bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BSACI guidelines for the management of allergic and non‐allergic rhinitis
Authors: Scadding G. K. , Durham S. R. , Mirakian R. , Jones N. S. , Leech S. C. , Farooque S. , Ryan D. , Walker S. M. , Clark A. T. , Dixon T. A. , Jolles S. R. A. , Siddique N. , Cullinan P. , Howarth P. H. , Nasser S. M.
Published: August 2010

This guidance for the management of patients with allergic and non‐allergic rhinitis has been prepared by the Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI). The guideline is based on evidence as well as on expert opinion and is for use by both adult physicians and paediatricians practicing in allergy. The recommendations are evidence graded. During the development of these guidelines, all BSACI members were included in the consultation process using a web‐based system. Their comments and suggestions were carefully considered by the SOCC. Where evidence was lacking, consensus was reached by the experts on the committee. Included in this guideline are clinical classification of rhinitis, aetiology, diagnosis, investigations and management including subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy. There are also special sections for children, co‐morbid associations and pregnancy. Finally, we have made recommendations for potential areas of future research.
The influence of processing factors and non‐atopy‐related maternal and neonate characteristics on yield and cytokine responses of cord blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Sullivan Dillie K. T. , Tisler C. J. , DaSilva D. F. , Pappas T. E. , Roberg K. A. , Carlson‐Dakes K. T. , Evans M. D. , Rosenthal L. A. , Gangnon R. E. , Gern J. E. , Lemanske R. F.
Published: August 2010

Rationale
Several studies have evaluated the associations between cord blood cellular responses and atopic diseases in children, but the results of these studies are inconsistent. Variations in blood processing factors and maternal and infant characteristics are typically not accounted for and may contribute to these inconsistencies.

Methods
Cord blood samples were obtained from 287 subjects participating in the Childhood Origins of ASThma project, a prospective study of children at high risk for the development of asthma/allergies. Mononuclear cells were stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), phorbal myristate acetate/ionomycin or a suspension of killed staphylococcus, and IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and IL‐13 were quantitated by ELISA. Cell yields and cytokine production were related to processing factors and maternal and infant characteristics.

Results
The strongest relationships between independent variables and cell yield or cytokine responses occurred with the season of birth. The highest median cell yields were seen in fall, and the lowest in summer (difference of 47%, P=0.0027). Furthermore, PHA‐induced IL‐5 and IL‐13 responses were approximately 50% higher in spring and summer than in fall or winter (P<0.0001). Clots in the cord blood samples were associated with a reduced median cell yield (42% reduction, P<0.0001), and an increased PHA‐induced IL‐10 secretion (27% increase, P=0.004).

Conclusions
These data suggest that season of collection, and to a lesser extent clotting in samples, affect cord blood mononuclear cell yield and cytokine responses. Careful documentation and analysis of processing and environmental variables are important in understanding biological relationships with cytokine responses, and also lead to greater comparability among studies using these techniques.
Oral allergy syndrome and anaphylactic reactions in BALB/c mice caused by soybean glycinin and β‐conglycinin
Authors: Liu X. , Feng J. , Xu Z. R. , Wang Y. Z. , Liu J. X.
Published: August 2010

BackgroundSoybean protein is used in a number of food products but is also a common cause of food allergy. Soybean glycinin and β‐conglycinin represent up to one‐third of protein in the soybean. Many reports have indicated that glycinin and β‐conglycinin have been characterized as major soybean allergens involved in food hypersensitivity.

ObjectiveTo investigate oral allergy syndrome and anaphylactic reactions in BALB/c mice caused by soybean glycinin and β‐conglycinin with an intragastric feeding protocol without using an adjuvant.

MethodsBALB/c mice were sensitized by gavages with glycinin and β‐conglycinin, and allergen‐specific IgE and IgG1 responses were studied by a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis assay. Serum histamine release and blood pressure were measured according to other methods. Epithelium and mast cell dye used the method of light microscopy.

ResultsSensitization with soybean allergens induced high levels of antigen‐specific IgE and IgG1 and increased serum histamine in BALB/c mice. Percentiles of intact mast cell of small intestine in mice sensitized with glycinin and β‐conglyinin significantly decreased for 28 days. Degranulation of mast cells and damage of the epithelium in the small intestine of mice sensitized with globulins were observed. The level of blood pressure in sensitized mice reached a minimum at 3 h.

ConclusionSoybean‐specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies increased, with high levels of histamine release, severe degranulation of mast cells and damage of the epithelium of small intestine in mice sensitized with glycinin and β‐conglyinin.
Omalizumab is more effective than suplatast tosilate in the treatment of Japanese cedar pollen‐induced seasonal allergic rhinitis
Authors: Nagakura T. , Ogino S. , Okubo K. , Sato N. , Takahashi M. , Ishikawa T.
Published: August 2010

Background
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) induced by Japanese cedar pollens is a major problem in Japan. Omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody, improves symptoms associated with SAR, but a comparative study with an anti‐allergy drug has not yet been conducted.

Objective
To compare the efficacy and safety of omalizumab with suplatast tosilate, a selective T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine inhibitor, in patients with Japanese cedar pollen‐induced SAR.

Methods
A randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy study was conducted in 308 Japanese patients with a history of moderate‐to‐severe SAR who showed a CAP‐RAST value (2+) specifically to Japanese cedar pollens. Patients were treated for 12 weeks with omalizumab plus placebo of suplatast tosilate or suplatast tosilate plus placebo of omalizumab.

Results
The mean daily nasal symptom medication scores (sum of the daily nasal symptom severity score and daily nasal rescue medication score) were significantly lower in the omalizumab group than in the suplatast tosilate group during three evaluation periods (P<0.001). The omalizumab group also had significantly lower mean daily nasal severity scores, each of the mean daily nasal and ocular symptom severity scores (sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and red eyes). Omalizumab reduced rescue medication requirements, and the proportion of days with any rescue medication use in the omalizumab group was significantly lower. Serum‐free IgE levels markedly decreased in the omalizumab group and it was associated with clinical efficacy. The adverse reaction profiles were similar between the two groups. The overall incidence of injection site reactions was higher in the omalizumab group than in the suplatast tosilate group, but all these events were of mild degree. No anti‐omalizumab antibodies were detected.

Conclusion
Omalizumab showed significantly greater improvements than suplatast tosilate in the treatment of SAR induced by Japanese cedar pollens.
Maternal vitamin D intake during pregnancy increases gene expression of ILT3 and ILT4 in cord blood
Authors: Rochat M. K. , Ege M. J. , Plabst D. , Steinle J. , Bitter S. , Braun‐Fahrländer C. , Dalphin J‐C. , Riedler J. , Roponen M. , Hirvonen M‐R. , Büchele G. , Renz H. , Lauener R. , Krauss‐Etschmann S. , Von Mutius E. ,   the PASTURE Study group
Published: August 2010

Background
Recent studies indicate that prenatal vitamin D intake may protect against the development of atopic diseases in young children. Vitamin D has been shown to induce tolerogenic antigen‐presenting cells such as dendritic cells. Whether the allergy‐protective potential of prenatal vitamin D is mediated through such mechanisms is, however, unknown.

Objective
To evaluate the association between prenatal vitamin D supplementation and tolerogenic antigen‐presenting cells in cord blood (CB) as determined by mRNA measurement of immunoglobulin‐like transcripts (ILT)3 and ILT4.

Methods
A prospective multi‐centre birth cohort was established in rural areas of five European countries. Information on maternal exposures including vitamin D intake was collected by questionnaires during pregnancy. The gene expression of ILT3 and ILT4 was analysed by real‐time PCR in the CB of 927 children. Maternal vitamin D supplementation was assessed in Finland and France (n=349).

Results
Maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy was associated with an increase in the gene expression of ILT3 (P=0.012) and ILT4 (P<0.001). This association remained significant for ILT4 (P=0.020) and showed a positive trend for the gene expression of ILT3 (P=0.059) after multivariate analysis controlling for various confounders.

Conclusions
Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may increase the mRNA levels of ILT3 and ILT4 in CB. This finding may point towards an early induction of tolerogenic immune responses by maternal vitamin D intake.

Cite this as: M. K. Rochat, M. J. Ege, D. Plabst, J. Steinle, S. Bitter, C. Braun‐Fahrländer, J‐C. Dalphin, J. Riedler, M. Roponen, M‐R. Hirvonen, G. Büchele, H. Renz, R. Lauener, S. Krauss‐Etschmann, E. von Mutius and the PASTURE Study group, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 786–794.
Sialyl Lewis X modification of the epidermal growth factor receptor regulates receptor function during airway epithelial wound repair
Authors: Allahverdian S. , Wang A. , Singhera G. K. , Wong B. W. , Dorscheid D. R.
Published: August 2010

Background
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a major regulator of airway epithelial cell (AEC) functions such as migration, proliferation and differentiation, which play an essential role in epithelial repair. EGFR is a glycoprotein with 12 potential N‐glycosylation sites in its extracellular domain. Glycosylation of EGFR has been shown to modulate its function. Previously, our laboratory demonstrated an important role of the carbohydrate structure sialyl Lewis x (sLex) in airway epithelial repair.

Objective
To examine whether an sLex decoration of EGFR can modulate receptor function during AEC repair.

Methods
Primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were cultured in vitro. Co‐localization of sLex and EGFR was examined using confocal microscopy. Expressions of RNA and protein were analysed using RT‐PCR and Western blotting. The final step in the synthesis of sLex was catalysed by a specific α‐1,3‐fucosyltransferase (FucT‐IV). To evaluate the role of sLex in EGFR activation, a knockdown of the FucT‐IV gene with small interfering RNA (siRNA) and an inhibitory anti‐sLex antibody (KM‐93) was used.

Results
We demonstrated a co‐localization of sLex with EGFR on NHBE cells using confocal microscopy. Using a blocking antibody for sLex after a mechanical injury, we observed a reduction in EGFR phosphorylation and epithelial repair following injury. FucT‐IV demonstrates a temporal expression coordinate with epithelial repair. Down‐regulation of FucT‐IV expression in NHBE by specific siRNA suppressed sLex expression. The use of FucT‐IV siRNA significantly reduced phosphorylation of EGFR and prevented epithelial repair. An immunohistochemical analysis of human normal and asthmatic airways showed a significant reduction in sLex and tyrosine‐phosphorylated EGFR (pY845‐EGFR) in the epithelium of asthmatic subjects compared with that of normal subjects.

Conclusion
The present data demonstrate that sLex, in association with EGFR, in NHBE is coordinate with repair. This glycosylation is important in modulating EGFR activity to affect the repair of normal primary AEC.

Cite this as: S. Allahverdian, A. Wang, G. K. Singhera, B. W. Wong and D. R. Dorscheid, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 607–618.
Primary prevention with hydrolysed formula: does it change natural onset of allergic disease?
Authors: Sinn J. , Osborn D. A.
Published: August 2010

Cite this as: J. Sinn and D. A. Osborn, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 534–535.
Molecular diagnosis in allergy
Authors: Sastre J.
Published: August 2010

Development and progress made in the field of recombinant allergens have allowed for the development of a new concept in allergy diagnosis, molecular diagnosis (MD), which makes it possible to identify potential disease‐eliciting molecules. Microarray‐based testing performed with a small amount of serum sample enables clinicians to determine specific‐IgE antibodies against multiple recombinants or purified natural allergen components. Performance characteristics of allergens so far tested are comparable with current diagnostic tests, but have to be confirmed in larger studies. The use of allergen components and the successful interpretation of test results in the clinic require some degree of knowledge about the basis of allergen components and their clinical implications. Allergen components can be classified by protein families based on their function and structure. This review provides a brief overview of basic information on allergen components, recombinants or purified, currently available or soon to become commercially available in ImmunoCAP or ISAC® systems, including names, protein family and function. Special consideration is given to primary or species‐specific sensitization and possible cross‐reactivity, because one of the most important clinical utility of MD is its ability to reveal whether the sensitization is genuine in nature (primary, species‐specific) or if it is due to cross‐reactivity to proteins with similar protein structures, which may help to evaluate the risk of reaction on exposure to different allergen sources. MD can be a support tool for choosing the right treatment for the right patient with the right timing. Such information will eventually give clinicians the possibility to individualize the actions taken, including an advice on targeted allergen exposure reduction, selection of suitable allergens for specific immunotherapy, or the need to perform food challenges. Nevertheless, all in vitro tests should be evaluated together with the clinical history, because allergen sensitization does not necessarily imply clinical responsiveness.

Cite this as: J. Sastre, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1442–1460.
Inhibitor(s) of natural anti-cardiolipin autoantibodies
Authors: KRA-OZ Z , LORBER M , SHOENFELD Y , SCHARFF Y
Published: August 2010

IgG fractions were purified on Sepharosc anti-human IgG column from eight sera of healthy donors, having no anti-cardiolipin (aCL) activity as measured by anti-cardiolipin ELISA assay (aCL-ELISA). All the IgG fractions, after elution with 4.9 m MgCl2, reacted with CL. The antigen-binding characteristics of the IgG fractions purified from normal human serum (NHS) were similar to those of IgG fractions purified from sera of four patients with the anti-phospholipid syndrome (APLS). Competition assay confirmed the specificity of the binding of the purified IgG fractions to CL. The same results have been achieved with IgG fractions purified on Sepharose Protein-A column. The binding to CL was completely inhibited by either whole NHS and sera from various animal species, or by β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI). Our results support the notion of the existence of both natural anti-CL antibodies and serum inhibitor(s) in sera of healthy individuals. It is conceivable that in part the pathogenesis of APLS entails defects in the natural inhibitors of aCL antibodies.
Induction of autoimmune disease by graft-versushost reaction across MHC class II difference: modification of the lesions in IL-6 transgenic mice
Authors: KIMURA T , SUZUKI K , INADA S , HAYASHI A , SAITO H , MIYAI T , OHSUGI Y , MATSUZAKI Y , TANAKA N , OSUGA T , FUJIWARA M
Published: August 2010

We examined the effect of IL-6 on the development of autoimmune diseases (primary biliary cirrhosis. Sjögren's syndrome) employing murine grari-versus-host reaction (GVHR) model with MHC class II disparity. For this purpose, we used IL-6 transgenic(B6.6) mice in which a high level of IL-6 was detected. C57B1/6 (B6) spleen T cells were injected into B6.6 mated with B6.C-H-2(bml2) mutant mice ((bmi2x B6.6)FI) and GVHR with MHC class II disparity was induced. The iransgenic hybrid mice with GVHR showed a larger spleen index and contained a higher serum level of IL-6 than those without GVHR. Autoimmune-like lesions in transgenic recipients became weakened compared with those in non-transgenic (bml2 x B6)F1 recipients. In contrast, levels of antimitochondrial antibodies in (bm 12 x B6.6)FI GVHR group were signiiicantly higher than that of (bml2 X B6)FI GVHR group. These results indicate that lL-6 excessively produced in vivo might regulate the progression of autotmmune diseases.
Hypoxia attenuates effector–target cell interaction in the airway and pulmonary vascular compartment
Authors: Meyer S , Z'graggen B R , Blumenthal S , Borgeat A , Ganter M T , Reyes L , Booy C , Neff T A , Spahn D R , Beck-Schimmer B
Published: August 2010

Leucocyte infiltration is known to play an important role in hypoxia-induced tissue damage. However, little information is available about hypoxia and interaction of effector (neutrophils) with target cells (alveolar epithelial cells, AEC; rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells, RPAEC). The goal of this study was to elucidate hypoxia-induced changes of effector–target cell interaction. AEC and RPAEC were exposed to 5% oxygen for 2–6 h. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression was determined and cell adherence as well as cytotoxicity assays were performed. Nitric oxide and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) production was assessed in target cells. Under hypoxic conditions enhanced ICAM-1 production was found in both cell types. This resulted in an increase of adherent neutrophils to AEC and RPAEC. The death rate of hypoxia-exposed target cells decreased significantly in comparison to control cells. Nitric oxide (NO) concentration was enhanced, as was production of HSP70 in AEC. Blocking NO production in target cells resulted in increased cytotoxicity in AEC and RPAEC. This study shows for the first time that target cells are more resistant to effector cells under hypoxia, suggesting hypoxia-induced cell protection. An underlying mechanism for this phenomenon might be the protective effect of increased levels of NO in target cells.
T cells in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Fletcher J M , Lalor S J , Sweeney C M , Tubridy N , Mills K H G
Published: August 2010

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), which involves autoimmune responses to myelin antigens. Studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for MS, have provided convincing evidence that T cells specific for self-antigens mediate pathology in these diseases. Until recently, T helper type 1 (Th1) cells were thought to be the main effector T cells responsible for the autoimmune inflammation. However more recent studies have highlighted an important pathogenic role for CD4+ T cells that secrete interleukin (IL)-17, termed Th17, but also IL-17-secreting γδ T cells in EAE as well as other autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. This has prompted intensive study of the induction, function and regulation of IL-17-producing T cells in MS and EAE. In this paper, we review the contribution of Th1, Th17, γδ, CD8+ and regulatory T cells as well as the possible development of new therapeutic approaches for MS based on manipulating these T cell subtypes.
IL‐18 gene polymorphism, cardiovascular mortality and coronary artery disease
Authors: Hernesniemi Jussi A. , Anttila Kaisa , Nieminen Tuomo , Kähönen Mika , Mononen Nina , Nikus Kjell , Turjanmaa Väinö , Viik Jari , Lehtinen Rami , Lehtimäki Terho
Published: August 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (11): 994–1001

Background  Interleukin 18(IL‐18) is a pro‐atherosclerotic cytokine. Elevated IL‐18 levels and the genetic variation of the IL‐18 have been previously linked with acute coronary events and cardiovascular mortality among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied the possible association between the IL‐18 gene polymorphism and cardiovascular mortality during follow‐up among Finnish patients who had undergone a clinical exercise stress test, in addition to the possible effect on the expression of angiography‐verified CAD.

Materials and methods  A total of 2152 patients of the Finnish Cardiovascular Study (cohort study) were followed up for 6·3 years and cardiovascular mortality was recorded. Angiography was performed on 461 patients. Genotyping of five common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IL‐18 gene was performed using the 5′nuclease assay for allelic discrimination with the ABI Prism 7900HT Sequence Detection System.

Results  Among the study population, IL‐18 gene polymorphism did not associate with cardiovascular mortality. According to adjusted binary regression analysis, the male carriers of one major haplotype (the only ones carrying the t allele of the +127 C/t SNP) had a lower occurrence rate for significant CAD defined as > 50% stenosis in at least one of the main branches of the coronary arteries (OR 0·495, 95% CI 0·862–0·284, P = 0·041). No associations were observed among women. The sex‐by‐genotype interaction was significant (P = 0·033).

Conclusions  The IL‐18 gene was not found to associate significantly with mortality. Among patients who had coronary angiography, one major haplotype of the IL‐18 gene has a gender‐dependent different impact on the expression of CAD.
The H+/M2+ exchange stoichiometry of calcium and zinc adsorption by ferrihydrite
Authors: KINNIBURGH D. G.
Published: August 2010

The specific adsorption of Ca2+ and Zn2+ by ferrihydrite results in the net release of H+. The rate and H+/M2+ exchange stoichiometry of this reaction were monitored with a pH‐stat. A rapid reaction of less than 6 min was followed by a slower reaction which continued at a diminishing rate for at least 2 days. Adsorption of Ca2+ at pH 7.8 and Zn2+ at pH 5.4 resulted in the net release of 0.92 and 1.70 mol H+/mol M2+ adsorbed, respectively. For Zn2+ adsorption, this stoichiometry was shown to be independent of pH. These estimates agree well with independent estimates based on the pH dependence of adsorption. The difference between the Ca2+ and Zn2+ stoichiometries was related to the differing acidity of the –OH2 ligands attached to the adsorbed ions.
Pedo‐transfer functions for estimating unsaturated hydraulic properties of Portuguese soils
Authors: GONÇALVES M. C. , PEREIRA L. S. , LEIJ F. J.
Published: August 2010

The measurement of unsaturated soil hydraulic properties is expensive and time consuming. These properties are hence frequently predicted with so‐called pedo‐transfer functions (PTFs) using basic soil properties (e.g. particle‐size distribution, organic matter content and bulk density). In this study PTFs are developed by regression between hydraulic data and basic soil properties. Parameters are quantified for: (i) the retention model of van Genuchten using 80 soil profiles with a total of 230 retention curves, and (ii) the conductivity model of Gardner using 20 soil profiles and 129 hydraulic conductivity curves. The profiles represent the main soil families in Portugal, ranging from coarse sands to heavy clays. The PTFs derived from data for all soils provide a fairly poor description of the hydraulic parameters because of the heterogeneity of the profiles. The description of several parameters is improved by using PTFs that are developed for more homogeneous soils grouped according to their particle‐size distribution. A further improvement is achieved by including the water contents at 2·5 cm, 100 cm, and 15 000 cm water suctions in the retention PTFs, or the saturated hydraulic conductivities in the conductivity PTFs.
Following the decomposition of ryegrass labelled with13C and15N in soil by solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: HOPKINS D. W. , CHUDEK J. A. , WEBSTER E. A. , BARRACLOUGH D.
Published: August 2010

Investigating the biogeochemistry of plant material decomposition in soil has been restricted by difficulties extracting and identifying organic compounds. In this study the decomposition of13C‐ and15N‐labelledLolium perenneleaves mixed with mineral soil has been investigated over 224 days of incubation under laboratory conditions. Decomposition was followed using short‐term rates of CO2evolution, the amounts of13C and15N remaining were determined by mass spectrometry, and13C and15N solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to characterize chemically the plant material as it decomposed. After 224 days 48% of the added13C had been lost with a rapid period of C02evolution over the first 56 days. The fraction of cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (CP MAS)13C NMR spectra represented by O‐alkyl‐C signal probably in carbohydrates (chemical shift, 60–90 p.p.m.) declined from 60 to 20% of the spectrum (chemical shift, 0–200 p.p.m.) over 224 days. The rate of decline of the total13C exceeded that of the 60–90 p.p.m. signal during the first 56 days and was similar thereafter. The fraction of the CP MAS13C NMR spectra represented by the alkyl‐ and methyl‐C (chemical shift, 10–45 p.p.m.) signal increased from 5 to 14% over the first 14 days and was 19% after 224 days. CP MAS13C NMR of13C‐ and15N‐L. perennecontained in 100‐μm aperture mesh bags incubated in the soil for 56 days indicated that the remaining material was mainly carbohydrate but there was an increase in the alkyl‐ and methyl‐C associated with the bag's contents. After 224 days incubation of the labelled13C‐ and15N‐L. perennemixed with the soil, 40% of the added N had been lost. Throughout the incubation there was only one signal centred around 100 p.p.m. detectable in the CP MAS15N NMR spectra. This signal corresponded to amide15N in peptides and may have been of plant or microbial origin or both. Although there had been substantial interaction between the added15N and the soil microorganisms, the associated redistribution of15N from plant to microbial tissues occurred within the amide region. The feasibility of following some of the component processes of plant material decomposition in soil using NMR has been demonstrated in this study and evidence that microbial synthesis contributes to the increase in alkyl‐ and methyl‐C content of soil during decomposition has been represented.
Analysing flow patterns from dye tracer experiments in a forest soil using extreme value statistics
Authors: Bogner C. , Wolf B. , Schlather M. , Huwe B.
Published: August 2010

Preferential flow of water in soil is now recognized as a common phenomenon. It results in complex flow patterns that can be visualized by dye tracers and increases the risk of pollutants reaching greater depths. We analysed the behaviour of a risk index for vertical solute propagation based on extreme value theory. This risk index can be calculated from binary images of dye‐stained soil profiles and is defined as the form parameter of the generalized Pareto distribution. We did five tracer experiments with Brilliant Blue and iodide under changing initial (variable initial soil moisture) and experimental conditions (different irrigation rates). Our results indicate some persistence of the risk index against small changes of experimental conditions such as the irrigation rate. On the other hand, it seems to be affected by initial soil moisture. Comparisons of Brilliant Blue and iodide patterns show that the form parameter alone is not sufficient to estimate the risk of vertical solute propagation. Therefore we propose to combine the risk index with the scale parameter of the generalized Pareto distribution.
Loss of pesticides from a litchi orchard to an adjacent stream in northern Thailand
Authors: Kahl G. , Ingwersen J. , Nutniyom P. , Totrakool S. , Pansombat K. , Thavornyutikarn P. , Streck T.
Published: August 2010

In the hill country of northern Thailand use of agrochemicals is increasing steadily and contaminating streams and groundwater. We have measured pesticide leached from a litchi orchard to an adjacent stream and identified the flow components contributing to the pesticide transport after installing two discharge measurement stations with automatic water samplers in the stream. For 2 years, between June and September, we applied methomyl, and in 1 year additionally chlorothalonil, to the 2‐ha orchard and monitored water fluxes and pesticide concentrations in the stream water. Pesticide loads ranged from 1.6 to 3% of mass applied for chlorothalonil, a strongly sorbing fungicide, and 6.4–11.4% for the more weakly sorbing insecticide methomyl. Directly after application, pesticide transport was dominated by a fast flow component, reaching the flume before the discharge peak. Later, pesticides were transported mainly by preferential interflow, which peaked about 30 hours after a rain event. The groundwater pathway was not found to contribute to pesticide loss. Antecedent rain conditions proved to be important for the pesticide transport behaviour. While at the beginning of the rainy season large falls of rain did not lead to pesticide contamination, at the end of the season pesticide transport was induced by as little as 0.1 mm of rain. The occurrence of preferential interflow means that the hilly regions in northern Thailand are highly susceptible to contamination by pesticides used by farmers.
Radiolucent inflammatory jaw lesions: a twenty‐year analysis
Authors: Becconsall‐Ryan K. , Tong D. , Love R. M.
Published: August 2010

Becconsall‐Ryan K, Tong D, Love RM. Radiolucent inflammatory jaw lesions: a twenty‐year analysis. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 859–865, 2010.

Aim  To determine the range and demographic and clinical features of radiolucent inflammatory jaw lesions.

Methodology  Histopathology reports were reviewed to identify radiolucent jaw lesions. There were no clinical exclusive criteria, and the samples represented a wide range of clinical presentation and treatment history from multiple providers. Data were analysed using SPSS. To evaluate concordance of clinical and histological diagnoses, the clinician’s provisional diagnosis was compared with the final histopathological diagnosis.

Results  A total of 17 038 specimens were reviewed; of these, 4983 (29.2%) were radiolucent jaw lesions, of which inflammatory lesions accounted for 72.8% (n = 3626). Periapical granulomas (59.7%) were the largest group followed by radicular cysts (29.2%). The mean age was 44 years (range 2–100 years), men and women were equally represented and the anterior maxilla was the most common site for the biopsied lesions. A provisional diagnosis was correct for only 48.3% of periapical granulomas and 36% of radicular cysts.

Conclusions  This study included all presentations of periapical radiolucent lesions and showed that the incidence of cystic change in periapical lesions of endodontic origin is high at approximately 30% of all inflammatory lesions. Notwithstanding the relative frequencies, demographics and location of radiolucent inflammatory lesions presenting in the New Zealand population are comparable to that of other populations. No inflammatory radiolucent lesion can be reliably accurately diagnosed from clinical presentation and/or radiographic appearance alone.
Endogenous reactive oxygen species content and modulation of tyrosine phosphorylation during sperm capacitation
Authors: Donà G. , Fiore C. , Tibaldi E. , Frezzato F. , Andrisani A. , Ambrosini G. , Fiorentin D. , Armanini D. , Bordin L. , Clari G.
Published: August 2010

Generation of controlled amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of protein tyrosine (Tyr) residues are two main cellular changes involved in sperm capacitation. This study examined the relationship between tyrosine‐phosphorylation (Tyr‐P) and endogenous ROS production during sperm capacitation, and correlated them with both sperm motility and functionality expressed as acrosome‐reacted cells. Immediate ROS generation was observed to peak after a 45‐min incubation, followed by a rapid decrease in ROS content and successive regeneration of the ROS peak in 3 h and later. These two peaks were directly correlated with both the Tyr‐P process involving sperm heads and tails, and the acrosome reaction (69 ± 8% and 65 ± 4%, respectively). The period of low‐ROS content resulted in low Tyr‐P patterns, located exclusively in the cell midpiece, and drastic reduction in acrosome‐reacted cells. Ascorbic acid addition inhibited both Tyr‐P patterns and acrosome reactions, whereas NADPH induced high ROS generation, with Tyr‐P patterns located only on sperm tails, and prevented the acrosome reaction. Sperm hyperactivation was insensitive to ROS content. This is an important parameter for evaluation of sperm capacitation, which is achieved only when both ROS generation reaches a peak and Tyr‐P involves the sperm head.
Juvenile xanthogranuloma of the oral cavity: a case report
Authors: PATEL A. V. , MEECHAN J. G. , SOAMES J. V.
Published: August 2010

Summary. A 3 ½‐year‐old girl presented with a symptomless lump on her tongue which had been present for 8 months. A provisional diagnosis of fibroepithelial polyp was made and no treatment was carried out. Six months later the lump had increased in size and it was excised. Histological examination led to a diagnosis of juvenile xanthogranuloma. One year later the lesion had not recurred.

Une fillette de 3 ans et demi présentait une tumeur asymptomatique de la langue depuis 8 mois, diagnostiquée comme polype fibroepithélial. Aucun traitement n'avait été entrepris. Six mois plus tard, la tumeur avait augmenté volume et a été excisée. L'examen histologique a montré un xantho granulome juvénile. Un an après, la tumeur n'avait pas récidivé.

Ein 3 ½ altes Kind zeigte ein symptomloses Geschwür auf der Zunge seit 8 Monaten. Die Diagnose lautete Fibroepithelialer Polyp, vorläufig ohne jegliche Therapie. 6 Monate später hat dieses Geschwür an Grösse zugenommen und wurde deshalb herausgeschnitten. Die Histologie ergab die Diagnose eines Juvenilen Xanthogranulomes. Bei ein postoperativer Kontrolle nach 1. Jahr konnte kein Rezidiv festgestellt werden.

Una niña de 3 ½ años se presentó con una elevación asintomática en la lengua presente por 8 meses. Se hizo un diagnóstico provisional de pólipo fibroepitelial sin ningun tratamiento. Seis meses mas tarde, la elevación aumento de tamaño y fue removida. El diagnóstico histológico demostró un xantogranuloma juvenil. Un año mas tarde no hubo recurrencia.
Primary Sjogren's syndrome and rampant dental caries in a 5‐year‐old child
Authors: NATHAVITHARANA K. A. , TARLOW M. J. , BEDI R. , SOUTHWOOD T. R.
Published: August 2010

Summary. A 5‐year‐old boy of Pakistani parents first presented with rampant dental caries and later developed bilateral parotid gland enlargement accompanied by intermittent nocturnal fever, anorexia, lethargy and weight loss. Investigations revealed anaemia, hypergammaglobulinacmia, elevated non‐specific indices of inflammation, a reduced Schirmer's test value, lymphocytic infiltration and some atrophy of the parotid gland. The parotid gland enlargement, low Schirmer's test value and salivary gland biopsy showing non‐focal lymphocytic infiltration led to the. diagnosis of primary Sjogren's syndrome. The present case report highlights the need for health professionals to be aware that Sjogren's syndrone is a possible, if rare. predisposing cause of rampant dental caries in children.
Ameloblastic fibroma: report of two cases
Authors: JUNQUERA L. M. , ALBERTOS J. M. , FLORIANO P. , CALVO N. , SANTOS J.
Published: August 2010

Summary. The ameloblastic fibroma is an odontogenic tumour with an unusual presentation. It is considered to have both epithelial and mesenchymal elements, but it läcks any calcifled dental structures. Two new cases are presented. The first of these began as a mandibular tumour whereas the second was discovered by chance. The radiographic finding in each case was a unilocular cystic radiolucency. Treatment consisted of excisional biopsy by enucleation in both patients. Histopathological findings were consistent with ameloblastic fibroma.
Gondwanan radiation of the Southern Hemisphere crayfishes (Decapoda: Parastacidae): evidence from fossils and molecules
Authors: Toon Alicia , Pérez‐Losada Marcos , Schweitzer Carrie E. , Feldmann Rodney M. , Carlson Michael , Crandall Keith A.
Published: August 2010

Aim  The sequential break‐up of Gondwana is thought to be a dominant process in the establishment of shared biota across landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere. Yet similar distributions are shared by taxa whose radiations clearly post‐date the Gondwanan break‐up. Thus, determining the contribution of vicariance versus dispersal to seemingly Gondwanan biota is complex. The southern freshwater crayfishes (family Parastacidae) are distributed on Australia and New Guinea, South America, Madagascar and New Zealand and are unlikely to have dispersed via oceans, owing to strict freshwater limitations. We test the hypotheses that the break‐up of Gondwana has led to (1) a predominately east–west (((Australia, New Zealand: 80 Ma) Madagascar: 160–121 Ma) South America: 165–140 Ma), or (2) a southern (((Australia, South America: 52–35 Ma) New Zealand: 80 Ma) Madagascar: 160–121 Ma) pattern for parastacid crayfish. Further, we examine the evidence for a complete drowning of New Zealand and subsequent colonization by freshwater crayfish.

Location  Southern Hemisphere.

Methods  The evolutionary relationships among the 15 genera of Parastacidae were reconstructed using mitochondrial [16S, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)] and nuclear (18S, 28S) sequence data and maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods of phylogenetic reconstruction. A Bayesian (multidivtime) molecular dating method using six fossil calibrations and phylogenetic inference was used to estimate divergence time among crayfish clades on Gondwanan landmasses.

Results  The South American crayfish are monophyletic and a sister group to all other southern crayfish. Australian crayfish are not monophyletic, with two Tasmanian genera, Spinastacoides and Ombrastacoides, forming a clade with New Zealand and Malagasy crayfish (both monophyletic). Divergence of crayfish among southern landmasses is estimated to have occurred around the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (109–178 Ma).

Main conclusions  The estimated phylogenetic relationships and time of divergence among the Southern Hemisphere crayfishes were consistent with an east–west pattern of Gondwanan divergence. The divergence between Australia and New Zealand (109–160 Ma) pre‐dated the rifting at around 80 Ma, suggesting that these lineages were established prior to the break‐up. Owing to the age of the New Zealand crayfish, we reject the hypothesis that there was a complete drowning of New Zealand crayfish habitat.
Studies on β‐turn of peptides
Authors: SATO KAZUKI , SUGAWARA RIKA , NAGAI UKON
Published: August 2010

The effect of changing 1st and 4th amino acid residues on β‐turn preference of tetrapeptide sequences was studied by use of CD spectra of the chromophoric derivatives, which have Dnp‐ and pNA‐groups as the amino and carboxyl substituents, respectively. The effect was examined with the tetrapeptides having such sequences at the 2nd and 3rd positions as ‐L‐Pro‐L‐Asn‐, ‐L‐Pro‐Gly‐, ‐L‐Pro‐D‐Ala‐, ‐L‐Ala‐D‐Leu‐, ‐L‐Ala‐L‐Pro‐, and ‐D‐Ala‐L‐Pro‐. The β‐turn preferences estimated from the CD intensities of the bands due to exciton interaction were found to depend largely on the configurations of the 1st and 4th amino acid residues. When 1st and 2nd (or 3rd and 4th) residues had the same configuration, decreased intensity of the CD band was observed even if the internal sequence had high β‐turn preference. Terminal Gly residues were favorable for the β‐turn conformation in many of the tetrapeptide sequences examined.
Scandinavian clinical practice guidelines on general anaesthesia for emergency situations
Authors: JENSEN A. G. , CALLESEN T. , HAGEMO J. S. , HREINSSON K. , LUND V. , NORDMARK J.
Published: August 2010

Emergency patients need special considerations and the number and severity of complications from general anaesthesia can be higher than during scheduled procedures. Guidelines are therefore needed. The Clinical Practice Committee of the Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine appointed a working group to develop guidelines based on literature searches to assess evidence, and a consensus meeting was held. Consensus opinion was used in the many topics where high‐grade evidence was unavailable. The recommendations include the following: anaesthesia for emergency patients should be given by, or under very close supervision by, experienced anaesthesiologists. Problems with the airway and the circulation must be anticipated. The risk of aspiration must be judged for each patient. Pre‐operative gastric emptying is rarely indicated. For pre‐oxygenation, either tidal volume breathing for 3 min or eight deep breaths over 60 s and oxygen flow 10 l/min should be used. Pre‐oxygenation in the obese patients should be performed in the head‐up position. The use of cricoid pressure is not considered mandatory, but can be used on individual judgement. The hypnotic drug has a minor influence on intubation conditions, and should be chosen on other grounds. Ketamine should be considered in haemodynamically compromised patients. Opioids may be used to reduce the stress response following intubation. For optimal intubation conditions, succinylcholine 1–1.5 mg/kg is preferred. Outside the operation room, rapid sequence intubation is also considered the safest method. For all patients, precautions to avoid aspiration and other complications must also be considered at the end of anaesthesia.
Patient safety systems in the primary health care of diabetes—a story of missed opportunities?
Authors: Taub N , Baker R , Khunti K , Camosso‐Stefinovic J , Mehta R. L. , Weston C. L. , Mainous A. G.
Published: August 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1322–1326 (2010)

Aims  Key elements of a patient safety system include mechanisms for identifying errors or safety events, methods for investigating the events and processes for acting on the findings of the investigations. A patient safety system for management of diabetes in primary care might help to reduce adverse outcomes. The aims of this study were to review the current state of research into patient safety systems for people with diabetes in primary care.

Methods  MEDLINE, EMBASE and nine other biomedical and health management databases were searched for articles published up to April 2009. Selection and review of abstracts were carried out independently by two authors.

Results  Abstracts of 1659 articles were identified, of which only three fulfilled the selection criteria, and these did not appear in mainstream primary care journals. These papers covered the applications of root cause analysis, videoconferencing and automated telephone support to patient safety systems for managing diabetes in primary care.

Conclusions  There is very little evidence on how patient safety systems for the management of primary care diabetes can be implemented, or on how the effectiveness of such systems can be maximized. If patient safety systems do have potential to improve the processes and outcomes of care, the lack of relevant research may be regarded as a missed opportunity—investigation into the reasons for the situation is needed, with the aim of motivating and enabling further research on a range of problems identified here.
Crisis in the Resurgent City? The Rise of Copenhagen
Authors: ANDERSEN HANS THOR , WINTHER LARS
Published: August 2010

Copenhagen today appears to be a resurgent city and city region. It came back to life in the mid‐1990s and, until recently, has shown marked growth in key variables such as jobs, income and inhabitants, primarily as a result of the rise and spatial dynamics of its service‐ and knowledge‐based economy. Its resurgence is also evident in the central municipalities that 20 years ago struggled with the repercussions of a long‐term urban crisis. Financially, the central city was almost doomed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and the city of Copenhagen was close to bankruptcy. Central‐city development was characterized by a set of eroding processes that included de‐industrialization, suburbanization, high unemployment rates, high welfare costs, an outdated housing market, strong segregation and various other factors. Copenhagen city and its city region have now been revitalized and today are a strong national centre of economic growth. Although one can catch glimpses of the crisis in key variables, urban turn remains strong; for instance, up to now, rising unemployment has been seen mainly outside the large urban areas in Denmark. However, the housing‐market bubble has burst and other signs of crisis have been appearing since as early as 2006. Nevertheless, the city is far removed from the gloomy days of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Copenhague apparaît aujourd'hui comme une ville et une région métropolitaine en résurgence. Après sa résurrection au milieu des années 1990, elle a affiché, jusqu'à dernièrement, des variables clés en nette croissance (dont emplois, revenus et habitants), principalement grâce à l'essor et à la dynamique spatiale de son économie fondée sur les services et le savoir. Sa résurgence se manifeste également dans les municipalités du centre qui luttaient vingt ans plus tôt contre les répercussions d'une longue crise urbaine. Sur le plan financier, le centre‐ville était quasiment condamnéà la fin des années 1980 et au début des années 1990, et la ville de Copenhague frôlait la faillite. L'aménagement du centre‐ville se caractérisait par un ensemble de mécanismes destructeurs comprenant désindustrialisation, mouvement de suburbanisation, taux de chômage importants, coûts sociaux élevés, marché du logement dépassé, forte ségrégation, ainsi que plusieurs autres facteurs. À présent, la ville de Copenhague et sa région métropolitaine ont repris vie et constituent un pôle national solide de croissance économique. Même si on peut entrevoir quelques incidences de la crise sur les variables clés, le revirement se maintient; par exemple, jusqu'à maintenant, l'augmentation du chômage se constate surtout hors des grandes zones urbaines danoises. Toutefois, la bulle du marché du logement a éclaté et d'autres signes de crise ont fait leur apparition dès 2006. Néanmoins, la ville est loin de la période sombre de la fin des années 1980 et du début des années 1990.
Garicoits—
Authors: Bird Richard
Published: August 2010

New activity opportunities presented themselves as the project progressed. Many of our initial ideas were replaced, improved upon, and rejected. Brother Terry, who is the activity coordinator at Garicoits, received our requests to decorate, garden, paint, and use the workshop always with a very willing agreement. We were glad to always be given a free hand.
Have we met?
Authors: McConkey Roy , Naughton Mary , Nugent Una
Published: August 2010

Over 160 adults attending day workshops for people with mental handicap were interviewed regarding the persons they had talked to in the community and who was usually with them on these occasions. The number of community contacts was heartening, with most occurring around the neighbourhood, fewer in the city, and least of all at home. However, there were only three groups of people with whom the majority of respondents had recent contact – local shopkeepers, bus conductors, and chemists. In general, community contacts were rarely in the company of friends – cinema‐going was the only exception. Usually they were with their family, or alone.

Results from surveys of this type can help to establish the effectiveness of our social education programmes, can challenge parental assumptions about their son or daughter's abilities, and can identify groups within the community who would best benefit from guidance on how to interact with a person who is mentally handicapped.