bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Intradermal Dilutional Testing and Skin Prick Testing: Clinical Relevance and Cost Efficiency
Authors: Seshul Merritt , Pillsbury Harold , Eby Thomas 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: The objective was to determine the agreement of the positive results from a multiple skin prick test (SPT) device with the ability to determine a definable endpoint through intradermal dilutional testing (IDT) to compare semiquantitatively the degree of positivity of SPT results with quantitative results from IDT and to analyze the cost of immunotherapy based on SPT compared with IDT guided by SPT.Study Design: Retrospective review of clinical data (random accrual).Methods: One hundred thirty‐four patients underwent allergy screening using a multiple SPT device. Antigens testing positive by skin prick device were tested using IDT on a separate day. Antigens testing negative by SPT were not evaluated by IDT. Regional allergy testing practice patterns were determined, and a cost analysis using Medicare rates was performedResults: There was good agreement between an antigen testing positive by SPT and the determination of a definable endpoint (93.33%, n = 1,334 antigens). The degree of positivity from the SPT correlated poorly with the final endpoint concentration (r = 0.40, P < .0001). Blended testing techniques were similar in cost when compared with several commonly used allergy testing protocols.Conclusions: Antigens which show reactivity to a multiple SPT device usually have a treatable endpoint that is independent of the degree of positivity of the SPT result. IDT is an important step in the determination of the strongest starting dose of immunotherapy that may be safely administered. Initiating immunotherapy in this manner may potentially create significant health care savings by shortening the time required for a patient to reach their individual maximally tolerated dose. The use of a relatively large screening panel is cost effective and does not increase the average number of antigens treated by immunotherapy. Blended allergy testing techniques that include IDT in their protocol are comparable in cost with commonly used allergy testing protocols.
Evidence for biogeographic patterning of mitochondrial DNA sequences in Eastern horse populations
Authors: McGahern A. , Bower M. A. M. , Edwards C. J. , Brophy P. O. , Sulimova G. , Zakharov I. , Vizuete‐Forster M. , Levine M. , Li S. , MacHugh D. E. , Hill E. W. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryEquine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) phylogeny reconstruction reveals a complex pattern of variation unlike that seen in other large domesticates. It is likely that this pattern reflects a process of multiple and repeated, although not necessarily independent, domestication events. Until now, no clear geographic affiliation of clades has been apparent. In this study, amova analyses have revealed a significant non‐random distribution of the diversity among equine populations when seven newly sequenced Eurasian populations were examined in the context of previously published sequences. The association of Eastern mtDNA types in haplogroup F was highly significant using Fisher's exact test of independence (P = 0.00000). For the first time, clear biogeographic partitioning has been detected in equine mtDNA sequence.
Opportunistic predation and offspring sex ratios of cicada‐killer wasps (Sphecius speciosus Drury)
Authors: GRANT PETER R. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract 1. The way in which hunting of prey affects the sex ratio of the predator’s offspring is not well understood. Female cicada‐killer wasps are convenient for study because they specialise in capturing cicadas to provision their offspring. Cicada prey are nearly twice as heavy as the wasps that carry them, hence some degree of prey selectivity by the wasps is to be expected. It has been suggested that wasps bias their offspring towards females by foraging selectively for female prey, whereas there is some evidence that sex ratios are actually male‐biased. This study was designed to establish the connection between foraging and offspring sex ratio.2. Three, non‐exclusive, hypotheses of selective predation were tested. The frequency of predation on different classes of prey in conjunction with their availability was estimated by intercepting the wasps on their way to their nests and by sampling cicadas in the environment. The hypothesis of selective predation was not supported; predation appears to be opportunistic and non‐selective. Cicada prey weight was not a simple linear function of wasp weight, although the smallest wasps were constrained to carry small prey.3. Wasp offspring (larvae) were excavated from subterranean nests and found to be male‐biased (3 : 1 or 4 : 1) in 2 years. The observed ratios are close to expectation from Fisher’s equal‐investment model, taking account of sexual size dimorphism, and are evidently unrelated to the sex of the prey. A simple binomial probability rule of sex allocation provides a behavioural mechanism for producing the observed sex ratio of offspring.
Relationships between distribution and abundance vary with spatial scale and ecological group in stream bryophytes
Authors: HEINO JANI , VIRTANEN RISTO 
Published: September 2006

Summary1. We examined whether the local abundance of stream bryophytes in a boreal drainage basin (Koutajoki system in northeastern Finland) correlated with their: (i) regional occupancy; (ii) provincial distribution in northwestern Europe; and (iii) global range size. We specifically tested whether aquatic and semi‐aquatic species differ in their distribution–abundance relationships. We also analysed the frequency distributions of occupancy at two spatial scales: within the focal drainage system and across provinces of northwestern Europe.2. Regional occupancy and mean local abundance of stream bryophytes were positively correlated, and the relationship was rather strong in aquatic species but very weak in semi‐aquatic species. Local abundance was related neither to provincial distribution nor global distribution.3. Species frequency distributions differed between regional occupancy and provincial distribution. While most species were rare with regard to their regional occupancy within the focal drainage system, most of the same set of species were common and occurred in most provinces in northwestern Europe.4. The results indicate the presence of dominants (core species) and transients/subordinates (satellite species) among stream bryophytes, highlighting marked differentiation in life‐history strategies and growth form. The observed abundance–occupancy relationships suggest that dispersal limitation and metapopulation processes may govern the dynamics of obligatory aquatic stream bryophytes. In semi‐aquatic species, however, habitat availability may be more important in contributing to regional occupancy.
Indirect food web interactions increase growth of an algivorous stream fish
Authors: HARGRAVE CHAD W. , RAMIREZ RAUL , BROOKS MELODY , EGGLETON MICHAEL A. , SUTHERLAND KATHERINE , DEATON RAELYNN , GALBRAITH HEATHER 
Published: September 2006

Summary1. We tested the hypothesis that indirect food web interactions between some common, invertivorous fishes and their prey would positively affect growth of an algivorous fish species. Specifically, we predicted that orangethroat darter (Etheostoma spectabile) would increase periphyton biomass via a top‐down pathway, indirectly enhancing growth of the algivorous central stoneroller minnow (Campostoma anomalum). Moreover, we predicted that sand shiner (Notropis stramineus) would increase periphyton biomass via a bottom‐up pathway and indirectly enhance growth of the stoneroller minnow.2. In an 83‐day experiment in large, outdoor, stream mesocosms, we stocked two fish species per mesocosm (stoneroller and either darter or shiner), estimated the effects of the invertivorous and grazing fishes on periphyton biomass and estimated growth of the algivorous fish.3. The darter consumed grazing invertebrates, indirectly increasing periphyton biomass. The shiner consumed terrestrial insects as predicted, but it did not affect periphyton biomass.4. In support of our hypothesis, the darter indirectly enhanced stoneroller growth. As predicted, stonerollers consumed the increased periphyton in streams with darters, resulting in greater growth, condition and gut fullness compared to streams without darters. No indirect interaction was observed between stonerollers and shiners.5. Our study suggests that some invertivorous fish species can positively affect growth of algivorous fishes through indirect food web interactions. Thus, in stream communities, it is possible that the loss of a single, invertivorous fish taxon could have negative consequences on algivorous fish populations via the removal of positive indirect food web interactions.
Inhibition of development of anti‐predator morphology in the small cladoceran Bosmina by an insecticide: impact of an anthropogenic chemical on prey–predator interactions
Authors: SAKAMOTO MASAKI , CHANG KWANG‐HYEON , HANAZATO TAKAYUKI 
Published: September 2006

Summary1. The combined effect of the insecticide carbaryl and the predator (Leptodora kindtii) kairomone was assessed on the development of protuberant morphology in the small cladoceran Bosmina fatalis, a feature which evolved originally as a response to the kairomone. The experiment showed that Bosmina changed its morphology in response to the kairomone, but development was inhibited by carbaryl at a sub‐lethal concentration even in the presence of the kairomone. At the same time, reduction of fecundity was observed in animals exposed to carbaryl.2. A short‐term feeding experiment (B. fatalis versus Leptodora) indicated that such low concentrations of the insecticide had no impact on predation by Leptodora. Thus, it is suggested that the inhibition of development of anti‐predatory defences in Bosmina can increase its vulnerability to predation.3. Such disturbance of chemical communication by the insecticide reduces the individual survival rate of prey Bosmina in the environment with high predator density. On the other hand, reduction of fecundity may result in decreased population growth rate of animals.4. The impact of the insecticide on the anti‐predator morphology in Bosmina (inhibition) was opposite to that in Daphnia (enhancement). This suggests that biochemical induction processes in the development of anti‐predatory morphology are evolutionally different between Daphnia and Bosmina.
Ichthyophonus‐induced cardiac damage: a mechanism for reduced swimming stamina in salmonids
Authors: Kocan R , LaPatra S , Gregg J , Winton J , Hershberger P 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSwimming stamina, measured as time‐to‐fatigue, was reduced by approximately two‐thirds in rainbow trout experimentally infected with Ichthyophonus. Intensity of Ichthyophonus infection was most severe in cardiac muscle but multiple organs were infected to a lesser extent. The mean heart weight of infected fish was 40% greater than that of uninfected fish, the result of parasite biomass, infiltration of immune cells and fibrotic (granuloma) tissue surrounding the parasite. Diminished swimming stamina is hypothesized to be due to cardiac failure resulting from the combination of parasite‐damaged heart muscle and low myocardial oxygen supply during sustained aerobic exercise. Loss of stamina in Ichthyophonus‐infected salmonids could explain the poor performance previously reported for wild Chinook and sockeye salmon stocks during their spawning migration.
Myocardial glycogen storage disease in farmed rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Tørud B , Taksdal T , Dale O B , Kvellestad A , Poppe T T 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis paper is the first description of a spontaneous glycogen‐storage disease in a lower vertebrate, as previous descriptions deal with humans and other mammals, or fish where the condition has been experimentally induced. Affected farmed rainbow trout experienced increased mortality from 60 days post‐startfeeding and displayed clinical signs of heart failure with abnormal behaviour, exophthalmia, distended abdomen and ventral skin petechiation. Necropsy revealed alterations in cardiac shape with distended atria and rounded ventricles. Microscopically, the compact wall of the ventricle was absent, uneven or thinner than normal. The cardiac myocytes contained extensive amounts of glycogen in cytoplasmic vacuoles as demonstrated by periodic acid‐Schiff staining that was abolished by saliva‐diastase pretreatment on serial sections. Associated lesions included conspicuous subepicardial and myocardial vascularization, epicardial thickening and necrosis of the ventricular compactum/spongiosum interphase. The lesions in cardiac myocytes had a striking resemblance to glycogenosis type II (Pompe disease), a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease in humans. This condition was more severe and mortality was higher in a replicate/parallel fish group treated perorally with 17α‐methyltestosterone to produce all‐female progeny, indicating that the hormone treatment aggravated the condition resulting in earlier and more severe manifestation of the disease in this group.
Characterization of Edwardsiella tarda strains isolated from turbot, Psetta maxima (L.)
Authors: Castro N , Toranzo A E , Barja J L , Núñez S , Magariños B 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe biochemical, serological and molecular characteristics of a group of 21 Edwardsiella tarda strains isolated from turbot, Psetta maxima, in two different areas of Europe were analysed and compared with a total of 13 strains of this bacterial species with different geographical and host origins. All the turbot isolates were biochemically identical to the E. tarda strains included as reference. The use of different techniques including microagglutination, dot blot and Western blot of lipopolysaccharides allowed us to determine that all the turbot isolates constitute an homogeneous and distinctive serological group. Genetic analysis by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis demonstrated that although the E. tarda strains from turbot were compiled in a unique group using the primers P3 and P6, two clonal lineages could be detected when oligonucleotides P4 and P5 were employed.
WS09 Biosensor‐based Methods: the instrumental link between biology and physics
Authors: ELLIOTT C. T. , BERGWERFF A. A 
Published: August 2006

ObjectiveTremendous progress has been made in the ability to measure particular contaminants or veterinary drugs at very low concentrations. However, rare or previously unknown compounds, metabolites and mixtures are still presenting considerable analytical challenges, while this category in particular might be relevant in terms of food safety. In addition, the need for higher throughput screening strategies at lower costs also demands for methods in addition to chemical analysis. There is considerable development in methodology based on the interaction with bio‐macromolecules or living cells or on a biological response in the exposed animal. The aim of this workshop is to provide an up‐o‐date and practical overview of the various analytical and biological strategies that are available to screen or detect (prior) exposure to drugs, contaminants and pollutants.
Circulating levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor correlate with disease severity in the intrinsic type of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Raap U. , Werfel T. , Goltz C. , Deneka N. , Langer K. , Bruder M. , Kapp A. , Schmid‐Ott G. , Wedi B. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Recent studies have shed light on the complex regulation of genetic, environmental, immunologic and pharmacologic factors, which contribute to the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, it is still unclear to which extent neuroimmune mediators have a role in AD.Aims of the study:  To assess peripheral neurotrophin levels and their correlation with scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) scores in both the intrinsic and extrinsic types of AD compared with patients with psoriasis and nonatopic healthy subjects.Methods:  Levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were assessed in peripheral blood with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Based on IgE‐mediated sensitization, AD was divided into the extrinsic and intrinsic type. Severity of AD was assessed with SCORAD score and with psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) in patients with psoriasis.Results:  Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and NGF were detectable in all the subjects studied. However, the levels of both neurotrophins were significantly higher in patients with extrinsic and intrinsic types of AD compared with patients with psoriasis and nonatopic healthy subjects (NGF: P < 0.001, BDNF: P < 0.001). NGF and BDNF levels were similar in the intrinsic and extrinsic type of AD. There was a significant correlation between BDNF and SCORAD score only in patients with the intrinsic type of AD (r = 0.57, P < 0.05).Conclusions:  This study shows for the first time that NGF and BDNF are increased in both, the extrinsic type and the intrinsic type of AD. This finding points to a similar pathophysiologic background implicating a neuroimmune network in both variants of this chronic inflammatory skin disease. Future studies are needed to show the direct mechanisms of neurotrophin action in chronic inflammatory skin.
Investigation of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors gene KIR3DL2 diversity and confirmation of KIR3DL2*015 in a Chinese population
Authors: Yan L.‐X. , Zhu F.‐M. , Jiang K , Lv Q.‐F. , He J.‐J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractHuman killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) are a subfamily of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Here, we established polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT) procedure to identify alleles of KIR3DL2 gene. The method was designed around the specific amplification of exon 3 to exon 4 and exon 8 to exon 9 of the KIR3DL2 gene. Genomic DNA from 104 healthy, unrelated Chinese Han individuals was typed for KIR3DL2 alleles. Each sample was assigned to the putative allele combination according to the sequences of all KIR3DL2 alleles. We observed 18 different genotypes and eight KIR3DL2 alleles in the population, with KIR3DL2*002 having the highest frequency of 0.558, and confirmed the new KIR3DL2*015 allele. Our data showed that the established PCR‐SBT methods for KIR3DL2 allele typing were reliable, and Chinese Han population is distinct in KIR3DL2 allele frequencies.
Development of multiple sclerosis after vaccination against hepatitis B: a study based on human leucocyte antigen haplotypes
Authors: Özakbas S. , Idiman E. , Yulug B. , Pakoz B. , Bahar H. , Gulay Z. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still not fully understood. Infectious agents are believed to play a role in the development of this multifactorial disease. Cases in which this disease occurs after administration of both plasma‐derived and recombinant hepatitis B vaccines have been reported. In this study, we compared a group of 11 MS patients who developed first clinical symptoms after hepatitis B vaccination (group I) with 71 MS patients who were never vaccinated against hepatitis B and were negative for hepatitis B serology (group II), and 20 healthy controls (group III). Mean age was 27.75 years (19–39) in group I, 30.16 years (18–50) in group II, and 34.4 years (18–50) in group III. Mean attack rate after 2 years was 1.5 in group I and 1.63 in group II. Mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score after 2 years was 1.31 in group I and 1.89 in group II. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) typing and serology for hepatitis B surface antigen were performed in all groups. In groups I and II, HLA‐DR2 was more frequent than in normal healthy subjects. This reflects the general role of HLA in the pathogenesis of MS but suggests that antigen presentation by different HLA is not involved in the development of MS after hepatitis B vaccination. Since there was no difference in the clinical features between vaccinated and nonvaccinated MS patients, this study supports recent reports that hepatitis B vaccination is safe in MS patients and that hepatitis B vaccination is not involved in the development of MS.
Identification of the new allele B*3556 and extension of the sequences of B*4420 and B*4427†
Authors: Voorter C. E. M. , Gervais T , Mulkers E. M. T. , Latinne D. , Van Den Berg‐Loonen E. M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA new B*35 allele, B*3556, was identified in a Caucasian individual. Direct sequencing of exons 2 and 3 revealed that B*3556 was identical to B*3503, except for a nucleotide substitution from G to A at position 302, which causes a change from AGC to AAC at codon 101. This results in an amino acid change from Ser to Asn at position 77 of the mature protein. Two B*44 alleles, B*4420 and B*4427, were detected in a liver recipient and in an unrelated bone marrow donor, respectively, and their sequences were confirmed. The sequences of exons 1,4 and 5 were also elucidated; for B*4420, these exons proved to be identical to those of B*440201. The sequence of exon 5 of B*4427 showed three mismatches with that of B*440201, implicating that it probably arose from B*440201 by allele conversion with an allele of the B*15, 45, 46, 49 or 50 allele group. Elucidation of the sequence of introns 3 and 4 indicated that the breakpoint for allele conversion has to be located in intron 3 or exon 4.
Humanized transgenic mice expressing HLA DR4‐DQ3 haplotype: reconstitution of phenotype and HLA‐restricted T‐cell responses
Authors: Chen Z. , De Kauwe A. L. , Keech C. , Wijburg O. , Simpfendorfer K. , Alexander W. S. , McCluskey J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMany autoimmune conditions have close genetic linkages to particular human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes. With the aim of establishing a murine model of autoimmune disease, we have generated an HLA DR4‐DQ3 haplotype transgenic (Tg) mouse that expresses a 440‐kb yeast artificial chromosome harbouring DRA, DRB1*040101, DRB4*010301, DQA1*030101, DQB1*0302 and all the internal regulatory segments. This Tg mouse line was crossed to human CD4 (hCD4) Tg mice and endogenous class II knockout mice (I‐Ao/o and I‐Eo/o) lines to generate a DR4‐DQ3.hCD4.IAEo/o Tg line. The Tg DR and DQ molecules are expressed on the physiological cell types in these animals, i.e. on most B cells (>85%), dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages but not on T cells, with levels of expression comparable with those of human B cells (where DR > DQ expression). The DR4/DQ3 transgenes fully reconstituted the CD4 T‐cell compartment, in both the thymus and the periphery, and the analysis of the T‐cell receptor repertoire in the Tg mice confirmed that these class II molecules were able to mediate thymic selection of a broad range of Vβ families. HLA DR4‐ and DQ3‐restricted T‐cell responses were elicited following immunization with known T‐cell determinants presented by these molecules. Furthermore, the DR4‐DQ3‐restricted CD4+ T cells conferred protective antibody‐mediated immunity against an otherwise lethal infection with Salmonella enterica var. typhimurium. These new DR4‐DQ3 Tg mice should prove to be valuable tools for dissecting the importance of this class II haplotype in autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.