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The genome of Vitis vinifera contains 79 defensin-like ( DEFL) gene sequences, classified in four groups based on peptide sequence similarity. Group-2 DEFL proteins are highly conserved peptides with 10 cysteine residues, and include VvAMP2, a defensin active against the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Here, quantitative reverse transcription- PCR (q RT- PCR) analysis was used to show that group-2 DEFLs are specifically expressed in grapevine inflorescences, with the highest level in pollen/stamen, and weak expression in calyptrae and carpels. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that the protein accumulates in pollen grains and in specific areas of the ovary parenchyma, suggesting a role in grapevine fertilization. Antimicrobial tests showed that VvAMP2 inhibits the growth of B. cinerea, but not of other fungal pathogens, nor bacteria. Fluorescence microscopy analysis of B. cinerea cells treated with VvAMP2 revealed that this defensin is first internalized and then leads to membrane permeabilization, suggesting that membrane damage is a secondary effect of this plant defensin. To identify possible intracellular targets of VvAMP2, its inhibitory action was tested on 54 B. cinerea mutants, with deletions in key signalling genes. The ΔBcATF1 transcription factor mutant, impaired in regulation of cell wall and oxidative stress genes, completely lost sensitivity to VvAMP2. Mutants lacking the Rho-type GTPase BcCDC42, the G protein-coupled receptor BcGPR3 and the putative scaffold protein BcBEM1, showed very low sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundInternet-administered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention for adults with depression and/or anxiety and is recommended in national guidelines for provision within Swedish primary care. However, the number and type of organizations that have implemented ICBT within primary care in Sweden is currently unclear. Further, there is a lack of knowledge concerning barriers and facilitators to ICBT implementation. ObjectiveThe two primary objectives were to identify and describe primary care organizations providing ICBT in Sweden and compare decision makers’ (ie, directors of primary care organizations) views on barriers and facilitators to implementation of ICBT among ICBT implementers (ie, organizations that offered ICBT) and nonimplementers (ie, organizations that did not offer ICBT). MethodsAn online survey based on a checklist for identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation was developed and made accessible to decision makers from all primary care organizations in Sweden. The survey consisted of background questions (eg, provision of ICBT and number of persons working with ICBT) and barriers and facilitators relating to the following categories: users, therapists, ICBT programs, organizations, and wider society. ResultsThe participation rate was 35.75% (404/1130). The majority (250/404, 61.8%) of participants were health care center directors and had backgrounds in nursing. Altogether, 89.8% (363/404) of the participating organizations provided CBT. A minority (83/404, 20.5%) of organizations offered ICBT. Most professionals delivering ICBT were psychologists (67/83, 80%) and social workers (31/83, 37%). The majority (61/83, 73%) of organizations had 1 to 2 persons delivering ICBT interventions. The number of patients treated with ICBT during the last 12 months was 1 to 10 in 65% (54/83) of the organizations, ranging between 1 and 400 treated patients across the whole sample. There were 9 significant (P

This paper explores the conditions for embedding a new fully customized technology in the usage context in terms of the necessary adaptations (e.g., to other customers' needs) as well as the trade-offs necessary to spread the solution on the market. To achieve this purpose the paper employs a single case study design and analyzes the embedding of a bespoke innovative solution (called Mexus) in the market through the interactions between the developing firm (Loccioni), the major customer that was first to order it (Continental) and a major supplier (National Instruments), as well as other players such as a competitor (Innov8) and other customers. Our theoretical tools are the ARA (activities, resources, and actors) model and the 4R (fourresources) model, which we apply to identify both the specific adaptations between resources and the trade-offs faced by the involved actors. Our findings suggest firstly that embedding technology in networks requires not only that the involved actors gain something from an innovation, but also that they accept sacrifices and face trade-offs in relation to it; and secondly that both gains and trade-offs emerge from the resource interfaces that must be created in order to adapt resources to each other as a way to sustain the development and further marketing of new technical solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the hazelnut allergy in children predicted by COR a 14-specific immunoglobin IgE. Topics discussed include Hazelnut allergy demonstrated by open oral food challenge (OFC); larger wheals after skin pricking with hazelnut extract; and prick-to-prick test with native hazelnut as more accurate in diagnosing symptomatic allergy.

Background: The Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) has been proposed as a tool in assessing the level of disease control in asthmatic children. To evaluate the position of C-ACT in the clinical management of asthmatic children, in relationship to the level of airway inflammation as assessed by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and with lung function. Methods: A total of 200 asthmatic children were included in the study: 47 children with newly diagnosed asthma (‘New’) and without any regular controller therapy; and 153 children with previously diagnosed asthma, treated according to GINA guidelines, and evaluated during a scheduled follow-up visit (‘Follow-up’). Childhood Asthma Control Test, FeNO and lung function [forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)] were evaluated. Results: In New vs Follow-up participants, C-ACT score ( P < 0.001), FVC ( P < 0.005) and FEV1 ( P < 0.05) were significantly lower, and FeNO ( P = 0.011) were significantly higher. In New, but not in Follow-up participants, significant correlations were observed between C-ACT score and FeNO ( r = −0.51; P < 0.001), FEV1 ( r = 0.34; P = 0.022) and FEV1/FVC ( r = 0.32; P = 0.03). This lack of correlation in Follow-up visits seemed attributable to dissociation between inadequately controlled asthma by C-ACT ratings with normalization of other measures such as FeNO levels. Conclusions: This study confirms and expands the concept that C-ACT is complementary to, but not a substitute for, other markers of disease control in asthmatic children, especially in the context of follow-up visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: International guidelines recommend regular treatment with inhaled glucocorticoids for children with frequent wheezing; however, prn inhaled bronchodilator alone or in combination with glucocorticoid is also often used in practice. We aimed to evaluate whether regular nebulized glucocorticoid plus a prn bronchodilator or a prn nebulized bronchodilator/glucocorticoid combination is more effective than prn bronchodilator alone in preschool children with frequent wheeze. Methods: Double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, parallel-group trial. After a 2-week run-in period, 276 symptomatic children with frequent wheeze, aged 1–4 years, were randomly assigned to three groups for a 3-month nebulized treatment: (1) 400 μg beclomethasone bid plus 2500 μg salbutamol prn; (2) placebo bid plus 800 μg beclomethasone/1600 μg salbutamol combination prn; (3) placebo bid plus 2500 μg salbutamol prn. The percentage of symptom-free days was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included symptom scores, use of relief medication and exacerbation frequency. Results: As compared with prn salbutamol (61.0 ± 24.83 [SD]), the percentage of symptom-free days was higher with regular beclomethasone (69.6%, SD 20.89; P = 0.034) but not with prn combination (64.9%, SD 24.74). Results were no different in children with or without risk factors for developing persistent asthma. The effect of prn combination was no different from that of regular beclomethasone on the primary and on several important secondary outcomes. Conclusions: Regular inhaled glucocorticoid is the most effective treatment for frequent wheezing in preschool children. However, prn bronchodilator/glucocorticoid combination might be an alternative option, but it requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RATIONALE: Asthma treatment might improve when inhaled steroids are titrated on airway inflammation. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO0.05), a marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation, can be measured at home. OBJECTIVES: We assessed daily FeNO0.05 telemonitoring in the management of childhood asthma. METHODS: Children with atopic asthma (n = 151) were randomly assigned to two groups: FeNO0.05 plus symptom monitoring, or monitoring of symptoms only. All patients scored asthma symptoms in an electronic diary over 30 weeks; 77 received a portable nitric oxide (NO) analyzer. Data were transmitted daily to the coordinating centers. Patients were phoned every 3 weeks and their steroid dose was adapted according to FeNO0.05 and symptoms, or according to symptoms. Children were seen at 3, 12, 21, and 30 weeks for examination and lung function testing. The primary end point was the proportion of symptom-free days in the last 12 study weeks. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Telemonitoring was feasible with reliable FeNO0.05 data for 86% of days, and valid diary entries for 79% of days. Both groups showed an increase in symptom-free days, improvement of FEV1 and quality of life, and a reduction in steroid dose. None of the changes from baseline differed between groups. The difference in symptom-free days over the last 12 weeks was 0.3% (P = 0.95; 95% confidence interval, -10 to 11%). There was a trend for fewer exacerbations in the FeNO0.05 group. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty weeks of daily FeNO0.05 and symptom telemonitoring was associated with improved asthma control and a lower steroid dose. We found no added value of daily FeNO0.05 monitoring compared with daily symptom monitoring only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Metabolomic analysis provides biochemical profiles of low-molecular-weight endogenous metabolites in biological fluids. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic analysis applied to exhaled breath condensate ('breathomics'). Information coming from NMR spectra was analyzed with a view to establish the NMR variables that best discriminate between children with asthma and healthy children. Methods: Twenty-five children with asthma (17 with persistent asthma treated with inhaled corticosteroids, 8 with intermittent asthma inhaled corticosteroid naive; age, 7-15 yr) and 11 healthy age-matched control subjects were enrolled. Every child performed exhaled nitric oxide measurement, spirometry, and condensate collection. Condensate samples were analyzed by means of NMR spectroscopy. Linear and partial least squares discriminant analyses were applied to data obtained from the NMR spectra. Measurements and Main Results: The combination of exhaled nitric oxide and FEV(1) discriminates children with asthma and healthy children with a success rate of approximately 81%, whereas selected signals from NMR spectra offer a slightly better discrimination ( approximately 86%). The selected NMR variables derive from the region of 3.2 to 3.4 ppm, indicative of oxidized compounds, and from the region of 1.7 to 2.2 ppm, indicative of acetylated compounds. Conclusions: Metabolomics can be applied to exhaled breath condensate, leading to the characterization of airway biochemical fingerprints. The presence of acetylated compounds suggests new metabolic pathways that may have a role in asthma pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Acute exposure to chlorine gas results in respiratory impairment, but few data are available on the pathobiology of the underlying lung damage.Objectives: To assess lung function and potential lung damage pathways in the acute phase and longitudinally over a 15-mo follow-up after acute chlorine exposure.Methods: Ten previously healthy children were accidentally exposed to chlorine gas at a swimming pool because of an erroneous servicing procedure. The fraction of nitric oxide in exhaled air (Fe(NO)), exhaled breath condensate compounds, and serum Clara cell-specific protein CC16 were repeatedly measured.Main Results: In the acute phase, all patients had respiratory distress (one child required mechanical ventilation) and reduced lung function (median and interquartile range: FVC, 51 [43-60]% predicted; FEV(1), 51 [46-60]% predicted). This was accompanied by low Fe(NO) (4.7 [3.9-7.9] ppb), high exhaled breath condensate leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) levels (24.4 [22.5-24.9] pg/ml), and increased serum CC16 levels (mean +/- SEM, 23.4 +/- 2.5 microg/L). Lung function returned to normal in 15 d (FVC, 97% predicted [82-108], and FEV(1), 92% predicted [77-102]). Fe(NO) reached normal values after 2 mo (12.6 [11.4-15] ppb), whereas LTB(4) levels were still increased (12 [9.3-17.1] pg/ml).Conclusion: Children acutely exposed to chlorine in a swimming pool presented a substantial lung function impairment associated with biochemical exhaled breath alterations, represented mainly by an increase in LTB(4) and a reduction in Fe(NO). Although lung function and Fe(NO) improved within a few weeks, the increased levels of exhaled LTB(4) persisted for several months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthmatic patients have high exhaled nitric oxide (NO) levels. NO-mediated inflammatory actions are mainly due to NO conversion into reactive nitrogen species, which can lead to nitrotyrosine formation. The aim of this study was to assess 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of asthmatic and healthy children and to investigate whether there is any relationship with exhaled NO (FENO) and lung function. Methods: The study included 20 asthmatic children (10 steroid-naive with intermittent asthma, 10 steroid-treated with unstable persistent asthma) and 18 healthy controls. They underwent FENO measurement, EBC collection and spirometry. 3-NT was measured by a new liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method in isotopic dilution. Results: The median EBC concentration of 3-NT (expressed as nitrotyrosine/tyrosine ratio × 100) in asthmatic children was fivefold higher than in healthy subjects [0.23% (0.12–0.32) vs 0.04% (0.02–0.06), P < 0.001] with no difference between steroid-naive and unstable steroid-treated asthmatic patients. FENO levels were higher in asthmatic [44.6 ppb (36.0–66.0)] than in healthy children [7.5 ppb (6.0–8.8), P < 0.001]. No correlation was found among 3-NT, FENO and lung function parameters. Conclusion: Nitrotyrosine is high in EBC of asthmatic children and could be considered as a noninvasive marker of nitrosative events in the airways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dysregulation of airway pH control may have a role in asthma pathophysiology. The measurement of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH and ammonia levels may be used as a noninvasive method to study acid–base status in the airway of asthmatics.Exhaled breath condensate from 29 allergic stable asthmatic children and 13 healthy controls was collected by cooling exhaled air during tidal breathing. Ammonia was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. pH was measured after deaeration of EBC samples by bubbling with argon. The children also underwent FENO measurement.Both pH and ammonia values in EBC were significantly lower in the asthmatics than in the control group [pH: ICS-treated (median and interquartile range) 7.70 (7.62–7.74), steroid-naïve 7.53 (7.41–7.68), controls 7.85 (7.80–7.90),P < 0.01 andP < 0.001, respectively; ammonia: ICS-treated 476.17 μM (282.50–594.80), steroid-naïve 253.24 μM (173.43–416.08), controls 788.30 μM (587.29–1310.39),P < 0.05 andP < 0.001, respectively]. Both pH and ammonia values were higher in ICS-treated than in steroid-naïve asthmatic children. There was a significant correlation between EBC pH and ammonia concentrations.These data show that EBC pH values of stable asthmatic children are lower compared with those of healthy controls and positively correlated with ammonia concentrations, supporting the hypothesis that airway acidification may have a role in the pathobiology of allergic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Montelukast has been shown to be effective in controlling the increase in exhaled NO in asthmatic children re-exposed to house dust mite (HDM). This study compared the effect of low dose inhaled budesonide and oral montelukast in preventing the expected relapse of airway inflammation and reactivity in a group of 24 mild asthmatic children allergic to HDM after a brief period of exposure to relevant allergens.Lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to methacholine (PC20), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels and sputum eosinophilia were evaluated.Pulmonary function remained stable. The BHR was unchanged after exposure in the group treated with budesonide, whereas a significant increase (P = 0.028) was observed in the patients receiving montelukast. No significant difference was observed in FeNO levels after exposure to mite antigen in the two groups. In both the groups of asthmatic children we observed a significant increase in sputum eosinophil % after the exposure to mite antigen.The significant increase in BHR level observed in the group of children receiving montelukast suggests a more comprehensive effect as disease controller by inhaled steroids than by leukotriene antagonist in allergic asthmatic children re-exposed to relevant allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the chronic lung disease of prematurity, may be associated with long-term airflow limitation. Survivors of BPD may develop asthma-like symptoms in childhood, with a variable response to ß[2]-agonists. However, the pathologic pathways underlying these respiratory manifestations are still unknown. The aim of this study was to measure exhaled nitric oxide (FE[NO]) and lung function in a group of 31 school-age survivors of BPD. They showed variable degrees of airflow obstruction (mean FEV[1] 77.8 +/- 2.3% predicted) unresponsive to ß[2]-agonists in 72% of the subjects. Their FE[NO] values (geometric mean [95% confidence interval]: 7.7 [+/- 1.1] ppb) were significantly lower than in a group of healthy matched control subjects born at term (10.7 [+/- 1.1] ppb, p < 0.05) and a group of preterm children without BPD (9.9 [+/- 1.1] ppb, p < 0.05). The children with BPD were also compared with a group of 31 patients with asthma with a comparable airflow limitation (FEV[1] 80.2 +/- 2.1% predicted) and showed FE[NO] values four times lower than in those with asthma (24.9 [+/- 1.2] ppb, p < 0.001). In conclusion, unlike children with asthma, school-age survivors of BPD have airflow limitation associated with low FE[NO] values and lack of reversibility to ß[2]-agonists, probably as a result of mechanisms related to early life structural changes in the airways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Severely immunocompromised individuals are highly susceptible to Candida infection of the esophagus. This randomized, double-blind study assessed the dose-response relationship of the new echinocandin antifungal, micafungin, compared with that of standard fluconazole treatment. Methods. A total of 245 patients (age,&ges;18 years) with a prior diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and esophageal candidiasis, confirmed by endoscopy and culture, were randomized to receive micafungin (50, 100, or 150 mg per day) or fluconazole (200 mg per day). Both agents were administered once per day by a 1-h intravenous infusion for 14-2 1 days. The primary efficacy end point was endoscopic cure rate, defined as endoscopy grade of 0 at the end of therapy. Results. The endoscopic cure rate (grade 0) was dose-dependent with 50, 100, and 150 mg of micafungin per day at 68.8%, 77.4%, and 89.8%, respectively. Symptoms improved or resolved rapidly (3-7 days of treatment in the majority of patients). The endoscopic cure rate for 100 and 150 mg of micafungin per day (83.5%) was comparable to that for 200 mg of fluconazole per day (86.7%; 95% confidence interval for the difference in endoscopic cure rate, -14.0% to 7.7%). The overall safety and tolerability was acceptable, with no important differences between micafungin (all doses) and fluconazole. Conclusions. The dose-response findings demonstrate a greater efficacy with micafungin at 100 and 150 mg per day than at 50 mg per day. This study also indicates that the efficacy of micafungin (at dosages of 100 and 150 mg per day) was comparable to that of fluconazole, suggesting that micafungin represents a valuable new treatmen option for esophageal candidiasis in HIV-positive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The 2NN Study was a randomised comparison of the non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) nevirapine and efavirenz.Methods In this multicentre, open-label, randomised trial, 1216 antiretroviral-therapy-naive patients were assigned nevirapine 400 mg once daily, nevirapine 200 mg twice daily, efavirenz 600 mg once daily, or nevirapine (400 mg) and efavirenz (800 mg) once daily, plus stavudine and lamivudine, for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with treatment failure (less than 1 log10 decline in plasma HIV-1 RNA in the first 12 weeks or two consecutive measurements of more than 50 copies per mL from week 24 onwards, disease progression [new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grade C event or death], or change of allocated treatment). Analyses were by intention to treat.Findings Treatment failure occurred in 96 (43·6%) of 220 patients assigned nevirapine once daily, 169 (43·7%) of 387 assigned nevirapine twice daily, 151 (37·8%) of 400 assigned efavirenz, and 111 (53·1%) of 209 assigned nevirapine plus efavirenz. The difference between nevirapine twice daily and efavirenz was 5·9% (95% CI –0·9 to 12·8). There were no significant differences among the study groups in the proportions with plasma HIV-1 RNA concentrations below 50 copies per mL at week 48 (p=0·193) or the increases in CD4-positive cells (p=0·800). Nevirapine plus efavirenz was associated with the highest frequency of clinical adverse events, and nevirapine once daily with significantly more hepatobiliary laboratory toxicities than efavirenz. Of 25 observed deaths, two were attributed to nevirapine.Interpretation Antiretroviral therapy with nevirapine or efavirenz showed similar efficacy, so triple-drug regimens with either NNRTI are valid for first-line treatment. There are, however, differences in safety profiles. Combination of nevirapine and efavirenz did not improve efficacy but caused more adverse events. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bodini A, Peroni D, Vicentini L, Loiacono A, Baraldi E, Ghiro L, Corradi M, Alinovi R, Boner AL, Piacentini GL. Exhaled breath condensate eicosanoids and sputum eosinophils in asthmatic children: A pilot study. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2004: 15: 26–31. © 2004 Blackwell Munksgaard Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LTs), LTB4 and 8-isoprostane are increased in the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from asthmatic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the measurement of cys-LTs, LTB4 and 8-isoprostane in EBC can reflect the level of airway inflammation assessed by induced sputum in asthmatic children sensitized to house dust mite (HDM) during natural avoidance of HDM allergens. Twelve children were evaluated at the time of admission (T0) and after 3 months of stay (T1) at the Istituto Pio XII (Misurina, Italian Dolomites 1756 m). Sputum eosinophil percentage and measurement of cys-LTs, LTB4 and 8-isoprostanes in the breath condensate at T0 and T1 were evaluated. Eosinophil percentage in induced sputum was 8.5 ± 1.1% at T0 and 3.5 ± 0.4% at T1 (p = 0.011). Neutrophil percentage in sputum was 1.1 ± 0.5% at T0 and 1.5 ± 1.0% at T1 (ns). Cys-LTs mean level was 14.24 ± 4.53 pg/ml at T0 and 4.65 ± 0.68 pg/ml at T1 (p = 0.0125). LTB4 level was 2.36 ± 0.19 pg/ml at T0 and 2.41 ± 0.23 pg/ml at T1 (ns). 8-Isoprostane level reduced from 17.47 ± 3.18 pg/ml at T0 to 7.36 ± 3.26 pg/ml at T1 (p = 0.003). This study show that exhaled cys-LTs and 8-isoprostane, as well as eosinophil percentage in induced sputum, are reduced after allergen avoidance in asthmatic children suggesting a potential application of EBC for the non-invasive evaluation of airway inflammation in asthma in allergic asthmatic children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolates of Penicillium expansum recovered from stored pears were scored for resistance to the fungicide thiabendazole (TBZ) and for pathogenic fitness. Out of 50 isolates, nine were sensitive (S) and 41 resistant (R or RR). Seven of these resistant isolates (RR) germinated with a higher percentage on TBZ-amended medium than on unamended medium. Six S isolates and six RR isolates were chosen at random for further analysis. S and RR isolates had similar in vitro growth fitness, although RR isolates were characterized by higher infection severity on fruits. Laboratory-induced resistant isolates were generated by UV-irradiating S strains, and a similar correlation between the induced TBZ resistance and pathogenic fitness was observed. The β-tubulin gene of RR and S isolates was amplified and sequenced; mutations correlating with TBZ resistance were identified at residues Phe 167 and Glu 198. Analogous mutations were detected in the laboratory-induced resistant isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The effects on Botrytis cinerea of prolonged exposures to CO2 -enriched atmospheres were studied in vitro and in vivo at 0°C. Mycelial growth on potato dextrose agar decreased linearly with increasing CO2 concentrations from 5, 10, 15 and 20% CO2 . The growth reduction was greater after 30–40 days of incubation. A reduced production of sclerotia in air by the colonies formerly exposed to various CO2 concentrations was also detected. Conidial germination was delayed and the amount of germinated conidia decreased with increased CO2 and at 20% CO2 it was inhibited. Germ tube elongation was affected in the same way. In artificially inoculated red chicory, lesion area caused by B. cinerea decreased with increasing concentrations of CO2 up to 60 days storage, later only 10 and 15% CO2 were really effective, while in the final inspection after 120 days all the concentration tested showed a low efficacy. Similar results were obtained in naturally infected chicory where the severity of the disease decreased by increasing CO2 from 5 to 10%, higher values did not improve the suppressive effect or determined, after 150 days of storage, an increased vulnerability of the tissues to disease due to the phytotoxic effects of the gas. An atmosphere enriched with 10% CO2 is advised to suppress Botrytis rot during storage at 0°C of red chicory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma, and clinical studies show an imbalance in the level of oxidants to the level of antioxidants in subjects with asthma. Aldehydes and glutathione are examples of biomarkers of oxidant-induced damage and antioxidant status in asthma, respectively. In the study, we applied analytical techniques based on liquid chromatography for the assessment of aldehydes and glutathione in the exhaled breath condensate of children with asthma and in control subjects without asthma. Twelve subjects with asthma were evaluated at exacerbation and after 5 days of therapy with prednisone. At exacerbation, malondialdehyde levels were higher in patients with asthma (30.2 +/- 2.4 nM) than in control subjects (19.4 +/- 1.9 nM, p = 0.002) and were reduced after steroid therapy (18.5 +/- 1.6 nM, p = 0.001). At exacerbation, glutathione levels were lower in subjects with asthma (5.96 +/- 0.6 nM) than in control subjects (14.1 +/- 0.8 nM, p < 0.0001) and were increased after the therapy (8.44 +/- 1.2 nM, p = 0.04). Malondialdehyde and glutathione both in subjects with asthma and control subjects were negatively correlated (r = -0.5, p = 0.001). The study shows that aldehydes and glutathione are detectable in the exhaled breath condensate of children with asthma and healthy children and that their levels are modified during asthma exacerbation and after a 5-day course of therapy with oral prednisone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]