bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of a Glutaraldehyde-Modified House Dust Mite Extract in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Riechelmann Herbert , Schmutzhard Joachim , van der Werf Jan F. , Distler Andreas , Kleinjans Huub A.J.
Published: September 2010

Background

Modification of allergens by glutaraldehyde in extracts used for immunotherapy reduces the risk for side effects, but therapeutic efficacy of such extracts requires further evaluation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy with PURETHAL Mites (PM), a single-strength glutaraldehyde-modified aluminum hydroxide–adsorbed extract of house-dust mites (HDM).

Methods

In a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind setting, HDM-allergic subjects (n = 140) were treated with modified allergen extract or placebo over a 1-year period. The primary outcome parameter was a combined symptom and medication score (clinical index score [CIS]). Secondary efficacy parameters were the result of a titrated conjunctival provocation test (CPT), rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life (RQL) score, and serum concentrations of IgE and IgG against specific HDM allergens and a documentation of adverse events (AE).

Results

We evaluated 140 patients (66 treatment and 74 placebo) for clinical efficacy. The allergoid treatment for 1 year resulted in significantly greater CIS improvement and higher RQL scores. The response threshold in the titrated CPT (p = 0.009) and the serum concentrations of IgG4 (p < 0.001) against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens after treatment were also significantly different between groups. In total, 88 patients (46 PM/42 placebo) out of a safety population of 145 reported 278 (158 PM/120 placebo) AE. Except for local reactions, no specific AE appeared to be associated with PURETHAL Mites (HAL-Allergy, Leiden, The Netherlands).

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that allergen injection therapy with modified HDM extract is superior to placebo in allergic rhinitis therapy. The treatment was well tolerated and no serious drug-related AE were observed.
Cigarette Smoking Increases Risk of Recurrence for Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma
Authors: Moon Il Joon , Lee Doh Young , Suh Myung-Whan , Han Doo Hee , Kim Seung-Tae , Min Yang-Gi , Lee Chul Hee , Rhee Chae-Seo
Published: September 2010

Background

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) is a neoplasm in the nasal cavity, characterized by its local aggressiveness and tendency to cause malignancy. Despite the frequent recurrence of IP, few studies have reported the effects of situational parameters including smoking on the recurrence rate of IP. This study was performed to evaluate clinical and environmental factors including smoking that can predict neoplasm recurrence after surgery in patients with IP.

Methods

This study was conducted retrospectively on 132 patients who were diagnosed with IP between November 1985 and September 2007. The study focused on the risk factors of recurrence, such as smoking behaviors, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), allergic rhinitis (AR), the sites of tumor origin and involvement, neoplasm staging, and the surgical method. The age of the patients ranged from 22 to 85 years, and among the 132 patients, 39 patients were smokers (29.5%), 17 (13.3%) with DM, 31 (24.4%) with HTN, and 11 (9.3%) with AR.

Results

The recurrence rate showed great disparity between the groups of smokers and nonsmokers: 28.2% of smokers suffered recurrence compared with 10.7% recurrence from the nonsmoker group. The Krouse stage IV group experienced more frequent recurrence than the stage I, II, and III groups. Some patients in Krouse stage III (5/72, 6.9%) and IV (3/3, 100%) groups underwent malignant transformation of IP. Histories of DM, HTN, and AR did not exert a statistically meaningful influence on the recurrence and malignant transformation.

Conclusion

The smoking behavior and tumor with extranasal/sinus extension appear to be associated with recurrence of IP after surgical resection.
Safety of Sphenoid Aspiration for Diagnosis and Treatment of Intensive Care Unit Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Vieira Fernando Mirage Jardim , Nunes da Silva Rogério , Stefanini Renato , Filho Leonardo Balsalobre , de Paula Santos Rodrigo , Stamm Aldo , Gregório Luiz Carlos
Published: September 2010

Background

In intensive care units (ICUs), critically ill patients may be exposed to several risk factors for developing acute rhinosinusitis, including nasogastric tubes, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged periods in the supine position. The incidence of acute rhinosinusitis can be as high as 83%, the third or fourth most frequent ICU infection and it increases the risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Diagnosis and therapeutic approaches should be more aggressive than in non-ICU patients. Antral puncture plays a central role in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. This study was designed to show the development of a method for sphenoid puncture in the diagnosis and treatment of acute infectious rhinosinusitis in critically ill patients, analyzing safety and complications.

Methods

Patients in ICUs with endoscopic and radiological diagnosis of acute rhinosinusitis were included. Maxillary puncture was performed through the inferior meatus; sphenoid puncture was performed by endoscopic identification of the sphenoethmoidal recess. An aspiration probe was introduced into the natural sphenoidal ostium, followed by aspiration of secretions and saline irrigation.

Results

Twenty-nine patients were included. Twenty-seven patients (93.1%) presented with sphenoidal sinusitis, 24 patients (82.7%) had maxillary sinusitis, 21 patients (72.4%) had ethmoidal sinusitis, and 13 patients (44.8%) had frontal sinusitis. Forty-seven sphenoidal and 39 maxillary punctures were performed. No major bleeding or other complications were recorded.

Conclusion

The sphenoid puncture is a possible procedure to be performed in an ICU and might complement the paranasal puncture in cases of acute rhinosinusitis.
Comparison of Local Anesthesia with Articaine and Lidocaine in Septoplasty Procedure
Authors: Erkul Evren , Babayigit Mustafa , Kuduban Ozan
Published: September 2010

Background

Only a few studies have so far compared the use of different local anesthetic agents in septoplasty procedure with regard to reduction in pain, effectiveness, and related complications. The aim of this study was to compare articaine and lidocaine as local anesthetics for septoplasty surgery, in terms of their efficacy and safety.

Methods

Seventy patients randomized into two groups were included in this study. For local anesthesia, 35 patients received articaine and 35 received lidocaine. All patients were asked to rate their pain levels on a visual analog scale (VAS) at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 12th, 18th, and 24th postoperative hours. In addition, analgesic consumption of each patient as well as postoperative complications was recorded in both groups.

Results

VAS scores for pain were significantly lower in the articaine group than in the lidocaine group at the 2nd, 6th, 8th, 12th, and 24th postoperative hours (p < 0.05). Comparison of the patients’ usage of analgesics during the first 24 hours postoperatively showed that in the articaine group, the percentage of patients that had not used analgesics was 58.5%, and in the lidocaine group the corresponding figure was 41.5%.

Conclusion

Articaine is a safe local anesthetic agent with rapid onset of action. When compared with lidocaine, it is associated with improved tissue diffusion, rare postoperative complications, and less postoperative pain, thus, representing a safe and effective local anesthetic agent for septoplasty procedure.
Experimentally Induced Eosinophilic Polyps in Rabbit Sinuses
Authors: Sejima Takayuki , Kajiwara Daisuke , Kikuchi Hisashi , Imayoshi Shoichiro , Yamauchi Tomohiko , Ichimura Keiichi
Published: September 2010

Background

Nasal polyps are one of the most common findings of physical examination in the otolaryngology area and the experimental model of nasal polyps in the rabbit maxillary sinus is helpful for clarifying the mechanism of polyp formation. Several protocols have been reported for this model, but most of them involved infectious polyps without eosinophil infiltration. We have attempted to establish a novel rabbit model of polyps associated with eosinophil infiltration.

Methods

Rabbits were either untreated (group A) or sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA; groups B–D). After repeated exposure to OVA, some animals further received valine-glycine-serine-glutamine (group C) or poly-L-arginine (group D) in their maxillary sinuses for 4 weeks. Subsequently, sinus tissues were dissected and subjected to histological analysis. The changes in mRNA expression were analyzed by DNA microarray.

Results

Remarkable histological changes were observed in groups C and D but not in group B in eosinophil number in the maxillary sinus mucosa, the width of the lamina propria, and polyp scoring. These changes in group D were greater than those in group C. DNA microarray analysis revealed that up-regulated genes in group D included those related to inflammation and extracellular matrix metabolism. On the other hand, down-regulated genes in group D involved those related to anti-inflammation.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that treatment with inflammatory agents, in combination with an antigen-dependent immune response, could induce nasal polyp formation associated with eosinophil infiltration and mucosal hypertrophy. The gene expression profile supported the clinical relevance of this model.
The National Fabric
Authors: Goodrum L.
Published: September 2010

British fashion is characterized by oppositions: punk versus pageantry, anarchy versus monarchy, Cool Britannia versus Rule Britannia. Why has British fashion come to be so contradictory? How are these contradictions employed to ‘sell British’? What do they mean for consumers who ‘buy British’? Through an examination of iconic fashion companies Paul Smith and Mulberry, The National Fabric provides telling insights into the culture of contemporary fashion and the dilemmas of ‘going global’. Goodrum argues that ‘Britishness‘ is characterized less through a particular look than through its ambiguities. She shows how the apparently straightforward and economically-driven process of globalizing British fashion is, in fact, far more culturally nuanced and locally embedded than has previously been suggested. In examining the interplay between fashion and Britishness, Goodrum redresses a longstanding omission in fashion theory, which has been preoccupied with class, gender and race rather than with national identity.
Latex and Lingerie
Authors: Storr Merl
Published: September 2010

This is a fascinating book, almost impossible to put down. It explores how the contemporary contradiction generated by post-feminist rhetoric is both produced and partially resolved through the marketing and practice of Ann Summers parties. These parties play with the dynamic of useless men and liberated women, offering sex toys as the solution to the power gap; they promote hegemonic masculinity as inevitable whilst ridiculing it at the same time. This book shows that sex toys are symbolically central to current power formations in gender and class relations. I can guarantee that you will learn a lot from this book. (Professor Beverley Skeggs, Department of Sociology, University of Manchester)

Meticulously researched, and written with great verve and style, Latex and Lingerie makes a major contribution to our understanding of heterosexual femininities. It shows how being ‘one of the girls’ is constructed around manifold exclusions of class, sexuality, ‘race’ and ethnicity, and how the ‘fun’ on offer in Anne Summers parties is of a distinctly post-feminist variety. Storr has fashioned a highly original analysis of female homosociality that takes both its pleasures and its problems seriously. This is an extremely important book that is destined to become a classic in the fields of gender, sexuality and cultural studies. (Rosalind Gill, Gender Institute, London School of Economics)
S/he
Authors: Griggs Claudine
Published: September 2010

Through an examination of the experience of transsexuals, this book enhances understanding of how gender can and does function in powerful, complex and subtle ways. The author, who has herself been surgically reassigned, has conducted extensive interviews with transsexuals from many walks of life. Her personal experiences, which inform this book, have given her an access to her subjects that others would likely be denied. While highlighting how the gender identity of transsexuals relates to hormonal and surgical changes in the body as well as to changes in dress, the book investigates the pressures and motivations to conform to expected gender roles, and the ways in which these are affected by social, educational, and professional status. Differences in the experiences of those who change from male to female and those who change from female to male are also examined. Sex reassignment has been the focus of considerable media attention recently, as increasing numbers of people feel able to talk frankly about their personal experiences with gender dysphoria. Strides with medical technology have given transsexuals new opportunities in their lives. This book provides unique insights into how these changes are seen by those people most affected them.
The Global Circulation of African Fashion
Authors: Rabine Leslie W.
Published: September 2010

Transnational movements of people, cultural objects, images and identities have played a vital role in creating an informal global network for African fashion - from clothing designers and tailors to dyers and jewellery makers. This book traces the changing meanings, aesthetics and histories of the thriving informal African fashion network through its multicultural cross-roads of Los Angeles, Kenya and Senegal.

In African communities, designers compete with each other to survive and often travel long distances in search of new markets. Such competition and bridging of cultures fuels creativity and innovation. From adapting western fashion magazines to combining ‘ethnic' designs with dramatic new colours and techniques, artisans weave a variety of borrowed influences into their traditional practices. Rabine explores the interrelationship and tensions that exist between these popular and mass cultures, including the ways that global circulation threatens to destroy artisanal skills. With its unique insights into the operation and ethics of these global networks, this book offers a timely contribution to contemporary studies of fashion, transnationalism and globalization.
Dressing the Elite
Authors: Vincent Susan
Published: September 2010

Clothing occupies a complex and important position in relation to human experience. Not just utilitarian, dress gives form to a society's ideas about the sacred and secular, about exclusion and inclusion, about age, beauty, sexuality and status. In Dressing the Elite, the author explores the multiple meanings that garments held in early modern England. Clothing was used to promote health and physical well-being, and to manage and structure, life transitions. It helped individuals create social identities and also to disguise them. Indeed, so culturally powerful was the manipulation of appearances that authorities sought its control. Laws regulated access to the dress styles of the elite, and through less formal strategies, techniques of disguise were kept as the perquisites of the powerful. Focusing on the elite, the author argues that clothing was not just a form of cultural expression but in turn contributed to societal formation. Clothes shaped the configurations of the body, affected spaces and interactions between people and altered the perceptions of the wearers and viewers. People put on and manipulated their garments, but in turn dress also exercised a reverse influence. Clothes made not just the man and the woman, but also the categories of gender itself. Topics covered include cross-dressing, sumptuary laws, mourning apparel and individual styles.
Effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Microbiological Properties of Fresh Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Hudecová Katarína , Buchtová Hana , Steinhauserová Iva
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to compare the growth rate of total viable counts (TVC), psychrotrophic viable counts (PVC), coliform bacteria and E. coli in portions of fresh common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) under two different modified atmosphere packaging (experimental MAP1: 70% N2/30% CO2; experimental MAP2: 80% O2/20% CO2) and air (control samples) stored at +4 ± 0.5 °C, and to determine their shelf life. The presence of pathogens (Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes) was also surveyed in this study. A total of 360 portions from 90 common carp were examined. Laboratory analyses were performed on storage day 0 (production day) and days 3, 7 and 10. As compared to air packaging, the numbers of TVC and PVC were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in both modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on storage days 7 and 10; coliform bacteria were significantly lower only on day 7. E. coli counts in fresh carp during storage were generally low, showing levels of < 1 log cfu/g. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected in any of the examined samples. All the strains of Listeria spp. were identified as Listeria innocua. According to TVC values and sensory changes, the shelf life of carp portions was determined as 6 days in MAP1, 8 days in MAP2 and 3 days in air.
Influence of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Survival of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 8 on the Surface of Chilled Chicken Legs
Authors: Hulánková Radka , Bořilová Gabriela , Steinhauserová Iva
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to find whether low numbers of Salmonella in the presence of natural microflora will survive on the surface of chicken legs stored in 30% CO2/70% N2 and 20% CO2/80% O2. In four experiments, a total of 240 pieces of chicken leg were inoculated with a Salmonella Enteritidis, PT 8, wildtype strain resulting in initial concentrations of approximately 4 log, 2.5 log, 1.5 log and 0.5 log cells per piece and kept under selected modified atmospheres for 14 days. Counts of Salmonella were determined by the Most Probable Number method (MPN) at days 0, 3, 7, 10 and 14 of storage. No significant increase or decrease in Salmonella numbers was observed in the atmosphere of 20% CO2/80% O2. In the atmosphere of 30% CO2/70% N2 there was a significant decrease in cell numbers at days 10 and 14; however, this decrease was proved only in experiments with an initial Salmonella concentration of 4 log and 1.5 log cells per piece. We proved that even low numbers of S. Enteritidis in the presence of natural microflora survive well on the surface of poultry stored at 3 °C in both modified atmospheres we tested. In the case of temperature abuse even products with low initial numbers of Salmonella may constitute a health risk for consumers.
Promoting Physical Health In Youth Mental Health Services: Ensuring Routine Monitoring of Weight and Metabolic Indices in a First Episode Psychosis Clinic
Authors: Hetrick Sarah , Álvarez-Jiménez Mario , Parker Alexandra , Hughes Frank , Willet Michaela , Morley Katherine , Fraser Richard , McGorry Patrick D. , Thompson Andrew
Published: September 2010

Objective: Clinicians are increasingly being asked to implement guideline recommendations into their practice, but are given little practical guidance on this complex task. In this paper we outline a promising theory-driven approach we took to implementing guideline recommendations about routine monitoring of weight gain and metabolic disturbance in our first-episode psychosis clinic. While there is significant psychological and physical morbidity associated with weight gain and metabolic disturbance, routine monitoring was not being undertaken according to guideline recommendations. We examined the factors that make it difficult to undertake routine monitoring by interviewing psychiatrists. This barrier analysis allowed us to develop and introduce feasible and acceptable strategies to address these barriers, increasing the likelihood that routine monitoring would take place.

Conclusion: This paper advocates for undertaking an analysis of the barriers clinicians face to undertaking evidence-based practice in order to develop more sophisticated approaches to address areas where clinical practice and evidence are divergent. Such an approach is more likely to ensure that measures to improve practice are successful, are meaningful for the clinicians involved, and become imbedded in the clinical practice of the service.
Description and Evaluation of a Project to Improve the Identification and Management of Mood Disorders in Developing Countries
Authors: Blignault Ilse , Manicavasagar Vijaya , Chang Odille Agnes , Parker Gordon
Published: September 2010

Objective: This paper describes a training program in mood disorders for senior mental health clinicians in the Pacific region and presents the qualitative evaluation findings.

Method: The program, which incorporated a 2-week intensive course in Sydney and follow-up in-country, was undertaken by 13 clinicians from the Ministries of Health in seven Pacific Island countries. Evaluation data were gathered throughout the program. Participating individuals and their respective Ministries also completed an activity completion report.

Results: The evaluation was very positive. Individual and organizational reports documented immediate and expected ongoing benefits and expressed a desire for continuing collaboration.

Conclusions: The program has resulted in a major boost to regional expertise and leadership in mood disorders. Furthermore, it has made an important contribution to the implementation of individual country mental health policies, one which strengthens the regional mental health network and builds new connections with Australian institutions. Success was based on a collaborative approach, high levels of institutional and individual commitment, and careful attention to both content and process issues. Sustainability will be enhanced through ongoing collaborative in-country and regional activities.
Two Cases of ‘Type 3’ Suicide
Authors: Pridmore Saxby , Ahmadi Jamshid
Published: September 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper was to examine two cases of suicide (apparently ‘Type 3’, according to a new classification) by individuals without high public profiles that appeared in the press in February 2010, and to determine shared characteristics.

Method: All the available public record evidence was examined. Comprehensive accounts of the events of the lives of the individuals were compiled, and a comparison of characteristics was performed.

Results: Andrew Joseph Stack III and Brodie Rae Constance Panlock differed in country of residence, gender, age, and marital, parenting, educational and employment status. However, neither manifested evidence of a mental disorder and both were in a predicament created by external factors. They met criteria for Type 3 suicide (suicide when there is no mental disorder and the predicament to which the individual is exposed is very clear to the observer).

Conclusion: These cases support the concept of Type 3 suicide. Apart from the absence of mental disorder and the presence of an external predicament, there were no other shared characteristics, suggesting that Type 3 suicide is not restricted to a particular group.
How Shrinks Think: Decision Making in Psychiatry
Authors: Bhugra Dinesh , Malliaris Yanni , Gupta Susham
Published: September 2010

Objectives: Psychiatrists use biopsychosocial models in identifying aetiological factors in assessing their patients and similar approaches in planning management. Models in decision making will be influenced by previous experience, training, age and gender, among other factors. Critical thinking and evidence base are both important components in the process of reaching clinical decisions. Expected outcome of treatment may be another factor. The way we think influences our decision making, clinical or otherwise. With patients expecting and taking larger roles in their own management, there needs to be a shift towards patient-centred care in decision making.

Conclusions: Further exploration in how clinical decisions are made by psychiatrists is necessary. An understanding of the manner in which therapeutic alliances are formed between the clinician and the patient is necessary to understand decision making.
“First, They’re Foreigners”:The Daily Showwith Jon Stewart and the Limits of Dissident Laughter
Authors: Ross Michael L. , York Lorraine
Published: September 2010

Abstract:

Much of the humour on The Daily Show is directed at subjects constructed as “foreign.” Despite the show's reputation for “subversiveness,” such humour relies on demeaning stereotypes. Although the show's parodying of “serious” news seemingly qualifies it as a site of resistance to conventional media strategies, its comedy of the non-American aligns it with orthodox assumptions of American normativity. The situation is complicated by the show's urbane self-consciousness vis-à-vis its reliance on stereotyping. Ultimately, its dissidence has well-defined limits. The Daily Show's uneasy play with the foreign is a revealing reflex of the historical moment, with its troubling burden of American anxieties.
“Which Kind of Imperialism?” Early Cold War Decolonization and Canada–US Relations
Authors: Teigrob Robert
Published: September 2010

Abstract:

Prior to World War II, Canada's government and its citizens were generally supportive of British imperialism, and of Britain's foreign policy in general. Though specific groups within Canada—most notably Francophones, leftist and labour leaders, and growing numbers of ethnic minorities—had expressed long-standing opposition to colonialism, the nation's elites viewed themselves as partners in Britain's global civilizing project. These affinities began to break down during the 1940s, as the lessons of World War II, along with the simultaneous rise of American power and ebbing of British authority, forced Canada's leaders to reassess their attitudes and policies regarding imperialism. Yet, at the precise moment many Canadians were striving to adopt a more “American” approach to the issue, one which drew on nearly two centuries of republican-based critiques of foreign domination, the United States was reigning in its own antipathy to imperialism in light of emerging Cold War realities. This study finds that these repositionings proved disorienting for a still-powerful constituency of Anglophiles, who feared their nation was being seduced into a new and less noble imperial project.
Optimizing Train Network Routing with Heterogeneous Traffic
Authors: Lai Yung-Cheng (Rex) , Dingler Mark H. , Hsu Chung-En , Chiang Pei-Chun
Published: September 2010

The expected increase in long-term demand for rail traffic in North America will lead to capacity constraints. Although both infrastructure investment and operational changes can relieve congestion, careful consideration of how operational practices can affect or mitigate demand is critical for cost-effective planning for new capacity, especially when the high cost required to build and maintain infrastructure is considered. A critical aspect of capacity management is understanding the effect of heterogeneous traffic on capacity. Greater heterogeneity on a line increases interference between trains and creates more delays than would occur if all trains had similar characteristics. The present research takes into account the impact of heterogeneity and presents a new optimization framework to identify optimal train network routing. This tool will help service design managers with traffic routing and capacity utilization. The computational results show that the use of this tool can successfully reduce operational costs and provide reliable services.
Phylogeny and a new tribal classification of the Panicoideae s.l. (Poaceae) based on plastid and nuclear sequence data and structural data
Authors: Sánchez‐Ken J. Gabriel , Clark Lynn G.
Published: September 2010

• Premise of the study: The subfamily Panicoideae (Poaceae) encompasses nearly one‐third of the diversity of grass species, including important crops such as maize and sugarcane. Previous analyses recovered strong support for a Panicoideae+Centothecoideae lineage within the diverse Panicoideae+Arundinoideae+Chloridoideae+Micrairoideae+Aristidoideae+Danthonioideae (PACMAD) clade, although support for internal relationships was inconsistent. The objectives of this research were to (1) further test the monophyly of each subfamily and previously recovered clades within the Panicoideae+Centothecoideae lineage, (2) establish phylogenetic relationships among these groups, and (3) propose a new tribal classification for this lineage based explicitly on the phylogeny.

• Methods: Maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference analyses of 37 taxa were based on previously published sequences (ndhF and rpl16 intron) and on new plastid and nuclear (rbcL and granule‐bound starch synthase I) sequence data as well as structural data.

• Key results. The Panicoideae+Centothecoideae lineage and a majority of the clades identified in previous analyses continue to be robustly supported, but resolution along the backbone of the topology remains elusive. Support for the monophyly of both subfamilies was lacking although support values for some clades increased. The tribes Centotheceae and Arundinelleae were confirmed as polyphyletic.

• Conclusions: Subfamily Centothecoideae is formally submerged into the Panicoideae, and a new tribal classification for the expanded Panicoideae is proposed based explicitly on the phylogeny. This classification includes 12 tribes of which Chasmanthieae and Zeugiteae are segretated from the Centotheceae; Tristachyideae is segregated from Arundinelleae, and a new tribe, Cyperochloeae, is validated to accommodate two isolated genera. A key to the tribes is provided.
Reproductive success of cultivated Pyrus calleryana (Rosaceae) and establishment ability of invasive, hybrid progeny
Authors: Hardiman Nicole A. , Culley Theresa M.
Published: September 2010

•Premise of the study: Pyrus calleryana Decne., an ornamental tree species introduced from China, is a relatively new invasive that has only recently begun to spread across the United States after intraspecific hybridization between cultivars. The function of such hybridization in the evolution of invasiveness is still relatively understudied, especially with respect to the initial establishment and persistence of invasive genotypes. Multiple introductions of genetically divergent populations or cultivars may benefit from new genetic combinations created during hybridization events and/or release from Allee effects in founder populations.

•Methods: We quantified the outcome of intraspecific hybridization between cultivars of P. calleryana in a common garden. Measures of the reproductive success and establishment ability of their early‐ and advanced‐generation hybrid offspring were collected to assess the likelihood of particular cultivar genotypes to establish in invasive populations. These traits also were compared between cultivated and invasive parents to identify any generational differences in invasive potential.

•Key results: Differences were detected in measures of reproductive ability, but no group emerged as consistently more fecund. Advanced‐generation hybrids also had significantly less biomass, indicating a reduction in hybrid performance relative to that of the cultivated progeny.

•Conclusion: Ultimately, this study indicates that increased spread of P. calleryana has been initiated by introduction of multiple cultivar types and subsequent widespread planting and is not the result of an inherent fitness advantage of hybrid progeny.
Microsatellite primers in the Peltigera dolichorhiza complex (lichenized ascomycete, Peltigerales)
Authors: Magain Nicolas , Forrest Laura L. , Sérusiaux Emmanuël , Goffinet Bernard
Published: September 2010

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the lichen‐forming fungus Peltigera dolichorhiza to investigate partitioning of genetic variation in a widespread, morphologically and chemically variable taxon likely to represent a complex of cryptic lineages, including P. neopolydactyla.

• Methods and Results: Using next generation shotgun sequence reads, 331 primer pairs were designed to amplify microsatellite sequences from an African accession of P. dolichorhiza. Eleven primer pairs representing the longest repeat units identified were tested on 15 P. dolichorhiza accessions from Africa (incl. Réunion), South America, Papua New Guinea, and on two accessions of P. neopolydactyla from North America. The primers amplified di‐, tri, tetra‐, and pentanucelotide repeats with 3–8 alleles per locus. All individuals represent distinct multiloci genotypes.

• Conclusions: These results indicate the utility of the new microsatellite primers for testing genetic differentiation within the widespread complex of P. dolichorhiza.
Comment les pays enclavés s'articulent-ils à la mondialisation ?
Authors: Hartmann Olivier
Published: September 2010

Résumé L’intégration régionale en Afrique de l’Ouest est la stratégie retenue par les communautés économiques régionales pour assurer le développement de la région. En conséquence, le manque de performances des systèmes de transport dans la région constitue un handicap certain pour la réussite de cette stratégie basée sur l’intensification des échanges régionaux et internationaux. Cependant, la crise ivoirienne, qui a provoqué une paralysie des transports, a également joué un rôle catalyseur dans la restructuration du secteur, illustré dans cet article par les changements survenus dans les secteurs portuaires et routiers.
Privatisation, libéralisation, régulation
Authors: Sagna Olivier
Published: September 2010

Résumé La réforme des télécommunications lancée en 1996 au Sénégal a surtout bénéficié aux actionnaires de l’opérateur historique privatisé. En dehors du développement de la téléphonie mobile, la téléphonie fixe, la téléphonie rurale et Internet n’ont guère progressé, le niveau de la concurrence est resté faible, une régulation crédible et impartiale n’a pas su s’imposer, les investissements directs étrangers n’ont pas afflué et le secteur demeure sous le contrôle de l’État même si la privatisation lui a fait perdre un instrument clé pour la mise enœuvre de sa politique de développement.
La cybercriminalité, menace pour le développement
Authors: Bogui Jean-Jacques
Published: September 2010

Résumé La participation des pays africains à la société de l’information est présentée comme un défi majeur. Ainsi, les télécommunications ont connu un développement important en Afrique ces dernières années. En Côte d’Ivoire, par exemple, ce secteur a engendré des investissements cumulés de près de 1,5 milliard d’euros en dix ans. Cependant, malgré la bonne santé de l’économie liée aux TIC, l’apparition et l’ampleur du phénomène des escroqueries via Internet (surtout dans le milieu de la jeunesse) sont une véritable menace pour le développement de ce pays.
Le cuivre chypriote et la Crète
Authors: Liard Florence
Published: September 2010

Résumé Parce que les lingots dits « peau-de-bœuf » sont considérés comme l’une des formes les plus communes d’échange de cuivre brut en Méditerranée à l’âge du Bronze récent, la question de leur provenance et de leur usage attise depuis longtemps déjà l’intérêt des chercheurs. Au sein de ce commerce international avant la lettre, la première place fut souvent attribuée à Chypre, en raison de l’intense activité d’extraction qui y est reconnue dès le Bronze ancien, et surtout pour ce qui concerne les lingots trouvés en Crète : l’absence de ressources cuprifères sur l’île et la nécessaire importation de métal qui en résulte ont forgé l’idée, dans la tradition archéologique, d’un système d’échange de céramiques minoennes contre des lingots peau-de-bœuf chypriotes. H. W. Catling apporta des nuances essentielles à ce modèle en 1979, suivi en 1990 par A. B. Knapp. À leur suite, l’objectif de ces quelques pages est de préciser et de vérifier les théories antérieures, par le biais d’un examen des données de provenance et de contexte publiées à ce jour pour les lingots peau-de-bœuf crétois.
Evaluation of beneficial attributes for phytate-degrading Pediococcus pentosaceus CFR R123
Authors: Raghavendra P. , Rao T. , Halami P.
Published: September 2010

In this study we have screened and selected potent phytate-degrading lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and evaluated their beneficial attributes. Around 60 LAB strains were isolated from several cereal- and pulse-based conventional fermented preparations. They were screened for their ability to degrade myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) by cobalt chloride qualitative staining method (plate assay). One of the cultures, Pediococcus pentosaceus CFR R123, was capable of degrading both calcium and sodium salts of phytic acid. Additionally, we have carried out an in vitro evaluation for the beneficial attributes of phytate degrading CFR R123. P. pentosaceus CFR R123 showed 53% survivability at pH 2 and 62% at pH 2.5, whereas cultures of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG showed a survivability of 55% and 82%, respectively. CFR R123 could also withstand 0.3% ox-bile, whereas no growth was observed for GG. The strain CFR R123 exhibited 62.8% hydrophobicity to xylene whereas 59% was found for GG. Both the tested strains showed a good spectrum of antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogens like Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes Scott A, etc. P. pentosaceus CFR R123 possessed β-galactosidase activity and cholesterol reduction ability. In conclusion, LAB with phytate degrading ability and several beneficial attributes could potentially be used as a starter culture to improve the nutritional security of functional food.
The influence of probiotic Enterococcus faecium strain L5 on the microbiota and cytokines expression in rats with dysbiosis induced by antibiotics
Authors: Tarasova E. , Yermolenko E. , Donets V. , Sundukova Z. , Bochkareva A. , Borsсhev I. , Suvorova M. , Ilyasov I. , Simanenkov V. , Suvorov A.
Published: September 2010

The animal model of intestinal dysbiosis induced by antibiotics was created. Dysbiotic condition was confirmed by the changes in titre of the indigenous microbiota (excessive growth of opportunistic microorganisms and reduced number of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and enterococci) and the appearance of dyspeptic symptoms. Consumption of the fermented milk product with probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium L5 led to the rapid disappearance of dysbiosis symptoms, normalisation of the microbiota, increase in expression of IL-10 and decrease in IL-8 expression.
Induction of Homologous Rather than Heterologous Antigen-Specific CD4 T Cell Responses Is Critical for Functional CD8 T Cell Responses in Mice Transgenic for a Foreign Antigen
Authors: Sabarth Nicolas , Chamberlain Louise , Brett Sara , Tite John , Craigen Jenny
Published: September 2010

The development of a successful cancer vaccine requires the ability to break immunological tolerance to self-Ags expressed on tumor cells. The transgenic rat insulin promoter (RIP) OVALOW mouse model has been reported to be hyporesponsive for both OVA-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. The experiments described in the current study show that this hyporesponsiveness can be overcome by inclusion of GM-CSF and the TLR7 agonist imiquimod as adjuvants in a DNA immunization regimen with OVA-encoding plasmids. High frequencies of OVA-specific CD8 and CD4 T cells, including a response to a CD4 T cell epitope seen only in the RIP OVALOW mice, were generated by this regimen. These responses were associated with the development of autoimmunity and increased protection to tumor challenge in the RIP OVALOW mice. Heterologous CD4 T cell help has been shown to improve functional CD8 T cell responses, and we confirmed that inclusion of the CD4 T cell epitope pan HLA-DR–binding epitope improved CD8 T cell responses compared with self-Ag alone. Addition of GM-CSF and imiquimod, however, resulted in dominance of the pan HLA-DR–binding epitope-specific response over the OVA-specific CD4 T cell responses, decreased OVA-specific CD8 T cell numbers and function in tolerant RIP OVALOW mice, and failure to induce diabetes. The results of this study suggest that the use of heterologous help needs to be evaluated carefully in the context of specific immunization regimes and that a preferable approach may be adjuvantization of DNA vaccines.
Soluble CD93 Induces Differentiation of Monocytes and Enhances TLR Responses
Authors: Jeon Jae-Won , Jung Joon-Goo , Shin Eui-Cheol , Choi Hye In , Kim Ho Youn , Cho Mi-La , Kim Sun-Wha , Jang Young-Soon , Sohn Myung-Ho , Moon Ji-Hyun , Cho Young-Hun , Hoe Kwang-Lae , Seo Yeon-Soo , Park Young Woo
Published: September 2010

The cell surface protein CD93 is known to be involved in the regulation of phagocytosis and cell adhesion. Although typically membrane-bound, a soluble form of CD93 (sCD93) has recently been identified. Currently, however, the role of sCD93 in monocyte function is unknown. In the current study, we analyzed the functional effects of sCD93 on THP-1 monocytic cells and human primary monocytes. Various forms of recombinant human sCD93 were used to investigate the effects of this molecule on both human primary monocytes and a monocytic cell line, THP-1. We found that sCD93 induced differentiation of monocytes to macrophage-like cells, as evidenced by activated cell adhesion and increased phagocytic activities. In addition, this differentiation resulted in an enhanced response to TLR stimulation in terms of differentiation marker expression and proinflammatory cytokine production. Furthermore, sCD93 enhanced LPS-stimulated TNF-α production even prior to monocyte differentiation. To investigate a possible role for sCD93 in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, we assessed the concentration of sCD93 in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and found it to be significantly increased compared with synovial fluid from patients with osteoarthritis. Together, these data revealed a function for sCD93 that may have implications in inflammation and inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis.
Monocyte 15-Lipoxygenase Gene Expression Requires ERK1/2 MAPK Activity
Authors: Bhattacharjee Ashish , Mulya Anny , Pal Srabani , Roy Biswajit , Feldman Gerald M. , Cathcart Martha K.
Published: September 2010

IL-13 induces profound expression of 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) in primary human monocytes. Our studies have defined the functional IL-13R complex, association of Jaks with the receptor components, and the tyrosine phosphorylation of several Stat molecules in response to IL-13. Furthermore, we identified both p38MAPK and protein kinase Cδ as critical regulators of 15-LO expression. In this study, we report an ERK1/2-dependent signaling cascade that regulates IL-13–mediated 15-LO gene expression. We show the rapid phosphorylation/activation of ERK1/2 upon IL-13 exposure. Our results indicate that Tyk2 kinase is required for the activation of ERK1/2, which is independent of the Jak2, p38MAPK, and protein kinase Cδ pathways, suggesting bifurcating parallel regulatory pathways downstream of the receptor. To investigate the signaling mechanisms associated with the ERK1/2-dependent expression of 15-LO, we explored the involvement of transcription factors, with predicted binding sites in the 15-LO promoter, in this process including Elk1, early growth response-1 (Egr-1), and CREB. Our findings indicate that IL-13 induces Egr-1 nuclear accumulation and CREB serine phosphorylation and that both are markedly attenuated by inhibition of ERK1/2 activity. We further show that ERK1/2 activity is required for both Egr-1 and CREB DNA binding to their cognate sequences identified within the 15-LO promoter. Furthermore, by transfecting monocytes with the decoy oligodeoxyribonucleotides specific for Egr-1 and CREB, we discovered that Egr-1 and CREB are directly involved in regulating 15-LO gene expression. These studies characterize an important regulatory role for ERK1/2 in mediating IL-13–induced monocyte 15-LO expression via the transcription factors Egr-1 and CREB.
Lymphotoxin Signals from Positively Selected Thymocytes Regulate the Terminal Differentiation of Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells
Authors: White Andrea J. , Nakamura Kyoko , Jenkinson William E. , Saini Manoj , Sinclair Charles , Seddon Benedict , Narendran Parth , Pfeffer Klaus , Nitta Takeshi , Takahama Yousuke , Caamano Jorge H. , Lane Peter J. L. , Jenkinson Eric J. , Anderson Graham
Published: September 2010

The thymic medulla represents a key site for the induction of T cell tolerance. In particular, autoimmune regulator (Aire)-expressing medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) provide a spectrum of tissue-restricted Ags that, through both direct presentation and cross-presentation by dendritic cells, purge the developing T cell repertoire of autoimmune specificities. Despite this role, the mechanisms of Aire+ mTEC development remain unclear, particularly those stages that occur post-Aire expression and represent mTEC terminal differentiation. In this study, in mouse thymus, we analyze late-stage mTEC development in relation to the timing and requirements for Aire and involucrin expression, the latter a marker of terminally differentiated epithelium including Hassall’s corpuscles. We show that Aire expression and terminal differentiation within the mTEC lineage are temporally separable events that are controlled by distinct mechanisms. We find that whereas mature thymocytes are not essential for Aire+ mTEC development, use of an inducible ZAP70 transgenic mouse line—in which positive selection can be temporally controlled—demonstrates that the emergence of involucrin+ mTECs critically depends upon the presence of mature single positive thymocytes. Finally, although initial formation of Aire+ mTECs depends upon RANK signaling, continued mTEC development to the involucrin+ stage maps to activation of the LTα–LTβR axis by mature thymocytes. Collectively, our results reveal further complexity in the mechanisms regulating thymus medulla development and highlight the role of distinct TNFRs in initial and terminal differentiation stages in mTECs.
Negative Selection and Peptide Chemistry Determine the Size of Naive Foreign Peptide–MHC Class II-Specific CD4+ T Cell Populations
Authors: Chu H. Hamlet , Moon James J. , Kruse Andrew C. , Pepper Marion , Jenkins Marc K.
Published: September 2010

Naive CD4+ T cell populations that express TCRs specific for different foreign peptide–MHC class II complex (pMHCII) ligands can vary in size over several orders of magnitude. This variation may explain why immune responses to some peptides are stronger than others. In this study, we used a sensitive pMHCII-tetramer–based cell enrichment method to study the derivation of two naive foreign pMHCII-specific naive CD4+ T cell populations that differed in size by 8-fold in normal mice. Analysis of mice in which thymic negative selection was impaired revealed that the smaller population underwent more clonal deletion than the larger population. In addition, large naive cell populations tended to recognize peptides with tryptophan residues as TCR contacts. Thus, the foreign pMHCII that tend to be recognized by large naive populations induce minimal clonal deletion and contain certain amino acids with the capacity to interact favorably with TCRs.