bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childbirth, abortion and subsequent substance use in young women: a population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Pedersen Willy
Published: November 2007

Aims  To investigate the possible linkages between deliveries, abortions and subsequent nicotine dependence, alcohol problems and use of cannabis and other illegal drugs from the ages of 15–27 years.

Methods  Data were gathered as part of the Young in Norway Longitudinal Study, an 11‐year follow‐up of a representative sample of Norwegian adolescents and young adults.

Design, setting and participants  Information was obtained on (i) the history of childbirths and induced abortions for the participants between the ages of 15–27 years; (ii) measures of nicotine dependence, alcohol problems and use of cannabis and other illegal drugs; and (iii) socio‐demographic, family and individual confounding factors.

Results  Those who had had an abortion had elevated rates of substance use and problems. Those who gave birth to a child had reduced rates of alcohol problems and cannabis use. These associations persisted after control for confounders. However, those women who still lived with the father of the aborted fetus were not at increased risk.

Conclusions  Abortion in women may, under some circumstances, be associated with increased risk of nicotine dependence, alcohol problems and use of cannabis and other illegal drugs. The birth of a child may reduce the use of some substances.
Social cognitive determinants of ecstasy use to target in evidence‐based interventions: a meta‐analytical review
Authors: Peters Gjalt‐Jorn Y. , Kok Gerjo , Abraham Charles
Published: November 2007

Aims  The health hazards and prevalence of ecstasy use have been documented in two decades of research, but no review reporting on potentially modifiable antecedents of use is available. The aim of this study was to integrate systematically research identifying cognitive correlates of ecstasy use. Such research has the potential to identify targets for evidence‐based interventions designed to discourage use.

Methods  The databases PsycINFO and MedLine were searched, inclusion criteria applied to resulting hits, and descendency and ancestry approaches applied to the selected publications. Reported associations between cognitive determinants, including intention to use and ecstasy use measures, were synthesized by calculating a weighted mean effect size, r.

Results  The pattern of associations lent support both to the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the expectancy approach as descriptions of potentially useful determinants. Attitudes were associated most strongly with intention and use, followed by subjective norm and perceived behavioural control.

Conclusions  Consideration of the strength of associations and the potential modifiability of identified cognitions suggests that evidence‐based interventions to discourage ecstasy use should target negative expectancies, perceived behavioural control and anticipated regret, and consider tailoring perceived behavioural control elements.
Population structure, genetic variation and morphological diversity in indigenous sheep of Ethiopia
Authors: Gizaw S. , Van Arendonk J. A. M. , Komen H. , Windig J. J. , Hanotte O.
Published: November 2007

We investigated genetic and morphological diversity and population structure of 14 traditional sheep populations originating from four ecological zones in Ethiopia (sub‐alpine, wet highland, sub‐humid lowland and arid lowland). All animals (n = 672) were genotyped for 17 microsatellite markers and scored for 12 morphological characters. The sheep were initially classified as fat‐tailed (11 populations), thin‐tailed (one population) and fat‐rumped sheep (two populations). These classifications are thought to correspond to three consecutive introduction events of sheep from the Near‐East into East Africa. For the 14 populations, allelic richness ranged from 5.87 to 7.51 and expected heterozygosity (HE) from 0.66 to 0.75. Genetic differentiations (FST values) between all pairs of populations, except between sub‐alpine populations, were significantly different from zero (P < 0.001). Cluster analysis of morphological characters and a dendrogram constructed from genetic distances were broadly consistent with the classification into fat‐tailed, thin‐tailed and fat‐rumped sheep. Bayesian cluster analysis using microsatellite markers indicated that there has been further genetic differentiation after the initial introduction of sheep into Ethiopia. Investigation of factors associated with genetic variation showed that an isolation‐by‐distance model, independently of other factors, explained most of the observed genetic variation. We also obtained a strong indication of adaptive divergence in morphological characters, patterns of morphological variation being highly associated with ecology even when the effect of neutral genetic divergence (FST) was parcelled out in partial Mantel tests. Using a combination of FST values, Bayesian clustering analysis and morphological divergence, we propose a classification of Ethiopian sheep into six breed groups and nine breeds.
Modulation of mucus production by interleukin‐13 receptor α2 in the human airway epithelium
Authors: Tanabe T. , Fujimoto K. , Yasuo M. , Tsushima K. , Yoshida K. , Ise H. , Yamaya M.
Published: November 2007

Background
IL‐13 induces goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus overproduction in airway epithelial cells. IL‐13 receptor α2 (IL‐13Rα2) has been suggested to act as a ‘decoy receptor’ in the airway epithelium by inhibiting the IL‐13 signal. However, the regulatory mechanisms for mucus production by IL‐13Rα2 remain unclear.

Objective
The aim of this study was to examine the role of IL‐13Rα2 in goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus overproduction by IL‐13.

Methods
Bronchi were obtained from patients who underwent a lung resection due to lung cancer or benign lung tumours. Normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBECs) were isolated and cultured using an air–liquid interface (ALI) method.

Results
The number of periodic acid‐Schiff's (PAS)‐positive cells, goblet cells and MUC5AC‐positive cells increased after adding IL‐13 into NHBECs. The concentrations of MUC5AC protein in the supernatant and the mRNA expression of MUC5AC significantly increased after adding IL‐13, and returned to control levels at 21 days. The mRNA expression of IL‐13Rα2 significantly increased at 7 days and then continuously increased up to 21 days. The protein of a soluble form of IL‐13Rα2 in the supernatants significantly increased at 14 and 21 days. Anti‐IL‐13Rα1 antibody and recombinant IL‐13Rα2 reduced the number of PAS‐positive cells, goblet cells and MUC5AC‐positive cells, and MUC5AC mRNA, while the anti‐IL‐13Rα2 antibody increased the number of these cells and MUC5AC mRNA. The concentration of MUC5AC protein in the supernatant induced by IL‐13 was reduced by anti‐ IL‐13Rα1 antibody and recombinant IL‐13Rα2. IL‐13‐induced signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activation was inhibited by anti‐IL‐13Rα1 antibody and recombinant IL‐13Rα2. In contrast, the IL‐4‐induced mucus production, mucus secretion and STAT activation were not inhibited by recombinant IL‐13Rα2.

Conclusion
The soluble form of IL‐13Rα2 may therefore modulate mucus overproduction by IL‐13 through the pathway including IL‐13Rα1 in NHBECs.
Mast cell tryptase causes homologous desensitization of β‐adrenoceptors by Ca2+sensitization in tracheal smooth muscle
Authors: Kobayashi M. , Kume H. , Oguma T. , Makino Y. , Ito Y. , Shimokata K.
Published: November 2007

BackgroundRecent studies have revealed that in asthma, mast cells infiltrate to the smooth muscle layer and release tryptase, an enzymatic activator of protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2). This phenomenon, mast cell myositis, is proposed as a new feature of asthma. However, little is known about the involvement of mast cell myositis in the pathophysiology of asthma.

ObjectiveThis study was designed to determine whether mast cell degranulation has any functional impact on β‐adrenoceptors via PAR2 in airway smooth muscle. Moreover, we focused on Ca2+signalling as a mechanism underlying alteration of smooth muscle tone and responsiveness.

MethodsIsometric tension andF340/F380, an indicator of the concentration of intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i), were simultaneously measured using fura‐2‐loaded tissues isolated from guinea‐pig tracheal smooth muscle.

ResultsTryptase (1–100 nm) caused tension with elevatedF340/F380, and after exposure to tryptase for 15 min the inhibitory effect of isoprenaline (ISO) against methacholine was attenuated without elevatingF340/F380in a concentration‐dependent manner. Tryptase (<1 nm) had a modest effect on tension, but prolonged treatment (120 min) with 0.1 nmtryptase also reduced the effects of ISO in a time‐dependent manner. When tissues were incubated with tryptase in the presence of Y‐27632, a Rho‐kinase inhibitor, reduced responsiveness to ISO by tryptase was reversed without affectingF340/F380. In contrast, pre‐treatment with SKF96365, a non‐selective inhibitor of Ca2+channels, did not antagonize the effect of tryptase. Moreover, pre‐treatment with SLIGKV‐NH2, a non‐enzymatic activator of PAR2, resulted in a loss of β‐adrenergic efficacy, similar to tryptase. The effect of cAMP‐related agents bypassing β‐adrenoceptors was not attenuated after exposure to tryptase.

ConclusionIn mast cell myositis, tryptase released from mast cells acts on airway smooth muscle, leading to homologous β‐adrenergic desensitization mediated by [Ca2+]i‐independent mechanisms via PAR2 activation.
Caries prevalence and distribution in individuals aged 3–20 years in Jönköping, Sweden, over a 30‐year period (1973–2003)
Authors: HUGOSON ANDERS , KOCH GÖRAN , HELKIMO ANNA NYDELL , LUNDIN SVEN‐ÅKE
Published: November 2007

Background.  Oral health status of individuals aged 3–80 years in the city of Jönköping, Sweden, has been assessed in a series of epidemiological studies over a 30‐year period.

Aim.  To analyse the changes in caries prevalence and caries distribution in child population sample groups, based on studies performed in 1973, 1978, 1983, 1993, and 2003.

Design.  Each time point included 500 randomly sampled individuals, divided into age groups of 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years.

Results.  Thirty‐five per cent of 3‐year‐olds were caries free in 1973, compared with 69% 30 years later. Decayed and filled primary (dfs) and permanent surfaces (DFS) were reduced by 50–80% between 1973 and 2003. Adolescents aged 10 and 15 years exhibited the most pronounced reduction in DFS on the occlusal surfaces. By 2003, 90% of the proximal carious lesions in 15‐year‐olds were initial carious lesions. In 2003, about 60% of 15‐year‐olds had a DFS of ≤ 5, while about 7% exhibited a DFS of ≥ 26.

Conclusions.  Despite the dramatic decline in the prevalence of caries, caries remains a health problem among children, particularly those of preschool age. Continuous epidemiological studies are recommended to evaluate preventive measures.
Subcellular location characteristics of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa GGDEF protein, WspR, indicate that it produces cyclic‐di‐GMP in response to growth on surfaces
Authors: Güvener Zehra Tüzün , Harwood Caroline S.
Published: November 2007

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Wsp signal transduction system produces cyclic‐di‐GMP (c‐di‐GMP), an intracellular messenger that stimulates biofilm formation and suppresses motility. The Wsp system is homologous to chemotaxis systems and includes a membrane‐bound receptor protein, WspA, and a response regulator GGDEF protein, WspR, that catalyses c‐di‐GMP synthesis when phosphorylated. We found that the subcellular distributions of fluorescent protein‐tagged WspA and WspR differed markedly from their chemotaxis counterparts. WspA–YFP formed patches in cells whereas WspR–YFP was dispersed when unphosphorylated and formed bright cytoplasmic clusters when phosphorylated. WspR formed clusters in cells of a ΔwspF mutant, a genetic background that causes constitutive phosphorylation of WspR, but was dispersed in cells of a wspA mutant, a genetic background necessary for WspR phosphorylation. In addition, WspR mutated at Asp70, its predicted site of phosphorylation, did not form clusters. C‐di‐GMP synthesis was not required for cluster formation. WspR–YFP was dispersed in liquid‐grown wild‐type cells, but formed clusters that sometimes appeared and disappeared over the course of a few minutes in cells grown on an agar surface. Our results suggest that the compartmentalized production of c‐di‐GMP in response to a stimulus associated with growth on a surface is an important functional characteristic of the Wsp system.
Translation factor IF2 at the interface of transposition and replication by the PriA‐PriC pathway
Authors: North Stella H. , Kirtland Sandy E. , Nakai Hiroshi
Published: November 2007

Bacteriophage Mu DNA synthesis is initiated during transposition by replication restart proteins PriA, DnaT and either PriB or PriC. The PriA‐PriC pathway requires PriA's helicase activity and other host factors that promote the orderly transition from transpososome to replisome on the Mu DNA template. The host factor MRFα‐PR, which removes obstacles to PriA binding and promotes the PriA‐PriC pathway, was identified to be the translation initiation factor IF2. Purified isoform IF2‐2, which is truncated at the N‐terminal end, had full MRFα‐PR activity whereas full‐length IF2‐1 was inactive. IF2‐2 was bound to the Mu DNA template specifically at the step for prereplisome assembly. Prior steps in the orderly transition from transpososome were essential to promote efficient IF2‐2 binding. Moreover, PriA helicase activity was subsequently needed to displace IF2‐2, remodelling the template to permit replisome assembly. IF2's role in the transition mechanism as well as its function as G protein and translation factor suggest its potential to regulate DNA synthesis by this pathway.
PE is a functional domain responsible for protein translocation and localization on mycobacterial cell wall
Authors: Cascioferro Alessandro , Delogu Giovanni , Colone Marisa , Sali Michela , Stringaro Annarita , Arancia Giuseppe , Fadda Giovanni , Palù Giorgio , Manganelli Riccardo
Published: November 2007

The PE family of Mycobacterium tuberculosis includes 98 proteins which share a highly homologous N‐terminus sequence of about 110 amino acids (PE domain). Depending on the C‐terminal domain, the PE family can be divided in three subfamilies, the largest of which is the PE_PGRS with 61 members. In this study, we determined the cellular localization of three PE proteins by cell fractionation and immunoelectron microscopy by expressing chimeric epitope‐tagged recombinant proteins in Mycobacterium smegmatis. We demonstrate that the PE domain of PE_PGRS33 and PE11 (a protein constituted by the only PE domain) contains the information necessary for cell wall localization, and that they can be used as N‐terminal fusion partners to deliver a sufficiently long C‐terminus‐linked protein domain on the mycobacterial cell surface. Indeed, we demonstrate that PE_PGRS33 and Rv3097c (a lipase belonging to the PE family) are surface exposed and localize in the mycobacterial cell wall. Moreover, we found that PE_PGRS33 is easily extractable by detergents suggesting its localization in the mycobacterial outer membrane. Beyond defining the cellular localization of these proteins, and a function for their PE domains, these data open the interesting possibility to construct recombinant mycobacteria expressing heterologous antigens on their surface for vaccine purposes.
Acidification of the oesophagus acutely increases the cough sensitivity in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux and chronic cough
Authors: Javorkova N. , Varechova S. , Pecova R. , Tatar M. , Balaz D. , Demeter M. , Hyrdel R. , Kollarik M.
Published: November 2007

Abstract  Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is one of the most common causes of chronic cough; however, the mechanisms by which GOR initiates coughing are incompletely understood. We address the hypothesis that acidification of oesophagus acutely increases the cough reflex sensitivity in patients with GORD and chronic cough. Nine patients with GORD with chronic cough and 16 patients with GORD without cough were recruited. In a randomized double blind study, saline and acid (HCl, 0.1 mol L−1) were separately infused into oesophagus via naso‐oesophageal catheter. Cough reflex sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin was determined immediately after completion of each infusion. Infusion of acid into oesophagus increased capsaicin cough reflex sensitivity in patients with GORD and chronic cough. In contrast, acid had no effect on the cough sensitivity in patients with GORD without cough. In a separate study, acid infusion into oesophagus did not affect the cough sensitivity in 18 healthy subjects. We conclude that acid in the oesophagus acutely increases the cough reflex sensitivity to capsaicin in patients with GORD and chronic cough. This phenomenon may contribute to the pathogenesis of cough due to GORD.
Importance of internal hydraulic redistribution for prolonging the lifespan of roots in dry soil
Authors: BAUERLE T. L. , RICHARDS J. H. , SMART D. R. , EISSENSTAT D. M.
Published: November 2007

Redistribution of water within plants could mitigate drought stress of roots in zones of low soil moisture. Plant internal redistribution of water from regions of high soil moisture to roots in dry soil occurs during periods of low evaporative demand. Using minirhizotrons, we observed similar lifespans of roots in wet and dry soil for the grapevine ‘Merlot’ (Vitis vinifera) on the rootstock 101‐14 Millardet de Gramanet (Vitis riparia × Vitis rupestris) in a Napa County, California vineyard. We hypothesized that hydraulic redistribution would prevent an appreciable reduction in root water potential and would contribute to prolonged root survivorship in dry soil zones. In a greenhouse study that tested this hypothesis, grapevine root systems were divided using split pots and were grown for 6 months. With thermocouple psychrometers, we measured water potentials of roots of the same plant in both wet and dry soil under three treatments: control (C), 24 h light + supplemental water (LW) and 24 h light only (L). Similar to the field results, roots in the dry side of split pots had similar survivorship as roots in the wet side of the split pots (P = 0.136) in theCtreatment. In contrast, reduced root survivorship was directly associated with plants in which hydraulic redistribution was experimentally reduced by 24 h light. Dry‐side roots of plants in theLWtreatment lived half as long as the roots in the wet soil despite being provided with supplemental water (P < 0.0004). Additionally, pre‐dawn water potentials of roots in dry soil under 24 h of illumination (LandLW) exhibited values nearly twice as negative as those ofCplants (P = 0.034). Estimates of root membrane integrity using electrolyte leakage were consistent with patterns of root survivorship. Plants in which nocturnal hydraulic redistribution was reduced exhibited more than twice the amount of electrolyte leakage in dry roots compared to those in wet soil of the same plant. Our study demonstrates that besides a number of ecological advantages to protecting tissues against desiccation, internal hydraulic redistribution of water is a mechanism consistent with extended root survivorship in dry soils.
Survival ofLeptosphaeria maculansand associated mycobiota on oilseed rape stubble buried in soil
Authors: Naseri B. , Davidson J. A. , Scott E. S.
Published: November 2007

Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal agent of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape, is an important pathogen in oilseed rape growing regions of the world, including Australia. Survival ofL. maculansand associated mycobiota on oilseed rape stubble buried for 13 months in field soil and in sandy soil was studied under South Australian environmental conditions. Stubble weight decreased significantly by the end of the burial period, more so in field (53·7%) than in sandy soil (22%). Pseudothecia did not develop on stubble buried in field soil and few formed when buried in sandy soil. Moist incubation of stubble following retrieval from both media generated pseudothecia; however, pseudothecial development ceased on stubble that had been buried for 10 and 12 months in field and sandy soil, respectively. In total, 20 and 36 genera of fungi were isolated from stubble before and after burial, respectively.Alternariaspp.,L. maculansandStemphylium botryosumwere isolated from 81·7, 70 and 60% of stubble pieces before burial, respectively. Isolation frequency of these species decreased significantly throughout the burial period in both media. Conversely, isolation frequency ofStachybotrys chartarum,Fusariumspp. andTrichodermaspp., having pre‐burial frequencies of 26·7, 16·7 and 2·5%, respectively, increased over the burial period regardless of soil type. These findings suggest that inoculum production ofL. maculansdecreases with the increasing burial duration in field soil over 10 months, before ceasing, and this may be due to associated mycobiota.
IFN‐γ Production and Degranulation are Differentially Regulated in Response to Stimulation in Murine Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Vahlne G. , Becker S. , Brodin P. , Johansson M. H.
Published: November 2007

Activation of natural killer (NK) cells is induced via receptors like NKG2D, NKR‐P1C and NKp46. This activation is balanced by interactions with inhibitory receptors. NK cell activation can lead to cytotoxicity mediated via polarized exocytosis of secretory lysosomes (degranulation) and interferon (IFN)‐γ production. We studied cell surface mobilization of a molecule present in secretory lysosomes, CD107a (LAMP‐1), to monitor the relationship between degranulation of NK cells and their production of IFN‐γ at the single cell level. A comparison of responses in naive mouse NK cells and NK cells pre‐activated with the type I interferon‐inducer tilorone demonstrated a dramatic influence of pre‐activation, allowing potent degranulation and IFN‐γ responses to NKG2D mediated stimulation that were not observed with naive NK cells. Degranulation and IFN‐γ production were performed by overlapping NK cell populations with generally higher frequencies of degranulating than IFN‐γ producing NK cells. An NK cell subset analysis based on expression of Mac‐1 and CD27 revealed that immature NK cells (Mac‐1loCD27hi) are preferentially degranulating, Mac‐1hiCD27hi cells perform both effector functions efficiently, while the most mature (Mac‐1hiCD27lo) NK cells display reduced degranulation but with maintained IFN‐γ production.
Original article: Frequency and impact of allergic rhinitis in asthma patients in everyday general medical practice: a French observational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Magnan A. , Meunier J. P. , Saugnac C. , Gasteau J. , Neukirch F.
Published: November 2007

Background:  Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma are inflammatory conditions of the airways that often occur concomitantly. This observational, cross‐sectional, national study was undertaken to describe the frequency and severity of AR in asthmatic patients. The impact of AR on the quality of life and the therapeutic management of patients in everyday general medical practice were also assessed.

Methods:  From April to October 2005, 1906 French general practitioners (GP) participated in the study. Each physician had to fill out a questionnaire (including the Juniper Asthma Control Questionnaire and a Rhinitis Questionnaire) for up to 10 consecutive adult asthmatic patients. The first three patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AR (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification) were asked to complete the Juniper Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ).

Results:  A total of 14 703 patient questionnaires and 4335 auto‐questionnaires were analysed. Patients presented with intermittent (45%), mild (25%), moderate (25%) and severe (4%) persistent asthma. The frequency of AR in asthmatic patients was 55.2% (CI: 95%, 54.4–56.0%). Allergic rhinitis was mild for 54% and moderate/severe for 46% of patients. The frequency and severity of AR increased with the severity of asthma (P < 0.001). Moreover, AR was associated with worse asthma control whatever be the severity of asthma (P < 0.001). The global RQLQ scores of AR patients worsened with the severity of asthma (P < 0.001). Prescription of anti‐asthma treatments significantly increased with the severity of AR. The majority of AR patients (81%) were treated for rhinitis.

Conclusions:  This survey suggested that AR was associated with more severe asthma, more difficulty to control asthma and substantial impairment of quality of life. The high frequency of AR in asthma patients requires that these conditions should be recognized and managed by GP.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*3580, with possible implication in transplantation and CTL response
Authors: Aureli A. , Liberatore G. , Papola F. , Adorno D. , Piancatelli D.
Published: November 2007

A new human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B allele, named B*3580, with an amino acid substitution at residue 156, has been identified during the sequence‐based typing of a patient waiting for a hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Comparison of ADVIA Centaur® and Pharmacia UniCAP® tests in the diagnosis of food allergy in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Contin‐Bordes Cécile , Petersen Anita , Chahine Isabelle , Boralevi Franck , Chahine Hikmat , Taïeb Alain , Sarrat Anne , Moreau Jean‐François , Taupin Jean‐Luc
Published: November 2007

In a study comprising 63 children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, the results of the ADVIA Centaur system was compared with the results obtained with the Pharmacia UniCAP100 system, which has been widely considered as a reference method for seric specific IgE (sIgE) measurements. The individual immunization against the most common food allergens [egg (f1), cow milk (f2), cod (f3), wheat (f4), peanut (f13) and soy bean (f14)] was determined by in vitro serum IgE testing and skin prick test (SPT). The comparison of the sIgE titers revealed a good concordance between the Centaur and the UniCAP tests for f1, f3, and f13 (94 %, 91 %, and 96 % respectively). However, the concordance was lower for f2, f4, and f14 (76 %, 77 %, and 77 % respectively) because of discrepancies between the two techniques. When compared with SPT and clinical diagnosis, on the 40 discordant cases found between the Centaur and the UniCAP, the Centaur showed concordance with the patients food reaction and SPT in 34/40 cases, and UniCAP in only 6/40 cases. Accordingly, the Centaur test displayed a statistically significantly better performance on specificity and concordance with SPT for f2, f4, and f14 (concordance/specificity = 70%/71%, 76%/75% and 90%/88% respectively), than the CAP test (49%/54%, 51%/52% and 67%/65% respectively).
Correlation between skin prick test using commercial extract of cow's milk protein and fresh milk and food challenges
Authors: Mauro Calvani , Claudia Alessandri , Tullio Frediani , Sandra Lucarelli , Stefano Miceli Sopo , Valentina Panetta , Daniela Zappala’ , Maria Zicari Anna
Published: November 2007

The skin prick test (SPT) is regarded as an important diagnostic measure in the diagnostic work‐up of cow's milk protein allergy. It is not known whether commercial extracts have any advantage over fresh milk. The aims of the study were to (i) compare the diagnostic capacity of SPTs for the three main cow's milk proteins (α‐lactalbumin, casein and β‐lactoglobulin) with fresh milk and (ii) determine a cut‐off that discriminates between allergic and tolerant children in a controlled food challenge. A study was carried out on 104 children consecutively attending two paediatric allergy clinics for suspected cow's milk allergy. A clinical history, SPTs with fresh cow's milk and commercial extracts of its three main proteins and a challenge test were performed on all the children. A study of the validity of the prick test was also performed by taking different cut‐off points for fresh milk and its proteins. Twenty‐eight of 104 challenge tests (26.9%) were positive. At a cut‐off point of 3 mm, fresh milk showed the greatest negative predictive value (98%), whereas casein showed the greatest positive predictive value (PPV, 85%). Calculation of 95% predicted probabilities using logistic regression revealed predictive decision points of 12 mm for lactalbumin, 9 mm for casein, 10 mm for β‐lactoglobulin and 15 mm for fresh cow's milk. We found that the greater the number of positive SPTs for milk proteins, the more likely the positive response to challenge. Having a positive SPT for all three milk proteins had PPV of 92.3% and would seem more clinically useful than any cut‐off. Both fresh milk and cow's milk extract of the three main proteins could be useful in the diagnostic work‐up of cow's milk allergy. Finding positivity to all three cow's milk proteins seems to be a simpler and more useful way of avoiding oral food challenges.
Educational clinical case series in pediatric allergy and immunology
Authors: Khan Seema , Kandula Leena , Orenstein Susan R.
Published: November 2007

Eosinophilic inflammation may occur in any part of the intestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum. Despite 70 yr having passed since the first reference to a case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis, the epidemiology and natural history of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are still poorly known. Insights into their etiology and pathogenesis have revealed an important role for allergens; interleukins 4, 5, and 13; the eotaxin family of chemokines; and eosinophil‐derived proteins. Diagnosis is confirmed by typical histologic features in a patient with a suggestive clinical phenotype. Treatment involves eliminating triggering allergens, making dietary restrictions the first choice of therapy in a compliant patient; corticosteroids [topical in eosinophilic esophagitis (EE)], despite the potential for serious side effects, are used with success in refractory and non‐compliant patients. In this study we discuss EE and gastroduodenitis against the backdrop of clinical case presentations.
Sexual dimorphism and the genetic potential for evolution of sex allocation in the gynodioecious plant, Schiedea salicaria
Authors: SAKAI A. K. , WELLER S. G. , CULLEY T. M. , CAMPBELL D. R. , DUNBAR‐WALLIS A. K. , ANDRES A.
Published: November 2007

Sex allocation theory addresses how separate sexes can evolve from hermaphroditism but little is known about the genetic potential for shifts in sex allocation in flowering plants. We tested assumptions of this theory using the common currency of biomass and measurements of narrow‐sense heritabilities and genetic correlations in Schiedea salicaria, a gynodioecious species under selection for greater differentiation of the sexes. Female (carpel) biomass showed heritable variation in both sexes. Male (stamen) biomass in hermaphrodites also had significant heritability, suggesting the potential for further evolution of dioecy. Significant positive genetic correlations between females and hermaphrodites in carpel mass may slow differentiation between the sexes. Within hermaphrodites, there were no negative genetic correlations between male and female biomass as assumed by models for the evolution of dioecy, suggesting that S. salicaria is capable of further changes in biomass allocation to male and female functions and evolution toward dioecy.
Temporal variation in the pollen:ovule ratios of Clarkia (Onagraceae) taxa with contrasting mating systems: field populations
Authors: DELESALLE V. A. , MAZER S. J. , PAZ H.
Published: November 2007

Among plants, pairs of selfing vs. outcrossing sister taxa provide interesting systems in which to test predictions concerning the magnitude and direction of temporal changes in sex allocation. Although resource availability typically declines towards the end of the growing season for annual taxa, temporal changes in mating opportunities depend on mating system and should change less in selfing taxa. Consequently, given that the pollen:ovule (P:O) ratio of flowers reflects the investment in (and potential fitness pay‐off due to) male vs. female function, we predicted that the P:O ratio should also be less variable among and within selfers than in closely related outcrossers. To test these predictions, we measured temporal changes in sex allocation in multiple field populations of two pairs of sister taxa in the annual flowering plant genus Clarkia (Onagraceae). In the outcrossing Clarkia unguiculata and the selfing Clarkia exilis, ovule production declined similarly from early to late buds, whereas pollen production remained constant or increased in the outcrosser but remained constant or decreased in the selfer. Consequently, the P:O ratio increased within unguiculata populations but marginally increased or stayed constant in exilis populations. In all populations of the selfing Clarkia xantiana spp. parviflora and the outcrossing C. x. spp. xantiana, both ovule and pollen production per flower declined over time. The effects of these declines on the P:O ratio, however, differed between subspecies. In each xantiana population, the mean P:O ratio did not differ between early and late flowers, although individuals varied greatly in the direction and magnitude of phenotypic change. By contrast, parviflora populations differed in the mean direction of temporal change in the P:O ratio. We found little evidence to support our initial predictions that the P:O ratio of the selfing taxa will consistently vary less than in outcrossing taxa.
Effect of metal stress on life history divergence and quantitative genetic architecture in a wolf spider
Authors: HENDRICKX F. , MAELFAIT J.‐P. , LENS L.
Published: November 2007

Effects and consequences of stress exposure on life history strategies and quantitative genetic variation in wild populations remain poorly understood. We here study whether long‐term exposure to heavy metal pollution may result in alternative life history strategies and alter quantitative genetic properties in natural populations of the wolf spiderPirata piraticus. Offspring originating from a reference and a metal contaminated population and their reciprocal hybrid cross were bred in a half‐sib mating scheme and subsequently reared in cadmium contaminated vs. clean environment. Results from this experiment provided evidence for a genetically based reduced growth rate and increased egg size in the contaminated population. Growth rate reduction in response to cadmium contamination was only observed for the reference population. Animal model analysis revealed that heritability for growth rate was large for the reference population under reference conditions, but much lower under metal stressed conditions, caused by a strong decrease in additive genetic variance. Heritability for growth of the metal contaminated population was very low, even under reference conditions. Initial size of the offspring was primarily determined by maternal effects, whereas egg size produced by the offspring was determined by both sire and dam effects, indicating that egg size determination is under control of the female genotype. In conclusion, these results show that metal stress can not only affect life history variation in natural populations, but also decreases the expression as well as the of the amount of genetic variation for particular life history traits.
Sympatric genetic differentiation of a generalist pathogenic fungus, Botrytis cinerea, on two different host plants, grapevine and bramble
Authors: FOURNIER E. , GIRAUD T.
Published: November 2007

Prime candidates for sympatric ecological divergence include parasites that differentiate via host shifts, because different host species exert strong disruptive selection and because both hosts and parasites are continually co‐evolving. Sympatric divergence may be fostered even more strongly in phytopathogenic fungi, in particular those where sex must occur on the host, which allows adaptation alone to restrict gene flow between populations developing on different hosts. We sampled populations of Botrytis cinerea, a generalist ascomycete fungus, on sympatric grapes and brambles in six regions in France. Microsatellite data were analyzed using standard population genetics, a population graph analysis and a Bayesian approach. In addition to confirming that B. cinerea reproduces sexually, our results showed that the fungal populations on the two hosts were significantly differentiated, indicating restricted gene flow, even in sympatry. In contrast, only weak geographical differentiation could be detected. These results support the possibility of sympatric divergence associated with host use in generalist parasites.
The Effects of Predation Risk, Food Abundance, and Population Size on Group Size of Brown‐Headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater)
Authors: Morgan Timothy , Fernández‐Juricic Esteban
Published: November 2007

Social and ecological conditions can influence flock formation (e.g. number of flocks, flock size, etc.) depending on the degree of social attraction of a species. We studied group formation in brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) over short time periods (30 min) in two semi‐natural experiments conducted under controlled conditions. First, we determined the shape of the relationship between intake rate and flock size by manipulating group size in a single enclosure. Second, we assessed the role of population size, food abundance, and predation risk, and their interactions, in flock size formation in a system of four enclosures (two with and two without food) connected to a central refuge patch. In the first experiment, we found that pecking rates peaked at intermediate flock sizes (three to six individuals), which was influenced by greater availability of foraging time and more aggressive interactions in large groups. In the second experiment, flock sizes in the patches with food increased with population size likely due to the benefits of patch exploitation in groups. Flock size decreased after predator attack probably because refuge availability reduced perceived predation risk more than flocking in larger groups. Food abundance had minor effects, varying flock sizes between the two patches with food, under high food availability conditions when population size was high, probably due to social cohesion effects. Our results suggest that: (1) this species has an inverted‐U food intake–group size relationship with a range of intake‐maximizing flock sizes rather than a single peak, (2) the presence of a near refuge modifies the expected benefits of group patch exploitation under high predation risk, and (3) an increase in population size would more likely be translated into rapid increases in the size of the flocks rather than in more new flocks.
Kinship Discrimination and Effects on Social Rank and Aggressiveness Levels in Iberian Red Deer Hinds
Authors: Ceacero Francisco , Landete‐Castillejos Tomás , García Andres J. , Estévez José A. , Gallego Laureano
Published: November 2007

Kin recognition is a widespread phenomenon that allows individuals to benefit by enhancing their inclusive fitness, and one of its most common forms is reducing aggressiveness towards relatives. We carried out an experiment with Iberian red deer hinds (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) in order to examine kin biases in dominance behaviour and its consequences on social rank. Three enclosed groups (n = 36, 23 and 21, respectively) were monitored during two lactation seasons and social rank hierarchies were assessed by analysing aggressive interactions matrices with Matman 1.1 software. Aggressive interactions between related hinds was significantly smaller than expected (χ2 = 5.02, df = 1, p = 0.025), not only between mother and daughter but also in second and third kinship degrees. Although rates of aggressiveness were similar to data published relating free‐ranging C. e. scoticus, aggressive interactions with relatives were significantly smaller (χ2 = 39.0, df = 1, p < 0.001). This reduction of aggressiveness between related hinds was not the result of these hinds having a lower social rank: social rank was only related to age and weight, but not to kinship degree, calf sex or calving date. The decrease of aggressiveness towards first‐, second‐ and third‐degree relatives shows a complex kin recognition system in deer. Possible nepotistic roles in lactation include preventing milk thefts by non‐kin and disturbing feeding of unrelated hinds.
Determinants of Male Spacing Behaviour in Panacanthus pallicornis (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Chamorro‐R Juliana , Montealegre‐Z Fernando , González‐O Ranulfo
Published: November 2007

Panacanthus pallicornis is a neotropical species of katydid endemic to Colombia that inhabits premontane forests, and individuals are found in regenerating (RF) and dense forest (DF) habits. Members of this species are made conspicuous by their colouration, remarkable defensive body thorns and the loud mating calls of the males. Through capture, marking, and recapture, we determined singing‐site characteristics in two different natural habitats: an RF and a DF. Using nearest neighbour analysis, we found male distribution tends to uniformity in forest habitats, but in the RF, male distribution is more random. Males also showed preference for high singing sites and these were correlated with host plant height. Although host plants in DF were taller than those in the RF, male’s perch preference was independent from the habitat; and in RF, males select lower perches. To investigate if male spacing was a function of the calling song, we manipulated two groups of males from a different population, one group deafened (tympanic membranes torn), and another control group with tympanic membranes intact. Insects were released from a single location in the two different zones of similar area. After a number of days we measured male displacement, and found that the deafened group distribution tended to aggregation, while the control group spread throughout the experimental zone with a random distribution. These results suggest that male spacing behaviour is one of the functions of the calling song. Based on a pre‐established phylogenetic framework of the genus Panacanthus, we discuss some implications for the evolution of the calling song of P. pallicornis in both RF and DF.
Field Observations of Agonism in the Crayfish, Orconectes rusticus: Shelter Use in a Natural Environment
Authors: Martin Arthur L. , Moore Paul A.
Published: November 2007

Crayfish are aggressive animals that compete to acquire resources such as shelters, food, and mates. Shelters are a primary resource that crayfish use for protection from conspecifics and predators. Despite the importance of this resource, no field research has been performed that studies the acquisition and control of this resource. The present study examines shelter use in a natural habitat and the impact that shelter ownership has on the intensity and outcome of agonistic encounters. A stationary underwater camera was used to observe crayfish, Orconectes rusticus, shelter use and agonistic interactions in a natural lake environment. These shelters were formed naturally in iron outcroppings found on the limestone and detritus benthos. Crayfish activity and shelter use was found to be dependent upon a circadian cycle with most of the shelter use occurring during the morning to early afternoon (05:00–13:00 hours). Agonistic encounters in the presence of shelters resulted in short, low intensity interactions. Interestingly, fight outcomes were not significantly affected by shelter ownership, but were primarily determined by size differential of combatants. This outcome may be due to the prevalence of shelters within this habitat. Contrary to laboratory studies, these results indicate that shelter ownership may not be an important factor in determining resource‐holding potential in some habitats.
Mate Choice by Non‐Virgin Females Contributes to Reproductive Isolation between Populations of the Harlequin Beetle‐Riding Pseudoscorpion
Authors: Zeh Jeanne A. , Zeh David W.
Published: November 2007

Determining whether reproductive isolation evolves through mate choice and/or gametic factors that prevent fertilization or through the post‐zygotic mechanisms of hybrid sterility or inviability is fundamental to understanding speciation. Investigation of the pre‐ and post‐zygotic components of reproductive isolation is facilitated in the pseudoscorpion, Cordylochernes scorpioides, by its indirect method of sperm transfer and viviparous embryonic development. Previous research on this species, in which mate discrimination was assessed in virgin females, suggested that female choice played only a minor role in reproductive isolation between populations from French Guiana and Panamá. Here, in a study of three allopatric populations of C. scorpioides from Panamá, we assessed mating‐stage isolation in both virgin and once‐mated females, and found that female discrimination depends critically on mating status. Virgin females were almost invariably receptive, showing no tendency to discriminate against males from allopatric populations. By contrast, non‐virgin females were significantly more likely to reject foreign males than males from their own population. Male sexual motivation could not account for differences in either female sexual receptivity or male success in sperm transfer. Allopatric and sympatric males did not differ in number of spermatophores deposited as either a female’s first or second mate. Nonetheless, allopatric males achieved significantly lower sperm transfer success not only with choosy, non‐virgin females but also with virgin females. Given the lack of behavioral discrimination by virgin females, female receptivity was not the only factor influencing differences in sperm transfer success. Multivariate analysis of spermatophore morphology suggests that the higher failure rate of matings between allopatric males and virgin females resulted from population differences in sperm packet architecture. Overall, our findings indicate that assessment of discrimination against allopatric males that is limited to virgin females may seriously underestimate the contribution of female mate choice to reproductive isolation between populations.
Wilson’s Storm Petrels Oceanites oceanicus Recognise the Olfactory Signature of Their Mate
Authors: Jouventin Pierre , Mouret Vincent , Bonadonna Francesco
Published: November 2007

Chemical signals in birds have rarely been considered as recognition cues. Nevertheless, recent experiments showed that several petrel species are able to recognize their nest by smell, and in at least one species even their mate. But the use of smell may be different across the petrel species and olfactory nest recognition appears to be dependent on species’ breeding biology. To increase our knowledge of individual olfactory recognition in petrels and the relationships between breeding biology and use of smell, we tested Wilson’s storm petrels Oceanites oceanicus in Antarctica. In previous experiments, these birds failed to home if rendered anosmic, but the method employed to obtain anosmia (potentially stressing birds) and the fact that they breed in 24‐h daylight suggest that they might use visual, rather than olfactory, cues to recognize their nest. Our birds were tested in T‐maze experiments where nest odours or partner odours were presented. Wilson’s storm petrels preferred odours of their own nest and mate. Results on olfactory nest recognition confirm and complete previous results, viz. anosmic Wilson’s storm petrels do not home. Storm petrels olfactory mate recognition suggests that this ability may be widespread in burrowing petrels and implements olfactory nest recognition.