bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot study of reduced‐intensity conditioning followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation from related and unrelated donors in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Kröger Nicolaus , Zabelina Tatjana , Schieder Heike , Panse Jens , Ayuk Francis , Stute Norbert , Fehse Natalja , Waschke Olga , Fehse Boris , Kvasnicka Hans Michael , Thiele Jürgen , Zander Axel
Published: February 2005

A prospective pilot study was performed to evaluate the effect of reduced‐intensity conditioning with busulphan (10 mg/kg), fludarabine (180 mg/qm) and anti‐thymocyte globulin followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation from related (n = 8) and unrelated donors (n = 13) in 21 patients with myelofibrosis. The median age of the patients was 53 years (range, 32–63). No primary graft failure occurred. The median time until leucocyte (>1·0 × 109/l) and platelet (>20 × 109/l) engraftment was 16 (range, 11–26) and 23 d (range, 9–139) respectively. Complete donor chimaerism on day 100 was seen in 20 patients (95%). Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) grades II–IV and III/IV occurred in 48% and 19% of cases and 55% of the patients had chronic GvHD. Treatment‐related mortality was 0% at day 100 and 16% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0–32%] at 1 year. Haematological response was seen in 100% and complete histopathological remission was observed in 75% of the patients and 25% of the patients showed partial histopathological remission with a continuing decline in the grade of fibrosis. After a median follow‐up of 22 months (range, 4–59), the 3‐year estimated overall and disease‐free survival was 84% (95% CI: 67–100%).
Indoor allergens in settled school dust: a review of findings and significant factors
Authors: Tranter D. C.
Published: February 2005

The school environment can be an important site of exposure to cat, dog, dust mite, and cockroach allergens, which have been detected in the settled dust of many schools. The sizable body of research that has been published in recent years warrants careful examination. This review article informs clinicians, researchers, and other parties about the potential for exposure in the school environment, factors that affect allergen concentrations, and areas of future research. While average concentrations in schools were usually under risk levels for symptoms or sensitization, many studies reported at least one location where the concentrations exceeded these levels. Maintenance, mechanical, and administrative factors were related to allergen levels in schools. From a clinical perspective, the school environment in industrialized nations has a lower potential for exposure than the home environment, but schools are significant for allergic individuals whose home environment has been addressed to the extent feasible. From a public health perspective, the school environment should be considered as a target for primary and secondary prevention. It can be more practical and amenable to intervene on a single school than the hundreds of homes in a community. Future research should continue to evaluate which interventions are most practical and result in the greatest measurable improvements. In addition, research should further examine the relationship between allergen exposure in schools and health effects, in order to develop an accurate exposure assessment model and risk levels that are specific to the school environment.
The effect of treatment with montelukast on in vitro interleukin‐10 production of mononuclear cells of children with asthma
Authors: Stelmach I. , Majak P. , Jerzynska J. , Kuna P.
Published: February 2005

Background
The effects of leukotriene modifiers on IL‐10 production have not been studied in children with asthma.

Objective
The primary objective of this study was to determine the changes in IL‐10 concentrations, clinical efficacy and peripheral blood eosinophil counts after treatment with montelukast.

Methods
The study was conducted on 27 patients: 13 patients monoallergic to grass pollen during the pollen season (GPs group) and out of the pollen season (GPos group), and on 14 patients monoallergic to house dust mite (HDM) from May to September (HDM group). Main outcome measures were changes in concentrations of IL‐10 in the supernatant after a 4‐week treatment with montelukast. Measurements of asthma severity score, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were the secondary end‐points.

Results
Montelukast resulted in a within‐group significant increase in IL‐10 concentration in the supernatant in the GPs (54.0 vs. 125.5 pg/mL) and in the HDM (51.2 vs. 77.1 pg/mL) group. Montelukast had no effect on changes of IL‐10 concentration in the supernatant from peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture after non‐sensitizing allergen stimulation. Montelukast significantly improved asthma control and FEV1, and significantly decreased eosinophil blood count in the GPs and in the HDM group after a 4‐week treatment. Montelukast did not lead to changes of all measured parameters within the GPos group.

Conclusion
Montelukast increased IL‐10 concentration in supernatants from sensitizing allergen‐stimulated PBMC culture obtained from children with asthma monoallergic to grass pollen during the pollen season, and from children with asthma monoallergic to HDM.
Effect of cooked and raw egg consumption on ovalbumin content of human milk: a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over trial
Authors: Palmer D. J. , Gold M. S. , Makrides M.
Published: February 2005

Background
Maternal avoidance of egg intake has been recommended to treat egg allergy in breastfed infants.

Objective
To determine if the concentration of ovalbumin (OVA) in human milk is directly related to the quantity and form of egg consumed by breastfeeding mothers.

Methods
Randomized, blinded, cross‐over, intervention trial. Breastfeeding women (n=41) attended four clinic days between 11 and 14 weeks of lactation and on each day were randomly allocated to receive a test breakfast, identical except for the egg content (no egg, one raw egg, half a cooked egg or one cooked egg). Breast milk samples were collected at two hourly intervals for 8 h and their OVA concentration measured by ELISA.

Results
There was a direct, dose–response between the amount of cooked egg ingested and the peak OVA concentration (no egg 0.05 ng/mL [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01–0.11], half a cooked egg 2.24 ng/mL [95% CI, 0.57–3.91], one cooked egg 3.16 ng/mL [95% CI, 1.41–4.91], n=41, P<0.05) as well as the total OVA excretion (no egg 0.18 ng/mL/h [95% CI, 0.04–0.39], half a cooked egg 4.93 ng/mL/h [95% CI, 1.40–8.46], one cooked egg 9.14 ng/mL/h [95% CI, 4.25–14.03], n=41, P<0.05). The peak concentration and total OVA excretion in response to one raw egg did not differ from ingesting half a cooked egg. There was no detectable OVA in the breast milk of 24% (10/41) women up to 8 h after any egg challenge.

Conclusion
OVA was detected in the breast milk of lactating women up to 8 h after a controlled intake of egg. A dose–response correlation was indicated. As excretion of OVA in human milk appears to be a normal phenomenon, further studies need to determine the threshold of OVA excretion that leads to symptoms in egg‐allergic breastfed infants.
Cytoplasmic and nuclear markers reveal contrasting patterns of spatial genetic structure in a naturalIpomopsishybrid zone
Authors: WU CARRIE A. , CAMPBELL DIANE R.
Published: February 2005

Spatial variation in natural selection may play an important role in determining the genetic structure of hybridizing populations. Previous studies have found that F1hybrids between naturally hybridizingIpomopsis aggregataandIpomopsis tenuitubain central Colorado differ in fitness depending on both genotype and environment: hybrids had higher survival whenI. aggregatawas the maternal parent, except in the centre of the hybrid zone where both hybrid types had high survival. Here, we developed both maternally (cpDNA PCR‐RFLP) and biparentally inherited (nuclear AFLP) species‐diagnostic markers to characterize the spatial genetic structure of the naturalIpomopsishybrid zone, and tested the prediction that the majority of natural hybrids haveI. aggregatacytoplasm, except in areas near the centre of the hybrid zone. Analyses of 352 individuals from across the hybrid zone indicate that cytoplasmic gene flow is bidirectional, but contrary to expectation, most plants in the hybrid zone haveI. tenuitubacytoplasm. This cytotype distribution is consistent with a hybrid zone in historical transition, withI. aggregatanuclear genes advancing into the contact zone. Further, nuclear data show a much more gradual cline than cpDNA markers that is consistent with morphological patterns across the hybrid populations. A mixture of environment‐ and pollinator‐mediated selection may contribute to the current genetic structure of this hybrid system.
Rapid screening of invertebrate predators for multiple prey DNA targets
Authors: HARPER G. L. , KING R. A. , DODD C. S. , HARWOOD J. D. , GLEN D. M. , BRUFORD M. W. , SYMONDSON W. O. C.
Published: February 2005

DNA‐based techniques are providing valuable new approaches to tracking predator–prey interactions. The gut contents of invertebrate predators can be analysed using species‐specific primers to amplify prey DNA to confirm trophic links. The problem is that each predator needs to be analysed with primers for the tens of potential prey available at a field site, even though the mean number of species detected in each gut may be as few as one or two. Conducting all these PCRs (polymerase chain reactions) is a lengthy process, and effectively precludes the analysis of the hundreds of predators that might be required for a meaningful ecological study. We report a rapid, more sensitive and practical approach. Multiplex PCRs, incorporating fluorescent markers, were found to be effective at amplifying degraded DNA from predators’ guts and could amplify mitochondrial DNA fragments from 10+ species simultaneously without ‘drop outs’. The combined PCR products were then separated by size on polyacrylamide gels on an ABI377 sequencer. New primers to detect the remains of aphids, earthworms, weevils and molluscs in the guts of carabid predators were developed and characterized. The multiplex‐sequencer approach was then applied to field‐caught beetles, some of which contained DNA from as many as four different prey at once. The main prey detected in the beetles proved to be earthworms and molluscs, although aphids and weevils were also consumed. The potential of this system for use in food‐web research is discussed.
Genetic changes associated to declining populations ofFormicaants in fragmented forest landscape
Authors: MÄKI‐PETÄYS H. , ZAKHAROV A. , VILJAKAINEN L. , CORANDER J. , PAMILO P.
Published: February 2005

We monitored populations of two wood ant species,Formica aquiloniaandFormica lugubris, through annual mapping of the colonies in a fragmenting forest landscape from 1966 to 1998. The genetic population structure was studied at the end of the study period by using 12 microsatellite loci. Fragmentation of forest led to a decline and spatial redistribution of populations. Changes in the spatial distribution were particularly pronounced in the highly polygynous (many queens in a single nest) speciesF. aquilonia, whose local populations declined or became extinct, or relocated themselves and colonized new patches. The genetic relationships of the remaining subpopulations indicated the historical developments, revealing the boundaries of the historical populations (high values of genetic differentiation,FST), recolonization histories (genetic affinities revealed by Bayesian analyses) and population decline (reduced variation). Big genetic differences could be detected over short distances, so differentiation also depended on social factors. Our results showed that a genetic study can be reliably used to dissect the recent historical changes underlying the present population structure, and that species with different social structures can respond differently to habitat changes. Combining our demographic and genetic results suggests that habitat fragmentation forms a clear threat on a local scale with large negative effects on ant population viability.
Standardizing for microsatellite length in comparisons of genetic diversity
Authors: PETIT RÉMY J. , DEGUILLOUX MARIE‐FRANCE , CHAT JOËLLE , GRIVET DELPHINE , GARNIER‐GÉRÉ PAULINE , VENDRAMIN GIOVANNI G.
Published: February 2005

Mutation rates at microsatellites tend to increase with the number of repeats of the motif, leading to higher levels of polymorphism at long microsatellites. To standardize levels of diversity when microsatellites differ in size, we investigate the relationship between tract length and variation and provide a formula to adjust allelic richness to a fixed mean number of repeats in the specific case of chloroplast microsatellites. A comparison between 39 loci from eight species of conifers (where chloroplast DNA is paternally inherited) and 64 loci from 12 species of angiosperms (where chloroplast DNA is generally predominantly maternally inherited) indicates that the greater allelic richness found in conifers remains significant after controlling for number of repeats. The approach stresses the advantage of reporting variation in number of repeats instead of relative fragment sizes.
Phylogeographic analysis of the red seaweed Palmaria palmata reveals a Pleistocene marine glacial refugium in the English Channel
Authors: PROVAN JIM , WATTIER REMI A. , MAGGS CHRISTINE A.
Published: February 2005

Phylogeography has provided a new approach to the analysis of the postglacial history of a wide range of taxa but, to date, little is known about the effect of glacial periods on the marine biota of Europe. We have utilized a combination of nuclear, plastid and mitochondrial genetic markers to study the biogeographic history of the red seaweed Palmaria palmata in the North Atlantic. Analysis of the nuclear rDNA operon (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2), the plastid 16S‐trnI‐trnA‐23S‐5S, rbcL‐rbcS and rpl12‐rps31‐rpl9 regions and the mitochondrial cox2–3 spacer has revealed the existence of a previously unidentified marine refugium in the English Channel, along with possible secondary refugia off the southwest coast of Ireland and in northeast North America and/or Iceland. Coalescent and mismatch analyses date the expansion of European populations from approximately 128 000 bp and suggest a continued period of exponential growth since then. Consequently, we postulate that the penultimate (Saale) glacial maximum was the main event in shaping the biogeographic history of European P. palmata populations which persisted throughout the last (Weichselian) glacial maximum (c. 20 000 bp) in the Hurd Deep, an enigmatic trench in the English Channel.
Universal primers and PCR of gut contents to study marine invertebrate diets
Authors: BLANKENSHIP L. E. , YAYANOS A. A.
Published: February 2005

Determining the diets of marine invertebrates by gut content analysis is problematic. Many consumed organisms become unrecognizable once partly digested, while those with hard remains (e.g. diatom skeletons) may bias the analysis. Here, we adapt DNA‐based methods similar to those used for microbial diversity surveys as a novel approach to study the diets of macrophagous (the deep‐sea amphipodsScopelocheirus schellenbergiandEurythenes gryllus) and microphagous (the bivalveLucinoma aequizonata) feeders in the deep sea. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in conjunction with ‘universal’ primers amplified portions of the mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase I (COI) gene for animals ingested byS. schellenbergiandE. gryllusand the18S rRNAgene for lesser eukaryotes ingested byL. aequizonata. Amplified sequences were combined with sequences from GenBank to construct phylogenetic trees of ingested organisms. Our analyses indicate thatS. schellenbergi,E. gryllusandL. aequizonatadiets are considerably more diverse than previously thought, casting new light on the foraging strategies of these species. Finally, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this technique and its potential applicability to diet analyses of other invertebrates.
Multiple paternity and postcopulatory sexual selection in a hermaphrodite: what influences sperm precedence in the garden snail Helix aspersa?
Authors: EVANNO GUILLAUME , MADEC LUC , ARNAUD JEAN‐FRANÇOIS
Published: February 2005

Sperm competition has been studied in many gonochoric animals but little is known about its occurrence in simultaneous hermaphrodites, especially in land snails. The reproductive behaviour of the land snail Helix aspersa involves several features, like multiple mating, long‐term sperm storage and dart‐shooting behaviour, which may promote sperm competition. Cryptic female choice may also occur through a spermatheca subdivided into tubules, which potentially allows compartmentalized sperm storage of successive mates. In order to determine the outcome of postcopulatory sexual selection in this species, we designed a cross‐breeding experiment where a recipient (‘female’) mated with two sperm donors (‘males’). Mates came from either the same population as the recipient or from a distinct one. To test for the influence a recipient can have on the paternity of its offspring, we excluded the effects of dart shooting by using only virgin snails as sperm donors because they do not shoot any dart before their first copulation. We measured the effects of size of mates as well as time to first and second mating on second mate sperm precedence (P2; established using microsatellite markers). Multiple paternity was detected in 62.5% of clutches and overall there was first‐mate sperm precedence with a mean P2 of 0.24. Generalized linear modelling revealed that the best predictors of paternity were the time between matings and the time before first mating. Overall, both first and second mates that copulated quickly got greater parentage, which may suggest that postcopulatory events influence patterns of sperm precedence in the garden snail.
Task‐specific expression of the foraging gene in harvester ants
Authors: INGRAM KRISTA K. , OEFNER PETER , GORDON DEBORAH M.
Published: February 2005

In social insects, groups of workers perform various tasks such as brood care and foraging. Transitions in workers from one task to another are important in the organization and ecological success of colonies. Regulation of genetic pathways can lead to plasticity in social insect task behaviour. The colony organization of advanced eusocial insects evolved independently in ants, bees, and wasps and it is not known whether the genetic mechanisms that influence behavioural plasticity are conserved across species. Here we show that a gene associated with foraging behaviour is conserved across social insect species, but the expression patterns of this gene are not. We cloned the red harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) ortholog (Pbfor) to foraging, one of few genes implicated in social organization, and found that foraging behaviour in harvester ants is associated with the expression of this gene; young (callow) worker brains have significantly higher levels of Pbfor mRNA than foragers. Levels of Pbfor mRNA in other worker task groups vary among harvester ant colonies. However, foragers always have the lowest expression levels compared to other task groups. The association between foraging behaviour and the foraging gene is conserved across social insects but ants and bees have an inverse relationship between foraging expression and behaviour.
Population genetics of the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)
Authors: HAUSWALDT J. SUSANNE , GLENN TRAVIS C.
Published: February 2005

We examined the population genetic structure of the diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin), within and among estuaries. Based on mark‐recapture studies, these estuarine turtles have high site fidelity that is likely to make them vulnerable to local extinctions. We tested if observed site fidelity of adults would be reflected in intraestuarine population genetic structure of six highly polymorphic microsatellite loci (five tetranucleotide and one dinucleotide). No evidence was found for population structuring within the Charleston estuary nor among three different estuaries in South Carolina. We then examined four other terrapin populations from North Carolina to New York, as well as from the Florida Keys and from Texas. With increasing geographical distance, genetic differentiation increased from South Carolina through New York, but overall values were low. The dinucleotide locus contributed significantly more to the genetic differentiation of some population comparisons than any of the other loci. Interestingly, terrapins from South Carolina to New York were much more genetically similar to those from Texas (ρ = 0.154) than to those from Florida (ρ = 0.357). We attribute this pattern to extensive translocations of terrapins during the early 20th century to replenish diminished populations and to provide turtle farms with stocks. Terrapins collected in Texas were especially sought for shipment to the northeastern US because of their larger size. Our study indicates no population structure within or among adjacent estuaries. Thus, the mark‐recapture information from adult and subadult feeding locations is a poor predictor of population genetic structure. Additionally, it appears that past human activities may have drastically altered the genetics of current populations. Finally, our data suggest that translocation of eggs or head starting of terrapins within estuaries or among adjacent estuaries is acceptable from a genetic standpoint.
Phenotypic divergence despite high levels of gene flow in Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus albemarlensis)
Authors: JORDAN M. A. , SNELL H. L. , SNELL H. M. , JORDAN W. C.
Published: February 2005

The extent of evolutionary divergence of phenotypes between habitats is predominantly the result of the balance of differential natural selection and gene flow. Lava lizards (Microlophus albemarlensis) on the small island of Plaza Sur in the Galápagos archipelago inhabit contrasting habitats: dense vegetation on the western end of the island thins rapidly in a transitional area, before becoming absent on the eastern half. Associated with these habitats are phenotypic differences in traits linked to predator avoidance (increased wariness, sprint speed, and endurance in lizards from the sparsely vegetated habitat). This population provides an opportunity to test the hypothesis that reduced gene flow is necessary for phenotypic differentiation. There was no evidence of any differences among habitats in allele frequencies at six out of seven microsatellite loci examined, nor was there any indication of congruence between patterns of genetic variability and the change in vegetation regime. We infer that gene flow between the habitats on Plaza Sur must be sufficiently high to overcome genetic drift within habitats but that it does not preclude phenotypic differentiation.
Clonal diversity and population genetic structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus spp.) studied by multilocus genotyping of single spores
Authors: STUKENBROCK EVA H. , ROSENDAHL SØREN
Published: February 2005

A nested multiplex PCR (polymerase chain reaction) approach was used for multilocus genotyping of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal populations. This method allowed us to amplify multiple loci from Glomus single spores in a single PCR amplification. Variable introns in the two protein coding genes GmFOX2 and GmTOR2 were applied as codominant genetic markers together with the LSU rDNA.

 Genetic structure of Glomus spp. populations from an organically and a conventionally cultured field were compared by hierarchical sampling of spores from four plots in each field. Multilocus genotypes were characterized by SSCP (single stranded conformation polymorphism) and sequencing.

 All spore genotypes were unique suggesting that no recombination was taking place in the populations. There were no overall differences in the distribution of genotypes in the two fields and identical genotypes could be sampled from both fields. Analysis of gene diversity indicated that Glomus populations are subdivided between plots within each field. There were however, no subdivision between the fields.
Is genome size influenced by colonization of new environments in dipteran species?
Authors: NARDON C. , DECELIERE G. , LŒVENBRUCK C. , WEISS M. , VIEIRA C. , BIÉMONT C.
Published: February 2005

Genome size differences are usually attributed to the amplification and deletion of various repeated DNA sequences, including transposable elements (TEs). Because environmental changes may promote modifications in the amount of these repeated sequences, it has been postulated that when a species colonizes new environments this could be followed by an increase in its genome size. We tested this hypothesis by estimating the genome size of geographically distinct populations ofDrosophila ananassae,Drosophila malerkotliana,Drosophila melanogaster,Drosophila simulans,Drosophila subobscura,andZaprionus indianus,all of which have known colonization capacities. There was no strong statistical differences between continents for most species. However, we found that populations ofD. melanogasterfrom east Africa have smaller genomes than more recent populations. For species in which colonization is a recent event, the differences between genome sizes do not thus seem to be related to colonization history. These findings suggest either that genome size is seldom modified in a significant way during colonization or that it takes time for genome size of invading species to change significantly.
Treatment of localized lesions of canine atopic dermatitis with tacrolimus ointment: a blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: BENSIGNOR EMMANUEL , OLIVRY THIERRY
Published: February 2005

Abstract  This investigator‐blinded randomized controlled trial was designed to determine whether tacrolimus ointment (Protopic, Fujisawa Healthcare) decreased the severity of localized lesions of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Twenty dogs with AD were enrolled if they exhibited lesions on both front metacarpi. Each foot was randomized to be treated with 0.1% tacrolimus or placebo (vaseline) ointment twice daily for 6 weeks. Before, and every 2 weeks during the study, erythema, lichenification, oozing and excoriations each were graded on a 10‐point scale (maximal total score: 40). The primary outcome measures were the percentage reduction from baseline of lesional scores and the number of subjects whose scores had decreased by 50% or greater at study end. Intention‐to‐treat analyses were used. At study onset, lesional scores were not significantly different between sites treated with tacrolimus or placebo. After 6 weeks, the percentage reduction from baseline scores was higher for tacrolimus‐treated sites (median: 63%; 95% confidence interval: 39–67) than for placebo‐treated feet (median: 3%; confidence interval: −2–13) (Wilcoxon test; P = 0.0003). When tacrolimus was applied, lesions decreased by 50% or greater in 15/20 dogs (75%); these dogs were those that completed the study. In contrast, this benchmark was not reached for any placebo‐treated feet (Fisher's test; P < 0.0001). Adverse drug events consisted of minor irritation in some lesional areas treated with tacrolimus. Results of this trial suggest that the application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment is useful for reducing the severity of localized skin lesions of canine AD.
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa in two domestic shorthair kittens
Authors: ALHAIDARI ZEINEB , OLIVRY THIERRY , SPADAFORA ANNE , THOMAS RANDALL C. , PERRIN CHRISTOPHE , MENEGUZZI GUERRINO , ORTONNE JEAN PAUL
Published: February 2005

Abstract  This article describes two cases of junctional epidermolysis bullosa in nonrelated kittens. Both cats exhibited pinnal erosions, oral ulcerations and severe onychomadesis. Histopathology, electron microscopy and/or indirect immunoperoxidase revealed subepidermal clefting, with the lamina densa remaining attached to the floor of the vesicles. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed reduced staining for laminin‐5 γ2 subunit in case 1 and β3 subunit in case 2.
Use of immunostimulatory liposome‐nucleic acid complexes in allergen‐specific immunotherapy of dogs with refractory atopic dermatitis – a pilot study
Authors: MUELLER RALF S. , VEIR JULIA , FIESELER KATHRYN V. , DOW STEVEN W.
Published: February 2005

Abstract  This pilot study evaluated the effects of immunostimulatory liposome‐plasmid‐DNA complexes combined with specific allergens for immunotherapy of refractory canine atopic dermatitis. Seven dogs with previously diagnosed atopic dermatitis and unsatisfactory response to at least 12 months of conventional allergen‐specific immunotherapy underwent a series of six intradermal injections (weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 10 and 14), with patient‐specific allergen extracts contained in cationic liposome‐DNA complexes. Degree of pruritus was assessed on a visual analogue scale. Lesion scores were determined using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) and medication usage was recorded at weeks 0 and 14. Canine cytokine mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected prior to treatment and at the completion of the study was determined for IFN‐γ, IL‐4, TNF and IL‐10 genes using quantitative reverse transcription competitive polymerase chain reaction. Repeated intradermal injections of specific allergens incorporated into liposome‐nucleic acid complexes were well tolerated in all seven dogs. There was a significant improvement in pruritus scores (P = 0.0277) and concurrent significant decrease in IL‐4 production (P = 0.0428) at the completion of the trial compared to pretreatment values. Medication scores, CADESI and production of other cytokines did not change significantly with treatment. These early results suggest that antigen‐specific immunotherapy using a novel liposome‐nucleic acid complex vaccine may be beneficial for treatment of established atopic dermatitis in dogs using lower antigen doses. Further investigations in larger numbers of dogs with earlier stages of disease are warranted.
Prevalence of house dust mites and dermatophagoides group 1 antigens collected from bedding, skin and hair coat of dogs in south‐west England
Authors: JACKSON ANNA P. , FOSTER AIDEN P. , HART BARBARA J. , HELPS CHRIS R. , SHAW SUSAN E.
Published: February 2005

Abstract  The house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) and D. pteronyssinus (Dpt) are commonly implicated as allergens causing canine atopic dermatitis in the UK. However, there are few studies that characterize the exposure of UK pet dogs to these mites. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of the mite species on the skin, hair coat and bedding of a population of pet dogs. Dust samples (n = 68) were collected from both dogs and their beds using a standardized vacuuming technique and stored at −20 °C. Mites were identified using accepted morphological criteria. House dust mite allergen concentrations were assayed using standardized ELISA for Dpt and Df group 1 allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1). Mites were identified in 15/68 samples (22%) and Dpt was the most common. Df mites were not present. Der p 1 allergens were detected in 60% of samples, and Der f 1 in 6% of samples. There were no significant differences between the number of Der p 1 positive samples from dogs and the number of those from their bedding, or between the average Der p 1 concentrations from dogs and the number of those from their bedding. Contrary to studies elsewhere in Europe and the USA, these findings support studies of human asthma patients in the UK, where exposure to Df is rare, but to Dpt is common. As the prevalence of positive intradermal and serological reactions to Df in atopic dogs is high, further investigations are warranted to clarify true Df hypersensitivity or potential immunological cross‐reactivity between mite allergens.
Antimicrobial actions of benzimidazoles against oral streptococci
Authors: Nguyen P. T. M. , Baldeck J. D. , Olsson J. , Marquis R. E.
Published: February 2005

Background/aim:  Benzimidazoles, such as lansoprazole and omeprazole, are used extensively as proton‐pump inhibitors to control stomach acid secretion and also have antimicrobial actions against Helicobacter pylori. Our objective was to determine whether they are potentially useful antimicrobials against oral bacteria.

Methods:  Streptococcus mutans was our main test organism. It was grown in suspension cultures and biofilms. Standard physiologic assays were used to assess inhibitory actions of benzimidazoles.

Results:  Benzimidazoles inhibited acid production by S. mutans in suspensions or biofilms. In pH‐drop experiments, lansoprazole at a level of only 0.025 mm irreversibly inhibited acid production from glycolysis. Cell uptake of lansoprazole was found to be very pH sensitive and occurred mainly at pH values below about 5, indicating that the protonated form was taken up. Lansoprazole inhibition of glycolysis could be blocked by 2‐mercaptoethanol, which suggests that disulfide bonds form between benzimidazoles and protein targets. Identified targets for benzimidazole inhibition included the phosphoenolpyruvate : sugar phosphotransferase system, the glycolytic enzymes aldolase, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactic dehydrogenase, and enzymes such as urease and arginine deiminase. Lansoprazole increased proton permeabilities of S. mutans cells but did not inhibit F‐ATPases. Although cells in biofilms were somewhat less sensitive to the agents than those in suspensions, biofilm glycolysis was still markedly inhibited by 0.1 mm lansoprazole. Benzimidazoles are bactericidal, and the oral anaerobes Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia were more sensitive to killing than was S. mutans.

Conclusion:  Benzimidazoles appear to be useful inhibitors of oral bacteria in acid environments such as progressing caries lesions.
Mutational analysis of the adcCBA genes in Streptococcus gordonii biofilm formation
Authors: Mitrakul K. , Loo C. Y. , Gyurko C. , Hughes C. V. , Ganeshkumar N.
Published: February 2005

Streptococcus gordonii, a primary colonizer, is part of the pioneer biofilm consortium that initiates dental plaque development on tooth surfaces. An insertion of Tn917‐lac transposon into the adcR gene produced a biofilm‐defective phenotype. S. gordonii adcR is a regulatory gene and is part of an operon (adc) that includes three other genes, adcCBA. AdcC contains a putative consensus‐binding site for adenosine triphosphate, AdcB is a putative hydrophobic membrane protein, and AdcA is a putative lipoprotein permease. Mutants were constructed by insertional inactivation in each of the three adcCBA genes and their effects on biofilm formation examined. The adcC::specR and adcB::specR mutations displayed a biofilm‐defective phenotype, whereas the adcA::specR mutant was biofilm‐positive in a static polystyrene microtiter plate biofilm assay. All three mutants formed poor biofilms in a flow‐cell system and were competence‐defective, suggesting the adc operon plays an important role in S. gordonii biofilm formation and competence.
The control of responsiveness in ADHD by catecholamines: evidence for dopaminergic, noradrenergic and interactive roles
Authors: Oades Robert D. , Sadile Adolfo G. , Sagvolden Terje , Viggiano Davide , Zuddas Alessandro , Devoto Paola , Aase Heidi , Johansen Espen B. , Ruocco Lucia A. , Russell Vivienne A.
Published: February 2005

We explore the neurobiological bases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from the viewpoint of the neurochemistry and psychopharmacology of the catecholamine‐based behavioural systems. The contributions of dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) neurotransmission to the motor and cognitive symptoms of ADHD (e.g. hyperactivity, variable and impulsive responses) are studied in rodent and primate models. These models represent elements of the behavioural units observed in subjects with ADHD clinically, or in laboratory settings (e.g. locomotion, changed sensitivity/responsivity to novelty/reinforcement and measures of executive processing). In particular, the models selected emphasize traits that are strongly influenced by mesocorticolimbic DA in the spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and the Naples high excitability (NHE) rat lines. In this context, the mode of action of methylphenidate treatment is discussed. We also describe current views on the altered control by mesolimbic catecholamines of appropriate and inappropriate goal‐directed behaviour, and the tolerance or intolerance of delayed reinforcement in ADHD children and animal models. Recent insights into the previously underestimated role of the NA system in the control of mesocortical DA function, and the frontal role in processing information are elaborated.
Object identification in preschool children and adults
Authors: Bernstein Daniel M. , Loftus Geoffrey R. , Meltzoff Andrew N.
Published: February 2005

We introduce computer‐based methodologies for investigating object identification in 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children. In two experiments, preschool children and adults indicated when they could identify degraded pictures of common objects as those pictures either gradually improved or degraded in clarity. Clarity transformations were implemented in four ways: blurring, decreasing the picture's physical size, decreasing the pixel signal‐to‐noise ratio, and cropping. In Experiment 1, all age groups correctly identified objects at a more degraded state when those objects began moderately, as opposed to very, degraded and then clarified. This finding supports the notion that previous perceptual hypotheses interfere with object identification (i.e. the perceptual interference effect). In Experiment 2, children, but not adults, overestimated their ability to recognize objects in a degraded state when the object's identity was given to them beforehand. This suggests that for young children knowledge of the object's true identity cannot be ignored when evaluating their current perceptions. This is the first demonstration of the perceptual interference effect in children. We discuss both methodological and theoretical implications of the findings for research on object perception and theory of mind.
They call it like they see it: spontaneous naming and attention to shape
Authors: Samuelson Larissa K. , Smith Linda B.
Published: February 2005

Two experiments explore children's spontaneous labeling of novel objects as a method to study early lexical access. The experiments also provide new evidence on children's attention to object shape when labeling objects. In Experiment 1, the spontaneous productions of 21 23‐ to 28‐month‐olds (mean 26;28) shown a set of novel, unnamed objects were analyzed both in terms of the specific words said and, via adult judgments, their likely perceptual basis. We found that children's spontaneous names were cued by the perceptual feature of shape. Experiment 2 examines the relation between spontaneous productions, name generalizations in a structured task, and vocabulary development in a group of children between 17 and 24 months of age (mean 21;6). Results indicate that object shape plays an important role in both spontaneous productions and novel noun generalization, but contrary to current hypotheses, children may name objects by shape from the earliest points of productive vocabulary development and this tendency may not be lexically specific.
The robustness of learning through overhearing
Authors: Akhtar Nameera
Published: February 2005

Two studies examined the robustness of vocabulary learning through overhearing by testing 48 2‐year‐olds in contexts in which a potentially distracting activity was present (Studies 1 and 2) and in which the novel word was embedded in a directive rather than a labeling statement (Study 2). The children were equally good at learning a novel object label when there was no distracting activity as when there was. They were also able to learn the word when the object was not explicitly labeled. These findings suggest that young children are keen observers of third‐party interactions and that their linguistic input consists of more than just speech directly addressed to them.
REGIONAL SPECIALIZATION AND DYNAMIC PATTERN OF COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA'S INDUSTRIES 1988–2001
Authors: Liang Zhicheng , Xu Luodan
Published: February 2005

Different comparative advantages may affect the pattern of regional specialization in many ways. In this paper, by employing panel data covering 20 main industrial sectors in 29 Chinese provinces over the period of 1988–2001, and applying the generalized method of moment techniques, the determinants of regional specialization in China are investigated, paying particular attention to the role of dynamic comparative advantages. It is found that changing comparative advantages arising from technical efficiency improvement, scale economies enhancement, and growing economic openness contribute positively and significantly to China's regional specialization.
UNCOVERED INTEREST PARITY IN ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, CHILE, AND MEXICO: A UNIT ROOT TEST APPLICATION WITH PANEL DATA
Authors: Carvalho Jaimilton V. , Sachsida Adolfo , Loureiro Paulo R. A. , Moreira Tito Belchior S.
Published: February 2005

The aim of this study was to test uncovered interest parities for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, for the January 1990–December 2001 period, with the use of the rational expectation hypothesis. We also intend to evaluate the degree of mobility of foreign capital in these political jurisdictions, using panel data estimations, with unit root tests proposed by Levin and Lin (1992), and Im, Pesaran and Shin (1997). The econometric results indicate the rejection of uncovered interest parity (UIP), for the period under study, for the group consisting of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. However, the UIP hypothesis is not rejected for the group consisting of Argentina, Chile, and Mexico for the January 1991–December 2000 period.
Old right or new right? The ideological positioning of parties of the far right
Authors: COLE ALEXANDRA
Published: February 2005

Abstract.  Since the 1980s, parties of the far right have increased their share of votes in many Western European nations, and some have even participated in governing coalitions. The ascendancy of far right parties has been met with various hypotheses attempting to rationalize their role in the politics of these nations: Are far right parties a manifestation of protest politics, brought about by hard economic times (old right model), or are they representative of the continued political development of Western industrialized nations (new right model)? Most analyses have focused on the voters for these parties; this work focuses on the election manifestos of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), National Front of France (FN), Italian National Alliance (MSI‐AN), Lega Nord (LN) and the Germany Republikaner (Reps) in order to reconstruct the dimensions of party competition in each nation and determine where each of these parties fall within the dimensions of party competition. Support is shown for a new right axis of party competition, suggesting that parties of the far right may in fact be part of the political development of Western European nations.
How reliable is pooled analysis in political economy? The globalization‐welfare state nexus revisited
Authors: KITTEL BERNHARD , WINNER HANNES
Published: February 2005

Abstract.  This article analyzes various pitfalls that arise in the application of panel data methods in comparative political economy. Empirically, we refer to the debate on the globalization‐welfare state nexus by re‐assessing a study by Garrett and Mitchell (‘Globalization, Government Spending and Taxation in the OECD’, European Journal of Political Research 39(1) (2001): 145–177). We discuss the properties of specifications with time invariate political variables, dynamic models with nonstationary data, and autocorrelated residuals. We demonstrate that the findings of previous empirical studies are often driven by mis‐specifications. Presenting a statistically well‐behaved model, we find evidence that government spending is primarily driven by the state of the domestic economy. Neither partisan effects nor the international economic environment have affected public expenditure considerably.
Panel data analysis in comparative politics: Linking method to theory
Authors: PLÜMPER THOMAS , TROEGER VERA E. , MANOW PHILIP
Published: February 2005

Abstract.  Re‐analyzing a study of Garrett and Mitchell (‘Globalization, government spending and taxation in the OECD’, European Journal of Political Research 39(2) (2001): 145–177), this article addresses four potential sources of problems in panel data analyses with a lagged dependent variable and period and unit dummies (the de facto Beck‐Katz standard). These are: absorption of cross‐sectional variance by unit dummies, absorption of time‐series variance by the lagged dependent variable and period dummies, mis‐specification of the lag structure, and neglect of parameter slope heterogeneity. Based on this discussion, we suggest substantial changes of the estimation approach and the estimated model. Employing our preferred methodological stance, we demonstrate that Garrett and Mitchell's findings are not robust. Instead, we show that partisan politics and socioeconomic factors such as aging and unemployment as expected by theorists have a strong impact on the time‐series and cross‐sectional variance in government spending.
Bacterial vaginosis – a microbiological and immunological enigma
Authors: FORSUM U. , HOLST E. , LARSSON P. G. , VASQUEZ A. , JAKOBSSON T. , MATTSBY‐BALTZER I.
Published: February 2005

The development of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among women of childbearing age and the resulting quantitative and qualitative shift from normally occurring lactobacilli in the vagina to a mixture of mainly anaerobic bacteria is a microbiological and immunological enigma that so far has precluded the formulation of a unifying generally accepted theory on the aetiology and clinical course of BV. This critical review highlights some of the more important aspects of BV research that could help in formulating new basic ideas respecting the biology of BV, not least the importance of the interleukin mediators of local inflammatory responses and the bacterial shift from the normally occurring lactobacilli species: L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. jensenii, and L. iners to a mixed flora dominated by anaerobic bacteria.
Design of a multiplex PCR for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae to be used on sputum samples
Authors: STRÅLIN KRISTOFFER , BÄCKMAN ANDERS , HOLMBERG HANS , FREDLUND HANS , OLCÉN PER
Published: February 2005

A multiplex PCR (mPCR) was developed for simultaneous detection of specific genes for Streptococcus pneumoniae (lytA), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (P1), Chlamydophila pneumoniae (ompA), and Haemophilus influenzae (16S rRNA, with verification PCR for P6). When the protocol was tested on 257 bacterial strains belonging to 37 different species, no false negatives and only one false positive were noted. One Streptococcus mitis out of thirty was positive for lytA. In a pilot application study of 81 sputum samples from different patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), mPCR identified S. pneumoniae in 25 samples, H. influenzae in 29, M. pneumoniae in 3, and C. pneumoniae in 1. All samples culture positive for S. pneumoniae (n=15) and H. influenzae (n=15) were mPCR positive for the same bacteria. In a pilot control study with nasopharyngeal swabs and aspirates from 10 healthy adults, both culture and mPCR were negative. No PCR inhibition was found in any of the mPCR‐negative sputum or nasopharyngeal samples. Whether all samples identified as positive by mPCR are truly positive in an aetiological perspective regarding LRTI remains to be evaluated in a well‐defined patient material. In conclusion, the mPCR appears to be a promising tool in the aetiological diagnostics of LRTI.