bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antigenic and phenotypic modifications of Yersinia pestis under calcium and glucose concentrations simulating the mammalian bloodstream environment
Authors: Feodorova Valentina A , Golova Alina B
Published: April 2005

To study the possible mechanism of extracellular resistance to phagocytes developed byYersinia pestisin the early stage of plague infection, the behaviour of twoY. pestisstrains, the vaccine EV-76 and fully virulent 231 (LD50, 10 c.f.u.), was studied in-depth after cultivationin vitroat the host temperature in conditions simulating the bloodstream environment of mammals. For this, two standard basal media supplemented with calcium and glucose in appropriate concentrations were employed: Hottinger broth, routinely used for growth ofY. pestis in vitro, and RPMI 1640, simulating human extracellular fluid. Although both media permittedY. pestisto achieve the resistant state, RPMI enabled significantly higher bacterial proliferation and increased modifications in the production of the principal surface antigens that affect the relevant phenotype characteristics. In general, our results indicate that theY. pestisbacteria in the resistant state do not produce species-specific antigens, i.e. fraction 1 or F1, ‘murine’ toxin or Ymt, plasminogen activator (Pla) and any surface-specific polysaccharides, resulting in unmasking of the cross-reactive epitopes of lipid A in reducedY. pestislipopolysaccharide. This may produce mimicry byY. pestisof some human tissue and blood cell components, with no immune response and inflammation at the site of infection at the early stage, which enablesY. pestisto survive, extensively multiply and spread into the circulation.
Concurrence between the gene expression pattern of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in localized aggressive periodontitis and in human epithelial cells
Authors: Richardson Joseph , Craighead Justin Corey , Cao Sam Linsen , Handfield Martin
Published: April 2005

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a facultatively intracellular pathogen and the aetiological agent of localized aggressive periodontitis. Screening of the genome of A. actinomycetemcomitans for in vivo-induced antigen determinants previously demonstrated that the proteome of this organism differs in laboratory culture compared with conditions found during active infection. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the bacterial gene expression pattern inferred with in vivo-induced antigen technology (IVIAT) in human infections was consistent with the gene expression pattern occurring upon epithelial cell association. To this end, a real-time PCR method was developed and used to quantify absolute and relative bacterial gene expression of A. actinomycetemcomitans grown extra- and intracellularly in two human epithelial cell lines (HeLa and IHGK). The amount of template used in the assay was normalized using the total count of viable bacteria (c.f.u.) as a reference point and performed in duplicate in at least two independent experiments. Controls for this experiment included 16S rRNA and gapdh. Transcription of all eight ORFs tested increased significantly (P < 0.05) in HeLa and IHGK cells compared with bacteria grown extracellularly. The concurrence of gene expression patterns found in the two models suggests that these epithelial cells are valid in vitro models of infection for the genes tested. IVIAT is an experimental platform that can be used as a validation tool to assess the reliability of animal and other models of infection and is applicable to most pathogens.
Floral Patterning in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Dong Zhi-cheng , Zhao Zhong , Liu Cheng-wu , Luo Jiang-hong , Yang Jun , Huang Wei-hua , Hu Xiao-he , Wang Trevor L. , Luo Da
Published: April 2005

Floral patterning in Papilionoideae plants, such as pea (Pisum sativum) and Medicago truncatula, is unique in terms of floral organ number, arrangement, and initiation timing as compared to other well-studied eudicots. To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the floral patterning in legumes, we have analyzed two mutants, proliferating floral meristem and proliferating floral organ-2 (pfo-2), obtained by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis of Lotus japonicus. These two mutants showed similar phenotypes, with indeterminate floral structures and altered floral organ identities. We have demonstrated that loss of function of LjLFY and LjUFO/Pfo is likely to be responsible for these mutant phenotypes, respectively. To dissect the regulatory network controlling the floral patterning, we cloned homologs of the ABC function genes, which control floral organ identity in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We found that some of the B and C function genes were duplicated. RNA in situ hybridization showed that the C function genes were expressed transiently in the carpel, continuously in stamens, and showed complementarity with the A function genes in the heterogeneous whorl. In proliferating floral meristem and pfo-2 mutants, all B function genes were down-regulated and the expression patterns of the A and C function genes were drastically altered. We conclude that LjLFY and LjUFO/Pfo are required for the activation of B function genes and function together in the recruitment and determination of petals and stamens. Our findings suggest that gene duplication, change in expression pattern, gain or loss of functional domains, and alteration of key gene functions all contribute to the divergence of floral patterning in L. japonicus.
Sequencing and Analysis of Common Bean ESTs. Building a Foundation for Functional Genomics
Authors: Ramírez Mario , Graham Michelle A. , Blanco-López Lourdes , Silvente Sonia , Medrano-Soto Arturo , Blair Matthew W. , Hernández Georgina , Vance Carroll P. , Lara Miguel
Published: April 2005

Although common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is the most important grain legume in the developing world for human consumption, few genomic resources exist for this species. The objectives of this research were to develop expressed sequence tag (EST) resources for common bean and assess nodule gene expression through high-density macroarrays. We sequenced a total of 21,026 ESTs derived from 5 different cDNA libraries, including nitrogen-fixing root nodules, phosphorus-deficient roots, developing pods, and leaves of the Mesoamerican genotype, Negro Jamapa 81. The fifth source of ESTs was a leaf cDNA library derived from the Andean genotype, G19833. Of the total high-quality sequences, 5,703 ESTs were classified as singletons, while 10,078 were assembled into 2,226 contigs producing a nonredundant set of 7,969 different transcripts. Sequences were grouped according to 4 main categories, metabolism (34%), cell cycle and plant development (11%), interaction with the environment (19%), and unknown function (36%), and further subdivided into 15 subcategories. Comparisons to other legume EST projects suggest that an entirely different repertoire of genes is expressed in common bean nodules. Phaseolus-specific contigs, gene families, and single nucleotide polymorphisms were also identified from the EST collection. Functional aspects of individual bean organs were reflected by the 20 contigs from each library composed of the most redundant ESTs. The abundance of transcripts corresponding to selected contigs was evaluated by RNA blots to determine whether gene expression determined by laboratory methods correlated with in silico expression. Evaluation of root nodule gene expression by macroarrays and RNA blots showed that genes related to nitrogen and carbon metabolism are integrated for ureide production. Resources developed in this project provide genetic and genomic tools for an international consortium devoted to bean improvement.
The changing role of the auditors
Authors: Jayalakshmy R. , Seetharaman A. , Wei Khong Tan
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To highlight the pressures that the auditors would face in the era of globalisation and the challenges they should be willing to accept in order to maintain trust and integrity.

Design/methodology/approach

A wide range of articles and journals published in international journals as well as local journals has been reviewed. The areas covered include audit fraud, true and fair view interpretation, auditor independence and role of internal auditors. Further, ideas have also been obtained from critical write‐ups in the business magazines on the fall of multinationals.

Findings

A wide range of interpretation has been given by various groups of people on their understanding of the phrase “true and fair”. This has created great confusion as to the interpretation of the audit reports. This has been proven by the fall of many multinationals and the audit pioneers, Andersens. This is one of the causes of audit fraud and it is also seen that as the auditors face an enormous challenge as they enter the twenty‐first century, they should be willing to change their attitudes towards their clients. Professionalism should be in the forefront, and an overhaul in the concept of “true and fair” could probably be the solution to harmonisation of the economy.

Research limitations/implications

This paper lacks statistical data on the views of the authors. It is based purely on secondary data.

Practical implications

Provides awareness to the auditors, corporations and general public on the necessity to revamp the existing auditing practices. This can help the auditors not only to be professionals, but also to be seen as professionals.

Originality/value

This paper provides scope for research in this area to identify whether the overhaul concept is acceptable. If yes, what should the new concept be? If no, what is the solution to the existing public outcry?
Maintenance‐related losses at the Swedish Rail
Authors: Holmgren Mattias
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify maintenance related losses, and their causes, in order to describe different deviations in the maintenance process that contributes to incidents and accidents at the Swedish Railway.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper incident and accident reports from 666 derailments and collisions at the Swedish Railway during 1988‐2000, stored in a national database, are studied with respect to possible maintenance related causes.

Findings

The railway is a complex technical system used for both freight and passenger transportation. Maintenance is one way to achieve safety and dependability of the railway. However, at the same time badly performed maintenance may also cause accidents. The study shows that maintenance related causes represent 30 percent of all rail and track related incidents and accidents represented in the database. About 80 percent of the maintenance related accidents happen during the execution phase. The most common cause of maintenance related accidents is imperfect communication and information between the maintenance personnel and the operators. Rule violations, especially lack of permission to perform maintenance work on the track, are the second most frequent causes.

Originality/value

Identifies maintenance related losses, and their causes, on Swedish railways but is of value to all concerned with transport maintenance and safety.
Scheduling with different maintenance policies in a textile company
Authors: Chen Wen‐Jinn , Liao Ching‐Jong
Published: April 2005

Purpose

Machine maintenance is essential in many industries. How to schedule maintenance becomes especially important when achieving high shop performance is desired. This paper aims to consider the maintenance scheduling problem in a company where different maintenance situations exist.

Design/methodology/approach

The company, which is famous in South East Asia, specializes in the manufacturing of textiles such as polypropylene and chemical chip. In this paper an algorithm is presented, for five specific situations, for the company to minimize the number of tardy jobs.

Findings

Owing to machine overload in 24‐hour production, machine breakdowns usually occur in the shop. There is an urgent need for the company to derive a procedure that will incorporate the maintenance into the schedule to reduce the machine breakdown. Computational results have showed that the proposed algorithm outperforms the current method with an average improvement of 32.5 percent, although the actual average improvement is somewhat lower partly because some jobs are unexpectedly cancelled or changed.

Practical implications

This proposed algorithm is appropriate not only for the studied company, but for those companies where maintenance has to be operated one or several times a month and the maintenance time is so significant that it cannot be ignored.

Originality/value

Provides an algorithm to aid in the maintenance scheduling problem.
Mathematical modeling of wear rate of non‐repairable parts and their replacement strategies
Authors: Santarisi Nader S. , Almomany Raid M.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The cement industry provides high wear environment for many casting units which results in high production costs and consumes both the time and efforts of different available skills to investigate and replace the worn parts. Aims to consider a predictive system for the wear of such units that will reduce the related unpredicted incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, cement mill shell liners are non‐repairable castings and subjected to accelerated deterioration process as the operational hours and hence the production increases. Both decision variables and their interaction were used to construct models that best describe the wear process of the shell lines for two compartments' ball mill. Data from past records were used and analyzed using the statistical package SPSS version 10.0.

Findings

The best regression model for each compartment was found to be exponential function but with different shape parameters. Some data were used to validate the model using statistical calculations of errors. The proposed models were used to develop the best operational time for liners' replacement strategy.

Practical implications

The findings of the optimal replacement time resulted in higher mill productivity, lower specific power consumption, reduced spare parts cost and reduced production loss for unjustified mill stoppages.

Originality/value

Develops a mathematical model for cement mill shell liners' life to determine the optimal replacement strategy.
Rapid manufacturing of rhenium components using EB‐PVD
Authors: Prabhu Vittal V. , Fuke Indraneel V. , Cho Sohyung , Singh Jogender
Published: April 2005

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights for understanding the relationship between rapid manufacturing process for rhenium components in jet nozzle fabrication using electron beam‐physical vapor deposition (EB‐PVD). Specifically, to develop a methodology to characterize and improve this new process through motion planning for maintaining uniformity in the deposition thickness.

Design/methodology/approach

This research first identifies several important objectives for the process, and then develops an optimized heuristic method based on a look‐ahead approach to generate motion plans for uniform thickness objective. In this heuristic, the surface of the workpiece is modeled using finite element method and the accumulated thickness of each layer on each element is computed based on its location in the vapor plume using a ray casting algorithm.

Findings

Computational experiments show that the proposed algorithm can potentially provide significant improvements in the uniformity of the layers and cost savings in manufacturing compared to prevailing practice, especially for low‐volume production such as aerospace applications.

Research limitations/implications

In this research, net‐shaped jet nozzle has been fabricated using a graphite mandrel. Therefore, the mandrel‐based approach can be limited to producing hollow components.

Practical implications

The proposed method is very generic and thus can be applied for multi‐material manufacturing process identifying the sweet spot of the intersecting vapor plumes.

Originality/value

This research can help the EB‐PVD process for rapid manufacturing which has been considered as financially expensive to be accepted in real practice by providing a relationship of the process‐to‐product transformation through the developed motion planning methods.
Microstructural evolution in direct laser sintering of Cu‐based metal powder
Authors: Zhu H.H. , Fuh J.Y.H. , Lu L.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To identify the effects of laser scan speed and scan spacing on surface morphology, microstructure and structure evolution in direct laser sintering of Cu‐based metal powder.

Design/methodology/approach

Scanning electron microscope, differential thermal analyser (DTA) and X‐ray diffractometer were used to examine the microstructure of the sintered parts.

Findings

It was found that the decrease of the scan speed and scan spacing could lead to densification due to solute‐reprecipitation mechanism. The formation of oxide Cu2O is sensitive to the scan spacing due to the lack of Cu3P protection under the re‐heating condition if using small scan spacing. Furthermore, the result shows that there exist two mechanisms in determining the phosphor distribution. During the laser sintering, concentration diffusion acts as the main mechanism at a fast scan speed and a large scan spacing while solute‐reprecipitation acts as the main mechanism at a low scan speed and small scan spacing.

Originality/value

This paper discloses the influence of process parameters on microstructure evolution and the mechanism of densification in direct laser sintering Cu‐based metal powder. It offers practical help to the researchers who are interested in direct laser sintering metal powder.
From supply‐chain management to value network advocacy: implications for e‐supply chains
Authors: Sherer Susan A.
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To introduce a broader concept for supply‐chain management (SCM), the notion of value network advocacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The historical roots and the traditional terms used to describe SCM are explored to show how their meanings have led to specific types of information systems to support SCM. The limitations of these systems are demonstrated with case studies. Then the concept of value network advocacy is introduced to address these limitations, and implications of this term are explored.

Findings

The term SCM has its historical roots in the control of fulfillment activities that support the linear physical flow of goods from suppliers to manufacturers to distributors to retailers. Consequently many information systems (IS) applications that support the supply chain have a similar focus. These systems often separate supply from demand management and focus on linear information flows. Often they are implemented without reengineering business processes. A broader concept, value network advocacy, better describes the needs of business today. It is suggested that adoption of this concept in organizations will be limited not by technology, but by lack of trust mechanisms and metrics.

Practical implications

The adoption of the broader concept of value network advocacy will enable companies to focus more on developing adaptive networks that support customer needs.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the concept of value network advocacy which can guide e‐supply chain development to support a more integrated customer‐focused notion of flexible networks that provide value.
An experience in knowledge mapping
Authors: van den Berg Carla , Popescu Ioana
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To improve access to implicit knowledge by tunnel construction engineers.

Design/methodology/approach

The strategy was to strengthen the informal networks by improving codification and diffusion of this knowledge. Project members tried to do that by searching for ways that make sharing, expressing and retrieving knowledge easier. Therefore they looked at networks, documents, organizations etc. The results are realized in a working prototype. The prototype makes use of the concept of a knowledge map integrated with a database with grey literature.

Findings

In general the evaluation of the Tunnel Center prototype has been positive in terms of the project's research questions.

Research limitations/implications

The most important lesson learned is that information needs of the different user groups seem to differ more than was realized in the beginning. The project team is very keen to work on this problem in a possible next phase of the project.

Practical implications

The knowledge developed in the project can be used by professionals who share the same subject. Communities of practice, organizations etc. which want to share their knowledge could also be interested.

Originality/value

The concept of the knowledge map is quite new. The combination of it with a database with grey literature is unique. It has value for all who work in this area.
The accessibility of general NHS services for children with disabilities
Authors: Wharton Sarah , Hames Annette , Milner Helen
Published: April 2005

Through conversations with members of a parent‐run support organization, mixed concerns were identified about the accessibility of general National Health Service (NHS) services for children with disabilities. A questionnaire, aimed at uncovering the main issues related to general health services for children with disabilities was designed with representatives from the parent‐run support organization. The questionnaire was administered as part of a semi‐structured interview with 25 parents of children with disabilities (mainly learning disabilities). Eight themes were reported ‘preparation’, ‘flexibility’, ‘parking’, ‘physical space’, ‘waiting areas and consultation rooms’, ‘health professionals’ understanding and knowledge of disabilities, particularly around communication’, ‘on the wards’ and ‘overseeing care’. Themes are presented with parents’ useful comments and suggestions. As the themes are wide ranging it is suggested that the research be repeated, focusing in on particular areas of general NHS services.
Exploring the comparative responsiveness of a core set of outcome measures in a school‐based conductive education programme
Authors: Wright F. V. , Boschen K. , Jutai J.
Published: April 2005

Background  Conductive education (CE) is a holistic educational system that uses an active cognitive approach to teach individuals with motor disorders to become more functional participants in daily activities. While CE's popularity continues to grow in North America and Europe, its effectiveness has not been established. The lack of definition of responsive outcome measures for evaluation of CE programmes has limited the interpretability of conclusions from earlier studies evaluating effectiveness.

Objective  To determine which measures from a core set were most responsive to physical, functional and psychosocial changes associated with a school‐based CE programme.

Methods  This was a one‐group before and after data collection design using an 8‐month follow‐up period. We enrolled a referral sample of nine children with cerebral palsy in Kindergarten or Grade 1 (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels 3, 4 or 5). The study took place within a school‐based CE programme at a Canadian children's rehabilitation centre. Children participated in a CE full‐day class for an entire school year. Physical, functional, psychosocial and participation measures included: Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST), Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children, Individualized Educational Plan, and Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Four children from the study's second year were also evaluated on the Impact on Family Scale (IFS), GAS and School Function Assessment.

Results  The Gross Motor Function Measure, QUEST, PEDI (Caregiver Assistance) and IFS were most responsive to change. GAS was useful in documenting and quantifying goals. Problems were encountered in evaluating self‐esteem and school participation.

Conclusions  Several strong measures of outcome were identified. Further work is needed to find valid and sensitive psychosocial and school participation measures for these young children.
Is social support sometimes a mixed blessing?
Authors: Pal D. K. , Das T. , Chaudhury G. , Sengupta S.
Published: April 2005

Background  Child behavioural problems in epilepsy originate from a poorly understood interplay between intrinsic, family and social factors.

Methods  We re‐analysed data from a randomized controlled trial of antiepileptic treatment in rural India, using regression analysis to find risk factors for behavioural problems.

Results  Parental satisfaction with social support was positively and independently correlated with child behavioural problems (P = 0.03).

Conclusion  Our findings suggest parents’ interactions within their informal social support network, contrary to expectation, may increase risk for behavioural problems in their children. We suggest a possible explanation for this correlation as well as follow‐up studies to investigate the social support‐as‐risk factor hypothesis.
Cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: April 2005

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Stulemeijer M,
de Jong LWAM,
Fiselier TJW,
Hoogveld SWB,
Bleijenberg G
. (
2005
)

,
330
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.

Objective  To evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescents aged 10 to 17 years with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Design  Randomized controlled trial.

Setting  Department of child psychology.

Participants  A total of 71 consecutively referred patients with chronic fatigue syndrome; 36 were randomly assigned to immediate cognitive behaviour therapy and 35 to the waiting list for therapy.

Intervention  Ten sessions of therapy over 5 months. Treatment protocols depended on the type of activity pattern (relatively active or passive). All participants were assessed again after 5 months.

Main outcome measures  Fatigue severity (checklist individual strength), functional impairment (SF‐36 physical functioning), and school attendance.

Results  A total of 62 patients had complete data at 5 months (29 in the immediate therapy group and 33 on the waiting list). Patients in the therapy group reported significantly greater decrease in fatigue severity (difference in decrease on checklist individual strength was 14.5, 95% confidence interval 7.4 to 21.6) and functional impairment (difference in increase on SF‐36 physical functioning was 17.3, 6.2 to 28.4) and their attendance at school increased significantly (difference in increase in percentage school attendance was 18.2, 0.8 to 35.5). They also reported a significant reduction in several accompanying symptoms. Self reported improvement was largest in the therapy group.

Conclusion  Cognitive behaviour therapy is an effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome in adolescents.
Maternal reactivity to fetal alloantigens is related to newborn immune responses and subsequent allergic disease
Authors: Prescott S. L. , Taylor A. , Roper J. , Wahdan A. , Noakes P. , Thornton C. , Dunstan J. , Upham J. W.
Published: April 2005

Background
Maternal allergy confers stronger allergy risk (than paternal allergy) suggesting that maternal patterns of immune response can directly influence immune development in offspring. Women prone to allergic immune responses to allergens may also have altered immune responses to other antigens including fetal antigens.

Objective
This exploratory study examines relationships between maternal immune responses to fetal antigens and the subsequent risk of allergy.

Methods
Mononuclear cells (MNC) were collected from 36 mother–infant pairs to compare maternal (and fetal) cellular immune responses to alloantigens (fetal, maternal or unrelated donor [URD]), and allergens in allergic (18 pairs) and non‐allergic (18 pairs) mothers. Thirty children had documented allergic outcomes at 6 years of age.

Results
In this population, allergic outcomes in the offspring were associated more strongly with materno‐fetal immune interactions than with a maternal family history of allergy. Specifically, allergic disease at 6 years of age was associated with significantly higher maternal responses to fetal alloantigens (lymphoproliferation, P=0.008; IL‐13, P=0.02 and IFN‐γ, P=0.015), whereas associations with maternal allergy did not reach significance (P=0.07). Fetal IFN‐γ alloantigen responses were significantly correlated with the degree of human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch (maternal HLA class II antibodies) (τ=0.3, P=0.03). The capacity of the fetus to produce IL‐13 (τ=0.4, P=0.001) and IL‐10 (τ=0.3, P=0.029) was directly related to the level of these cytokines produced by the mother in response to fetal antigens. Allergic mothers showed a non‐significant trend for stronger lymphoproliferation to fetal alloantigens. The number of previous pregnancies (gravidity) was associated with stronger maternal responses to fetal alloantigens, as shown by lymphoproliferation (Kendall τ=0.3, P=0.04) and IFN‐γ (τ=0.3, P=0.04) synthesis, but did not affect fetal responses to the various stimuli.

Conclusions
Maternal responses to fetal antigens were related to fetal immune responses and subsequent allergy. This novel observation suggests that events at the materno‐fetal interface have an important influence on early immune development and should be investigated further.
Tokelau: a unique low allergen environment at sea level
Authors: Lane J. , Siebers R. , Pene G. , Howden‐Chapman P. , Crane J.
Published: April 2005

Background
Previous studies have shown that children in Tokelau have a lower prevalence of asthma and atopy compared to Tokelauan children resident in New Zealand. We hypothesized that the low asthma and atopy prevalence in Tokelau may be associated with low indoor allergen levels.

Methods
Dust was collected from bedding and floors of 76 homes and four public buildings in Tokelau and from the homes of 30 Tokelauan families in Wellington, New Zealand. Dust samples were analysed for Der p 1, Der f 1, Can f 1, Fel d 1, Bla g 2 and Blo t 5 by ELISA, and for endotoxin by a kinetic amoebocyte lysate assay.

Results
Der p 1 levels were over 1000‐fold lower in Tokelau compared to New Zealand, geometric mean levels were 0.04 and 47.0 μg/g in beds and 0.04 and 44.7 μg/g on floors, respectively. Can f 1 and Fel d 1 levels were also significantly lower in Tokelau. Bed endotoxin levels were significantly higher in Tokelau, geometric mean: 26 736 EU (endotoxin units)/g, compared to 5181 EU/g in New Zealand. Floor endotoxin levels were similar between the two countries.

Conclusion
The very low indoor allergen levels in homes in Tokelau compared to much higher levels in New Zealand homes provides a logical explanation for the lower prevalence of asthma and atopy in Tokelau, compared to New Zealand.
Gene profiling reveals decreased expression of uteroglobin and other anti‐inflammatory genes in nasal fluid cells from patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Benson M. , Jansson L. , Adner M. , Luts A. , Uddman R. , Cardell L. O.
Published: April 2005

Background
Intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) results from interactions between a large number of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators. Little is known about anti‐inflammatory mediators in IAR. DNA microarrays allow simultaneous analysis of the whole transcriptome in a sample.

Objective
To identify anti‐inflammatory transcripts in nasal fluid cells from patients with IAR during season and from healthy controls.

Methods
Nasal lavage fluids were obtained from 15 patients with symptomatic birch/and or grass pollen‐induced IAR and 28 healthy controls. RNA was extracted from the nasal fluid cells and pooled into one patient‐ and one control pool. These were analysed with DNA microarrays containing more than 44 927 genes and variants.

Results
Seventeen thousand three hundred and fifty three genes were expressed in the controls and 17 928 in the patients. One thousand five hundred and seventy nine of the genes had higher expression in patients than in controls, and 1570 had lower expression in patients. Out of 189 up‐regulated inflammatory genes, 187 were pro‐inflammatory and two were anti‐inflammatory. These genes regulated key steps of inflammation, ranging from influx of leukocytes to immunoglobulin production. By comparison, out of 49 down‐regulated inflammatory genes, 36 were pro‐inflammatory and 13 were anti‐inflammatory. The anti‐inflammatory gene that decreased most in expression in the patients was uteroglobin (also known as Clara Cell protein 16, CC16). The nasal fluid concentrations of uteroglobin protein were significantly lower in patients than in controls, 5.43±1.53 and 12.93±2.53 ng/mL, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusion
IAR is associated with decreased expression of uteroglobin and other anti‐inflammatory genes.
Persistent skin colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis: relationship to clinical and immunological parameters
Authors: Guzik T. J. , Bzowska M. , Kasprowicz A. , Czerniawska‐Mysik G. , Wójcik K. , Szmyd D. , Adamek‐Guzik T. , Pryjma J.
Published: April 2005

Background
Staphylococcus aureus has important implications for the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). In some patients S. aureus can be eradicated from the skin during anti‐inflammatory treatment, while in others bacterial colonization is persistent. Potential mechanisms and features of these two distinct groups of patients are not known.

Objective
Accordingly, we studied relationships between the ability to eliminate S. aureus during an anti‐inflammatory treatment and selected clinical and immunological features.

Methods
Quantitative assessment of S. aureus on the skin, in nasal vestibule and throat, serum IgE levels, CD4/CD8 T‐cell ratio, lymphocyte proliferation and phagocyte oxidative burst were determined during the exacerbation and after 4 and 12 weeks of the treatment using topical steroid and oral antihistamine in 34 patients with AD.

Results
S. aureus was found on the skin of all 34 patients during exacerbation. Disease severity scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) correlated with the density of bacteria. Treatment with oral antihistamine and topical steroid resulted in a significant alleviation of symptoms, which correlated with the elimination of S. aureus from the skin in 70% of patients. In the remaining 30% of patients, dense (more than 1010/cm2) S. aureus skin colonization, persisted despite the treatment. Patients with persistent S. aureus presented with higher serum IgE levels, lower lymphocyte proliferation in response to staphylococcal enterotoxin B, phytohaemagluttinin and anti‐CD3. Persistence of S. aureus was more common in men.

Conclusions
Patients with AD differ in the ability to clear S. aureus from the skin during anti‐inflammatory treatment, which appears to be related to the abnormalities in immunological parameters. Local antibiotic therapy should be considered only in patients with persistent S. aureus colonization.
Early‐ and late‐phase bronchoconstriction, airway hyper‐reactivity and cell influx into the lungs, after 5′‐adenosine monophosphate inhalation: comparison with ovalbumin
Authors: Smith N. , Johnson F. J.
Published: April 2005

Background
Antigen inhalation in atopic asthmatic patients results in an early asthmatic response (EAR), accompanied by a late asthmatic response (LAR) in 60% of patients. Inhaled 5′‐adenosine monophosphate (5′‐AMP) causes immediate bronchoconstriction in asthmatics but not in normal subjects.

Objectives
The aims of this study were to investigate whether 5′‐AMP can produce a LAR, airway hyper‐reactivity (AHR) and cell influx to the lungs, in a sensitized guinea‐pig model of asthma, and to compare with the profile of activity after ovalbumin (OVA) inhalation.

Methods
Airway responses to inhaled OVA (10 μg/mL) and 5′‐AMP (3 and 300 mm) of actively sensitized, conscious guinea‐pigs were determined by whole body plethysmography as the change in specific airway conductance (sGaw). Inhaled histamine (1 mm) was used to investigate AHR, and cell influx was determined by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).

Results
Exposure to OVA revealed an EAR, and LAR at 6 h post‐challenge. AHR to histamine occurred 24 h after challenge together with a significant increase in total and differential (eosinophils and macrophages) cell counts. Low dose 5′‐AMP (3 mm) produced an EAR, LAR at 6 h after challenge, and AHR to histamine 12 h post‐challenge. No AHR occurred 24 h after inhalation. Total and macrophage cell counts were increased significantly 6, 12 and 24 h after exposure. Bronchodilatation followed high dose 5′‐AMP (300 mm), followed by a LAR at 6 h. AHR to histamine occurred 12 h after challenge, but not at 24 h. A significant increase in total and differential (eosinophils and macrophages) cell counts occurred 6, 12 and 24 h post‐exposure. No changes were observed in non‐sensitized guinea‐pigs.

Conclusion
OVA challenge revealed an EAR, LAR, cell influx and AHR in a guinea‐pig model of asthma. This study demonstrated for the first time that a LAR and AHR to histamine can be revealed following 5′‐AMP inhalation, in sensitized but not unsensitized guinea‐pigs. Cell influx at 6, 12 and 24 h post‐challenge suggests that it may be associated with the LAR and AHR.
Temperature measurement: comparison of non‐invasive methods used in adult critical care
Authors: Farnell Sarah , Maxwell Lorraine , Tan Seok , Rhodes Andrew , Philips Barbara
Published: April 2005

Aims and objectives.  To assess accuracy and reliability of two non‐invasive methods, the chemical (Tempa.DOTTM) and tympanic thermometer (GeniusTM First Temp M3000A), against the gold standard pulmonary artery catheter, and to determine the clinical significance of any temperature discrepancy using an expert panel.

Background.  There is continued debate surrounding the use of tympanic thermometry in clinical practice.

Design.  Prospective study.

Methods.  A total of 160 temperature sets were obtained from 25 adult intensive care patients over a 6‐month period.

Results.  About 75.2% (n = 115) of chemical and 50.9% (n = 78) of tympanic readings were within a ±0.0–0.4 °C range of the pulmonary artery catheter. Both the chemical and tympanic thermometers were significantly correlated with temperatures derived from the pulmonary artery catheter (r = 0.81, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.59, P < 0.0001) and limits of agreement were −0.5–0.9 °C and −1.2–1.2 °C respectively. The chemical thermometer was associated with a mean temperature difference of 0.2 °C, which increased 0.4 °C when used in conjunction with a warming blanket. With regard to clinical significance 15.3% (n = 26) of chemical and 21.1% (n = 35) of tympanic readings might have resulted in patients receiving delayed interventions. Conversely 28.8% (n = 44) of chemical and 37.8% (n = 58) of tympanic readings might have resulted in patients receiving unnecessary interventions.

Conclusions.  The chemical thermometer was more accurate, reliable and associated with fewer clinically significant temperature differences compared with the tympanic thermometer. However, compared with the pulmonary artery catheter both methods were associated with erroneous readings. In the light of these findings and previous research evidence, it is becoming increasingly difficult to defend the continued use of tympanic thermometry in clinical practice. However, as chemical thermometers are not without their limitations, further research needs to be undertaken to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of other non‐invasive methods.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Chemical and tympanic thermometers are used in both adults and children in a wide variety of settings ranging from community to intensive care. As such these findings have significant implications for patients, users and budget holders.
Music and its effect on the physiological responses and anxiety levels of patients receiving mechanical ventilation: a pilot study
Authors: Lee On Kei Angela , Chung Yuet Foon Loretta , Chan Moon Fai , Chan Wai Ming
Published: April 2005

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of music on the anxiety of patients on mechanical ventilation, as assessed by objective parameters and a subjective validated anxiety scale.

Background.  Mechanical ventilation, although sometimes lifesaving, is often associated with levels of anxiety requiring sedatives, which has inevitable implications on costs and complications.

Design.  A randomized controlled trial design.

Methods.  A total of 64 subjects was randomly assigned to undergo either 30 minutes of music intervention or a rest period. The subjects were asked to answer the Chinese State Trait Anxiety Inventory scale before and after the study period and physiological indices and resting behaviours were recorded before and after the study period in both groups. The subjects’ satisfaction with music was also obtained after music intervention.

Results.  The findings indicate that patients on mechanical ventilation that listened to a single 30‐minute session of music appeared to show greater relaxation as manifested by a decrease in physiological indices and an increase in comfortable resting behaviours.

Conclusion.  Music can provide an effective method of reducing potentially harmful physiological responses arising from anxiety in mechanically ventilated patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  As indicated by the results of this study, music therapy can act as a simple and safe nursing intervention to allay anxiety and promote patient comfort. Interest and comments on music therapy provided as a relaxation technique should be elicited from both nurses and patients.
Lack of evidence for local immune activity in oral hairy leukoplakia and oral wart lesions
Authors: Lilly E. A. , Cameron J. E. , Shetty K. V. , Leigh J. E. , Hager S. , McNulty K. M. , Cheeks C. , Hagensee M. E. , Fidel P. L.
Published: April 2005

Background:  Oral warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), and oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) caused by Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), are common oral manifestations in HIV‐infected persons. Although both conditions occur most often with reduced blood CD4+ T‐cell numbers, oral warts and OHL rarely occur simultaneously, suggesting that dysfunctions in other secondary local immune parameters are also involved. The present study evaluated tissue‐associated proinflammatory and T‐helper cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression and the presence of T cells in each lesion.

Methods:  Biopsies were taken from lesion‐positive and adjacent lesion‐negative sites of HIV+ persons with oral warts or OHL and lesion‐negative sites from HIV+ persons who were oral HPV or EBV DNA‐positive (matched controls). Cytokine/chemokine mRNA expression was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. CD3, CD4, and CD8 cells were identified by immunohistochemistry.

Results:  No differences were detected in tissue‐associated cytokine/chemokine mRNA expression in warts or OHL when compared to lesion‐negative sites. Immunohistochemical analysis of T cells showed CD8+ cells exclusively, but few cells were present in either lesion. No differences were detected between lesion‐positive and ‐negative control sites of each pathologic condition.

Conclusion:  Little evidence was found for local immune reactivity to either oral warts and OHL, suggesting that CD4+ T cells are a primary host defense against both oral warts and OHL, but with nonimmune factors potentially responsible for the divergent prevalence of each.
An ex‐vivo multiplexed antibacterial test on oral microflora
Authors: Yang Y. , Sreenivasan P. K.
Published: April 2005

Background/aims:  Characterized clinical strains of oral bacteria are utilized to examine the antimicrobial efficacy of oral care formulations. A demonstration of antimicrobial effects of formulations on microbial samples obtained from the human mouth offers advantages, i.e. incorporates the considerable microbial diversity of this environment with bacteria harvested from naturally occurring biofilms to form the focus of this investigation.

Materials and methods:  Samples of oral flora from each adult subject were briefly treated (2 min) with test and control formulations and plated on appropriate agar for multiplexed antimicrobial effects on functional groups of oral bacteria associated with specific conditions.

Results:  Ex‐vivo treatments of oral samples with the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice demonstrated significant dose‐dependent antimicrobial effects compared with a control formulation on anaerobic and facultative oral bacteria from a group of 16 volunteers (P < 0.05) with reproducible effects observed in three separate trials (P < 0.05). Similarly, significant dose‐dependent effects were noted with chlorhexidine mouthrinses (P < 0.05). A simultaneous assessment of the effects of these formulations on several functional classes of oral bacteria associated with specific oral conditions such as dental caries and oral malodor demonstrated multiplexed antimicrobial activity (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  A rapid procedure using small volumes of human oral samples and well‐known formulations demonstrates ex‐vivo multiplexed antimicrobial effects on functional groups of bacteria with both dentifrices and mouthrinses. Modifications of this approach may include antibacterial effects over time with formulations at clinically relevant concentrations, effects of novel agents or samples from subjects stratified on the basis of their clinical status.
Differential gene expression of human β‐defensins (hBD‐1, ‐2, ‐3) in inflammatory gingival diseases
Authors: Dommisch H. , Açil Y. , Dunsche A. , Winter J. , Jepsen S.
Published: April 2005

Antimicrobial peptides, like human β‐defensins, play an important role in the epithelial innate defense response. The aim of the present study was to investigate the quantitative expression of human β‐defensin‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 in inflammatory gingival diseases. Gingival biopsies were obtained from patients with healthy gingiva (n = 10), patients with gingivitis (n = 10), and patients with periodontitis (n = 10). The clinical diagnosis was verified by histology. Gingival tissues were used for RNA extraction followed by reverse transcription. Gene expression was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (normalization with GAP‐DH). Comparing the tissues with different clinical stages of health and disease, no significant differences in mRNA expression were found for any of the β‐defensins studied. Similar levels of expression were found in healthy gingiva, whereas in gingivitis samples there was a significantly higher expression of hBD‐2 compared to hBD‐1 (P = 0.004) and hBD‐3 (P = 0.016). Likewise, in periodontitis samples, hBD‐2 expression was significantly higher than hBD‐1 (P = 0.016); however, hBD‐2 expression was comparable to hBD‐3. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed a differential expression of human β‐defensins (hBD‐1, ‐2, ‐3) in tissues with inflammatory gingival disease.
Isolation of silver‐ and antibiotic‐resistant Enterobacter cloacae from teeth
Authors: Davis I. J. , Richards H. , Mullany P.
Published: April 2005

Antibiotic‐resistant bacteria pose a serious threat to human health; hence the mechanisms that lead to their selection need to be investigated. One possible mechanism is that the silver and mercury in amalgam dental restorations may select for bacteria that contain heavy metal and antibiotic‐resistance determinants, leading to the spread of these resistances, particularly if they are contained on the same mobile genetic element. The incidence of silver‐resistant bacteria on teeth is investigated in this work. Two silver‐resistant Enterobacter cloacae isolates were isolated from infected teeth containing dental restorations. Both isolates were also resistant to ampicillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. The silE gene, which is encoded on the silver resistance operon, has been sequenced from both isolates. Results suggest that the silver resistance operon is encoded on plasmid DNA.