bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does prescribing for opiate addiction change after national guidelines? Methadone and buprenorphine prescribing to opiate addicts by general practitioners and hospital doctors in England, 1995–2005
Authors: Strang John , Manning Victoria , Mayet Soraya , Ridge Gayle , Best David , Sheridan Janie 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTAim  To assess changes in opiate prescribing (1995–2005) following a decade of national guidelines to address substandard opiate substitution prescribing for heroin addiction.Design  A repeat national survey (1995 and 2005) using random one‐in‐four samples of all community pharmacies in England, achieving response rates of 75% (1847/2475) in 1995 and 95% (2349/2473) in 2005. Data were obtained on 3732 (1995 data) and 9620 (2005 data) prescriptions dispensed in the preceding month from the 936 and 1463 pharmacies who were currently dispensing.Measurements  We have measured impact on practice for seven specific recommended changes.Findings  Between 1995 and 2005 the number of substitute opiate prescriptions doubled (×2.03). By 2005, methadone still dominated (down from 97% to 83%), buprenorphine increased (from 1% to 16%) and other opiate medications virtually disappeared. Changes in the direction of national guidelines included: increased daily dose of methadone (from 47.3 mg to 56.3 mg), more frequent dispensing (from 38% to 60% as daily instalments), more supervised consumption (from 0% to 36%) and fewer methadone tablets (from 10.9% to 1.8%). Nevertheless, despite the increased mean daily dose, only 41.0% of prescriptions for methadone were for daily doses in the recommended 60–120 mg dose range. Only one change was not in the direction of the national guidelines—the proportion of prescriptions from GPs fell from 41% to 30%, although this still represented an approximate 50% increase in the extent of GP prescribing.Conclusion  Doubling in provision of opiate substitute treatment has occurred, alongside significant improvements in the nature of this treatment. These positive changes have occurred in the direction of six out of seven of the UK national guidelines.
Forest elephant group composition, frugivory and coastal use in the Réserve de Faune du Petit Loango, Gabon
Authors: Morgan Bethan J. , Lee P. C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractResults of a 16‐month study of forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotisMatschie) group size and composition, coastal use and frugivory are presented from the Réserve de Faune du Petit Loango, Gabon (now the Parc National de Loango). Mean forest elephant group size was 2.2 (n = 140) including solitary animals, and 3.1 excluding solitaries. Elephants consumed fruits of at least 49 species, and of the 220 elephant dungpiles examined, 185 (84.1%) contained seeds and 203 (92.3%) contained the remains of fruits (seeds and/or pulp). The mean number of seed species per dungpile (±SD) was 2.01 ± 1.49, and the mean number of fruit species was 2.28 ± 1.43. Elephants used the coastal habitat more during warmer months, and during the afternoon than the morning. It is hypothesized that coastal habitat use is related to sodium intake through consumption of salt‐coated vegetation.
The cellular origin and proliferative status of regenerating renal parenchyma after mercuric chloride damage and erythropoietin treatment
Authors: Yen T.‐H. , Alison M. R. , Cook H. T. , Jeffery R. , Otto W. R. , Wright N. A. , Poulsom R. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract.  Objectives: In this study, we have sought to establish the cellular origin and proliferative status of the renal parenchyma as it regenerates after damage induced by mercuric chloride, with or without erythropoietin treatments, that might alter the response. Materials and methods: Female mice were irradiated and male whole bone marrow was transplanted into them. Six weeks later recipient mice were assigned to one of four groups: control, mercuric chloride treated, erythropoietin treated and treated with mercuric chloride plus erythropoietin. Results: Tubular injury scores were high 3 days after mercuric chloride and had recovered partially after 14 days, in line with serum urea nitrogen levels. Confocal microscopy confirmed the tubular location of bone marrow‐derived cells. A ‘four‐in‐one’ analytical technique (identifying cell origin, tubular phenotype, tubular basement membranes and S‐phase status) revealed that tubular necrosis increased bone marrow derivation of renal tubular epithelium from a baseline of ∼1.3% to ∼4.0%. Erythropoietin increased the haematocrit, but no other effects were detected. Conclusion: As 1 in 12 proximal tubular cells in S‐phase was derived from bone marrow, we conclude that in the kidney, the presence of bone marrow‐derived cells makes a minor but important regenerative contribution after tubular necrosis.
Pollen‐induced airway inflammation, hyper‐responsiveness and apoptosis in a murine model of allergy
Authors: Conejero L. , Higaki Y. , Baeza M. L. , Fernández M. , Varela‐Nieto I. , Zubeldia J. M. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryBackground
Previous studies indicate that murine models are useful tools for studying the allergic diseases, including certain aspects of bronchial asthma such as cellular tissue inflammation and pulmonary function.Objective
To develop an experimental model of allergic lung inflammation based on a relevant human allergen, olive pollen, and to establish the immunological, cellular and functional airway features of the allergic response in this model.Methods
Induction of systemic allergic response was achieved by the subcutaneous administration of Olea europaea extract in BALB/c mice. Olea‐specific Igs (IgG1, IgG2a and IgE) and cytokines from splenocyte cultures IL‐4, IL‐5 IL‐10, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ were measured. Allergic airway response was generated by transnasal instillation of the allergens. Airway responsiveness was monitored by non‐invasive methacholine inhalation challenge. Lungs were paraffin embedded and histologically analysed. Apoptosis was studied by the TUNEL technique in the lung tissue and through cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry in splenocytes.Results
Our results demonstrate that Olea‐sensitized mice develop a specific allergic antibody (IgG1 and IgE) and cytokine (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10 and IL‐13) response. After transnasal Olea instillation, they show inflammatory infiltration of lung tissue, mucus secretion and non‐specific hyper‐responsiveness in the airway. Concomitantly, differences in the rate of apoptosis are observed in the lung cells as well as a significant reduction of spontaneous apoptosis in the splenocytes of allergic mice.Conclusion
We present a novel animal model of olive pollen‐allergic disease. This model presents traits associated with human allergic asthma and could be an interesting tool in the study of underlying molecular mechanisms and in exploring the therapeutic approaches to this disease.
Exhaled air temperature in asthma: methods and relationship with markers of disease
Authors: Piacentini G. L. , Peroni D. , Crestani E. , Zardini F. , Bodini A. , Costella S. , Boner A. L. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryBackground
Exhaled breath temperature has been proposed as a surrogate marker for the evaluation of airway inflammation in asthmatic patients.Objective
The aim of the present study was to extend the investigation of exhaled air temperature as a means for the evaluation of airway inflammation using a professionally developed instrument.Methods
Fifty‐seven children, 41 allergic mild asthmatics and 16 healthy controls have been evaluated. They underwent exhaled air temperature and lung function measurement. The asthmatic children also underwent exhaled nitric oxide measurement, and hypertonic saline sputum induction for the evaluation of eosinophil (EOS) percentage.Results
The level of exhaled temperature was significantly higher in asthmatics than in controls, being 30.18±0.14°C vs. 27.47±0.24°C (P<0.001). In asthmatic children, a positive relationship was observed between exhaled air temperature and both exhaled nitric oxide (r=0.39; P=0.01) and EOS percentage in samples from induced sputum (ρ=0.53; P=0.04).Conclusion
The data from the present study support the hypotheses that exhaled breath temperature is related to the degree of airway inflammation in asthma.
Perinatal maternal application of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG suppresses allergic airway inflammation in mouse offspring
Authors: Blümer N. , Sel S. , Virna S. , Patrascan C. C. , Zimmermann S. , Herz U. , Renz H. , Garn H. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryBackground
Clinical studies indicate that maternal exposure to probiotic bacteria may protect from the development of allergic disease later in life.Objective
The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of a perinatal Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplementation on the development of allergic disorders in offspring.Methods
Female BALB/c mice received intragastric LGG every other day before conception, during pregnancy and lactation (perinatal supplementation group) or before conception and during pregnancy only (prenatal supplementation group). Cytokine expression of placental tissues was examined. Offspring of LGG‐supplemented and sham‐exposed mothers were sensitized to Ovalbumin (OVA), followed by aerosol allergen challenges. Development of experimental asthma was assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage analysis, lung histology and lung function measurement. Cytokine production of splenic mononuclear cells was analysed following in vitro stimulation.Results
Intestinal colonization with LGG was observed in mother mice only, but not in the offspring. However, a reduced expression of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐5 as well as IL‐10 was observed in mice derived from perinatally LGG‐supplemented mothers, whereas IL‐13 and IL‐4 expression remained unchanged. Moreover, in offspring of prenatally or perinatally LGG‐supplemented mothers allergic airway and peribronchial inflammation as well as goblet cell hyperplasia were significantly reduced as compared with mice derived from non‐supplemented mothers. In contrast, airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine was not affected. Exposure to LGG during pregnancy only shifted the placental cytokine expression pattern with a markedly increased TNF‐α level.Conclusion
Our data suggest that LGG may exert beneficial effects on the development of experimental allergic asthma, when applied in a very early phase of life. Immunological effects are, at least in parts, mediated via the placenta, probably by induction of pro‐inflammatory cell signals.
Increased expression of HLA‐DR and CD86 in nasal epithelial cells in allergic rhinitics: antigen presentation to T cells and up‐regulation by diesel exhaust particles
Authors: Takizawa R. , Pawankar R. , Yamagishi S. , Takenaka H. , Yagi T. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryBackground
A proportion of nasal epithelial cells (NEC) in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) are known to express the major histocompatibility complex Class II molecule (HLA‐DR).Objective
We hypothesized that NEC may play a role in antigen presentation to T cells. To elucidate the possible role of NEC in antigen presentation, we examined the expression of HLA‐DR, CD80 and CD86 in NEC, their regulation by cytokines and the capacity of NEC to induce antigen‐specific proliferation of T cells.Methods
We examined the expression of HLA‐DR, CD80 and CD86 in nasal epithelial scrapings of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) to Japanese cedar pollen pre‐season and in‐season, by immunohistochemistry. Next, we examined the effect of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, (IFN‐γ), IL‐4 α, IL‐13 and diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on the HLA‐DR, CD80 and CD86 expression in cultured nasal epithelial cells (CNEC), by flow cytometry. Further, we analysed the capacity of mite antigen (Der f II)‐pulsed mitomycin‐C‐treated CNEC to induce proliferation of autologous T cells from patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.Results
NEC constitutively expressed HLA‐DR and CD86, but not CD80. The expression of HLA‐DR and CD86 in NEC was significantly increased in‐season, in patients with SAR as compared with that of pre‐season. While IFN‐γ up‐regulated the expression of HLA‐DR, IL‐1β and TNF‐α up‐regulated the expression of CD86 in CNEC. Furthermore, in the presence of mite antigen, CNEC induced the proliferation of autologous peripheral blood T lymphocytes. Anti‐CD86 and anti‐HLA‐DR monoclonal antibody but not anti‐CD80 inhibited the epithelial cell‐induced T cell proliferation. Stimulation with a combination of DEP and mite antigen significantly up‐regulated HLA‐DR and CD86 expression in CNEC.Conclusions
These studies suggest that NEC in patients with AR may play a role in antigen presentation through the enhanced expression of HLA‐DR and CD86. Furthermore, these results suggest the possibility that DEP may enhance the antigen‐presenting function of CNEC.
Eulittoral macroinvertebrate communities of lowland lakes: discrimination among trophic states
Authors: BRAUNS MARIO , GARCIA XAVIER‐FRANÇOIS , PUSCH MARTIN T. , WALZ NORBERT 
Published: March 2007

Summary1. Nutrient inputs from urban and agricultural land use often result in shifts in species composition of pelagic and profundal invertebrate communities. Here, we test if nutrient enrichment affects the composition of eulittoral macroinvertebrate communities, and, if so, if macroinvertebrate communities of five different habitat types reflect differences in trophic state.2. Macroinvertebrate community composition of 36 lakes was significantly correlated with total phosphorus (TP) concentration, the proportion of coarse woody debris (CWD) and root habitats and the proportion of grassland.3. However, macroinvertebrate communities of five major habitat types from eight lakes were more dissimilar among habitats than among trophic states. Community composition of reed and stone habitats was significantly correlated with wind exposure but not TP concentration, while macroinvertebrate composition of sand habitats was related to TP concentration and coarse sediments. In CWD and root habitats, both TP concentration and a predominance of invasive species covaried, which made it difficult to relate the observed compositional differences to either trophic state or to the effects of competition between native and invasive species.4. Trophic state influenced the composition of eulittoral macroinvertebrate communities but to a lesser extent than has been previously reported for profundal habitats. Moreover, the effects of trophic state were nested within habitat type and were partially superseded by biotic interactions and small‐scaled habitat complexity. Although eulittoral macroinvertebrate communities were not strong indicators of the trophic state of lowland lakes, they may be used to assess other anthropogenic impacts on lakeshores.
Effects of habitat on GPS collar performance: using data screening to reduce location error
Authors: LEWIS JESSE S. , RACHLOW JANET L. , GARTON EDWARD O. , VIERLING LEE A. 
Published: March 2007

Summary

Global positioning system (GPS) technology enables researchers to evaluate wildlife movements, space use and resource selection in detail for extended periods of time. Two types of errors, missed location fixes and location error, are inherent to GPS telemetry and can bias location data sets. Habitat characteristics can influence both types of errors, but no studies have reported how continuous ranges of canopy cover and terrain simultaneously affect location error at different positional dilution of precision (PDOP) and signal quality levels. This information can assist in developing a protocol for removing large location errors from GPS data sets.
The objectives of this study were to quantify how canopy cover and terrain affected GPS collar performance within a mountainous region of northern Idaho, USA, and evaluate different data‐screening options for GPS location data sets from stationary test collars and free‐ranging black bears Ursus americanus.
The fix rate for test collars was very high in all habitats (mean 99·5%, SE 0·14, range 97·9–100%) and was not related to canopy cover or terrain obstruction. However, habitat variables strongly influenced location error, PDOP values and proportion of three‐dimensional (3‐D) fixes. The 95% circular error probable (CEP) equalled 106·8 m for locations at all test sites, and varied substantially with canopy cover, terrain obstruction and signal quality categories, ranging from 14·3 m to 557·0 m. Location errors for two‐dimensional (2‐D) fixes were more variable at higher PDOP values and were significantly larger compared with 3‐D fixes.
Data screening increased the accuracy of test collar location data sets by removing large location errors that were associated with high PDOP values. Data‐screening options that focused on screening 2‐D locations were most effective in reducing location error and retaining the greatest number of locations. For black bear data sets, the four data screening options resulted in data reduction ranging from 8% to 35%.
Synthesis and applications. We have demonstrated how location data can be analysed and screened based on 2‐D and 3‐D fixes in relation to PDOP values to eliminate locations with potentially large location errors. This information can be applied to GPS location data for individual animals to increase data accuracy for analyses.
Organizing learning materials through hierarchical topic maps: an illustration through Chinese herb medication
Authors: Shih B.‐J. , Shih J.‐L. , Chen R.‐L. 
Published: March 2007

Abstract This research aims to use hierarchical topic maps to compile digital learning material and to discuss its design and application possibilities. The system renders tremendous original assets and then embeds a self‐organizing map (SOM) in the material database to produce topical learning materials, as in this case, an illustration through Chinese herb medication. It helps to demonstrate robust professional information as well as knowledge structures, and provides a customized and interactive learning dynamic to support both progressive and constructive learning styles.The paper first gives a detailed procedural description of the material construction, explains how topic map techniques were applied, and observes the implications and potentials of the technology to education.Both the technical and educational evaluations of using SOM topic maps in compilation of learning materials have resulted in positive feedback. SOM allows users to review the complete databank in structural hierarchical order, which provides comprehensive understanding of the entire set of learning materials, and also brings opportunities to users to discover knowledge related to their study area.
IgE Anti‐Borrelia burgdorferi Components (p18, p31, p34, p41, p45, p60) and Increased Blood CD8+CD60+ T Cells in Children with Lyme Disease
Authors: Bluth M. H. , Robin J. , Ruditsky M. , Norowitz K. B. , Chice S. , Pytlak E. , Nowakowski M. , Durkin H. G. , Smith‐Norowitz T. A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractImmunoglobulin (Ig) E may provide immunity against Borrelia burgdorferi infection (Lyme disease) in children which lasts throughout adulthood. We investigated the presence and persistence of IgE anti‐B. burgdorferi antibodies (Abs) in paediatric patients infected with Lyme disease over time. Serum immunoglobulin levels, presence of IgG and IgE anti‐B. burgdorferi components, and distributions of blood T, B and natural killer lymphocyte subsets were studied in B. burgdorferi‐infected and ‐uninfected children (nephelometry, UniCAP Total IgE Fluoroenzymeimmunoassay, Western blot, flow cytometry). Total serum IgM, IgG, IgE and IgA levels, and distributions of blood lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+, CD19+) of both groups, excluding CD8+CD60+ T cells, were within normal ranges. However, infected, but not uninfected children made IgG anti‐B. burgdorferi proteins p18, p31, p34, p41, p45, but not IgG anti‐p60, and IgE anti‐B. burgdorferi proteins p31, p34, p41, p45, p60, but not IgE anti‐p18. These proteins were also detected in an infected child 1 year post‐infection. Interestingly, CD8+CD60+ T‐cell numbers were significantly increased (fourfold) in infected, compared with uninfected, patients (P = 0.001). These results demonstrate that specific IgE anti‐B. burgdorferi Abs are generated and persist in children with Lyme disease and that CD8+CD60+ T cells may play an important role in these responses.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Stimulate Antibody Secretion in Human B Cells
Authors: Rasmusson I. , Le Blanc K. , Sundberg B. , Ringdén O. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have immunomodulatory effects and inhibit T‐cell responses to alloantigens and mitogens in vitro and in vivo. We wanted to examine the effect of MSC on human B cells. MSC stimulated IgG production, measured in an enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELIspot) assay in blood and spleen lymphocytes. MSC only induced a low proliferation. When a semipermeable membrane separated MSC and mononuclear cells, the IgG production was stimulated in unfractionated lymphocytes. In contrast, enriched B cells required cell contact with MSC to produce IgG. Co‐cultures of MSC and lymphocytes increased IFN‐γ production. MSC produce IL‐6, and addition of MSC to spleen cells dramatically increased IL‐6 levels. After lymphocyte stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cytomegalovirus or varicella zoster virus, MSC either stimulated or inhibited IgG response, depending on the level of stimulation by LPS or the viral antigens. Similar results were obtained for enriched B cells. To conclude, MSC stimulate B‐cell antibody secretion. The IgG secretion by activated B cells may be stimulated or inhibited by the addition of MSC, depending on the level of stimulation.
A leucine‐rich repeat protein is required for growth promotion and enhanced seed production mediated by the endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shahollari Bationa , Vadassery Jyothilakshmi , Varma Ajit , Oelmüller Ralf 
Published: March 2007

Summary Piriformospora indica, a basidiomycete of the Sebacinaceae family, promotes the growth, development and seed production of a variety of plant species. Arabidopsis plants colonized with the fungus produce 22% more seeds than uncolonized plants. Deactivating the Arabidopsis single‐copy gene DMI‐1, which encodes an ion carrier required for mycorrihiza formation in legumes, does not affect the beneficial interaction between the two symbiotic partners. We used cellular and molecular responses initiated during the establishment of the interaction between P. indica and Arabidopsis roots to isolate mutants that fail to respond to the fungus. An ethylmethane sulfonate mutant (Piriformospora indica‐insensitive‐2; pii‐2), and a corresponding insertion line, are impaired in a leucine‐rich repeat protein (At1g13230). The protein pii‐2, which contains a putative endoplasmic reticulum retention signal, is also found in Triton X‐100‐insoluble plasma membrane microdomains, suggesting that it is present in the endoplasmic reticulum/plasma membrane continuum in Arabidopsis roots. The microdomains also contain an atypical receptor protein (At5g16590) containing leucine‐rich repeats, the message of which is transiently upregulated in Arabidopsis roots in response to P. indica. This response is not detectable in At1g13230 mutants, and the protein is not detectable in the At1g13230 mutant microdomains. Partial deactivation of a gene for a sphingosine kinase, which is required for the biosynthesis of sphingolipid found in plasma membrane microdomains, also affects the Arabidopsis/P. indica interaction. Thus, pii‐2, and presumably also At5g16590, two proteins present in plasma membrane microdomains, appear to be involved in P. indica‐induced growth promotion and enhanced seed production in Arabidopsis thaliana.