for chilling sensitivity in plant breeding programmes. Future ion flux studies may show the cellular location of chilling stress perception and the signal transduction pathways.
A reduced xylem pressure altered the electric and growth responses in cucumber hypocotyls
Authors: STAHLBERG R. , COSGROVE D. J. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTThis study measured the electric and growth responses in excised cucumber hypocotyls and compared them with those in intact seedlings. Root excision (first severing cut) eliminated most of the positive xylem pressure (Px) in the hypocotyl, caused a rapid, transient drop in the hypocotyl growth rate (GR) and some small, local depolarization near the cut site. Although accompanied by a smaller decrease in Px, a second, severing cut in the basal hypocotyl caused a decrease in GR which was no longer transient and a depolarization which was increased in both size and extent. These changes were not wound effects because they could be simulated by root incubation in mannitol. The reduced GR recovery occurred also in the absence of electric changes after a second increase in the mannitol concentration incubating the root of intact seedlings. Increased electric sensitivity and altered growth response therefore appear to be two independent examples of physiological changes resulting from a lowered Px.
Acclimation by suboptimal growth temperature diminishes photooxidative damage in maize leaves
Authors: LEIPNER J. , FRACHEBOUD Y. , STAMP P. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTLeaves of Zea mays L. seedlings which developed at optimal (25°C) or suboptimal (15°C) temperature were exposed to high irradiance (1000 μmol m−2 s−1) and a severe chilling temperature (5°C) for up to 24 h to investigate their ability to withstand photooxidative stress. During this stress, the degradation of the endogenous antioxidants ascorbate, glutathione and α‐tocopherol was delayed and less pronounced in 15°C leaves. Similarly, the decline in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, β‐carotene and lutein was slower throughout the stress period. Faster development and a higher level of non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll fluorescence, related to a stronger de‐poxidation of the larger xanthophyll cycle pool in 15°C leaves, could act as a defence mechanism to reduce the formation of reactive oxygen species during severe chilling. Furthermore, plants grown at suboptimal temperature exhibited a higher amount of the antioxidants glutathione and α‐tocopherol. The higher α‐tocopherol content in leaves (double based on leaf area; 4‐fold higher based on chlorophyll content) which developed at suboptimal temperature may play an especially important role in the stabilization of the thylakoid membrane and thus prevent lipid peroxidation.
Interactions between water stress, sun‐shade acclimation, heat tolerance and photoinhibition in the sclerophyll Heteromeles arbutifolia
Authors: VALLADARES F. , PEARCY R. W. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTGas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques were used to evaluate the acclimation capacity of the schlerophyll shrub Heteromeles arbutifolia M. Roem. to the multiple co‐occurring summer stresses of the California chaparral. We examined the influence of water, heat and high light stresses on the carbon gain and survival of sun and shade seedlings via a factorial experiment involving a slow drying cycle applied to plants grown outdoors during the summer. The photochemical efficiency of PSII exhibited a diurnal, transient decrease (δF/Fm′) and a chronic decrease or photoinhibition (Fv/Fm) in plants exposed to full sunlight. Water stress enhanced both transient decreases of δF/Fm’and photoinhibition. Effects of decreased δF/Fm’and Fv/Fm on carbon gain were observed only in well‐watered plants since in water‐stressed plants they were overidden by stomatal closure. Reductions in photochemical efficiency and stomatal conductance were observed in all plants exposed to full sunlight, even in those that were well‐watered. This suggested that H. arbutifolia sacrificed carbon gain for water conservation and photoprotection (both structurally via shoot architecture and physiologically via down‐regulation) and that this response was triggered by a hot and dry atmosphere together with high PFD, before severe water, heat or high PFD stresses occur. We found fast adaptive adjustments of the thermal stability of PSII (diurnal changes) and a superimposed long‐term acclimation (days to weeks) to high leaf temperatures. Water stress enhanced resistance of PSII to high temperatures both in the dark and over a wide range of PFD. Low PFD protected photochemical activity against inactivation by heat while high PFD exacerbated damage of PSII by heat. The greater interception of radiation by horizontally restrained leaves relative to the steep leaves of sun‐acclimated plants caused photoinhibition and increased leaf temperature. When transpirational cooling was decreased by water stress, leaf temperature surpassed the limits of chloroplast thermostability. The remarkable acclimation of water‐stressed plants to high leaf temperatures proved insufficient for the semi‐natural environmental conditions of the experiment. Summer stresses characteristic of Mediterranean‐type climates (high leaf temperatures in particular) are a potential limiting factor for seedling survival in H. arbutifolia, especially for shade seedlings lacking the crucial structural photoprotection provided by steep leaf angles.
Effect of water restriction on carbohydrate metabolism and photosynthesis in mature maize leaves
Authors: PELLESCHI S. , ROCHER J.‐P. , PRIOUL J.‐L. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTThe time course of the modifications induced by a mild water stress has been examined for photosynthesis and several traits of carbohydrate metabolism in adult leaves of two inbred maize lines of North American and European origins, respectively. An early response was a sharp increase of the acid soluble invertase activity in adult leaves, 3–4 d after initiation of water shortage. Accordingly, correlated accumulations of fructose, glucose and to a lesser extent sucrose were observed. In the most responsive genotype, invertase activity finally reached a value > 3 times larger than the control value. By contrast, sucrose phosphate synthase activity, measured either under saturating or limiting substrate conditions, was progressively reduced by 20–40% on the 5th day and by 50–80% on the 7th day, depending on the genotype. Leaf photosynthetic rate was affected at approximately the same time as carbohydrate metabolism and stomatal conductance. Leaf water status, as measured by relative water content, declined afterwards. For all the observed responses, the two genotypes behaved very differently.
Psoriasis and sex: a study of moderately to severely affected patients
Authors: Gupta Madhulika A. , Gupta Aditya K. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Psoriasis can have a significant impact upon sexual functioning for 30%—70% of patients. We examined the dermatologic and psychologic factors associated with the effect of psoriasis on this important dimension of qualify of life. Methods One hundred and twenty consenting psoriasis patients (63 men and 57 women; mean ± SD age, 46.8 ± 15.7 years; mean ± SD total body surface area affected, 53.4%± 22.9%) completed a battery of questionnaires which included their response (endorsed with a “Yes” or “No”) to the following question: “Do you believe that since the onset of psoriasis your sexual activity has declined?” The differences in dermatologic and psychologic measures between the subgroup that endorsed a “Yes” response and the subgroup that endorsed a “No” response were examined. Results Forty‐nine out of 120 patients (40.8%) were sexually affected, i.e. they endorsed a “Yes.” There were no significant differences between the affected and unaffected groups with respect to marital status, age, sex, and duration of psoriasis. The affected group reported more joint pains (P = 0.01), marginally greater psoriasis severity affecting the groin region (P = 0.07), greater scaling (P = 0.06), and greater pruritus severity (P = 0.07). Psychologically, the affected group had higher depression scores (P = 0.02) which were in the range for clinical depression, a greater tendency (P = 0.02) to seek the approval of others, and a marginally greater tendency (P = 0.08) to drink alcohol. A decline in sexual activity was related to a decrease in the patient's sex drive for 42.6% of patients; however, only 14.9% of these patients attributed the decline in their sexual activity to decreased sex drive of their spouse/partner. Conclusion In addition to some dermatologic factors, comorbid psychologic factors, such as depression and a tendency for alcohol use, may be important determinants of decreased sexual functioning in psoriasis.
The proportion of medical consultations motivated by skin diseases in the health centers of Bamako (Republic of Mali)
Authors: Maheé Antoine , N'Diaye Hawa Thiam , Bobin Pierre 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Skin diseases have recently been identified as a public health problem in developing countries. However, most studies on skin diseases in developing countries have been conducted in specialized dermatologic centers. Data on the proportion of consultations motivated by skin diseases in nonspecialized health centers in developing countries are scarce. In order to appreciate the request for dermatologic care of the population of a developing African country, we attempted to measure this proportion in health centers of Bamako, the capital of Mali. Methods Eight out‐patient health centers were randomly selected in Bamako, and the medical registers for the first 6 months of 1993 were consulted. Results Out of a total of 14,058 consultations given, 1639 (11.7%) were motivated by skin diseases. The main diagnoses registered were pyoderma (42.2% of all the dermatologic diagnoses), eczema (15.5%), scabies (8.5%), and fungal infections (7.9%). Conclusions The high proportion of ambulatory consultations in health centers in Bamako motivated by skin diseases suggests that they are an important health problem for the population of this city. Public health policies should be Implemented in order to manage this problem.
Effective management of marked lymphedema of the leg
Authors: Araüjo Juan A. , Curbelo Jorge G. , Mayol Alfredo L. , Pascal Gerardo G. , Vignale Raul A. , Fleurquin Fernando 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Several conservative and surgical treatment methods have been demonstrated to be useful in the management of lymphedema. Methods In a patient with an enormous lymphedema of the leg, we first used complex decongestive physiotherapy as proposed by Földi et al. in 1989, and then followed it with surgery. Results Satisfactory results were obtained in a short period of time and were maintained during the 2‐year follow‐up. Conclusions We recommend a combined medical, surgical, and physiotherapeutic approach in patients with marked lymphedema.
Cutaneous localization of endothelin‐1 in patients with systemic sclerosis: immunoelectron microscopic study
Authors: Tabata Hideyuki , Yamakage Akio , Yamazaki Soji 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) has some relation to the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Raynaud's phenomenon. This study was performed to determine the localization of ET‐1 in patients with SSc. Methods The localization of ET‐1 on the specimen by skin biopsies from nine patients with SSc, was observed with immunoelectron microscopic techniques. Results High‐density deposits existed on the ribosomes and on the rough endoplasmic reticulum in the endothelial cells of microvessels of the upper dermis. The same findings were also seen in the fibroblasts of the dermis, but not found in the skin of normal controls. The level of deposits in the endothelial cells and dermal fibroblasts seemed to have a positive correlation with the serum levels of ET‐1 of patients with SSc. Conclusion From these results, it can be seen that ET‐1 is produced much more from the endothelial cells and fibroblasts of the dermis in the skin of SSc patients than from the normal controls. It is suspected that ET‐1 is one of the pathogenetic factors of SSc.
The in vitro effect of hydroxychloroquine on skin morphology and transglutaminase*
Authors: Wolf Ronni , Schiavo Ada Lo , Lombardi Maria Luisa , Esposito Carla , Ruocco Vincenzo 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Antimalarials are some of the most notorious drugs which may induce psoriasis, with 25% of all reported cases being associated with them. Antimalarials do not induce psoriasis de novo, but trigger subclinical psoriasis. In a previous report, we suggested that antimalarials exert their effect by interfering with the epidermal transglutaminase (TGase) activity. Objective on verify this hypothesis by examining the effect of hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQS) on cultured human skin and on TGase activity in vitro. Materials and methods Skin samples from normal donors were cultured in the presence of HCQS for 4 days, and then processed for microscopic examination. TGase activity was assayed in the presence of HCQS and compared with blanks. Results Significant changes in epidermal morphology were seen in all explants cultured in the presence of HCQS at all concentrations employed. Areas of enhanced and irregular keratinization were observed in the upper epidermis, while a loss of cell polarity, with keratinocyte crowding and disarray, was seen in the lower epidermis. In addition, we observed intraepidermal splitting at different levels and dermo‐epidermal detachments. HCQS showed a concentration‐dependent inhibition of TGase activity. Conclusions We suggest that HCQS causes an initial break in the barrier function of the epidermis by inhibiting TGase activity; this is followed by a physiologic response of the epidermis aimed at barrier restoration. This rather nonspecific stimulus to epidermal proliferation is probably sufficient to trigger psoriasis in predisposed individuals or aggravate it in psoriatic patients.
Seroprevalence study of HIV‐I, HIV‐II and HTLV‐I among patients at the Dermato‐Venereology Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Olumide Y.M. , Dada A.J. , Sogbanmu I.B. , Aruna G.A. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Seroprevalence studies of HIV‐I and HIV‐II that have been reported in Nigeria were among commercial sex workers and blood donors. There are no data from STD patients and dermatologic patients. Methods A seroprevalence study of HIV‐I, HIV‐II and HTLV‐I was prospectively conducted among STD clinic attendees and among patients with dermatoses which have been linked with HIV disease. The studies were done in 1992 and 1994. Results Some patients had more than one seropositive type. In 1992, the percentages of seropositive results to HIV‐I, HIV‐II and HTLV‐I were 31, 19 and 50, respectively, and in 1994 the percentages of HIV‐I and HTLV‐I were 65 and 35, respectively. Conclusions Patients should be routinely screened for HTLV‐I, in addition to HIV‐I and HIV‐II, among blood donors and also neurology clinic attendees In Nigeria. They should also be screened for retroviral infections when they present with dermatoses clinically suggestive of papular urticaria, onchodermatitis, or papulonecrotic tuberculids.
Scrotal glans penis (glans penis plicatum) associated with scrotal tongue (lingua plicata)
Authors: Fisher Benjamin K. , Linzon Charlene D. 
Published: November 2003

Scrotal glans penis (glans penis plicatum), is manifested by thin deep vertical furrows and tiny papillomas of the glans penis. The condition is similar to the changes seen in scrotal tongue (lingua plicata). Both conditions were seen in the same patient. We are unaware of similar cases described previously. A 26 year old Caucasian married man, complained of a two‐year history of tenderness of the head of the penis occurring during sexual intercourse, at about the time of ejaculation. The patient had been aware of cracks on the head of the penis since before the age of six and wondered if these were responsible for his recent discomfort.The patient was aware that his tongue had grooves which did not bother him, but he could not specify when this was first noticed. No family member was known to have a similar penile or tongue condition. On the advice of his general practitioner, he had used on his penis an antifungal cream, ketoconazole (Nizoral), and a topical steroid cream, mometasone furoate (Elocom), without effect. He was otherwise in good health and not on any medication. There was a history of allergy to penicillin.Physical examination revealed that the penis was circumcised. The glans was of normal size and color and had several parallel, thin furrows running from the urethral opening to the corona. Multiple tiny, skin‐colored papillomas were present on the glans with the majority on its dorsal aspect. Separating the furrows by pulling the skin folds apart, revealed no cracks or bleeding (Fig. 1). The scrotum was normal and showed no similar changes.The tongue showed typical features of scrotal tongue (lingua plicata) (Fig. 2).
Cryptorchidism associated with meningomyelocele
Authors: FERRARA P , ROSSODIVITA A , RUGGIERO A , PULITANÒ S , TORTOROLO L , SALVAGGIO E 
Published: November 2003

Objective:The authors studied 75 male infants with meningomyelocele (MMC) to analyse the association with cryptorchidism.Methods:All infants were diagnosed at birth and surgically corrected after 24–48 h. Testes were classified undescended in accordance with Kaplan. The associated malformations, the exact levels of the lesion (surgical report) and the presence of hydrocephalus and the cremasteric reflex have each been assessed.Results:In these patients a higher incidence of cryptorchidism (14.8%) was found than in the normal population. Lesion level (L2–L3) and absence of cremasteric reflex was higher in children with associated cryptorchidism. Infants with MMC and undescended testes showed no increased incidence of hydrocephalus and sexual hormone levels remained within the normal range. These results suggest that the cremaster muscle could be a major factor involved in testis descent through the inguinal canal.Conclusions:The authors propose that spinal cord lesion, as well as neurologic dysfunction, is of major importance in the pathophysiology of cryptorchidism in spina bifida.
Short‐ and long‐term neurological outcomes following neonatal chest physiotherapy
Authors: BEEBY PJ , HENDERSON‐SMART DJ , LACEY JL , RIEGER I 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To test the hypothesis that chest physiotherapy in extremely premature infants is associated with abnormal neurological outcomes.Methods:All babies born during the years 1992–1994 at gestations of 24–29 weeks who survived to 28 days were included in the study cohort (n=213). Chest physiotherapy was provided by trained physiotherapists for babies with secretions causing obstruction to the airway or for babies with evidence of collapse and/or consolidation. The relationship between chest physiotherapy and cystic brain lesions at discharge, or cerebral palsy (CP) and developmental quotient (DQ) at 1 year corrected age, were then explored.Results:Ninety‐seven babies (45% of the cohort) received physiotherapy. No baby had a brain lesion similar to that described as encephaloclastic porencephaly. Babies receiving physiotherapy had significantly lower birthweights and gestational ages. Of the 13 babies found to have either periventricular leucomalacia or porencephalic cysts, seven (7%) were in the physiotherapy group, and six (5%) were in the nonphysiotherapy group. Of the babies surviving to 1 year corrected age, 189 (92%) had multidisciplinary follow‐up. Eleven (13%) of the babies who received physiotherapy had suspected CP, and 14 (13%) of those not receiving physiotherapy had CP. The DQ of those who received physiotherapy was 96.0±16.6, and 101.6±16.6 for those who did not. Following adjustment for gestational age and other unequal risk factors using logistic regression, none of the above outcomes was significantly associated with the number of physiotherapy treatments.Conclusion:We could find no evidence that chest physiotherapy, as given in our unit, was associated with abnormal neurological outcomes in extremely preterm infants.
Excessive rates of childhood mortality in the Northern Territory, 1985–94
Authors: SILVA DT , RUBEN AR , WRONSKI I , STRONACH P , WOODS M 
Published: November 2003

Objectives:To estimate the post‐infant/childhood mortality rate (1–14 years) in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia.Methods:A retrospective study of post‐infant death in the 10 years 1985–94 inclusive in the NT.Results:Two hundred and forty‐four deaths were identified. Compared to a non‐Aboriginal, an Aboriginal child was twice as likely to die from accidents, 11 times more likely to die from infection and 3.2 times more likely to die from all causes. Road traffic accidents were the leading cause of accident mortality in Aboriginal children. All children who died in collisions or rollovers were unrestrained. Drowning was the major cause of death amongst non‐Aboriginal children aged 1–4 years; none of the residential pools in which drowning occurred had fencing which complied with the recommended Australian fencing standards. Mortality rates from infection were highest in Aboriginal children aged 1–4 years. The overall mortality rate decreased over the 10‐year period with a significant reduction in non‐Aboriginal but not in Aboriginal children.Conclusions:NT children aged 1–14 years have higher mortality rates than their Australian counterparts and these are significantly higher in Aboriginal compared to non‐Aboriginal children. Legislation and enforcement of isolation pool fencing, car seat restraints and safer driving on rural roads could have a significant impact on reducing accident mortality.