bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial orientation and education in Austrian secondary schools
Authors: Frank Hermann , Korunka Christian , Lueger Manfred , Mugler Josef
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Entrepreneurship is defined as a “life skill”, and the European Union (EU) has recently called on member states to promote the development of entrepreneurial attitudes from primary school right through to university level. The paper aims to investigate which factors influence entrepreneurial thinking and attitudes towards entrepreneurship in vocational and general secondary education in Austria.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the configuration approach. This approach was adapted as a conceptual model for the origins of entrepreneurial orientation and start‐up inclinations among school pupils. The model consists of four dimensions: person, education context, education process, and environment. A total of 900 Austrian pupils at secondary‐level schools were surveyed with a standardized questionnaire.

Findings

The results show that entrepreneurial orientation as well as inclinations to start up a new business can indeed be influenced considerably, with potential targeted influences at the personality level, in the education process, and in the pupil's immediate and general environment. It is easier to influence entrepreneurial orientation than start‐up inclinations.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the heterogeneous school systems in Europe it may be difficult to transfer findings from one country to another. Much more research is needed for identifying country‐specific factors of influence.

Practical implications

The results provide evidence that the potential for developing entrepreneurial orientation and promoting the abilities needed for a free and self‐determined career has not been exhausted by any means.

Originality/value

The study shows that the education process can have a considerable influence on entrepreneurial orientation, and that the EU's call for the promotion of entrepreneurial spirit can be fulfilled in the sphere of education.
Resource dependency and SME strategy: an empirical study
Authors: Bretherton Phil , Chaston Ian
Published: May 2005

Purpose

There has been considerable discussion concerning the resource dependency theory of strategy but relatively little qualitative, empirical research has been conducted on the proposed models. Using the value chain as the conceptual framework, the research aims to show how organisations, in this case small and medium‐sized wineries, use their resources and how they access other resources by using strategic alliances. The article also aims to discuss the influence that their resources and capabilities have had on their ability to develop sustainable competitive advantage and superior performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory research looks at four medium‐sized New Zealand wineries (between 200,000 and 2 million litres) and six small ones (under 200,000 litres), of which six have over‐performed and four have under‐performed the industry. Semi‐structured interviews were used to develop an understanding of how the wineries organised their alliances along the value and how they accessed resources which were not available internally.

Findings

The wineries have engaged in strategic alliances, rather than structural ties, at various stages of the value chain, to gain access to scarce resources and capabilities. There is clear evidence that the over‐performers have had access to adequate resources, which has led to sustainable competitive advantage and superior performance.

Research limitations/implications

Only one industry is examined and wider research is necessary, both of a qualitative and quantitative nature.

Originality/value

The research provides empirical support for the resource dependency theory and extends the understanding of its significance for small and medium enterprises.
The impact of employment legislation on micro businesses
Authors: Pratten J.D. , Lovatt C.J.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the extent to which public house licensees conform with employment legislation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines legislation within the hospitality industry. Five aspects of the legislation were selected and a case study approach was used with a sample of micro business licensees.

Findings

The results show that those licensees who manage outlets on behalf of the large pub‐owning companies had a far greater knowledge of the legislation than independent respondents who, in some instances, appeared to flout the legislation deliberately.

Practical implications

The independent sector of the licensed trade appears to lack vital information about employment legislation, and licensees might not realise the consequences of ignorance or deliberate non‐compliance. Those involved in running this type of micro business need to establish more effective sources of information on such issues.

Originality/value

This paper offers a clear indication to all involved in the hospitality industry that there could be problems with employers within the micro sector gaining information about employment legislation and also adhering to relevant regulations.
Pricing issues in aviation insurance and reinsurance
Authors: Lane Morton N.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

This article aims to examine the risk inherent in the insurance of the aviation industry, to take an outsider's look at those risks and to develop certain “capital market” pricing rules.

Design/methodology/approach

The aviation industry presents a classic low‐frequency/high‐limit insurance problem. Pricing such exposures is difficult because of the high degree of uncertainty involved. After a review of the considerations that an insurance underwriter traditionally brings to the problem, the author applies a simple pricing rule incorporating current thinking on risk evaluation.

Findings

The results of the author's approach are compared with the results of traditional pricing rules, generating interesting insights. The application of the new methodology to the analysis of current pricing and of alternative proposals is suggested.

Originality/value

The article will be of value to those interested in the aviation industry and in the pricing of insurance and reinsurance.
Modeling risk for long and short trading positions
Authors: Angelidis Timotheos , Degiannakis Stavros
Published: May 2005

Purpose

Aims to investigate the accuracy of parametric, nonparametric, and semiparametric methods in predicting the one‐day‐ahead value‐at‐risk (VaR) measure in three types of markets (stock exchanges, commodities, and exchange rates), both for long and short trading positions.

Design/methodology/approach

The risk management techniques are designed to capture the main characteristics of asset returns, such as leptokurtosis and asymmetric distribution, volatility clustering, asymmetric relationship between stock returns and conditional variance, and power transformation of conditional variance.

Findings

Based on back‐testing measures and a loss function evaluation method, finds that the modeling of the main characteristics of asset returns produces the most accurate VaR forecasts. Especially for the high confidence levels, a risk manager must employ different volatility techniques in order to forecast accurately the VaR for the two trading positions.

Practical implications

Different models achieve accurate VaR forecasts for long and short trading positions, indicating to portfolio managers the significance of modeling separately the left and the right side of the distribution of returns.

Originality/value

The behavior of the risk management techniques is examined for both long and short VaR trading positions; to the best of one's knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the risk characteristics of three different financial markets simultaneously. Moreover, a two‐stage model selection is implemented in contrast with the most commonly used back‐testing procedures to identify a unique model. Finally, parametric, nonparametric, and semiparametric techniques are employed to investigate their performance in a unified environment.
Insurance market equilibrium: a multi‐period dynamic solution
Authors: Lin Wen‐chang
Published: May 2005

Purpose

This article aims to apply a multi‐period model of insurance market equilibrium to solve for the insureds' optimal demand for insurance, as well as insurers' optimal supply.

Design/methodology/approach

Most approaches to competitive equilibrium in the insurance market involve the construction of demand and supply curves based on maximizing the insureds' and insurers' expected utility for a single time period. However, it is important to recongnize that, for a given utility function, the demand (supply) decisions of insureds (insurers) in a single‐period model may differ substantially from those under a multi‐period formulation. In this article, first, separate multi‐period models of demand and supply are constructed, and then a dynamic solution for equilibrium price and quantity is provided.

Findings

Although a single‐period model generally requires the assumption of an exact loss distribution to compute expected utilities, the multi‐period model requires only the expected loss and its associated stochastic process (in this case, a Brownian motion). One implication of this approach is that it may explain phenomena of market prices failing to achieve Pareto optimality for a single period.

Originality/value

This approach may be used to generate new hypotheses related to the underwriting cycle. Specifically, the insureds' demand and insurers' supply decisions may both be based on expected discounted future cash flows. The non‐trivial multi‐period equilibrium insurance price may provide additional insights into the volatility of insurance market prices.
Preferences analysis, transactions, and volatility
Authors: Zajac Jaroslav
Published: May 2005

Purpose

The reasons for writing the paper are flexibility of information under multi‐agent approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The main method used for the research is preferences in environment and matching of information.

Findings

The benefits of hierarchy flow from the fact that it attenuates opportunism and attenuates the problem stemming from bounded rationality. The preference of an agent over sets of possible future choices can be represented using subjective states. This is sufficient to give a representation in which the agent has a coherent subjective state space, and shows that the size of the subjective state space depends on the individual circumstances.

Originality/value

The original value of the paper is a measure of the agent's uncertainty about future contingents. Changes in the surplus yield valuable information about the comparative static of matching patterns across environments in equilibrium.
Making the intangible count – counting the intangible
Authors: Cumming J.F.
Published: May 2005

Purpose

To examine the practical application of two emerging guidelines for the disclosure and assurance of corporate sustainability performance – the ABI Disclosure Guidelines on Socially Responsible Investment and the AA1000 Assurance Standard.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing the practical implementation of these two emerging guidelines within a UK retailer. It explores their complementarity, and their potential application for internal learning as well as external credibility.

Findings

Emphasises the need for a flexible application of these tools to provide a multi‐lensed view of organisational performance, but also emphasises the importance of a unifying analysis that has resonance across an organisation – from boardroom to shop‐floor – and with external stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

It is not an exhaustive list and apart from one UK book all the rest are US publications which perhaps limits its usefulness elsewhere.

Practical implications

A very useful source of information and a case study for managers planning to implement reporting of intangibles, linking into corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and offers practical help to an individual starting out on this type of programme.
Course of contact allergy in consecutive eczema patients patch tested with TRUE Test™ panels 1 and 2 at least twice over a 12‐year period
Authors: Jensen Charlotte D. , Andersen Klaus E.
Published: May 2005

Non‐reproducibility of positive patch test reactions is common. In this retrospective study, we investigated the reproducibility of previously positive patch test reactions and the appearance of new positive reactions in a consecutive series of 264 eczema patients tested at least twice over a 12‐year period using the TRUE Test™ standardized patch test system. Out of 297 positive reactions, 66% remained positive in a 2nd test, 10% were scored as doubtful and 24% as negative. Among the previously recorded doubtful reactions, 13% were positive in the 2nd test, 13% were again doubtful and 74% negative. In relation to the degree of patch test reactivity, 48% of the + reactions were reproducible, compared to 87% of ++ and +++ reactions. No difference in reproducibility was observed between patients tested with a short or a long‐time interval between tests. With the use of the TRUE Test™ panels 1 and 2, methodological factors are minimized. The variation in patch test positivity may then be attributed to biological variation, which depends on several individual factors such as patch test reading, patient‐related factors such as changed immunological sensitivity, regional variation of the skin on the back and the presence of more or less active dermatitis.
Incidence and prevalence rates for occupational contact dermatitis in an Australian suburban area
Authors: Keegel Tessa , Cahill Jennifer , Noonan Amanda , Dharmage Shyamali , Saunders Helen , Frowen Kathryn , Nixon Rosemary
Published: May 2005

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) regularly causes high levels of worker morbidity; however, this is often not reflected in available statistics. This study aimed to collect and verify OCD reports/referrals and generate disease estimates for a defined geographical area in Melbourne, Australia. Two methods of data collection were used. In the first method, 30 general practitioners (GPs), 2 dermatologists and 1 dermatology outpatient clinic within a defined area reported each worker with suspected OCD seen as part of routine practice. With the second method, workers living in the area who were referred to a tertiary referral OCD clinic were included in the study. An occupational dermatologist used a gold standard process that included diagnostic patch testing to verify suspected cases. The incidence rate for confirmed cases was 20.5 per 100 000 workers [95% confidence interval (CI): 13–32.1]. The 1‐year‐period prevalence rate was 34.5 per 100 000 (95% CI: 24.4–48.7). The positive predictive value (PPV) was highest for the occupational dermatology clinic referrals [63% (95% CI: 49–76%)] compared with reports from the dermatologists/dermatology outpatient clinic [55% (95% CI: 36–74%)] and from GPs [43% (95% CI: 29–59%)]. This study utilizes reports from GPs and dermatologists to provide OCD disease estimates and validation data for an OCD disease register.
Peristomal allergic contact dermatitis – case report and review of the literature
Authors: Martin J. A. , Hughes T. M. , Stone N. M.
Published: May 2005

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a rare cause of peristomal skin problems. Only 23 cases have previously been reported in the literature. We report the case of a colostomy patient with a severe disabling blistering peristomal dermatitis. Patch testing to a British Contact Dermatitis Society standard series, medicaments and a plastics and glues series was negative. Patch testing to the patient's own products gave a positive reaction (+) at D2 and D4 to Dansac® soft paste and Stomahesive® paste. Further patch testing to the components of Dansac® soft paste showed a positive (+) reaction at D2 and D4 to ester of polymethyl vinyl/maleic acid copolymer (Gantrez®‐ES) only. This is the first reported case of ACD due to Dansac® soft paste. ACD to Gantrez® has previously been reported but in different products. We also review the other previously reported cases of ACD causing peristomal dermatitis and stress the importance of patch testing in these cases, in particular to the patient's own products, as avoidance of identified allergens can have a large impact on the quality of life.
Theory Programs and Theoretical Problems
Authors: Berger Joseph , Willer David , Zelditch Morris
Published: May 2005

Some sociologists argue that sociological theory does not grow and the reason why it does not grow is that the discipline lacks a core of highly developed, almost universally accepted, paradigms; even worse, because it is reflexive, its criteria of problem and theory choice are so noncognitive that there are no paradigms, hence no progress, in its future. We do not question that sociology lacks a core of almost universally accepted paradigms, nor that highly developed paradigms may be a sufficient condition of theory growth, but we question both that universal acceptance of them is necessary and that sociology has nothing like them. We argue that theoretical research programs—sets of strategies, sets of interrelated theories embodying these strategies, and empirical models interpreting these theories—are sufficient for theoretical growth. An examination of three theoretical research programs in this article shows that they perform some of the same functions for theory growth as, in Kuhn, are performed by paradigms. Sociology may lack a universally accepted core, but there are theoretical research programs in sociology, and therefore already there is theory growth if it is looked for in the right place. Nor is there any warrant for the view that because its criteria of problem and theory choice are inescapably noncognitive, there are no paradigms, hence no progress, in sociology's future. If that were true, not only would sociology lack paradigms, but also theoretical research programs. We conclude from our study that sociology need not wait on the emergence of a universally accepted core. It is sufficient for the growth of theory that it develops further its existing theoretical research programs and that it encourages the creation of new programs.
Without Borders? Notes on Globalization as a Mobility Regime
Authors: Shamir Ronen
Published: May 2005

While globalization is largely theorized in terms of trans-border flows, this article suggests an exploratory sociological framework for analyzing globalization as consisting of systemic processes of closure and containment. The suggested framework points at the emergence of a global mobility regime that actively seeks to contain social movement both within and across borders. The mobility regime is theorized as premised upon a pervasive “paradigm of suspicion” that conflates the perceived threats of crime, immigration, and terrorism, thus constituting a conceptual blueprint for the organization of global risk-management strategies. The article draws on multiple examples, singling out some elementary forms of the mobility regime, emphasizing the sociological affinity between guarded borders on the one hand and gated communities on the other. In particular, the article aims at theorizing the translation of the paradigm of suspicion into actual technologies of social screening designed to police the mobility of those social elements that are deemed to belong to suspect social categories. Specifically, the article points at biosocial profiling as an increasingly dominant technology of intervention. Biosocial profiling, in turn, is theorized in juxtaposition to other modalities of power, namely, legal and disciplinary measures.
Dealing with Diversity: Mapping Multiculturalism in Sociological Terms
Authors: Hartmann Douglas , Gerteis Joseph
Published: May 2005

Since the 1960s, a variety of new ways of addressing the challenges of diversity in American society have coalesced around the term “multiculturalism.” In this article, we impose some clarity on the theoretical debates that surround divergent visions of difference. Rethinking multiculturalism from a sociological point of view, we propose a model that distinguishes between the social (associational) and cultural (moral) bases for social cohesion in the context of diversity. The framework allows us to identify three distinct types of multiculturalism and situate them in relation to assimilationism, the traditional American response to difference. We discuss the sociological parameters and characteristics of each of these forms, attending to the strength of social boundaries as well as to the source of social ties. We then use our model to clarify a number of conceptual tensions in the existing scholarly literature and offer some observations about the politics of recognition and redistribution, and the recent revival of assimilationist thought.
Financial Development and Economic Growth in Sub‐Saharan African Countries: Evidence from Time Series Analysis
Authors: Ghirmay Teame
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  This paper seeks to empirically explore the causal link between the level of financial development and economic growth in 13 sub‐Saharan African countries. The empirical investigation is carried out in a vector autoregression (VAR) framework based on the theory of cointegration and error‐correction representation of cointegrated variables. The results of the cointegration analysis provide evidence of the existence of a long‐run relationship between financial development and economic growth in almost all (12 out of 13) of the countries. With respect to the direction of long‐term causality, the results show that financial development plays a causal role on economic growth, again in eight of the countries. At the same time, evidence of bidirectional causal relationships is found in six countries. The findings imply that African countries can accelerate their economic growth by improving their financial systems.
Wage Returns to Schooling in Nigeria
Authors: Aromolaran Adebayo B.
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  In the last two decades, primary and secondary school enrollment rates have declined in Nigeria while enrollment rates in post‐secondary school have increased. This paper estimates from the General Household Survey for Nigeria the private returns to schooling associated with levels of educational attainment for wage and self‐employed workers. The estimates for both men and women are small at primary and secondary levels, 2–4 percent, but are substantial at post‐secondary education level, 10–15 percent. These schooling return estimates may account for the recent trends in enrollments. Thus, increasing public investment to encourage increased attendance in basic education is not justifiable on grounds of private efficiency, unless investments to increase school quality have higher private returns. With high private returns to post‐secondary schooling, students at this level should pay tuition, to recoup more of the public costs of schooling, which may be redistributed to poor families through scholarships.
The Determinants of Cereal Grain Imports: Sub‐Saharan Africa, 1970–1997
Authors: Saverimuttu Vivienne , Rempel Henry
Published: May 2005

Abstract: During the 1970s cereal imports in sub‐Saharan Africa increased at an annual rate in excess of 20 percent. As a result, it was assumed Africa had two choices: reduce the rate of population growth or become increasingly dependent on food imports and aid. In this paper we investigate the relative importance of food shortfalls versus policy choices that resulted in a taste change away from roots and tubers and coarse grains to imported wheat and rice. Of the 41 countries studied, 17 are still net exporters of food commodities, cereal imports serve to supplement inadequate production of food, but these imports, generally, are not driven by severe nutritional needs within any one country. Rather, the observed cereal imports are primarily wheat and rice flowing into the countries with adequate levels of nutrition available.
Influence of viral infection on the development of nasal hypersensitivity
Authors: Okamoto Y. , Matsuzaki Z. , Matsuoka T. , Endo S. , Yamamoto H. , Chazono H. , Horiguchi S. , Hanazawa T.
Published: May 2005

Background
The underlying relationship between viral infections and allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract has not been well clarified.

Methods
In order to clarify the relationship between viral infection and nasal hypersensitivity, mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and then infected intranasally with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), after which their nasal sensitivity to histamine or antigen was examined.

Results
Non‐sensitized mice showed transient mild nasal hypersensitivity following nasal administration of histamine after intranasal RSV inoculation. In mice sensitized with OVA, RSV infection significantly exaggerated their nasal hypersensitivity to histamine and OVA. Treatment of these mice with a neurokinin (NK)‐1/NK‐2 receptor antagonist, but not with anti‐IL‐5 antibodies, reduced their hypersensitivity. The infiltration of nasal mucosa with eosinophils was temporarily associated with accelerated rate of RSV elimination in these animals.

Conclusion
RSV infection induced transient nasal hypersensitivity. Several mechanisms, including impairment of nasal epithelial cells are thought to mediate this effect. In allergen‐sensitized mice, RSV inoculation strongly enhanced nasal hypersensitivity.
Post‐marketing survey on the safety of sublingual immunotherapy in children below the age of 5 years
Authors: Rienzo V. Di , Minelli M. , Musarra A. , Sambugaro R. , Pecora S. , Canonica W. G. , Passalacqua G.
Published: May 2005

Background
The age below 5 years is considered a prudential limit for immunotherapy in view of the possible severity of side‐effects. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) seems to be safe, but no study in very young children is available. We performed a safety post‐marketing surveillance study in children below 5 years.

Methods
Children aged 3–5 years with respiratory allergy receiving SLIT were followed‐up for at least 2 years. A diary card for side‐effects was filled by parents at each dose given. Local and systemic side‐effects were graded as: mild (no intervention, no dose adjustment), moderate (medical treatment and/or dose reduction), severe (life‐threatening/hospitalization/emergency care). The comparative safety of different allergens and regimens was also assessed.

Results
One hundred and twenty‐six children (mean age 4.2 years, 67 male) were included. Seventy‐six (60%) had rhinitis with asthma, 34 (27%) rhinitis only and 16 (13%) only asthma. Immunotherapy was prescribed for mites (62%), grasses (22.2%), Parietaria (11.9%), Alternaria (2.4%) and olive (1.5%). Eighteen children underwent an accelerated build‐up. The total number of doses was about 39 000. Nine side‐effects were reported in seven children (5.6% patients and 0.2/1000 doses). Two episodes of oral itching and one of abdominal pain were mild. Six gastrointestinal side‐effects were controlled by reducing the dose. All side‐effects occurred during up‐dosing phase. No difference in terms of safety among the allergens used was observed.

Conclusion
SLIT is safe also in children under the age of 5 years.
Observational study of the natural history of eosinophilic bronchitis
Authors: Berry M. A. , Hargadon B. , McKenna S. , Shaw D. , Green R. H. , Brightling C. E. , Wardlaw A. J. , Pavord I. D.
Published: May 2005

Background
Eosinophilic bronchitis is an important cause of chronic cough. Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids is associated with a short‐term improvement in cough and reduced sputum eosinophil count but the long‐term outcome is uncertain.

Objective
To determine the long‐term outcome in patients diagnosed with and treated for eosinophilic bronchitis.

Methods
We have performed a longitudinal study of symptoms, eosinophilic airway inflammation, spirometry and airway hyper‐responsiveness in all patients diagnosed with eosinophilic bronchitis over 7 years.

Results
We identified 52 patients with eosinophilic bronchitis and longitudinal data of greater than 1 year (mean 3.1 years) was available in 32 patients, all of whom were treated with inhaled steroids. Three (9%) patients developed symptoms consistent with asthma and a methacholine PC20<8 mg/mL on one or more occasion. Five (16%) patients developed fixed airflow obstruction defined by a persistent post‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity <70%. One (3%) patient had complete resolution of symptoms and eosinophilic airway inflammation off treatment. The remaining patients had ongoing eosinophilic airway inflammation and/or continuing symptoms. Multiple linear regression identified smoking, female gender and area under the curve of sputum eosinophil count over time as the most important predictors of decline in FEV1.

Conclusions
The most common outcome in eosinophilic bronchitis is continuing disease and complete resolution is rare. Asthma and fixed airflow obstruction developed in relatively few patients. The most important factors associated with a more rapid decline in FEV1 were female gender, smoking and prolonged eosinophilic airway inflammation.
Common and distinct signalling cascades in the production of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐13 induced by lipopolysaccharide in RBL‐2H3 cells
Authors: Gon Y. , Nunomura S. , Ra C.
Published: May 2005

Background
Activation of mast cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in the production of TNF‐α and IL‐13. TNF‐α and IL‐13 are key mediators in the development of neutrophilic and allergic inflammation, respectively. LPS‐induced TNF‐α and IL‐13 production in mast cells has been reported to be mediated by Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling, but differences in signal transduction mechanisms leading to the production of these cytokines are not clearly defined.

Objective
We investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for LPS‐induced TNF‐α and IL‐13 production in mast cells.

Methods
TNF‐α and IL‐13 production by LPS was assessed by transfecting RBL‐2H3 cells with dominant‐negative (DN) expression vectors.

Results
Transfection of RBL‐2H3 cells with plasmids encoding DN mutants of myeloid differentiation protein (MyD88) and TNFR‐associated factor (TRAF6) inhibited both LPS‐induced TNF‐α and IL‐13 production. IκBα‐DN inhibited LPS‐induced production of TNF‐α, but not IL‐13. We also found that inhibition of p38 kinase suppressed both TNF‐α and IL‐13 induction by LPS, and inhibition of JNK reduced IL‐13 production, but not TNF‐α. Furthermore, we found that protein kinase R (PKR) was activated by LPS in these cells. Treatment with 2‐aminopurine, a PKR inhibitor, attenuated LPS‐induced nuclear factor‐κB activation and TNF‐α production, whereas inhibition of PKR had little effect on IL‐13 production.

Conclusion
These findings indicate that the production of TNF‐α and IL‐13 by LPS required TLR4/MyD88/TRAF6 signalling as a common pathway of mast cell‐mediated inflammation. We furthermore found that TNF‐α and IL‐13 production were differentially regulated by signalling cascades through PKR and mitogen‐activated protein kinases downstream of TRAF6 in mast cells.
Inflammatory cell mapping of the respiratory tract in fatal asthma
Authors: De Magalhães Simões S. , Dos Santos M. A. , Da Silva Oliveira M. , Fontes E. S. , Fernezlian S. , Garippo A. L. , Castro I. , Castro F. F. M. , De Arruda Martins M. , Saldiva P. H. N. , Mauad T. , Dolhnikoff M.
Published: May 2005

Background
The site and distribution of inflammation in the airways of asthmatic patients has been largely investigated. Inflammatory cells are distributed in both large and small airways in asthma. It has been demonstrated that distal lung inflammation in asthma may significantly contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. The upper airways have also been implicated in the overall asthmatic inflammation. Although it is now accepted that lung inflammation is not restricted to the intrapulmonary airways in asthma, little is known about cell distribution in the other lung compartments and their relation to the intrapulmonary airways.

Objective
We aimed to map the inflammatory process in fatal asthma (FA), from the upper airways to the lung parenchyma.

Methods
Eosinophil, neutrophil, mast cell and lymphocyte content were determined in nasal mucosa, the trachea, intrapulmonary airways and parenchyma (peribronchiolar and distal) of 20 patients with FA and 10 controls.

Results
Eosinophil content was higher in all studied areas in FA compared with controls (P<0.02). Mast cell content was higher in the outer area of larger airways, small membranous bronchioles and in peribronchiolar parenchyma of FA compared with controls (P<0.04). CD3+, CD4+and CD20+cells showed increased content in FA intrapulmonary airways compared with controls (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between CD4+cell content in nasal mucosa and larger airways in asthmatics. Increased neutrophil content was observed only in peribronchiolar parenchyma of FA (P=0.028).

Conclusion
Eosinophils present a widespread distribution within the respiratory tract in FA, from the nasal mucosa to the distal lung. The outer wall of small membranous bronchioles is the main site of inflammatory changes in FA. There is a localized distribution of alveolar inflammation at the peribronchiolar region for mast cells and neutrophils. Our findings provide further evidence of the importance of the lung periphery in the pathophysiology of FA.
Increase in killer‐specific secretory protein of 37 kDa in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of allergen‐challenged patients with atopic asthma
Authors: Kuepper M. , Bratke K. , Julius P. , Ogawa K. , Nagata K. , Luttmann W. , Virchow J. C.
Published: May 2005

Background
Atopic asthma is linked to a T‐helper type 2 dominated pathogenesis, but there is increasing evidence of Th1/Tc1‐mediated processes in the aetiopathology of asthma. Killer‐specific secretory protein of 37 kDa (Ksp37) is expressed in cytotoxic lymphocytes, selectively in the effector subsets of CD8+‐ and CD4+ T lymphocytes and in CD16+/CD56dim natural killer cells and γ/δ T cells. This effector cell‐specific expression of Ksp37 and its coexpression with perforin suggest that Ksp37 might be involved in processes mediated by cytotoxic cells.

Objective
We hypothesize that Ksp37 could indicate the involvement of cytotoxic lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of atopic asthma, and investigated Ksp37 concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collected 10 min, 18, 42 or 162 h after segmental allergen provocation and in serum of patients with atopic asthma (n=25).

Methods
Ksp37 concentrations in BALF and serum were detected by ELISA. Flow cytometric analysis was used to assess numbers and cell subsets in BALF.

Results
Ksp37 increased significantly in BALF 10 min, 18 and 42 h, but not 162 h after allergen challenge compared with saline‐challenged controls, while Ksp37 serum levels did not change significantly at all time‐points. In addition, the increase in Ksp37 concentrations in BALF correlated with the corresponding numbers of lymphocytes.

Conclusions
We conclude that Ksp37 level increased in BALF 10 min, 18 and 42 h after allergen challenge but not in peripheral blood. Our findings suggest that segmental allergen challenge in asthma is associated with an increase in Ksp37 concentrations in BALF and an influx of potentially cytotoxic T lymphocytes into the lungs.
Effects of calcineurin inhibitors on an in vitro assay for chronic urticaria
Authors: Marsland A. M. , Soundararajan S. , Joseph K. , Kaplan A. P.
Published: May 2005

Background
Chronic urticaria is a common skin disorder, which causes considerable morbidity. In approximately 40% of cases, patients have an autoimmune disorder in which functional antibodies cause degranulation of mast cells and basophils, and C5a complement augments this in varying amounts from patient to patient. Since the calcineurin inhibitor ciclosporin has been used in chronic autoimmune urticaria, we examined the effect of ciclosporin and other drugs on the release of histamine from basophils when stimulated by sera from patients with chronic autoimmune urticaria.

Methods
Leucocytes from healthy donors were isolated and incubated in varying concentrations of ciclosporin, ascomycin, methotrexate, diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine for 30 min prior to stimulation with serum from urticaria patients known to have functional immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies directed against the alpha subunit of the IgE receptor. Histamine release was then measured.

Results
Pre‐incubating cells with ciclosporin and ascomycin produced dose‐dependent inhibition of histamine release when cells were stimulated by sera of urticaria patients, by purified IgG from these sera, but not by C5a. Inhibition was not prevented by C5a receptor blocking antibodies. No inhibition was seen with methotrexate, diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine.

Conclusions
This is the first demonstration of inhibition of histamine release by calcineurin inhibitors employing sera of patients with chronic autoimmune urticaria. These drugs may work by interfering with intracellular signalling in cells following cross‐linking of the IgE receptor, but not following stimulation of the C5a receptor.
Low socioeconomic status as a risk factor for asthma, rhinitis and sensitization at 4 years in a birth cohort
Authors: Almqvist C. , Pershagen G. , Wickman M.
Published: May 2005

Background
The relation between socioeconomic status and allergic diseases in childhood is controversial. Some studies have proposed childhood asthma to be more common in families with low socioeconomic status, while sensitization to airborne allergens seems to be more frequent in individuals with higher socioeconomic status in childhood.

Objective
To assess the relation between socioeconomic status and asthma, rhinitis and sensitization in an unselected prospective birth cohort.

Methods
Four thousand and eighty‐nine families with children born 1994–1996 in predefined areas of Stockholm answered questionnaires on environmental factors, socioeconomic status (parental occupation), and symptoms of allergic disease at birth, 1, 2 and 4 years of age. Blood samples taken at 4 years from 2614 children were analysed for specific IgE to common airborne and food allergens. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for various outcomes in relation to socioeconomic status were estimated with a multiple logistic regression model, adjusting for potential confounders such as heredity for allergic diseases, maternal smoking, short duration of breastfeeding and house construction.

Results
There was a decreasing risk of asthma and rhinitis with increasing socioeconomic status. The OR for asthma was 0.33 (95% CI 0.17–0.66) and for rhinitis 0.50 (0.32–0.79) comparing the highest and the lowest socioeconomic groups, with a tendency to stronger effects in those with heredity for allergic disease. The risk of sensitization to food allergens also decreased with increasing socioeconomic status; OR 0.65 (0.41–1.02) in the highest socioeconomic group (Ptrend=0.03), which was not clearly seen for airborne allergens.

Conclusion
Asthma, rhinitis and sensitization is more common in lower than in higher socioeconomic groups after adjustment for traditional risk factors. This may be related to additional uncontrolled differences in life style and environmental exposures between the groups, and calls for further studies.
Methotrexate therapy of oral corticosteroid‐dependent asthmatics reduces serum immunoglobulins: correlation with clinical response to therapy
Authors: Corrigan C. J. , Shiner R. J. , Shakur B. H. , Ind P. W.
Published: May 2005

Background
Concomitant methotrexate (MTX) therapy of oral corticosteroid (CS)–dependent asthmatics has been shown to spare CS therapy, but the mechanism is unknown. In a previous report, we showed that MTX increases T cell inhibition by CS. In this report we focus on effects of MTX on immunoglobulin concentrations and their possible clinical relevance.

Objective
To monitor changes in circulating leucocytes and Ig in a group of these patients during MTX therapy, and to relate these changes to clinical ‘response’ as defined by oral CS reduction.

Methods
Sixteen severe asthmatics dependent on oral prednisolone 15 (7.5–25) mg/day in addition to high dose inhaled CS were treated with MTX 15 mg intramuscularly, weekly for 28 weeks. Prednisolone dosages were maintained constant for 12 weeks then reduced systematically over the next 16 weeks provided that asthma control did not deteriorate. Patients were classified a priori as ‘responders’ or ‘non‐responders’ to MTX (reduction of initial oral prednisolone requirement by 50% or <50%, respectively). Patients were followed‐up for a further 12 weeks after MTX withdrawal. Serum Ig and differential blood leucocyte counts were measured at baseline, 12, 28 and 40 weeks.

Results
MTX therapy allowed significant, but individually variable, reductions in oral prednisolone dosages (P<0.00001) without alteration of lung function or symptoms. This was associated with significant reductions in mean serum concentrations of Ig of all classes, which reversed following MTX withdrawal. Reductions in IgE and IgG were significantly greater in the MTX ‘responders’ as compared with ‘non‐responders’, and changes in IgE, IgG and IgM correlated with changes in prednisolone requirements. Differential blood leucocyte counts showed no significant variation.

Conclusion
MTX therapy reduced oral CS requirements in these severe asthmatics to a degree which correlated with reduced circulating Ig but not lymphopaenia, suggesting a possible cause and effect relationship. These reductions might also contribute to the documented incidence of opportunistic infection in these circumstances.
Evaluation of internal adaptation in ceramic and composite resin inlays by silicon replica technique
Authors: KARAKAYA S. , SENGUN A. , ÖZER F.
Published: May 2005

summary  This study was aimed at investigating the internal adaptation of a ceramic (Ceramco II) and two composite resin inlay materials (SureFil and 3M Filtek Z 250TM) using silicon replica technique as an indicator. Forty‐five standard mesial–occlusal–distal (MOD) cavities were prepared into brass moulds by using computer numerically controlled system. Inlays were prepared according to manufacturers’ instructions with indirect methods. Replicas of the prepared cavities and inlays were produced with a polyvinyl siloxane material (Elite H‐D). The spaces between inlays and cavities were filled by different coloured light‐body polyvinyl siloxane material. Two parallel slices (mesio‐distally) were obtained from the replicas with a sharp blade. Different coloured polyvinyl siloxane material thickness between cavity and inlay was measured at seven points (mesial, occlusal and distal). The data were evaluated with anova and Tukey's honestly significantly different (HSD) statistical tests. In the SureFil and Ceramco II groups, the sizes of the contraction gaps at mesial and distal gingival floors were greater than that of the occlusal marginal walls. In comparison of gap formation at occlusal regions, while the 3M composite group showed highest gap values (204·33 ± 75·45 μm), the Ceramco II group revealed the lowest (141·17 ± 23·66 μm) (P < 0·05). At the gingival floors, gap formation of Ceramco II group was the highest (227·08 ± 51·95 μm). Neither the 3M Filtek Z250 nor SureFil group showed any statistical difference between gap values of their self‐occlusal and gingival floors (P > 0·05). In conclusion, our results showed that ceramic inlays did not confer any big advantage for internal adaptation over the composite inlays.
Factors related to the resting tongue position among partially and completely edentulous subjects
Authors: KOTSIOMITI E. , FARMAKIS N. , KAPARI D.
Published: May 2005

summary  The prevalence of abnormal (retracted) position of the tongue at rest was examined in subjects with varying number of natural lower teeth. The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between tongue retraction and state of dentition and to identify potentially related parameters. The resting tongue positions were recorded in subjects partially edentulous in the lower jaw (n = 164) and compared with those met in dentate (n = 57) and completely edentulous participants (n = 84). Potentially related parameters, such as age, sex, duration of edentulism, palate vault and signs of temporomandibular disorders were also recorded. Tongue retraction was observed in a small percentage (12·3%) of the dentate, almost half (45·7%) of the partially edentulous and in the majority (67·8%) of the completely edentulous participants. The number of natural lower teeth correlated with the resting tongue position in the partially edentulous group. The tongue position at rest was also found weakly related to signs of temporomandibular disorders in the dentate group and to the sex and duration of edentulism in the partially edentulous group. It was concluded that the abnormal positioning of the resting tongue is increasingly observed with decreasing number of natural teeth, possibly in accordance with the morphological and functional alterations that result from teeth loss. The presence of a retracted tongue affects the complete denture construction; however, its effect on denture function remains questionable.
Acupuncture in xerostomia – a systematic review
Authors: JEDEL E.
Published: May 2005

summary  The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of xerostomia. Assessing quality of studies aim to efficiently integrate valid information and provide a basis for sound decision making based on the best available evidence. Articles of controlled clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of xerostomia were obtained by searching through the databases MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to September 2003. Three articles met the criteria for inclusion and a criteria list was used to assess the quality of these studies. The studies were considered to be of high quality or low quality in accordance with the criteria list utilized. The results of the trials were considered positive, negative or indifferent based on statistically significant between group differences. The criteria list utilized indicate that one of the three studies was of high quality and it presents indifferent results. One of the two studies of low quality presents positive results and one presents indifferent results. An analysis of the results degree of evidence resulted in no evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of xerostomia. This systematic review shows that there is no evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of xerostomia. There is a need for future high quality randomized controlled trials.