bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mammalian lipocalin allergens – insights into their enigmatic allergenicity
Authors: Virtanen T. , Kinnunen T. , Rytkönen‐Nissinen M. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryMost of the important mammal‐derived respiratory allergens, as well as a milk allergen and a few insect allergens, belong to the lipocalin protein family. As mammalian lipocalin allergens are found in dander, saliva and urine, they disperse effectively and are widely present in the indoor environments. Initially, lipocalins were characterized as transport proteins for small, principally hydrophobic molecules, but now they are known to be involved in many other biological functions. Although the amino acid identity between lipocalins is generally at the level of 20–30%, it can be considerably higher. Lipocalin allergens do not exhibit any known physicochemical, functional or structural property that would account for their allergenicity, that is, the capacity to induce T‐helper type 2 immunity against them. A distinctive feature of mammalian lipocalin allergens is their poor capacity to stimulate the cellular arm of the human or murine immune system. Nevertheless, they induce IgE production in a large proportion of atopic individuals exposed to the allergen source. The poor capacity of mammalian lipocalin allergens to stimulate the cellular immune system does not appear to result from the function of regulatory T cells. Instead, the T cell epitopes of mammalian lipocalin allergens are few and those examined have proved to be suboptimal. Moreover, the frequency of mammalian lipocalin allergen‐specific CD4+ T cells is very low in the peripheral blood. Importantly, recent research suggests that the lipocalin allergen‐specific T cell repertoires differ considerably between allergic and healthy subjects. These observations are compatible with our hypothesis that the way CD4+ T‐helper cells recognize the epitopes of mammalian lipocalin allergens may be implicated in their allergenicity. Indeed, as several lipocalins exhibit homologies of 40–60% over species, mammalian lipocalin allergens may be immunologically at the borderline of self and non‐self, which would not allow a strong anti‐allergenic immune response against them.
What’s new in acne? An analysis of systematic reviews and clinically significant trials published in 2010–11
Authors: Simpson R. C. , Grindlay D. J. , Williams H. C. 
Published: November 2011

Summary
This review summarizes important clinical developments in acne treatment identified in five systematic reviews and two significant primary research studies, published between March 2010 and February 2011. Although evidence showing a direct link between development of bacterial resistance and oral antibiotic therapy for acne is not convincing, prescribers can still tailor their practice to minimize future risks by stopping treatment when appropriate, using benzoyl peroxide, and avoiding combining topical and systemic antimicrobials. A systematic review evaluating combination products containing benzoyl peroxide did not show convincing evidence that such products are superior to monotherapies. A systematic review of combined oral contraceptives confirmed their efficacy for acne in women. However, another systematic review of botanical products for acne failed to provide any good-quality evidence of benefit. A large, well-reported retrospective cohort study attempted to clarify the potential link between isotretinoin and depression/suicide. Although suicide risk peaked 6 months after isotretinoin treatment, an increased risk was present before initiation of isotretinoin, making it difficult to attribute the increased risk to isotretinoin alone. However, those with a history of suicide attempts before treatment made fewer new attempts than those whose behaviour started during treatment. This suggests that patients with severe acne with a history of attempted suicide should not automatically be refused isotretinoin. Another randomized controlled trial of 60 patients from Korea suggested that low-dose isotretinoin dose than might provide a better long-term outcome with minimal side-effects for people with moderate acne.
Inflammatory diseases of the parathyroid gland
Authors: Talat Nadia , Diaz‐Cano Salvador , Schulte Klaus‐Martin 
Published: November 2011

Talat N, Diaz‐Cano S & Schulte K‐M (2011) Histopathology59, 897–908 Inflammatory diseases of the parathyroid glandAims:  Inflammatory disorders of the parathyroid gland are very rare as compared with those of other endocrine organs. The aim of this study was to provide the first systematic review of this condition.Methods and results:  A 42‐year‐old patient underwent surgery for recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism. Histology showed hyperplastic parathyroiditis defined by a mixed inflammatory infiltrate with active germinal centres. Molecular markers revealed significant upregulation of CD68 in an ischaemic background (hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 upregulation) with mitochondrial reaction (malate dehydrogenase 2 upregulation) and hyperparathyroidism (carbonic anhydrase 4 upregulation). Our case demonstrates true intraparathyroid inflammation with terminal B‐cell differentiation. We searched PubMed, ISI Thompson and Google Scholar up to January 2011, using the terms ‘parathyroiditis’, ‘inflammation of parathyroid gland’, ‘lymphocytic infiltrate’, ‘tuberculosis of the parathyroid’, ‘sarcoidosis’, and ‘graulomatous inflammation’. Three autopsy series, 27 articles and 96 case reports with inflammatory parathyroid disorders were identified. Autopsy series showed lymphocytic infiltrates in up to 16% of all cases. The entire material reported lymphocytic infiltrates (n = 69), parathyroiditis with germinal centres (n = 15), sarcoidosis (n = 6), tuberculosis (n = 4), and other granulomatous diseases (n = 2).Conclusions:  Distinct inflammatory and granulomatous processes in the parathyroid gland are rare. Scanty lymphocytic infiltrates are common, and occur in generalized inflammatory conditions or venous congestion. We note the surprising absence of an association between histological proof of parathyroiditis and hypoparathyroidism.
Interprofessional working or role substitution? A discussion of the emerging roles in emergency care
Authors: Hoskins Rebecca 
Published: November 2011

hoskins r. (2011) Interprofessional working or role substitution? A discussion of the emerging roles in emergency care. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(6), 1894–1903.AbstractAims.  This article presents a discussion of emerging non‐medical roles in emergency care against the current policy context and the issues of role substitution and interprofessional working.Background.  Non‐medical roles in emergency care have grown internationally in response to an increasing demand for emergency care services and to address the growing importance of the quality healthcare agenda. The blurring of role boundaries between professional groups has become more common.Data sources.  Searches were made of three electronic databases; CINAHL, Medline and EMBASE. The literature relating to interprofessional healthcare roles, and new roles in emergency care was searched from 1980 to 2010 and underpinned the discussion.Discussion.  A theoretical framework that has emerged from the literature is that task, role substitution and interprofessional working lie on a spectrum and evolving non‐medical roles can be plotted on the spectrum, usually starting at one end of the spectrum under task substitution and then potentially moving in time towards true interprofessional working.Conclusions.  There is still a great deal of progress to be made until non‐medical roles in emergency care can truly be encompassed under the umbrella of interprofessional working and that a more robust critical mass of evidence is required to substantiate the theory that interprofessional working within teams contributes to effective, cost‐effective care and better patient outcomes.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is essential to understand the underlying motivation, policy context and key drivers for the development of new nursing and non‐medical roles. This allows services to be established successfully, by understanding and addressing the key predicable barriers to implementation and change.
AFLP markers reveal high clonal diversity and extreme longevity in four key arctic‐alpine species
Authors: De WITTE LUCIENNE C. , ARMBRUSTER GEORG F. J. , GIELLY LUDOVIC , TABERLET PIERRE , STÖCKLIN JÜRG 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe investigated clonal diversity, genet size structure and genet longevity in populations of four arctic‐alpine plants (Carex curvula, Dryas octopetala, Salix herbacea and Vaccinium uliginosum) to evaluate their persistence under past climatic oscillations and their potential resistance to future climate change. The size and number of genets were determined by an analysis of amplified fragment length polymorphisms and a standardized sampling design in several European arctic‐alpine populations, where these species are dominant in the vegetation. Genet age was estimated by dividing the size by the annual horizontal size increment from in situ growth measurements. Clonal diversity was generally high but differed among species, and the frequency distribution of genet size was strongly left‐skewed. The largest C. curvula genet had an estimated minimum age of c. 4100 years and a maximum age of c. 5000 years, although 84.8% of the genets in this species were <200 years old. The oldest genets of D. octopetala, S. herbacea and V. uliginosum were found to be at least 500, 450 and 1400 years old, respectively. These results indicate that individuals in the studied populations have survived pronounced climatic oscillations, including the Little Ice Age and the postindustrial warming. The presence of genets in all size classes and the dominance of presumably young individuals suggest repeated recruitment over time, a precondition for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Together, persistence and continuous genet turnover may ensure maximum ecosystem resilience. Thus, our results indicate that long‐lived clonal plants in arctic‐alpine ecosystems can persist, despite considerable climatic change.
Degradation of seed mucilage by soil microflora promotes early seedling growth of a desert sand dune plant
Authors: YANG XUEJUN , BASKIN CAROL C. , BASKIN JERRY M. , ZHANG WENHAO , HUANG ZHENYING 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTIn contrast to the extensive understanding of seed mucilage biosynthesis, much less is known about how mucilage is biodegraded and what role it plays in the soil where seeds germinate. We studied seed mucilage biodegradation by a natural microbial community. High‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography (HPAEC) was used to determine monosaccharide composition in achene mucilage of Artemisia sphaerocephala. Mucilage degradation by the soil microbial community from natural habitats was examined by monosaccharide utilization tests using Biolog plates, chemical assays and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Glucose (29.4%), mannose (20.3%) and arabinose (19.5%) were found to be the main components of achene mucilage. The mucilage was biodegraded to CO2 and soluble sugars, and an increase in soil microbial biomass was observed during biodegradation. Fluorescence microscopy showed the presence of mucilage (or its derivatives) in seedling tissues after growth with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labelled mucilage. The biodegradation also promoted early seedling growth in barren sand dunes, which was associated with a large soil microbial community that supplies substances promoting seedling establishment. We conclude that biodegradation of seed mucilage can play an ecologically important role in the life cycles of plants especially in harsh desert environments to which A. sphaerocephala is well‐adapted.
Decreased methylation of the NK3 receptor coding gene (TACR3) after cocaine‐induced place preference in marmoset monkeys
Authors: Barros Marilia , Dempster Emma L. , Illott Nicholas , Chabrawi Soha , Maior Rafael S. , Tomaz Carlos , De Souza Silva Maria A. , Huston Joseph P. , Mill Jonathan , Müller Christian P. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTEpigenetic processes have been implicated in neuronal plasticity following repeated cocaine application. Here we measured DNA methylation at promoter CpG sites of the dopamine transporter (DAT1) and serotonin transporter (SERT) and neurokinin3‐receptor (NK3‐R)‐receptor (TACR3) coding genes in marmoset monkeys after repeated cocaine injections in a conditioned place preference paradigm. We found a decrease in DNA methylation at a specific CpG site in TACR3, but not DAT1 or SERT. Thus, TACR3 is a locus for DNA methylation changes in response to repeated cocaine administration and its establishment as a reinforcer, in support of other evidence implicating the NK3‐R in reinforcement‐ and addiction‐related processes.
Continuous apple consumption induces oral tolerance in birch‐pollen‐associated apple allergy
Authors: Kopac P. , Rudin M. , Gentinetta T. , Gerber R. , Pichler Ch. , Hausmann O. , Schnyder B. , Pichler W. J. 
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Kopac P, Rudin M, Gentinetta T, Gerber R, Pichler C, Hausmann O, Schnyder B, Pichler WJ. Continuous apple consumption induces oral tolerance in birch‐pollen‐associated apple allergy. Allergy 2012; 67: 280–285.Abstract
Background:  Patients with birch pollen allergy (major allergen: Bet v 1) have often an associated oral allergy syndrome (OAS) to apple, which contains the cross‐reactive allergen Mal d 1. As successful birch pollen immunotherapy does not consistently improve apple related OAS symptoms, we evaluated whether regular apple consumption has an effect on OAS and immune parameters of Mal d 1 or Bet v 1 allergy.
Methods:  A total of 40 patients with a clear history of birch pollen rhinoconjunctivitis and associated OAS to apple were included in an open, randomized, controlled clinical trial: 27 patients consumed daily defined amount of apple (1–128 g), doubling the amount every two to three weeks, while 13 patients remained untreated. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients that achieved tolerance to at least 128 g of apple at the end of the study after 8 months. Exploratory endpoints were questionnaire about cross‐reactive food and pollen allergy symptoms, conjunctival provocation test with birch pollen and Bet v 1, and in vitro tests (tIgE, sIgE, and IgG4 to Mal d 1 and Bet v 1; basophil activation test with both allergens).
Results:  Seventeen of 27 patients in active group and none of 13 patients in control group (P = 0.0001) could tolerate a whole apple after the intervention. However, differences in endpoints reflecting systemic immune reactivity did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion:  In patients with OAS to apple, tolerance can be safely induced with slowly, gradually increasing consumption of apple. However, the observation of a relapse after discounting of apple consumption and absence of immunologic changes suggest that induced tolerance is only transient.
Effects of ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel on clinical and metabolic parameters in Indian patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudhindra Mohan , Ghosh Mainak , Basu Ranjan 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effects of an ethinyl estradiol (EE) and desogestrel (DSG) combination pill in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods:  A total of 42 women with PCOS were treated with an EE 30 mcg and DSG 150 mcg (EE/DSG) combination pill for 12 cycles. The following parameters were studied at 0, 6, and 12 months: body mass index, abdominal circumference, Ferriman–Gallwey score, presence of acne and acanthosis nigricans, serum testosterone and sex‐hormone‐binding globulin levels, fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels. Free androgen index and glucose : insulin ratio were calculated.Results:  There were significant improvements in Ferriman–Gallwey score, incidence of acne, serum testosterone and sex‐hormone‐binding globulin levels and free androgen index values at the 6‐month follow up. But there were no further beneficial changes in the above parameters at the 12‐month follow up. There were no significant changes in body mass index, abdominal circumference, incidence of acanthosis nigricans, fasting glucose and insulin levels and glucose : insulin ratio during treatment.Conclusion:  Significant improvements in hyperandrogenic parameters were seen only in the first 6 months of treatment with EE/DSG in PCOS. Further continuation with this pill did not produce any significant improvement. There were no adverse effects on insulin sensitivity.
Efficacy of passive uterine straightening during intrauterine insemination on pregnancy rates and ease of technique
Authors: Ayas Selcuk , Gurbuz Ayse , Ayaz Reyhan , Asoglu Mehmet Reşit , Selcuk Selcuk , Alkan Akif , Eren Sadiye 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of passive uterine straightening during intrauterine insemination (IUI).Material and Methods:  A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Pediatric Research and Training Hospital. Participants were 460 women with unexplained infertility. Interventions were IUI by passive straightening of the uterus by means of bladder filling, or IUI performed with an empty bladder. Main outcome measures included pregnancy rate and difficulty of IUI.Results:  Four hundred and sixty couples were allocated: 230 couples were allocated to the full bladder group, and 230 couples were allocated to the empty bladder group (control). The pregnancy rate was higher in the full bladder group than in the empty bladder (control) group (P = 0.03, 13.5% vs 7.4%; relative risk [RR] 1.95 for pregnant patients; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.048–3.637). The risk of undergoing difficult IUI was higher in the empty bladder group than the full bladder group (P < 0.001; 10.0% vs 37.8%, RR 0.18 for difficulty IUI; 95% CI 0.11–0.30). The clinical pregnancy rate was also higher in the group of patients who had easy IUI than in the group of patients who had difficult IUI (P < 0.05, 12.7% [42/331] vs 5.5% [6/110]); RR 2.51 for pregnancy; 95% CI 1.04–6.09).Conclusion:  Passive straightening of the uterus makes the procedure less difficult and improves the clinical pregnancy rate.
Laparoscopic management of large ovarian tumors: Clinical tips for overcoming common concerns
Authors: Hong Jin Hwa , Choi Joong Sub , Lee Jung Hun , Son Chang Eop , Jeon Seung Wook , Bae Jong Woon 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim:  This study was performed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic management for patients with large ovarian tumors.Material and Methods:  A retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records of 52 women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for large ovarian tumors whose maximum diameter was ≥15 cm and a low possibility of malignancy.Results:  The median age of patients was 35 years (range 18–84), median body mass index was 22.4 kg/m2 (range 12.4–31.5) and 18 patients had previous operative history. The median tumor diameter was 17 cm (range 15–40). There were no conversions to laparotomy and perioperative complications. The median operating time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay were 80 min (range 25–225), 100 mL (range 50–500) and 3 days (range 2–14), respectively. The operative procedures performed were salpingo–oophorectomy (n = 26), ovarian cystectomy (n = 16), laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy with unilateral or bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (n = 9), and laparoscopically assisted staging surgery (n = 1). The histopathological results were mucinous cystadenoma (n = 25), mature cystic teratoma (n = 9), serous cystadenoma (n = 6), endometrioma (n = 5), mucinous borderline tumor (n = 4), follicular cyst (n = 2), and clear cell carcinoma (n = 1).Conclusion:  Laparoscopic management of large ovarian tumors is feasible and efficient with appropriate patient selection and experience of surgeons.
Trade credit and company performance during the 2008 financial crisis
Authors: Kestens Katrien , Van Cauwenberge Philippe , Bauwhede Heidi Vander 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe investigate whether the 2008 financial crisis had an impact on companies’ trade credit, and whether changes in trade credit mitigated the crisis’s impact on firm profitability. We document that the availability of trade credit decreased, and that this decline is more pronounced, the higher the companies’ pre‐crisis reliance on short‐term debt. We further report evidence that the redistribution hypothesis holds during crisis periods. Finally, we show that the crisis had a negative impact on company performance, but that this impact was lower (greater) for firms that report an increase in trade receivables (payables) in crisis compared to pre‐crisis periods.
Overexpression of GCN2‐type protein kinase in wheat has profound effects on free amino acid concentration and gene expression
Authors: Byrne Edward H. , Prosser Ian , Muttucumaru Nira , Curtis Tanya Y. , Wingler Astrid , Powers Stephen , Halford Nigel G. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryA key point of regulation of protein synthesis and amino acid homoeostasis in eukaryotes is the phosphorylation of the α subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) by protein kinase general control nonderepressible (GCN)‐2. In this study, a GCN2‐type PCR product (TaGCN2) was amplified from wheat (Triticum aestivum) RNA, while a wheat eIF2α homologue was identified in wheat genome data and found to contain a conserved target site for phosphorylation by GCN2. TaGCN2 overexpression in transgenic wheat resulted in significant decreases in total free amino acid concentration in the grain, with free asparagine concentration in particular being much lower than in controls. There were significant increases in the expression of eIF2α and protein phosphatase PP2A, as well as a nitrate reductase gene and genes encoding phosphoserine phosphatase and dihydrodipicolinate synthase, while the expression of an asparagine synthetase (AS1) gene and genes encoding cystathionine gamma‐synthase and sulphur‐deficiency‐induced‐1 all decreased significantly. Sulphur deficiency–induced activation of these genes occurred in wild‐type plants but not in TaGCN2 overexpressing lines. Under sulphur deprivation, the expression of genes encoding aspartate kinase/homoserine dehydrogenase and 3‐deoxy‐D‐arabino‐heptulosonate‐7‐phosphate synthase was also lower than in controls. The study demonstrates that TaGCN2 plays an important role in the regulation of genes encoding enzymes of amino acid biosynthesis in wheat and is the first to implicate GCN2‐type protein kinases so clearly in sulphur signalling in any organism. It shows that manipulation of TaGCN2 gene expression could be used to reduce free asparagine accumulation in wheat grain and the risk of acrylamide formation in wheat products.