bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Supply and Demand Theory of US Military Policy
Authors: Meernik James
Published: March 2008

Since the 1970s, and especially again since the attacks of September 11, 2001, a considerable body of literature has addressed the nature, causes, and consequences of the relative decline of United States power. Of particular interest is research that suggests the US is guilty of the same kind of imperial overstretch that brought down the Spanish in the 17th century and the British in the first half of the 20th century. Imperial overstretch, or a lack of balance between militarized foreign policy commitments and the resources needed to sustain those interests has, according to some scholars, weakened American power abroad by placing too many demands on the US armed services and scattering them about the globe. I discuss the literature on US foreign policy and hegemonic decline to sort out the various arguments, and to begin to identify the key issues and terms. I argue that one of the reasons why there has been insufficient theoretical progress in this debate is that its terms have been variously and ill-defined. I seek to remedy this problem by developing a model of US foreign policy that provides a clearly defined set of explanatory factors that will allow us to assess the relative impact of demand factors, such as international threats, and supply factors, such as the resource base of the US government. I test the model using time series analysis on US military policy data that span the Cold War and post—Cold War era and find that many of the arguments advanced by the imperial overstretch theorists are not supported.
Prolyl Hydroxylase PHD3 Activates Oxygen-dependent Protein Aggregation
Authors: Rantanen Krista , Pursiheimo Juha , Högel Heidi , Himanen Virpi , Metzen Eric , Jaakkola Panu M.
Published: March 2008

The HIF prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs/EGLNs) are central regulators of the molecular responses to oxygen availability. One isoform, PHD3, is expressed in response to hypoxia and causes apoptosis in oxygenated conditions in neural cells. Here we show that PHD3 forms subcellular aggregates in an oxygen-dependent manner. The aggregation of PHD3 was seen under normoxia and was strongly reduced under hypoxia or by the inactivation of the PHD3 hydroxylase activity. The PHD3 aggregates were dependent on microtubular integrity and contained components of the 26S proteasome, chaperones, and ubiquitin, thus demonstrating features that are characteristic for aggresome-like structures. Forced expression of the active PHD3 induced the aggregation of proteasomal components and activated apoptosis under normoxia in HeLa cells. The apoptosis was seen in cells prone to PHD3 aggregation and the PHD3 aggregation preceded apoptosis. The data demonstrates the cellular oxygen sensor PHD3 as a regulator of protein aggregation in response to varying oxygen availability.
Optimizing the size of the sequence profiles to increase the accuracy of protein sequence alignments generated by profile–profile algorithms
Authors: Poleksic Aleksandar , Fienup Mark
Published: March 2008

Motivation: Profile-based protein homology detection algorithms are valuable tools in genome annotation and protein classification. By utilizing information present in the sequences of homologous proteins, profile-based methods are often able to detect extremely weak relationships between protein sequences, as evidenced by the large-scale benchmarking experiments such as CASP and LiveBench.

Results: We study the relationship between the sensitivity of a profile–profile method and the size of the sequence profile, which is defined as the average number of different residue types observed at the profile's positions. We also demonstrate that improvements in the sensitivity of a profile–profile method can be made by incorporating a profile-dependent scoring scheme, such as position-specific background frequencies. The techniques presented in this article are implemented in an alignment algorithm UNI-FOLD. When tested against other well-established methods for fold recognition, UNI-FOLD shows increased sensitivity and specificity in detecting remote relationships between protein sequences.

Availability: UNI-FOLD web server can be accessed at http://blackhawk.cs.uni.edu

Contact:  poleksic@cs.uni.edu
In vivo characterization of two granuloviruses in larvae of Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Mukawa Shigeyuki , Goto Chie
Published: March 2008

The pathogenicity of two granuloviruses (GVs), Xestia c-nigrum GV (XecnGV) and Pseudaletia unipuncta GV (PsunGV), was examined in Mythimna separata. Partial sequencing of the genome of PsunGV indicated that it is related closely to XecnGV, but considered to be a different species. PsunGV and XecnGV showed similar pathogenicity in terms of dose–mortality response and pattern of host mass changes following infection. Both GVs killed infected larvae in 2–3 weeks. Temporal changes in the concentrations of GV-specific DNA in the larval haemolymph were measured by using a real-time quantitative PCR. Viral DNA concentration increased quickly and reached a plateau at 60–72 h post-inoculation. Rates of budded virus (BV) production of each GV were estimated on the basis of viral DNA concentrations by a modified Gompertz model. The slopes of the estimated BV growth curves of both XecnGV and PsunGV in M. separata larvae were equivalent to that of Mamestra brassicae nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) in its original host, reported in our previous study. This suggested that BV production is not a major factor in the slower killing speed of GVs in comparison to NPVs. The GV-infected larvae survived for an additional 10 days or more after reaching a maximum level of BV concentration, and kept growing without pupation. These findings also suggested that the GVs have a unique mechanism to regulate the growth of host larvae.
A species barrier limits transmission of chronic wasting disease to mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Harrington Robert D. , Baszler Timothy V. , O'Rourke Katherine I. , Schneider David A. , Spraker Terry R. , Liggitt H. Denny , Knowles Donald P.
Published: March 2008

Transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) occurs as sporadic outbreaks associated with ingestion of feed presumably contaminated with some type of prion disease. Mink lack a species barrier to primary oral challenge with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, whereas they have a barrier to such challenge with scrapie. We investigated whether mink have a species barrier to chronic wasting disease (CWD) by performing primary intracerebral (IC) and primary oral challenge with CWD-positive elk brain. Primary IC challenge resulted in clinical disease in two of eight mink at 31–33 months incubation. Affected mink had spongiform vacuolation and astrocytosis within the central nervous system and immunoreactivity to disease-associated prion protein (PrPd) in brain, retina and lymph node. CWD IC recipients had significantly lower brain vacuolation and PrPd deposition scores, significantly lower cerebrocortical astrocyte counts and significantly higher hippocampal astrocyte counts than TME IC recipients. Primary oral challenge with CWD-positive elk brain (n=22) or with CWD-negative elk brain given IC (n=7) or orally (n=23) did not result in clinical or microscopic abnormalities during 42 months observation. Novel prion gene polymorphisms were identified at codon 27 (arginine/tryptophan) and codon 232 (arginine/lysine). This study shows that, whilst CWD can cause disease when given IC to mink, the lesions are not characteristic of TME, transmission is inefficient compared with TME and oral challenge does not result in disease. The demonstration of a species barrier in cervid-to-mustelid prion transmission indicates that mink are unlikely to be involved in natural CWD transmission.
Ecology of H3 avian influenza viruses in Korea and assessment of their pathogenic potentials
Authors: Song Min-Suk , Oh Taek-Kyu , Moon Ho Jin , Yoo Dai-Woon , Lee Eun Ho , Lee Jong-Soo , Kim Chul-Jung , Yoo Gi-Jo , Kim Hyunggee , Choi Young-Ki
Published: March 2008

To determine the genetic origins of novel H3 avian influenza viruses of chickens and ducks in Korea, genetic characterization of H3 avian influenza viruses isolated from live poultry markets and migratory aquatic birds in South Korea during 2004–2006 was conducted. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that at least four novel genotypes of H3N2 and two genotypes of H3N6 avian influenza viruses were co-circulating in backyard poultry of Korea. The viruses were reassortants between H9N2 viruses of Korean chickens and unknown influenza viruses of migratory birds. Genetic comparison of H3 viruses from live bird markets with those from wild bird isolates revealed that certain gene segments of wild bird isolates are related closely to those of Korean group H9N2 viruses isolated from live poultry markets in 2003. Furthermore, animal-challenge studies demonstrated that the pathogenicity of certain avian H3 influenza viruses was altered due to reassortment, leading to H3 avian influenza viruses in Korea that can potentially expand their host range to include mammals. These studies emphasize the continuing need to monitor backyard poultry at live poultry markets to better understand interspecies transmission and the emergence of novel influenza viruses that have the potential to infect humans.
Diversity of the a sequence of herpes simplex virus type 1 developed during evolution
Authors: Umene Kenichi , Oohashi Satoko , Yoshida Masami , Fukumaki Yasuyuki
Published: March 2008

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a ubiquitous human pathogen. The a sequence of HSV-1 is the cis-acting site required for the cleavage and encapsidation of unit-length HSV-1 DNA from concatemeric forms. The consensus a sequence consists of (i) DR1 (direct repeat 1), (ii) Ub, (iii) a DR2 array [a repeat of various copy numbers of DR2 elements (11 or 12 bp)], (iv) a DR4 stretch and (v) Uc. In the present study, the nucleotide sequences of the a sequences of 26 HSV-1 isolates were determined and the DR4 stretches were classified into three groups. The state of a set of 20 DNA polymorphisms in the genomes of these HSV-1 isolates was determined previously. A correct classification rate of 100 % was achieved when discriminant analysis was performed between the DR4 stretch (criterion variable) and the set of 20 DNA polymorphisms (predictor variables), suggesting a close association of the DR4 stretch with HSV-1 diversification. DR2 elements of 9, 13 and 14 bp were detected in addition to those of 11 and 12 bp, and a correct classification rate of 93 % was achieved when discriminant analysis was performed between the DR2 array and the set of 20 DNA polymorphisms. Some DR2 elements of one HSV-1 isolate had the same nucleotide sequences as part of the adjacent DR4 stretch, and these variations were adequately explained by postulating recombination involving DR2 elements; hence, the DR2 array was deduced to be prone to recombination.
Widespread recombination within human parechoviruses: analysis of temporal dynamics and constraints
Authors: Benschop K. S. M. , Williams Ç. H. , Wolthers K. C. , Stanway G. , Simmonds P.
Published: March 2008

Human parechoviruses (HPeVs), members of the family Picornaviridae, are classified into six types. To investigate the dynamics and likelihood of recombination among HPeVs, we compared phylogenies of two distant regions (VP1 and 3Dpol) of 37 HPeV isolates (types 1 and 3–5) and prototype sequences (types 1–6). Evidence for frequent recombination between HPeV1, 4, 5 and 6 was found. The likelihood of recombination was correlated with the degree of VP1 divergence and differences in isolation dates, both indicative of evolutionary times of divergence. These temporal dynamics were found to be most similar to those of human enterovirus species B variants. In contrast, HPeV3 remained phylogenetically distinct from other types throughout the genome. As HPeV3 is equally divergent in nucleotide sequence from the other HPeV types, its genetic isolation may reflect different biology and changed cellular tropisms, arising from the deletion of the RGD motif, and likely use of a non-integrin receptor.
Open reading frame Bm21 of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus is not essential for virus replication in vitro, but its deletion extends the median survival time of infected larvae
Authors: Huang Jinshan , Hao Bifang , Deng Fei , Sun Xiulian , Wang Hualin , Hu Zhihong
Published: March 2008

In this report, the open reading frame 21 (Bm21) of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), one of the unique genes of group I NPVs, was characterized. Bm21 is predicted to encode a protein of 55.8 kDa and was found to contain imperfectly conserved leucine-rich repeats. 3′ Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (3′RACE) showed that the transcript of Bm21 was first detected from 6 h post-infection and that it also encompassed the complete Bm20. 5′RACE revealed three transcription initiation sites, one of which mapped to the baculovirus early transcription motifs CGTGC and CAGT. Transient-expression and superinfection assays indicated that BM21 localized in the nucleus of infected BmN cells. To study the function of BM21, a Bm21-null virus was constructed using bacmid technology. Viral one-step growth curve analyses showed that the Bm21-null virus had similar budded virus production kinetics to those of the parental virus. Bioassay analyses showed that the median lethal concentration (LC50) of the Bm21-null virus was similar to that of the control virus; however, the median survival time (ST50) of the knockout virus was significantly longer than the control virus. These results indicate that BM21 is not essential for virus replication in vitro, but that deletion of the gene delays the killing of the infected larvae.
Antibodies induced by the HA2 glycopolypeptide of influenza virus haemagglutinin improve recovery from influenza A virus infection
Authors: Gocník M. , Fislová T. , Mucha V. , Sládková T. , Russ G. , Kostolanský F. , Varečková E.
Published: March 2008

The haemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A virus consists of two glycopolypeptides designated HA1 and HA2. Antibodies recognizing HA1 inhibit virus haemagglutination, neutralize virus infectivity and provide good protection against infection, but do not cross-react with the HA of other subtypes. Little is known regarding the biological activities of antibodies against HA2. To study the role of antibodies directed against HA2 during influenza virus infection, two vaccinia virus recombinants (rVVs) were used expressing chimeric molecules of HA, in which HA1 and HA2 were derived from different HA subtypes. The KG-11 recombinant expressed HA1 from A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) virus and HA2 from A/NT/60 (H3N2) virus, whilst KG-12 recombinant expressed HA1 from A/NT/60 virus and HA2 from A/PR/8/34 virus. Immunization of BALB/c mice with rVV expressing HA2 of the HA subtype homologous to the challenge virus [A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) or A/Mississippi/1/85 (H3N2)] did not prevent virus infection, but nevertheless resulted in an increase in mice survival and faster elimination of virus from the lungs. Passive immunization with antibodies purified from mice immunized with rVVs confirmed that antibodies against HA2 were responsible for the described effect on virus infection. Based on the facts that HA2 is a rather conserved part of the HA and that antibodies against HA2, as shown here, may moderate virus infection, future vaccine design should deal with the problem of how to increase the HA2 antibody response.
Identification of envelope protein pORF81 of koi herpesvirus
Authors: Rosenkranz Daniela , Klupp Barbara G. , Teifke Jens P. , Granzow Harald , Fichtner Dieter , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Fuchs Walter
Published: March 2008

Koi herpesvirus (KHV), an emerging pathogen causing mass mortality in koi and common carp, possesses the largest known herpesvirus genome of 295 kbp predicted to encode 156 different proteins. However, none of them has been identified or functionally characterized up to now. In this study, a rabbit antiserum was prepared against a bacterial fusion protein that permitted detection of the predicted type III membrane protein encoded by ORF81 of KHV. In Western blot analyses, the abundant ORF81 gene product of KHV exhibited an apparent mass of 26 kDa and appeared to be non-glycosylated. It could be localized in the cytoplasm of infected cells and in virion envelopes by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy, respectively. The antiserum was also suitable for the detection of pORF81 in sections of gills, kidneys, hepatopancreas and skin of KHV-infected carp by immunohistochemistry.
Trophic cascades in a temperate seagrass community
Authors: Moksnes Per‐Olav , Gullström Martin , Tryman Kentaroo , Baden Susanne
Published: March 2008

We assessed the relative importance of bottom–up and top–down processes in structuring an eelgrass community in Sweden, a system impacted both by eutrophication and overfishing. Using artificial seagrass as substrate, we manipulated nutrient levels and predator abundance in a full‐factorial cage‐experiment.

The results revealed a seagrass community dominated by strong top–down processes controlling the aggregate biomass of mesograzers and macroalgae. In the absence of predators the large amphipod Gammarus locusta became very abundant resulting in a leaf community with low biomass of algae and smaller mobile fauna. One enclosed gobid fish predator reduced the abundance of adult G. locusta by >90%, causing a three to six times increase in the biomass of algae, smaller mesograzers and meiofauna. Numerous small predators in uncaged habitats reduced the biomass of G. locusta and other mesograzers by >95% in comparison to the fish treatment, further increasing the biomass of epiphytic algae and meiofauna. Although water column nutrient enrichment caused a temporal bloom of the filamentous macroalgae Ulva spp., no significant nutrient‐effects were found on the algal community at the end of the experiment. The only lasting nutrient‐effect was a significant increase in the biomass of G. locusta, but only in the absence of ambient predators.

These results demonstrate that mesograzers can respond to enhanced food supply, increase their biomass and control the algal growth when predation rates are low. However, in the assessed system, high predation rates appear to make mesograzers functionally extinct, causing a community‐wide trophic cascade that promotes the growth of ephemeral algae. This top–down effect could penetrate down, despite a complex food‐web because the interaction strength in the community was strongly skewed towards two functionally dominant algal and grazer species that were vulnerable to consumption. These results indicate that overexploitation of gadoid fish may be linked to increased macroalgal blooms and loss of eelgrass in the area through a trophic cascade affecting the abundance of mesograzers.
Case of skin injuries due to stings by crown‐of‐thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci)
Authors: SATO Hironobu , TSURUTA Yuichiro , YAMAMOTO Yu‐ichi , ASATO Yutaka , TAIRA Kiyohito , HAGIWARA Keisuke , KAYO Susumu , IWANAGA Setsuko , UEZATO Hiroshi
Published: March 2008

A case of skin injuries due to stings by crown‐of‐thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, in a 53‐year‐old Okinawan woman is reported. She went to a beach to gather shellfish on 8 April 2001 and fell to the ground with her left palm on a crown‐of‐thorns starfish that happened to be close to her. She hurried to the emergency section of our hospital. An emergency doctor sterilized the wound and administered an antibiotic, an analgesic agent and an injection of a tetanus antitoxin. He tried to remove the remaining spines from the palm with great difficulty. Because swelling and subcutaneous indurations of the left palm had persisted thereafter, oral and topical administration of corticosteroid started on 13 April. Physical examination at the dermatology section revealed approximately 10 stab wounds of the left palm with pus, subcutaneous bleeding and many abrasions around them. X‐rays of the left hand showed foreign bodies, 2–10 mm in size, located on the lesions. The patient was treated with a topical injection of 2 mg triamcinolone acetonide (Kenacort‐A), diluted fivefold with 1% Xylocaine, once a week. Some of the foreign body granulomatous lesions improved but pain and subcutaneous indurations persisted in most of the lesions. Because the X‐ray photographs showed many remaining spines, surgical excision to remove them was performed under local anesthesia 3 months after the injury. All the symptoms improved after the operation. Scanning electron microscopic examination of the spines revealed that their tips had fragile lattice‐like structures.
Daintain/AIF‐1 promotes breast cancer proliferation via activation of the NF‐κB/cyclin D1 pathway and facilitates tumor growth
Authors: Liu Shou , Tan Wen‐Yong , Chen Qiong‐Rong , Chen Xiao‐Ping , Fu Kang , Zhao Yan‐Ying , Chen Zheng‐Wang
Published: March 2008

Recent research indicates that inflammatory factors play important roles in the initiation and progression of cancers, including breast cancer. Daintain/allograft inflammatory factor‐1 (AIF‐1) is a crucial mediator in the inflammatory response, but it has not yet been reported whether daintain/AIF‐1 is involved in the development of breast cancers. In this study, immunohistochemical analysis found strong positive expression of daintain/AIF‐1 in breast ductal tumor epithelia, but only weakly positive or negative expression in the adjacent histologically normal ductal epithelia. Then, the effect of daintian/AIF‐1 on the proliferation of the breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231 was explored via transduction of the daintian/AIF‐1 gene into the cells, and via inhibition of the expression of daintain/AIF‐1 through short interference RNA. The results demonstrated that up‐regulation and down‐regulation of daintain/AIF‐1 expressions promoted and inhibited the proliferation of MDA‐MB‐231, respectively. More interestingly, daintain/AIF‐1 overexpression facilitated tumor growth in female nude mice. Furthermore, we found that daintain/AIF‐1 overexpression up‐regulated the expression of cyclin D1 and enhanced the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), a regulator of cyclin D1 expression. In contrast, the down‐regulation of daintain/AIF‐1 expression decreased cyclin D1 expression and inhibited the transcriptional activity of NF‐κB. These results strongly suggest that daintain/AIF‐1 can promote the growth of breast tumors via activating NF‐κB signaling, which consequently up‐regulates the expression of cyclin D1, implying that daintain/AIF‐1 may be a novel target molecule for the prognosis and therapy of breast cancer. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 952–957)
Nicotine patch therapy prior to quitting smoking: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Shiffman Saul , Ferguson Stuart G.
Published: March 2008

Aim To evaluate the incremental efficacy of starting nicotine patch treatment prior to quitting compared to the current regimen of starting patch treatment on the target quit day.

Design and measurements Meta‐analysis of four eligible studies using pre‐cessation patch treatment, located by database search and contacts with cessation researchers. The studies all compared starting treatment with nicotine patch prior to the target quit date to starting active treatment at the quit date, some in the context of concurrent mecamylamine treatment. The primary end‐point for the analysis was continuous abstinence for at least 28 days assessed at 6 weeks following quit day; 6‐month outcomes were also examined.

Findings Compared to starting active patch treatment on quit day, pre‐cessation treatment with nicotine patches was found to double the odds of quitting. This was true both at 6 weeks [pooled odds ratio (OR) = 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–2.93] and 6 months (pooled OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.46–3.22) treatment outcomes. Mecamylamine co‐treatment did not modify these effects.

Conclusions Across the four studies analyzed, pre‐cessation patch treatment was found to produce a robust increase in quit rates compared to current regimens starting patch at quit day. Pre‐cessation patch use represents a promising innovation in smoking cessation therapy with potential beneficial implications for improved public health by further increasing quitting success.
Self‐help smoking cessation interventions in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Naughton Felix , Prevost A. Toby , Sutton Stephen
Published: March 2008

Aims  Self‐help smoking cessation interventions for pregnant smokers are of importance due to their potential to be wide‐reaching, low‐cost and their appeal to pregnant smokers who are interested in quitting smoking. To date, however, there has been no systematic assessment of their efficacy. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy of self‐help interventions for pregnant smokers and to investigate whether self‐help material intensity, type or delivery are associated with cessation.

Methods  The literature was searched for randomized and quasi‐randomized controlled trials of self‐help smoking cessation interventions for pregnant smokers without significant cessation counselling. Fifteen trials met the inclusion criteria and relevant data were extracted independently.

Results  The primary meta‐analysis pooled 12 trials comparing usual care (median quit rate 4.9%) with self‐help (median quit rate 13.2%) and yielded a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–2.73], indicating that self‐help interventions on average nearly double the odds of quitting compared with standard care. However, a further meta‐analysis failed to find evidence that intervention materials of greater intensity increase quitting significantly over materials of lesser intensity (pooled OR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.81–1.94). There was insufficient evidence to determine whether the tailoring of materials or levels of one‐to‐one contact were related to intervention efficacy.

Conclusions  Self‐help interventions appear to be more effective than standard care although, due mainly to a lack of trials, it is unclear whether more sophisticated and intensive approaches increase intervention effectiveness.
Respirable dose delivery of fluticasone propionate from a small valved holding chamber, a compact breath actuated integrated vortex device and a metered dose inhaler
Authors: Nair Arun , Menzies Daniel , Barnes Martyn , Burns Patricia , McFarlane Lesley , Lipworth Brian J.
Published: March 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Respirable dose delivery of inhaled steroids may be improved by the use of conventional valved holding chambers (such as the Aerochamber Plus spacer), but these are bulky and cumbersome to use.

• A novel compact breath actuated device with integrated vortex chamber (Synchro‐Breathe) has been developed to overcome these problems,

• The lung bioavailability of inhaled fluticasone propionate is dependant on respirable dose delivery, and hence the performance of inhaler devices can be quantified by measuring the degree of adrenal suppression as a surrogate for relative lung dose.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This study compares the respirable dose delivery (as relative adrenal suppression) of inhaled fluticasone delivered via Synchro‐Breathe, conventional pMDI (Evohaler), and an optimally prepared Aerochamber Plus spacer in patients with asthma.

• The Aerochamber Plus and the Synchro‐Breathe devices produced significantly higher respirable dose delivery of inhaled fluticasone than the pMDI, in terms of the relative degree of adrenal suppression.

AIMS

To compare the respirable dose delivery of the hydrofluroalkane fluticasone propionate (HFA‐FP) via an optimally prepared Aerochamber Plus spacer (AP), via a Synchro‐Breathe (SB) device, and pMDI Evohaler (EH).

METHODS

Seventeen mild to moderate asthmatics completed the study using a randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, three way crossover design. Single doses of placebo or HFA‐FP 2.0 mg were administered via the EH, AP, and SB devices. The overnight urinary cortisol : creatinine ratio (OUCC) was measured at baseline and after each dose.

RESULTS

Significant suppression of OUCC occurred from baseline with AP and SB but not EH devices (geometric mean fold suppression, 95% CI): AP: 3.18 (2.29, 4.36), P < 0.001; SB: 1.79 (1.31, 2.40), P = 0.001; EH: 1.12 (0.69, 1.44), p = 0.37 (equating to 68%, 45% and 9% falls, respectively). Significant differences in OUCC between devices were as follows: (geometric mean fold difference, 95% CI): AP vs. EH. 2.83 (2.09, 3.82), P < 0.001; AP vs. SB: 1.78 fold (1.21, 2.60), P = 0.003; SB vs. EH: 1.59 (1.09, 2.31), P = 0.013 (equating to 65%, 44% and 37% differences, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of an optimally prepared AP spacer and breath actuated SB device, when compared with pMDI, significantly increased the respirable dose of HFA‐FP.
Is the β thalassaemia trait of clinical importance?
Authors: Premawardhena A. , Arambepola M. , Katugaha N. , Weatherall D. J.
Published: March 2008

Although the β thalassaemia trait affects millions of people worldwide, there have been no controlled studies to determine whether it is associated with any clinical disability or abnormal physical signs. To address this question, 402 individuals were studied: 217 with β thalassaemia trait, of whom 154 were aware of the diagnosis and 63 were unaware until after the completion of the study; 89 normal controls; and 96 controls with mild hypochromic anaemia. There was a significant increase in symptoms ascribable to anaemia and episodes of pyrexia in those with the β thalassaemia trait that were not influenced by prior knowledge that they had this condition. There was no difference in physical findings, notably splenomegaly, between those with β thalassaemia trait and either control group.
The VWF/ADAMTS13 axis in the antiphospholipid syndrome: ADAMTS13 antibodies and ADAMTS13 dysfunction
Authors: Austin S. K. , Starke R. D. , Lawrie A. S. , Cohen H. , Machin S. J. , Mackie I. J.
Published: March 2008

Autoantibodies to ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin‐like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type I motif, member 13) play an important role in the development of microthrombosis in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). In severe cases of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), microthrombosis can occur similar to that seen in TTP, suggesting possible mutual pathogenic factors. However, the role of ADAMTS13 in APS is unknown. We hypothesised that aberrations in ADAMTS13 may occur in APS and evaluated ADAMTS13 and von Willebrand factor (VWF) in 68 patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPA) including 52 with APS. Thirty‐three (49%) had IgG anti‐ADAMTS13 with 12 of these patients having reduced ADAMTS13 activity, suggesting neutralising antibodies. Low ADAMTS13 activity (median 34%) was demonstrated in 22/68 (33%), all with normal ADAMTS13 antigen levels consistent with dysfunctional ADAMTS13. Reduced ADAMTS13 activity was not secondary to elevated von Willebrand factor (VWF), or increased VWF secretion (normal VWF propeptide), although a reduced VWF clearance was noted in APS. Analysis found no associations between the ADAMTS13 abnormalities and any aPA profile or thrombotic/obstetric complications, although this study was not adequately powered to address clinical associations. Nevertheless, these findings highlight that ADAMTS13 autoantibodies and ADAMTS13 dysfunction can occur in APS, and although the clinical significance remains undetermined, ADAMTS13 dysfunction may be contributory to thrombogenesis in autoimmune conditions other than TTP.
Advances in clinical research in sickle cell disease
Authors: Hagar Ward , Vichinsky Elliott
Published: March 2008

Sickle cell disease continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality despite increases in life expectancy. This review looks at recent translational research in sickle cell disease, covering the red cell membrane, the vascular endothelium, local and systemic inflammation and the potentially pivotal role of nitric oxide as a key regulator of sickle cell complications. Clinical research reviewed includes pulmonary hypertension, which is emerging as a particularly deadly scourge of adults with any haemolytic anaemia, and newer insights into older, more established complications and treatments, such as red cell transfusions, the need for and use of iron chelation and avascular necrosis. Finally, recent studies about those factors that affect the day‐to‐day lives of persons with sickle cell disease, pain and neuropsychiatric functioning, are discussed.
Balancing parents' and very young children's rights in care proceedings: decision‐making in the context of the Human Rights Act 1998
Authors: Munro Emily R. , Ward Harriet
Published: March 2008

This paper explores whether the Human Rights Act 1998 has influenced the approach a range of professionals, including social workers, managers and children's guardians adopt when they examine and seek to balance the potentially competing rights of parents and children involved in care proceedings. Drawing on findings from an empirical study of the decision‐making process that influences the life pathways of very young children in care, it also explores some of the dilemmas professionals face in their day‐to‐day practice and examines whether parental rights are prioritized over children's rights in certain instances.
Combined effect of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐13 polymorphisms on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in Korean children with asthma
Authors: Kim H‐B. , Kang M‐J. , Lee S‐Y. , Jin H‐S. , Kim J‐H. , Kim B‐S. , Jang S‐O. , Lee Y‐C. , Sohn M‐H. , Kim K‐E. , Hong S‐J.
Published: March 2008

Background
TNF‐α and IL‐13, two pivotal pro‐inflammatory cytokines, are increased in asthmatic airways and may be linked to asthma susceptibility and/or bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR).

Objective
We investigated the association between the TNF‐α−308G/A polymorphism and asthma susceptibility or asthma‐related phenotypes in Korean children with asthma, and tested for a combined effect with IL‐13 polymorphisms.

Methods
Asthmatic children (n=719) and non‐atopic healthy control children (n=243) were evaluated for asthma phenotypes including total serum IgE and BHR to methacholine. Genotypes were determined by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results
The allele frequency of TNF‐α−308A in asthmatics (14.1%) was higher than that in control children [8.7%, odds ratio (OR) 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–2.82]. Significantly lower PC20 values were found in asthmatic children carrying one or two copies of the TNF‐α risk allele (−308A) vs. those homozygous for the common allele (P=0.026). Combined analysis revealed that atopic asthmatic children co‐inherited the risk alleles of TNF‐α−308G/A and IL‐13 +2044G/A more frequently than control children (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.00–3.65), and asthmatic children co‐inheriting both risk alleles had significantly lower PC20 values vs. asthmatic children homozygous for the common alleles (P=0.024).

Conclusion
The TNF‐α promoter polymorphism (−308G/A) may be associated with asthma susceptibility and BHR in Korean children with asthma. In addition, there appears to be a synergistic effect between the TNF‐α promoter polymorphism and an IL‐13 coding region polymorphism in terms of asthma susceptibility and BHR in this population.
The association between the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and arterial stiffness in young healthy subjects
Authors: Shapiro Y. , Boaz M. , Matas Z. , Fux A. , Shargorodsky M.
Published: March 2008

Aldosterone might affect arterial stiffening, in both the short‐ and long‐term. We investigated a possible association between excess aldosterone, reflected by an increased aldosterone : renin ratio (ARR) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in young healthy adults. In a single‐centre study, 60 subjects were evaluated for lipid profile, glucose, hs‐CRP, renin and aldosterone. PWV was performed as a simple non‐invasive recording and computer analysis of the two artery sites pressure waveform using SphygmoCor (version 7·1, AtCor Medical, Sydney, Australia). The ARR was significantly, positively associated with PWV: r = 0·298, P = 0·02. ARR was not associated with anthropometric variables, blood pressure (BP), metabolic and inflammatory parameters. In conclusion, the ARR was significantly associated with PWV and may exhibit direct effects of aldosterone on the vascular wall, which are not related to changes in conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
Diversity and distribution patterns of some mesophyll‐feeding leaf hoppers of temperate woodland canopy
Authors: CLARIDGE M. F. , WILSON M. R.
Published: March 2008

Temperate woodland canopy as a habitat for insects is discussed.

A general account is given of the Typhlocybinae as the mesophyll‐feeding guild of canopy feeders.

Three sampling sites in South Wales are described, from which adult leaf‐hoppers were sampled regularly from twelve species of trees during 1974.

Rearing records, based on the sampling of last instar nymphs and subsequent rearing of adults, are given.

Over 20 000 adult insects of thirty‐five identified species were taken during 1974.

Results are analysed to compare species associations with different tree species. Most leaf‐hoppers show very distinct specific plant‐dependent distributions within the canopy. Many are dominantly associated with only one host plant. Others show more complicated patterns of associations. Only one species was found on all trees sampled.

The patterns of leafhopper distributions in woodland canopy are compared with previously described grassland habitats. The relative permanence and size of trees may be important factors.

Examples of groups of ecologically similar species coexisting together are discussed.
The efficiency of an insect suction sampler in grassland
Authors: HENDERSON I. F. , WHITAKER T. M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. Capture efficiency was determined chiefly by insect type: Diptera 79–98%, Hymenoptera 60–83%, Homoptera 32–76%, Thysanoptera 27–62%, Acarina 12–40%.

2. Grass length also affected efficiency, but to a lesser degree.

3. Prolongation of the sampling period increased the proportions of some groups more than others.

4. Capture efficiency for any group was not affected by the number of individuals present.

5. Catch size did not vary with time of day.

6. The method was unsatisfactory for wet grass.
Nutrient chemicals as phagostimulants for Locusta migratoria (L.)
Authors: COOK ANTHEA G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. The phagostimulatory activity of a range of sugars, amino acids, vitamins, salts, phospholipids and sterols to Locusta migratoria (L.) was assessed singly and in combinations.

2. The hexose and disaccharide sugars were shown to be highly stimulatory.

3. Of the amino acids only l‐proline and l‐serine elicited feeding responses and none of the salts, vitamins, phospholipids or sterols was stimulatory when presented singly.
Relationships between feeding of Philaenus spumarius (L.) and the amino acid concentration in the xylem sap
Authors: HORSFIELD D.
Published: March 2008

Summary. 1. P.spwnarius nymphs selected young, upper leaves of Xanthium strumarium plants, which have a relatively high amino acid concentration in the xylem sap.

2. Nymphs selected or rejected a host leaf as a feeding site after a test ingestion of plant sap.

3. Nymphs fed on detached leaves kept with their petioles in a solution of amino acids, in preference to leaves with petioles in a solution containing no amino acids.

4. Nymphs caged on leaves with relatively high amino acid concentrations in the xylem sap suffered a lower mortality after 7 days than nymphs caged on leaves with low amino acid concentrations in the xylem sap.

5. Mean excretory rate increased with the increase in the amino acid concentration in the xylem sap for third and fourth instar nymphs, and adults, but not in fifth instars.
Population densities in Drosophila obscura Fallén and D. subobscura Collin
Authors: BEGON MICHAEL
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. The population densities of Drosophila obscura and D. subobscura in mixed deciduous woodland were investigated by multiple recapture techniques, marking flies with micronized fluorescent dusts.

2. Approximate densities per 100 m2 were as follows: September 1974: D.subobscura males 5, D.subobscura females 31. April 1975: D.obscura males 1, D.obscura females 2; D.subobscura males 0.3, D.subobscura females 1. June 1975: D.subobscura males 6, D.subobscura females 9.

3. Actual estimates have been compared using relative estimates derived from a reanalysis of Shorrocks's (1975) data.

4. Throughout most of the year D.subobscura was numerically dominant, rising to a peak of 750/100 m2 in the winter; but in late spring D.obscura was dominant, having reduced winter mortality by diapausing.

5. D.obscura's density was comparable with those of its Nearctic relatives; D.subobscura's was considerably higher.

6. The effects of previous workers' approximations on the estimation of population parameters have been examined, and possible theoretical consequences have been indicated.
Diel activity patterns of some field Carabidae
Authors: LUFF M. L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. A 24 h time‐sorting pitfall trap was used to collect Carabidae in a field in north‐east England in 1974, 1976 and 1977.

2. Harpalus rufipes comprised 62% of the 5288 adult Carabidae caught. It was nocturnal, with an activity peak after midnight. The male activity pattern lagged behind that of females by about 1 h. The activity peak shifted to earlier in the night during September.

3. Activity curves are given for eighteen other common species. Large species were all nocturnal, but a third of the smaller species were active in the day. The numbers caught of twenty‐eight less common species are tabulated and show the same trend. Overall, nearly 60% of all species caught were nocturnal and 20% diurnal; the remainder did not show a distinct pattern of day or night activity.

4. A total of eighty‐two larvae of H.rufipes, Nebria brevicollis and Notiophilus biguttatus were caught, and showed similar activity patterns to those of the respective adult beetles.
Changes in the ovaries of olive flies (Dacus oleae (Gmelin)) during the summer, and their relationship to temperature, humidity and fruit availability
Authors: FLETCHER B. S. , PAPPAS S. , KAPATOS E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. Examination of the ovaries of female olive flies (Dacus oleae) from wild populations on Corfu during the summer months of 1975 indicated that all were non‐gravid for a period of several weeks during June and July and the terminal follicles were resorbed.

2. Experiments in outdoor cages indicated that olive fruits could stimulate ovarian development during the summer months.

3. Experiments in constant temperature cabinets indicated that high temperatures (i. e. 26–29°C) in conjunction with a low humidity (45 ± 5°%) inhibited ovarian maturation.

4. Whereas the presence of olive fruits offset the effects of temperature and humidity on ovarian development at 26°C in all flies, at 29°C very few were able to mature their ovaries.

5. It is suggested that it is the interaction of temperature, humidity and access to fruit which determine when ovarian maturation ceases and recommences during the summer months.
The numbers and distribution of subterranean aphids and their exploitation by the ant Lasius flavus (Fabr.)
Authors: PONTIN A. J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. Subterranean aphids in old pasture were found to show extremely clumped distributions with about 3000 aphids (omitting first instars) per ant nest throughout the year.

2. They were generally distributed in and away from the nest mounds, but within the ant's foraging territories.

3. At summer temperatures, more than 3000 first instars are lost from the aphid population per ant nest per day and it is concluded that these are eaten by the ants in addition to some older aphids and the honeydew produced.

4. The aphids may therefore provide enough food to maintain the ants with very little extra needed in the form of other prey.
The food plants and feeding preferences of the beech leaf mining weevil, Rhynchaenus fagi L.
Authors: BALE J. S. , LUFF M. L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. In laboratory experiments, R.fagi made feeding holes in eighteen tree and shrub species, including beech, from seven plant families but few plants other than beech were eaten to any extent.

2. Overwintered adult weevils preferred beech to all these eighteen plants in spring.

3. Hawthorn and raspberry were the most acceptable plants if beech was not available at this time.

4. Field collected weevils from hawthorn had partly developed oocytes in early April, prior to beech bud burst.

5. New generation weevils sought alternative food sources in late June and July; raspberry was preferred to the youngest available beech leaves at this time.
Mosquito breeding and opposition stimulant in fruit husks
Authors: LOUNIBOS L. P.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. In coastal Kenyan forests the most productive breeding habitats of Eretmapodites subsimplicipes are rain‐filled fruits of the Apocynaceae and Loganiaceae cast off by monkeys.

2. Water incubated in fruit husks stimulates females to oviposit, but a sympatic congener Eretmapodites quinquevittatus, never found in fruits, prefers tap water.

3. Thus, chemical discrimination of oviposition site may promote the micro‐habitat separations observed in nature.
The influence of the host plant on the population dynamics of Acizzia russellae (Homoptera: Psyllidae)
Authors: WEBB J. WARREN , MORAN V. C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. The role of the host plant, Acacia karroo, in the population dynamics of the indigenous non‐pest psyllid, Acizzia russellae, was investigated.

2. Population levels of A.russellae in early summer were almost 10 times greater on the regenerative foliage of pruned trees (cut back in spring) than on normal trees. During late summer and winter, populations declined far more slowly on pruned trees, so that very much higher numbers of psyllids were maintained on these trees through to the next spring. This finding, and others, suggest that natural enemies and climate are not major determinants in the population dynamics of this insect under normal conditions in the field.

3. Laboratory measurements of several chemical and physical characteristics of the foliage of pruned and normal trees did not reveal any differences which would account for the observed effects.

4. Measurements of organic nitrogen concentrations in the leaves of normal A. karroo trees in the field showed significant correlations between psyllid numbers and leaf nitrogen, but only during summer in November and January.

5. Psyllid performance in the laboratory (duration of life cycle, egg production, and dry weight of emergent females) was significantly better for psyllids reared on plants containing high amino nitrogen.

6. It is suggested that the availability of quantities of suitably high quality nutrients in the leaves of pruned A. karroo trees explains the “epidemic” population levels achieved by the psyllid on pruned plants. It seems that characteristics of the host plant impose the major limitation on psyllid population growth, which may explain the permanent low endemic population levels of this insect in the field.
Xylem feeding by periodical cicada nymphs on tree roots
Authors: WHITE JoANN , STREHL CHARLES E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. Histological sections of tree roots on which periodical cicada nymphs of both the 17‐year and the 13‐year race arid various instars had fed showed that salivary sheaths made by the nymphs ended in xylem vessels.

2. Because no salivary sheaths were found in phloem cells, this observation indicates that cicada nymphs are xylem feeders throughout their developmental period.

3. The habit of feeding on xylem fluid, which is extremely dilute, may explain why periodical cicada nymphs require so many years (13 or 17) to mature. It may also explain why they excrete amino acids rather than sugars, as phloem feeders do.