bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High prevalence of significant histology in asymptomatic chronic hepatitis B patients with genotype C and high serum HBV DNA levels
Authors: Park J. Y. , Park Y. N. , Kim D. Y. , Paik Y. H. , Lee K. S. , Moon B. S. , Han K.‐H. , Chon C. Y. , Ahn S. H.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Current treatment guidelines suggest that antiviral therapy be considered for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with high viral load if a biopsy shows significant liver disease despite alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels two times or less than the upper limit of normal (ULN). We evaluated the histological findings in CHB patients with high viral load and persistently normal or slightly elevated serum ALT levels. Between January 2003 and June 2006, 105 consecutive treatment‐naive patients with CHB who underwent ultrasonography‐guided percutaneous liver biopsy, had detectable serum HBV DNA (>105 copies/mL) in a direct hybridization assay and normal or slightly elevated serum ALT levels (≤2 × ULN) for at least 12 months were included in a prospective study. Histological assessment was based on the METAVIR scoring system. Significant histology was defined as fibrosis stage ≥F2 or necroinflammation grade ≥A2. Among the 105 CHB patients with high viral load and persistently normal or slightly elevated serum ALT levels for at least 12 months, significant fibrosis (F2–F4 fibrosis) was observed in 63 patients (60.0%) and the actual significant histology was found in 65 patients (61.9%). On multivariate analysis, serum ALT levels and age at which they entered the study were independent factors associated with significant histology. Odds ratios for significant histology increased progressively according to serum ALT levels and age. In conclusion, a large proportion of CHB patients with genotype C, high viral load and ALT ≤2 × ULN had significant liver disease on liver biopsy and should be considered for antiviral therapy.
Correlation between colonic motility and defecatory disorders after anterior resection of the rectum in canine models
Authors: Tabe Y. , Mochiki E. , Ando H. , Ohno T. , Kamiyama Y. , Aihara R. , Fukasawa T. , Tsuboi K. , Yamaguchi S. , Tsutsumi S. , Asao T. , Kuwano H.
Published: July 2008

Abstract  The objective of this study was to describe the correlation between changes in colonic motility and defecatory disorders in four experimental canine models, with an emphasis on denervation. Therefore, we constructed a model by dividing 20 healthy mongrel dogs into four groups, i.e. control, denervation, transection and anterior resection of the rectum (AR) (denervation plus transection), and focused on the correlation between colonic motility and defecatory disorders by counting the colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) and colonic non‐migrating motor complexes (CNMCs). Gastrointestinal and colonic contractile activities were continuously recorded on a computer with strain gauge force transducers. The dogs’ feces were checked daily, and their consistency was recorded as normal, semisolid, or watery. Compared with the control group, the transection group showed elongation of the propagation time (P < 0.05), and the mean motility index of colonic contractile activity at C4 and C5 in the denervation group was greater than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The AR group showed three features of colonic motility: (i) elongation of the mean CMMC cycle (P < 0.05); (ii) shortening of the propagation time (P < 0.05); and (iii) increment of the number of CNMCs. Concerning fecal consistency, the AR group only showed watery diarrhoea. In conclusion, we revealed the existence of a correlation between defecatory disorders and changes in colonic motility. Increased knowledge among colorectal surgeons of the changes in colonic motility that occur following colorectal surgery is very important and could lead to the curtailment of defecatory disorders among patients.
Efficacy of phosphonic acid, metalaxyl‐M and copper hydroxide against Phytophthora ramorum in vitro and in planta
Authors: Garbelotto M. , Harnik T. Y. , Schmidt D. J.
Published: July 2008

The ability of metalaxyl‐M, phosphonic acid in the form of phosphonate, and copper hydroxide to inhibit different stages in the life cycle of Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death (SOD), was tested in vitro using 12 isolates from the North American forest lineage. In addition, experiments were conducted in planta to study the ability of phosphonic acid injections and metalaxyl‐M drenches to control pathogen growth on saplings of California coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), and of copper hydroxide foliar sprays to control infection of California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) leaves. Phytophthora ramorum was only moderately sensitive to phosphonic acid in vitro, but was highly sensitive to copper hydroxide. In planta experiments indicated the broad efficacy of phosphonic acid injections and of copper hydroxide sprays in preventing growth of P. ramorum in oaks and bay laurels, respectively. Finally, although metalaxyl‐M was effective in vitro, drenches of potted oak trees using this active ingredient were largely ineffective in reducing the growth rate of the pathogen in planta.
Tan spot: a new disease of pyrethrum caused by Microsphaeropsis tanaceti sp. nov.
Authors: Pethybridge S. J. , Jones S. J. , Shivas R. G. , Hay F. S. , Wilson C. R. , Groom T.
Published: July 2008

The isolation frequency of Microsphaeropsis sp. in spring in association with necrotic lesions on leaves in Tasmanian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) fields has increased substantially since first identification in 2001. Examination of morphological features and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) resulted in the identification of a new species, herein described as Microsphaeropsis tanaceti sp. nov. The pathogenicity of three M. tanaceti isolates to two pyrethrum cultivars was confirmed by inoculating glasshouse‐grown plants in three experiments. No significant differences in the susceptibility of the two cultivars to infection by M. tanaceti were found. Symptoms were tan‐coloured spots which coalesced around the margins of the leaves. Therefore, the name ‘tan spot’ is proposed for this new disease of pyrethrum. The sensitivity of seven M. tanaceti isolates to difenoconazole and azoxystrobin, commonly used fungicides for the management of foliar diseases in spring, was assessed under in vitro conditions. Sensitivity testing for difenoconazole was conducted using a mycelial growth assay on potato dextrose agar, whilst testing for sensitivity to azoxystrobin used a conidial germination assay on water agar. Microsphaeropsis tanaceti was found to be more sensitive to azoxystrobin than difenoconazole, with complete inhibition of conidial germination at concentrations above 0·625 µg a.i. mL−1. By comparison, concentrations of 50 µg a.i. difenoconazole mL−1 or greater were required for significant inhibition of mycelial growth. It therefore appears likely that there is currently some control of tan spot as a result of the use of azoxystrobin and to a lesser extent, difenoconazole, for the control of other diseases.
Variability in infection and reproduction ofMeloidogyne javanicaon tomato rootstocks with theMiresistance gene
Authors: Cortada L. , Sorribas F. J. , Ornat C. , Kaloshian I. , Verdejo‐Lucas S.
Published: July 2008

The response of 10 commercial or experimental tomato rootstocks with theMiresistance gene to an initial inoculum of aMi‐avirulent population ofMeloidogyne javanicawas determined in pot tests conducted in spring and summer. In a field test, the rootstocks were subjected to continuous exposure to high initial population densities (2050 ± 900 second‐stage juveniles (J2) per 250 cm3soil) of the nematode. The presence of theMilocus in the resistant rootstocks and cultivars was confirmed using the PCR co‐dominant markers REX‐1 and Mi23. Nematode infectivity (egg masses) and reproduction (eggs g−1root) were highly variable in the spring tests. Rootstocks PG76, Gladiator and MKT‐410 consistently responded as highly resistant, with nematode multiplication rate (Pf/Pi) < 1 and reproduction index (RI) < 10%, and they were as efficient as standard resistant tomato cultivars at nematode suppression. The relative resistance levels of rootstocks Brigeor, 42851, 43965, Big Power and He‐Man varied depending on the susceptible standard used for reference or the duration of the test. Rootstocks Beaufort and Maxifort were susceptible toM. javanica(Pf/Pi > 50 and RI > 50%). Rootstocks PG76 and He‐Man, and the resistant tomato cv. Caramba showed high levels of resistance in the test conducted in summer, whereas MKT‐410 and 42851 and the resistant tomato cv. Monika were moderately resistant. In the field, seven rootstocks showed high levels of resistance and one (He‐Man) showed an intermediate level, whereas Beaufort and Maxifort were susceptible.
Laboratory sustained turbidity currents form elongate ridges at channel mouths
Authors: ALEXANDER JAN , MCLELLAND STUART J. , GRAY THOMAS E. , VINCENT CHRIS E. , LEEDER MIKE R. , ELLETT SUSANNA
Published: July 2008

The turbulent flow structure, suspended sediment dynamics and deposits of experimental sustained turbidity currents exiting a channel across a break in slope into a wide tank are documented. The data shed light on the flow evolution and deposit geometry of analogous natural channel‐fed submarine fans. Flows generated in a 0·3 m wide, sloping (0°, 6°, 9° or 20°) channel crossed an angular slope break and spread onto a horizontal tank floor. Flow development comprised: (i) channelized phase (unsteady channel flow developing into steady channel flow); (ii) initial lateral expansion phase (unsteady‐spreading wall jet phase); (iii) constant lateral expansion phase (steady‐spreading wall jet phase); and (iv) rapid waning phase. Phases (i) and (iv) are similar to laterally constrained turbidity currents, but phases (ii) and (iii) are considerably different from such two‐dimensional currents. Steeper channel slopes produced greater flow velocities and turbulence intensities, but these effects diminished markedly with distance from the channel mouth. Flow velocity vectors in the tank had similar patterns for all channel slopes, with a central core of faster velocity and narrow vector dispersion and slower flow with larger dispersion at the jet margins. Suspended sediment concentrations were higher within flow heads and dense basal layers in flow bodies. Time‐averaged acoustic backscatter data showed vertical concentration gradients, confirmed by siphon samples. The deposits comprised a thick central ridge, of similar order width to the channel mouth, with abrupt margins and a surrounding, very thin, fan‐like sheet. The ridge was coarser grained and better sorted than the original sediment, with grain‐size fining downstream, particularly over the fan‐like sheet. The formation of a central ridge suggests that, in the tank, vertical turbulent momentum exchange is more significant for sediment dynamics than spanwise momentum exchange due to lateral expansion. The streamwise elongate geometry of the ridge contrasts with conventional fan‐like geometry found with surge‐type turbidity flows, a result that has widespread stratigraphic and economic implications.
Primary versus secondary and subaerial versus submarine hydrovolcanic deposits in the subsurface of Jeju Island, Korea
Authors: SOHN YOUNG KWAN , PARK KI HWA , YOON SEOK‐HOON
Published: July 2008

Jeju Island is a Quaternary shield volcano built upon the Yellow Sea continental shelf off the Korean Peninsula. Decades of borehole drilling reveals that the shield‐forming lavas of the island are underlain by extensive hydrovolcanic deposits (the Seoguipo Formation), which are about 100 m thick and show diverse depositional features. This study provides criteria for distinguishing between hydrovolcanic deposits formed by primary (pyroclastic) and secondary (resedimentation) processes in subaerial and submarine settings based on the observations of several selected cores from the formation. Five facies associations are identified, including: (i) primary hydrovolcanic deposits formed by pyroclastic surges and co‐surge fallouts in tuff rings (facies association PHTR); (ii) primary hydrovolcanic deposits formed by Surtseyan fallout and related pyroclastic transport processes in tuff cones (facies association PHTC); (iii) secondary hydrovolcanic deposits formed by debris flows, hyperconcentrated flood flows, sheet floods and rill flows in subaerial settings (facies association RHAE); (iv) secondary hydrovolcanic deposits formed in submarine settings under the influence of waves, tides and occasional mass flows (facies association RHMAR); and (v) non‐volcaniclastic and fine‐grained deposits formed in nearshore to offshore settings (facies association NVMAR). The primary hydrovolcanic facies associations (PHTRand PHTC) are distinguished from one another on the basis of distinct lithofacies characteristics and vertical sequence profiles. These facies differ from the secondary hydrovolcanic and non‐volcaniclastic facies associations (RHAE, RHMARand NVMAR) because of their distinctive sedimentary structures, textures and compositions. The depositional processes and settings of some massive and crudely stratified volcaniclastic deposits, which occur in many facies associations, could not be discriminated unambiguously even with microscopic observations. Nevertheless, these facies associations could generally be distinguished because they occur typically in packets or sequences, several metres to tens of metres thick and bounded by distinct stratigraphic discontinuities, and comprise generally distinct sets of lithofacies. The overall characteristics of the Seoguipo Formation suggest that it is composed of numerous superposed phreatomagmatic volcanoes intercalated with marine or non‐marine, volcaniclastic or non‐volcaniclastic deposits. Widespread and continual hydrovolcanic activity, together with volcaniclastic sedimentation, is inferred to have persisted for more than a million years in Jeju Island under the influence of fluctuating Quaternary sea‐levels, before effusion of the shield‐forming lavas. Extensive distribution of hydrovolcanic deposits in the subsurface of Jeju Island highlights that there can be significant differences in the eruption style, growth history and internal structure between shelfal shield volcanoes and oceanic island volcanoes.
Architectural analysis of a volcaniclastic jökulhlaup deposit, southern Iceland: sedimentary evidence for supercritical flow
Authors: DULLER ROBERT A. , MOUNTNEY NIGEL P. , RUSSELL ANDREW J. , CASSIDY NIGEL C.
Published: July 2008

The 1918 eruption of the glacially capped Katla volcano, southern Iceland, generated a violent jökulhlaup, or glacial outburst flood, inundating a large area of Mýrdalssandur, the proglacial outwash plain, where it deposited ca 1 km3 of volcaniclastic sediment. The character of the 1918 jökulhlaup is contentious, having been variously categorized as a turbulent water flow, a hyperconcentrated flow or as a debris flow, based on localized outcrop analysis. In this study, outcrop‐based architectural analyses of the 1918 deposits reveal the presence of lenticular and tabular bedsets associated with deposition from quasi‐stationary antidunes and down‐current migrating antidunes, and from regular based bedsets, associated with transient chute‐and‐pool bedforms, all of which are associated with turbulent, transcritical to supercritical water flow conditions. Antidune wavelengths range from 24 to 96 m, corresponding to flow velocities of 6 to 12 m sec−1 and average flow depths of 5 to 19 m. This range of calculated flow velocities is in good agreement with estimates made from eyewitness accounts. Architectural analysis of the 1918 jökulhlaup deposits has led to an improved estimation of flow parameters and flow hydraulics associated with the 1918 jökulhlaup that could not have been achieved through localized outcrop analysis. The observations presented here provide additional sedimentological and architectural criteria for the recognition of deposits associated with transcritical and supercritical water flow conditions. The physical scale of sedimentary architectures associated with the migration of bedforms is largely dependent on the magnitude of the formative flow events or processes; sedimentary analyses must therefore be undertaken at the appropriate physical scale if reliable interpretations, regarding modes of deposition and formative flow hydraulics, are to be made.
ITN1, a novel gene encoding an ankyrin‐repeat protein that affects the ABA‐mediated production of reactive oxygen species and is involved in salt‐stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sakamoto Hikaru , Matsuda Osamu , Iba Koh
Published: July 2008

Salt stress and abscisic acid (ABA) induce accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant cells. ROS not only act as second messengers for the activation of salt‐stress responses, but also have deleterious effects on plant growth due to their cytotoxicity. Therefore, the timing and degree of activation of ROS‐producing or ROS‐scavenging enzymes must be tightly regulated under salt‐stress conditions. We identified a novel locus of Arabidopsis, designated itn1 (increased tolerance to NaCl1), whose disruption leads to increased salt‐stress tolerance in vegetative tissues. ITN1 encodes a transmembrane protein with an ankyrin‐repeat motif that has been implicated in diverse cellular processes such as signal transduction. Comparative microarray analysis between wild‐type and the itn1 mutant revealed that induction of genes encoding the ROS‐producing NADPH oxidases (RBOHC and RBOHD) under salt‐stress conditions was suppressed in the mutant. This suppression was accompanied by a corresponding reduction in ROS accumulation. The ABA‐induced expression of RBOHC and RBOHD was also suppressed in the mutant, as was the case for RD29A, an ABA‐inducible marker gene. However, the ABA‐induced expression of another marker gene, RD22, was not impaired in the mutant. These results suggest that the itn1 mutation partially impairs ABA signaling pathways, possibly leading to the reduction in ROS accumulation under salt‐stress conditions. We discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the salt‐tolerant phenotype of the itn1 mutant.
Identification of likely orthologs of tobacco salicylic acid‐binding protein 2 and their role in systemic acquired resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Vlot Anna Corina , Liu Po‐Pu , Cameron Robin K. , Park Sang‐Wook , Yang Yue , Kumar Dhirendra , Zhou Fasong , Padukkavidana Thihan , Gustafsson Claes , Pichersky Eran , Klessig Daniel F.
Published: July 2008

Salicylic acid‐binding protein 2 (SABP2) is essential for the establishment of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in tobacco; SABP2’s methyl salicylate (MeSA) esterase activity is required in healthy systemic tissues of infected plants to release the active defense phytohormone SA from MeSA, which serves as a long‐distance signal for SAR. In the current study, we characterize a new gene family from Arabidopsis thaliana encoding 18 potentially active α/β fold hydrolases that share 32–57% identity with SABP2. Of 14 recombinant AtMES (MES for methyl esterase) proteins tested, five showed preference for MeSA as a substrate and displayed SA inhibition of MeSA esterase activity in vitro (AtMES1, ‐2, ‐4, ‐7, and ‐9). The two genes encoding MeSA esterases with the greatest activity, AtMES1 and ‐9, as well as AtMES7 were transcriptionally upregulated during infection of Arabidopsis with avirulent Pseudomonas syringae. In addition, conditional expression of AtMES1, ‐7, or ‐9 complemented SAR deficiency in SABP2‐silenced tobacco, suggesting that these three members of the AtMES family are SABP2 functional homologs (orthologs). Underexpression by knockout mutation and/or RNAi‐mediated silencing of multiple AtMES genes, including AtMES1, ‐2, ‐7, and ‐9, compromised SAR in Arabidopsis and correlated with enhanced accumulation of MeSA in the systemic tissue of SAR‐induced plants. Together, the data show that several members of the AtMES gene family are functionally homologous to SABP2 and redundant for MeSA hydrolysis and probably SAR. These data suggest that MeSA is a conserved SAR signal in Arabidopsis and tobacco.
Mutations in AtCML9, a calmodulin‐like protein from Arabidopsis thaliana, alter plant responses to abiotic stress and abscisic acid
Authors: Magnan Fabienne , Ranty Benoît , Charpenteau Martine , Sotta Bruno , Galaud Jean‐Philippe , Aldon Didier
Published: July 2008

Many stimuli, such as hormones and abiotic stress factors, elicit changes in intracellular calcium levels that serve to convey information and activate appropriate responses. The Ca2+ signals are perceived by different Ca2+ receptors, and calmodulin (CaM) is one of the best‐characterized Ca2+ sensors in eukaryotes. Calmodulin‐like (CML) proteins also exist in plants; they share sequence similarity with the ubiquitous and highly conserved CaM, but their roles at the physiological and molecular levels are largely unknown. We present data on Arabidopsis thaliana CML9 (AtCML9) that exhibits 46% amino acid sequence identity with CaM. AtCML9 transcripts are found in all major organs, and a putative AtCML9 regulatory region confers reporter gene expression at various sites, including root apex, stomata, hydathodes and trichomes. AtCML9 expression is rapidly induced by abiotic stress and abscisic acid (ABA) in young seedlings, and by using cml9 knock‐out mutants we present evidence that AtCML9 plays essential roles in modulating responses to salt stress and ABA. Seed germination and seedling growth for the mutant lines present a hypersensitive response to ABA that could be correlated with enhanced tolerance to salt stress and water deficit. Mutations of the AtCML9 gene also alter the expression of several stress‐regulated genes, suggesting that AtCML9 is involved in salt stress tolerance through its effects on the ABA‐mediated pathways.
Can the large ecological amplitude of Ambrosia artemisiifolia explain its invasive success in France?
Authors: FUMANAL B , GIROD C , FRIED G , BRETAGNOLLE F , CHAUVEL B
Published: July 2008

In order to understand the successful spread of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in France, the variability of colonised habitat by this species was studied at 48 locations, from its central to peripheral area of distribution. Each site was characterised by a vegetation survey, a description of the A. artemisiifolia population and a soil analysis. Differences in the number of species, Shannon diversity index, evenness index and plant life form spectra were compared among the sites. A total of 276 species occurring along with A. artemisiifolia was observed. Therophytes and hemicryptophytes represented more than 80% of all the species. The two most frequent species occurring along with A. artemisiifolia were Chenopodium album and Polygonum aviculare. Multivariate analysis of vegetation surveys showed that A. artemisiifolia has a wide ecological tolerance. It colonises a large range of disturbed habitats differing in terms of vegetation cover, species composition and type of soil. The present study highlights the potential of A. artemisiifolia for invading spring crops and all semi‐natural or disturbed open areas. The success of its ongoing invasion can be explained by both its generalist character and the existence of vacant ecological niches, which are poorly occupied by the French native flora.
Predicting Avena spp. control with clodinafop
Authors: ANDREWS T S , MEDD R W , VAN DE VEN R J
Published: July 2008

Previous analyses of two independent data sets, one generated by industry and the other involving purpose‐designed field experiments, showed that the factors relating to Avena spp. control with clodinafop in Australia are fairly consistent. This article details the combination of those, together with additional new industry data, into an overall set that was subject to linear mixed model and covariate analyses for the purpose of developing a predictive model. Cross‐validation methods were used to assess the potential for agronomic and environmental variables at the time of spraying clodinafop to predict Avena spp. mortality. The analyses showed that clodinafop dose, available soil moisture, cumulative minimum temperatures, maximum temperature on the day of spraying, spray water volume and the spray water volume by maximum temperature interaction at spraying were useful predictors and these were subsequently incorporated into a model. This model allows growers and agronomists to use knowledge of weather conditions on the day of application to tailor clodinafop dose and water volume accordingly, or to avoid spraying if they are adverse. The model’s potential to improve herbicide efficiency and be used as part of a long‐term Avena spp. management programme are briefly discussed.
Effect of date of emergence on the growth of the clonal perennial Cyperus esculentus in the Haute Lande, south‐western France
Authors: DODET M , NAVAS M‐L , GASQUEZ D J
Published: July 2008

In order to develop management strategies in an intensive agricultural region of south‐western France, we examined in a two‐year experiment, the consequences of change in emergence date on the growth and development of the clonal perennial Cyperus esculentus. Germinated tubers emerged in early May, June and late July and were harvested 4, 5 or 6 months after emergence. Total shoot and tuber number per individual increased throughout the growing season, then significantly decreased in autumn. All plants produced tubers, the primary means of reproduction, including the smallest and latest emerging cohorts, but the allocation to tubers decreased with emergence date. However, emergence date had no effect on the emergence rate of the shoots, indicating that the reduction in total shoot production was not counterbalanced by an acceleration of this production when the growing season shortened. Consequently, management programs should advantageously integrate agricultural practices (i) that avoid periods without crops between April and October, (ii) that delay C. esculentus emergence and (iii) that include interventions on the newly emerged individuals.
Compensation in seasonal leaf area dynamics and leaf longevity after defoliation in Buddleja davidii
Authors: THOMAS M M , WATT M S , TURNBULL M H , PELTZER D , WHITEHEAD D
Published: July 2008

Buddleja davidii is a major invasive weed and its success is attributed to its ability to recover rapidly following defoliation. To quantify the impacts of defoliation on seasonal leaf area dynamics, we measured rates of leaf area growth and loss on cohorts of leaves on control plants and on plants that were defoliated by 66% repeatedly at monthly intervals throughout two growing seasons. The rate of leaf area growth was closely related to cumulative air temperature, but the maximum rate for the defoliated plants in the first season was 2.2 times that of the control plants. This compensational leaf growth resulted in 52% greater total emergent leaf area, attributable to increased node production (34%) and leaf size (35%), compared with control plants. Leaf longevity during the first growing season in the defoliated plants was 12% greater than that in the control plants. During the second season, the degree of compensation was greatly reduced, attributable to reduced leaf size in defoliated plants compared with the control. Total emergent leaf area over both seasons in the defoliated treatment exceeded control values by only 15%. The impact of leaf loss on the vigour in this invasive shrub may, in the short term, be less significant than would be predicted. However, the impacts of continued defoliation are likely to increase markedly in subsequent years. The study provides the basis for modelling leaf area dynamics and plant growth in response to defoliation associated with biocontrol release programmes.
Long‐term management of Striga hermonthica: strategy evaluation with a spatio‐temporal population model
Authors: VAN MOURIK T A , BIANCHI F J J A , VAN DER WERF W , STOMPH T J
Published: July 2008

The parasitic weed Striga hermonthica poses a serious threat to cereal production in sub‐Saharan Africa. Striga hermonthica seedbanks are long‐lived; therefore, long‐term effects of control strategies on the seedbank only emerge after several years. We developed a spatially explicit, stochastic model to study the effectiveness of control strategies in preventing invasion of S. hermonthica into previously uninfested fields and in reducing established infestations. Spatial expansion of S. hermonthica and decrease in millet yield in a field was slower, on average, when stochasticity of attachment of seedlings to the host was included and compared to the deterministic model. The spatial patterns of emerged S. hermonthica plants 4–7 years after point inoculation (e.g. seeds in a dung patch) in the spatial‐stochastic model resembled the distribution typically observed in farmers’ fields. Sensitivity analysis showed that only three out of eight life cycle parameters were of minor importance for seedbank dynamics and millet yield. Weeding and intercropping millet with sesame or cowpea reduced the seedbank in the long term, but rotations of millet with trap crops did not. High seedbank replenishment during years of millet monoculture was not sufficiently offset by seedbank depletion in years of trap crop cultivation. Insight from simulations can be employed in a participatory learning context with farmers to have an impact on S. hermonthica control in practice.
Long‐term weed community dynamics in Swiss organic and integrated farming systems
Authors: HILTBRUNNER J , SCHERRER C , STREIT B , JEANNERET P , ZIHLMANN U , TSCHACHTLI R
Published: July 2008

In 1991, a farming‐system comparison was established on Burgrain Farm (Alberswil) to investigate the long‐term sustainability of farming systems in Switzerland. In this study, the impacts of the three farming systems [organic (ORG), and integrated (IF) with an extensive (IFext) and an intensive (IFint) variant] on weed dynamics and diversity in six fields planted with winter wheat, maize, summer/winter barley, potatoes/oilseed rape and temporary grassland are examined. Altogether, 51 plant species were recorded from 1999 to 2006 in the maize and winter wheat crop. Total weed ground cover prior to harvest was seven times higher for wheat and 15 times higher for maize in ORG than in IFint, but grain yields were not negatively affected. Weed diversity was higher for ORG than for IF. In the temporary grassland, Taraxacum officinale and Rumex obtusifolius increased with time and dominated the weed community in the maize which followed. Chenopodium and Polygonum species dominated in the wheat, especially in ORG. We conclude from this study that an optimal combination of direct and indirect means for controlling weeds would allow organic farming at this site, provided that problematic weeds (e.g. Elytrigia repens) can be kept at the low level observed at the end of 2006.
Study of gene–gene interactions for endophenotypic quantitative traits in Chinese asthmatic children
Authors: Chan I. H. S. , Tang N. L. S. , Leung T. F. , Huang W. , Lam Y. Y. O. , Li C. Y. , Wong C. K. , Wong G. W. K. , Lam C. W. K.
Published: July 2008

Background:  Asthma is a complex disease resulting from interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors. Study of gene–gene interactions could provide insight into the pathophysiology of asthma.

Methods:  We investigated the interactions among 18 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in eight candidate genes for plasma total immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration and peripheral blood (PB) eosinophil count in 298 Chinese asthmatic children and 175 controls. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction and generalized linear model were used to analyze gene–gene interactions for the quantitative traits.

Results:  A significant interaction was found between R130Q in IL13 and I50V in IL4RA for plasma total IgE concentration, with a cross‐validation (CV) consistency of nine of 10 and a prediction error of 41.1% (P = 0.013). Plasma total IgE concentration was significantly higher in the high‐risk than the low‐risk groups (P < 0.0001). For PB eosinophil count, significant interaction was found between C‐431T in TARC and RsaI_in2 in FCERIB, with a CV consistency of nine of 10 and a prediction error of 40.2% (P = 0.009). PB eosinophil count was significantly higher in the high‐risk group than the low‐risk groups (P < 0.0001). Generalized linear model also revealed significant gene–gene interaction for the above two endophenotypes with P = 0.013 for plasma total IgE concentration and P = 0.029 for PB eosinophil count respectively.

Conclusions:  Our data suggest significant interactions between IL13 and IL4RA for plasma total IgE concentration, and this is the first report to show significant interaction between TARC and FCERIB for PB eosinophil count in Chinese asthmatic children.
Asthma management pocket reference 2008*
Authors: Van Weel C. , Bateman E. D. , Bousquet J. , Reid J. , Grouse L. , Schermer T. , Valovirta E. , Zhong N.
Published: July 2008

Asthma is one of the most common chronic airways diseases worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing. Family doctors (sometimes called ‘primary care physicians’ or ‘general practitioners’) are frequently an asthma patient’s first point of contact with healthcare systems. Disease management that follows evidence‐based practice guidelines yields better patient results, but such guidelines are often complicated and may recommend the use of resources not available in the family practice setting. A joint expert panel of the World Organization of Family Doctors (Wonca), International Primary Care Airways Group (IPAG) and the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) offers support to family doctors worldwide by distilling the globally accepted, evidence‐based recommendations from the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) into this brief reference guide.

This guide provides tools intended to supplement a thorough history taking and the clinician’s professional judgment in order to provide the best possible care for patients with asthma. Diagnostic Questionnaires developed for children and adults specifically focus the physician’s attention on key symptoms and markers of asthma. When questionnaire responses suggest a diagnosis of asthma, Diagnosis Guides then lead the clinician through a series of investigations commonly available in primary care to support the diagnosis. In patients >40 years who smoke, COPD is an important alternative diagnosis, and some key aspects of differential diagnosis are illuminated.

According to GINA, the goal of asthma treatment is to achieve and maintain control of the disease symptoms long‐term. The physician must first assess the patient’s current level of asthma control, then treat asthma in a stepwise manner to achieve and maintain symptom control. Both of these aspects are summarized in figures included in this guide. Finally, the guide also presents a flow chart summarizing management of asthma exacerbations in the acute care setting, and a glossary of asthma medications to assist the clinician in making medication choices for each individual patient. Finally, many patients with asthma also have concomitant allergic rhinitis, and this must be checked.

The World Organization of Family Doctors has been delegated by WHO as the group that will be taking primary responsibility for education about chronic respiratory diseases among primary care physicians globally. This document will be a major resource in this educational program.
Physician and patient survey of allergic rhinitis in France: perceptions on prevalence, severity of symptoms, care management and specific immunotherapy
Authors: Demoly P. , Didier A. , Mathelier‐Fusade P. , Drouet M. , David M. , Bonnelye G. , Blic J. de , Klossek J. M.
Published: July 2008

Background:  Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only aetiological treatment used in allergic rhinitis (AR). A telephone survey of patients and physicians in France was carried out to understand better the real and perceived advantages and inconveniences of this therapeutic approach.

Methods:  A cohort of 453 individuals with AR was selected using the Score For Allergic Rhinitis questionnaire. The survey evaluated the level of understanding of allergic rhinitis and its management, including both pharmacotherapy and SIT. A parallel survey was conducted with 400 general practitioners, allergists and nonallergist specialists.

Results:  Approximately 50% of patients had heard about SIT as a therapeutic option. Of these, 56% had a positive view of SIT and 14% a negative image. A majority of patients and physicians with a positive opinion associated SIT with improved well‐being and quality of life, while those with a negative opinion considered it to be a long and inconvenient treatment, with uncertain results. Over 50% of patients who had been offered SIT had accepted it and approximately 60% of these were satisfied with it. The future availability of SIT as sublingual tablets was perceived positively by both patients and physicians.

Conclusions:  Many patients with AR are unaware of their pathology and few seek help from health professionals. When patients take medication, they are generally satisfied with their treatment, even if it is only symptomatic. Patients and physicians see the notion of definitive recovery as the main benefit of SIT, whereas the main disadvantage is the duration of treatment.
Epinephrine: the drug of choice for anaphylaxis. A statement of the World Allergy Organization
Authors: Kemp S. F. , Lockey R. F. , Simons F. E. R. ,   on behalf of the World Allergy Organization ad hoc Committee on Epinephrine in Anaphylaxis
Published: July 2008

Anaphylaxis is an acute and potentially lethal multi‐system allergic reaction. Most consensus guidelines for the past 30 years have held that epinephrine is the drug of choice and the first drug that should be administered in acute anaphylaxis. Some state that properly administered epinephrine has no absolute contraindication in this clinical setting. A committee of anaphylaxis experts assembled by the World Allergy Organization has examined the evidence from the medical literature concerning the appropriate use of epinephrine for anaphylaxis. The Committee strongly believes that epinephrine is currently underutilized and often dosed suboptimally to treat anaphylaxis, is under‐prescribed for potential future self‐administration, that most of the reasons proposed to withhold its clinical use are flawed, and that the therapeutic benefits of epinephrine exceed the risk when given in appropriate i.m. doses.
Exercise‐induced hypersensitivity syndromes in recreational and competitive athletes: a PRACTALL consensus report (what the general practitioner should know about sports and allergy)
Authors: Schwartz L. B. , Delgado L. , Craig T. , Bonini S. , Carlsen K. H. , Casale T. B. , Del Giacco S. , Drobnic F. , Van Wijk R. G. , Ferrer M. , Haahtela T. , Henderson W. R. , Israel E. , Lötvall J. , Moreira A. , Papadopoulos N. G. , Randolph C. C. , Romano A. , Weiler J. M.
Published: July 2008

Exercise‐induced (EI) hypersensitivity disorders are significant problems for both recreational and competitive athletes. These include EI‐asthma, EI‐bronchoconstriction, EI‐rhinitis, EI‐anaphylaxis and EI–urticaria. A group of experts from the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology met to discuss the pathogenesis of these disorders and how to diagnose and treat them, and then to develop a consensus report. Key words (exercise with asthma, bronchoconstriction, rhinitis, urticaria or anaphylaxis) were used to search Medline, the Cochrane database and related websites through February 2008 to obtain pertinent information which, along with personal reference databases and institutional experience with these disorders, were used to develop this report. The goal is to provide physicians with guidance in the diagnosis, understanding and management of EI‐hypersensitivity disorders to enable their patients to safely return to exercise‐related activities.
The impact of GINA suggested drugs for the treatment of asthma on Health‐Related Quality of Life: a GA2LEN review
Authors: Baiardini I. , Braido F. , Brandi S. , Tarantini F. , Bonini S. , Bousquet P. J. , Zuberbier T. , Demoly P. , Canonica G. W.
Published: July 2008

Asthma represents a serious global health problem. People of all ages in countries throughout the world are affected by this chronic airway disorder that, when uncontrolled, can place severe limits on daily life and can even be fatal. Asthma cannot be removed, but asthmatic symptoms can be cured; as for many other chronic diseases, pharmacotherapy is important to reduce the risk of asthma‐related mortality, decrease disability and improve symptoms and quality of life. The action of antiasthmatic drugs directly contributes to decrease symptoms severity, improve spirometric results, reduce airway hyperresponsiveness and prevent irreversible airway remodelling. Antiasthmatic therapy is necessary for long‐term control of asthma symptoms. Asthma and antiasthmatic drugs can influence patient’s quality of life: this is why healthcare systems have recently focused on research studies about Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQL) in asthmatic patients. Numerous validated questionnaires are available and many studies have been performed evaluating HRQL in people affected by asthma, thus testifying a great interest in this topic. The aims of the present review are to examine the scientific literature of the last 4 years (January 2004–December 2007) dealing with the impact of asthma treatments suggested by Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines on patients’ quality of life, and to identify the unexplored or not fully investigated areas concerning this issue.
iPAC: An initiative to fight the burden of allergies in children
Authors: Eigenmann Philippe A. , Antonella Muraro M. , Sampson Hugh A. , Wahn U.
Published: July 2008

Allergies and asthma are common diseases in most parts of the world. Together, they represent a major burden on global health, as well as on health costs. However, efficient preventive measures are still lacking, and treatments are mostly symptomatic. The pathogenesis of the ``allergic marathon'', the progression of the disease throughout childhood into adulthood is only partly understood. In addition, treatment protocols addressing the pathogenesis of the disease are not available to all patients, either due to economical reasons, or to insufficient efficacy or safety of the procedures. This editorial introduces a supplement dedicated to identify directions and means to fight the burden of allergies in childhood. This initiative is coordinated by iPAC (international Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Consortium).
New visions for food allergy: An iPAC summary and future trends
Authors: Eigenmann Philippe A. , Beyer Kirsten , Wesley Burks A. , Lack Gideon , Liacouras Chris A. , Hourihane Jonathan O'B. , Sampson Hugh A. , Sodergren Eva
Published: July 2008

The spectrum of food allergy consists of a variety of different clinical pictures including immunoglobulin (Ig)E, and non‐IgE food allergy as well as mixed, IgE and non‐IgE disorders. In addition, eosinophilic diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with occasional IgE‐type sensitization are increasingly recognized. As a consequence, the clinical picture of food allergy is pleomorphic and can range from chronic GI symptoms to severe anaphylaxis. The diagnosis of food allergy is mostly hampered by the lack of reliable in vitro tests for non‐IgE‐mediated diseases, and in most cases relies on a reoccurrence of symptoms upon re‐exposure to the antigen; in general during a standardized food challenge. Currently, there is no safe and efficient treatment for food allergy and the treatment relies on avoidance diets. Priorities for research have been identified by iPAC (international Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Consortium) and outlined in this review. They include studies to better identify the pathogenesis of food allergy, including genetic aspects; studies to develop diagnostic and follow‐up tests; studies for standardization of food challenges; as well as studies addressing a safe and efficient treatment of food allergy.
New visions for anaphylaxis: an iPAC summary and future trends
Authors: Muraro A. , Roberts G. , Simons F. Estelle R.
Published: July 2008

Anaphylaxis is an increasing emergency in Western countries, especially in children. In the last decade, efforts have been attempted to widely understand anaphylaxis from several angles but at present, there are still numerous issues to be clarified and tackled for its earlier identification. The discrepancies in the operational definitions and diagnostic criteria of anaphylaxis represent one of the most controversial issues in casting light upon its epidemiology. Furthermore, the lack of reliable markers of the disease hampers its diagnosis. Further basic and clinical research is urgently needed to confirm the recent promising results derived from studies on animal models, and to clarify the key role of selected mediators and markers in the different steps of the reaction, in its severity and in the recurrences. The underuse of adrenaline is another important issue, as available data demonstrate physicians’ preference for steroids and anti‐histamines despite the current lack of evidence of their effectiveness. In the near future, the management of anaphylaxis will be strongly influenced by the development of a stepwise approach, as well as by the creation of a system improving transmission of good quality data between the emergency room, the allergist and the family doctor. This process will certainly be enhanced by the establishment of a network of Centres of Excellence collaborating for high quality research and care and involved in the dissemination of new knowledge at a primary care level. This review will seek to briefly overview our current knowledge and highlight the key questions that need to be addressed in the next decade to improve clinical care to children and will focus on the epidemiology of anaphylaxis, the identification of individuals at risk of anaphylaxis, the special issues related to infants, community management of children at risk of anaphylaxis and school related issues.
New visions in respiratory allergy (asthma and allergic rhinitis): An iPAC summary and future trends
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Borres Magnus , Gern James , Nieto Antonio
Published: July 2008

In many aspects, respiratory allergies, i.e., allergic asthma and rhinitis, represent the hallmarks of allergy. Epidemiologic data highlight their large prevalence of most parts of the world, socioeconomic analysis reveal their large impact on global health and the large number of scientific publications in this field regularly brings to light many new aspects of these diseases. However, the current understanding of respiratory allergies, in particular in children remains scarce. How can we efficiently prevent respiratory allergies in allergy‐prone infants? How can we prevent the progression of the disease? What therapeutic strategies could efficiently address efficient immunomodulation? the international Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Consortium, addressed these issues by a thorough review of the literature providing a state‐of‐the‐art current knowledge in respiratory allergy, and identified a series of needs to be addressed in future studies.