bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of ice storage on inosine monophosphate, inosine, hypoxanthine, and biogenic amine formation in European catfish (Silurus glanis) fillets
Authors: Özogul Fatih , Kamari Nihal , Küley Esmeray , Özogul Yesim
Published: September 2009

European catfish fillets in ice were evaluated by measuring nucleotide components and biogenic amine contents and these then compared with sensory and microbiological assessment during the 21 days of iced storage. Analyses were carried out using two different rapid HPLC methods for nucleotid degradation products and biogenic amine contents in European catfish fillets. Sensory evaluation showed that storage life of European catfish found to be 14–18 days. Initial inosine monophosphate (IMP) level was 12.6 μmol g­1 and then decreased during the rest of storage period. Inosine (INO) level increased rapidly until 7 days of storage. Hypoxanthine (Hx) level increased almost linearly with storage time. The most accumulated biogenic amines were putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, and serotonin in all the European catfish fillets during the storage, although the formation of biogenic amines levels was fluctuated. Histamine was only detectable at 4 and 7 days of storage as low as 1 mg 100 g­1 fish. Total viable count in European catfish increased rapidly with storage time and reached ≤109 cfu g­1 when the fillets were not acceptable for consumption.
Effects of irradiation and storage on the physico‐chemical and sensory properties of hamburgers enriched with lycopene
Authors: Selgas Ma. Dolores , García Ma. Luisa , Calvo Marta M.
Published: September 2009

In order to increase their safety and shelf‐life, raw hamburgers containing 30, 45 and 60 g kg−1 dry tomato peel (DTP) as a source of lycopene were manufactured, vacuum‐packed and irradiated with 2 or 4 kGy. The effects of this treatment on microbial load, lycopene concentration, physico‐chemical and sensory properties were studied during 17 days of refrigerated storage. After irradiation with 4 kGy and 17 days of storage, microbial levels fell, four logarithmic cycles and the lycopene concentration fell to 15% of the initial value. Even with this decrease, hamburgers containing 6% DTP had a final lycopene concentration of 7.14 mg per 100 g of hamburger, an amount very close to the recommended daily intake for a healthy diet. DTP masks the brownish colour characteristic of irradiated meat, and 6% DTP gives to the hamburger similar redness (a* parameter), independently of the dose of radiation applied. Sensory characteristics were influenced by irradiation, but the higher lycopene concentration (6 g kg−1) masked these changes sufficiently to assure an acceptable colour and odour in the final product after the storage period.
Selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in smoked tuna, swordfish and Atlantic salmon fillets
Authors: Visciano Pierina , Perugini Monia , Manera Maurizio , Amorena Michele
Published: September 2009

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in commercial smoked fillets of tuna, swordfish and Atlantic salmon was studied. In Europe, the smoking technique is widely used in fish processing and these species are the most representative of the taste of consumers for smoked products. Samples were purchased on the Italian market and analysed by HPLC. Mean concentrations (ng g−1) of acenaphthene (4.4, 6.2, 11.2), phenanthrene (11.5, 18.5, 8.9), anthracene (2.4, 5.2, 1.8), fluoranthene (17.0, 9.4, 4.7), benzo(k)fluoranthene (0.3, 0.1, 0.2) and benzo(a)pyrene (1.3, 0.1, 0.4) were found in Atlantic salmon, tuna and swordfish respectively. Benzo(b)fluoranthene (1.2 ng g−1) was detected only in Atlantic salmon whereas dibenz(a,h)anthracene was never detected in this species, but only in tuna (0.5 ng g−1) and swordfish (1.1 ng g−1). Atlantic salmon contained the highest level of benzo(a)pyrene (2.8 ng g−1) which is below the European regulatory level of 5 ng g−1.
Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity of Acetes chinensis peptic hydrolysate and its antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Zhang Chaohua , Cao Wenhong , Hong Pengzhi , Ji Hongwu , Qin Xiaoming , He Jinfeng
Published: September 2009

Peptic hydrolysate with angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was prepared from Acetes chinensis. The 3 kDa ultrafiltration filtrates (UF‐IV) of the desalted hydrolysate exerted a potent ACE inhibitory activity with IC50 being 0.67 mg mL−1. The fractions with molecular weight located between 611 and 240 Da achieved a total percentage of 63.6% in the UF‐IV, with a mean peptide length of about 5.6–2.1. Gastrointestinal digestions were simulated on the hydrolysate and UF‐IV and addressed their effect on the ACE inhibitory activity. The ACE inhibitory activity of the UF‐IV could survive or be maintained in active form by simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Furthermore, the UF‐IV exerted potent antihypertensive effect after oral administrations were given to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at a dose of 900 mg kg−1 body weight. In conclusion, the UF‐IV could serve as useful antihypertensive peptides in the prevention and treatment of hypertension and other associated disorders.
Harvest parameters to optimise storage life of European plum ‘Oullins Gage’
Authors: Casquero Pedro Antonio , Guerra Marcos
Published: September 2009

European plum (Prunus domestica L.) cv. ‘Oullins Gage’ was harvested according to firmness on five harvest dates. Fruit was analysed at harvest and during storage for weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and skin colour before and after a 3‐day shelf‐life period at 20 °C. Significant differences were found among harvest dates in fruit mass, skin colour, firmness, TSS and TA. Fruit mass, TSS and colour b* increased, whereas firmness and TA decreased significantly during the harvesting period. Firmness parameter as a maximum maturity index and TSS:TA (or b* colour, a non‐destructive measurement) as a minimum maturity index could be used to distinguish maturity at harvest. It is suggested that the best post‐storage quality of ‘Oullins Gage’ plums would be obtained when fruit is harvested with TSS:TA >9 or b* colour >30, but with a firmness >20N to assure a long storage life.
Classic metapopulations are rare among common beetle species from a naturally fragmented landscape
Authors: Driscoll Don A. , Kirkpatrick Jamie B. , McQuillan Peter B. , Bonham Kevin J.
Published: September 2009

1. The general importance of metacommunity and metapopulation theories is poorly understood because few studies have examined responses of the suite of species that occupy the same fragmented landscape. In this study, we examined the importance of spatial ecological theories using a large‐scale, naturally fragmented landscape.

2. We measured the occurrence and abundance of 44 common beetle species in 31 natural rainforest fragments in Tasmania, Australia. We tested for an effect on beetle distribution of geographic variables (patch area, patch isolation and amount of surrounding habitat) and of environmental variables based on plant species, after first accounting for spatial autocorrelation using principal coordinates of neighbour matrices. The environmental variables described a productivity gradient and a post‐fire succession from eucalypt‐dominated forest to late‐successional rainforest.

3. Few species had distributions consistent with a metapopulation. However, the amount of surrounding habitat and patch isolation influenced the occurrence or abundance of 30% of beetle species, implying that dispersal into or out of patches was an important process.

4. Three species showed a distribution that could arise by interactions with dominant competitors or predators with higher occurrence in small patches.

5. Environmental effects were more commonly observed than spatial effects. Twenty‐three per cent of species showed evidence of habitat‐driven, deterministic metapopulations. Furthermore, almost half of the species were influenced by the plant succession or productivity gradient, including effects at the within‐patch, patch and regional scales. The beetle succession involved an increase in the frequency of many species, and the addition of new species, with little evidence of species turnover. Niche‐related ecological theory such as the species‐sorting metacommunity theory was therefore the most broadly applicable concept.

6. We conclude that classic and source‐sink metapopulations are probably rare in this large‐scale, naturally fragmented system, although dispersal processes like those occurring in metapopulations may have a substantial influence on community composition. However, deterministic processes (niche specialisation, species‐sorting metacommunities and deterministic metapopulations) drive the occurrence or frequency of the majority of species. We urge further research into the prevalence of spatial ecological processes in large‐scale natural ecosystems to expand our understanding of the processes that may be important in nature.
Population structure on breeding grounds of Lake Malawi’s ‘twilight zone’ cichlid fishes
Authors: Genner Martin J. , Nichols Paul , Shaw Paul W. , Carvalho Gary R. , Robinson Rosanna L. , Turner George F.
Published: September 2009

Aim  Free‐ranging benthopelagic fishes often have large population sizes and high rates of dispersal. These traits can act to homogenize population structure across the distributional range of a species and to reduce the likelihood of allopatric speciation. The apparent absence of any barriers to gene flow among populations, together with prior molecular evidence for panmixia across the ranges of three species, has resulted in Diplotaxodon, a genus of benthopelagic cichlid fishes of Lake Malawi, being proposed as a candidate case of sympatric speciation. Our aim was to further investigate this possibility by testing for intraspecific genetic subdivision among breeding populations, and intraspecific differences in breeding habitat.

Location  Lake Malawi, central‐east Africa.

Methods  We analysed eight microsatellite DNA loci to test for spatial genetic differences among populations on breeding grounds of eight Diplotaxodon species. We also tested for temporal population genetic differences within breeding grounds of three species. Records of ripe Diplotaxodon encountered during sampling were analysed to test if spatial variation in assemblage structure was linked to nearshore water depth and geographic proximity of sampling sites.

Results  Consistent with previous molecular evidence, within four of the eight species tested we found no evidence of spatial genetic structuring among breeding populations. However, within the other four species we found slight yet significant spatial genetic differences, indicating restricted gene flow among breeding grounds. There was no evidence of temporal genetic differences within sites. Analyses of the distributions of ripe Diplotaxodon revealed differences in assemblage structure linked to nearshore water depth.

Main conclusions  Together, these results demonstrate both the evolution of fidelity to deep‐water breeding locations in some Diplotaxodon species, and differences in breeding habitat among species. These findings are consistent with a role for divergence of breeding habitat in speciation of these cichlids, possibly promoted by dispersal limitation among geographically segregated spawning aggregations.
Mesenchymal stem cells and cartilage in situ regeneration
Authors: Richter W.
Published: September 2009

Cartilage repair is a very successful pioneering area of regenerative medicine in which techniques of in situ regeneration and cell and tissue transplantation dominate over cell‐free approaches to generate durable neocartilage. This review concentrates on advantages and limitations of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based cartilage repair strategies induced by marrow stimulation. Detailed knowledge on the biology of MSC will be discussed in light of the requirements for MSC recruitment, retention, proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation. An improved microenvironment with timely correlated signals from biomaterials, growth factors, proteases, adjacent cartilage and subchondral bone may be key to a third generation of techniques to regenerate hyaline cartilage.
Regenerative medicine: a 2009 overview
Authors: Andersson E. R. , Lendahl U.
Published: September 2009

The rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine holds much promise for cell‐based therapies for a range of debilitating conditions from spinal cord injury to haematological and neurological diseases. The groundbreaking discovery of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has offered new perspectives on disease progression and the possibility of patient‐specific cell transplants. In this review we first give a brief history of the field of regenerative medicine and then discuss the current state of regenerative medicine with a focus on embryonic stem cells and iPS cells. In order to keep abreast with this rapidly developing field, the Journal of Internal Medicine organized a 2‐day Symposium, on March 12–13th 2009, at the Karolinska Insitute in Stockholm, which featured talks by 19 leading scientists in the field of regenerative medicine. In this review, we discuss the Symposium and introduce six accompanying review articles, by Symposium speakers, which focus on some of the topics discussed at the meeting.
Skeletal muscle stem cells in developmental versus regenerative myogenesis
Authors: Tajbakhsh S.
Published: September 2009

Tissue and organ regeneration proceed in a coordinated manner to restore proper function after trauma. Vertebrate skeletal muscle has a remarkable ability to regenerate after repeated and complete destruction of the tissue, yet limited information is available on how muscle stem and progenitor cells, and other nonmuscle cells, reestablish homeostasis after the regenerative process. The genetic pathways that regulate the establishment of skeletal muscle in the embryo have been studied extensively, and many of the genes that govern muscle stem cell maintenance and commitment are redeployed during adult homeostasis and regeneration. Therefore, correlates can be made between embryonic muscle development and postnatal regeneration. However, there are some important distinctions between prenatal development and regeneration – in the context of the cells, niche, anatomy and the regulatory genes employed. The similarities and distinctions between these two scenarios are the focus of this review.
Range persistence during the last glacial maximum: Carex macrocephala was not restricted to glacial refugia
Authors: KING MATTHEW G. , HORNING MATTHEW E. , ROALSON ERIC H.
Published: September 2009

The distribution of many species inhabiting northwestern North America has been heavily influenced by the climatic changes during the late Pleistocene. Several studies have suggested that species were restricted to glacial refugia north and/or south of the continental ice sheet front. It is also hypothesized that the coast of northwestern North America could have been a prime location for glacial refugia because of the lowering of the eustatic sea level and the concomitant rise of the continental shelf because of tectonic rebound. Alternatively, some coastal species distributions and demographics may have been unaffected in the long‐term by the last glacial maximum (LGM). We tested the glacial refugium hypothesis on an obligate coastal plant species, Carex macrocephala by sampling 600 individuals from 41 populations with 11 nuclear microsatellite loci and the rpL16 plastid intragenic spacer region. The microsatellite data sets suggest a low level of population differentiation with a standardized G′ST = 0.032 and inbreeding was high with an F = 0.969. The homogenization of the populations along the coast was supported by a principal coordinate analysis, amovas and samova analyses. Analyses using the rpL16 data set support the results of the microsatellite analyses, with a low FST of 0.042. Coalescent and mismatch analyses using rpL16 suggest that C. macrocephala has not gone through a significant bottleneck within the past 100 000 years, although a much earlier population expansion was indicated by the mismatch analysis. Carex macrocephala exhibits the characteristics of metapopulation dynamics and on the basis of these results, we concluded that it was not restricted to glacial refugia during the LGM, but that it existed as a large metapopulation.
Case studies and mathematical models of ecological speciation. 3: Ecotype formation in a Swedish snail
Authors: SADEDIN S. , HOLLANDER J. , PANOVA M. , JOHANNESSON K. , GAVRILETS S.
Published: September 2009

Formation of partially reproductively isolated ecotypes in the rough periwinkle,Littorina saxatilis, may be a case of incipient nonallopatric ecological speciation. To better understand the dynamics of ecotype formation, its timescale, driving forces and evolutionary consequences, we developed a spatially explicit, individual‐based model incorporating relevant ecological, spatial and mate selection data for SwedishL. saxatilis. We explore the impact of bounded hybrid superiority, ecological scenarios and mate selection systems on ecotype formation, gene flow and the evolution of prezygotic isolation. Our model shows that ecotypes are expected to form rapidly in parapatry under conditions applicable to SwedishL. saxatilisand may proceed to speciation. However, evolution of nonrandom mating had complex behaviour. Ecotype evolution was inhibited by pre‐existing mating preferences, but facilitated by the evolution of novel preferences. While in many scenarios positive assortative mating reduced gene flow between ecotypes, in others negative assortative mating arose, preferences were lost after ecotype formation, preferences were confined to one ecotype or the ancestral ecotype became extinct through sexual selection. Bounded hybrid superiority (as observed in nature) enhanced ecotype formation but increased gene flow. Our results highlight that ecotype formation and speciation are distinct processes: factors that contribute to ecotype formation can be detrimental to speciation and vice versa. The complex interactions observed between local adaptation and nonrandom mating imply that generalization from data is unreliable without quantitative theory for speciation.
Relative contribution of contemporary pollen and seed dispersal to the effective parental size of seedling population of California valley oak (Quercus lobata, Née)
Authors: GRIVET DELPHINE , ROBLEDO‐ARNUNCIO JUAN J. , SMOUSE PETER E. , SORK VICTORIA L.
Published: September 2009

For plant populations, gene movement through pollen and seed dispersal governs the size of local genetic neighbourhoods and shapes the opportunities for natural selection and genetic drift. A critical question is how together these two processes influence the evolutionary dynamics of local populations. To assess the respective contributions of pollen and seed flow, we propose a novel indirect assessment of the separate male and female gametic contributions to total effective parental size (Ne), based on parental correlations estimated via kinship coefficients, that can be applied to data sets that include unambiguous genotypes for male and female gametic contributions. Using the endemic Californian valley oak (Quercus lobata) as our study species, we apply this method to a set of microsatellite genotypes for two distinct ecological sets of naturally recruiting seedlings with acorns attached. We found that the effective numbers of contributing male parents (Nep) exceed effective numbers of female parents (Nem) for seedlings established beneath adult trees (Nep = 8.1 and Nem = 1.1), as well as for seedlings established away from adult trees (Nep = 15.4 and Nem = 2.7), illustrating that seed dispersal enhances pollen dispersal and increases the effective number of seed sources in open seedling patches. The resulting effective parental size of seedling populations translates into smaller effective numbers of parents for undispersed vs. dispersed seedlings (Ne = 3.6 and Ne = 6.7, respectively). This study introduces a novel statistic method and provides important new evidence that, on a short‐term temporal scale, seed dispersal shapes the local neighbourhood size of new recruits.
Do insects lose flight before they lose their wings? Population genetic structure in subalpine stoneflies
Authors: McCULLOCH GRAHAM A. , WALLIS GRAHAM P. , WATERS JONATHAN M.
Published: September 2009

Wing reduction and flightlessness are common features of alpine and subalpine insects, and are typically interpreted as evolutionary adaptations to increase fecundity and promote local recruitment. Here, we assess the impact of wing reduction on dispersal in stoneflies (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae: Zelandoperla) in southern New Zealand. Specifically, we present comparative phylogeographic analyses (COI; H3) of strong‐flying Zelandoperla decorata (144 individuals, 63 localities) vs. the co‐distributed but weak‐flying Zelandoperla fenestrata species group (186 individuals, 81 localities). The latter group exhibits a variety of morphotypes, ranging from fully winged to completely wingless. Consistent with its capacity for strong flight‐mediated dispersal, Z. decorata exhibited no substantial phylogeographic differentiation across its broad South Island range. Conversely the weak‐flying fenestrata species group exhibited substantial genetic structure across both fine and broad geographic scales. Intriguingly, the variable degrees of wing development observed within the fenestrata species group had no apparent impact on levels of phylogeographic structure, which were high regardless of morphotype, suggesting that even fully winged specimens of this group do not fly. This finding implies that Zelandoperla flight loss occurs independently of wing loss, and might reflect underlying flight muscle reduction.
Pneumonia in severely malnourished children in developing countries – mortality risk, aetiology and validity of WHO clinical signs: a systematic review
Authors: Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Tebruegge Marc , La Vincente Sophie , Graham Stephen M. , Duke Trevor
Published: September 2009

Objectives  To quantify the degree by which moderate and severe degrees of malnutrition increase the mortality risk in pneumonia, to identify potential differences in the aetiology of pneumonia between children with and without severe malnutrition, and to evaluate the validity of WHO‐recommended clinical signs (age‐specific fast breathing and chest wall indrawing) for the diagnosis of pneumonia in severely malnourished children.

Methods  Systematic search of the existing literature using a variety of databases (Medline, EMBASE, the Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL).

Results  Mortality risk: Sixteen relevant studies were identified, which universally showed that children with pneumonia and moderate or severe malnutrition are at higher risk of death. For severe malnutrition, reported relative risks ranged from 2.9 to 121.2; odds ratios ranged from 2.5 to 15.1. For moderate malnutrition, relative risks ranged from 1.2 to 36.5. Aetiology: Eleven studies evaluated the aetiology of pneumonia in severely malnourished children. Commonly isolated bacterial pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Haemophilus influenzae. The spectrum and frequency of organisms differed from those reported in children without severe malnutrition. There are very few data on the role of respiratory viruses and tuberculosis. Clinical signs: Four studies investigating the validity of clinical signs showed that WHO‐recommended clinical signs were less sensitive as predictors of radiographic pneumonia in severely malnourished children.

Conclusions  Pneumonia and malnutrition are two of the biggest killers in childhood. Guidelines for the care of children with pneumonia and malnutrition need to take into account this strong and often lethal association if they are to contribute to the UN Millennium Development Goal 4, aiming for substantial reductions in childhood mortality. Additional data regarding the optimal diagnostic approach to and management of pneumonia and malnutrition are required from regions where death from these two diseases is common.
Susceptibility to chemical insecticides of two Brazilian populations of the visceral leishmaniasis vector Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Alexander B. , Barros V. C. , De Souza S. F. , Barros S. S. , Teodoro L. P. , Soares Z. R. , Gontijo N. F. , Reithinger R.
Published: September 2009

Objectives  To investigate the insecticide susceptibility of two geographically separated Lutzomyia longipalpis populations (Lapinha and Montes Claros) with different histories of insecticide exposure (i.e. no exposure and repeated exposure, respectively).

Methods  (i) Bioassay monitoring of sand fly survival over time when exposed to a range of insecticides; and (ii) analysis of the level of insecticide detoxification enzymes in individual sand flies caught at both study sites. Insecticides tested were the organophosphates malathion and fenitrothion and the pyrethroids λ‐cyhalothrin, permethrin and deltamethrin.

Results  Survival analyses showed that whilst there was no overall significant difference in susceptibility of both populations to organophosphates, Lapinha sand flies were significantly more susceptible to pyrethroids than those from Montes Claros. Multiple regression analyses also showed that insecticide susceptibility in both locations varied with sand fly sex. The relative susceptibilities of the two sand fly populations to tested insecticides were also compared. Thus, Montes Claros sand flies were most susceptible to malathion, followed by fenitrothion, deltamethrin and permethrin. Those from Lapinha were most susceptible to λ‐cyhalothrin, followed by malathion, permethrin, deltamethrin and fenitrothion. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that Montes Claros sand flies had significantly lower insecticide detoxification enzyme activity than Lapinha sand flies.

Conclusions  Our results are the first record of significantly reduced susceptibility to the insecticides used in control of wild populations of Lu. longipalpis. They demonstrate the importance of evaluating chemicals against this species by conventional bioassay and microplate assays before and during spraying programmes.
Epidemiology and prevention of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa: a comprehensive review
Authors: Louie Karly S. , De Sanjose Silvia , Mayaud Philippe
Published: September 2009

Objectives  To identify the gaps of knowledge and highlight the challenges and opportunities for controlling cervical cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods  A comprehensive review of peer‐reviewed literature to summarize the epidemiological data on human papillomavirus (HPV) and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) by HIV status, to review feasible and effective cervical screening strategies, and to identify barriers in the introduction of HPV vaccination in SSA.

Results  ICC incidence in SSA is one of the highest in the world with an age‐standardized incidence rate of 31.0 per 100 000 women. The prevalence of HPV16/18, the two vaccine preventable‐types, among women with ICC, does not appear to differ by HIV status on a small case series. However, there are limited data on the role of HIV in the natural history of HPV infection in SSA. Cervical screening coverage ranges from 2.0% to 20.2% in urban areas and 0.4% to 14.0% in rural areas. There are few large scale initiatives to introduce population‐based screening using cytology, visual inspection or HPV testing. Only one vaccine safety and immunogenicity study is being conducted in Senegal and Tanzania. Few data are available on vaccine acceptability, health systems preparedness and vaccine cost‐effectiveness and long‐term impact.

Conclusions  Additional data are needed to strengthen ICC as a public health priority to introduce, implement and sustain effective cervical cancer control in Africa.
GA2LEN skin test study II: clinical relevance of inhalant allergen sensitizations in Europe
Authors: Burbach G. J. , Heinzerling L. M. , Edenharter G. , Bachert C. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Bonini S. , Bousquet J. , Bousquet‐Rouanet L. , Bousquet P. J. , Bresciani M. , Bruno A. , Canonica G. W. , Darsow U. , Demoly P. , Durham S. , Fokkens W. J. , Giavi S. , Gjomarkaj M. , Gramiccioni C. , Haahtela T. , Kowalski M. L. , Magyar P. , Muraközi G. , Orosz M. , Papadopoulos N. G. , Röhnelt C. , Stingl G. , Todo‐Bom A. , Von Mutius E. , Wiesner A. , Wöhrl S. , Zuberbier T.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Skin prick testing is the standard for diagnosing IgE‐mediated allergies. A positive skin prick reaction, however, does not always correlate with clinical symptoms. A large database from a Global Asthma and Allergy European Network (GA2LEN) study with data on clinical relevance was used to determine the clinical relevance of sensitizations against the 18 most frequent inhalant allergens in Europe. The study population consisted of patients referred to one of the 17 allergy centres in 14 European countries (n = 3034, median age = 33 years). The aim of the study was to assess the clinical relevance of positive skin prick test reactions against inhalant allergens considering the predominating type of symptoms in a pan‐European population of patients presenting with suspected allergic disease.

Methods:  Clinical relevance of skin prick tests was recorded with regard to patient history and optional additional tests. A putative correlation between sensitization and allergic disease was assessed using logistic regression analysis.

Results:  While an overall rate of ≥60% clinically relevant sensitizations was observed in all countries, a differential distribution of clinically relevant sensitizations was demonstrated depending on type of allergen and country where the prick test was performed. Furthermore, a significant correlation between the presence of allergic disease and the number of sensitizations was demonstrated.

Conclusion:  This study strongly emphasizes the importance of evaluating the clinical relevance of positive skin prick tests and calls for further studies, which may, ultimately, help increase the positive predictive value of allergy testing.
GA2LEN skin test study I: GA²LEN harmonization of skin prick testing: novel sensitization patterns for inhalant allergens in Europe
Authors: Heinzerling L. M. , Burbach G. J. , Edenharter G. , Bachert C. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Bonini S. , Bousquet J. , Bousquet‐Rouanet L. , Bousquet P. J. , Bresciani M. , Bruno A. , Burney P. , Canonica G. W. , Darsow U. , Demoly P. , Durham S. , Fokkens W. J. , Giavi S. , Gjomarkaj M. , Gramiccioni C. , Haahtela T. , Kowalski M. L. , Magyar P. , Muraközi G. , Orosz M. , Papadopoulos N. G. , Röhnelt C. , Stingl G. , Todo‐Bom A. , Von Mutius E. , Wiesner A. , Wöhrl S. , Zuberbier T.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Skin prick testing is the standard for diagnosing IgE‐mediated allergies. However, different allergen extracts and different testing procedures have been applied by European allergy centres. Thus, it has been difficult to compare results from different centres or studies across Europe. It was, therefore, crucial to standardize and harmonize procedures in allergy diagnosis and treatment within Europe.

Aims:  The Global Asthma and Allergy European Network (GA²LEN), with partners and collaborating centres across Europe, was in a unique position to take on this task. The current study is the first approach to implement a standardized procedure for skin prick testing in allergies against inhalant allergens with a standardized pan‐European allergen panel.

Methods:  The study population consisted of patients who were referred to one of the 17 participating centres in 14 European countries (n = 3034, median age = 33 years). Skin prick testing and evaluation was performed with the same 18 allergens in a standardized procedure across all centres.

Results:  The study clearly shows that many allergens previously regarded as untypical for some regions in Europe have been underestimated. This could partly be related to changes in mobility of patients, vegetation or climate in Europe.

Conclusion:  The results of this large pan‐European study demonstrate for the first time sensitization patterns for different inhalant allergens in patients across Europe. The standardized skin prick test with the standardized allergen battery should be recommended for clinical use and research. Further EU‐wide monitoring of sensitization patterns is urgently needed.
EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/WAO guideline: management of urticaria
Authors: Zuberbier T. , Asero R. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Walter Canonica G. , Church M. K. , Giménez‐Arnau A. M. , Grattan C. E. H. , Kapp A. , Maurer M. , Merk H. F. , Rogala B. , Saini S. , Sánchez‐Borges M. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Schünemann H. , Staubach P. , Vena G. A. , Wedi B.
Published: September 2009

This guideline, together with its sister guideline on the classification of urticaria (Zuberbier T, Asero R, Bindslev‐Jensen C, Canonica GW, Church MK, Giménez‐Arnau AM et al. EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/WAO Guideline: definition, classification and diagnosis of urticaria. Allergy 2009;64: 1417–1426), is the result of a consensus reached during a panel discussion at the Third International Consensus Meeting on Urticaria,Urticaria 2008, a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the EU‐funded network of excellence, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) and the World Allergy Organization (WAO). As members of the panel, the authors had prepared their suggestions regarding management of urticaria before the meeting. The draft of the guideline took into account all available evidence in the literature (including Medline and Embase searches and hand searches of abstracts at international allergy congresses in 2004–2008) and was based on the existing consensus reports of the first and the second symposia in 2000 and 2004. These suggestions were then discussed in detail among the panel members and with the over 200 international specialists of the meeting to achieve a consensus using a simple voting system where appropriate. Urticaria has a profound impact on the quality of life and effective treatment is, therefore, required. The recommended first line treatment is new generation, nonsedating H1‐antihistamines. If standard dosing is not effective, increasing the dosage up to four‐fold is recommended. For patients who do not respond to a four‐fold increase in dosage of nonsedating H1‐antihistamines, it is recommended that second‐line therapies should be added to the antihistamine treatment. In the choice of second‐line treatment, both their costs and risk/benefit profiles are most important to consider. Corticosteroids are not recommended for long‐term treatment due to their unavoidable severe adverse effects. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS).
Active Participation Instead of Passive Behaviour Opens Up New Vistas in Education of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology
Authors: Plendl J. , Bahramsoltani M. , Gemeinhardt O. , Hünigen H. , Käßmeyer S. , Janczyk P.
Published: September 2009

Teaching morphology, a fundamental part of medicine curricula is traditionally based on lectures and practical trainings. We introduced peer‐assisted learning (PAL) and student expert teams to the courses to give the students the possibility to improve their free speech and self‐confidence. We involved students in active preparation of online materials such as labelled e‐slides and e‐pics. We offered online digital microscopy (ZoomifyTM) and dissection (CyberPrep) allowing repeating the learned material and studying veterinary morphology outside the dissection theatre. Over 60% of first and third semester students profited from being a peer or being taught by a peer and 50% said the expert teams were an excellent method to learn the topographic anatomy. Almost all students applied ZoomifyTM and CyberPrep and 75% of them found the digital microscopy and dissection to be a helpful or very helpful learning tool. In face of reduced contact hours, these forms of education compensated in part the lost teaching time. We observed improvement of rhetoric and presentation skills and self‐confidence. The approaches should therefore find their constant place in the veterinary medicine curricula.
Immunohistochemical and Biomolecular Identification of Orphanin FQ, eNOS, Atrial natriuretic Factor and Oxytocin in Rat Seminal Vesicles
Authors: Mauro A. , Buscemi M. , Cappello F. , Uzzo M. L. , Farina‐Lipari E. , Martorana A. , Gerbino A.
Published: September 2009

In previous studies performed on rodents, we detected the presence of adreno‐cholinergic and peptidergic innervation in seminal vesicles and other organs of the male genital system, such as prostate and deferent duct, in which we also investigated the expression of NOS and NADPH‐diaphorase. During this project, we focused our attention on the expression of some peptides involved in local control of smooth muscle relaxation, contractility, vasodilatation and control of blood flow in rat seminal vesicles. We investigated, through immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR, the presence of four peptides: orphanin, eNOS, ANF and oxytocin. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the presence of the proteins, whereas RT‐PCR analysis confirmed gene expression of orphanin, eNOS and ANF, but not oxytocin. In our opinion, orphanin, eNOS and ANF could have paracrine effects regulating the function of seminal vesicles, whereas oxytocin, which may reach this anatomical district through the blood flow, may have a hormonal action. This is a pilot study that, with further investigation, may allow to better clarify the role of these molecules in the control of seminal vesicle tissues’ homeostasis.
Melanin‐based Feather Colour and Moulting Latitude in a Migratory Songbird
Authors: Ryan Norris D. , Kleven Oddmund , Johnsen Arild , Kurt Kyser T.
Published: September 2009

Melanins are common pigments used for colouration in animal tissue and recent evidence suggests that they may be condition‐dependent signals used in mate choice. We examined the hypothesis that individuals moulting during migration produce relatively dull feathers compared to individuals moulting on the breeding grounds prior to migration because of the costs associated with overlapping these two activities. We estimated both the colour and moulting latitude of melanin‐based feathers in barn swallows (Hirundo rustica). Moulting latitude was inferred from stable‐hydrogen isotope (δD) values of individuals that were known to have bred at the same site the previous year. Contrary to expectations, δD values in feathers suggested that most, if not all, individuals moulted their feathers south of the breeding grounds. Furthermore, we found that males moulting at southern latitudes tended to produce darker, more rufous coloured throat feathers compared to males moulting at more northern latitudes, closer to the breeding grounds. However, we found no such relationship in females. Males could face a trade‐off between growing new but relatively dull feathers before or just after the commencement of migration versus waiting to grow more rufous coloured feathers well into fall migration or on the wintering grounds. We suggest that this trade‐off could produce an honest signal of male quality if only high quality males can afford to migrate large distances on feathers that are greater than a year old.
Colony Budding and its Effects on Food Allocation in the Highly Polygynous Ant, Monomorium pharaonis
Authors: Buczkowski Grzegorz , Bennett Gary
Published: September 2009

To advance our understanding of the causes and the consequences of budding (colony multiplication by fragmentation of main nests), we investigated nest movement in the facultatively polydomous Pharaoh ant, Monomorium pharaonis. Demographic data revealed that Pharaoh ants are highly polygynous and have a relatively low worker to queen ratio of 12.86. Budding experiments demonstrated that the number of available bud nests has a significant effect on colony fragmentation and increasing the number of bud nests resulted in smaller colony fragments. The overall distribution among bud nests was uneven, even though there was no evidence that the different life stages and castes partitioned unevenly among the bud nests and the analysis of individual colonies revealed no evidence of an uneven split in any of the colonies. This demonstrates that Pharaoh ants have the ability to exert social control over colony size and caste proportions during budding, which may contribute to their success as an invasive ant. The intensity of nest disturbance had a significant effect on whether or not the ants migrated into bud nests. Major disturbance resulted in the ants abandoning the source nest and migrating to bud nests and minor disturbance did not stimulate the ants to abandon the source nest. The results of the successive budding experiment which allowed the ants the opportunity to bud into progressively smaller nest fragments demonstrate that Pharaoh ants maintain a preferred minimum group size of 469 ± 28 individuals. Food allocation experiments utilizing protein marking revealed that nest fragmentation in Pharaoh ants has no negative impact on intracolony food distribution. Overall, our results suggest that nest units in the Pharaoh ant behave like cooperative, rather than competitive, entities. Such cooperation is most likely facilitated by the fact that individuals in all bud nests are genetically related, remain in close proximity to each other, and may continue to exchange individuals after budding.
Parthenogenetic Induction of Canine Oocytes by Electrical Stimulation and Ca‐EDTA
Authors: Lee SR , Kim J‐W , Kim BS , Yoo D‐H , Park YS , Lee T‐H , Ha J‐H , Hyun B‐H , Ryoo ZY
Published: September 2009

Contents

In this study, we investigated parthenogenetic induction of canine oocytes by electrical stimulation following Ca‐EDTA treatment. Oocyte maturation, parthenogenetic development, and cleavage rate in canine after various electrical stimulations (1.5, 1.8, 2.1 kV/cm) for 50 μs with single DC pulse following 1 mM Ca‐EDTA treatment were investigated. In oocyte activated electrically at the voltage of 1.5 kV/cm after 1 mM Ca‐EDTA treatment, the rate of pronucleus and two‐cell was 4.1% and 2.7%, respectively. Although electrical stimulation could parthenogenetically induce immature oocyte to cleavage stage, degeneration rate in all experimental groups was more than 60%. This means that electrical stimulation after Ca‐EDTA treatment could cause canine oocytes to be degenerated. However, two‐cell in canine oocyte by parthenogenesis was for the first time induced. Therefore, we suggested that electrical stimulation for canine oocytes could induce parthenogenetically early embryonic cleavage. This result can be used as a basic data for parthenogenesis study in canine. Also, to perform more developed embryonic development, further study to parthenogenesis in canine need to be developed.
Heat Shock Protein 70 and Sex Steroid Receptors in the Follicular Structures of Induced Ovarian Cysts
Authors: Salvetti NR , Baravalle C , Mira GA , Gimeno EJ , Dallard BE , Rey F , Ortega HH
Published: September 2009

Contents

The purpose of this study was to estimate the expression and relative amounts of estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) and their isoforms as well as heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in ovaries of rats with induced cystic ovarian disease (COD). Primary, secondary, tertiary, atretic and cystic follicles were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and total ovarian proteins were analyzed by Western blot. In the granulosa layer, growing and cystic follicles in the treated group have a higher expression of ERα than growing follicles of control individuals. In the theca interna layer, tertiary follicles presented a significantly higher expression of ERα in the treated group. An increase in total ERα protein was detected in the treated group. Granulosa cells of all growing, atretic and cystic follicles show a lower expression of ERβ in animals with COD, and the total protein expression of ERβ was lower in this group. The expression of PR was lower in the granulosa cell layer of tertiary and cystic follicles in treated animals, and theca interna layer had less intense immunostaining in this group. Although there were no differences in the expression of PR‐B by Western blotting, the expression of PR‐A was higher and the expression of PR‐C was smaller in the treated group. An intense HSP70 immunostaining was observed in the cells of cystic follicles. By Western blotting, higher protein expression of HSP70 was detected in the ovarian samples of the control group than those of the treated ones. Ovaries of animals with COD exhibited an altered steroid receptor expression and subtype balance as compared with control animals, and an increase in HSP70 immunoexpression.
A case of oncocytic papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Okada Atsushi , Sasaki Shoichi , Fujiyoshi Yukio , Niimi Kazuhiro , Kurokawa Satoshi , Umemoto Yukihiro , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: September 2009

Papillary renal cell carcinomas (RCC) are the second most frequently identified pathological subtypes of RCC. Occasionally, papillary RCC demonstrate pathological characteristics of renal oncocytomas (RO), benign renal tumors. We report the case of an 81‐year‐old woman with an oncocytic papillary RCC, which was difficult to differentiate from a hybrid of RO and papillary RCC, who underwent left radical nephrectomy. Morphological examination showed oncocytic tumor region and partially scattered regions with papillary structure. Immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated strongly positive staining of α‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase in the papillary region and negative staining of progesterone receptor and CD117 in both regions. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed the increased number of copies of chromosome 7 in the papillary region. Comprehensively, this case could be diagnosed as oncocytic papillary RCC. No evidence of disease recurrence was found at 12 months' follow up.
Haemodynamic, acid–base and electrolyte changes during plasma replacement with hydroxyethyl starch or crystalloid solution in young pigs
Authors: Sümpelmann R. , Schürholz T. , Marx G. , Thorns E. , Hausdörfer J.
Published: September 2009

We investigated haemodynamic, acid–base and electrolyte changes during almost total plasma replacement with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and physiological balanced electrolyte solution (PBE) by using a cell saver in ten young pigs. In the PBE group an additional 3550 (444) ml crystalloid solution [Mean (SD)] was infused over the course of the study in order to maintain pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Plasma protein levels decreased in both groups and the colloid osmotic pressure increased in HES and decreased in PBE. At the end of the study, body weight [HES 10.4 (1), PBE 13.1 (1.4) kg, P < 0.01] and lactic acid concentration [HES 0.9 (0.3), PBE 2.9 (1.3) mmol.l −1, P < 0.01] was higher and tissue oxygen delivery [HES 327 (22), PBE 89 (29) ml.min·m2, P < 0.01] was lower in the PBE group. There were only moderate acid–base changes in both groups, but at the end, anion gap was significant lower in HES. In conclusion, maintenance of colloid osmotic pressure close to the physiological range of infants seems to be advantageous during major paediatric surgery.
ANOTHER LOOK AT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INNOVATION PROXIES*
Authors: JENSEN PAUL H. , WEBSTER ELIZABETH
Published: September 2009

Shortcomings in the treatment of intangible investment in company accounts imply that there is no statistical collection for innovative activity which abides by the logic used for other economic activity data. As a consequence, analysts rely on innovation proxies derived from administrative and survey data. However, it is still unclear exactly how the different proxies are correlated, and whether the choice amongst different proxies matters. In the light of the innovation measurement, this paper takes another look at the relationship between different proxies of firm innovation. The results show that firm‐level correlations between survey‐based indicators and other proxies for innovation are highest for manufacturing firms and for product innovations.