bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The DR4–DQ8 haplotype and a specific T cell receptor Vβ T cell subset are associated with absence of allergy to Can f 1
Authors: Kinnunen T. , Taivainen A. , Partanen J. , Immonen A. , Saarelainen S. , Rytkönen‐Nissinen M. , Rautiainen J. , Virtanen T.
Published: June 2005

Background
The significance of specific T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ subtypes and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles for the development of allergy to lipocalin allergens such as the major dog allergen Can f 1 is not clear at present.

Objective
To characterize the TCR Vβ usage in the Can f 1‐specific T cell lines and the HLA class II genotypes of Can f 1‐allergic and non‐allergic subjects.

Methods
T cell lines were induced with recombinant Can f 1 from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 12 non‐atopic dog owners and 26 dog‐allergic patients. Thirteen of the dog‐allergic subjects were sensitized to Can f 1. Expression of the TCR Vβ subtypes on CD4+ T cells in the T cell lines was measured by flow cytometry. The subjects were HLA genotyped for DRB1, DQB1 and DPB1 loci.

Results
Can f 1‐specific T cell lines were obtained from 18 subjects, with either positive (n=8) or negative (n=10) skin prick tests (SPTs) to recombinant Can f 1. The frequency of TCR Vβ5.1+ T cells was significantly higher in the T cell lines of subjects with negative SPTs to the allergen. Moreover, DR4–DQ8 haplotype was over‐represented among these subjects.

Conclusion
The DR4–DQ8 haplotype and the TCR Vβ5.1+ CD4+ T cells may be protective against allergy to Can f 1.
The promiscuity of immunoglobulin E binding to peanut allergens, as determined by Western blotting, correlates with the severity of clinical symptoms
Authors: Lewis S. A. , Grimshaw K. E. C. , Warner J. O. , Hourihane J. O'B.
Published: June 2005

Background
IgE binding to a specific protein has been shown to be associated with severe anaphylaxis to hazelnuts; however, the relationship between IgE binding to specific peanut allergens and symptom severity is currently unclear.

Objective
To determine if the pattern of IgE binding to specific peanut allergens is associated with the severity of clinical symptoms.

Methods
Forty peanut allergic patients underwent a double‐blind placebo‐controlled low‐dose peanut challenge, during which the severity of the patients' peanut allergy was scored. Serum peanut‐specific IgE (psIgE) was measured and IgE binding patterns to peanut proteins analysed.

Results
Seventeen IgE binding bands were identified between 5 and 100 kDa with eight bound by >50% of patients. The total number of bands per patient correlated significantly with challenge score (P=0.001, r=0.505) and psIgE (P<0.001, r=0.820). Cluster analysis failed to reveal any association between a particular protein or pattern of proteins (based on presence/absence) and challenge score. However, two protein bands (∼43 and 41 kDa) had peak intensities that correlated positively with challenge score and a third band (∼48 kDa) that correlated negatively. The bands were identified as subunits of Ara h 3/4 and 1, respectively.

Conclusions
Promiscuity of IgE binding appears more important than the recognition of individual proteins. This may mean that clinically useful specific immunotherapy for peanut allergy will be difficult to achieve if only selected allergenic proteins are used. Further investigation of Ara h 1 and 3/4 subunits and a possible association with symptom severity are also highlighted by this study.
Perinatal risk factors for sensitization, atopic dermatitis and wheezing during the first year of life (PIPO study)
Authors: Hagendorens M. M. , Bridts C. H. , Lauwers K. , Van Nuijs S. , Ebo D. G. , Vellinga A. , De Clerck L. S. , Van Bever H. P. , Weyler J. J. , Stevens W. J.
Published: June 2005

Objective
To evaluate the influence of perinatal environmental factors on early sensitization, atopic dermatitis and wheezing during the first year.

Methods
Information on pregnancy‐related factors, parental atopic history, environmental factors and the clinical course of the infant until age one was gathered by questionnaires, as part of a prospective birth cohort study (Prospective study on the Influence of Perinatal factors on the Occurrence of asthma and allergies [PIPO‐study]). Quantification of total and specific IgE was performed in 810 children and their parents.

Results
Early sensitization was found in 107/810 (13%) of the infants. Multiple regression analysis showed that specific IgE in fathers was a risk factor for early sensitization in their daughters (adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) 2.21 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–4.49); P=0.03), whereas in boys, day care attendance was shown to be protective for early sensitization (ORadj 0.38 (95% CI 0.20–0.71); P=0.001). Atopic dermatitis occurred in 195/792 infants (25%). Specific IgE in the mother (ORadj 1.52 (95% CI 1.06–2.19); P=0.02) and in the infant (ORadj 4.20 (95% CI 2.63–6.68); P<0.001) were both risk factors for the occurence of atopic dermatitis, whereas postnatal exposure to cats was negatively associated with atopic dermatitis (ORadj 0.68 (0.47–0.97); P=0.03).

Postnatal exposure to cigarette smoke (ORadj 3.31 (95% CI 1.79–6.09); P<0.001) and day care attendance (ORadj 1.96 (95% CI 1.18–3.23); P=0.009) were significantly associated with early wheezing, which occurred in 25% (197/795) of the infants.

Conclusion
The effect of paternal sensitization and day care attendance on sensitization is gender dependent. Maternal sensitization predisposes for atopic dermatitis, whereas postnatal exposure to cats had a protective effect.
Allergic reactions in the community: a questionnaire survey of members of the anaphylaxis campaign
Authors: Uguz A. , Lack G. , Pumphrey R. , Ewan P. , Warner J. , Dick J. , Briggs D. , Clarke S. , Reading D. , Hourihane J.
Published: June 2005

Background
Allergic reactions to food are well recognized in both children and adults, but because of their relative infrequency their typical features may not be readily recognized by patients and their medical care givers who are not allergists.

Objective
We sought to investigate the circumstances and clinical characteristics of food allergies in adults and children in the community.

Methods
Self‐completed questionnaire responses over a 6‐month period from 109 members of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, the major British patient resource group for people who have suffered severe allergic reactions.

Results
One hundred and nine respondents reported 126 reactions during the study period. Seventy‐five were children (under 16 years, median age 6 years at the time of reaction). Predictably more boys than girls were reported to have had reactions but more women reported reactions than men (P<0.05). Although the groups were equally aware of their food allergies the children had undergone diagnostic tests more often (P<0.001). Foods were implicated in 112 (89%) of reports. Restaurants were implicated less often (14%) than in other series, probably reflecting British eating habits. Children with asthma reported more severe reactions than those without asthma (P=0.008), although frequency or severity of recent asthma symptoms was not associated with severity of allergic reaction reported. When available, self‐injectable adrenaline was used in 35% of severe reactions and 13% of non‐severe reactions (P=0.01). A quarter of adults who received one dose of adrenaline also received a second dose.

Conclusion
The allergens implicated in this report reflect previous data from similar patient groups in North America. Asthmatic children suffer more severe reactions than non‐asthmatic children. It appears that British adults need better access to expert care of their allergies. Even when it is prescribed and available self‐injectable adrenaline appears under‐used in severe reactions. The incidence of severe but non‐fatal allergic reactions in the UK may have been underestimated in the past.
Improvements in an oral aspirin challenge protocol for the diagnosis of aspirin hypersensitivity
Authors: Cormican L. J. , Farooque S. , Altmann D. R. , Lee T. H.
Published: June 2005

Oral aspirin challenge (OAC) is used to confirm aspirin hypersensitivity (AHs) but there is no consensus on a standardized protocol. As a prior clinical history of adverse reactions to aspirin is poorly predictive of a positive result from formal aspirin challenge, many patients have an OAC performed.

We retrospectively identified and prospectively validated how a 1‐day OAC protocol could be modified, and patient selection improved, to deliver a safe and more efficient service.

In a retrospective audit of 45 OACs using a 2 h dose interval, all reactions occurred within 90 min of the threshold dose. Forty OACs were then performed using a 90‐min dose interval. This reduced the mean duration of a positive and negative OAC from 6 to 5 h and from 8 to 6 h, respectively.

Histories of multiple manifestations of AHs were found in 91.6% (11) of those with asthma, 87.5% (7) with angiooedema, 70.6% (12) with rhinosinusitis, 63.6% (7) with chronic non‐vasculitic urticaria and all with anaphylaxis, who developed a positive OAC. None of those with anaphylaxis, 8.3% (1) with asthma and 12.5% (1) with angiooedema, with a positive OAC, had a history of a single manifestation of AHs.

The efficiency of an OAC service can safely be improved by reduction of the dose interval from 2 to 1 ½ h, and more targeted patient selection, as the likelihood of a positive OAC increases among patients with a history of asthma, angiooedoema or anaphylaxis with multiple manifestations of AHs.
Efficacy of a management plan based on severity assessment in longitudinal and case‐controlled studies of 747 children with nut allergy: proposal for good practice
Authors: Ewan P. W. , Clark A. T.
Published: June 2005

Background
There are few data on the long‐term management of children with peanut/nut allergy. Advice is variable and often inadequate; further reactions are common. There is no consensus on the criteria for prescription of rescue medication, particularly adrenaline.

Method
A longitudinal prospective and case–control study in a tertiary allergy clinic. Patients/parents/school staff of 747 children with confirmed peanut or tree nut allergy received detailed verbal and written advice on nut avoidance, training in recognition and (self‐) treatment of reactions and a written treatment plan. The severity of nut allergy was graded (mild–severe) and emergency medication was allocated according to our criteria: all received oral antihistamines, injected adrenaline (EpiPen) was given to those with reactions with airway narrowing, milder reactions to low‐dose exposure or concomitant asthma. At annual follow‐up over 25 906 patient‐months (median: 39 months) retraining was given and details of further reactions (frequency, severity and treatment) were obtained. Criteria for allocation of EpiPen were evaluated.

Results
The worst reaction pre‐enrolment was mild in 64% and moderate/severe in 36% (airway narrowing). Of 615 subjects followed up, 21% had a further reaction (eightfold reduction in frequency), mostly mild. There was a 60‐fold reduction in the frequency of severe reactions. Of those with a moderate–severe initial reaction, 99.5% had no or a less severe follow‐up reaction. No child with a mild or severe index reaction had a severe follow‐up reaction. Only 1/615 (0.2%) had a severe follow‐up reaction and only 2/615 (0.3%) used adrenaline, both successfully and had it available according to our criteria. Of mild–moderate reactions, 77% required oral antihistamines alone and 15% no treatment. Children who had follow‐up reactions had more frequent and severe reactions pre‐enrolment.

Conclusion
The management plan greatly reduced the frequency and severity of further reactions and was successful for all children. Our criteria for selective prescription of EpiPen in the context of this management plan were appropriate. This is the first study to provide evidence on which to inform practice.
Remodelling of airway smooth muscle in asthma: what sort do you have?
Authors: James A.
Published: June 2005

Background
Shortening of smooth muscle around airways is the basis of symptoms and abnormal lung function in asthma. The airway wall is increased in thickness in small and large airways asthma, in relation to the clinical severity of asthma and the airway smooth muscle layer is the main contributor to this thickening. The relative contributions of more airway smooth muscle cells, bigger cells or more extracellular matrix to the increased thickness of the smooth muscle layer in asthma is not clear and has been examined in only a small number of cases, Studies of the natural history of asthma suggest that the clinical severity of asthma is relatively constant over time, deficits in lung function compared with nonasthmatic subjects occur early in the course of the disease and the decline in lung function with age is increased in asthma.

Hypothesis
The observations from studies of the quantitative pathology and the natural history of asthma might be combined in the hypothesis that the severity of asthma is determined early (in its natural history) and is related mainly to increased volume density of airways smooth muscle cells (hyperplasia) and that later deposition of extracellular matrix from larger, hypertrophic smooth muscle cells results in fixed and increasing deficits in lung function.

Speculation
The relative contribution of more smooth muscle cells, bigger cells and extracellular matrix will be determined by unbiased stereological measurements in many cases of asthma of varying severity. The outcomes of such studies will be methods of monitoring and of treatment that will be tailored to the sort of smooth muscle modelling that is present in individual cases.
Spatial scale and benthic community organisation in the littoral zones of large oligotrophic lakes: potential for cross‐scale interactions
Authors: STOFFELS R. J. , CLARKE K. R. , CLOSS G. P.
Published: June 2005

1. We studied the spatial organisation of littoral, benthic invertebrate communities in two large oligotrophic lakes with very extensive heterogeneous littoral zones, and report that littoral communities show significant variation in their structure at multiple spatial scales.

2. At coarser scales, littoral zone topography, riparian inputs and exposure may be important drivers of community spatial structure. At finer scales, the composition of substrates, particularly macrophytes and inorganic sediments, may be drivers of community spatial structure.

3. The effects of substrates on community spatial patterns were non‐additive across scales; community‐habitat correspondence became very noisy when we attempted to extrapolate results throughout the littoral. We present some evidence to suggest that this non‐additivity is because of the interaction among structuring processes that operate at different scales.
Diversity of mitochondrial DNA of the endangered white‐clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius italicus) in the Po River catchment
Authors: ZACCARA SERENA , STEFANI FABRIZIO , CROSA GIUSEPPE
Published: June 2005

1. The strong contraction of the European populations of white‐clawed crayfish has stimulated research of its population genetics. As part of a conservation project to introduce and improve Italian populations ofAustropotamobius italicus, the genetic diversity of 16 populations from 10 tributaries of the Po River drainage was evaluated by sequencing a 494 bp length of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI mtDNA).

2. The evolutionary tree topologies and the parsimony network of 26 haplotypes separated into two clusters, on the basis of high average genetic distance (6.51 ± 0.42%). This finding indicated the presence of distinct evolutionary lineages, other than different allopatric sources.

3. An ancestral haplotype (Nav) was identified and 13 haplotypes, found mainly as singletons, were independently connected toNavby short branches with one mutation site. Unimodal mismatch distribution and the goodness‐of‐fit of the observed data reflected a model of sudden population expansion, after the last glacial bottleneck event.

4. A general moderate level of genetic variability (h = 0.22–0.7 andπ = 0.045–0.27%) was highlighted withinA. italicuspopulations inhabiting Alpine and Apennine tributaries of the Po River. Analysis of molecular variance (amova) revealed significant genetic structuring across all hierarchical levels, indicating that a major proportion of genetic variance is structured among localities within drainages. Multiple adjacent localities, strictly connected by the Po River, shared the two most frequent haplotypes (NavandLaz), while remote populations, far from the Po River inflow, move towards a mtDNA fixation.

5. The results of this study indicate that distinct populations should be treated as separate entities for management. The key implication of the data is thatad hocmeasures for successful programmes of recovery and management strategies forA. italicusconservation, such as the phylogeographic study of haplotype distribution at a local scale and the genetic variability of populations used as stock breeders, should be considered.
Stable isotopes identify dispersal patterns of stonefly populations living along stream corridors
Authors: MACNEALE KATE H. , PECKARSKY BARBARA L. , LIKENS GENE E.
Published: June 2005

1. Populations in different locations can exchange individuals depending on the distribution and connectivity of suitable habitat, and the dispersal capabilities and behaviour of the organisms. We used an isotopic tracer,15N, to label stoneflies (Leuctra ferruginea) to determine the extent of adult flight along stream corridors and between streams where their larvae live.

2. In four mass, mark‐capture experiments we added15NH4Cl continuously for several weeks to label specific regions of streams within the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH, U.S.A. We collected adult stoneflies along the labelled streams (up to 1.5 km of stream length), on transects through the forest away from labelled sections (up to 500 m), and along an 800‐m reach of adjacent tributary that flows into a labelled stream.

3. Of 966 individual adult stoneflies collected and analysed for15N, 20% were labelled. Most labelled stoneflies were captured along stream corridors and had flown upstream a mean distance of 211 m; the net movement of the population (upstream + downstream) estimated from the midpoint of the labelled sections was 126 m upstream. The furthest male and female travelled approximately 730 m and approximately 663 m upstream, respectively. We also captured labelled mature females along an unlabelled tributary and along a forest transect 500 m from the labelled stream, thus demonstrating cross‐watershed dispersal.

4. We conclude that the adjacent forest was not a barrier to dispersal between catchments, and adult dispersal linked stonefly populations among streams across a landscape within one generation. Our data on the extent of adult dispersal provide a basis for a conceptual model identifying the boundaries of these populations, whose larvae are restricted to stream channels, and whose females must return to streams to oviposit.
A novel approach to assess the impact of landuse activity on chemical and biological parameters in river catchments
Authors: JOHNSON M. J. , GILLER P. S. , O'HALLORAN J. , O'GORMAN K. , GALLAGHER M. B.
Published: June 2005

1. Natural variation in environmental parameters, as well as practical constraints in study design and sampling methodology, often pose difficulties in treating impact assessments in river catchments as controlled field experiments. It is frequently impossible to develop robust relationships between reference and test stations prior to the onset of an impact and the range of statistical tools which can be adopted in data analysis to detect a change or disturbance is limited.

2. In an attempt to overcome these problems we introduce a novel disturbance index to assess the impact of landuse activities on river systems. The index identifies differences in hydrochemical parameters and macroinvertebrate community metrics between reference and test stations (at a set level of significance). This approach allows for objective assessment of the occurrence and direction of change as well as the duration of an impact. The disturbance index can be applied at different scales – for a single stream, a catchment or a region.

3. In this paper we describe the derivation of the index and illustrate its utility through worked examples. We use the index to assess impact of clearfelling on hydrochemical parameters such as hydrogen ion concentration, total hardness, suspended solids, conductivity and nitrate concentration as well as on macroinvertebrate parameters including abundance, richness, reciprocal of Simpson's diversity index, evenness, Ephemeroptera/Plecoptera/Trichoptera (EPT) richness and percentage of EPT taxa.

4. The sensitivity of the disturbance index changes with scale of application however, and the clearfelling (CF) index has proven sensitive to the detection of even quite small changes, although in these cases ecological significance should be considered. We show that the CF index, particularly when derived from a regional scale, is a conservative index but is very robust to variation in the number of samples used in its derivation. The application of the index corresponded very well with the application of more standard statistical approaches. We believe that the index can thus be applied to other impact studies with similar project design.
Out of Cuba: overwater dispersal and speciation among lizards in theAnolis carolinensissubgroup
Authors: GLOR RICHARD E. , LOSOS JONATHAN B. , LARSON ALLAN
Published: June 2005

Overwater dispersal and subsequent allopatric speciation contribute importantly to the species diversity of West IndianAnolislizards and many other island radiations. Here we use molecular phylogenetic analyses to assess the contribution of overwater dispersal to diversification of theAnolis carolinensissubgroup, a clade comprising nine canopy‐dwelling species distributed across the northern Caribbean. Although this clade includes some of the most successful dispersers and colonists in the anole radiation, the taxonomic status and origin of many endemic populations have been ambiguous. New mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences from four species occurring on small islands or island banks (Anolis brunneus,Anolis longiceps,Anolis maynardi,Anolis smaragdinus) and one species from the continental United States (A. carolinensis) are presented and analysed with homologous sequences sampled from related species on Cuba (Anolis allisoniandAnolis porcatus). Our analyses confirm that all five non‐Cuban species included in our study represent distinct, independently evolving lineages that warrant continued species recognition. Moreover, our results support Ernest Williams's hypothesis that all of these species originated by overseas colonization from Cuban source populations. However, contrary to Williams's hypothesis of Pleistocene dispersal, most colonization events leading to speciation apparently occurred earlier, in the late Miocene–Pliocene. These patterns suggest that overwater dispersal among geologically distinct islands and island banks is relatively infrequent in anoles and has contributed to allopatric speciation. Finally, our results suggest that large Greater Antillean islands serve as centres of origin for regional species diversity.
Phylogeography, genetic structure, and diversity in the dhole (Cuon alpinus)
Authors: IYENGAR A. , BABU V. N. , HEDGES S. , VENKATARAMAN A. B. , MACLEAN N. , MORIN P. A.
Published: June 2005

The Asiatic wild dog or dhole was once very widely distributed across Asia but now has a very fragmented range. In this first genetic study of this little‐known species, we obtained information on genetic diversity, phylogeography, and social structure using both mitochondrial control region sequencing and microsatellite genotyping of noninvasive faecal samples from wild populations, as well as from museum and captive samples. A pattern largely consistent with isolation by distance across the Asian mainland was observed, with no clear subspecies distinctions. However, two major phylogeographical groupings were found across the mainland, one extending from South, Central, and North India (south of the Ganges) into Myanmar, and the other extending from India north of the Ganges into northeastern India, Myanmar, Thailand and the Malaysian Peninsula. We propose a scenario involving glaciation events that could explain this pattern. The origin of the dhole populations in Sumatra and Java is enigmatic and requires further study. Very low levels of genetic diversity were observed among wild dholes from Baluran National Park in Java, Indonesia, but in contrast, high levels were observed in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in South India.
Molecular ecology of parasites: elucidating ecological and microevolutionary processes
Authors: CRISCIONE CHARLES D. , POULIN ROBERT , BLOUIN MICHAEL S.
Published: June 2005

We review studies that have used molecular markers to address ecological and microevolutionary processes in parasites. Our goal is to highlight areas of research that may be of particular interest in relation to the parasitic lifestyle, and to draw attention to areas that require additional study. Topics include species identification, phylogeography, host specificity and speciation, population genetic structure, modes of reproduction and transmission patterns, and searching for loci under selection.
Phylogeography of Balkan wall lizard (Podarcis taurica) and its relatives inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences
Authors: POULAKAKIS N. , LYMBERAKIS P. , VALAKOS E. , PAFILIS P. , ZOUROS E. , MYLONAS M.
Published: June 2005

Wall lizards of the genus Podarcis (Sauria, Lacertidae) comprise 17 currently recognized species in southern Europe, where they are the predominant reptile group. The taxonomy of Podarcis is complex and unstable. Based on DNA sequence data the species of Podarcis falls into four main groups that have substantial geographical conherence (western island group, southwestern group, Italian group and Balkan group). The Balkan species are divided in two subgroups: the subgroup of Podarcis taurica (P. taurica, P. milensis, P. gaigeae and perhaps P. melisellensis), and the subgroup of Podarcis erhardii (P. erhardii and P. peloponnesiaca). We addressed the question of phylogenetic relations among the species of the P. taurica subgroup encountered in Greece, as they can be inferred from partial mtDNA (cyt b and 16S) sequences. Our data support the monophyly of P. taurica subgroup and suggest that P. gaigeae, P. milensis and P. melisellensis form a clade, which thereinafter connects to P. taurica. Within the previous clade, P. gaigeae is more closely related to P. milensis than to P. melisellensis. However, the specimens of P. taurica were subdivided in two different groups. The first one includes the specimens from northeastern Greece, and the other group includes the specimens from the rest of continental Greece and Ionian islands. Because the molecular clock of the cyt b and 16 rRNA genes was not rejected in our model test, it is possible to estimate times of speciation events. Based on the splitting of the island of Crete from Peloponnisos [c. 5 million years ago (Ma)], the evolutionary rate for the cyt b is 1.55% per million years (Myr) and for the 16S rRNA is 0.46% per Myr. These results suggest that the evolutionary history of P. taurica in Greece is more complex than a single evolutionary invasion. The data analysed, stress the need for a reconsideration of the evolutionary history of Greek Podarcis species and help overcome difficulties that classical taxonomy has encountered at both the species level.
Conservation genomics: disequilibrium mapping of domestic cattle chromosomal segments in North American bison populations
Authors: HALBERT NATALIE D. , WARD TODD J. , SCHNABEL ROBERT D. , TAYLOR JEREMY F. , DERR JAMES N.
Published: June 2005

Introgressive hybridization is one of the major threats to species conservation, and is often induced by human influence on the natural habitat of wildlife species. The ability to accurately identify introgression is critical to understanding its importance in evolution and effective conservation management of species. Hybridization between North American bison (Bison bison) and domestic cattle (Bos taurus) as a result of human activities has been recorded for over 100 years, and domestic cattle mitochondrial DNA was previously detected in bison populations. In this study, linked microsatellite markers were used to identify domestic cattle chromosomal segments in 14 genomic regions from 14 bison populations. Cattle nuclear introgression was identified in five populations, with an average frequency per population ranging from 0.56% to 1.80%. This study represents the first use of linked molecular markers to examine introgression between mammalian species and the first demonstration of domestic cattle nuclear introgression in bison. To date, six public bison populations have been identified with no evidence of mitochondrial or nuclear domestic cattle introgression, providing information critical to the future management of bison genetic resources. The ability to identify even low levels of introgression resulting from historic hybridization events suggests that the use of linked molecular markers to identify introgression is a significant development in the study of introgressive hybridization across a broad range of taxa.
Comparison of quantitative and molecular variation in agroforestry populations of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn) in Mali
Authors: SANOU H. , LOVETT P. N. , BOUVET J.‐M.
Published: June 2005

In this study we investigated the within‐ and between‐population genetic variation using microsatellite markers and quantitative traits of the shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa, an important agroforestry tree species of the Sudano–Sahelian region in Africa. Eleven populations were sampled across Mali and in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Leaf size and form and growth traits were measured in a progeny test at the nursery stage. Eight microsatellites were used to assess neutral genetic variation. Low levels of heterozygosity were recorded (1.6–3.0 alleles/locus; HE = 0.25–0.42) and the fixation index (FIS = −0.227–0.186) was not significantly different from zero suggesting that Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium is encountered in all populations sampled. Quantitative traits exhibited a strong genetic variation between populations and between families within populations. The degree of population differentiation of the quantitative traits (QST = 0.055–0.283, QSTmean = 0.189) strongly exceeds that in eight microsatellite loci (FST = −0.011–0.142, FSTmean = 0.047). Global and pairwise FST values were very low and not significantly different from zero suggesting agroforestry practices are amplifying gene flow (Nm = 5.07). The population means for quantitative traits and the rainfall variable were not correlated, showing variation was not linked with this climatic cline. It is suggested that this marked differentiation for quantitative traits, independent of environmental clines and despite a high gene flow, is a result of local adaptation and human selection of shea trees. This process has induced high linkage disequilibrium between underlying loci of polygenic characters.
Mitochondrial haplotypes and the New Zealand origin of clonal EuropeanPotamopyrgus, an invasive aquatic snail
Authors: STÄDLER T. , FRYE M. , NEIMAN M. , LIVELY C. M.
Published: June 2005

The small aquatic snailPotamopyrgus antipodarumis an important invading species in Europe, Australia and North America. European populations are generally believed to derive from accidental introductions from New Zealand, probably dating back to the mid‐19th century. We have employed mitochondrial DNA sequences to test the proposed New Zealand origin of EuropeanPotamopyrgus, and to learn more about its genealogical history. Using a 481‐bp region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, we identified 17 distinct haplotypes among 65 snails from New Zealand. In marked contrast, only two haplotypes were found across all European samples, which cover a large geographical area. Importantly, these two haplotypes are shared with snails from the North Island of New Zealand. Due to sampling limitations we cannot rule out a South Island origin for one of the haplotypes, but our results clearly demonstrate the New Zealand origin of European populations. The marked divergence among the two European haplotypes implies the successful colonization by two distinct mitochondrial lineages, which is consistent with previous data based on nuclear markers.
Relationships between specific serum IgE, cytokines and polymorphisms in the IL‐4, IL‐4Rα in patients with penicillins allergy
Authors: Qiao H.‐L. , Yang J. , Zhang Y.‐W.
Published: June 2005

Background:  Excessive production of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐13 and interferon (IFN)‐γ is thought to be important in the development of allergic disease and atopy. Several investigators have linked the IL‐4 and IL‐4R genes to allergic disease and atopy. The aim of this study is to further explore the mechanism of penicillins allergy and evaluate the possible role of the IL‐4 C‐589T and IL‐4RαQ576R polymorphisms in modulating the allergic responses to penicillins.

Methods:  Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was used to detect eight kinds of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) to penicillins in serum. Serum levels of IL‐4, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ were measured by using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The IL‐4 C‐589T and IL‐4RαQ576R polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP).

Results:  Compared with control subjects, there were significantly higher levels of IL‐4, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ in allergic patients with positive specific IgE (P < 0.01), and the lower levels of IL‐4 and IFN‐γ were observed in allergic patients with negative specific IgE (P < 0.05). We found a growing trend of IL‐4 and IL‐13 levels with the kind increasing of positive specific IgE, and even there were significant correlations between the three kinds of cytokines and many kinds of specific IgE (P < 0.05). The IL‐4Rα*Q576 allele was significantly increased in patients with penicillins allergy compared with control subjects (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the allele was strongly associated with increased serum‐specific benzylpenicilloyl (BPO)‐, phenoxomethylpenicillanyl (PVA)‐ or ampicillanyl (APA)‐IgE levels in patients with positive specific IgE (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  These data suggest that IL‐4, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ play an important roles in penicillins allergy. The IL‐4RαQ576R polymorphism may involve in the development of penicillins allergy, and through modulating specific serum IgE levels.
Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG producing IL‐18 reduces IL‐5 production and bronchoalveolar eosinophilia induced by an allergic reaction
Authors: Biet F. , Duez C. , Kremer L. , Marquillies P. , Amniai L. , Tonnel A.‐B. , Locht C. , Pestel J.
Published: June 2005

Background:  Allergic reactions occur through the exacerbated induction of a Th2 cell type expression profile and can be prevented by agents favoring a Th1 profile. Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) is able to induce high IFN‐γ levels and has been shown to decrease experimentally induced allergy. The induction of IFN‐γ is mediated by interleukin (IL)‐12 known to be secreted upon mycobacterial infections and can be enhanced by IL‐18 acting in synergy with IL‐12.

Objective:  We evaluated the ability of a recombinant BCG strain producing IL‐18 (rBCG) to modify the Th2 type responses in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)‐dependent allergic reaction.

Methods:  Mice were injected intraperitoneally or intranasally with OVA at days 0 and 15 and exposed to an OVA aerosol challenge at days 29, 30, 31 and 34. At days 0 and 15, two additional groups of mice received OVA together with 5 × 106 colony forming units of either rBCG or nonrecombinant BCG.

Results:  A time‐course analysis of OVA‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E, IgG1 and IgG2a levels indicated no significant difference between the three groups of mice. However, following in vitro stimulation with OVA, lymph node cells from rBCG‐treated mice produced less IL‐5 and more IFN‐γ than those of mice injected with nonrecombinant BCG. In addition, 48 h after the last OVA challenge, a strong reduction of bronchoalveolar eosinophilia was found in the rBCG‐injected mice compared to the nontreated or nonrecombinant BCG‐treated groups.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that the production of IL‐18 by rBCG may enhance the immunomodulatory properties of BCG that suppress pulmonary Th2 responses and, in particular, decrease airway eosinophilia.
Molecular and cellular targets of anti‐IgE antibodies
Authors: Inführ D. , Crameri R. , Lamers R. , Achatz G.
Published: June 2005

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) was the last of the immunoglobulins discovered. It is present in very low amounts (nano‐ to micro‐gram per ml range) in the serum of normal healthy individuals and normal laboratory mouse strains and has a very short half‐life. This contrasts with the other immunoglobulin classes, which are present in much higher concentrations (micro‐ to milligram per ml range) and form a substantial component of serum proteins. Immunoglobulins play a role in homeostatic mechanisms and they represent the humoral arm of defence against pathogenic organisms. Since IgE antibodies play a key role in allergic disorders, a number of approaches to inhibit IgE antibody production are currently being explored. In the recent past the use of nonanaphylactic, humanized anti‐IgE antibodies became a new therapeutic strategy for allergic diseases. The therapeutic rational beyond the idea derives from the ability of the anti‐IgE antibodies to bind to the same domains on the IgE molecule that interact with the high‐affinity IgE receptor, thereby interfering with the binding of IgE to this receptor without cross‐linking the IgE on the receptor (nonanaphylactic anti‐IgE antibodies). Treatment with anti‐IgE antibodies leads primarily to a decrease in serum IgE levels. As a consequence thereof, the number of high‐affinity IgE receptors on mast cells and basophils decreases, leading to a lower excitability of the effector cells reducing the release of inflammatory mediator such as histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Experimental studies in mice indicate that injection of some monoclonal anti‐IgE antibodies also inhibited IgE production in vivo. The biological mechanism behind this reduction remains speculative. A possible explanation may be that these antibodies can also interact with membrane bound IgE on B cells, which could interfere the IgE production.
A new tool to evaluate the impact of chronic urticaria on quality of life: chronic urticaria quality of life questionnaire (CU‐Q2oL)
Authors: Baiardini I. , Pasquali M. , Braido F. , Fumagalli F. , Guerra L. , Compalati E. , Braga M. , Lombardi C. , Fassio O. , Canonica G. W.
Published: June 2005

Background:  Health‐related quality of Life in patients with chronic urticaria is evaluated by mean of generic instruments or questionnaire designed for skin diseases. No disease‐specific tool is now available for the assessment of chronic urticaria impact from patients’ viewpoint.

Objective:  The aim of our study is to develop and validate a new questionnaire specifically designed for the assessment of quality of life in chronic urticaria (Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire – CU‐Q2oL)

Methods:  In the development phase of CU‐Q2oL an initial list of items of 37 items was compiled and given to 80 patients with chronic urticaria; the 23 most significant items were selected and converted into questions evaluating the answers on a Likert scale of five steps. The validation procedure involved 125 patients (86 F and 39 M) (age 42.17 ± 9.24 years).

Results:  Following a statistical analysis, CU‐Q2oL showed a six‐dimensional structure and good levels of internal consistency for the extracted factors: Pruritus (0.79), Swelling (0.65), Impact on life activities (0.83), Sleep problems (0.77), Looks (0.83) and Limits (0.74). In stable conditions CU‐Q2oL showed a good reliability, ranged between 0.64 and 0.92. Responsiveness to clinical changes was accomplished.

Discussion:  These results provide evidence that CU‐Q2oL has specificity enough for being a valid tool for detecting the relative burden of CU on subjective wellbeing, and for obtaining a global evaluation both of CU impact and of treatments, taking into account the patient's point of view. The CU‐Q2oL was easily and quickly filled up and well accepted by the patients.
La mano de DIOS…was the PIAMA intervention study intervened upon?
Authors: Brunekreef B. , Van Strien R. , Pronk A. , Oldenwening M. , De Jongste J. C. , Wijga A. , Kerkhof M. , Aalberse R. C.
Published: June 2005

The PIAMA study evaluates whether application of mite impermeable mattress covers reduces exposure to mite allergen sufficiently to reduce the incidence of asthma and mite allergy. The study started in 1996. Baseline measurements of mite allergen levels were conducted on mattresses of newborn children and their parents, mostly in 1997. Mite allergen levels were surprisingly low in this study compared with previous studies among school children and infants. Mite allergen levels were measured again on mattresses in the PIAMA study in the years 2000/2001 when the children were 4 years old, and in a new study among 6–12 year old school children conducted in the fall of 2001. Data on winter climate were collected as well. In the winters of 1995/1996 and 1996/1997, which preceded and coincided with the PIAMA baseline measurements, temperatures had been extremely low, and precipitation had been extremely low as well. It is likely that these unusual winter weather conditions affected the baseline allergen levels in the PIAMA study so that the effect of the planned intervention (mite impermeable mattress covers) was considerably smaller than it could have been.
Scaling Up AIDS Treatment in Developing Countries: A Review of Current and Future Arguments
Authors: Kovsted Jens
Published: June 2005

Until recently, antiretroviral treatment against AIDS was perceived to be beyond the reach of the majority of patients in developing countries. This situation has changed drastically as international funding for AIDS treatment has swelled to several billion dollars a year. What has brought about this change? Analysis of the merit of six arguments often put forward against scaling up AIDS treatment in developing countries makes it clear that the most significant (and perhaps only) real change has been the large reduction in the price of the drugs. Although affordability is obviously a central issue, it is noticeable that most of the remaining arguments continue to be unresolved. This underlines the dangers of proceeding too fast towards treatment goals.
Exhilarating, Exhausting, Intriguing: The Report of the Africa Commission
Authors: Maxwell Simon
Published: June 2005

Book reviewed: Our Common Interest: The Report of the Africa Commission. By the Commission for Africa. London: Commission for Africa, 2005. 462pp. £10.00 pb. (forthcoming in June 2005 from Penguin Books Ltd, Our Common Interest: An Argument. 192pp. £5.00 pb.).
Should We Be Compelled to Have Identity Cards? Justifications for the Legal Enforcement of Obligations
Authors:   Perri 6
Published: June 2005

In many countries, there is a debate about whether compulsory identity card schemes are acceptable and justifiable. The UK government, for example, has now committed itself to introduce such a scheme. This case provides the main example in the article, although the argument is of general application. Justifying compulsion requires not only that there be a demonstrated and fundamental obligation upon residents in a country to identify themselves using a prescribed card, but that the duty should be so strong as to merit legal enforcement. The article considers, from first principles, various arguments for the existence of an obligation upon citizens to possess a standard state-issued form of identification and produce it when reasonably requested to do, and for the enforceability of such a duty. A distinctive argument is presented that there can be a valid but limited justification for such an obligation. However, this will not justify any compulsory identity card scheme. Many schemes will violate important additional side-constraints, and there are reasons to suspect that the British government's current proposals may do so. If the argument is accepted, then it would clarify exactly what the focus of debate about an identity card scheme should be. The argument also has wider implications for the scope of individual obligations.
Democratic Deficit or the Europeanisation of Secession? Explaining the Devolution Referendums in Scotland
Authors: Dardanelli Paolo
Published: June 2005

This article deals with the variation in the demand for self-government in Scotland – as measured by the vote in the two referendums – between 1979, when devolution was rejected, and 1997, when devolution was endorsed. The existing literature mainly deals with each of the two referendums in isolation and does not offer an explicitly comparative analysis of them. However, implicit comparisons contained in analyses of the 1997 referendum tend to identify as the main cause of the variation the ‘democratic deficit’ created by Conservative rule between 1979 and 1997, which was consistently rejected in Scotland. I take issue with this explanation on theoretical and empirical grounds and advances an alternative account grounded in an explicit comparison of the two referendums. Based on a rationalist approach, the analysis presented here identifies three key elements in the voting dynamics at the two points in time – a gap between support for self-government and the actual vote in the referendum; an interaction effect between attitudes to devolution and to independence; and the role of the European context in shaping perceptions of independence. I argue that significant change in these three variables (rather than a ‘democratic deficit’) appear to have been the most important determinants of the different results of the two referendums.
‘Pressed for Time’ – the Differential Impacts of a ‘Time Squeeze’
Authors: Southerton Dale , Tomlinson Mark
Published: June 2005

The ‘time squeeze’ is a phrase often used to describe contemporary concerns about a shortage of time and an acceleration of the pace of daily life. This paper reviews analysis of the Health and Lifestyle Survey (HALS), 1985 and 1992, and draws upon in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with twenty British suburban households, in order to shed light on ‘senses’ of time squeeze. 75% of HALS respondents felt at least ‘somewhat’ pressed for time, with variables of occupation, gender, age and consumption significantly increasing senses of being ‘pressed for time’. This is not surprising given theories of the ‘time squeeze’. However, identification of variables only offers insights into isolated causal effects and does little to explain how or why so many respondents reported feeling ‘usually pressed for time’. Using interview data to help interpret the HALS findings, this paper identifies three mechanisms associated with the relationship between practices and time (volume, co-ordination and allocation), suggesting that ‘harriedness’ represents multiple experiences of time (substantive, temporal dis-organisation, and temporal density). In conclusion, it is argued that when investigating ‘harriedness’ it is necessary to recognise the different mechanisms that generate multiple experiences of time in order for analysis to move beyond one-dimensional interpretations of the ‘time squeeze’, and in order to account for the relationship between social practices and their conduct within temporalities (or the rhythms of daily life).