bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change causes rapid changes in the distribution and site abundance of birds in winter
Authors: MACLEAN ILYA M. D. , AUSTIN GRAHAM E. , REHFISCH MARK M. , BLEW JAN , CROWE OLIVIA , DELANY SIMON , DEVOS KOEN , DECEUNINCK BERNARD , GÜNTHER KLAUS , LAURSEN KARSTEN , VAN ROOMEN MARC , WAHL JOHANNES
Published: June 2008

Detecting coherent signals of climate change is best achieved by conducting expansive, long‐term studies. Here, using counts of waders (Charadrii) collected from ca. 3500 sites over 30 years and covering a major portion of western Europe, we present the largest‐scale study to show that faunal abundance is influenced by climate in winter. We demonstrate that the ‘weighted centroids’ of populations of seven species of wader occurring in internationally important numbers have undergone substantial shifts of up to 115 km, generally in a northeasterly direction. To our knowledge, this shift is greater than that recorded in any other study, but closer to what would be expected as a result of the spatial distribution of ecological zones. We establish that year‐to‐year changes in site abundance have been positively correlated with concurrent changes in temperature, but that this relationship is most marked towards the colder extremities of the birds' range, suggesting that shifts have occurred as a result of range expansion and that responses to climate change are temperature dependent. Many attempts to model the future impacts of climate change on the distribution of organisms, assume uniform responses or shifts throughout a species' range or with temperature, but our results suggest that this may not be a valid approach. We propose that, with warming temperatures, hitherto unsuitable sites in northeastern Europe will host increasingly important wader numbers, but that this may not be matched by declines elsewhere within the study area. The need to establish that such changes are occurring is accentuated by the statutory importance of this taxon in the designation of protected areas.
Deforestation causes increased dissolved silicate losses in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest
Authors: CONLEY DANIEL J. , LIKENS GENE E. , BUSO DONALD C. , SACCONE LOREDANA , BAILEY SCOTT W. , JOHNSON CHRIS E.
Published: June 2008

Globally significant increases in the riverine delivery of nutrients and suspended particulate matter have occurred with deforestation. We report here significant increases in streamwater transport of dissolved silicate (DSi) following experimental forest harvesting at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH, USA. The magnitude of the streamwater response varied with the type of disturbance with the highest DSi export fluxes occurring in the manipulations that left the most plant materials on the soil surface and disturbed the soil surface least. No measurable loss of amorphous silica (ASi) was detected from the soil profile; however, ASi was redistributed within the soil profile after forest disturbance. Mass‐balance calculations demonstrate that some fraction of the DSi exported must come from dissolution of ASi and export as DSi. Land clearance and the development of agriculture may result in an enhanced flux of DSi coupled with enhanced erosion losses of ASi contained in phytoliths.
The use of DNA markers for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of haemophilia A in Egyptian families
Authors: HUSSEIN I. R. , EL‐BESHLAWY A. , SALEM A. , MOSAAD R. , ZAGHLOUL N. , RAGAB L. , FAYEK H. , GABER K. , EL‐EKIABI M.
Published: June 2008

Summary.  Haemophilia A is the most common inherited X‐linked recessive bleeding disorder. The aim was to investigate the usefulness of two DNA markers in linkage analysis, one intragenic BCL1 affecting restriction site in intron 18, and is detected as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and one extragenic variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) locus DXS52 (St14) to formulate an informative and accurate carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis. The study included 46 families with at least one child affected with haemophilia A, and 30 unrelated normal females as control group. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme analysis were used to study the polymorphism in BCL1, and long‐distance PCR for detection of VNTR (ST14) alleles. The incidence of BCL1 (+) allele was 74%, 72% and 60% in patients, mothers and control group, respectively. Expected heterozygosity for BCL1 was 40% in mothers of affected cases compared with 48% in the female control group. However, observed heterozygosity was found to be 48% in the mothers of affected cases, compared with 60% in the control group. Thus, 48% of the studied families are informative for this marker alone. Nine different alleles of VNTR (St14) were observed in mothers and six alleles in affected cases and six in the control group. The most prevalent alleles were 1300 bp (45.5% and 34%) and 700 bp (13.6% and 20%) in patients and their mothers, respectively. Observed heterozygosity in mothers was 41% compared with 43.3% in controls. The combined use of both BCL1 and St14 markers raised the informative rate to 63.6%. Carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis is possible in haemophilia A families using both DNA markers. We suggest screening haemophilic families first for BCL1 polymorphism followed by analysis of St14 locus.
Stability of pigments and oil in pistachio kernels during storage
Authors: Bellomo Maria G. , Fallico Biagio , Muratore Giuseppe
Published: June 2008

This work tested the stability of pigments (chlorophyll [chl] a and chlorophyll [chl] b, and lutein] and oil in pistachio kernels stored up to 14 months at three different temperatures: 10, 25 and 37 °C. The samples were hermetically packaged using two films (nylon and ethylene vinyl alcohol) with and without oxygen scavengers. For each temperature, reference samples were packaged in open bags. For both the oil and pigments, no differences were observed during storage, irrespective of packaging or oxygen scavengers. After 14 months, the oil showed very few changes: a slight increase in acidity and peroxide value (PV) irrespective of storage temperature; the spectrophotometric indices K232 and K268 remained the same. As for pigment stability, the lowest concentrations were observed at 37 °C with a degradation of about 62% for chl a, 44% for chl b and 57.5% for lutein. At 10 and 25 °C, the samples showed slight differences, the pigments degradations were about 46% for chl a, 33% for chl b and 37% for lutein. The degradation rate constants for the three pigments fitted a pseudo‐zero‐order kinetic in which Ea was 11.7 kJ mol−1, 12.1 kJ mol−1 and 18.2 kJ mol−1 for chl a, chl b and lutein respectively.
The logic of relations and the logic of management
Authors: Buntinx W.
Published: June 2008

Background  Increasing emphasis on financial and administrative control processes is affecting service culture in support organisations for persons with intellectual disability. This phenomenon is currently obvious in Dutch service organisations that find themselves in transition towards more community care and at the same time under pressure from new administrative and funding managerial bureaucracy. As a result, the logic of management is becoming more dominant in direct support settings and risk to overshadow the logic of relationships between staff and clients.

Method  The article presents a reflection on this phenomenon, starting from a description of service team characteristics as found in the literature. Next, findings about direct support staff (DSS) continuity are summarised from four Dutch studies. Following up these findings, the concept of ‘microsystems’ is explored as a possible answer to the organisational challenges demonstrated in the studies.

Results  Team characteristics, especially team size and membership continuity for DSS, appear relevant factors for assuring supportive relationships and service quality in direct support teams. The structure of the primary support team shows to be of special interest. The organisational concept of ‘microsystems’ is explored with respect to transcending the present conflict between bureaucratic managerial pressure and the need for supportive relationships.

Conclusion  Service organisations need to create structural conditions for the efficacy of direct support teams in terms of client relationships and relevant client outcomes. At the same time, the need for administrative and control processes can not be denied. The concept of ‘microsystems’, application of a Quality of Life framework and the use of new instruments, such as the Supports Intensity Scale, can contribute to an organisational solution for the present conflicting logic of relations and management.
The specialized secretory apparatus ESX‐1 is essential for DNA transfer in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Coros Abbie , Callahan Brian , Battaglioli Eric , Derbyshire Keith M.
Published: June 2008

Conjugal DNA transfer in Mycobacterium smegmatis occurs by a mechanism distinct from plasmid‐mediated DNA transfer. Previously, we had shown that the secretory apparatus, ESX‐1, negatively regulated DNA transfer from the donor strain; ESX‐1 donor mutants are hyper‐conjugative. Here, we describe a genome‐wide transposon mutagenesis screen to isolate recipient mutants. Surprisingly, we find that a majority of insertions map within the esx‐1 locus, which encodes the secretory apparatus. Thus, in contrast to its role in donor function, ESX‐1 is essential for recipient function; recipient ESX‐1 mutants are hypo‐conjugative. In addition to esx‐1 genes, our screen identifies novel non‐esx‐1 loci in the M. smegmatis genome that are required for both DNA transfer and ESX‐1 activity. DNA transfer therefore provides a simple molecular genetic assay to characterize ESX‐1, which, in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is necessary for full virulence. These findings reinforce the functional intertwining of DNA transfer and ESX‐1 secretion, first described in the M. smegmatis donor. Moreover, our observation that ESX‐1 has such diametrically opposed effects on transfer in the donor and recipient, forces us to consider how proteins secreted by the ESX‐1 apparatus can function so as to modulate two seemingly disparate processes, M. smegmatis DNA transfer and M. tuberculosis virulence.
Crystal structures of the effector‐binding domain of repressor Central glycolytic gene Regulator from Bacillus subtilis reveal ligand‐induced structural changes upon binding of several glycolytic intermediates
Authors: Řezáčová Pavlína , Kožíšek Milan , Moy Shiu F. , Sieglová Irena , Joachimiak Andrzej , Machius Mischa , Otwinowski Zbyszek
Published: June 2008

Expression of genes in the gapA operon encoding five enzymes for triose phosphate interconversion in Bacillus subtilis is negatively regulated by the Central glycolytic genes Regulator (CggR). CggR belongs to the large SorC/DeoR family of prokaryotic transcriptional regulators, characterized by an N‐terminal DNA‐binding domain and a large C‐terminal effector‐binding domain. When no glucose is present in growth media, CggR binds to its target DNA sequence and blocks the transcription of genes in the gapA operon. In the presence of glucose, binding of the known effector molecule fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate abolishes this interaction. We have identified dihydroxyacetone phosphate, glucose‐6‐phosphate and fructose‐6‐phosphate as additional CggR ligands that can bind to the effector‐binding site. Crystal structures of C‐CggR, the C‐terminal effector‐binding domain of CggR, both unliganded as well as in complex with the four ligands at resolutions between 1.65 and 1.80 Å reveal unique ligand‐specific structural changes in the binding site that affect the dimer interface. Binding affinities of these ligands were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry. Chemical cross‐linking shows that CggR oligomerization is mediated through its effector‐binding domain, and that binding of the different ligands differentially affects the distribution of oligomers. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) confirmed a destabilizing effect of fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate on the CggR/DNA complex, and also showed similar effects for dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Our results suggest that CggR stability and function may be modulated by various effectors in a complex fashion.
Irritable bowel syndrome aggregates strongly in families: a family‐based case‐control study
Authors: Saito Y. A. , Zimmerman J. M. , S. Harmsen W. , De Andrade M. , Locke Iii G. R. , Petersen G. M. , Talley N. J.
Published: June 2008

Abstract  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) runs in families. Prior family studies surveyed patients inquiring about family history without surveying family members. The stigma associated with IBS may lead relatives to not share information with others, resulting in underestimates of familial aggregation of IBS. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of patient‐report of family history of IBS in cases and controls, and to estimate familial aggregation of IBS using both a case–control and a family‐study design. Fifty cases and 53 controls completed symptom questionnaires and provided contact information for first‐degree relatives. Questionnaires were mailed to relatives. Relatives were considered to have IBS if they met Rome criteria and did not have an alternate GI diagnosis. Cases and controls identified 573 relatives in their families. A total of 202 (51%) of 396 living relatives participated. The kappa statistics between proband‐ and relative‐reported IBS for case‐ and control‐relatives were 0.27 and 0.04. Cases reported 21% of relatives had IBS; relative‐reports showed 37% (P = 0.003). Controls reported 4% of relatives had IBS; relative‐reports showed 16% (P = 0.013). Regardless of whether the proband or the relative themselves were the information source, case‐relatives were threefold as likely to have IBS than control‐relatives (P < 0.05). However, overall rates were higher when data collected from relatives were used. Regardless of approach, strong familial aggregation of IBS was observed. Cases and controls underestimated the frequency of IBS in their relatives and agreement between proband‐ and relative‐report of IBS status was extremely poor, thus emphasizing the need for direct data collection from relatives in IBS family studies.
Knock‐down of the MEP pathway isogene 1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose 5‐phosphate synthase 2 inhibits formation of arbuscular mycorrhiza‐induced apocarotenoids, and abolishes normal expression of mycorrhiza‐specific plant marker genes
Authors: Floß Daniela S. , Hause Bettina , Lange Peter R. , Küster Helge , Strack Dieter , Walter Michael H.
Published: June 2008

The first step of the plastidial methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is catalyzed by two isoforms of 1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose 5‐phosphate synthase (DXS1 and DXS2). In Medicago truncatula, MtDXS1 and MtDXS2 genes exhibit completely different expression patterns. Most prominently, colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi induces the accumulation of certain apocarotenoids (cyclohexenone and mycorradicin derivatives) correlated with the expression of MtDXS2 but not of MtDXS1. To prove a distinct function of DXS2, a selective RNAi approach on MtDXS2 expression was performed in transgenic hairy roots of M. truncatula. Repression of MtDXS2 consistently led to reduced transcript levels in mycorrhizal roots, and to a concomitant reduction of AM‐induced apocarotenoid accumulation. The transcript levels of MtDXS1 remained unaltered in RNAi plants, and no phenotypical changes in non‐AM plants were observed. Late stages of the AM symbiosis were adversely affected, but only upon strong repression with residual MtDXS2‐1 transcript levels remaining below approximately 10%. This condition resulted in a strong decrease in the transcript levels of MtPT4, an AM‐specific plant phosphate transporter gene, and in a multitude of other AM‐induced plant marker genes, as shown by transcriptome analysis. This was accompanied by an increased proportion of degenerating and dead arbuscules at the expense of mature ones. The data reveal a requirement for DXS2‐dependent MEP pathway‐based isoprenoid products to sustain mycorrhizal functionality at later stages of the symbiosis. They further validate the concept of a distinct role for DXS2 in secondary metabolism, and offer a novel tool to selectively manipulate the levels of secondary isoprenoids by targeting their precursor supply.
Involvement of sphingosine kinase in plant cell signalling
Authors: Worrall Dawn , Liang Yun‐Kuan , Alvarez Sergio , Holroyd Geoff H. , Spiegel Sarah , Panagopulos Michael , Gray Julie E. , Hetherington Alistair M.
Published: June 2008

In mammalian cells sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a well‐established messenger molecule that participates in a wide range of signalling pathways. The objective of the work reported here was to investigate the extent to which phosphorylated long‐chain sphingoid bases, such as sphingosine‐1‐phosphate and phytosphingosine‐1‐phosphate (phytoS1P) are used in plant cell signalling. To do this, we manipulated Arabidopsis genes capable of metabolizing these messenger molecules. We show that Sphingosine kinase1 (SPHK1) encodes an enzyme that phosphorylates sphingosine, phytosphingosine and other sphingoid long‐chain bases. The stomata of SPHK1‐KD Arabidopsis plants were less sensitive, whereas the stomata of SPHK1‐OE plants were more sensitive, than wild type to ABA. The rate of germination of SPHK1‐KD was enhanced, whereas the converse was true for SPHK1‐OE seed. Reducing expression of either the putative Arabidopsis S1P phosphatase (SPPASE) or the DPL1 gene, which encodes an enzyme with S1P lyase activity, individually, had no effect on guard‐cell ABA signalling; however, stomatal responses to ABA in SPPASEDPL1 RNAi plants were compromised. Reducing the expression of DPL1 had no effect on germination; however, germination of SPPASE RNAi seeds was more sensitive to applied ABA. We also found evidence that expression of SPHK1 and SPPASE were coordinately regulated, and discuss how this might contribute to robustness in guard‐cell signalling. In summary, our data establish SPHK1 as a component in two separate plant signalling systems, opening the possibility that phosphorylated long‐chain sphingoid bases such as S1P and phytoS1P are ubiquitous messengers in plants.
Arabidopsis XXT5 gene encodes a putative α‐1,6‐xylosyltransferase that is involved in xyloglucan biosynthesis
Authors: Zabotina Olga A. , Van De Ven Wilhelmina T.G. , Freshour Glenn , Drakakaki Georgia , Cavalier David , Mouille Gregory , Hahn Michael G. , Keegstra Kenneth , Raikhel Natasha V.
Published: June 2008

The function of a putative xyloglucan xylosyltransferase from Arabidopsis thaliana (At1g74380; XXT5) was studied. The XXT5 gene is expressed in all plant tissues, with higher levels of expression in roots, stems and cauline leaves. A T‐DNA insertion in the XXT5 gene generates a readily visible root hair phenotype (root hairs are shorter and form bubble‐like extrusions at the tip), and also causes the alteration of the main root cellular morphology. Biochemical characterization of cell wall polysaccharides isolated from xxt5 mutant seedlings demonstrated decreased xyloglucan quantity and reduced glucan backbone substitution with xylosyl residues. Immunohistochemical analyses of xxt5 plants revealed a selective decrease in some xyloglucan epitopes, whereas the distribution patterns of epitopes characteristic for other cell wall polysaccharides remained undisturbed. Transformation of xxt5 plants with a 35S::HA‐XXT5 construct resulted in complementation of the morphological, biochemical and immunological phenotypes, restoring xyloglucan content and composition to wild‐type levels. These data provide evidence that XXT5 is a xyloglucan α‐1,6‐xylosyltransferase, and functions in the biosynthesis of xyloglucan.
The pentatricopeptide repeat gene OTP51 with two LAGLIDADG motifs is required for the cis‐splicing of plastid ycf3 intron 2 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: De Longevialle Andéol Falcon , Hendrickson Luke , Taylor Nicolas L. , Delannoy Etienne , Lurin Claire , Badger Murray , Millar A. Harvey , Small Ian
Published: June 2008

The Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplast contains 20 group‐II introns in its genome, and seven known splicing factors are required for the splicing of overlapping subsets of 19 of them. We describe an additional protein (OTP51) that specifically promotes the splicing of the only group‐II intron for which no splicing factor has been described previously. This protein is a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein containing two LAGLIDADG motifs found in group‐I intron maturases in other organisms. Amino acids thought to be important for the homing endonuclease activity of other LAGLIDADG proteins are missing in this protein, but the amino acids described to be important for maturase activity are conserved. OTP51 is absolutely required for the splicing of ycf3 intron 2, and also influences the splicing of several other group‐IIa introns. Loss of OTP51 has far‐reaching consequences for photosystem‐I and photosystem‐II assembly, and for the photosynthetic fluorescence characteristics of mutant plants.
Ready‐to‐use introduction schedules for first exposure to allergenic foods in children at home
Authors: Vlieg‐Boerstra B. J. , Dubois A. E. J. , Van Der Heide S. , Bijleveld C. M. A. , Wolt‐Plompen S. A. A. , Oude Elberink J. N. G. , Kukler J. , Jansen D. F. , Venter C. , Duiverman E. J.
Published: June 2008

Background:  The vast majority of children will undergo their first exposure to common allergenic foods at home. However, the first exposure may lead to clinical reactions. It has been proposed to introduce allergenic foods gradually into the diets of children at risk for food allergy, but no practical dietary advice has been devised.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to devise safe introduction schedules for common allergenic foods for use at home, based on the challenge doses as administered in double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFCs) in children who were never exposed previously to these foods.

Methods:  Seventy‐two DBPCFCs were performed in 63 children as a first known exposure. The incrementing challenge doses were converted into equivalent portions of these foods in their usual household form and incorporated in introduction schedules. The feasibility of the introduction scales was tested in parents of the children attending our clinic.

Results:  Based on the results of the positive challenges (37) in which severe reactions did not occur, detailed introduction schedules and a reference photograph of the required increasing amounts of food were devised for use at home. Feasibility testing showed that, when using these introduction schedules, parents portioned the initial doses significantly lower than without detailed instructions.

Conclusions:  The introduction schedules and reference photograph provide information for parents to introduce the required amounts of allergenic foods in initial low doses at home. This is expected to improve the safety of this procedure.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and fresh fruit intake are associated with improved asthma control
Authors: Barros R. , Moreira A. , Fonseca J. , Ferraz de Oliveira J. , Delgado L. , Castel‐Branco M. G. , Haahtela T. , Lopes C. , Moreira P.
Published: June 2008

Background:  The traditional Mediterranean diet is claimed to possess antioxidant and immune‐regulatory properties in several chronic diseases. Typical Mediterranean foods have recently been associated with improvement of symptoms of asthma and rhinitis in children. However the effect of adherence to Mediterranean diet on adult asthma outcomes is unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between adherence to Mediterranean diet and asthma control.

Methods:  Cross sectional study of 174 asthmatics, mean (SD) age of 40 (15) years. The patients were defined as controlled, in contrast to noncontrolled, if they showed FEV1 ≥ 80% of predicted, exhaled nitric oxide (NO) ≤35 ppb, and Asthma Control Questionnaire score <1. Dietary intake was obtained by a food frequency questionnaire, and Mediterranean diet was assessed by alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) Score. Logistic regression models adjusting for confounders were performed to estimate the association between Mediterranean diet and asthma control.

Results:  Controlled asthmatics (23%) had significantly higher aMED Score, intake of fresh fruit, and lower intake of ethanol compared to noncontrolled (77%). High adherence to Mediterranean diet reduced 78% the risk of noncontrolled asthma after adjusting for gender, age, education, inhaled corticosteroids and energy intake (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.05–0.85; P‐trend = 0.028). The higher intake of fresh fruit decreased the probability of having noncontrolled asthma (OR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.10–0.83; P‐trend = 0.015), while the higher intake of ethanol had the opposite effect (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.10–9.11; P‐trend = 0.035).

Conclusion:  High adherence to traditional Mediterranean diet increased the likelihood of asthma to be under control in adults. The study introduces a novel link between diet and asthma control, as measured by symptoms, lung function and exhaled NO.
A 12‐week placebo‐controlled study of rupatadine 10 mg once daily compared with cetirizine 10 mg once daily, in the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Fantin S. , Maspero J. , Bisbal C. , Agache I. , Donado E. , Borja J. , Mola O. , Izquierdo I. ,   on behalf of international Rupatadine study group
Published: June 2008

Background: With the current increasing incidence of allergies worldwide, new treatments showing efficacy and long term safety are needed for chronic conditions such as persistent allergic rhinitis (PER). New generation H1‐antihistamines have demonstrated anti‐allergic properties, which could possibly enhance their effectiveness in long‐term periods of treatment.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of rupatadine, in controlling symptoms of PER over a 12‐week period.

Methods: A randomized, double blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled study was carried out in patients aged older than 12 years with PER. Main inclusion criteria were: instantaneous total symptom score (i6TSS) ≥45, nasal obstruction score ≤12, and overall assessment of PER ≥2 as moderate during the first visit. The primary efficacy endpoint was the 12‐week average change from baseline of the patients’ i6TSS.

Results: In all, 736 patients were selected. Of them, 543 (73.8%) were randomized in three different groups: placebo (n = 185), cetirizine (n = 175) and rupatadine (n = 183). Rupatadine (P = 0.008) but not cetirizine (P = 0.07) statistically reduced the baseline i6TSSvsplacebo (47.8%, 44.7% and 38.8%, respectively), after 12 weeks. Onset of action was observed at the first 24 h for both treatments (rupatadinevsplacebo,P = 0.013; cetirizinevsplacebo,P = 0.015). Furthermore, instantaneous total nasal symptoms score (iTNSS) (including nasal blockage) mean change from baseline showed a significant reduction with rupatadine 10 mg in comparison with placebo, along all treatment duration of 12 weeks. Study treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion: Rupatadine significantly relieves symptoms of PER, providing a rapid onset of action and maintains its effects over a long period of 12‐weeks.
Selenium and asthma: a complex relationship
Authors: Hoffmann P. R.
Published: June 2008

Descriptive studies in humans investigating the relationship between selenium (Se) status and asthma have presented inconsistent results. The concept of low Se status as a potential risk factor for increased prevalence or severity of asthma is based on the role that Se, through its incorporation into selenoproteins, plays as a potent antioxidant capable of augmenting the oxidative stress that accompanies asthma. However, Se intake also exerts a significant influence over immune responses. Thus, the dual effects of Se status on controlling oxidative stress in the lungs and regulating T helper 2 responses that drive allergic asthma, as well as which selenoproteins are key to regulating these processes, must be considered when attempting to decipher the relationship between this essential nutrient and complex allergic diseases such as asthma.
Reported food allergy to peanut, tree nuts and fruit: comparison of clinical manifestations, prescription of medication and impact on daily life
Authors: Le T. M. , Lindner T. M. , Pasmans S. G. , Guikers C. L. H. , Van Hoffen E. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. F. M. , Knulst A. C.
Published: June 2008

Background:  Peanut (PN), tree nuts (TN) and fruits are frequent causes of food allergy (FA). Peanut and TN are believed to cause more severe reactions than fruits. However, there are no studies comparing the severity of PN, TN and fruit allergy within one patient group.

Methods:  Four‐hundred and eleven adult patients referred to our tertiary allergy center with suspicion of FA completed a standardized questionnaire. Patients with a typical history of immunoglubulin E (IgE)‐mediated allergy, e.g. oropharyngeal symptoms to PN, TN (hazelnut, walnut, cashew nut) or fruit (apple, kiwi, peach, pear and cherry) were recruited (218/411). The objective was to evaluate differences in clinical severity between PN, TN and fruit allergy and how this was reflected by prescription of emergency medication and impact on daily life.

Results:  Eighty‐two percent of the included 218 patients were sensitized to the respective foods. The percentages of severe symptoms (i.e. respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms) in PN, TN and fruit allergic patients were respectively 47%, 39% and 31% (respiratory) and 11%, 5.0% and 3.4% (cardiovascular). Prescription and use of emergency medication (epinephrine, antihistamines and steroids) did not differ among the three groups. The majority of patients with a PN or TN allergy (72%) and fruit allergy (62%) reported that FA influences their daily life considerably.

Conclusions:  Fruit allergy causes less severe symptoms than TN and especially PN allergy. However, this is not reflected in the prescription or use of emergency medication. This may indicate that physicians are not fully acquainted with the guidelines for prescription of emergency medication. A high impact on daily life was found both in PN, TN and in fruit allergy.
Evaluation by double‐blind placebo‐controlled oral challenge of the clinical relevance of IgE antibodies against plant glycans
Authors: Mari A. , Ooievaar‐de Heer P. , Scala E. , Giani M. , Pirrotta L. , Zuidmeer L. , Bethell D. , Van Ree R.
Published: June 2008

Background:  The clinical relevance of immunoglobulin E (IgE) to plant glycans is a longstanding debate. We sought to evaluate their clinical reactivity using the human glycoprotein lactoferrin expressed in rice.

Methods:  Allergic patients with IgE antibodies against plant glycans were analyzed for the presence of IgE against rice‐produced lactoferrin. The potency of IgE to induce mediator release was assessed by basophil histamine release and skin prick tests (SPTs). Clinical relevance was evaluated by double‐blind placebo‐controlled oral challenge (DBPCOC).

Results:  Twenty‐four of 29 sera (82.7%) with IgE antibodies against plant glycans demonstrated IgE binding to transgenic lactoferrin. In three of five cases transgenic lactoferrin induced histamine release. Compared to a control major grass pollen allergen lactoferrin concentrations needed for biological activity of IgE were 5–6 orders of magnitude higher. Skin prick test and DBPCOC were negative in five patients with potential clinical reactivity that volunteered to undergo these in vivo challenges.

Conclusions:  Poor or no biological activity and lack of clinical relevance of IgE‐binding plant glycans (five out of five) was demonstrated using human lactoferrin expressed in rice as a model.
A case‐control study of the relation between plasma selenium and asthma in European populations: a GA2LEN project*
Authors: Burney P. , Potts J. , Makowska J. , Kowalski M. , Phillips J. , Gnatiuc L. , Shaheen S. , Joos G. , Van Cauwenberge P. , Van Zele T. , Verbruggen K. , Van Durme Y. , Derudder I. , Wohrl S. , Godnic‐Cvar J. , Salameh B. , Skadhauge L. , Thomsen G. , Zuberbier T. , Bergmann K. C. , Heinzerling L. , Renz H. , Al‐Fakhri N. , Kosche B. , Hildenberg A. , Papadopoulos N. G. , Xepapadaki P. , Zannikos K. , Gjomarkaj M. , Bruno A. , Pace E. , Bonini S. , Bresciani M. , Gramiccioni C. , Fokkens W. , Weersink E. J. M. , Carlsen K.‐H. , Bakkeheim E. , Loureiro C. , Villanueva C. M. , Sanjuas C. , Zock J.‐P. , Lundback B. , Janson C.
Published: June 2008

Background:  There is evidence that selenium levels are relatively low in Europe and may be falling. Low levels of selenium or low activity of some of the enzymes dependent on selenium have been associated with asthma.

Methods:  The GA2LEN network has organized a multicentre case–control study in Europe to assess the relation of plasma selenium to asthma. The network compared 569 cases in 14 European centres with a diagnosis of asthma and reporting asthma symptoms in the last 12 months with 576 controls from the same centres with no diagnosis of asthma and no asthmatic symptoms in the last 12 months.

Results:  All cases and controls were selected from the same population defined by age and place of residence. Mean plasma selenium concentrations among the controls ranged from 116.3 μg/l in Palermo to 67.7 μg/l in Vienna and 56.1 μg/l among the children in Oslo. Random effects meta‐analysis of the results from the centres showed no overall association between asthma and plasma selenium [odds ratio (OR)/10 μg/l increase in plasma selenium: 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–1.21] though there was a significantly protective effect in Lodz (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.29–0.78) and a marginally significant adverse effect in Amsterdam (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 0.98–2.90) and Ghent (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.03–1.77).

Conclusion:  This study does not support a role for selenium in protection against asthma, but effect modification and confounding cannot be ruled out.
Stability of asthma control with regular treatment: an analysis of the Gaining Optimal Asthma controL (GOAL) study
Authors: Bateman E. D. , Bousquet J. , Busse W. W. , Clark T. J. H. , Gul N. , Gibbs M. , Pedersen S. ,   on behalf of the GOAL Steering Committee and Investigators
Published: June 2008

Background:  Uncontrolled asthma is characterized by variability. Current asthma guidelines recommend focussing on the achievement and maintenance of control but few studies have examined in detail, using composite measures of control, the stability and potential duration of control once achieved. In this post‐hoc analysis of the results of the Gaining Optimal Asthma controL (GOAL) study, we examine the association between the level of asthma control achieved during the step‐up phase of the study and the stability of control experienced during the maintenance phase.

Methods:  GOAL was a 1‐year, randomized, stratified, double‐blind study of 3421 patients with uncontrolled asthma, which compared salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination with fluticasone propionate in achieving two composite, guideline‐based measures of control: totally controlled and well‐controlled asthma. We analysed the proportion and duration of time spent in control, the effect of treatment on asthma stability, and the impact of asthma control stability on unscheduled use of healthcare resources.

Results:  In patients achieving well‐controlled or totally controlled asthma, at least well‐controlled asthma was maintained for a median of almost 3 and 6 months, and for more than 85% and 95% of weeks of follow‐up, respectively. A high level of stability was confirmed in a Markov analysis investigating transitional probability of change in control status. Variability in control was associated with increased probability of an unscheduled healthcare resource use (odds ratio: 1.06, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Most patients achieving guideline‐defined control can maintain at least a similar level of control with regular, stable dosing, with little likelihood of losing control.
Evidence‐based recommendations regarding the differential diagnosis and assessment of nasal congestion: using the new GRADE system
Authors: Van Spronsen E. , Ingels K. J. A. O. , Jansen A. H. , Graamans K. , Fokkens W. J.
Published: June 2008

Nasal congestion is an important symptom in nasal pathology and can be defined as an objective restriction of nasal cavity airflow because of mucosal pathology and/or increased mucus secretion (excluding anatomical variants). Using the new Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, evidence‐based recommendations are made that will encompass different clinical questions regarding diagnostic modalities of nasal congestion: (i) their usefulness in assessment of presence and severity of congestion; (ii) their usefulness in assessment of etiological pathology responsible for congestion; and (iii) their usefulness in follow up and treatment effectiveness evaluation of nasal congestion.
The INDEX project: executive summary of a European Union project on indoor air pollutants
Authors: Koistinen K. , Kotzias D. , Kephalopoulos S. , Schlitt C. , Carrer P. , Jantunen M. , Kirchner S. , McLaughlin J. , Mølhave L. , Fernandes E. O. , Seifert B.
Published: June 2008

The prevalence of allergies, asthma and other respiratory diseases in large populations has increased in recent decades. Among other factors, this phenomenon has been connected to adverse health effects of air pollution. Although some causal links between occupational exposures and their health effects are shown, still little is known about the health risks of lifelong exposure to indoor air pollutants. To assess the health risks of indoor air pollutants at prevailing concentration levels in Europe, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission carried out a project called “Critical Appraisal of the Setting and Implementation of Indoor Exposure Limits in the EU” (INDEX). The aims of the project were: (1) to assess health risks of indoor‐originated chemical pollutants that might be regulated in the EU and (2) to provide suggestions and recommendations on potential exposure limits or other risk management measures. The results of the INDEX project should contribute to the development of an EU strategy for the management of indoor air quality. The highest priority was given in this study to: formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene and naphthalene. Exposure limits, recommendations and management options were also given to minimize the health risks for these compounds.
Molecular interactions of alanine‐rich and proline‐rich regions of cell surface protein antigen c in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Matsumoto‐Nakano M. , Tsuji M. , Amano A. , Ooshima T.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  Streptococcus mutans has been implicated as a primary causative agent of dental caries in humans, and its cell surface protein antigen c (PAc) is known to be associated with sucrose‐independent adhesion to tooth surfaces. PAc is composed of several domains, including an N‐terminal signal sequence, an alanine‐rich repeat region (A‐region), a proline‐rich repeat region (P‐region), and an anchor region.

Methods:  To investigate the functions of each domain, an A‐region‐deficient mutant strain of S. mutans was constructed, and recombinant PAc and A‐ and P‐region proteins were also constructed. The interactions of each domain with the recombinant proteins were analyzed using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy with a biomolecular interaction analyzing system.

Results:  The A‐region‐deficient mutant strain showed the lowest levels of adherence to saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite. Furthermore, findings in an immunoblot assay indicated that the A‐region protein reacted strongly with proline‐rich proteins in saliva, while the recombinant P‐region protein interacted more quickly with PAc than the recombinant A‐region protein.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that the A‐region has a strong relationship with adhesion to tooth surfaces, while the P‐region has a high affinity for PAc.
Molecular analysis of the root canal microbiota associated with endodontic treatment failures
Authors: Sakamoto M. , Siqueira Jr J. F. , Rôças I. N. , Benno Y.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  The failure of endodontic treatment is usually caused by persistent/secondary intraradicular infections and Enterococcus faecalis has been considered to be the main pathogen involved. Nevertheless, the breadth of bacterial diversity involved with endodontic treatment failures remains to be consistently explored by culture‐independent approaches.

Methods:  This study determined the intraradicular microbiota of root‐canal‐treated teeth with post‐treatment apical periodontitis using 16S ribosomal RNA gene clone library analysis.

Results:  Bacteria were present in all cases, confirming the infectious etiology of post‐treatment disease. Seventy‐four bacterial taxa belonging to six phyla were found in the nine cases investigated. Of these, 55% were identified as as‐yet‐uncultivated phylotypes, which also made up a significant proportion of the microbiota in many cases. Twenty‐five new phylotypes were identified. Most teeth harbored a mixed consortium, with a mean number of 10 taxa per case. Only 11 taxa were found in more than one case, revealing a high interindividual variability in the composition of the microbiota.

Conclusion:  The current findings revealed new candidate endodontic pathogens, including as‐yet‐uncultivated bacteria and taxa other than E. faecalis, which may participate in the mixed infections associated with post‐treatment apical periodontitis.
Expression patterns of genes induced by oxidative stress in Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Meuric V. , Gracieux P. , Tamanai‐Shacoori Z. , Perez‐Chaparro J. , Bonnaure‐Mallet M.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  Porphyromonas gingivalis, a gram‐negative anaerobic bacterium, is a major periopathogen whose transmission from host to host involves exposure to atmospheric oxygen. P. gingivalis contains genetic factors that function in an oxidative stress response, but their expression has not been analyzed during exposure to atmospheric oxygen. The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding of atmospheric adaptation of P. gingivalis.

Methods:  The aerotolerance of wild‐type and oxyR mutant P. gingivalis strains were determined, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze gene expression patterns in response to exposure to atmospheric oxygen. The analyzed P. gingivalis genes encoded proteins involved in oxidative response (oxyR, ahpC‐F, batA, dps, ftn, tpx) as well as several major virulence factors (hagA, hagB, hagE, rgpA, rgpB, hem).

Results:  Our results demonstrated a critical role for the oxyR gene in the aerotolerance of P. gingivalis. The ahpC‐F, batA, and hem genes were slightly overexpressed (between 1.65‐fold and 2‐fold) after exposure to atmospheric oxygen compared to anaerobic conditions. The level of transcription of dps, ftn, tpx, and rgpA genes increased more than 2.5‐fold, and the expression of ahpC‐F, dps, ftn, and tpx was partially or completely OxyR‐dependent.

Conclusion:  A different transcription pattern of P. gingivalis genes was observed, depending on the stimulus of oxidative stress. We present new evidence that the expression of tpx, encoding a thiol peroxidase, is partially OxyR‐dependent and is induced after atmospheric oxygen exposure.
CCL20 production is induced in human dental pulp upon stimulation by Streptococcus mutans and proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Takahashi K. , Nakanishi T. , Yumoto H. , Adachi T. , Matsuo T.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  Pulpitis is characterized by the marked infiltration of inflammatory cells in response to an invasion of caries‐related bacteria. It is well known that chemokines regulate the trafficking of lymphocytes, and CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) has been recently shown to play a crucial role in the recruitment of memory T cells and immature dendritic cells into inflammatory lesions. We previously reported that CCL20 was mainly expressed in microvascular endothelial cells and macrophages that accumulated in inflamed pulp tissues and that its specific receptor, CCR6, was expressed on infiltrated lymphocytes. However, the mechanism of CCL20 expression remains unclear.

Methods and Results:  In this study, we investigated the expression of CCL20 in monocytes/macrophages, endothelial cells, and pulpal fibroblasts after stimulation with Streptococcus mutans, a representative of caries‐related bacteria, or proinflammatory cytokines. CCL20 messenger RNA was detected by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in inflamed pulp, but not in clinically normal pulp. By enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, S. mutans induced a human monocytic cell line, differentiated macrophage‐like THP‐1 cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to produce an increased amount of CCL20. Lipoteichoic acid from S. mutans also elicited CCL20 production by HUVEC. Moreover, CCL20 production from pulpal fibroblasts was increased by stimulation with inetrleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate that CCL20 expression is induced by stimulation with caries‐related bacteria that have invaded deeply into the dentinal tubules as well as by proinflammatory cytokines in the inflamed pulpal lesions. It may be involved in the progression of pulpitis via accumulation of inflammatory cells.
Analysis of neutrophil‐derived antimicrobial peptides in gingival crevicular fluid suggests importance of cathelicidin LL‐37 in the innate immune response against periodontogenic bacteria
Authors: Puklo M. , Guentsch A. , Hiemstra P. S. , Eick S. , Potempa J.
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  During periodontitis, an innate immune response to bacterial challenge is primarily mediated by neutrophils. We compared neutrophilic content and the level of neutrophil‐derived antimicrobial peptides in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in two clinical forms of severe periodontitis.

Methods:  GCF was collected from 14 patients with aggressive periodontitis, 17 patients with chronic periodontitis, and nine healthy subjects. Samples were analyzed for periodontopathogen load using real‐time polymerase chain reactions. The amounts of myeloperoxidase and α‐defensins (HNP1–3) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the level of cathelicidin (hCAP18/LL‐37) was assayed by Western blot.

Results:  Myeloperoxidase concentration was not correlated with levels of LL‐37 and HNP1–3 in samples from patients, compared to controls. The amount of HNP1–3 was twofold and fourfold higher in patients with aggressive and chronic periodontitis, respectively. Those with chronic disease had significantly elevated amounts of mature LL‐37. The increased concentration of both peptides in chronic periodontitis correlated with the load of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola.

Conclusion:  The lack of a correlation between LL‐37, HNP1–3, and myeloperoxidase content suggests that neutrophils are not the sole source of these bactericidal peptides in the GCF of patients with periodontitis; and that other cells contribute to their local production. The bacterial proteases of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and T. denticola might degrade hCAP18/LL‐37, because the 11‐kDa cathelicidin‐derived fragment was present in GCF collected from pockets infected with these bacteria. Collectively, it appears that a local deficiency in LL‐37 can be considered as a supporting factor in the pathogenesis of severe cases of periodontitis.