bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bakery flour dust exposure causes non‐allergic inflammation and enhances allergic airway inflammation in mice
Authors: Marraccini P. , Brass D. M. , Hollingsworth J. W. , Maruoka S. , Garantziotis S. , Schwartz D. A. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryBackground
Baker's asthma is one of the most commonly reported occupational lung diseases in countries where fresh bread is baked daily in large quantities, and is characterized by rhinitis, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction. Epidemiological studies have identified pre‐existing atopy as an important risk factor for developing baker's asthma, yet the aetiology and pathogenesis of baker's asthma remain poorly understood.Objective
We sought to develop a mouse model of baker's asthma that could be used to characterize the development and progression of baker's asthma.Methods
We were unable to sensitize mice to bakery flour dust or flour dust extract. We assessed total inflammatory cells, cellular differential, total serum IgE and the pro‐inflammatory cytokine response to oropharyngeally instilled bakery flour dust or flour dust extract by itself or in the context of ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge.Results
Both bakery flour dust and flour dust extract consistently elicited a neutrophilic inflammation in a Toll‐like receptor 4‐independent manner; suggesting that endotoxin is not playing a role in the inflammatory response to flour dust. Moreover, bakery flour dust and dust extract significantly enhance the inflammatory response in OVA‐sensitized and challenged mice.Conclusions
Bakery flour dust and flour dust extract are strongly pro‐inflammatory and can cause non‐allergic airway inflammation and can enhance allergen‐mediated airway inflammation.
Localization and function of histamine H3receptor in the nasal mucosa
Authors: Suzuki S. , Takeuchi K. , Majima Y. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryBackgroundHistamine is an important chemical mediator of allergic rhinitis (AR). Histamine H3receptors (H3R) are located on cholinergic and NANC neurons of the myenteric plexus, and activation of H3R regulates gastric acid secretion. However, little is known about the localization and function of H3R in the upper airway.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the localization and possible function of H3R in the nasal mucosa.MethodsWe extracted total RNA from the inferior turbinate mucosa of patients with AR. H3R mRNA and β‐actin mRNA were amplified by RT‐PCR. We used immunohistochemistry to examine localization of H3R protein in the inferior turbinate mucosa excised during clinically indicated surgery. We used alcian blue/periodic acid‐shiff staining to examine the effects of the H3R agonist (R)‐α‐methylhistamine and the H3R antagonist thioperamide on secretion from rat submucosal glands.ResultsH3R protein was expressed around submucosal gland cells. Thioperamide induced degranulation in the submucosal gland in the nasal septum.ConclusionThe present results suggest that H3R is localized mainly around submucosal glands, and that H3R plays an important role in the secretion of submucosal glands in the nose.
Clinical effects of immunotherapy with genetically modified recombinant birch pollen Bet v 1 derivatives
Authors: Purohit A. , Niederberger V. , Kronqvist M. , Horak F. , Grönneberg R. , Suck R. , Weber B. , Fiebig H. , Van Hage M. , Pauli G. , Valenta R. , Cromwell O. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryBackground
Birch pollen and pollen from related trees of the Fagales order are a major cause of allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma through the spring season in northern and central Europe.Objective
To investigate the clinical effects of injection immunotherapy with genetically modified derivatives of major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 on pollen‐induced allergic symptoms.Methods
A three‐arm double‐blind placebo‐controlled immunotherapy study was conducted with one pre‐seasonal course of treatment using two derivatives of Bet v 1, namely a recombinant Bet v 1 trimer and an equimolar mixture of two recombinant Bet v 1 fragments together representing the whole protein sequence. Analysis of local and systemic adverse events was performed for 124 patients who had received at least one dose of medication. Clinical efficacy was monitored by symptom medication scores and interval scoring in the per protocol‐treated population (n=84). In addition, skin and nasal provocation responses and allergen‐specific antibodies were assessed.Results
There were trends towards improvement in the subjects' well‐being and clinical symptoms (nasal scores), although comparisons with a placebo group did not show statistical significance in the main end‐point, the combined symptom medication score. Reductions in skin and nasal sensitivity were observed for some subjects with a trend for the Bet v 1 trimer to be more effective than the fragments. Treatment induced strong IgG1 and IgG4 allergen‐specific antibody responses. Local injection‐site reactions were most frequent in the trimer group affecting 59.5% of patients as opposed to 37.8% and 30.6% in the fragment and placebo groups, respectively. Systemic reactions were elicited more frequently by fragments. A large proportion of adverse side‐effects appeared hours following injections, and might be attributable to concurrent exposure to related pollens.Conclusion
Single courses of injection immunotherapy with Bet v 1 allergen derivatives showed trends towards improved well‐being and reduced reactivity to specific allergen provocation, but did not yield significant improvement in the combined symptom medication score in this study.
Type III IFN‐λ mRNA expression in sputum of adult and school‐aged asthmatics
Authors: Bullens Dominique M. A. , Decraene A. , Dilissen E. , Meyts I. , De Boeck K. , Dupont L. J. , Ceuppens J. L. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryBackground
The increased susceptibility of asthmatics to rhinovirus infection has recently been related to deficient IFN‐λ1 (IL‐29) and IFN‐λ2/3 (IL‐28) production by bronchial epithelial cells and macrophages.Objectives
Here, we studied IFN‐λ mRNA expression in the airways of stable asthmatics in comparison with healthy subjects and in relation to asthma symptoms, non‐invasive parameters of airway inflammation and lung function parameters.Methods
Airway cells were obtained by sputum induction, in 14 healthy and 35 asthmatic adults and 12 asthmatic school‐aged children. IFN‐λ was studied at the mRNA level by quantitative RT‐PCR.Results
Asthmatic adults have increased sputum IL‐28 mRNA but similar IL‐29 mRNA expression in comparison with healthy subjects. In asthmatics, both sputum IL‐28 and IL‐29 mRNA expression correlate with the sputum CD3γ mRNA expression (reflecting infiltrated T cells). IL‐28 (but not IL‐29) mRNA levels correlate with the relative and absolute number of eosinophils present in the sputum sample. Sputum IL‐29 mRNA (but not IL‐28) correlates negatively with asthma symptoms in steroid‐naïve patients and is significantly higher in steroid‐treated than in steroid‐naïve patients. Finally, both IL‐28 and IL‐29 mRNA levels are higher in asthmatic children than in asthmatic adults.Conclusion
Our results show that asthmatic subjects have substantial type III IFN‐λ mRNA levels in the airways. Our data furthermore suggest that IL‐29 could have an immunoprotective role in the lower airways.
Evaluating large‐scale effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis on non‐biting midges (Chironomidae) in a eutrophic urban lake
Authors: VAUGHAN I. P. , NEWBERRY C. , HALL D. J. , LIGGETT J. S. , ORMEROD S. J. 
Published: June 2008

Summary1. There is continued interest in controlling non‐biting midges (chironomids) in some freshwaters because of the potential nuisance caused by emergent adults. One option is to apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), primarily used against mosquitoes and blackflies, to control benthic chironomid larvae. Chironomids are also at risk of collateral effects where Bti is used on other targets, and such instances may increase if climate change alters the incidence of dipteran‐borne diseases. However, most research on Bti effects on chironomids is available from mesocosms or ponds and might not scale‐up to larger waterbodies.2. We present results on the effects of Bti on larval chironomids from eight experimental treatments, over 3 years, on a newly created eutrophic, urban lake of 200 ha, Cardiff Bay.3. The first two experimental years provided limited evidence of Bti effects, with chironomid densities reduced by up to 14%. Increased scale of application and altered experimental design in the third year revealed reductions in chironomid larval densities of around 35% following Bti treatment, with suppression lasting several months.4. These large‐scale Bti experiments – among the largest ever undertaken on chironomids – complement previous smaller‐scale experiments in illustrating how field conditions and application methods influence Bti effects on chironomid densities. Specifically, the work reveals how near‐neutral buoyancy formulations of Bti can reduce chironomid numbers in large lakes exceeding 3 m depth, but only where treatment methods avoid over‐dispersion. We advocate further evaluation to assess whether chironomids can be suppressed over longer periods using whole‐lake application without long‐term ecological implications or excessive cost. We also suggest further consideration be given to non‐buoyant Bti formulations for use in deeper lakes.
Increased proportion of CD56bright natural killer cells in active and inactive systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Schepis Danika , Gunnarsson Iva , Eloranta Maija‐Leena , Lampa Jon , Jacobson Stefan H. , Kärre Klas , Berg Louise 
Published: June 2008

SummaryNatural killer (NK) cells belong to the innate immune system but can also affect adaptive immune reactions. This immune regulatory function is often ascribed to the CD56bright subpopulation of NK cells that is prevalent in secondary lymphoid tissues and has potent cytokine‐producing ability. The NK cells have been described as affecting autoimmune disease and stimulating B‐cell production of antibodies, but their role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathology has not been extensively studied. We have studied NK cells in SLE, a B‐cell‐driven systemic autoimmune disease, and phenotypically characterized peripheral blood NK cells in comparison to NK cells from patients with immunoglobulin A nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis and healthy individuals. We have found an increased proportion of CD56bright NK cells in SLE, regardless of disease activity. We detected a somewhat increased expression of the activating receptor NKp46/CD335 on NK cells from SLE patients, although neither the percentage of NK cells of all lymphocytes nor the expression of other NK receptors analysed (LIR‐1/CD85j, CD94, NKG2C/CD159c, NKG2D/CD314, NKp30/CD337, NKp44/CD336, CD69) differed between patient groups. We show that type I interferon, a proinflammatory cytokine known to be abundant in SLE, can cause increases of CD56bright NK cells in vitro. We confirmed that serum levels of interferon‐α were increased in active, but not in inactive, disease in the SLE patient group. In conclusion, we found an increased proportion of CD56bright NK cells in the blood of SLE patients, although it remains to be examined whether and how this relates to the disease process.
Impact of an exotic earthworm on seed dispersal of an indigenous US weed
Authors: Regnier E. , Harrison S. K. , Liu J. , Schmoll J. T. , Edwards C. A. , Arancon N. , Holloman C. 
Published: June 2008

Summary

Ambrosia trifida L. (giant ragweed), an aggressive weed of US grain crops and indigenous to North America, colonizes no‐tillage crop fields and undisturbed soils despite its large seed size and susceptibility to seed predation. Secondary seed dispersal is critical to seed survival and seedling establishment, yet mechanisms of secondary dispersal are poorly understood for such large‐seeded weedy species.
Field experiments were conducted to determine how seed foraging by the European exotic burrowing earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L., affected A. trifida seed burial and seedling recruitment, and to determine seed selectivity by L. terrestris.
Earthworms collected and buried over 90% of A. trifida seeds placed on the soil surface at a rate eightfold faster than abiotic seed burial. There was a sixfold higher concentration of seeds in burrows than in surrounding soil and a mean of 127 A. trifida seeds per burrow after a single season of A. trifida seed dispersal.
Earthworms buried A. trifida seeds from 0·5 to 22 cm deep and reduced recruitment by 37% compared to seeds buried abiotically and protected from predators, due to burial of some seeds below emergence depth limits. However, seedling biomass was increased by 30%.
Earthworms foraged selectively among seeds of 11 large‐seeded species and collected more seeds of A. trifida than of other species. The earthworms buried small (8·5 mm) A. trifida seeds more deeply and reduced their emergence more than large (11·5 mm) A. trifida seeds.
Synthesis and applications. The novel interaction of L. terrestris and A. trifida increases seed bank formation of A. trifida. Burrows of L. terrestris provide safe sites for seeds of A. trifida that may increase seedling establishment in environments with a high risk of seed predation. Control measures to prevent reproduction by A. trifida should be increased where L. terrestris is present due to the earthworms’ ability to bury and protect weed seeds. Selective seed caching by this widely distributed earthworm species may change plant community composition in agricultural and natural areas in North America and influence the evolution of seed traits. Land managers should consider the effects of L. terrestris on seedling regeneration of native and exotic plant species in areas undergoing colonization by L. terrestris.
Cross‐age peer tutors in asynchronous discussion groups: studying the impact of tutors labelling their interventions
Authors: De Smet M. , Van Keer H. , Valcke M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractCross‐age tutors were randomly assigned to one of the three tutor training conditions distinguished for the current study: (1) the labelling experimental condition, characterized by requirements to label their tutor interventions, based on the e‐moderating model of Salmon; (2) the non‐labelling experimental condition, focusing on tutor's acting upon the role of an e‐moderator without preliminary requirements with regard to labelling the phase of e‐moderating in their messages; and (3) a control condition, typified by all‐round information on online facilitation. The results indicated that tutors are not really capable in labelling their interventions accurately. Nevertheless, labelling did foster enhanced e‐moderating activities. Compared to tutors in the control condition, tutors in the experimental conditions performed at a higher level, implying that they adopted more balanced tutor support. Labelling did not result in a differential impact on self‐efficacy and perceived collective efficacy.
A multidimensional approach to determinants of computer use in primary education: teacher and school characteristics
Authors: Tondeur J. , Valcke M. , Van Braak J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe central aim of this study was to test a model that integrates determinants of educational computer use. In particular, the article examines teacher and school characteristics that are associated with different types of computer use by primary school teachers. A survey was set up, involving 527 teachers from 68 primary schools in Flanders. A separate questionnaire was administered to information and communication technology (ICT) coordinators from the same schools to gather additional information about cultural and contextual school characteristics. The combined impact of both teacher and school characteristics was explored through a multilevel analysis. Besides the importance of school characteristics, the results reveal differential effects of specific characteristics on specific types of computer use. Cultural school characteristics for instance, such as the schools’ openness to change and the availability of an ICT school policy plan, are positively related to the use of computers as a learning tool and to the adoption of ICT in view of basic computer skills. In contrast, no cultural school characteristic seem to be associated with the use of computers as an information tool. In a comparable way, teacher characteristics are associated with specific types of computer use, e.g. the variable gender. In general, male teachers report integrating computers more often. In this study, it appears that gender differences only exist in relation to the adoption of computers as an information tool. The results demonstrate that a multidimensional approach provides more insight into the characteristics affecting computer use.
Sleep during the Antarctic winter: preliminary observations on changing the spectral composition of artificial light
Authors: FRANCIS GAVIN , BISHOP LYNDSEY , LUKE CLAIRE , MIDDLETON BENITA , WILLIAMS PETER , ARENDT JOSEPHINE 
Published: June 2008

SummaryAntarctic Base personnel live for 3 months in winter with no natural sunlight. This project compared sleep, by actigraphy, during periods of increased exposure to white light or blue enriched light in 2003. The primary aim was to help define the optimum spectral composition and intensity of artificial environmental light. Nine men and one woman (33 ± 7 years, mean ± SD), wore activity and light monitors continuously from 28.2 to 9.10, and kept sleep diaries. Extra light was provided by light boxes (standard white, 5300 K, or prototype blue enriched, 10 000K, Philips Lighting), which were turned on in bedrooms and in communal/work areas approximately 08.00–18.00 hours. After a no‐treatment control period, 28.2–20.3, sequential 4–5 week periods of first white, then blue light, were imposed with a further control period 19.9–9.10. A limited baseline study in 2002 (no interventions) similarly measured light and activity in seven men and one woman (30 ± 7 years). Daily light exposure in winter (lux, mean ± SD) was doubled in 2003 (maximum 1039 ± 281, average 64 ± 21), compared to 2002 (572 ± 276 and 30 ± 11), P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, with no differences between white and blue light. There were no major differences in sleep between light conditions in 2003. A delay in sleep timing was found in midwinter compared to control (2003, bedtime, P < 0.05, sleep start, P < 0.05, sleep end, P < 0.01) and sleep fragmentation increased (P < 0.05). Sleep efficiency was slightly higher during all blue light periods compared to all white periods (P < 0.05). The use of higher intensity light of suitable spectral composition is proposed.
Serpentine and non‐serpentine ecotypes of Collinsia sparsiflora associate with distinct arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal assemblages
Authors: SCHECHTER S. P. , BRUNS T. D. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAlthough plant adaptation to serpentine soils has been studied for several decades, the mechanisms of plant adaptation to edaphic extremes are still poorly understood. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are common root symbionts that can increase the plant hosts’ establishment and growth in stressful environments. However, little is known about the role plant–AMF interactions play in plant adaptation to serpentine. As a first step towards understanding this role, we examined the AMF assemblages associated with field populations of serpentine and non‐serpentine ecotypes of California native plant Collinsia sparsiflora. We sampled roots of C. sparsiflora from three serpentine and three non‐serpentine sites in close proximity (110 m to 1.94 km between sites) and analysed the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene amplified from root DNA extracts using AMF‐specific primers. A total of 1952 clones from 24 root samples (four from each site) were sequenced. We used sequence similarity and phylogenetic analysis to determine operational taxonomic units (OTU) resulting in 19 OTUs representing taxa from six AMF genera, including one serpentine‐specific OTU. We used Bray–Curtis similarity, multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarity to compare root sample AMF assemblages. These analyses clearly showed that plant ecotypes associated with distinct AMF assemblages; an Acaulospora OTU‐dominated serpentine, and a Glomus OTU‐dominated non‐serpentine assemblages. Species diversity and evenness were significantly higher in serpentine assemblages. Finally, relate analysis showed a relationship between ecotype AMF assemblages and soil nutrients. This study reveals a strong relationship between AMF associates and plant adaptation to edaphic extremes.
A carbon‐isotopic study of an end‐Permian mass‐extinction horizon, Bulla, northern Italy: a negative δ13C shift prior to the marine extinction
Authors: Gorjan P. , Kaiho K. , Chen Z. Q. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractPalaeontological data from the Permian‐Triassic Bulla section, northern Italy, demonstrate a rapid extinction at this site. This occurs after a negative carbonate carbon‐isotope (δ13Ccarb) shift, consistent with two other northern Italian sites (Val Badia and Tesero). However, conclusion goes against recent reporting that the extinction occurs before the δ13Ccarb shift. We agree that the shift occurs after the extinction at Jameson Land, east Greenland (a high latitude palaeolocation). However, all other sections show the shift before, or coincident with, the extinction. We suggest that the simplest explanation is a coeval shift in carbonate carbon‐isotope shifts, and it follows that the extinction was not. This suggests that the end‐Permian extinction crept from region to region. It also suggests that the marine extinction occurred first in high northern latitudes.
Laboratory experiments of slab break‐off and slab dip reversal: insight into the Alpine Oligocene reorganization
Authors: Regard Vincent , Faccenna Claudio , Bellier Olivier , Martinod Joseph 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe present laboratory experiments to study the consequence of the rupture of a subducting slab on the deep geometry of the subduction zone. In our experiments, slab break‐off occurs after the entrance of buoyant material at trench causing a slowing down of the subduction and producing an increase of the shortening rate and a transient episode of subduction dip reversal. We discuss the potential application of these processes to the recent collisional evolution of the Alps proposing that the rupture of the slab produced a reorganization of the belt with a transition from one sided to a doubly vergent orogen.
Ordovician metagranitoid from the Anatolide‐Tauride Block, northwest Turkey: geodynamic implications
Authors: Okay Aral I. , Satır Muharrem , Shang Cosmas K. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe report a Middle Ordovician metagranitoid from the northern margin of the Anatolide‐Tauride Block, the basement of which is generally characterized by voluminous Latest Proterozoic to Early Cambrian granitoids. The Ordovician metagranitoid forms an ∼400‐m‐thick body in the marbles and micaschists of the Tavşanlı Zone. The whole sequence was metamorphosed in the blueschist facies during the Late Cretaceous (c. 80 Ma). Zircons from the metagranitoid give a Middle Ordovician Pb‐Pb evaporation age of 467.0 ± 4.5 Ma interpreted as the age of crystallization of the parent granitic magma. The micaschists underlying the metagranitoid yield Cambro‐Ordovician (530–450 Ma) and Carboniferous (c. 310 Ma) detrital zircon ages indicating that the granitoid is a pre‐ or syn‐metamorphic tectonic slice. The Ordovician metagranitoid represents a remnant of the crystalline basement of the Anatolide‐Tauride Block and provides evidence for Ordovician magmatism at the northern margin of Gondwana. Prismatic Carboniferous detrital zircons in the micaschists indicate that during the Triassic, the northern margin of the Anatolide‐Tauride Block was close to Variscan terranes.