bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Iranian caraway in comparison with clove and BHT using model systems and vegetable oil
Authors: Bamdad Fatemeh , Kadivar Mahdi , Keramat Javad
Published: August 2006

Antioxidant activity (AA) of phenolic compounds in methanolic extract of Iranian caraway was compared with clove. Total phenolic content of caraway and clove extracts determined by the Folin‐Ciocalteu method, were 13.76 and 243.91 mg g−1 dry matter respectively, expressed as tannic acid equivalents, and total flavonoid content of extracts were 2.6 and 5.0 mg g−1 dry matter, respectively, expressed as epicatechin equivalents. The extracts were screened for their potency as antioxidant using various in vitro models, such as β‐carotene–linoleate, ferric thiocyanate, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) radical, hydroxyl radical (•OH) and reducing power model systems. AA of BHT was also determined in model systems. AA of methanolic extracts at different concentrations of total phenolic content according to β‐carotene bleaching and ferric thiocyanate methods expressed as AA (per cent inhibition relative to control) ranged from 82% to 96%.The scavenging effect of both extracts on DPPH and •OH radicals were 23–40% and 3.5–12.7%, respectively, which were comparable with BHT as a synthetic antioxidant. Extracts with high content of total phenolic compounds exhibited also good reducing power.
Antioxidant capacity and content of Brassica oleracea dietary antioxidants
Authors: Podse˛dek Anna , Sosnowska Dorota , Redzynia Małgorzata , Anders Barbara
Published: August 2006

This study has evaluated the antioxidant capacity and content of both water‐ and lipid‐soluble antioxidants present in red and white cabbages, savoy cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Total phenolic and vitamin C contents varied from 21 to 171 mg per 100 g and from 18 to 129 mg per 100 g, respectively. Levels of carotenoids ranged from 0.009 to 1.16 mg per 100 g, while α‐tocopherol levels from 0.008 to 0.82 mg per 100 g. Red cabbage and Brussels sprouts were the most rich sources of dietary antioxidants, while their content was the lowest in white cabbage. Water‐soluble antioxidants were the main antioxidant compounds in the vegetables tested, and their contribution to the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values was near 99%. Among phenolic compounds, anthocyanins were the main constituents in red cabbage, but hydroxycinnamic acids predominated in other vegetables. Phenolic extracts were capable of scavenging O2·‐, DPPH· and ABTS·+ radicals and inhibited a lipid peroxidation in a linoleic acid emulsion.
Fractionation using supercritical CO2 influences the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of propolis against liver damage induced by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide
Authors: Wang Be‐Jen , Lien Yen‐Hui , Su Chun‐Li , Wu Chien‐Ping , Yu Zer‐Ran
Published: August 2006

The ethanolic extract (E) of propolis was further fractionated with supercritical CO2 into four fractions (R, F1, F2 and F3). The extracts and the four fractions were characterised in terms of antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity against tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BHP)‐induced damage in vitro and in a rat model. The in vitro study revealed that pre‐treatment with propolis extract or its fractions significantly protected the primary hepatocytes against damage by t‐BHP (P < 0.05). The hepatoprotective capacity increased with the dose of propolis. The R and F1 fractions had the highest flavinoid contents and most effectively protected the liver from damage by t‐BHP. This study also demonstrated that the oral pre‐treatment with propolis (50 and 100 mg kg−1) 5 days before a single dose of t‐BHP (1.5 mm kg−1, s.c. injection) was administered significantly kept the serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers (aspirate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) low, even after treatment with t‐BHP (P < 0.05). A pathological examination showed that lesions of liver were partially protected by treatment with propolis extract and fractions. Oxidative stress induced by t‐BHP led to lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and changes in the levels of the antioxidant enzymes. However, all the fractions, except F3 at low concentration (50 mg kg−1), markedly suppressed lipid peroxidation and any increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Ragi (Eleusine coracana L.) – a natural antioxidant for ghee (butter oil)
Authors: Mehta Bhavbhuti M.
Published: August 2006

Addition of methanol pre‐extract of dehusked ragi powder (DRP) at the rate of 0.1%, 0.25% and 0.5% of methanol extract, the corresponding increase (over control) in phospholipids content observed was about 2.15, 4.53 and 8.15 mg 100 g−1 and water extractable phenolics content was about 0.52, 1.25 and 2.78 mg 100 g−1 of ghee respectively. The anti‐oxygenic indexes calculated from the induction periods of ghee samples stored at 80 ± 2 °C in comparison with control were in order: 1.47(0.1% pre‐extract) < 1.89(0.02% butylated hydroxyl anisole) < 1.93(0.25% pre‐extract) < 2.75(0.5% pre‐extract) suggesting that the phospholipids and the phenolic compounds of DRP transferred to ghee enhance its oxidative stability.
Swine‐like hepatitis E viruses are a cause of unexplained hepatitis in the Netherlands
Authors: Herremans M. , Vennema H. , Bakker J. , Van Der Veer B. , Duizer E. , Benne C. A. , Waar K. , Hendrixks B. , Schneeberger P. , Blaauw G. , Kooiman M. , Koopmans M. P. G.
Published: August 2006

Summary.  Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in developed countries are recognized as an imported disease related to travel to endemic regions. However, increasing evidence suggests that HEV infection may also occur in the developed countries and that swine may act as a possible reservoir. To investigate the indigenous transmission of HEV in the Netherlands, sera from 50 blood donors and 1027 sera from patients with acute hepatitis were screened with an ELISA for HEV‐specific IgG and IgM. Because the Netherlands is considered a nonendemic region, all positive ELISA results were confirmed by immunoblot to exclude false‐positive results. Evidence of recent HEV infection was detected in 0% of the blood donors and 4.4% of the cases, based on combined positive IgM and IgG responses. The serodiagnosis was confirmed by a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 24 patients with hepatitis (2.3% overall, 51% of confirmed IgM+/IgG+ cases). IgG antibodies alone were detected in 4.2% of patients. We found related sequences to virus strains detected in Dutch pigs (genotype 3, 91–97% homology) in 89% of PCR‐confirmed HEV patients. The detection of unique swine‐like HEV sequences in 16 indigenous hepatitis patients without a recent travel history suggests that HEV is endemic in the Netherlands. We recommend including HEV tests in unexplained acute hepatitis patients, despite their travel history.
Positional effects and strand preference of RNA interference against hepatitis C virus target sequences
Authors: Smith R. M. , Smolic R. , Volarevic M. , Wu G. Y.
Published: August 2006

Summary.  The hepatitis C virus (HCV) 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) and negative‐strand RNA sequences contribute cis‐acting functions essential to viral RNA replication. Although efficient suppression of HCV replicon RNA in cell culture has been demonstrated with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) directed against various sequences in the 5′ UTR and coding regions, data regarding siRNA targeting of the 3′ UTR have been lacking. Furthermore, it has not been definitively shown whether the active constructs, identified to date, exert their effect exclusively via suppression of the replicon positive strand, negative strand or some combination of both strands. In the present study, we assayed inhibitory activity of various siRNAs targeting the 3′ UTR by transient transfection in a subgenomic replicon cell culture model. A survey of 13 candidate target sites in the 3′‐UTR X sequence indicated a uniformly low activity of siRNA constructs against the steady‐state level of replicon. In contrast, the majority of these same siRNAs exhibited high activity against HCV X sequences of either polarity when these targets were presented in the context of a mammalian polymerase II mRNA transcript. Transfection of siRNAs directed against other regions of the replicon revealed differences in the magnitude of inhibitory effects against positive‐strand and negative‐strand target sites. Strand preference of siRNA activity was further demonstrated through the introduction of base‐pair‐destabilizing mutations that promote strand‐specific targeting. The results suggest that the HCV positive‐strand 5′ UTR and coding region are efficiently and directly targeted by siRNA, whereas the 3′ UTR and the entire negative strand are relatively resistant to RNA interference.
Autochthonous hepatitis E in southwest England
Authors: Dalton H. R. , Thurairajah P. H. , Fellows H. J. , Hussaini H. S. , Mitchell J. , Bendall R. , Banks M. , Ijaz S. , Teo C.‐G. , Levine D. F.
Published: August 2006

Summary.  Although autochthonous hepatitis E has been reported in developed countries, its extent and nature in the United Kingdom are unclear. The aim of the present study was to report the natural history, lifestyle risk factors and molecular epidemiology of autochthonous hepatitis E infection in southwest England. Three hundred and thirty‐three patients with unexplained hepatitis were tested for markers of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection over a 7‐year period. HEV RNA isolated from the cases was amplified and characterized. Of the 333 patients, 21 had autochthonous hepatitis E. Patients were middle‐aged or elderly and males were more commonly affected. Clinical manifestations ranged from asymptomatic infection to severe hepatitis. Of the 21 patients, 20 recovered within 6 weeks. None of the cases had travelled to an area endemic for HEV. None of the patients were vegetarian and all ate pork. Of the 21 cases, 20 occurred in the spring, summer and autumn months. All polymerase‐chain‐reaction‐confirmed cases carried HEV genotype 3, which bore close sequence homology to HEV circulating in UK pigs. In the United Kingdom, autochthonous hepatitis E may be more common than previously recognized. Although the mode of transmission remains to be determined, it may be a zoonosis with pigs as a reservoir. Hepatitis E should be considered a public health issue in the United Kingdom.
Co‐regulation of motility, exoenzyme and antibiotic production by the EnvZ‐OmpR‐FlhDC‐FliA pathway in Xenorhabdus nematophila
Authors: Park Dongjin , Forst Steven
Published: August 2006

Xenorhabdus nematophila is an emerging model for both mutualism and pathogenicity in different invertebrate hosts. Here we conduct a mutant study of the EnvZ‐OmpR two‐component system and the flagella sigma factor, FliA (σ28). Both ompR and envZ strains displayed precocious swarming behaviour, elevated flhD and fliA mRNA levels and early production of lipase, protease, haemolysin and antibiotic activity. Inactivation of fliA eliminated exoenzyme production which was restored by complementation with the fliAZ operon. Inactivation of flhA, a gene encoding a component of the flagella export apparatus, eliminated lipase but not protease or haemolysin production indicating these enzymes are secreted by different export pathways. FliA‐regulated lipase (xlpA) and protease (xrtA) genes were identified. Their expression and level of production were elevated in the ompR and envZ strains and markedly reduced in the fliA strain while both were expressed normally in the flhA strain. We also found that expression of nrps1 which encodes a non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase was elevated in the ompR and envZ strains. The fliA strain was pathogenic towards the insect host indicating that motility and FliA‐regulated exoenzyme production were not essential for virulence. These findings support a model in which the EnvZ‐OmpR‐FlhDC‐FliA regulatory network co‐ordinately controls flagella synthesis, and exoenzyme and antibiotic production in X. nematophila.
Ferri‐bacillibactin uptake and hydrolysis in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Miethke Marcus , Klotz Oliver , Linne Uwe , May Jürgen J. , Beckering Carsten L. , Marahiel Mohamed A.
Published: August 2006

Upon iron limitation, Bacillus subtilis secretes the catecholic trilactone (2,3‐dihydroxybenzoate‐glycine‐threonine)3 siderophore bacillibactin (BB) for ferric iron scavenging. Here, we show that ferri‐BB uptake is mediated by the FeuABC transporter and that YuiI, a novel trilactone hydrolase, catalyses ferri‐BB hydrolysis leading to cytosolic iron release. Among several Fur‐regulated ABC transport mutants, only ΔfeuABC exhibited impaired growth during iron starvation. Quantification of intra‐ and extracellular (ferri)‐BB in iron‐depleted ΔfeuABC cultures revealed a fourfold increase of the extracellular siderophore concentration, confirming a blocked ferri‐BB uptake in the absence of FeuABC. Ferri‐BB was found to bind selectively to the periplasmic binding protein FeuA (Kd = 57 ± 1 nM), proving high‐affinity transport of the iron‐charged siderophore. During iron starvation, a ΔyuiI mutant displayed impaired growth and strong intracellular (30‐fold) and extracellular (6.5‐fold) (ferri)‐BB accumulation. Kinetic studies in vitro revealed that YuiI hydrolyses both BB and ferri‐BB. While BB hydrolysis led to strong accumulation of the tri‐ and dimeric reaction intermediates, ferri‐BB hydrolysis yielded exclusively the monomeric reaction product and occurred with a 25‐fold higher catalytic efficiency than BB single hydrolysis. Thus, ferri‐BB was the preferred substrate of the YuiI esterase whose gene locus was designated besA.
Allelochemical stress causes inhibition of growth and oxidative damage in Lycopersicon esculentum Mill
Authors: LARA‐NUÑEZ AURORA , ROMERO‐ROMERO TERESA , VENTURA JOSÉ LUIS , BLANCAS VANIA , ANAYA ANA LUISA , CRUZ‐ORTEGA ROCIO
Published: August 2006

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of allelochemical stress on Lycopersicon esculentum growth. Our results showed that allelochemical stress caused by Sicyos deppei aqueous leachate inhibited root growth but not germination, and produced an imbalance in the oxidative status of cells in both ungerminated seeds and in primary roots. We observed changes in activity of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and the plasma membrane NADPH oxidase, as well as in the levels of H2O2 and O2•− in seeds at 12 and 24 h, and in primary roots at 48 and 72 h of treatment, which could account for the oxidative imbalance. There were changes in levels of expression of the mentioned enzymes, but without a correlation with their respective activities. Higher levels of membrane lipid peroxidation were observed in primary roots at 48 and 72 h of treatment. No effect on the expression of metacaspase and the PR1 was observed as indicators of cell death or induction of plant defence. This paper contributes to the understanding of plant–plant interactions through the phytotoxic allelochemicals released in an aqueous leachate of the weed S. deppei, which cause a negative effect on other plants.
Both abscisic acid (ABA)‐dependent and ABA‐independent pathways govern the induction of NCED3, AAO3 and ABA1 in response to salt stress
Authors: BARRERO JOSÉ MARÍA , RODRÍGUEZ PEDRO L. , QUESADA VÍCTOR , PIQUERAS PEDRO , PONCE MARÍA ROSA , MICOL JOSÉ LUIS
Published: August 2006

The responsiveness of plants to osmotic stress is critically mediated by the increase in abscisic acid (ABA) levels. Osmotic stress induces the biosynthesis of ABA, whose increased levels subsequently exert a positive feedback on its own biosynthetic pathway. As only qualitative or semi‐quantitative analyses were performed to test the inducibility of ABA biosynthetic genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, we used quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction to re‐examine the induction of the ABA1, ABA2, ABA3, NCED3 and AAO3 genes by NaCl and ABA. Quantitative gene expression data obtained from wild‐type plants and severely ABA‐deficient mutants support the prevailing notion that the 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid cleavage reaction is the key regulatory step in NaCl‐induced ABA biosynthesis. Interestingly, strong induction by NaCl of NCED3 was still observed in severe ABA‐deficient mutants, pointing to an ABA‐independent induction pathway for NCED3 that is NaCl‐dependent. Therefore, in the absence of the ABA‐mediated positive feedback on ABA biosynthesis, the ABA‐independent pathway makes a major contribution to the induction of key ABA biosynthetic genes, such as NCED3, AAO3 and ABA1. In addition, and in contrast to some previous reports, our data do not support the limited ability of ABA to induce NCED3 expression. Under our experimental conditions, the induction of NCED3 by ABA, either in wild‐type plants or ABA‐deficient mutants, was predominant over that of other ABA biosynthetic genes. Natural variability was found in the induction by NaCl and ABA of NCED3 and ABA1 expression in different Arabidopsis accessions, although NCED3 expression was clearly predominant.
Biomass partitioning and leaf N,P – stoichiometry: comparisons between tree and herbaceous current‐year shoots
Authors: NIKLAS KARL J. , COBB EDWARD D.
Published: August 2006

We compare the biomass partitioning patterns and the nitrogen/phosphorus (N,P) stoichiometry of the current‐year shoots of tree and herbaceous species and ask whether they scale in the same ways. Our analyses indicate that few statistically significant differences exist between the shoot biomass partitioning patterns of the two functional species‐groups. In contrast, statistically significant N,P – stoichiometric differences exist between the two functional groups. Across all species, dry leaf mass scales nearly as the square of basal stem diameter and isometrically with respect to dry stem mass. However, total leaf N scales as the 1.37‐power and as the 1.09‐power of total leaf P across herbaceous and tree shoots, respectively. Therefore, tree shoots can be viewed as populations of herbs elevated by their older, woody herbaceous cohorts. However, tree leaf stoichiometry cannot be modelled in terms of herbaceous N,P – leaf stoichiometry.
Impact of the C–N status on the amino acid profile in tobacco source leaves
Authors: FRITZ CHRISTINA , MUELLER CATHRIN , MATT PETRA , FEIL REGINA , STITT MARK
Published: August 2006

This paper investigates the influence of the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) status on the amino acid profile in tobacco source leaves. Treatments used included growing plants at different light intensities, using an antisense RBCS (small subunit of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) construct to inhibit Rubisco activity, growing plants on 12 or 0.5 mM nitrate, comparing wild‐types with genotypes that have small and large decreases in nitrate reductase (NIA) activity, and sampling plants at different times during the diurnal cycle. This combination of experiments provides information on how amino acid levels respond to several inputs including the C and N status, nitrate, excess light and light–dark transitions. The data set was analysed using principal component analysis, regression analysis and by normalizing the level of each individual amino acid on the total amino acid pool. Most amino acids show a downward trend when the C or the N status is decreased, and rise during day and fall at night during the diurnal cycle. However, individual amino acids often showed deviating responses. Furthermore, no evidence was found for feedback inhibition of minor amino acid synthesis, either within or between pathways, when 18 individual amino acids were supplied to detached leaves. Results indicate that regulation of amino acid metabolism, for example by the C and N status, leads to qualitatively similar responses of many amino acids, but homeostatic mechanisms involving feedback inhibition within or between individual amino acid biosynthesis pathways are not stringent. All of the above inputs affect the level of phenylalanine, an amino acid that is also the substrate for an important sector of secondary metabolism. The levels of glutamate were remarkably constant, indicating that unknown mechanisms stabilize the concentration of this key central amino acid. Analyses of metabolite levels and feeding experiments indicated that 2‐oxoglutarate plays an important role in regulating glutamate levels. Glutamate was the most effective inhibitor of NIA activity when 18 individual amino acids were supplied to detached leaves. Feeding glutamate, and other downstream amino acids, led to an increase of glutamine, indicating glutamate exerts feedback regulation on ammonium metabolism.
Hourly and seasonal variation in photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of soybean grown at future CO2 and ozone concentrations for 3 years under fully open‐air field conditions
Authors: BERNACCHI CARL J. , LEAKEY ANDREW D. B. , HEADY LINDSEY E. , MORGAN PATRICK B. , DOHLEMAN FRANK G. , MCGRATH JUSTIN M. , GILLESPIE KELLY M. , WITTIG VICTORIA E. , ROGERS ALISTAIR , LONG STEPHEN P. , ORT DONALD R.
Published: August 2006

It is anticipated that enrichment of the atmosphere with CO2 will increase photosynthetic carbon assimilation in C3 plants. Analysis of controlled environment studies conducted to date indicates that plant growth at concentrations of carbon dioxide ([CO2]) anticipated for 2050 (∼ 550 µmol mol−1) will stimulate leaf photosynthetic carbon assimilation (A) by 20 to 40%. Simultaneously, concentrations of tropospheric ozone ([O3]) are expected to increase by 2050, and growth in controlled environments at elevated [O3] significantly reduces A. However, the simultaneous effects of both increases on a major crop under open‐air conditions have never been tested. Over three consecutive growing seasons > 4700 individual measurements of A, photosynthetic electron transport (JPSII) and stomatal conductance (gs) were measured on Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybean). Experimental treatments used free‐air gas concentration enrichment (FACE) technology in a fully replicated, factorial complete block design. The mean A in the control plots was 14.5 µmol m−2 s−1. At elevated [CO2], mean A was 24% higher and the treatment effect was statistically significant on 80% of days. There was a strong positive correlation between daytime maximum temperatures and mean daily integrated A at elevated [CO2], which accounted for much of the variation in CO2 effect among days. The effect of elevated [CO2] on photosynthesis also tended to be greater under water stress conditions. The elevated [O3] treatment had no statistically significant effect on mean A, gs or JPSII on newly expanded leaves. Combined elevation of [CO2] and [O3] resulted in a slightly smaller increase in average A than when [CO2] alone was elevated, and was significantly greater than the control on 67% of days. Thus, the change in atmospheric composition predicted for the middle of this century will, based on the results of a 3 year open‐air field experiment, have smaller effects on photosynthesis, gs and whole chain electron transport through photosystem II than predicted by the substantial literature on relevant controlled environment studies on soybean and likely most other C3 plants.
Comparision of two‐flow cytometry methods for basophil degranulation in patients sensitized to grass pollen
Authors: Michova A. , Abugalia M. , Ivanova Ts. , Nikolov G. , Taskov H. , Petrunov B.
Published: August 2006

Background:  Two‐flow cytometry methods for quantification of degranulated basophil after allergen‐specific activation were discussed. The methods are discerned by used membrane receptors – FcɛRI or IL‐3Rα Our goal was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of the methods and to correlate them to allergen‐specific IgE detection and skin prick test (SPT).

Methods:  Patient's and control's groups were studied with Bulgarian grass pollen allergen B1 simultaneously by flow cytometry kits: Basotest and BD FastImmune test. Allergy diagnosis was based on clinical history and SPT. The determination of specific IgE was performed by ELISA ‐ RIDASCREENR.

Results:  There were no significant differences between the patient's results from Basotest and FastImmune (P > 0.05). A significant correlation between values, analyzed by Basotest and by FastImmune was found (r = 0.88). The sensitivity and specificity of the Basotest, FastImmune, specific IgE and SPT were 85%, 72%, 92% and 92% sensitivity and 100%, 92%, 100% and 85% specificity respectively. The efficiency was between 82% and 97%. There were a significant correlation between the specific IgE and flow cytometry tests: tau = 0.92 (Basotest) and tau = 0.71 (FastImmune) and a moderate significant correlation between the SPT and the in vitro tests: tau = 0.26 (Basotest) and tau = 0.31 (FastImmune).

Conclusion:  The successful use of the Bulgarian grass pollen allergen B1 and both flow cytometry tests was presented. These methods could be as specific tools for IgE‐mediated diagnosis especially FastImmune in the case of low IgE receptor expression.
Allergic hypersensitivity to the lentil pest Bruchus lentis
Authors: Armentia A. , Lombardero M. , Blanco C. , Fernández S. , Fernández A. , Sánchez‐Monge R
Published: August 2006

Background:  Lentils are the most common legume involved in allergic reactions in the Mediterranean area and India. Lentil crops could be attacked by a wide range of insect species. Occupational asthma caused by the lentil pest Bruchus lentis has been described in the present study.

Objective:  We studied the possibility of immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐mediated hypersensitivity to lentil pests in 16 patients who suffered from allergic symptoms (asthma and anaphylaxis) related to inhalation of lentil particles or ingestion of lentils, in which sensitization to legume proteins was not clear.

Methods:  Extracts prepared either from noninfested and infested lentils, and from the lentil parasite B. lentis were used for skin prick testing (SPT), bronchial and oral challenges and in vitro determinations.

Results:  Skin prick test were positive to infested lentils and B. lentis in all patients and negative to noninfested lentil extracts. Five asthmatic patients reacted in the bronchial challenge test with Bruchus extract. Oral challenges performed with boiled infested lentils were positive in six of seven patients. Immunoglobulin E immunoblotting with Bruchus and infested lentils extracts revealed protein bands that were reactive to serum IgE from six and four, respectively, out of 16 patients. These patients had no IgE to lentil‐specific proteins as determined by immunoblotting and Len c 1‐specific IgE test.

Conclusions:  Lentil pest proteins can be a cause of IgE‐mediated rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in patients eating or inhaling infested lentil particles.
Association between exposure to farming, allergies and genetic variation in CARD4/NOD1
Authors: Eder W. , Klimecki W. , Yu L. , Von Mutius E. , Riedler J. , Braun‐Fahrländer C. , Nowak D. , Holst O. , Martinez F. D. ,   the ALEX‐Team
Published: August 2006

Background:  Caspase recruitment domain protein (CARD) 4 has been recently identified as an intracellular pattern recognition receptor that interacts with muropeptides found in common Gram‐negative bacteria. We therefore aimed to explore whether the previously observed inverse association between exposure to microbial products and asthma and allergies in childhood is modified by genetic variation in CARD4.

Methods:  We genotyped 668 children [mean age 9.3 (SD 1.5) years] enrolled in the cross‐sectional ALEX study for seven haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms in CARD4. We studied the association of asthma, hay fever and allergen‐specific serum immunoglobulin E with exposure to a farming environment and with levels of endotoxin and muramic acid measured in house dust samples. We tested whether these associations differed between the genotypes of the polymorphisms under study.

Results:  A strong protective effect of a farming environment on allergies was only found in children homozygous for the T allele in CARD4/−21596, but not in children carrying the minor allele (C). Among the former, farmers’ children had a significantly lower frequency of sensitization against pollen (5.8%), hay fever (1.7%) and atopic asthma symptoms (1.7%) compared with children not living on a farm (19.4%, 13.0% and 7.6%, P < 0.01, <0.01 and <0.05, respectively). Conversely, no significant difference in prevalence of these phenotypes by farming status was found among children with a C allele in CARD4/−21596 (14.3%, 7.1% and 8.0%vs 16.5%, 9.0% and 5.7%, respectively).

Conclusion:  Polymorphisms in CARD4 significantly modify the protective effect of exposure to a farming environment.
The challenge of diagnosing atopic diseases: outcomes in Cuban children depend on definition and methodology
Authors: Wördemann M. , Polman K. , Diaz R. J. , Menocal Heredia L. T. , Madurga A.‐M. C. , Sague K. A. , Gryseels B. , Gorbea M. B.
Published: August 2006

Background:  Prevalences of childhood asthma and other atopic diseases are increasing worldwide, and so is the number of diagnostic methods and definitions used. We determined the occurrence of atopic diseases in Cuban children with a range of diagnostic approaches commonly used or proposed in epidemiological studies, and compared the different outcome measures.

Methods:  A total of 398 Cuban schoolchildren between 5 and 13 years of age were diagnosed by International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, clinical examination, pre‐ and post‐exercise spirometry, and skin prick testing. All results were considered separately, as well as jointly by using scores and definitions as described in the literature.

Results:  Using questionnaire‐based approaches, 21–39% of the children were positive for asthma, 9–19% for atopic dermatitis, and 15–46% for rhinoconjunctivitis. With spirometry, 7% of the children had asthma. Definitions based on a combination of questionnaire and spirometry results yielded asthma rates of 5%. Of all children, 6% wheezed on clinical examination, and only one child showed clinical signs of atopic dermatitis. Eleven percent of the children had a positive skin prick test. In total, 254 children (64%) had an atopic disease as based on the ISAAC questionnaire, and 263 (66%) based on all approaches used.

Conclusion:  Diagnostic outcomes on atopic diseases vary considerably depending on definition and methodology. Our results clearly demonstrate the need for consensus on diagnosing asthma and other atopic diseases in epidemiological studies. Based on the most commonly used ISAAC questionnaire, our data suggest prevalences of atopic diseases in Cuban children that rival those found in some other Latin American countries and developed nations with the highest prevalences in the world.
Pharmacologic and anti‐IgE treatment of allergic rhinitis ARIA update (in collaboration with GA2LEN)
Authors: Bousquet J. , Van Cauwenberge P. , Aït Khaled N. , Bachert C. , Baena‐Cagnani C. E. , Bouchard J. , Bunnag C. , Canonica G. W. , Carlsen K.‐H. , Chen Y.‐Z. , Cruz A. A. , Custovic A. , Demoly P. , Dubakiene R. , Durham S. , Fokkens W. , Howarth P. , Kemp J. , Kowalski M. L. , Kvedariene V. , Lipworth B. , Lockey R. , Lund V. , Mavale‐Manuel S. , Meltzer E. O. , Mullol J. , Naclerio R. , Nekam K. , Ohta K. , Papadopoulos N. , Passalacqua G. , Pawankar R. , Popov T. , Potter P. , Price D. , Scadding G. , Simons F. E. R. , Spicak V. , Valovirta E. , Wang D.‐Y. , Yawn B. , Yusuf O.
Published: August 2006

The pharmacologic treatment of allergic rhinitis proposed by ARIA is an evidence‐based and step‐wise approach based on the classification of the symptoms. The ARIA workshop, held in December 1999, published a report in 2001 and new information has subsequently been published. The initial ARIA document lacked some important information on several issues. This document updates the ARIA sections on the pharmacologic and anti‐IgE treatments of allergic rhinitis. Literature published between January 2000 and December 2004 has been included. Only a few studies assessing nasal and non‐nasal symptoms are presented as these will be discussed in a separate document.
Omalizumab decreased IgE‐release and induced changes in cellular immunity in patients with allergic asthma
Authors: Hanf G. , Brachmann I. , Kleine‐Tebbe J. , Seybold J. , Kunkel G. , Suttorp N. , Noga O.
Published: August 2006

Background:  Omalizumab, a recombinant monoclonal anti‐immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, shows proven efficacy in the treatment of allergic diseases. A little is known about the immunological pathways affected by the decrease of circulating free IgE during omalizumab treatment.

Aim of the study:  To investigate the immunological consequence of IgE withdrawal, we studied the influence of omalizumab on stimulated IgE‐release of cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and on the relative number of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood (cellular immune status) in patients with allergic asthma.

Methods:  Nineteen patients were enrolled and received omalizumab at a dose of at least 0.016 mg/kg/IgE (IU/ml) every 4 weeks. PBMC were isolated from peripheral blood. Cells were cultured and stimulated with IL‐4 (5 ng/ml) and CD40 ligand (1 μg/ml) for 10 days. IgE release was detected in cell culture supernatants by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cellular immune status was investigated by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting.

Results:  Omalizumab treatment induced significant inhibition of stimulated IgE release (median 1.38–0 ng/ml vs. 1.64–2.0 ng/ml in placebo group, P < 0.05). B‐lymphocyte counts were also significantly lower in the omalizumab group compared with placebo after 12 weeks of treatment (median 18.2–15.6% lymphocytes vs 12.7–13.7% lymphocytes after placebo, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the other lymphocyte subpopulations between the groups.

Conclusions:  These findings provide evidence of immunological influences of omalizumab treatment, leading to a downregulation of IgE secretion and decrease of lymphocyte subpopulations (B‐cells) indicating their anti‐inflammatory potency.
The cost of mating rises nonlinearly with copulation frequency in a laboratory population of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kuijper B. , Stewart A. D. , Rice W. R.
Published: August 2006

Previous studies of Drosophila melanogaster have demonstrated a cost to females from male courtship and mating, but two critically important parameters remain unresolved: (i) the degree to which harm from multiple-mating reduces lifetime fitness and (ii) how harm from mating might change with successive matings (rematings). Here we use ‘laboratory island analysis’ to quantify the costs that females incur with each remating, in the currency of lifetime fitness and under conditions that closely match those to which the flies have adapted for hundreds of generations. We experimentally manipulated the number of female matings by varying the order of daily 2-h exposures of females to either sperm-less males (XO) or intact males (XY). Females that mated more often had substantially reduced lifetime fecundity, and importantly, the fitness cost from remating rapidly accelerated.
Character displacement:in situevolution of novel phenotypes or sorting of pre‐existing variation?
Authors: RICE A. M. , PFENNIG D. W.
Published: August 2006

Character displacement – the divergence of traits between species in response to competition for resources or mates – has long been viewed as a major cause of adaptive diversification and species coexistence. Yet, we lack answers to basic questions concerning the causes and consequences of character displacement, not the least of which is why some species are more prone than others to undergo character displacement. Here, we address these questions by describing how character displacement can proceed through two nonexclusive routes that differ in the source of phenotypic variation, and, hence, in the ease with which character displacement may unfold. Duringin situevolution of novel phenotypes, new traits that are divergent from a heterospecific competitor are generated and spread in sympatry. During sorting of pre‐existing variation, such traits are initially favoured in allopatry before the two species encounter one another. Later, when they come into contact, character displacement transpires when these pre‐existing divergent phenotypes increase in frequency in sympatry relative to allopatry. Because such sorting of pre‐existing variation should unfold relatively rapidly, we suggest that species that express resource or mating polymorphism prior to interactions with heterospecifics may be more prone to undergo character displacement. We discuss the key differences between these two routes, review possible examples of each, and describe how the distinction between them provides unique insights into the evolutionary consequences of species interactions, the origins of diversity, and the factors that govern species coexistence.
Complementary sex determination in the parasitoid wasp Cotesia vestalis (C. plutellae)
Authors: DE BOER J. G. , ODE P. J. , VET L. E. M. , WHITFIELD J. , HEIMPEL G. E.
Published: August 2006

In the Hymenoptera, single locus complementary sex determination (sl‐CSD) describes a system where males develop either from unfertilized haploid eggs or from fertilized diploid eggs that are homozygous at a single polymorphic sex locus. Diploid males are often inviable or sterile, and are produced more frequently under inbreeding. Within families where sl‐CSD has been demonstrated, we predict that sl‐CSD should be more likely in species with solitary development than in species where siblings develop gregariously (and likely inbreed). We examine this prediction in the parasitoid wasp genus Cotesia, which contains both solitary and gregarious species. Previous studies have shown that sl‐CSD is absent in two gregarious species of Cotesia, but present in one gregarious species. Here, we demonstrate CSD in the solitary Cotesia vestalis, using microsatellite markers. Diploid sons are produced by inbred, but not outbred, females. However, frequencies of diploid males were lower than expected under sl‐CSD, suggesting that CSD in C. vestalis involves more than one locus.
An analysis of pre‐ and post‐hatching maternal effects mediated by carotenoids in the blue tit
Authors: BIARD C. , SURAI P. F. , MØLLER A. P.
Published: August 2006

Maternal effects increase phenotypic plasticity in offspring traits and may therefore facilitate adaptation to environmental variability. Carotenoids have been hypothesized to mediate costs of reproduction in females as well as maternal effects. However, assessing potential transgenerational and population consequences of environmental availability of carotenoids requires a better understanding of mechanisms of maternal effects mediated by these antioxidant pigments. Manipulating dietary availability of carotenoids to egg‐laying female blue tits and subsequently cross‐fostering nestlings between female treatments allowed us to specifically investigate the relative importance of maternal effects through egg carotenoids and through post‐hatching care mediated by antioxidants in females. Nestling body size and mass and plasma antioxidants were not significantly affected by pre‐ or post‐hatching maternal effects mediated by antioxidants, although both types of maternal effects in interaction explained the variation in growth, as measured by wing length. Development of the ability to mount a cell‐mediated immune response as well as its temporal dynamics was influenced by both pre‐ and post‐hatching maternal effects, with an advantage to nestlings originating from, or reared by, carotenoid‐supplemented females. In addition, nestlings reared by carotenoid‐fed females had a lower blood sedimentation rate, indicating that they may have been less infected than nestlings from controls. Finally, prehatching maternal effects in interaction with nestling plasma carotenoid levels affected the development of carotenoid‐based plumage. Maternal effects mediated by carotenoids may thus act as a proximate factor in development and phenotypic plasticity in traits associated with nestling fitness, such as immune response and ability to metabolize and use antioxidants, and ultimately participate in the evolution of phenotypic traits.
In vitro study of the safety limits of bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation in the presence of airway stents
Authors: COLT Henri G. , CRAWFORD Stephen W.
Published: August 2006

Objective and background:  The purpose of this study was to identify the safety limits of bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) around indwelling airway stents.

Methodology:  This is an experimental in vitro study simulating a patient‐care environment. Uncovered and covered Nitinol (Ultraflex), uncovered and covered Wallstent and studded silicone stents were deployed in the tracheobronchial tree of a ventilated and oxygenated heart–lung block from an expired pig. APC was performed at power settings of 40 and 80 W using FIO2 of 0.21, 0.40 and 1.00 and an argon gas‐flow rate of 0.8 L/min through a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. The primary outcome was the time taken for the APC to cause stent damage. Stent damage was defined as discoloration, ignition or rupture.

Results:  Airway fires involving all five stents consistently occurred in the presence of 100% oxygen at powers of 40 W and 80 W. At lower FIO2 (0.21 and 0.40) silicone stents were not damaged at 40 W and 80 W. Uncovered Ultraflex stents were undamaged using 40 W at either FIO2 (0.21 and 0.40), but could be damaged using both FIO2 levels when the power was increased to 80 W. Covered Ultraflex and both uncovered and covered Wallstents were damaged at both power settings (40 W and 80 W) and FIO2 (0.21 and 0.40) levels, with a trend towards earlier damage using higher FIO2 and power.

Conclusion:  Working within the parameters identified in this study (power 40 W, FIO2 0.21, APC flow‐rate 0.8 L/min), APC is a safe method for tissue devitalization and destruction and avoids the risk of airway stent ignition, especially if short bursts of APC are employed. The safety limits identified using an FiO2 of 0.4, however, are also important because some patients undergoing resection may require oxygen therapy.
Sarcoidosis in residents of northern Israel of Arabic and Jewish origin: a comparative study
Authors: YIGLA Mordechai , BADARNA‐ABU‐RIA Nahal , GORALNIK Luda , RUBIN Ami‐Hai E. , WEILER‐RAVELL Daniel
Published: August 2006

Background:  This study describes the features of sarcoidosis among Arab patients and compares it to Jewish patients residing in northern Israel.

Methods:  All new cases of biopsy‐confirmed sarcoidosis diagnosed between 1980 and 1996 in northern Israel were divided into two groups according to their ethnic origin: Jewish (n = 72) and Arabic (n = 48). Disease parameters were recorded and compared.

Results:  Arabs and Jews had similar incidence rates that increased from 0.2/105 in 1980 to 2/105 per year in 1996. The peak incidence was in the sixth and seventh decades and the female/male ratio was 2 and 1.4 for Arabic and Jewish patients, respectively. Jewish patients had higher proportion stage II–IV pulmonary disease (78% vs. 51.2%) while their Arabic counterparts had higher proportion of stage I disease (70.8% vs. 41.7%). The proportion of extra‐thoracic organ involvement was similar. Different disease phenotype indicated differed diagnostic procedures; higher proportion of mediastinoscopy for stage I disease among Arabic patients (47.9% vs. 20.8%, P = 0.015) and trans‐bronchial biopsy for stage II–IV pulmonary disease among Jewish patients (25% vs. 8.35%, P = 0.05). Corticosteroids were used in a non‐significantly higher proportion of Jewish patients (56.9% vs. 43.8%, P > 0.05). Of six sarcoidosis‐related deaths (5%), five occurred in Jewish patients.

Conclusions:  This study has documented different forms of presentation, clinical manifestation, severity and prognosis of sarcoidosis present among patients of Arabic and Jewish origin residing in the area of northern Israel.
Self‐management plans in the primary care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: McGEOCH Graham R. B. , WILLSMAN Karen J. , DOWSON Claire A. , TOWN George I. , FRAMPTON Christopher M. , McCARTIN Fiona J. , COOK Julie M. , EPTON Michael J.
Published: August 2006

Objective and background:  The role of COPD self‐management plans in improving health outcomes remains unclear. The objective of this study was to assess whether self‐management plans administered in primary care have beneficial effects on quality of life, self‐care behaviour and health outcomes in the long term for patients with COPD.

Material, patients and methods:  The study was a prospective, unblinded, randomized controlled trial of usual care vs. usual care plus structured education on the use of a written self‐management plan and patient‐initiated short courses of antibiotics and oral corticosteroids. The study was conducted in general practice, in Christchurch, New Zealand. Participants were 159 patients with COPD randomized by general practice site into control or intervention groups. The primary outcome measure was change in St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. Secondary variables were frequency of hospital and primary‐care attendance, frequency of use of courses of antibiotics and oral corticosteroids over 12 months, and change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Self‐management knowledge was assessed using a structured interview, the COPD Self‐Management Interview.

Results:  Self‐management plans and structured education were associated with higher levels of self‐management knowledge at 12 months, but had no effect on change in St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, health utilization, mental health or self‐reported outcomes of patients with COPD managed in general practice.

Conclusions:  Self‐management knowledge was higher in the intervention group but there was no difference in quality of life or health outcomes due to self‐management plans.
Overexpression of nitric oxide synthase by the endothelium attenuates bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis and impairs MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 balance
Authors: YOSHIMURA Sho , NISHIMURA Yoshihiro , NISHIUMA Teruaki , YAMASHITA Tomoya , KOBAYASHI Kazuyuki , YOKOYAMA Mitsuhiro
Published: August 2006

Background:  Nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is thought to effect an anti‐inflammatory response, but its mechanism is still unknown.

Methods:  eNOS transgenic (eNOS‐TG) mice and their littermate controls (C57/BL6) were used to clarify the role of NO derived from eNOS. Bleomycin hydrochloride (1 U/body/day) or PBS was injected intraperitoneally.

Results:  Subpleural fibrotic changes and hydroxyproline content in the eNOS‐TG mice were significantly reduced compared with those of the wild‐type (WT) mice by day 56. Administration of Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester, a potent inhibitor of NO synthase, worsened the fibrotic response in bleomycin‐treated eNOS‐TG mice. Gelatinolytic activity in lung homogenates, corresponding to metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), was significantly increased in bleomycin‐injured WT mice on day 14. In contrast, the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1), an endogenous MMP‐9 inhibitor, was increased in the bleomycin‐treated eNOS‐TG mice compared with WT. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 were strongly expressed in inflammatory cells, including subpleural fibrotic lesions.

Conclusion:  These data suggested that eNOS overexpression attenuates bleomycin‐induced lung injury by ameliorating the MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 balance.