bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Waves and synchrony in Epirrita autumnata /Operophtera brumata outbreaks. II. Sunspot activity cannot explain cyclic outbreaks
Authors: NILSSEN A. C. , TENOW O. , BYLUND H. 
Published: January 2007

Summary

In recent studies, it has been argued that sunspot activity forces the Epirrita autumnata 9–10‐year outbreak periodicity in the mountain birch forest of Fennoscandia. For the following reasons, we challenge this conclusion.
With a 10‐year outbreak cycle of E. autumnata and the 11‐year sunspot cycle, it is expected that the cycles will run in‐phase, out‐of‐phase and in‐phase within 10 × 11 years. Hence, given such cycle lengths, sunspot activity should not affect outbreak periods. For a test, the E. autumnata series should be at least 110 years in length.
A well‐documented E. autumnata outbreak series of 81 years (1888–1968; outbreak periods IV–XII) exists. This series is here lengthened to 114 years by adding outbreak frequencies for three decades (1969–2001).
By lengthening the series, three more E. autumnata/Operophtera brumata periods (XIII, XIV, XV) are identified. Period XV, like several earlier periods, was of the moving type, i.e. outbreaks moved in a wavelike manner from northern Fennoscandia to southern Norway.
As with several earlier outbreak periods in central northern Fennoscandia, the main timing of periods XIII–XV centred at the middle of the decades. In contrast, outbreaks at the extreme north‐western coast of Norway centred at the decadal shifts, i.e. about 1979, 1989 and 1999. Supported by historical documents, we explain the 1979 and 1999 outbreaks as the final expressions of east–west outbreak waves that branched off from the main waves which moved southward during periods XIII and XV. These side‐waves in the north are new observations. Outbreaks at the decadal shift 1989/1990 may have been of a more complex nature.
We find that sunspot activity does not explain outbreak waves. Furthermore, a test of our 114‐year long E. autumnata series against the contemporaneous sunspot series shows that the two series run in‐phase and out‐of‐phase. The observed interval between the two cycles coming in‐phase agrees with the expected interval. This challenges the hypothesis of sunspot synchronization of the E. autumnata (and O. brumata) outbreaks.
Sexual vs. asexual reproduction in an ecosystem engineer: the massive coral Montastraea annularis
Authors: FOSTER NICOLA L. , BAUMS ILIANA B. , MUMBY PETER J. 
Published: January 2007

Summary

Long‐lived sedentary organisms with a massive morphology are often assumed to utilize a storage effect whereby the persistence of a small group of adults can maintain the population when sexual recruitment fails. However, employing storage effects could prove catastrophic if, under changing climatic conditions, the time period between favourable conditions becomes so prolonged that the population cannot be sustained solely be sexual recruitment. When a species has multiple reproductive options, a rapidly changing environment may favour alternative asexual means of propagation.
Here, we revisit the importance of asexual dispersal in a massive coral subject to severe climate‐induced disturbance. Montastraea annularis is a major framework‐builder of Caribbean coral reefs but its survival is threatened by the increasing cover of macroalgae that prevents settlement of coral larvae.
To estimate levels of asexual recruitment within populations of M. annularis, samples from three sites in Honduras were genotyped using four, polymorphic microsatellite loci.
A total of 114 unique genets were identified with 8% consisting of two or more colonies and an exceptionally large genet at the third site comprising 14 colonies.
At least 70% of multicolony genets observed were formed by physical breakage, consistent with storm damage.
Our results reveal that long‐lived massive corals can propagate using asexual methods even though sexual strategies predominate.
Use of parenteral nutrition in hospitals in the North of England
Authors: Hearnshaw S. A. , Thompson N. P. ,   the Northern Nutrition Network
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a costly technology used widely to provide nutrition to patients who have an inaccessible or nonfunctioning intestine. A prospective survey was designed to collect data on PN for inpatients to study the current use of PN, its complications and outcomes in the north of England. The study objectives were to use the Northern Nutrition Network to collect data from all acute hospital inpatients prospectively receiving PN, for 3 months and to provide evidence for current PN practice, and to establish whether this is in line with recognized published clinical guidelines.Methods  Using a paper‐based collection tool information was recorded on aspects of PN including: total inpatient episodes, patient demographics, indications, duration, venous access used, complications, number returning to enteral feeding and mortality. The presence of a nutrition support team was also recorded.Results  Data on 193 patient PN episodes were recorded totalling 1708 patient days. The median age of the patients was 67 years. Of these, 158 (82%) were deemed to have a clear indication for PN using the indications cited in the NICE guidelines (http://www.nice.org.uk). The median duration of PN was 7 days (range 1–93). Thirty (16%) patients developed complications due to PN, 23 (12%) had catheter infections which were most common on medical wards. Thirty‐nine (20%) patients died within 28 days of PN starting; no deaths were attributable to PN. A total of 118 (61%) patients returned to full enteral feeding. Only three hospitals had nutrition support teams, which had no significant effect on outcomes.Conclusions  Parenteral nutrition practice in the north of England is generally in line with current guidelines, however, only three of 15 hospitals had nutrition support teams. Eighteen per cent of patients did not have a clearly documented indication for PN and 15% developed a complication, most often a catheter‐related infection.
Validation of a satisfaction survey for rural and urban outpatient dietetic services
Authors: Vivanti A. , Ash S. , Hulcombe J. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  Knowledge of the patient's satisfaction with a service is important as satisfied patients are more likely to maintain appointments, return for review appointments and adhere to recommendations. Nutrition professionals need tools to confidently assess the service provision and educational materials provided as part of that service; however, validated satisfaction tools for dietetic services are limited. An outpatient satisfaction survey was developed and was used to assess previously developed inpatient factors of ‘staff presentation’, ‘interpersonal skill’, ‘perceived health benefit’, ‘written information’ and ‘overall expectations’ in an outpatient setting.Method  An outpatient satisfaction survey was provided subsequent to initial dietetic consultations at a metropolitan hospital and rural health outpatient services. There were 25 statements in total with 24 scored from 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree). Satisfaction with overall service was assessed on a five‐point scale from ‘very good’ scored as 1 to ‘very poor’ scored as 5.Results  The age, gender and proportion of missing data was similar between metropolitan and rural respondents (n = 154). No metropolitan or rural differences were evident with regard to factor analysis or internal consistency. Four factors accounted for 81.3% of the variance, which compared well with the 83.3% achieved with the original tool designed for the inpatient setting.Conclusion  The outpatient satisfaction tool represents a validated survey for outpatient nutrition services applicable to both rural and metropolitan settings. Patient satisfaction is simply one outcome measure of clinical service provision; however, in increasingly competitive environments the use of validated satisfaction survey results will contribute to measurement of the benefit of dietetic services.
Promotion of physical activity by Canadian Registered Dietitians in daily practice
Authors: Johnson S. T. , Bates H. , Fitzpatrick J. , Marshall J. D. , Bell R. C. , McCargar L. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  Dietitians are in an opportunistic position to promote healthy eating and active living. The purpose of this study was to determine counselling strategies of dietitians 1 year after attending a workshop designed to strengthen dietitians’ self‐efficacy for promoting physical activity (PA) as an adjunct to regular nutrition practice.Methods  A convenience sample of Registered Dietitians (RDs) in Alberta, Canada (n = 103) responded to an invitation via an electronic newsletter to complete a web‐based survey that asked about counselling practices related to PA.Results  Thirty‐seven workshop attendees (n = 37) were compared with a group of dietitians (n = 66) who completed the survey but who did not attend the workshop. Nearly all (91%) respondents reported promoting PA in daily practice. Those who attended the workshop were more likely to refer clients to PA professionals (χ2 = 12.68, P < 0.05) than those who were not workshop attendees.Conclusions  Despite a relatively modest response rate, there were clear suggestions that RDs in Alberta, Canada promote PA in daily practice and attending a workshop designed to facilitate the use of specific tools and strategies for promoting PA in daily practice resulted in increased referral of their clients to exercise specialists.
Nutritional advice and treatment by dietitians to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease: a survey of current practice in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Canada
Authors: Rio A. , Cawadias E. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  The management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease (ALS/MND) has shifted from an attitude of nihilism to treatments that prolong survival and offer hope. Nutrition is an integral component of ALS/MND care requiring coordination among acute and community multi‐disciplinary teams (MDT). Evidence‐based nutrition guidelines exist for this patient group but their use among dietitians is unknown. The aim of this study was to survey the knowledge, practice and guideline use of dietitians working in ALS/MND centres/clinics across England, Wales, Northern Ireland (EWNI) and Canada.Method  Dietetic contact details were obtained from the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and the ALS Society of Canada (ALSSC) websites. Telephone interviews were conducted with 23 dietitians using a standardized questionnaire.Results  Multi‐disciplinary team membership was high (78%). Only 22% dietitians had >4‐years experience in ALS/MND care. Dietitians reported using body weight, percentage weight loss (PWL) and body mass index (BMI) to assess nutritional status. Equations used to estimate energy and protein requirements differed. Most frequent dietary advice was high calorie, texture modification and prescription nutritional supplements. Artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) was discussed when patients developed dysphagia, energy intake was inadequate, weight loss of 10% or forced vital capacity (FVC) was reduced. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) service was available at all clinics/centres.Conclusion  Nutritional assessment techniques and dietary advice should be standardized. Dietetic collaboration at national and international level is recommended to reduce professional isolation. Training and support in ALS/MND nutrition should be made available as part of post‐dietetic registration. Further dietetic research is required to stimulate nutritional care.
Assessment of the transtheoretical model as used by dietitians in promoting physical activity in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jackson R. , Asimakopoulou K. , Scammell A. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  The transtheoretical model of change (TTM) is an approach to behaviour change, which has been successful in increasing physical activity levels. This study examined the application of a TTM approach to increase physical activity in people with type 2 diabetes by a specialist dietitian.Methods  Forty participants were recruited to either an exercise consultation interview (ECI) or a control group. All participants received a physical activity leaflet and those in the ECI group also received a one‐to‐one interview with a dietitian a week after their routine appointment. Both self‐reported physical activity levels and stage of change were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks.Results  Thirty‐four participants (17 in each group) completed the study. Both groups showed an increase in physical activity levels. However, there was a significant difference in change of physical activity levels in the ECI group alone [F(1,32) = 15.99;P ≤ 0.01]. In the ECI group, eight participants increased their stage of change compared with just one in the control group. There was a highly significant difference between the ECI and control group for success rates of stage progression (P = 0.007).Conclusions  A specialist dietitian with motivational interviewing and behavioural change training can successfully deliver a TTM intervention to people with diabetes that results in an increase in physical activity and stage of change. Dietitians with behavioural change skills may wish to include this approach within their practice.
Opposing effects of histidine phosphorylation regulate the AtxA virulence transcription factor in Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Tsvetanova Billyana , Wilson Adam C. , Bongiorni Cristina , Chiang Christina , Hoch James A. , Perego Marta 
Published: January 2007

SummaryExpression of genes for Bacillus anthracis toxin and capsule virulence factors are dependent upon the AtxA transcription factor. The mechanism by which AtxA regulates the transcription of its target genes is unknown. Here we report that bioinformatic analyses suggested the presence in AtxA of two PTS (phosphenolpyruvate : sugar phosphotransferase system) regulation domains (PRD) generally regulated by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation at conserved histidine residues. By means of amino acid substitutions that mimic the phosphorylated (H to D) or the unphosphorylated (H to A) state of the protein, we showed that phosphorylation of H199 of PRD1 is likely to be necessary for AtxA activation while phosphorylation of H379 in PRD2 is inhibitory to toxin gene transcription. In vivo labelling experiments with radioactive phosphate allowed us to propose that H199 and H379 are AtxA residues subject to regulated phosphorylation. In support to these notions, we also show that deletion of ptsHI, encoding the HPr intermediate and the EI enzymes of PTS, or growth in the presence of glucose affect positively and negatively, respectively, the activity of AtxA. Our results link virulence factor production in B. anthracis to carbohydrate metabolism and, for the first time, provide a mechanistic explanation for AtxA transcriptional activity.
Omalizumab decreases nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness in vitro
Authors: Berger P. , Scotto‐Gomez E. , Molimard M. , Marthan R. , Le Gros V. , Tunon‐de‐Lara J. M. 
Published: January 2007

Background:  In asthmatic patients, both symptoms and hyperresponsiveness are related to immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration in serum. The anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody omalizumab improved the control of asthma, but its effect on airway hyperresponsiveness is controversial. Passive sensitization reproduced in vitro a bronchial hyperresponsiveness, an increase in IgE bearing cells, and a mast cell degranulation. This study was designed to examine the effect of omalizumab on passive sensitization‐induced hyperresponsiveness, alterations in IgE positive inflammatory cells and mast cell degranulation within the bronchial wall.Methods:  Proximal (3–5 mm diameter) and distal (0.5–1.5 mm diameter) human bronchi dissected out from 10 lung specimens were incubated in normal or asthmatic serum containing various concentrations of omalizumab. Contractile responses to histamine or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D. pter) were recorded using an organ bath system and expressed as percentage of maximal contractile response to acetylcholine (ACh). Immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antibodies directed against IgE or tryptase. Mast cells were classified as fully granulated (type I), partly (type II) or largely degranulated (type III).Results:  The specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness to D. pter and the nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine following passive sensitization were significantly inhibited by omalizumab in both distal and proximal airways. Passive sensitization‐induced increase in IgE positive cells was also abolished by omalizumab in a concentration dependent manner. Mast cell degranulation which was inhibited by omalizumab was positively correlated with the contractile response to D. pter.Conclusions:  Omalizumab blocks specific and nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Anti‐IgE also decreases IgE bearing cell number and mast cell degranulation.
Extent, patterns, and burden of uncontrolled disease in severe or difficult‐to‐treat asthma
Authors: Sullivan S. D. , Rasouliyan L. , Russo P. A. , Kamath T. , Chipps B. E. ,   for the TENOR Study Group
Published: January 2007

Background:  Characterization of uncontrolled asthma burden in a natural treatment setting can influence treatment recommendations and clinical practice. The objective was to characterize and compare the economic burden of severe or difficult‐to‐treat asthma in uncontrolled and controlled patients.Methods:  Baseline patient data (age ≥ 13 years; n = 3916) were obtained from The Epidemiology and Natural History of Asthma: Outcomes and Treatment Regimens study. Disease control was assessed using two approaches: (i) applying criteria for control based on the Gaining Optimal Asthma ControL study, and (ii) using the Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire (ATAQ) to identify the number of asthma control problems. Assessments were performed at baseline, and at months 12 and 24. Monetary values were assigned to productivity loss and medical resource use. Direct and indirect costs were aggregated over 24 months and compared using Student's t‐test for continuous measures and chi‐squared for categorical variables.Results:  Throughout the study, most patients had uncontrolled asthma (83% uncontrolled; 16% inconsistent control; 1.3% controlled). Controlled patients experienced fewer work or school absences and less healthcare resource use than uncontrolled patients at all study time points. Using the multilevel ATAQ control score, asthma costs increased directly with the number of asthma control problems. Costs for uncontrolled patients were more than double those of controlled patients throughout the study ($14 212 vs$6452; adjusted to 2002 dollars; P < 0.0001).Conclusions:  This study demonstrated that few severe or difficult‐to‐treat asthma patients achieved control over a 2‐year period and the economic consequence of uncontrolled disease is substantial.
Inverse relation between nasal fluid Clara Cell Protein 16 levels and symptoms and signs of rhinitis in allergen‐challenged patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Benson M. , Fransson M. , Martinsson T. , Naluai Å. T. , Uddman R. , Cardell L. O. 
Published: January 2007

Background:  Decreased levels of the anti‐inflammatory Clara Cell Protein 16 (CC16) are found in intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) and asthma. In asthma this decrease has been associated with hyperreactivity and the A38G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The aim of this study was to examine if IAR is associated with signs and symptoms of rhinitis and the A38G SNP.Methods:  Nasal fluid CC16 was analyzed in 20 patients with IAR before allergen challenge and 1 and 6 h after challenge, and from 28 healthy controls. The A38G SNP was analyzed in 80 patients with IAR and 106 controls. Nasal biopsies were obtained from three subjects in each group for immunohistochemical analysis of CC16.Results:  In the allergen‐challenged patients symptoms and rhinoscopic signs of rhinitis increased after 1 h and normalized after 6 h. In contrast, nasal fluid CC16 decreased 1 h after allergen challenge and returned to baseline after 6 h. Nasal fluid CC16 levels did not differ from controls before and 6 h after challenge. Immunohistochemical investigation showed intense CC16 staining in the nasal epithelium of both patients before season and healthy controls, but weak staining in symptomatic patients during season. No significant association between the A38G SNP and IAR was found.Conclusion:  There was an inverse relation between nasal fluid CC16 levels and symptoms and signs of rhinitis in allergen‐challenged patients with IAR. However, there was no association between IAR and the A38G SNP.
Amoxicillin conjugates to HLA class I molecules and interferes with signalling through the ILT2/LIR‐1/CD85j inhibitory receptor
Authors: Morel E. , Bellón T. 
Published: January 2007

Background:  Drugs behave as haptens and are recognized by specific T‐cell receptors in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in allergic subjects. Natural killer cell receptors (NKRs) are MHC class I‐specific receptors that modulate the threshold of activation of immunocompetent cells. Amongst them, ILT2/LIR‐1/CD85j is an inhibitory NKR widely distributed in several cell lineages and with a broad spectrum of recognition of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands.Methods:  We have evaluated, at the biochemical and cellular level, the ability of amoxicillin (AX) conjugate to HLA class I molecules and to interfere with the inhibitory signal delivered by the HLA class I receptor ILT2/LIR‐1/CD85j.Results:  We have detected AX bound to cell membrane proteins and in particular to HLA class I molecules. Preincubation with AX rendered target cells susceptible to NK cell‐mediated lysis. In conjugation experiments, target cell‐bound AX hampered tyrosine phosphorylation of ILT2/LIR‐1/CD85j upon ligand recognition and the subsequent recruitment of SHP‐1 phosphatase.Conclusion:  Conjugation of AX to HLA class I molecules may mask HLA recognition by inhibitory receptors and attenuate the negative signal delivered by SHP‐1 phosphatase, thus lowering the threshold of activation of effector cells.
The limitations of severe asthma: the results of a European survey
Authors: Dockrell M. , Partridge M. R. , Valovirta E. 
Published: January 2007

Background:  Asthma has a major impact on patients’ lives, and severe asthma is a serious health problem. The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) commissioned a telephonic survey to capture the views of people who are living with severe asthma in Europe.Methods:  A total of 1300 patients from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Sweden who reported a previous diagnosis of asthma and reported receiving asthma medication took part in the survey.Results:  Most patients reported having limitations to their lifestyles as a consequence of the symptoms of severe asthma. Almost 70% of patients reported that physical activity was restricted, 50% were restricted from having pets, 30% from taking holidays, and many felt their job prospects were limited. In addition, 50% of this population of patients were not convinced that guideline goals were being achieved, although it is not clear as to the cause of this failing. Patients indicated that they want treatments that are fast‐acting, long‐lasting and have minimal side effects, and they were optimistic for the development of effective therapies over the next 5 years.Conclusions:  The results of this study provide insight into how greatly patients’ lives are affected by severe asthma.