bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental health attitudes, illnesses and supports and the referral of children to medical specialists
Authors: Gulhati A , Minty B
Published: March 2007

Parental illness and maternal health beliefs in the parents of a group of 40 children referred to a paediatric neurology service because of headaches were compared with illness histories and health beliefs in the parents of a matched group of 40 children presenting to the same service with recognized structural pathology, mainly epilepsy. The study focused on the mother's perceptions of her own health (current and past), on life events, social supports and on her beliefs about her own health and the validity of medical reassurance. Significant differences between the two groups were found in relation to: (a) the greater amount of illness experienced by both parents in the index group (i.e. parents of children with headaches), particularly the mothers, both as children and as adults; (b) the greater amount of illness present in the families of the index group in the 3 years prior to being seen by the neurologist; (c) the greater number of index mothers who had experienced the loss of their own mothers caused by death; (d) the greater tendency of the index mothers to express feelings of loneliness; (e) the greater proportion of index mothers who, in response to the Whiteley Attitudes to Health Questionnaire, expressed both (i) concern about serious disease in themselves, and (ii) reluctance to accept medical reassurance; (f) on the other hand, significantly more‘comparison mothers’complained of currently suffering‘many different symptoms’.
Preliminary validation of a parental adjustment measure for use with families of disabled children in rural India
Authors: Pal D K , Chaudhury G
Published: March 2007

Parental adjustment is an important outcome in child disability interventions, as well as an important mediating variable for other child and family outcomes. This is just as true in developing countries using models of community‐based rehabilitation. Previous experience with Western instruments indicated that an appropriate new measure was required. A questionnaire containing 34 attitude statements rated on a five point scale was administered to the mothers of 46 children with epilepsy in a treatment programme in rural West Bengal, India. Factor analysis was performed on the dataset. Mothers reported feelings of rejection, low self‐esteem and guilt. Four domains were derived from the factor analysis. All these attitudes are consistent with previous Indian studies on childhood disability. These preliminary findings have implications for social support and counselling intervention. Further research is necessary to validate this instrument for field studies of intervention.
A little lady called Pandora: an exploration of philosophical traditions of humanism and existentialism in nursing ill children
Authors: Holyoake D D
Published: March 2007

‘The outcomes of counselling have a lot to do with the attitudes and beliefs of the counsellor…’

This article battles its way through the contemporary philosophical assumptions regarding interactions with traumatized young people. That is, interaction by nurses as they attempt to provide‘a shoulder to cry on’, 'someone to trust’or just simply‘a hand to hold’. The young people that are nursed in the hospital setting have experienced illness, surgery and recovery to name just a few, but when confronted with being separated from their families, being frightened and needing a friend the role of nursing takes on many different facets. The child (Pandora*) a traumatized child taken from home to a new strange place, is warmly accepted by carers who seem to share a set of beliefs and assumptions about relationships and interaction. This article aims to explore the effects humanist and existentialist philosophy has had in guiding current nursing practice using extracts from his own practice and observations.
Retention of copper, cadmium and zinc in soil and its textural fractions influenced by long‐term field management
Authors: Lair G. J , Gerzabek M. H , Haberhauer G.
Published: March 2007

The present study investigated the impact of long‐term soil management on the metal retention capacity of soil. We examined the sorption behaviour of Cu, Cd and Zn in soils and in the various particle‐size fractions of these soils, which had been amended with farmyard manure, mineral fertilizers or were fallow for 38 years in a long‐term field experiment. The soils investigated contained different amounts and origins of organic matter and differed in soil pH, but the mineral phase showed less response to the different soil managements. Batch adsorption and desorption experiments as well as a sequential fractionation schema, which defines seven geochemical fractions, were used to investigate the retention properties of soil. Sequential extraction was conducted with original as well as with metal‐spiked soils. Results showed that amounts of Cu, Cd and Zn retained differed by a factor of more than 3 among the treatments in the long‐term field experiment, when a massive concentration of metal was added to soil. An increased sorption on smaller particle size fractions occurred (clay ≫ silt > fine sand ≥ coarse sand) due to the larger surface area as well as the greater carbon content in the smaller fractions. Soil sorption behaviour in another long‐term field experiment was estimated based on the present particle‐sorption data. Differences in the sorption behaviour were related to differences in soil mineralogy and amounts of Fe‐ and Mn‐oxides. Fractionation of the original and the metal‐spiked soil underlined the contribution of organic matter to sorption capacity (sequence: Cu ≫ Cd > Zn). Different organic matter contents and a different soil pH considerably changed the amounts of metals in the defined geochemical fractions. Freshly added Cu, Cd and Zn ions were found mainly in more mobile fractions. In contrast, metals in non‐spiked soils appeared in less‐mobile fractions reflecting their long‐term sorption behaviour.
Predictive modelling of C dynamics in the long‐term fertilization experiment at Bad Lauchstädt with the Rothamsted Carbon Model
Authors: Ludwig B. , Schulz E. , Rethemeyer J. , Merbach I. , Flessa H.
Published: March 2007

Models are important for predicting how soil organic carbon alters with changing environment and management. We tested three different ways of parameterizing the Rothamsted Carbon Model in four treatments from the long‐term static fertilization experiment at Bad Lauchstädt. Four bare fallow plots were also used to test different ways of parameterizing the model. Model version 1 used Δ14C to estimate the amount of inert organic matter whereas in versions 2 and 3 a long‐term bare fallow treatment was used to estimate this amount. In version 1, C inputs were optimized from the long‐term data. In version 2, crop inputs were estimated from published functions that relate C inputs to crop yields. In version 3, C inputs (average or minimum data) were taken from actual measurements of crop and root residues. In both versions 2 and 3, rhizodeposition was included as additional input of 50% (winter wheat, spring barley) or 35% (potatoes, sugar beet) of the C input by crop and root residues. The performance of the three versions decreased in the order 3 > 2 ≫ 1. Model efficiency and root mean square error were 0.86 and 6.1 for version 3 and 0.81 and 7.0 for version 2. Overall, our results indicate the need for a long‐term treatment for calibration. Setting total C inputs as a function of crop yield performed satisfactorily. Measurements of crop and root residues gave a good representation of total C inputs when carbon from rhizodeposition was included as additional input.
SYMPOSIUM: Immobilized Enzymes in Food Systems
Authors: OLSON N. F. , RICHARDSON T.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTS

Economics of immobilization and characteristics of immobilized enzymes and substrates which are important in treatment of foods are discussed. Methods of immobilizing enzymes and activity and stability of enzymes which may be used in food processing and analyses are controlled and limited by the properties of foods. Specific immobilized enzymes which have been used or show promise for use in food processing and analysis are described.
EXTENSION OF POST‐HARVEST STORAGE LIFE OF SLICED CELERY
Authors: JOHNSON C. E. , von ELBE J. H. , LINDSAY R. C.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTS

Precooled, ascorbic acid treatcd, and control fresh sliced celery samples of varying maturities were evaluated for physical and sensory quality attributes after 6 days post‐harvest refrigerated storage and subsequent canning. Sensory evaluations indicated that early harvested celery was of lower quality than optimum or late harvested celery. Shear‐press firmness measurements were similar for celery samples of different maturities. Pre‐storage cooling of sliced celery, either by vacuum or hydrocooling, improved celery quality. Ascorbic acid additions decreased the rate of browning development on cut surfaces, and was effective in extending the refrigerated shelf life of celery when combined with vacuum or hydrocooling. Drained weight and firmness of canned celery from all treatments increased with post‐harvest refrigerated storage time prior to canning.
A REDUCED EFFLUENT BLANCH‐COOLING METHOD USING A VIBRATORY CONVEYOR
Authors: BROWN G. F. , BOMBEN J. L. , DIETRICH W. C. , HUDSON J. S. , FARKAS D. F.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTS

A new vibratory conveyor, blanching‐cooling method using the individual quick blanch (IQB) principle was tested. Heating of piece‐form foods in steam was done on two stacked circular vibrating conveyor trays. Adiabatic holding was done in an insulated vertical tube. Blancher liquid was atomized into the air used for cooling the product. Solids losses, COD and effluent volume for green beans, carrots and peas were much less than that of best commercial practice. The feasibility of using vibratory conveyors, adiabatic holding in bulk and cooling with blancher liquid was demonstrated. Preliminary estimates show a saving in steam, water and effluent costs over best commercial practice.
STABILIZATION OF CAROTENOIDS IN DRIED CITRUS FLAVEDO
Authors: BRADDOCK R. J. , KESTERSON J. W.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTS

Low temperature (‐10°F) was considerably more effective than addition of antioxidants for preservation of the carotenoid pigments in stored, dehydrated citrus flavedo. Flavedo dehydrated under conditions similar to commercial practices for dried citrus pulp resulted in losses during drying of from 30–90% of the pigments present in the fresh flavedo. Pigment losses increased with increasing drying temperatures (210°F. 225°F, 290°F). Addition of an antioxidant to the flavedo prior to dehydration aided in retention of pigments during processing. However, none of the common antioxidants effectively prevented pigment destruction during storage of dehydrated flavedo. Much more flavedo color and pigment retention was achieved by carefully controlling dehydration parameters than by adjusting storage variables.
EFFECT OF BROILING, GRILL FRYING AND MICROWAVE COOKING ON MOISTURE, SOME LIPID COMPONENTS AND TOTAL FATTY ACIDS OF GROUND BEEF
Authors: JANICKI L. J. , APPLEDORF H.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTS

Raw and cooked ground beef patties were analyzed for moisture, crude fat, total cholesterol and total fatty acid content. The patties were cooked by broiling, grill frying and microwave radiation (2450 MHz). In addition, broiled and frozen patties were reheated by microwaves and analyzed. Compositional differences between patties prepared by broiling and grill frying were not significant. Patties processed by microwaves were lower in moisture and crude fat as compared to those prepared by the other methods. All cooking treatments except microwave decreased cholesterol content significantly compared to raw patties; however, the differences between cooking treatments were not significant. Loss of cholesterol was proportionately less than the decrease in crude fat. Sixteen fatty acids were identified in the total lipid extract. The fatty acids C14, C16, C16:1, C18, C18:1 and C18:2 accounted for approximately 94% of the total acid measured. Significant percent composition changes occurred in the C16, C18.1 and C18:2 fatty acids as a result of the various cooking methods. The C16 acid underwent the greatest percent loss during cooking and was still further reduced in the microwave reheated precooked patties. The percent of C18:1 and C18:2 acids increased following all cooking treatments. The ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids was increased by all cooking methods with the greatest increase noted in the precooked microwave reheated patties.
INFLUENCE OF CURING INGREDIENTS AND STORAGE TIME ON THE QUALITY OF PREBLENDED SAUSAGE MEATS AND FRANKFURTERS
Authors: WALDMAN R. C. , WESTERBERG D. O. , SIMON S.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTS

Meats were refrigerated up to 4 days with different salt levels, with and without sodium nitrite and sodium isoascorbate. Franks manufactured from these meats were evaluated during shelf life. Taste testing indicated that frankfurter desirability decreased with meat storage. Salt at 1.5% was effective in inhibiting bacterial growth and caused less rancidification than 3% salt. Franks prepared from meats containing salt and cure remained satisfactory. Cured pigment conversion and residual nitrite levels in finished products were marginally reduced by preblending compared with conventionally prepared product. Sodium isoascorbate addition reduced residual nitrite. Frankfurter stability, measured by weight change during water cooking, was not affected by preblending meats with salt.
CORRELATIONS BETWEEN SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE MEASUREMENTS APPLIED TO GRAPE JELLY
Authors: QUINLAN MARY C. , BARGMANN ROLF E. , EL‐GALALLI YAHYA M. , POWERS JOHN J.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTS

Nine experimental lots of grape jelly were made with different amounts of pectin and dextrose or invert syrup replacements for sucrose. A commercial grape jelly was used as a reference. The jellies were evaluated for acceptability, appearance (color and sheen), flavor and texture (spreadability and mouth feel). The pH, percent soluble solids, percent sag, shear force required to puncture the gel, percent dextrose and gas‐liquid chromatographic (GLC) profiles of an extract‐concentrate of the jellies were also determined. A computer program which calculates a contingency table for products and score levels was applied to the data to determine the intervals between scores and to feed back the data on a random basis to determine whether the panelists were showing true preference or their choices were approaching randomness. One can thus compare the evidence on experimental and simulated data and decide for himself whether he agrees with any chosen level of significance. Flavor and texture were almost equally correlated with acceptability. Although appearance was less well correlated, this was not because it was unimportant but because the range was less. The various multiple correlation coefficients were calculated. Greater differentiation between products was attained by using the percent sag and shear force measurements in combination with GLC peaks than by using GLC peaks alone. The products tested fell into three categories: the commercial product received the highest preference rating followed by the experimental products containing from 5–7g of pectin; the high pectin (8g) received the lowest preference rating.
Various Dietary Fats Differentially Change the Gene Expression of Neuropeptides Involved in Body Weight Regulation in Rats
Authors: Dziedzic B. , Szemraj J. , Bartkowiak J. , Walczewska A.
Published: March 2007

Various high‐fat diets are obesogenic but not to the same extent. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of saturated fat n‐6 and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the central neuropeptidergic system in adult rats. Using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation, we evaluated the net effect of feeding in these fats, comparing the effects of a high‐ to low‐fat diet, and the diversity of the effects of these fats in the same amount within the diet. We also determined plasma lipids, glucose, insulin and leptin concentrations. Six‐week feeding with high‐saturated fat evoked hyperpahagia and the largest weight gain compared to both high‐PUFA diets. Rats fed high‐saturated fat were found to have decreased neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and the compact zone of the dorsomedial nucleus (DMHc), unchanged pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC), galanin‐like peptide (GALP) mRNA expression in the ARC, as well as melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) and prepro‐orexin (preORX) mRNA expression in the lateral hypothalamus, compared to low‐saturated fed rats. By contrast, feeding with both high‐PUFA diets increased POMC and GALP mRNA expression in the ARC compared to the corresponding low‐fat diet and the high‐saturated fat diet. Furthermore, feeding with both low‐PUFA diets reduced NPY mRNA expression compared to the low‐saturated fat diet exclusively in the DMHc. Uniquely, the high n‐3 PUFA feeding halved MCH and preORX mRNA expression in the lateral hypothalamus compared to the other high‐fat and low n‐3 PUFA diets. In rats fed three high‐fat diets, plasma insulin and leptin concentrations were significantly increased and the type of fat had no effect on these hormone levels. Rats fed high‐saturated fat had both hyperglycaemia and hypertriacylglycerolemia and rats fed high n‐3 PUFA only had hyperglycaemia. The present study demonstrates that various forms of dietary fat differentially change the expression of neuropeptide genes involved in energy homeostasis.
Vaso‐reactivity of isolated bovine intra‐mammary artery to endogenous prostanoids and nitric oxide
Authors: TRAKRANRUNGSIE N. , WILL J. A.
Published: March 2007

The modulatory role of locally produced cyclooxygenase products and endothelium‐derived nitric oxide in controlling vascular tone was investigated in bovine intra‐mammary artery. Vascular reactivity initiated by vasoactive compounds, endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), bradykinin (BK), and substance P (SP) was measured isometrically in an isolated tissue bath. The effects of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10−5M) and an inhibitor of nitric oxide production, Nω‐Nitro L‐Arginine (L‐NNA: 3 x 10−4M) were determined during agonistmediated responses. Indomethacin alone markedly enhanced vascular contraction produced by ET‐1, while L‐NNA did not. Inhibition of endothelium‐derived nitric oxide synthesis by L‐NNA, however, significantly attenuated BK‐and SP‐induced vascular relaxations, whereas indomethacin had slight influence. The potentiation between indomethacin and L‐NNA in regulating vasomotor tone was not observed in this vascular bed. Thus, it appeared that both the cyclooxygenase and endothelium‐derived nitric oxide pathways participated in modifying vascular reactivity. Domination of one pathway over the other depended upon the agonist used to stimulate vascular tissue.
The distance to the Orion Nebula cluster
Authors: Jeffries R. D.
Published: March 2007

The distance to the Orion Nebula cluster (ONC) is estimated using the rotational properties of its low-mass pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars. Rotation periods, projected equatorial velocities and distance-dependent radius estimates are used to form an observational sin i distribution (where i is the axial inclination), which is modelled to obtain the distance estimate. A distance of 440 ± 34 pc is found from a sample of 74 PMS stars with spectral types between G6 and M2, but this falls to 392 ± 32 pc when PMS stars with accretion discs are excluded on the basis of their near-infrared excess. Since the radii of accreting stars are more uncertain and probably systematically underestimated, then this closer distance is preferred. The quoted uncertainties include statistical errors and uncertainties due to a number of systematic effects including binarity and inclination bias. This method is geometric and independent of stellar evolution models, though does rely on the assumption of random axial orientations and the Cohen & Kuhi effective temperature scale for PMS stars. The new distance is consistent with, although lower and more precise, than most previous ONC distance estimates. A closer ONC distance implies smaller luminosities and an increased age based on the positions of PMS stars in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.
Genetic structure and pathogenicity of populations ofPhytophthora infestansfrom organic potato crops in France, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
Authors: Flier W. G. , Kroon L. P. N. M. , Hermansen A. , Van Raaij H. M. G. , Speiser B. , Tamm L. , Fuchs J. G. , Lambion J. , Razzaghian J. , Andrivon D. , Wilcockson S. , Leifert C.
Published: March 2007

Genetic variation and pathogenicity ofPhytophthora infestansisolates collected from organic potato crops of the susceptible cv. Bintje and the moderately resistant cv. Santé were assessed in France, Norway, and the United Kingdom in 2001 and in Switzerland in 2001 and 2002. Population structures differed considerably between the fourP. infestanspopulations. Those from France, Switzerland and the UK were mainly clonal populations showing restricted levels of genetic diversity, whilst those from Norway were mixed A1 and A2 mating type populations with high levels of genetic diversity, suggesting periodical sexual reproduction. Isolates collected from cv. Bintje were on average more aggressive than or comparable to isolates from cv. Santé. Race complexity varied considerably between the regionalP. infestanspopulations, with isolates from France and Switzerland showing the highest number of virulence factors. In all pathogen samples but the French, isolates collected from cv. Santé were more complex than isolates collected from cv. Bintje. No directional selection towards increased aggressiveness towards the more resistant cultivar Santé was observed. This suggests that there is no shift towards increased levels of pathogenicity inP. infestanspopulations following the large‐scale introduction of more resistant potato varieties in organic production systems in Europe.
Splash dispersal of Leptosphaeria maculans pycnidiospores and the spread of blackleg on oilseed rape
Authors: Travadon R. , Bousset L. , Saint‐Jean S. , Brun H. , Sache I.
Published: March 2007

The fungus Leptosphaeria maculans causes blackleg (phoma stem canker), one of the most serious diseases of oilseed rape. The role of pycnidiospores produced during asexual reproduction is poorly documented and limits the understanding of the pathogen's population dynamics. The objectives of this study were to assess rain‐splash dispersal of pycnidiospores of L. maculans from phoma leaf spots, and transmission of the disease from oilseed rape stubble carrying pycnidia. The work was conducted in still air with either a drop generator or a rain simulator. The impact of simulated incident drops on phoma leaf spots resulted in the dispersal of L. maculans pycnidiospores within splash droplets. Ninety per cent of the spores were collected within 14 cm of the source and a few were regularly observed up to 40 cm. Pycnidiospores produced on oilseed rape stubble and dispersed by simulated rain infected oilseed rape trap plants in a spatial pattern that matched the spatial dispersal of the pycnidiospores. In the field, rain‐splash dispersal of pycnidiospores could increase the pathogen population and may enhance sexual reproduction by facilitating the mating of initially spatially separated isolates of opposite mating type.
Sensitivity of Sclerotinia homoeocarpa to demethylation‐inhibiting fungicides in Ontario, Canada, after a decade of use
Authors: Hsiang T. , Liao A. , Benedetto D.
Published: March 2007

In late 2003, nine populations of Sclerotinia homoeocarpa in Ontario Canada (seven of which had been previously sampled in early 1994, prior to the registration of sterol demethylation‐inhibiting (DMI) fungicides for turf disease control in Canada) were sampled and tested for sensitivity to propiconazole. Four of the nine populations had not been treated with DMI fungicides during the intervening years, and isolates from these locations were sensitive to propiconazole (geometric mean EC50 values of 0·005–0·012 µg mL−1, compared with 0·005–0·008 µg mL−1 for the original 1994 populations). Among the five populations from 2003 that had been exposed to DMI fungicides, mean EC50 values were significantly greater, ranging from 0·020 to 0·048 µg mL−1. A significant correlation of determination was found between estimated number of fungicide applications and log EC50 (R2 = 0·832, P = 0·0001), and the equation predicted that 42·3 applications of propiconazole would be needed to bring a sensitive population (EC50 < 0·01 µg mL−1) to a resistant level (EC50 > 0·10 µg mL−1). Fungicide sensitivity vs. duration of fungicide efficacy was also tested, and it was found that isolates with decreased sensitivity were able to more quickly overcome the inhibitory effects of fungicide application, reducing the duration of control from 3 weeks to 2 weeks.
Localized hemibiotrophy in Colletotrichum: cytological and molecular taxonomic similarities among C. destructivum, C. linicola and C. truncatum
Authors: Latunde‐Dada A. O. , Lucas J. A.
Published: March 2007

The infection process of hemibiotrophic isolates of Colletotrichum linicola (from flax, Linum usitatissimum) and C. truncatum (from broad bean, Vicia faba and lentil, Lens culinaris) was studied by light microscopy. Host surfaces were penetrated directly leading to a symptomless, biotrophic phase characterized by the elaboration of large multilobed, multiseptate, vesicular primary hyphae that were restricted to the initially infected epidermal cells. Biotrophy lasted for the first 48 h of the host‐pathogen interaction and was rapidly succeeded by a necrotrophic phase during which narrow, secondary hyphae invaded the surrounding leaf tissues and water‐soaked spreading lesions with sporulating, monosetate acervuli were produced on infected host surfaces. Molecular taxonomic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the amplified D2 and ITS‐2 regions of rDNA revealed very close similarities (97–99%) between these isolates and those of C. destructivum obtained from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and lucerne (Medicago sativa), and also of C. truncatum obtained from pea (Pisum sativum). This association was consistent with results from a comparative assessment of some in‐planta and in‐vitro morphological and growth characteristics of these hemibiotrophic fungi. It was concluded that localized hemibiotrophy is an infection strategy utilized predominantly by a closely‐related group of pathogens comprising C. destructivum, C. linicola and C. truncatum, and the formation of multilobed primary hyphae restricted to the first penetrated cell might therefore be a key taxonomic character which correlates consistently with ITS sequence data.
Infection of stem bases and grains of winter wheat by Fusarium culmorum and F. graminearum and effects of tillage method and maize‐stalk residues
Authors: Bateman G. L. , Gutteridge R. J. , Gherbawy Y. , Thomsett M. A. , Nicholson P.
Published: March 2007

The effects of tillage (ploughing vs minimum tillage) and application of chopped maize stalks on winter wheat cv. Hereward by Fusarium culmorum and F. graminearum were investigated in two 2‐year experiments in eastern England. Supplementary inoculum of each fungus (five isolates) was applied to the ground to the first wheat crop in each experiment. Infection of shoot bases (spring), stem bases (summer) and harvested grain were determined by isolating the fungi on agar media and by quantitative PCR. Stem bases were infected more frequently by F. culmorum (up to 35% where inoculum was applied) than F. graminearum (up to 22% where inoculum applied; otherwise scarce). Despite mist‐irrigation to encourage ear infection, the incidence of pathogens in grain was usually low, always less than 4% for F. culmorum, but up to 30% for F. graminearum where inoculum was applied to the ground. Lack of rainfall probably limited the dispersal of conidia from the ground to the ears. Ascospores, produced by F. graminearum (Gibberella zeae) but not F. culmorum, are less dependent on rainfall for dispersal. Infection of grains by F. graminearum was usually correlated significantly with stem infection and sometimes, negatively, with grain yield. Both conidia and ascospores were produced on the previous crop's debris, apparently in small amounts, throughout much of the year. Little horizontal (plot to plot) dispersal was evident. Non‐inversion cultivation and maize‐stalk amendments tended to decrease stem‐base disease, presumably through the effects of microbial antagonism or competition. However, the incidence of F. graminearum was increased in stem bases where maize stalks were present and in grain by both the presence of maize stalks and minimum tillage. The results support experimental data and UK survey data that non‐inversion tillage increases the risk of ear infection, especially by F. graminearum, and hence of mycotoxin contamination of grain. Maize presents an additional risk where weather conditions do not limit the proliferation of the pathogens. This is consistent with evidence from surveys that the region in which the wheat crop is grown is the main risk factor for ear infection and mycotoxin accumulation in grain.
Original article: Visual analog scales can assess the severity of rhinitis graded according to ARIA guidelines
Authors: Bousquet P. J. , Combescure C. , Neukirch F. , Klossek J. M. , Méchin H. , Daures J.‐P. , Bousquet J.
Published: March 2007

Background: The allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) guidelines provide a new classification of allergic rhinitis, but a quantitative analysis for severity assessment is lacking.

Objective: To study whether a visual analog scale (VAS) for global rhinitis symptoms could be used to assess the disease severity according to ARIA.

Methods: Three thousand fifty‐two allergic rhinitis patients seen in primary care were tested. Fifty three per cent had an objective diagnosis of allergy and 58% of the patients were treated. Patients were categorized according to ARIA guidelines. The severity of nasal symptoms was assessed using a VAS. Quality of life was measured using the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ).

Results: Severity had more impact on VAS levels than duration: mild intermittent rhinitis (3.5, 2.4–5.0 cm), mild persistent rhinitis (4.5, 3.2–5.6 cm), moderate/severe intermittent rhinitis (6.7, 5.3–7.7 cm) and moderate/severe persistent rhinitis (7.2, 6.1–8.2 cm). The receiver operating characteristic curve results showed that patients with a VAS of under 5 cm could be classified as ‘mild’ rhinitis (negative predictive value: 93.5%) and those with a VAS of over 6 cm as ‘moderate/severe’ rhinitis (positive predictive value: 73.6%). Receiver operating characteristic curves and a logistic regression showed that current treatment and allergy diagnosis have no effect on the assessment of rhinitis severity using VAS. Visual analog scale and the RQLQ global score were significantly correlated (ρ = 0.46;P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: A simple and quantitative method (VAS) can be used for the quantitative evaluation of severity of allergic rhinitis.
Review article: Efficacy of desloratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a meta‐analysis of randomized, double‐blind, controlled trials
Authors: Canonica G. W. , Tarantini F. , Compalati E. , Penagos M.
Published: March 2007

The objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of the nonsedating antihistamine, desloratadine, in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CINAHL databases was undertaken from January, 1966 to May, 2006. Double‐blind, randomized, controlled studies of desloratadine in the treatment of AR in adult patients were carried out. The measured outcomes included the total symptoms score, the total nasal symptoms score, nasal airflow, and inflammatory markers (nasal eosinophils, nasal interleukin‐4). The analysis included the calculation of standardized mean difference (SMD). A total of 57 studies were analyzed, and 13 randomized, double‐blind, controlled trials were included in the meta‐analysis. The trials included 3108 subjects who had completed studies involving desloratadine. There was significant heterogeneity among the study results, because of differing study methodologies. Desloratadine was associated with significant reductions in total symptoms scores (SMD −1.63; 95% CI −2.75 to −0.51; P = 0.004) and total nasal symptoms score (SMD −0.66; 95% CI −0.91 to −0.42; P < 0.001), when compared with placebo. Analysis of objective data on nasal blockage demonstrated a significant improvement in nasal airflow with desloratadine, when compared with placebo (SMD 0.32; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.55; P = 0.005). A benefit favoring desloratadine over placebo in terms of nasal eosinophil levels was also noted in the analysis. This meta‐analysis confirms the reduction of AR symptoms and improvement in nasal airflow seen in individual studies of desloratadine. Objective improvements in nasal airflow, total symptoms, and total nasal symptoms seen with desloratadine are supported by Ia evidence.
Original article: Two different profiles of peach allergy in the north of Spain
Authors: Gamboa P. M. , Cáceres O. , Antepara I. , Sánchez‐Monge R. , Ahrazem O. , Salcedo G. , Barber D. , Lombardero M. , Sanz M. L.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Peach allergy has two different patterns: central Europe with oral allergy syndrome (OAS) related to a primary sensitization to birch pollen Bet v 1 and profilins and southern Europe with mostly systemic symptoms, in many cases due to sensitization to lipid‐transfer proteins.

Methods:  Thirty peach‐allergic patients with positive skin and food challenge tests and 29 control subjects were included. Skin prick tests (SPT) with inhalant allergens, commercial peach and apple extracts and native Pru p 3 were performed. In vitro specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E to grass pollen, birch pollen, peach, apple, rBet v 1, rBet v 2 and rPhl p 12 was determined by CAP, and rBet v 1, rMal d 1, rMal d 4, rMal d 3 and rPru p 3 using the ADVIA‐Centaur platform. Basophil activation test (BAT) with commercial peach extract, commercial apple extract, nPru p 3, rMal d 3, rMal d 1 and rMal d 4 was also performed.

Results:  Pru p 3 was the major allergen in the patient group from northern Spain. Sensitization to this allergen was found in 100% of the patients with systemic symptoms or contact urticaria. Only 60% of OAS patients were sensitized to Pru p 3, being all of them sensitized to profilins and 60% of them to allergens of the Bet v 1 family. Specific IgE determination and BAT using recombinant allergens (rPru p 3) show specificity and sensitivity values close to 100%.

Conclusions:  Most peach‐allergic patients coming from the north of Spain present systemic symptoms after ingestion of peach, Pru p 3 being the main allergen. Patients with OAS present profilin‐Bet v 1‐related sensitization. Thus, in the north of Spain our patients show a mixed central‐south Europe pattern with LTP‐profilin‐Bet v 1 sensitization depending on the symptoms presented. The use of natural and recombinant plant allergens, allows establishing the sensitization patterns to the different allergens studied.
Original article: Rhinoconjunctivitis in 5‐year‐old children: a population‐based birth cohort study
Authors: Marinho S. , Simpson A. , Lowe L. , Kissen P. , Murray C. , Custovic A.
Published: March 2007

Background:  There is a paucity of data on the prevalence, risk factors and natural history of rhinitis in early childhood.

Objective:  Within the context of a whole‐population birth cohort we investigated the prevalence of and risk factors for current rhinoconjunctivitis (CRC) at age 5 years.

Methods:  Children were followed prospectively to age 5 years [questionnaires (n = 815), skin testing (n = 717), specific immunoglobulin E (n = 478), lung function (n = 711), dry air challenge (n = 556)]. Endotoxin and allergen exposures were measured in dust samples.

Results:  The prevalence of rhinitis ever, current rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis was 28.2%, 26.1%, and 12.1%, respectively. Asthma, wheeze and eczema coexisted with CRC (P ≤ 0.01). In a multivariate model, maternal asthma (OR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.30–4.38, P = 0.005), paternal hay fever (1.96, 1.11–3.46, P = 0.02) and sensitization to grass (3.46, 1.86–6.42, P < 0.001) and cat (2.42, 1.14–5.18, P = 0.02) remained significant and independent associates of CRC. Whilst almost half of children with CRC were nonatopic, there was little difference in risk factors between atopic and nonatopic CRC. Amongst children with current wheeze, the presence of concurrent CRC had no effect on either severity or frequency of wheezy episodes. There was no difference in specific airway resistance, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) or airway reactivity between children with and without CRC after adjustment for the presence of wheeze.

Conclusion:  Family history of allergic disease and sensitization to inhalant allergens are risk factors for rhinoconjunctivitis in preschool children. In this age group, there is no association between the presence of rhinoconjunctivitis and severity of wheeze, increased airway reactivity and reduced lung function.
Short communication: Public data mining shows extended linkage disequilibrium around ADAM33
Authors: Wjst M.
Published: March 2007

Background:  ADAM33 has been described to be the first positional cloned asthma gene. Consecutive association studies have found inconsistent results. At present no functional relevant variation is being known.

Objective:  Aim of the study was to test if genes in close physical distance could also be responsible for the observed linkage signal.

Method:  We downloaded three public single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data sets and tested if linkage disequilibrium extends beyond ADAM33.

Results:  Linkage disequilibrium extends upstream to a region including GDNF family receptor alpha (GFRA4), attractin (ATRN) and downstream to sialoadhesin (SN) with a peak recombinatory rate at ADAM33 exon S to V.

Conclusion:  Resequencing of the ADAM33 region including GFRA4, ATRN and SN is expedient.
Original article: Hepatocyte growth factor attenuates eotaxin and PGD2‐induced chemotaxis of human eosinophils
Authors: Ito W. , Chiba T. , Kanehiro A. , Kato H. , Yamaguchi K. , Ueki S. , Kayaba H. , Chihara J.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is known to influence a number of cell types, and regulate various biologic activities including cell migration, proliferation, and survival. In a recent study, we found that, in vivo, HGF suppresses allergic airway inflammation, i.e. the infiltration of inflammatory cells including eosinophils into the airway, and further, that HGF reduces Th2 cytokine levels; however, the directly physiologic role of HGF with eosinophils remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the potential of recombinant HGF to regulate the factor‐induced chemotaxis of human eosinophils.

Methods:  Eosinophils were isolated from subjects with mild eosinophilia by modified CD16‐negative selection. After culture with or without recombinant HGF, esoinophil chemotaxis was measured by Boyden chamber and KK chamber.

Results:  Treatment with HGF prevented eotaxin or prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)‐induced chemotaxis of eosinophils. Moreover, we demonstrated that extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases as well as the enhancement of Ca2+ influx, which are indispensable for eosinophil chemotaxis, were attenuated by HGF treatment.

Conclusion:  Taken together, these data suggest that in allergic diseases, HGF not only mediates eosinophils through the inhibition of Th2 cytokines, but also regulates the function of eosinophils directly, provides further insight into the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of allergic reactions.
Original article: Polymorphisms in eosinophil pathway genes, asthma and atopy
Authors: Kabesch M. , Depner M. , Dahmen I. , Weiland S. K. , Vogelberg C. , Niggemann B. , Lau S. , Illig T. , Klopp N. , Wahn U. , Reinhardt D. , Von Mutius E. , Nickel R.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Eosinophilic inflammation is considered to play an important role in the development as well as in the perpetuation of asthma. As eosinophil production and survival is under genetic control we investigated whether polymorphisms in eosinophil regulation pathway genes (IL‐3, IL‐5, GM‐CSF and their respective enhancers and receptors) may influence the development of atopic diseases.

Methods:  In two large study populations of children, the German part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC II) and the German Multicentre Atopy Study (MAS), 3099 and 824 children, seven polymorphisms previously associated with the development of atopic diseases were genotyped: two in and around the GM‐CSF gene (Ile117Thr and T3085G), one in IL‐3 (Pro27Ser), in IL‐5 (C‐746T), and in the IL‐5 high affinity receptor chain IL‐5R (G‐80A) and two in the common receptor chain CSFR2b for IL‐3, IL‐5, and GM‐CSF (Asp312Asn and Glu249Gln). Statistical analyses were performed using chi‐squared tests and variance analyses. Gene by gene interactions were evaluated in logistic regression models.

Results:  The T allele at position −746 in the IL‐5 gene was significantly protective for atopy in the ISAAC II population (P = 0.006). Furthermore, the risk for atopic asthma was decreased in carriers of the T allele (P = 0.036) and evidence for interaction with the enhancer polymorphism 3085 bp 3′ of GM‐CSF was detected.

Conclusions:  IL‐5 C‐746T influenced atopic outcomes and showed evidence for gene by gene interaction. No significant associations were found with all other tested polymorphisms in the eosinophil regulation pathway after correction for multiple testing.
Short communication: An occupational respiratory allergy caused by Sinapis alba pollen in olive farmers
Authors: Anguita J. L. , Palacios L. , Ruiz‐Valenzuela L. , Bartolomé B. , López‐Urbano Ma. J. , Sáenz de San Pedro B. , Cano E. , Quiralte J.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Sinapis alba (white mustard) is a entomophilic species included in the Brassicaceae family. To date it has not been related to allergic sensitization or clinical respiratory disease.

Methods:  Twelve olive orchard workers had a history of rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma that occurred during control weed management and/or harvest, from January to March. They underwent skin prick tests (SPT) with S. alba pollen extract and a standard battery of aeroallergens. Sinapis alba pollen extract was prepared for performing quantitative skin tests, enzyme allergosorbent test and nasal challenge test (NCT). A portable monitoring station and an urban volumetric Hirst‐type spore trap were used for the aerobiological study.

Results:  Eleven patients suffered from rhinitis and bronchial asthma and one had only from rhinitis. All patients were sensitized to S. alba pollen extract, and they showed a positive NCT response. In the urban aerobiologic monitoring station the amount of S. alba pollen only exceptionally reached peaks of 21 grains/m3, whereas in the work environment peaks of 1801 grains/m3 were detected between 15 February and 7 April.

Conclusions:  We demonstrate the existence of a new occupational allergen for olive farmers: S. alba pollen. We point out the importance of perform aerobiological sampling within the occupational environment for the detection and quantification of the allergenic source.
Original article: Myrmecia pilosula (Jack Jumper) ant venom: identification of allergens and revised nomenclature
Authors: Wiese M. D. , Brown S. G. A. , Chataway T. K. , Davies N. W. , Milne R. W. , Aulfrey S. J. , Heddle R. J.
Published: March 2007

Background:  The ‘Jack Jumper Ant’ (JJA; Myrmecia pilosula species complex) is the major cause of ant sting anaphylaxis in Australia. Our aims were to determine the allergenicity of previously described venom peptides in their native forms, identify additional allergens and if necessary, update nomenclature used to describe the allergens according to International Union of Immunological Societies criteria.

Methods:  Various polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis methods were used to separate JJA venom. Gel resolved venom was Western‐blotted and probed with individual sera taken from patients with a history of JJA sting anaphylaxis and immunoglobulin E radioallergosorbent test (IgE RAST) tracer uptakes of >1% to whole venom.

Results:  Of 67 available sera, 54 had RAST uptakes >1%. Thirteen IgE binding bands were identified using these sera. Pilosulin 3, [Ile5]pilosulin 1, and pilosulin 4.1 were recognized by 42 (78%), 18 (33%) and nine (17%) of the 54 sera that were tested. Immunoglobulin E‐binding proteins with estimated molecular masses of 6.6, 22.8, 25.6, 30.4, 32.1, 34.4 and 89.8 kDa were each recognized by three or more individual sera. Two of these (25.6 and 89.8 kDa) were recognized by 46% and 37% of sera, respectively.

Conclusion:  Nomenclature used to describe JJA venom allergens has been revised. Pilosulin 3 (Myr p 2) is the only major allergen, whilst [Ile5]pilosulin 1 (Myr p 1), and pilosulin 4.1 (Myr p 3) are minor allergens. There are an additional five IgE‐binding proteins that require further characterization before they can be named as allergens. These findings provide a framework for standardizing venom extracts for diagnosis and immunotherapy.
Original article: Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) polymorphisms and association with asthma, s‐ECP levels and related phenotypes
Authors: Munthe‐Kaas M. C. , Gerritsen J. , Carlsen K. H. , Undlien D. , Egeland T. , Skinningsrud B. , Tørres T. , Carlsen K. L.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a potent cytotoxic secretory protein with bactericidal and antiviral properties. ECP is released by activated eosinophils and regarded as a marker of eosinophilic inflammation. High levels of ECP have been reported in cases of active asthma and other allergic diseases. This study aimed to assess whether three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ECP gene (RNASE3) on chromosome 14 q24–q31 or their haplotypes are associated with asthma, allergy, or related phenotypes.

Methods:  The three SNPs −38CA, +371CG and +499CG in RNASE3 and their haplotypes were analyzed for associations with asthma, serum‐ECP (s‐ECP) levels, allergic sensitization (positive skin‐prick test to common allergens), bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) assessed by methacholine inhalation, and serum‐IgE (s‐IgE) levels in 177 families from Norway and the Netherlands identified through siblings with asthma.

Results:  Transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) demonstrated significant associations between the A‐G‐G haplotype and asthma as well as the specific phenotypes allergic asthma (but not non‐allergic asthma), high s‐ECP, high s‐IgE and BHR, while the C‐G‐G haplotype was associated with reduced occurrence of these traits. In addition, the −38A allele was associated with high s‐ECP levels and allergic asthma.

Conclusion:  The present study suggests that the A‐G‐G haplotype in the RNASE3 gene influences the development of asthma, in particular, an allergic form of asthma. Furthermore, as the −38CA SNP lies in close vicinity of known intron‐regulatory sites, results of SNP analysis suggest that the detected association is possibly linked to a genetic transcriptional control of s‐ECP levels.