bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transaldolases are novel and immunoglobulin E cross‐reacting fungal allergens
Authors: Chou H. , Tam M. F. , Chiang C.‐H. , Chou C.‐T. , Tai H.‐Y. , Shen H.‐D. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryBackground
Mould‐induced atopic respiratory diseases are a worldwide problem. Characterization of fungal allergens is of major clinical importance.Objective
We identified a novel transaldolase family allergen of Cladosporium and Penicillium species.Methods
Fungal allergens were identified by immunoblotting, peptide mass mapping and partial sequencing, cDNA cloning and IgE epitope mapping.Results
A 36.5 kDa IgE‐binding component in a partially purified C. cladosporioides preparation was identified. Mass spectrometric analyses suggest that this novel IgE‐reacting allergen is a transaldolase. A corresponding full‐length 1246 bp cDNA encoding a polypeptide of 325 residues was isolated. The newly identified transaldolase allergen has been designated as Cla c 14.0101. The cDNA encoding the Pencillium chrysogenum transaldolase was isolated by RT‐PCR according to the cDNA sequence encoding a P. chrysogenum Wisconsin 54‐1255 hypothetical protein. The purified rCla c 14.0101 protein reacted with IgE antibodies in 10 (38%) of 26 Cladosporium cladosporioides‐sensitized asthmatic patients. Nine of the 10 rCla c 14.0101‐positive sera have IgE binding against the recombinant Penicillium transaldolase (rPen ch 35.0101). Among the eight fungal transaldolase‐positive sera tested, three showed IgE binding against the recombinant human transaldolase. To determine cross‐reactivity between the Cladosporium and Penicillium fungi, IgE cross‐reactivity was detected between these two fungal transaldolase allergens by inhibition assays. Both the N‐ and the C‐terminal fragments of Cla c 14.0101 were recognized by IgE antibodies. The C‐terminal IgE‐reacting determinant was narrowed down to a region encompassing Thr257 to Ser278 of Cla c 14.0101. It was mapped onto a loop‐like structure of a 3D model constructed for Cla c 14.0101.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
We identified transaldolase as a novel and IgE cross‐reactive allergen family of C. cladosporioides and P. chrysogenum. In addition, an IgE‐reacting fragment (Thr257 to Ser278) was pinpointed to a loop‐like structure on Cla c 14.0101. Results obtained provide important information in clinical mould allergy. Cite this as: H. Chou, M. F. Tam, C.‐H. Chiang, C.‐T. Chou, H.‐Y. Tai and H.‐D. Shen, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 739–749.
Clonorchis sinensis infection is positively associated with atopy in endemic area
Authors: Choi M‐H , Chang Y‐S , Lim M. K. , Bae Y. M. , Hong S‐T , Oh J‐K , Yun E. H. , Bae M‐J , Kwon H‐S , Lee S‐M , Park H‐W , Min K‐U , Kim Y‐Y , Cho S‐H 
Published: April 2011

SummaryBackground
Epidemiologic studies have suggested that helminth infections play a protective role against allergy; this inverse association, however, has not been consistent. Clonorchis sinensis, the liver fluke of human, is prevalent in the Far East. The association between C. sinensis infection and allergy has not yet been reported.Objective
We evaluated the association between clonorchiasis and atopy or allergic diseases in adults in endemic areas of clonorchiasis.Methods
A total of 1116 subjects (males 419, females 697; age range, 30–86; mean age=61 years) were recruited from two endemic areas of C. sinensis in Korea. Clonorchiasis was confirmed by stool examination. Allergic symptoms were evaluated with a modified ISAAC questionnaire, and atopy was defined by skin prick test for common inhalant allergens. Total serum IgE and C. sinensis‐specific IgE level was measured by ELISA and methacholine bronchial provocation test was performed to evaluate airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR).Results
Clonorchiasis was positively associated with atopy [odds ratio (OR), 1.856; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.199–2.873] and high levels of total serum IgE (OR, 1.455; 95% CI, 1.050–2.016). Higher association with clonorchiasis was shown in subjects who showed both atopy and high total serum IgE levels (OR, 2.540; 95% CI, 1.448–4.455). Clonorchiasis had no association with wheezing, AHR, asthma or allergic rhinitis.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
Clonorchiasis was positively associated with atopy in adults in endemic area. Cite this as: M‐H Choi, Y‐S Chang, M. K. Lim, Y. M. Bae, S‐T Hong, J‐K Oh, E. H. Yun, M‐J Bae, H‐S Kwon, S‐M Lee, H‐W Park, K‐U Min, Y‐Y Kim and S‐H Cho, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 697–705.
Development of a scale to measure parental self‐efficacy in the care of pre‐school children during periods of health and minor illness: integrating health and social policy methods
Authors: Purssell Edward , While Alison 
Published: April 2011

Aims and objectives.  To develop a scale to measure parental self‐efficacy in the care of pre‐school children during periods of health and minor illness.Background.  Children account for many health service consultations at all levels, but particularly in primary care. There are logistical, financial and social reasons for encouraging self‐care by parents and other family members during periods of health and minor illness. In the absence of valid parental self‐efficacy measurement tool, this paper describes the development of such a tool.Design.  A psychometric approach combining elements of social policy and health scale development is outlined.Method.  UK health and social policies were searched and from this a systematised concept was developed. This was assessed for international durability by checking the concept against other policies, including those from major international organisations. Statements were developed from this and sent to a panel representing a wide range of stakeholders who were asked to rate the proposed items of the scale and changes were made accordingly.Results.  Widespread agreement among panel members supported the systematised concept. Some alterations to the proposed items, particularly increasing the range of health service providers, were made.Conclusions.  The study suggests a new method for clinical health policy research, including elements of social policy and health services research. The resulting scale can be contextualised for different circumstances and now needs extensive field testing and refinement.Relevance to clinical practice.  There is increasing diversity in the provision of healthcare; however parents remain the primary carers of young children in both health and illness. This tool can be used to measure the impact of health and social policy upon their confidence and knowledge, and to evaluate new initiatives. The emphasis upon health and social policy ensures that those using the tool have a holistic approach to evaluation.
Enteropathogenic and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli: even more subversive elements
Authors: Wong Alexander R. C. , Pearson Jaclyn S. , Bright Michael D. , Munera Diana , Robinson Keith S. , Lee Sau Fung , Frankel Gad , Hartland Elizabeth L. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryThe human pathogens enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EPEC and EHEC) share a unique mechanism of colonization that results from the concerted action of effector proteins translocated into the host cell by a type III secretion system (T3SS). EPEC and EHEC not only induce characteristic attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions, but also subvert multiple host cell signalling pathways during infection. Our understanding of the mechanisms by which A/E pathogens hijack host cell signalling has advanced dramatically in recent months with the identification of novel activities for many effectors. In addition to further characterization of established effectors (Tir, EspH and Map), new effectors have emerged as important mediators of virulence through activities such as mimicry of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Map and EspM), inhibition of apoptosis (NleH and NleD), interference with inflammatory signalling pathways (NleB, NleC, NleE and NleH) and phagocytosis (EspF, EspH and EspJ). The findings have highlighted the multifunctional nature of the effectors and their ability to participate in redundant, synergistic or antagonistic relationships, acting in a co‐ordinated spatial and temporal manner on different host organelles and cellular pathways during infection.
TP0326, a Treponema pallidum	β‐barrel assembly machinery A (BamA) orthologue and rare outer membrane protein
Authors: Desrosiers Daniel C. , Anand Arvind , Luthra Amit , Dunham‐Ems Star M. , LeDoyt Morgan , Cummings Michael A. D. , Eshghi Azad , Cameron Caroline E. , Cruz Adriana R. , Salazar Juan C. , Caimano Melissa J. , Radolf Justin D. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryDefinitive identification of Treponema pallidum rare outer membrane proteins (OMPs) has long eluded researchers. TP0326, the sole protein in T. pallidum with sequence homology to a Gram‐negative OMP, belongs to the BamA family of proteins essential for OM biogenesis. Structural modelling predicted that five polypeptide transport‐associated (POTRA) domains comprise the N‐terminus of TP0326, while the C‐terminus forms an 18‐stranded amphipathic β‐barrel. Circular dichroism, heat modifiability by SDS‐PAGE, Triton X‐114 phase partitioning and liposome incorporation supported these topological predictions and confirmed that the β‐barrel is responsible for the native protein's amphiphilicity. Expression analyses revealed that native TP0326 is expressed at low abundance, while a protease‐surface accessibility assay confirmed surface exposure. Size‐exclusion chromatography and blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a modular Bam complex in T. pallidum larger than that of Escherichia coli. Non‐orthologous ancillary factors and self‐association of TP0326 via its β‐barrel may both contribute to the Bam complex. T. pallidum‐infected rabbits mount a vigorous antibody response to both POTRA and β‐barrel portions of TP0326, whereas humans with secondary syphilis respond predominantly to POTRA. The syphilis spirochaete appears to have devised a stratagem for harnessing the Bam pathway while satisfying its need to limit surface antigenicity.
Immunogenicity of a combined schedule of 7‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine followed by a 23‐valent polysaccharide vaccine in adult recipients of heart or lung transplants
Authors: Gattringer R. , Winkler H. , Roedler S. , Jaksch P. , Herkner H. , Burgmann H. 
Published: April 2011

R. Gattringer, H. Winkler, S. Roedler, P. Jaksch, H. Herkner, H. Burgmann. Immunogenicity of a combined schedule of 7‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine followed by a 23‐valent polysaccharide vaccine in adult recipients of heart or lung transplants. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 540–544. All rights reservedAbstract:
A combined schedule of 7‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) followed by 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) was evaluated retrospectively in 26 adult recipients of heart or lung transplants. PCV7 was immunogenic in these patients but there appeared to be no benefit from the additional PPV23 dose.
Molekularbiologische Identifizierung von Cunninghamella spec.
Authors: Lemmer Karin , Losert Heidemarie , Rickerts V. , Just‐Nübling Gudrun , Sander Anna , Kerkmann Marie‐Louise , Tintelnot Kathrin 
Published: April 2011

Zusammenfassung. Mit den klassischen mikrobiologischen Verfahren ist eine eindeutige Identifizierung der bislang einzigen klinisch relevanten Cunninghamella‐Art, C. bertholletiae, nicht möglich. Mittels PCR und Sequenzierung der Internal‐transcribed‐spacer‐(ITS)‐DNA‐Region konnten von neun klinischen Isolaten der Gattung Cunninghamella sieben als C. bertholletiae und zwei als C. echinulata identifiziert werden. Ein Umgebungsisolat eines mit C. echinulata infizierten Patienten konnte ebenfalls als C. echinulata identifiziert werden. Alle Isolate der Spezies C. bertholletiae zeigten eine hohe Sequenzhomologie der ITS‐Region. Innerhalb der Spezies C. echinulata und C. elegans konnte aufgrund unterschiedlicher Restriktionsfragmentlängen‐Profile nach Inkubation der ITS‐Amplifikate mit TaqI und HinfI eine Subspeziesdifferenzierung erreicht werden. Ähnliche Ergebnisse wurden auch mittels PCR fingerprinting der Gesamt‐DNA mit den Microsatellit‐DNA‐Primern (GTG)5 and (GAC)5 erhalten. Erstmalig konnte C. echinulata als Erreger einer Zygomykose beim Menschen identifiziert werden.Summary. Among the genus Cunninghamella, so far C. bertholletiae is known to be the only clinically relevant species. Correct identification of C. bertholletiae is not possible with classical methods. PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was used to identify seven of nine clinical isolates as C. bertholletiae and two as C. echinulata. Also an isolate of the surrounding area of one patient infected with C. echinulata could be identified as C. echinulata. High homology in the ITS region was found within the isolates of C. bertholletiae. Within the species C. echinulata and C. elegans a differentiation on subspecies level was achieved by an analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism of the ITS amplicons after incubation with TaqI and HinfI. Similar results were obtained by PCR fingerprinting of the complete DNA with the single microsatellite DNA primers (GTG)5 and (GAC)5. For the first time C. echinulata could be identified as agent of zygomycosis in humans.
Metabolismus von Dehydroepiandrosteron durch Epidermophyton floccosum
Authors: Brasch J. , Flader S. , Roggentin P. , Wudy S. , Homoki J. , Shackleton C. H. L. , Sipell W. 
Published: April 2011

Zusammenfassung. Steroidhormone könnten für die Erreger‐Wirts‐Beziehung bei Dermatophytosen eine Rolle spielen. Der Mensch unterscheidet sich von den meisten anderen Wirtsorganismen von Dermatophyten durch eine hohe kutane Konzentration des adrenalen Androgens Dehydroepiandrosteron (DHEA) bzw. seines Sulfats (DHEAS). Um festzustellen, ob der strikt anthropophile Dermatophyt Epidermophyton floccosum dieses Steroidhormon metabolisiert, wurde Kulturen von E. floccosum DHEA zugesetzt. Nach 5tägiger Inkubation wurden die Steroide im Überstand extrahiert und mittels Gaschromatographie und Massenspektrometrie (GC‐MS) differenziert. Das Ergebnis zeigt, daß DHEA durch E. floccosum weitgehend verstoffwechselt wird, wobei diverse neue, z.T bislang noch nicht beschriebene, Steroidhormone/Metabolite entstehen. Es ist daher denkbar, daß dieser Pilz durch eine intraepidermale Verstoffwechselung von DHEA hormonell steuerbare kutane Abwehrmechanismen des Wirtes beeinflussen könnte.Summary. Steroid hormones may be relevant for the fungus‐host relation in dermatophytoses. In contrast to most other hosts of dermatophytes, humans are characterized by a high cutaneous concentration of the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEAS). To investigate whether the strictly anthropophilic dermatophyte Epidermophyton floccosum can metabolize this steroid hormone, cultures of E. floccosum were supplemented with DHEA. After 5 days of incubation the steroids in the culture supernatants were extracted and differentiated by gaschromatography and massspectrometry (GC‐MS). The results show that a nearly complete metabolization of DHEA by E. floccosum leads to the formation of multiple new steroids/metabolites some of which have not been reported before. Therefore, this fungus could possibly mediate the hormone regulated cutaneous defense mechanisms of the host by an intraepidermal metabolization of DHEA.
Candida‐Pneumonien ohne offenbare Immunsuppression
Authors: Blaschke Sabine , Don M. , Schillinger W. , Rüchel R. 
Published: April 2011

Zusammenfassung. Das Vorkommen ambulant erworbener Pneumonien durch hefeähnliche Pilze der Gattung Candida bei Patienten, die nicht definitiv immunkompromittiert sind, wird überwiegend bezweifelt. Offenbar ist aber mit solchen Pneumonien zu rechnen, wenn die Lunge des Patienten bereits chronisch, z. B. durch Nikotin‐Abusus, geschädigt worden ist und dem Geschehen triviale, z. B. virale Infekte vorausgehen. Drei entsprechende Fälle werden vorgestellt.Summary. The occurrence of community‐acquired pneumonia due to yeast‐like fungi of the genus Candida in patients without manifest immunodeficiency has previously been discounted. However, such pneumonias may indeed occur in patients with chronic parenchymal lung damage, e.g. from nicotine. Candida pneumonia can be triggered in these patients for example by trivial viral infections. Three corresponding cases are discussed.
Statistical power and effect sizes of depression research in Japan
Authors: Okumura Yasuyuki , Sakamoto Shinji 
Published: April 2011

Aims:  Few studies have been conducted on the rationales for using interpretive guidelines for effect size, and most of the previous statistical power surveys have covered broad research domains. The present study aimed to estimate the statistical power and to obtain realistic target effect sizes of depression research in Japan.Methods:  We systematically reviewed 18 leading journals of psychiatry and psychology in Japan and identified 974 depression studies that were mentioned in 935 articles published between 1990 and 2006.Results:  In 392 studies, logistic regression analyses revealed that using clinical populations was independently associated with being a statistical power of <0.80 (odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence interval 2.9–12.0) and of <0.50 (odds ratio 4.9, 95% confidence interval 2.3–10.5). Of the studies using clinical populations, 80% did not achieve a power of 0.80 or more, and 44% did not achieve a power of 0.50 or more to detect the medium population effect sizes. A predictive model for the proportion of variance explained was developed using a linear mixed‐effects model. The model was then used to obtain realistic target effect sizes in defined study characteristics.Conclusion:  In the face of a real difference or correlation in population, many depression researchers are less likely to give a valid result than simply tossing a coin. It is important to educate depression researchers in order to enable them to conduct an a priori power analysis.
Detection and isolation of nanobacteria‐like particles from urinary stones: Long‐withheld data
Authors: Kumon Hiromi , Matsumoto Akira , Uehara Shinya , Abarzua Fernando , Araki Motoo , Tsutsui Ken , Tomochika Ken‐ichi 
Published: April 2011

Objectives:  To report our experimental results on detection and isolation of nanobacteria‐like particles (NLP) from urinary stone samples.Methods:  From March 2001 to August 2003, 47 urinary stone samples from Japanese patients and 18 from Paraguayan patients were collected and used for compositional analysis, direct survey of NLP by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their cultural isolation. For the isolation, culturing was carried out using strict aseptic techniques. Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium with 10% gamma‐irradiated fetal bovine serum was used based on the original method described by Kajander and Ciftçioglu.Results:  Positive NLP detection rates for Japanese and Paraguayan patient samples were 61.7% (29/47) and 66.7% (12/18), respectively. Positive NLP isolation rates for Japanese patient samples were 20.6% (7/34) and 20.0% (2/10) for Paraguayan patient samples. In the initial isolation, markedly different periods of incubation time were needed for each of the nine cases (6–220 days; median 36 days). Positive detection and isolation were obtained in stone samples with or without calcium phosphate. Growth modes and morphogenesis of NLP were divided into two phases; rod‐shaped NLP was detected mainly as a floating form growing in culture medium and spherical NLP with a characteristic apatite shell was detected as an attached form growing on the surface of culture dishes.Conclusions:  Lifeless calcifying nanoparticles can be isolated from various human urinary stones, cultured in cell culture mediums and show two characteristic growth phases.
Temperature and biotic factors influence bacterial communities associated with the cyanobacterium Microcystis sp.
Authors: Dziallas Claudia , Grossart Hans‐Peter 
Published: April 2011

SummaryCyanobacterial blooms represent a nutritious niche for associated bacteria including potential pathogens for humans as well as livestock. We investigated bacterial community composition associated with Microcystis sp. using different approaches: batch experiments on Microcystis sp. or its enriched exudates, field enclosures (dialysis bags) and field sampling during natural blooms in freshwaters. Bacterial community composition associated with Microcystis sp. differed significantly with temperature, bacterial source community and number of incubated cyanobacterial strains. Interestingly, Actinobacteria of the AcI cluster were only present in the 20°C treatments and disappeared at higher incubation temperatures. Moreover, Archaea were present in all field samples but did not show any regional patterns, which is consistent with bacteria. Absence of Archaea in the experimental treatments indicates reduced growth under experimental conditions. In contrast, members of the genus Sphingomonas (Alphaproteobacteria), which includes species known as human pathogens, occurred in almost all samples. Thus Sphingomonadales seem to be an integral element of Microcystis sp. blooms – even affecting concentrations of microcystins as a result of their breakdown of the toxins. Depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, light, currents and nutrients, the role of heterotrophic Bacteria associated with Cyanobacteria can greatly vary by either increasing (pathogens) or decreasing (breakdown of toxins) health risks caused by mass developments of potentially toxic Cyanobacteria.