bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of the transmembrane domain and the cytoplasmic domain of FcɛRIα in immunoglobulin E‐mediated up‐regulation of surface FcɛRI expression1
Authors: Okayama Y. , Kagaya S. , Yuki K. , Arai T. , Saito H. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryBackground
Human mast cells express both FcɛRIα and FcγRIα. IgE up‐regulates FcɛRIα expression, but IgG1 does not up‐regulate FcγRIα expression. The transmembrane domain (TM) of FcγRIα determines the stability of cell surface expression of this receptor.Objective
The aim of this study was to clarify the roles of the TM and cytoplasmic domain (CY) of FcɛRIα in IgE‐mediated FcɛRI up‐regulation.Methods
Chimeric receptors created by domain shuffling between FcɛRIα and FcγRIα were transduced into human mast cell line HMC‐1. Cell surface expression of the chimeric receptors and the effect of IgE or IgG1 on chimeric receptor expression were examined by FACS. The association of the chimeric receptors with FcRγ was investigated by immunoprecipitation.Results
The results showed that the TM and CY of FcɛRIα are not essential for IgE‐mediated up‐regulation of surface FcɛRI.Conclusion
The extracellular domain of each Fc receptor determines the diversity of Ig‐regulated Fc receptor expression.
Inverse association of farm milk consumption with asthma and allergy in rural and suburban populations across Europe
Authors: Waser M. , Michels K. B. , Bieli C. , Flöistrup H. , Pershagen G. , Von Mutius E. , Ege M. , Riedler J. , Schram‐Bijkerk D. , Brunekreef B. , Van Hage M. , Lauener R. , Braun‐Fahrländer C. ,   the PARSIFAL Study team
Published: December 2006

SummaryBackground
Dietary interventions as a means for atopy prevention attract great interest. Some studies in rural environments claimed an inverse association between consumption of farm‐produced dairy products and the prevalence of allergic diseases, but current evidence is controversial.Objective
To investigate whether consumption of farm‐produced products is associated with a lower prevalence of asthma and allergy when compared with shop‐purchased products.Methods
Cross sectional multi‐centre study (PARSIFAL) including 14 893 children aged 5–13 years from five European countries (2823 from farm families and 4606 attending Steiner Schools as well as 5440 farm reference and 2024 Steiner reference children). A detailed questionnaire including a dietary component was completed and allergen‐specific IgE was measured in serum.Results
Farm milk consumption ever in life showed a statistically significant inverse association with asthma: covariate adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.88], rhinoconjunctivitis: aOR 0.56 (0.43–0.73) and sensitization to pollen and the food mix fx5 (cut‐off level of 3.5 kU/L): aOR 0.67 (0.47–0.96) and aOR 0.42 (0.19–0.92), respectively, and sensitization to horse dander: aOR 0.50 (95% CI 0.28–0.87). The associations were observed in all four subpopulations and independent of farm‐related co‐exposures. Other farm‐produced products were not independently related to any allergy‐related health outcome.Conclusion
Our results indicate that consumption of farm milk may offer protection against asthma and allergy. A deepened understanding of the relevant protective components of farm milk and a better insight into the biological mechanisms underlying this association are warranted as a basis for the development of a safe product for prevention.
Do invertebrate communities in floodplains change predictably along a river's length?
Authors: REESE ELIZABETH G. , BATZER DAROLD P. 
Published: December 2006

Summary1. Invertebrate assemblages were described for nine floodplain sites located on a longitudinal gradient of river discharge in the Altamaha River catchment. The Altamaha River and its tributaries constitute one of the few remaining ‘unregulated’ catchments in the southeastern U.S. We predicted that, as the character of lateral flood pulses into backwater swamps changed along the discharge gradient, so would the structure of invertebrate communities. We also examined the relationship between invertebrate assemblages and physicochemical factors (degree of floodplain inundation, pH, conductivity and nutrient concentrations).2. Cluster analyses of both invertebrate abundance and biomass separated the nine sites into three groups corresponding to their positions in the catchment (upper, mid‐ and lower reach clusters). Non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordinations further corroborated the groupings (with combined axis scores of 92% and 73% for abundance and biomass, respectively) and showed significant correlations with degree of inundation and conductivity (abundance), and conductivity, nitrate and phosphate concentrations (biomass).3. Floodplains in the upper reaches were dominated by terrestrial taxa, such as earthworms, oribatid mites, collembolans and assorted terrestrial fly larvae, and some rapidly developing aquatics (harpacticoid crustaceans and mosquitoes). In the mid‐reach, the dominant taxa were longer lived aquatic organisms such as mayflies and aquatic oligochaetes, although some terrestrial organisms (elaterid beetles and mites) were still common. Invertebrate families dependent on water flow, such as riffle beetles and some mayflies, were common only in mid‐reach floodplain sites. Lower reaches were dominated by lentic aquatic taxa such as dytiscid beetles and asellid isopods, which commonly persist in wetlands after they dry.4. Our study indicates that invertebrate community structure varies predictably among floodplains in the Altamaha catchment, with headwater habitats being dominated by terrestrial and rapidly‐developing aquatic invertebrates, mid‐reaches characterised by an influx of invertebrates from the river and lower reaches being dominated by wetland taxa with desiccation‐resistant stages. This spatial variability should be considered when applying the Flood Pulse Concept.
Food quality for Daphnia in humic and clear water lakes
Authors: GUTSEIT KELLY , BERGLUND OLOF , GRANÉLI WILHELM 
Published: December 2006

Summary1. Growth and reproduction of Daphnia fed lake seston were measured in two categories of meso‐ to eutrophic lakes differing with respect to terrestrial organic matter influence (humic and clear water lakes). The content of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA), P and N, as well as the taxonomical composition of seston were analysed.2. Seston HUFA and C : P ratios were similar between lake categories, whereas C : N ratios were lower in the clear water lakes in both spring and summer. Despite the similarity in HUFA and P content of seston, Daphnia growth rate, clutch size and the proportion of gravid females were, respectively, about 1.5, 3 and 6 times higher in the clear water lakes.3. Differences in growth and reproduction were related to a combination of higher N content and good fatty acid quality of the seston in the clear water lakes. Relatively high biomass of edible algae, such as Rhodomonas sp. and Cryptomonas sp., in the clear water lakes, and differences in water pH likely contributed to the observed differences in Daphnia growth and reproduction between lake categories. Additionally, it is possible that Daphnia was energy limited in the humic lakes despite high particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations, as the contribution of non‐algal and detrital C to the POC pool was high.4. Our results suggest that dietary HUFA content has the potential to improve herbivore growth and reproduction if N and P are not limiting. N merits more attention in studies of zooplankton nutrition.
The relationship between Chironomus plumosus burrows and the spatial distribution of pore‐water phosphate, iron and ammonium in lake sediments
Authors: LEWANDOWSKI JÖRG , LASKOV CHRISTINE , HUPFER MICHAEL 
Published: December 2006

Summary1. To study the influence of chironomids on the distribution of pore‐water concentrations of phosphate, iron and ammonium, we conducted a laboratory experiment using mesocosms equipped with two‐dimensional pore‐water samplers, filled with lake sediment and populated with different densities of Chironomus plumosus.2. Specially designed mesocosms were used in the study. A 6‐mm deep space between the front plate and the pore‐water sampler at the back plate was just thick enough to allow the chironomids to live undisturbed, yet thin enough to force all the burrows into a two‐dimensional plane.3. The courses of the burrows were observed during the experiment as oxidised zones surrounding them, as well as being identified with an X‐ray image taken at the end of the experiment.4. We investigated the relationship between C. plumosus burrows and spatial patterns of pore‐water composition. Concentrations of the three ions were significantly less around ventilated burrows (54% to 24%), as bioirrigation caused a convective exchange of pore‐water enriched with dissolved species compared with the overlying water, and also because oxygen imported into the sediment resulting in nitrification of ammonium, oxidation of iron(II) and a co‐precipitation of phosphate with Fe(III) oxyhydroxides.5. In mesocosms with chironomids, new (redox) interfaces occurred with diffusive pore‐water gradients perpendicular to the course of burrows and the site of major phosphate, ammonium and iron(II) release shifted from the sediment surface to the burrow walls.
Carotenoid content and reflectance of yellow and red nuptial plumages in widowbirds (Euplectes spp.)
Authors: ANDERSSON STAFFAN , PRAGER MARIA , JOHANSSON E. I. ANETTE 
Published: December 2006

Summary

Ornamental carotenoid coloration is commonly based on several different pigments with different nutritional and metabolic constraints. The identification and quantification of carotenoid pigments is therefore crucial to the understanding of signal content and signal evolution.
In male widowbirds (Euplectes spp.), the striking yellow and red carotenoid colours have been measured by reflectance spectrometry and studied with respect to sexual selection through male contest competition, but their biochemical mechanisms have not been analysed.
Here we use reflectance analysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to describe the species‐specific colours and plumage carotenoids in three widowbird species: yellow‐mantled widowbird (YMW) Euplectes macrourus, red‐shouldered widowbird (RSW) E. axillaris and red‐collared widowbird (RCW) E. ardens.
YMW yellow (‘hue’ colorimetric λR50 = 522 nm) derives from the two ‘dietary yellow’ xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin, together with small amounts of ‘derived yellow’ pigments (3′‐dehydrolutein and canary xanthophylls).
RCW red (λR50 = 574 nm) is achieved by the addition of low concentrations of ‘derived red’ 4‐keto‐carotenoids, notably α‐ and β‐doradexanthin and canthaxanthin.
RSW red (λR50 = 589 nm) is, in contrast, created by high concentrations of ‘dietary yellow’ pigments (lutein, zeaxanthin) and ‘derived yellow’ anhydrolutein, the latter only recently described in birds.
The two different mechanisms of producing red plumage are compared with other bird species and discussed with regard to costs and signal ‘honesty’.
DNA and its cationic lipid complexes induce CpG motif‐dependent activation of murine dendritic cells
Authors: Yoshinaga Takaharu , Yasuda Kei , Ogawa Yoshiyuki , Nishikawa Makiya , Takakura Yoshinobu 
Published: December 2006

SummaryUnmethylated CpG motifs in bacterial DNA, but not in vertebrate DNA, are known to trigger an inflammatory response of antigen‐presenting cells (APC). In this study, we investigated the cytokine release from murine dendritic cells (DC) by the addition of various types of DNA in the free or complexed form with cationic lipids. Naked plasmid DNA and Escherichia coli DNA with immunostimulatory unmethylated CpG motifs induced pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion from granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF)‐cultured bone marrow‐derived DC and the DC cell‐line, DC2.4 cells, though vertebrate calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) with less CpG motifs did not. These characteristics differed from mouse peritoneal resident macrophages that do not respond to any naked DNA. The amount of cytokines released from the DC was significantly increased by complex formation with cationic lipids when CpG‐motif positive DNAs were used. Unlike murine macrophages or Flt‐3 L cultured DC, GM‐CSF DC did not release inflammatory cytokines in response to the addition of CT DNA/cationic lipid complex, suggesting that the activation is completely dependent on CpG motifs. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrate that murine DC produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines upon stimulation with CpG‐containing DNAs and the responses are enhanced by cationic lipids. These results also suggest that DC are the major cells that respond to naked CpG DNA in vivo, although both DC and macrophages will release inflammatory cytokines after the administration of a DNA/cationic lipid complex.
Somatic transformation efficiencies and expression patterns using the JcDNV and piggyBac transposon gene vectors in insects
Authors: Bossin H. , Furlong R. B. , Gillett J. L. , Bergoin M. , Shirk P. D. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA somatic transformation gene vector that exploits the genomic integration properties of Junonia coenia lepidopteran densovirus (JcDNV) sequences in vivo has been developed. JcDNV somatic transformation vectors are derivatives of plasmids containing an interrupted genome of JcDNV that provide efficient, robust vectors that can be used to examine regulation of chromosomally integrated transgenes in insects. Microinjection of JcDNV plasmids into syncytial embryos of Drosophila melanogaster or the lepidopterans Plodia interpunctella, Ephestia kuehniella or Trichoplusia ni resulted in persistent transgene expression throughout development. Inclusion of transgenes with tissue‐specific promoters resulted in expression patterns canonical with phenotypes of piggyBac germline transformants. Somatic transformation required the presence of the viral inverted terminal repeat in cis only and did not depend upon non‐structural viral proteins.
Management of central giant cell granuloma: discussion of two cases
Authors: MOONEY GILLIAN C. , McMAHON JEREMY , WARD SEAN E. , DAVIDSON LESLEY E. , NORTH SARAH 
Published: December 2006

Background.  The Central Giant Cell Granuloma (CGCG) is an uncommon benign lesion of the jaws. It occurs predominantly in children and young adults, and may cause local destruction of bone and displacement of teeth.Case Report.  Two case reports are presented illustrating the joint management of children with this condition by paediatric dentistry and maxillofacial surgery teams.Conclusion.  The role of the paediatric dental team is extensive in children with CGCG and coordination of care from both teams is essential to ensure that the highest quality of care is provided.
Dental plaque formation and salivary mutans streptococci in schoolchildren after use of xylitol‐containing chewing gum
Authors: HOLGERSON PERNILLA LIF , SJÖSTRÖM INGER , STECKSÉN‐BLICKS CHRISTINA , TWETMAN SVANTE 
Published: December 2006

Objective.  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a fixed daily dose of xylitol on mutans streptococci in saliva and the amount of visible dental plaque. A second aim was to explore if the possible effects differed between children with and without caries experience.Methods.  The study was designed as a double‐blind randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms. All pupils (n = 149) in grades 1–6 in a comprehensive school in northern Sweden were invited, and 128 children (mean age = 12.7 years) consented to participate. The children were stratified as having caries experience (DMFS/dmfs ≥ 1) or not before the random allocation to a test or control group. The control group (A) was given two pellets containing sorbitol and maltitol three times daily for 4 weeks, and the test group (B) received corresponding pellets with xylitol as single sweetener (total dose = 6.18 g day). Clinical scoring and saliva samples were collected at baseline and immediately after the test period. The outcome measures were visible plaque index, salivary mutans streptococci counts and salivary lactic acid production.Results.  The amount of visible plaque was significantly reduced in both groups after 4 weeks (P < 0.05). Likewise, the sucrose‐induced lactic acid formation in saliva diminished in both groups (P < 0.05). The proportion of mutans streptococci decreased significantly in the test group compared to baseline, but not in the control group (P < 0.05). The alterations in the test group seemed most prominent among children without previous caries experience.Conclusions.  The results suggest that chewing gum with xylitol or sorbitol/maltitol can reduce the amount of dental plaque and acid production in saliva in schoolchildren, but only the xylitol‐containing gum may also interfere with the microbial composition.
Postoperative pain in older people: a review of the literature
Authors: Prowse Morag 
Published: December 2006

Aims and objectives.  The literature review was conducted to explore those factors which complicate pain management in older people to inform future research, education and nursing practice in this area.Background.  Acute pain management in hospitalized older people is complex because of the physiological changes of ageing, pharmacological factors and under‐representation of this patient group in reported research about assessing acute pain.Methods.  A review of the literature was undertaken using electronic databases and specified search terms, some hand searching was also used and included the grey literature, textbooks and conference proceedings. A computerized literature search was carried out using CINAHL, Bandolier, Cochrane, Medline, the British Nursing Index and the International Association for the Study of Pain website for the period 1992–2004. The search terms were acute pain, older people, elder care, pain assessment and acute pain services. Thirty‐seven research‐based reviews and published studies and 17 policy documents were included.Conclusions.  Managing acute pain well in older adults involves understanding the influence of a series of integrated factors: attitudes and beliefs, physiological ageing processes, pharmacological factors and the social construction of the older person in healthcare contexts.Relevance to clinical practice.  This review offers new insight into those factors which, taken together, add complexity to managing acute pain in older people well. Moreover, nurses are the professional group mainly responsible for assessing pain, administering and now prescribing analgesia and evaluating the quality of pain relief in older people. On this basis, they are also the group most likely to effect improved patient outcomes.
Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC): exploring women's perceptions
Authors: Meddings Fiona , Phipps Fiona MacVane , Haith‐Cooper Melanie , Haigh Jacquelyn 
Published: December 2006

Aims and objectives.  This study was designed to complement local audit data by examining the lived experience of women who elected to attempt a vaginal birth following a previous caesarean delivery. The study sought to determine whether or not women were able to exercise informed choice and to explore how they made decisions about the method of delivery and how they interpreted their experiences following the birth.Background.  The rising operative birth rate in the UK concerns both obstetricians and midwives. Although the popular press has characterized birth by caesarean section as the socialites’ choice, in reality, maternal choice is only one factor in determining the method of birth. However, in considering the next delivery following a caesarean section, maternal choice may be a significant indicator. While accepted current UK practice favours vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) in line with the research evidence indicating reduced maternal morbidity, lower costs and satisfactory neonatal outcomes, Lavender et al. point out that partnership in choice has emerged as a key factor in the decision‐making process over the past few decades. Chaung and Jenders explored the issue of choice in an earlier study and concluded that the best method of subsequent delivery, following a caesarean birth, is dependent on a woman's preference.Design and methodology.  Using a phenomenological approach enabled a holistic exploration of women's lived experiences of vaginal birth after the caesarean section.Results.  This was a qualitative study and, as such, the findings are not transferable to women in general. However, the results confirmed the importance of informed choice and raised some interesting issues meriting the further exploration.Conclusions.  Informed choice is the key to effective women‐centred care. Women must have access to non‐biased evidence‐based information in order to engage in a collaborative partnership of equals with midwives and obstetricians.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study is relevant to clinical practice as it highlights the importance of informed choice and reminds practitioners that, for women, psycho‐social implications may supersede their physical concerns about birth.
Rectal suppository insertion: the reliability of the evidence as a basis for nursing practice
Authors: Bradshaw Ann , Price Lynda 
Published: December 2006

Aims and objectives.  This paper considers the correct method for inserting a rectal suppository, both as a medication and also to achieve bowel evacuation. The aim is to find out whether the correct method is blunt end or pointed end foremost.Background.  It follows from a question raised by a third year student nurse. In the classroom, she had been taught that the correct method for the administration of a suppository for systemic absorption was to insert it blunt end foremost into the rectum. However, if the suppository was to be used for evacuant purposes, it should be given pointed end foremost. In clinical practice, however, she was told the suppository should always be inserted pointed end foremost in all cases, whatever the purpose.Design.  This article seeks to clarify the dilemma by examining the sources of evidence underpinning different methods for inserting a rectal suppository. Hence, the literature on the insertion of rectal suppositories was gathered as systematically as possible from medical journals and textbooks, nursing journals and textbooks and manufacturers’ information to patients.Method.  Having gathered the literature, this was examined, appraised and critically analysed for rigour, coherence and reliability.Results.  The review of the literature appears to show that evidence adduced for inserting the suppository blunt end foremost derives from one study published in the Lancet in 1991, which challenged ‘commonsense’. There did not appear to be other, more recent research. On the other hand, manufacturers’ information to patients states generally that the suppository should be inserted pointed end foremost. This has direct relevance for the administration of suppositories and also raises questions as to how research may become integrated into healthcare practice without adequate justification.Conclusions.  An article published in the Lancet in 1991 has had a fundamental effect on nursing practice, but has not been subject to scrutiny. The advice given in this Lancet article differs from that currently given by most manufacturers of suppositories, which involves the terms of their product licence. Hence, there is a potential for problems with legal liability should an untoward event arise.Relevance to clinical practice.  Inserting rectal suppositories, whether as a medication or to achieve bowel evacuation, is a very common healthcare practice. Currently, there is inconsistency and discrepancy in the correct method for this procedure in both nursing education and practice. This paper examines the reliability of existing evidence and shows the need for further work in order to provide a reliable evidence base for this commonplace clinical procedure.