bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of allowance of deferred herbage and concentrate supplementation when offered to ewe lambs, and system of allocation when offered to ewes in late gestation, on animal performance
Authors: Keady T. W. J. , Hanrahan J. P. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe effects of allowance of extended (deferred) grazed herbage (AEGH) and herbage allocation management (HAM) were studied in ewe lambs (248) and late‐gestation ewes (152), respectively, on commercial farms in south‐east Ireland in 2005–06. In Experiment 1, which consisted of four treatments, the effects of AEGH (0·75, 1·25 and 1·75 kg DM per head daily) and concentrate supplementation (0·5 kg per head daily with the 0·75 kg DM herbage allowance) on lamb performance during the extended grazing (16 December to 3 March) and subsequent grazing (4 March to 11 August) seasons were evaluated. Increasing AEGH increased herbage intake linearly (P < 0·001) and live weight (P < 0·001) at the end of extended grazing and the subsequent grazing season. In Experiment 2, single‐ and twin‐bearing ewes were allocated to either a conventional (single‐ and twin‐bearing ewes grazed separately) or leader–follower system (twin‐ and single‐bearing ewes, as leaders and followers respectively) of HAM from 30 January to 24 March. The same quantities of herbage were offered daily for each system. System of HAM affected ewe condition score at lambing but did not alter (P > 0·05) subsequent lamb birth or weaning weights. It is concluded that increasing AEGH to ewe lambs increased liveweight gain during extended grazing and resulted in heavier animals in mid August of the subsequent grazing season. For ewe lambs each 1 kg concentrate DM had the same feed value as 2·4 kg DM AEGH. Use of a leader–follower system for ewes in late pregnancy did not alter lamb birth weight or subsequent performance.
Effect of mucosal and systemic immunization with virus‐like particles of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus in mice
Authors: Lu Baojing , Huang Yi , Huang Li , Li Bao , Zheng Zhenhua , Chen Ze , Chen Jianjun , Hu Qinxue , Wang Hanzhong 
Published: April 2010

SummaryNasal administration has emerged as a promising and attractive route for vaccination, especially for the prophylaxis of respiratory diseases. Our previous studies have shown that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) virus‐like particles (VLPs) can be assembled using a recombinant baculovirus (rBV) expression system and such VLPs induce specific humoral and cellular immune responses in mice after subcutaneous injection. Here, we investigated mucosal immune responses to SARS‐CoV VLPs in a mouse model. Mice were immunized in parallel, intraperitoneally or intranasally, with VLPs alone or with VLPs plus cytosine–phosphate–guanosine (CpG). Immune responses, including the production of SARS‐CoV‐specific serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), were determined in mucosal secretions and tissues. Both immunizations induced SARS‐CoV‐specific IgG, although the levels of IgG in groups immunized via the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route were higher. sIgA was detected in saliva in groups immunized intranasally but not in groups immunized intraperitoneally. CpG had an adjuvant effect on IgA production in genital tract washes when administered intranasally but only affected IgA production in faeces samples when administered intraperitoneally. In addition, IgA was also detected in mucosal tissues from the lung and intestine, while CpG induced an increased level of IgA in the intestine. Most importantly, neutralization antibodies were detected in sera after i.p. and intranasal (i.n.) immunizations. Secretions in genital tract washes from the i.n. group also showed neutralization activity. Furthermore, VLPs that were administered intraperitoneally elicited cellular immune responses as demonstrated by enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay analyses. In summary, our study indicates that mucosal immunization with rBV SARS‐CoV VLPs represent an effective means for eliciting protective systemic and mucosal immune responses against SARS‐CoV, providing important information for vaccine design.
Suppression of human anti‐porcine natural killer cell xenogeneic responses by combinations of monoclonal antibodies specific to CD2 and NKG2D and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase kinase inhibitor
Authors: Kim Tae‐Jin , Kim Nayoung , Kim Eun‐Ok , Choi Jong‐Rip , Bluestone Jeffrey A. , Lee Kyung‐Mi 
Published: April 2010

SummaryNatural killer (NK) cells can destroy xenogeneic tissues by antibody‐dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) and direct lysis. Unlike ADCC, activating interactions between human NK receptors and their cognate ligands in pigs are not fully elucidated. We set up this study to identify human NK activating receptors recognizing porcine cells isolated from distinct organs, e.g., aorta, cornea and liver, and to provide a molecular basis for effective immunosuppressive regimens. Among the array of NK receptors tested, NKp46, 2B4, CD49d, CD48, CD2 and NKG2D, only CD2 and NKG2D were shown to be involved in both cytotoxicity and cytokine (interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α) production against porcine targets. Simultaneous blocking of CD2 and NKG2D by combining its monoclonal antibodies further suppressed xenogeneic NK responses. Moreover, addition of a suboptimal dose of PD98059, an extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) kinase inhibitor, to those cells maximally reduced NK cytotoxicity, suggesting that ERK plays an important role in NK‐mediated xenoreactivity. These impairments in NK cells were tightly associated with defective intracellular calcium mobilization and the subsequent degranulation process. Therefore, our data demonstrate a distinct role of CD2 and NKG2D on human NK cells in recognizing porcine grafts and further provide a potentially efficacious combinational regimen using anti‐CD2 and anti‐NKG2D monoclonal antibodies with PD98059 in a pig‐to‐human transplantation model.
Histamine‐treated dendritic cells improve recruitment of type 2 CD8 T cells in the lungs of allergic mice
Authors: Amaral Maria M. , Alvarez Carolina , Langellotti Cecilia , Geffner Jorge , Vermeulen Mónica 
Published: April 2010

SummaryHistamine controls the function of dendritic cells (DCs). It appears to be required for the normal development of DCs. It also induces the chemotaxis of immature DCs and promotes the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into cells with a T helper type 2 (Th2) profile. Moreover, we have recently shown that histamine stimulates both the uptake and the cross‐presentation of antigens by DCs, supporting the theory that histamine promotes activation of CD8+ T cells during the development of allergic pathologies. Here, we investigated whether the course of an allergic response, in a well‐defined model of ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced allergic airway inflammation, could be modulated by intratracheal injection of OVA‐pulsed DCs previously treated with histamine (DCHISs). Compared with control DCs, DCHISs induced: (i) greater recruitment of CD8+ T cells in the lung, (ii) greater stimulation of the production of interleukin (IL)‐5 by lung CD8+ T cells, and (iii) increased recruitment of CD11c/CD8 double‐positive DCs in the lungs of allergic mice. Moreover, mice treated with DCHISs showed increased levels of serum‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies directed to OVA, and a higher proportion of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) compared with mice treated with OVA‐pulsed control DCs. Our results support the notion that histamine, by acting on DCs, increases the severity of allergic processes.
Photochemical approaches to T‐cell activation
Authors: Huse Morgan 
Published: April 2010

SummaryDespite decades of intensive research, T‐cell activation has remained mysterious because of both the dizzying diversity of antigen recognition and the speed and comprehensiveness of the T‐cell‐receptor signalling network. Further progress will require new approaches and reagents that provide added levels of control. Photochemistry allows specific biochemical processes to be controlled with light and is well suited to mechanistic studies in complex cellular environments. In recent years, several laboratories have adopted approaches based on photoreactive peptide‐major histocompatibility complex reagents in order to study T‐cell activation and function with high precision. Here, I review these efforts and outline future directions for this exciting area of research.
Relations between dental and somatic pain in children
Authors: PERETZ BENJAMIN , SARNAT HAIM 
Published: April 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 201–206 Purpose.  To study relations between somatic and dental pain complaints among children who attend a university pediatric dental clinic.Methods.  Forty‐seven boys, 32 girls aged 4–13 years (mean age 8.41 ± 2.29 years) participated in the study. Demographic information was obtained from the parents. Children were asked if they had experienced any dental pain during the previous week, the time of day the dental pain had appeared, and their actions when pain had been felt. Then, children were asked to complete a Pain Rating Scale for subjective evaluation of pain regarding various potentially painful organs.Results.  The majority of the children suffered headaches, stomachaches, and leg pains, regularly. The younger children, aged 4–7 years, significantly reported more ear and stomach pains than the older group, aged 8–13. Significantly, more children who suffered from dental pain also reported more stomachaches. Firstborn and second children had significantly less current dental pain, compared with third children or more.Conclusions.  The results of our study suggest that children with dental pain suffer more often of stomachaches than children without dental pain. This may occur because these children are possibly more anxious about a potential treatment.
Prevalence of insomnia among Chinese adults in Hong Kong: a population‐based study
Authors: WONG WING S. , FIELDING RICHARD 
Published: April 2010

SummaryPrevalence estimates of insomnia in western general populations are well documented, but population‐based epidemiological data on insomnia in Chinese adults are scarce. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of insomnia in the general population of Hong Kong, compare components of sleep disturbances and lifestyle factors stratified by sex, and identify risk factors for insomnia. Using a population‐based cross‐sectional design, a total of 5001 Chinese adults aged ≥18 years completed a telephone interview on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and measures of quality of life (QoL) indexed by Medical Outcomes Study 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF12), lifestyle and sociodemographic details. Insomnia was defined by a PSQI global score >5. The resultant weighted prevalence of insomnia was 39.4%, equivalent to 2.2 million affected adults in Hong Kong. Women reported significantly poorer component and global sleep quality (all P < 0.05). Fully adjusted stepwise regression analyses identified non‐full‐time employment status, existing long‐term health problems, alcohol consumption four to seven times per week, higher HADS scores, poor mental health component of QoL and low self‐perceived health were associated significantly with insomnia (all P < 0.05). Our results suggest that insomnia is highly prevalent among Hong Kong Chinese adults and is associated with frequent use of alcohol, poor mental health and QoL.
Pathophysiology and therapy of pruritus in allergic and atopic diseases
Authors: Buddenkotte J. , Steinhoff M. 
Published: April 2010

To cite this article:Buddenkotte J, Steinhoff M. Pathophysiology and therapy of pruritus in allergic and atopic diseases.Allergy2010;65: 805–821.AbstractPruritus (itch) is a major characteristic and one of the most debiliating symptoms in allergic and atopic diseases andthediagnostic hallmark of atopic dermatitis. Pruritus is regularly defined as an unpleasant sensation provoking the desire to scratch. Although we achieved rather good knowledge about certain inducers of itch such as neuropeptides, amines, μ‐opioids, cytokines and proteases, for example, less is known about the pathophysiological specifities among the different diseases, and the therapeutic consequences which may derive thereoff. This review dissects the role of mediators, receptors and itch inhibitors on peripheral nerve endings, dorsal root ganglia, the spinal cord and the CNS leading to the amplification or – vice versa – suppression of pruritus. As the treatment of pruritus in allergic and atopic skin disease is still not satisfactory, knowing these pathways and mechanisms may lead to novel therapeutic approaches against this frequently encountered skin symptom.
The impact of concomitant rhinitis on asthma‐related quality of life and asthma control
Authors: Vandenplas O. , Dramaix M. , Joos G. , Louis R. , Michils A. , Verleden G. , Vincken W. , Vints A.‐M. , Herbots E. , Bachert C. 
Published: April 2010

To cite this article: Vandenplas O, Dramaix M, Joos G, Louis R, Michils A, Verleden G, Vincken W, Vints A‐M, Herbots E, Bachert C. The impact of concomitant rhinitis on asthma‐related quality of life and asthma control. Allergy 2010; 65: 1290–1297.AbstractBackground:  Characterizing the interactions between the upper and lower airways is important for the management of asthma. This study aimed at assessing the specific impact of concomitant rhinitis on asthma‐related quality of life (QOL) and asthma control.Methods:  A cross‐sectional, observational survey was conducted among 1173 patients with asthma (aged 12–45) recruited by general practitioners and chest physicians. AR was defined by self‐reported rhinitis symptoms and previously documented sensitization to inhalant allergens. The primary outcomes were (1) asthma control assessed by the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and (2) asthma‐specific QOL evaluated through the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mAQLQ).Results:  AR was present in 73.9% of the population with asthma and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) in 13.6%. AR and NAR were associated with an increased risk of uncontrolled asthma (i.e. ACQ score > 1.5) with adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 2.00 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35–2.97) and 1.77 (95%CI: 1.09–2.89), respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that AR and NAR had a modest, although significant, negative impact on the global mAQLQ score (beta coefficient: −0.293, standard error [SE]: 0.063 and beta coefficient: −0.221, SE: 0.080, P < 0.001, respectively), even after adjustment for the level of asthma control and demographic characteristics.Conclusion:  This survey provides direct evidence that AR and NAR are associated with an incremental adverse impact on the disease‐specific QOL of patients with asthma and the level of asthma control. Further investigations are required to determine whether appropriate treatment of rhinitis would efficiently reduce asthma morbidity.
Linking divergent selection on vegetative traits to environmental variation and phenotypic diversification in the Iberian columbines (Aquilegia)
Authors: ALCÁNTARA J. M. , BASTIDA J. M. , REY P. J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractDivergent selection is a key in the ecological theory of adaptive radiation. Most evidence on its causes and consequences relies on studies of pairs of populations or closely related taxa. However, adaptive radiation involves multiple taxa adapted to different environmental factors. We propose an operational definition of divergent selection to explore the continuum between divergent and convergent selection in multiple populations and taxa, and its links with environmental variation and phenotypic and taxonomic differentiation. We apply this approach to explore phenotypic differentiation of vegetative traits between 15 populations of four taxa of Iberian columbines (Gen.Aquilegia). Differences in soil rockiness impose divergent selection on inflorescence height and the number of flowers per inflorescence, likely affecting the processes of phenotypic and, in the case of inflorescence height, taxonomic diversification between taxa. Elevational variation imposes divergent selection on the number of leaves; however, the current pattern of divergent selection on this trait seems related to ecotypic differentiation within taxa but not to their taxonomic diversification.
Sexual dimorphism in primate aerobic capacity: a phylogenetic test
Authors: LINDENFORS P. , REVELL L. J. , NUNN C. L. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractMale intrasexual competition should favour increased male physical prowess. This should in turn result in greater aerobic capacity in males than in females (i.e. sexual dimorphism) and a correlation between sexual dimorphism in aerobic capacity and the strength of sexual selection among species. However, physiological scaling laws predict that aerobic capacity should be lower per unit body mass in larger than in smaller animals, potentially reducing or reversing the sex difference and its association with measures of sexual selection. We used measures of haematocrit and red blood cell (RBC) counts from 45 species of primates to test four predictions related to sexual selection and body mass: (i) on average, males should have higher aerobic capacity than females, (ii) aerobic capacity should be higher in adult than juvenile males, (iii) aerobic capacity should increase with increasing sexual selection, but also that (iv) measures of aerobic capacity should co‐vary negatively with body mass. For the first two predictions, we used a phylogenetic pairedt‐test developed for this study. We found support for predictions (i) and (ii). For prediction (iii), however, we found a negative correlation between the degree of sexual selection and aerobic capacity, which was opposite to our prediction. Prediction (iv) was generally supported. We also investigated whether substrate use, basal metabolic rate and agility influenced physiological measures of oxygen transport, but we found only weak evidence for a correlation between RBC count and agility.
The Evolutionary Decoupling of Behavioral and Color Cues in a Multicomponent Signal in Two Sceloporus Lizards
Authors: Quinn Vanessa S. , Hews Diana K. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe study of multicomponent signals in the context of social systems has generated interesting results demonstrating that complex signals are used in many communication systems. The multicomponent signal in the majority of Sceloporus lizards consists of a color signal (blue abdominal coloration) and the behavioral display of the color signal (fullshow behavior). In a small number of species, males have lost the color signal. We staged outdoor trials between conspecific males in two closely related Sceloporus lizards that differ in the presence of blue abdominal coloration. In the species with the evolutionary loss of blue abdominal coloration (Sceloporus virgatus), fullshow behavior is present but reduced compared with that of the species with male abdominal coloration (Sceloporus undulatus consobrinus). In comparison, the mean rates of other behaviors that do not display abdominal skin (push‐up, head‐bob) did not differ between these species. We also found that S. virgatus males were more likely to show a neutral response following the first fullshow during the 60‐min trial. While, S. u. consobrinus males were more likely to respond to the first fullshow with an aggressive response. Thus, in this case, the color signal and the behavioral signal are evolutionarily decoupled because in S. virgatus the loss of the color signal is not coincident with the loss of the behavioral signal.
Methotrexate is a safe and effective treatment for paediatric discoid (nummular) eczema: A case series of 25 children
Authors: Roberts Hugh , Orchard David 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTWe present a case series of 25 paediatric patients with refractory discoid eczema treated with methotrexate. Patients were commenced on either 5 mg or 10 mg of methotrexate per week. Sixteen patients (64%) completely cleared their eczema after an average of 10.5 months of methotrexate therapy. A further three patients (12%) have responded well and are almost clear at the time of writing. Methotrexate was well tolerated by the majority of patients and no serious adverse events were observed. Methotrexate should be considered in moderate to severe paediatric discoid eczema that has failed to respond to conventional therapies.
Implementation and effectiveness of the first community lifestyle intervention programme to prevent Type 2 diabetes in Greece. The DE‐PLAN study
Authors: Makrilakis K. , Liatis S. , Grammatikou S. , Perrea D. , Katsilambros N. 
Published: April 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 459–465 (2010)AbstractAims  To report our experience of implementing the first community‐based lifestyle intervention programme to detect high‐risk individuals and prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a general population sample in Athens, Greece (the DE‐PLAN Study).Methods  The Finnish Type 2 Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) questionnaire was distributed to 7900 people at workplaces and primary‐care centres. High‐risk individuals were invited to receive an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and, after excluding persons with diabetes, to participate in a 1‐year intervention programme, based on bimonthly sessions with a dietitian.Results  Three thousand, two hundred and forty questionnaires were returned; 620 high‐risk individuals were identified and 191 agreed to participate. Recruitment from workplaces was the most successful strategy for identifying high‐risk persons, enrolling and maintaining them throughout the study. The 125 participants who fully completed the programme (66 did not return for a second OGTT) lost on average 1.0 ± 4.7 kg (P = 0.022). Higher adherence to the intervention sessions resulted in more significant weight loss (1.1 ± 4.8 vs. 0.6 ± 4.6 kg for low adherence). Persons with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) at baseline lost more weight than those with normal glucose tolerance (1.5 ± 4.8 vs. −0.2 ± 4.5 kg). The percentage of people with any type of dysglycaemia (IFG/IGT) was lower after the intervention (68.0% at baseline vs. 53.6% 1 year later, P = 0.009); 5.6% developed diabetes.Conclusions  The implementation of a lifestyle intervention programme to prevent T2DM in the community is practical and feasible, accompanied by favourable lifestyle changes. Recruitment from workplaces was the most successful strategy.