bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pollen counts in relation to the prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma and atopic eczema in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)
Authors: Burr M. L. , Emberlin J. C. , Treu R. , Cheng S. , Pearce N. E. ,   the ISAAC Phase One Study Group
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground
Although pollens are major allergens associated with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma, there is little information about the relative prevalence of these conditions in populations with different pollen exposures.Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between pollen exposure and allergic symptoms among children in different countries.Methods
An ecological analysis was conducted to see whether pollen exposure (pollen counts, and duration and severity of pollen seasons) is associated with symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma and atopic eczema in 28 centres within 11 countries (nine being in Europe). Data on the prevalence of symptoms in 13–14‐year olds were based on the responses to the written questionnaires from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The analysis was adjusted for gross national product and mean annual relative humidity.Results
There was little relationship between pollen exposure and symptom prevalence, except for a significant inverse association between grass pollen counts and lifetime prevalence of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (P=0.03). Almost all the regression coefficients were negative. The associations were even weaker and all non‐significant when the analyses were conducted within countries, using a random intercept fixed slope model, but there was still no evidence of a positive association between pollen exposure and symptoms.Conclusion
There is a weak but consistent tendency for the prevalence of allergic symptoms to be inversely associated with pollen exposure. This finding accords with evidence from several countries, suggesting that the prevalence of hayfever and asthma tends to be lower in rural than in urban areas, and lowest among people living on farms. Exposure to allergenic pollen in early life does not appear to increase the risk of acquiring symptoms of respiratory allergy, and may even give some protection against them.
Characterization of recombinant cat albumin
Authors: Reininger R. , Swoboda I. , Bohle B. , Hauswirth A. W. , Valent P. , Rumpold H. , Valenta R. , Spitzauer S. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground  Indoor allergens derived from animals and mites often contribute to exacerbation of skin manifestations in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients.Objective  To produce and characterize recombinant cat albumin, a cross‐reactive animal allergen.Methods  A complete cDNA coding for cat albumin was obtained by RT‐PCR amplification from cat liver RNA. Recombinant cat albumin was expressed in Escherichia coli as hexahistidine‐tagged protein, purified by nickel affinity chromatography and studied for IgE reactivity with sera from cat‐allergic patients by ELISA and immunoblotting. Furthermore, CD203c expression of basophils from cat‐allergic patients upon exposure to recombinant cat albumin was analysed.Results  Recombinant cat albumin, a cross‐reactive animal allergen sharing most IgE epitopes with its natural counterpart, was produced in E. coli. It was recognized preferentially by IgE from AD patients and elicited IgE‐dependent basophil activation in sensitized patients.Conclusions  Recombinant cat albumin may be used as a paradigmatic tool to analyse mechanisms of allergen‐triggered exacerbation of AD, for diagnostic and, perhaps for therapeutic purposes.
Measurement of Dermatophagoides mite allergens on bedding and human skin surfaces
Authors: Yasueda H. , Saito A. , Nishioka K. , Kutsuwada K. , Akiyama K. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryBackground
The level of the Dermatophagoides mite group 1 (Der 1) allergens in reservoir dust has been used as an index of exposure in most studies. However, the mite allergen level in reservoir dust cannot directly reflect the personal exposure level.Objective
We sought to develop a new method for quantifying the Der 1 allergens on bedding and human skin surfaces as an index of exposure to mite allergens.Methods
Samples were obtained with a small adhesive tape from the forearm skin of 30 healthy volunteers and from their regularly used mattresses. The level of Der 1 allergens collected onto the adhesive tape was measured by a newly developed sensitive fluorometric ELISA for Der p 1 and Der f 1.Results
The Der 1 allergens could be detected in all the samples from bedding surfaces and in 28 of the 30 samples from skin surfaces. The Der 1 levels by adhesive tape sampling from the mattresses correlated with those by reservoir dust sampling. The sampling of the skin and bedding surface with adhesive tape correlated, but skin sampling did not correlate with reservoir sampling.Conclusion
The Der 1 allergens on bedding surfaces and on human skin surfaces could be quantified with a very simple sampling technique. The system developed in this study will provide a new tool for the assessment of mite allergen exposure in daily life.
Interleukin‐4 and ‐13 expression is co‐localized to mast cells within the airway smooth muscle in asthma
Authors: Brightling C. E. , Symon F. A. , Holgate S. T. , Wardlaw A. J. , Pavord I. D. , Bradding P. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackground
Airway smooth muscle infiltration by mast cells is a feature of asthma and not eosinophilic bronchitis. In asthma, Th2 cytokines have been implicated as playing a critical role in the development of airway inflammation and hyper‐responsiveness. Whether inflammatory cells within the airway smooth muscle release these cytokines is unknown.Methods
We have undertaken a comparative immunohistochemical study in bronchial biopsies from 14 subjects with asthma, 10 with eosinophilic bronchitis and eight normal controls recruited from two centres.Results
The median number of IL‐4+ cells/mm2 smooth muscle was significantly higher in subjects with asthma than eosinophilic bronchitis and normal controls for both the anti‐IL‐4 mAb 3H4 (2.4, 0, 0, respectively; P=0.001) and anti‐IL‐4 mAb 4D9 (1.6, 0, 0, respectively; P=0.02). There were no group differences in the number of IL‐5+ cells (P=0.31). In six subjects with asthma, IL‐13 expression by cells within the airway smooth muscle was studied. The median (range) of IL‐13+cells was 2 (0.9–2.7). Ninety‐four percent of the cells expressing IL‐4 (3H4), 92% of those expressing IL‐4 (4D9) and 100% expressing IL‐13 in the airway smooth muscle were mast cells. Fifty‐five percent of the mast cells within the airway smooth muscle co‐localized to IL‐4 (3H4), 29% to IL‐4 (4D9) and 17% to IL‐13.Conclusions
In asthma, IL‐4+ and IL‐13+ cells were present within the airway smooth muscle and were expressed predominantly by mast cells, suggesting that IL‐4 and IL‐13 may play an important role in mast cell–airway smooth muscle interactions.
Water–energy balance and the geographic pattern of species richness of western Palearctic butterflies
Authors: Hawkins Bradford A. , Porter Eric E. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  1. Using two sources of data to estimate butterfly species richness, the potential influences of 11 environmental variables on the richness gradient of butterflies in western/central Europe and northern Africa were examined with multiple regression and spatial autocorrelation analysis. A measure of water–energy balance, actual evapotranspiration, explained 79% of the variance in butterfly species richness using data derived from range maps, and 72% of the variance using data derived from grid‐based distribution maps. All other variables explained less than 4% of the variance in the regression models and differed depending on the data source.2. The spatial analysis indicated that actual evapotranspiration successfully removed most of the spatial autocorrelation in both richness data sets at all spatial scales, confirming the ability of the model to account for the spatial pattern in butterfly richness.3. Plant species richness, a rarely tested variable hypothesised to be an important determinant of herbivore diversity, was weakly associated with butterfly richness, suggesting that it has little or no direct influence on butterfly richness.4. A historical variable, the length of time that areas have been exposed for recolonisation after the retreat of the ice sheet following the last ice age, was also not associated with richness patterns, indicating that butterfly richness is in equilibrium with contemporary climate.5. It was not possible to confirm a result reported for Canadian butterflies that land cover diversity is a strong predictor of butterfly richness, possibly because of methodological differences in the studies, differences in the range of climates found in Canada and the western Palearctic, or because of the highly modified landscape characteristic of Europe.6. Water–energy balance offers a parsimonious explanation for the butterfly richness gradient in this region, operating partially indirectly via effects on plant productivity and partially directly via physiological effects on butterflies, and this conclusion is robust to differences in the types of distribution maps used to estimate richness patterns.
Bergmann's rule in larval ant lions: testing the starvation resistance hypothesis
Authors: Arnett Amy E. , Gotelli Nicholas J. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  1. Body size of the ant lion Myrmeleon immaculatus follows Bergmann's rule – an increase in body size towards higher latitudes. The hypothesis that ant lion body size is larger in the north as an adaptation for starvation resistance was tested.2. In a laboratory experiment testing starvation resistance, survivorship curves differed among 10 ant lion populations for both a starved and a fed treatment.3. The average number of months survived by each population was correlated positively with latitude for both treatments. Across both treatments and all populations, large individuals survived longer than small individuals; however individuals from high latitudes had higher survivorship, even after factoring out variation due to initial body size.4. These results suggest that starvation resistance may be an adaptation for coping with reduced prey availability in high latitudes. Starvation resistance may contribute to latitudinal gradients in body size of ant lions and other ectotherms.
Timing of diapause induction and its life‐history consequences in Nezara viridula: is it costly to expand the distribution range?
Authors: Musolin Dmitry L. , Numata Hideharu 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  1. From the early 1960s to 2000 Nezara viridula (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) expanded its range northwards in Japan and reached Osaka following climate warming recorded in the region.2. The timing of diapause induction and its effect on life‐history traits were studied under quasi‐natural conditions in Osaka. Egg masses were placed outdoors in six series in July–November 1999. Developmental events were monitored until September 2000.3. Adult diapause was induced in September–October in agreement with the photoperiodic response obtained under laboratory conditions. Induction of diapause in early October ensured the highest winter survival. Nymphs that hatched after late September died by December–April showing that the species cannot survive winter in the nymphal stage.4. Life‐history traits varied between the early (non‐diapause reproduction) and late (post‐diapause reproduction) series. Thus, non‐diapause females produced significantly fewer egg masses than did females that reproduced only after diapause. The timing of diapause induction strongly affected overwintering success and post‐diapause performance: females that became adults and entered diapause in October lived longer, had a longer period of oviposition, and produced more eggs in larger egg masses than females that attained adulthood and entered diapause in September.5. Females from the early series reproduced until late November, although progeny from the late September eggs were destined to die during the winter. Pre‐winter reproduction of adults that emerged in mid‐September or later was a result of the imperfect timing of diapause induction. It is an ineffective allocation of resources and may be considered the ecological cost of range expansion.6. To establish in the region, N. viridula will probably evolve a lengthening of the critical photoperiod of the diapause induction response. This will allow the species to enter diapause earlier and, thus, avoid maladaptive late‐autumn reproduction but, perhaps, increase the cost of diapause because of a possible adverse impact of pre‐winter high temperature conditions on overwintering.
Understanding gregariousness in a larval Lepidopteran: the roles of host plant, predation, and microclimate
Authors: Reader Tom , Hochuli Dieter F. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  1. Many moth and butterfly larvae are gregarious early in development, but become solitary in late instars. This ontogenetic variation in behaviour is probably the result of temporal changes in the costs and benefits associated with gregariousness. This study provides observational and experimental evidence that, in one particular moth species, a series of different ecological factors influence larval behaviour at different times during development.2. Field observations show that young caterpillars of the limocodid Doratifera casta form large aggregations while foraging, but that mature larvae are largely solitary.3. A field experiment revealed that individual first to third instar larvae in larger groups develop more rapidly, but that group size had no detectable influence on survival. The developmental advantage associated with gregariousness is affected by host plant species, but not by predator exclusion, suggesting that group living in these cryptic early instar larvae promotes feeding facilitation, but does not provide individuals with protection from natural enemies.4. Laboratory experiments revealed that aposematic fourth instar caterpillars in large groups were less likely to be attacked by a generalist insect predator than those in small groups.5. Field observations provided no evidence that group living affects body temperature, suggesting that microclimatic factors do not favour gregariousness in this species.6. It is concluded that gregariousness in D. casta confers at least two different advantages on larvae at different stages early in development, but that these advantages disappear, or are outweighed by costs associated with intraspecific competition, in final instars.
Community structure of arboreal caterpillars within and among four tree species of the eastern deciduous forest
Authors: Summerville Keith S. , Crist Thomas O. , Kahn Jonathan K. , Gering Jon C. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  1. A seasonally replicated experimental design was used to address the question of how differences within and among host tree species affect arboreal caterpillar communities.2. Seasonal variation influenced caterpillar community composition most significantly, and the similarity among caterpillar assemblages did not necessarily follow the pattern of phylogenetic relatedness among host trees.3. Species richness and abundance of caterpillars were higher on oaks and maples than on American beech. Diversity partitioning models revealed that β diversity was only occasionally greater or less than expected by chance alone.4. When β diversity was significant, values tended to be greater than expected by chance among replicate trees within each species and lower than expected by chance among the four tree species.5. Differences among trees appeared important for determining patterns of species presence/absence for rare species and influencing patterns of species dominance within caterpillar assemblages. Differences among tree species had a significant effect on overall lepidopteran community composition and mean species diversity (i.e. α diversity).6. Because β diversity of caterpillars among host trees was lower than expected by chance, host specificity within the Lepidoptera may be less prevalent than thought previously.
Formal versus informal interventions for challenging behaviour in persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Feldman M. A. , Atkinson L. , Foti‐Gervais L. , Condillac R. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackground  Although effective, humane treatments exist for persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) who have challenging behaviour, little research has examined the extent to which clients receive formal, documented vs. undocumented interventions.Methods  Caregivers (of 625 persons with ID living in community and institutional residences in Ontario, Canada) were interviewed to examine the prevalence of different types of interventions.Results  Overall, 55% of the 2506 different interventions (for 1464 target behaviours) were informal (i.e. lacking documented input from a professional, written intervention plans, and systematic evaluation). No significant differences emerged on formality of intervention across participant gender, age, level of ID, and type of residence. There were significantly more informal than formal behavioural interventions and counselling/psychotherapy, and no significant difference in the overall prevalence of formal and informal intrusive procedures. Behaviour control medications were paired more often with formal (67%) than informal interventions for dangerous behaviours. Formal interventions were associated with higher caregiver‐reported estimates of behavioural improvement, higher inter‐rater agreement on the descriptions of an individual client's target behaviours and interventions, and more caregiver training and supervision.Conclusions  The low levels of intervention accountability, training and supervision may place many clients with challenging behaviour at increased risk for ineffective and unnecessary restrictive interventions, and physical abuse. The results of this survey stimulated the government to write province‐wide standards (that have yet to be implemented).
Behavioural and emotional disturbances in people with Prader–Willi Syndrome
Authors: Steinhausen H.‐C. , Eiholzer U. , Hauffa B. P. , Malin Z. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackground  The study of the behaviour profile in subjects with Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS).Methods  A total of fifty‐eight 3‐ to 29‐year‐old subjects with PWS were studied using a standardized parent report of behavioural and emotional disturbances.Results  There was an increase of behavioural and emotional disturbances for the adolescent and young adult age range, whereas gender and intelligence were not significant. Increasing body mass index (BMI) was also associated with more behavioural and emotional disturbances. There was no significant relation between genetic status and behavioural abnormalities.Conclusions  This systematic study supports single case observations of a heightened psychiatric vulnerability of adolescent and young adult PWS subjects.
Propofol and remifentanil for intubation without muscle relaxant: the effect of the order of injection
Authors: Trabold F. , Casetta M. , Duranteau J. , Albaladejo P. , Mazoit J. X. , Samii K. , Benhamou D. , Sitbon P. 
Published: December 2003

Background:  Common practice in intubation without muscle relaxant is to inject the opioid drug prior to the hypnotic drug. Because remifentanil reaches adequate cerebral concentration more rapidly than does propofol, we tested the hypothesis that injection of remifentanil after propofol might lead to better intubating conditions.Methods:  Thirty ASA I–II patients scheduled for elective surgery and with no anticipated difficult intubation were enrolled in the study. Five minutes after midazolam 30 µg kg−1, patients were randomized into two groups: group PR received propofol 2.5 mg kg−1 followed by remifentanil 1 µg kg−1, and group RP received remifentanil 1 µg kg−1 followed by propofol 2.5 mg kg−1. Intubating conditions were compared using a well‐validated score, and continuous arterial pressure was recorded non‐invasively.Results:  Compared with group RP, intubating conditions were significantly better in group PR. The mean arterial pressure decrease was more pronounced in group RP.Conclusions:  We therefore conclude that in premedicated healthy patients with no anticipated risk of difficult intubation, intubating and haemodynamic conditions are better when remifentanil is injected after propofol.
Effects of end‐inspiratory and end‐expiratory pressures on alveolar recruitment and derecruitment in saline‐washout‐induced lung injury – a computed tomography study
Authors: Luecke T. , Roth H. , Joachim A. , Herrmann P. , Deventer B. , Weisser G. , Pelosi P. , Quintel M. 
Published: December 2003

Background:  Lung protective ventilation using low end‐inspiratory pressures and tidal volumes (VT) has been shown to impair alveolar recruitment and to promote derecruitment in acute lung injury. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two different end‐inspiratory pressure levels on alveolar recruitment, alveolar derecruitment and potential overdistention at incremental levels of positive end‐expiratory pressure.Methods:  Sixteen adult sheep were randomized to be ventilated with a peak inspiratory pressure of either 35 cm H2O (P35, low VT) or 45 cm H2O (P45, high VT) after saline washout‐induced lung injury. Positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) was increased in a stepwise manner from zero (ZEEP) to 7, 14 and 21 cm of H2O in hourly intervals. Tidal volume, initially set to 12 ml kg−1, was reduced according to the pressure limits. Computed tomographic scans during end‐expiratory and end‐inspiratory hold were performed along with hemodynamic and respiratory measurements at each level of PEEP.Results:  Tidal volumes for the two groups (P35/P45) were: 7.7 ± 0.9/11.2 ± 1.3 ml kg−1 (ZEEP), 7.9 ± 2.1/11.3 ± 1.3 ml kg−1 (PEEP 7 cm H2O), 8.3 ± 2.5/11.6 ± 1.4 ml kg−1 (PEEP 14 cm H2O) and 6.5 ± 1.7/11.0 ± 1.6 ml kg−1 (PEEP 21 cm H2O); P < 0.001 for differences between the two groups. Absolute nonaerated lung volumes during end‐expiration and end‐inspiration showed no difference between the two groups for given levels of PEEP, while tidal‐induced changes in nonaerated lung volume (termed cyclic alveolar instability, CAI) were larger in the P45 group at low levels of PEEP. The decrease in nonaerated lung volume was significant for PEEP 14 and 21 cm H2O in both groups compared with ZEEP (P < 0.005). Overinflated lung volumes, although small, were significantly higher in the P45 group. Significant respiratory acidosis was noted in the P35 group despite increases in the respiratory rate.Conclusion:  Limiting peak inspiratory pressure and VT does not impair alveolar recruitment or promote derecruitment when using sufficient levels of PEEP.