bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin, OX40‐ligand, and interleukin‐25 in allergic responses
Authors: Wang Y.‐H. , Liu Y.‐J. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryAllergic diseases are often triggered by environmental allergens that induce dominant type 2 immune responses, characterized by the infiltrated T‐helper type 2 (TH2) lymphocytes, eosinophils, and elevated TH2 cytokines. In addition to TH2 type immune responses, epithelial stress and injury linked to tissue remodelling are often observed, suggesting that epithelial cells may play important role in regulating allergic responses. Dendritic cells (DCs), the professional antigen‐presenting cells with the capabilities of sampling allergens, are considered as the key player on instructing TH2 immune responses. Whether inflamed epithelium can regulate innate immunity, such as macrophages and DCs, which in turn instructs adaptive immunity has long been hypothesized. Studies of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cells‐derived cytokine, that can strongly activate DCs, provide important evidences that the epithelial barrier can trigger allergic diseases by regulating immune responses. The finding that OX40/OX40Ligand (OX40L) interactions are the molecular trigger responsible for the induction and maintenance of TH2 responses by TSLP‐activated DCs provides a plausible molecular explanation for TSLP‐mediated allergy. Recent progresses in characterizing the pro‐inflammatory IL‐17 cytokine family have added an additional layer of complexity on the regulation of allergic inflammation. TSLP–DCs can induce a robust expansion of TH2 memory cells and strengthen functional attributes by up‐regulating their surface expression of IL‐17RB (IL‐25R), the receptor for cytokine IL‐17E (IL‐25), a distinct member of IL‐17 cytokine family. IL‐17E (also known as IL‐25) produced by epithelial cells, and other innate cells, such as eosinphils, basophils, and mast cells, are shown to regulate adaptive immunity by enhancing TH2 cytokine productions. These exciting findings expand our knowledge of the complex immunological cascades that result in allergic inflammation and may provide novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of allergic diseases.
Association between total immunoglobulin E and antibody responses to naturally acquired Ascaris lumbricoides infection and polymorphisms of immune system-related LIG4, TNFSF13B and IRS2 genes
Authors: Acevedo N , Mercado D , Vergara C , Sánchez J , Kennedy M W , Jiménez S , Fernández A M , Gutiérrez M , Puerta L , Caraballo L 
Published: April 2009

Summary
The 13q33–34 region harbours a susceptibility locus to Ascaris lumbricoides, although the underlying genes are unknown. Immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG confer protective immunity and here we sought to investigate in an endemic population whether LIG4, TNFSF13B and IRS2 genes influence IgE and IgG levels against Ascaris and the ABA-1 allergen as a putative resistance marker. Mite-allergic asthmatic patients were analysed for potential relationships between Ascaris predisposition and allergy. One thousand and sixty-four subjects from Cartagena, Colombia, were included. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using TaqMan assays. Antibody levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Linear and logistic regressions were used to model effects of genotypes on antibody levels. The GG genotype of LIG4 (rs1805388) was associated with higher IgE levels to Ascaris compared with other genotypes. TNFSF13B (rs10508198) was associated positively with IgG levels against Ascaris extract and IgE levels against ABA-1. In asthmatics, IRS2 (rs2289046) was associated with high total IgE levels. Associations held up after correction by population stratification using a set of 52 ancestry markers, age, sex and disease status. There was no association with asthma or mite sensitization. In a tropical population, LIG4 and TNFSF13B polymorphisms are associated with specific IgE and IgG to Ascaris, supporting previous linkage studies implicating the 13q33 region. Our results suggest that genes protecting against parasite infections can be different to those predisposing to asthma and atopy.
Editor's choice: Disease dynamics in marine metapopulations: modelling infectious diseases on coral reefs
Authors: Sokolow Susanne H. , Foley Patrick , Foley Janet E. , Hastings Alan , Richardson Laurie L. 
Published: April 2009

Summary

Coral reefs are experiencing devastating mortality due, in part, to emerging disease. Despite this growing problem, the long‐term consequences of infectious disease in marine ecosystems remain poorly understood, and the application of epidemiological models to marine disease systems represents a research priority for managing resources in the world's oceans.
Metapopulation models may provide a framework for modelling coral population dynamics at the regional scale, and we use this approach to investigate the effects of infectious disease. The model presented here incorporates a susceptible‐infected or ‘S‐I’ disease into a system of patchily distributed, dynamic coral hosts, and highlights some basic differences that set many marine disease systems apart from their terrestrial counterparts.
The model predicts several possible long‐term outcomes of disease introduction, and suggests that the consequences of disease may vary considerably among different pathogens and regions. Due to the long time‐scales for coral dynamics, epizootics are expected to be prolonged with recovery slow at the regional scale.
Our model results show how infectious disease can substantially alter host metapopulation dynamics, with some non‐linear relationships which are likely to affect the response of these systems to management and environmental change. For example, higher rates of coral colonization can have variable consequences for host population occupancy (i.e. coral cover) when infectious disease is considered, and chronic diseases with long‐lived pathogens pose the highest risks for regional coral extinction.
Synthesis and applications. We present a tractable epidemiological model within a metapopulation framework and compare the model output with empirical data for a white plague type II (WPII) outbreak among coral of the upper Florida Keys. We conclude that this model fits well with the spatial and temporal patterns of WPII over a decade. Despite terrestrial–marine differences, many patterns derived from our model are consistent with epidemiological principles. Thus, the careful application of these principles within the context of marine management may be a promising research frontier. Although we focus on coral disease, the methods and results may apply to other marine metapopulations.
Stable isotopes (δD) delineate the origins and migratory connectivity of harvested animals: the case of European woodpigeons
Authors: Hobson Keith A. , Lormée Hervé , Van Wilgenburg Steven L. , Wassenaar Leonard I. , Boutin Jean Marie 
Published: April 2009

Summary

Quantifying connectivity between breeding, stopover, and wintering locations is critical to the management and conservation of migratory animals. Mark–recapture approaches to establishing connectivity are limited due to marking location bias and poor recovery. Alternatively, endogenous markers like stable isotopes can augment extrinsic markers and help to overcome their limitations.
We used a stable hydrogen isotope (δD) isoscape for Europe and δD analysis of feathers from harvested woodpigeons Columba palumbus in France, the Iberian Peninsula, and Corsica to estimate their natal origins.
We propagated error associated with the relationship between deuterium in feathers (δDf) and mean growing‐season precipitation (δDp) for woodpigeons in Europe. For every δDf value, we estimated a range of possible δDp values and used this to map the probability of origin.
We estimated that ~50% of the woodpigeon harvest in France was comprised of residents or from nearby countries to the east. About 30% of the take were medium‐distance migrants, and about 10% were long‐distance migrants from Scandinavia, northwest Russia and the Baltic. A greater proportion of the long‐distance migrants were taken in Spain. In Corsica, birds primarily originated from northern Italy to the Ukraine.
The proportion of northern migrants harvested decreased with latitude, suggesting a leapfrog migration pattern. Birds harvested at lower latitudes showed an inverse relationship between wing length and δDf, which suggested that longer‐distance migrants had longer wings.
Synthesis and applications. This is the first application of stable isotope methodology to quantify population structure and migratory connectivity for a European game species. In addition, we used statistical approaches accounting for potential geospatial assignment errors. Most of the French woodpigeons harvested are resident birds, which suggests that local management of the hunt in France may be most effective. However, southwestern France appeared to take a somewhat greater proportion of migrant woodpigeons, and thus, conservation and management of woodpigeons in France should recognize regional differences. Our approach provided a methodological template that can be applied to questions of migratory connectivity for numerous species of game and non‐game migrant birds.
Protocol‐based care: the standardisation of decision‐making?
Authors: Rycroft‐Malone Jo , Fontenla Marina , Seers Kate , Bick Debra 
Published: April 2009

Aim.  To explore how protocol‐based care affects clinical decision‐making.Background.  In the context of evidence‐based practice, protocol‐based care is a mechanism for facilitating the standardisation of care and streamlining decision‐making through rationalising the information with which to make judgements and ultimately decisions. However, whether protocol‐based care does, in the reality of practice, standardise decision‐making is unknown. This paper reports on a study that explored the impact of protocol‐based care on nurses’ decision‐making.Design.  Theoretically informed by realistic evaluation and the promoting action on research implementation in health services framework, a case study design using ethnographic methods was used. Two sites were purposively sampled; a diabetic and endocrine unit and a cardiac medical unit.Methods.  Within each site, data collection included observation, postobservation semi‐structured interviews with staff and patients, field notes, feedback sessions and document review. Data were inductively and thematically analysed.Results.  Decisions made by nurses in both sites were varied according to many different and interacting factors. While several standardised care approaches were available for use, in reality, a variety of information sources informed decision‐making. The primary approach to knowledge exchange and acquisition was person‐to‐person; decision‐making was a social activity. Rarely were standardised care approaches obviously referred to; nurses described following a mental flowchart, not necessarily linked to a particular guideline or protocol. When standardised care approaches were used, it was reported that they were used flexibly and particularised.Conclusions.  While the logic of protocol‐based care is algorithmic, in the reality of clinical practice, other sources of information supported nurses’ decision‐making process. This has significant implications for the political goal of standardisation.Relevance to clinical practice.  The successful implementation and judicious use of tools such as protocols and guidelines will likely be dependant on approaches that facilitate the development of nurses’ decision‐making processes in parallel to paying attention to the influence of context.
Bacillus anthracis HssRS signalling to HrtAB regulates haem resistance during infection
Authors: Stauff Devin L. , Skaar Eric P. 
Published: April 2009

Summary Bacillus anthracis proliferates to high levels within vertebrate tissues during the pathogenesis of anthrax. This growth is facilitated by the acquisition of nutrient iron from host haem. However, haem acquisition can lead to the accumulation of toxic amounts of haem within B. anthracis. Here, we show that B. anthracis resists haem toxicity by sensing haem through the HssRS two‐component system, which regulates expression of the haem‐detoxifying transporter HrtAB. In addition, we demonstrate that B. anthracis exhibits elevated HssRS function compared with its evolutionary relative Staphylococcus aureus. Elevated haem sensing is likely required by B. anthracis due to the significant haem sensitivity exhibited by members of the genus Bacilli. We also demonstrate that B. anthracis depends on conserved residues within the previously uncharacterized sensing domain of the histidine kinase HssS for HssS function. Finally, we show that the haem‐ and HssRS‐regulated hrtAB promoter is activated in a murine model of anthrax. These results demonstrate the evolutionary conservation of haem sensing among multiple Gram‐positive bacteria and begin to provide a mechanistic explanation for the haem resistance of B. anthracis. Further, these data suggest that haem stress is experienced by bacterial pathogens during infection.
Inducer responses of BenM, a LysR‐type transcriptional regulator from Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1
Authors: Craven Sarah H. , Ezezika Obidimma C. , Haddad Sandra , Hall Ruth A. , Momany Cory , Neidle Ellen L. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBenM and CatM control transcription of a complex regulon for aromatic compound degradation. These Acinetobacter baylyi paralogues belong to the largest family of prokaryotic transcriptional regulators, the LysR‐type proteins. Whereas BenM activates transcription synergistically in response to two effectors, benzoate and cis,cis‐muconate, CatM responds only to cis,cis‐muconate. Here, site‐directed mutagenesis was used to determine the physiological significance of an unexpected benzoate‐binding pocket in BenM discovered during structural studies. Residues in BenM were changed to match those of CatM in this hydrophobic pocket. Two BenM residues, R160 and Y293, were found to mediate the response to benzoate. Additionally, alteration of these residues caused benzoate to inhibit activation by cis,cis‐muconate, positioned in a separate primary effector‐binding site of BenM. The location of the primary site, in an interdomain cleft, is conserved in diverse LysR‐type regulators. To improve understanding of this important family, additional regulatory mutants were analysed. The atomic‐level structures were characterized of the effector‐binding domains of variants that do not require inducers for activation, CatM(R156H) and BenM(R156H,T157S). These structures clearly resemble those of the wild‐type proteins in their activated muconate‐bound complexes. Amino acid replacements that enable activation without effectors reside at protein interfaces that may impact transcription through effects on oligomerization.
Temperature‐dependent developmental model of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari, Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Kim T. , Ahn J. , Lee J.‐H. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe developmental time and survival of immature stages of Neoseiulus californicus were studied at nine constant temperatures (12, 16, 24, 24, 28 32, 36, 38 and 40°C), 60–70% RH, and a photoperiod of 16 : 8 (L : D) h. The total mortality of immature N. californicus was lowest at 24°C (4.5%) and highest at 38°C (15.2%). The total developmental time decreased with increasing temperature between 12°C (18.38 days) and 32°C (2.98 days), and increased beyond 32°C. The relationship between the developmental rate and temperature was fitted by five nonlinear developmental rate models (Logan 6, Lactin 1, 2 and Briere 1, 2). The nonlinear shape of temperature development was best described by the Lactin 1 model (r2 = 0.98). The developmental variation of each stage was well described by the three‐parameter Weibull distribution model (r2 = 0.91–0.93). The temperature‐dependent developmental models of N. californicus developed in this study could be used to determine optimal temperature conditions for its mass rearing, to predict its seasonal population dynamics in fruit tree orchards or greenhouse crops, or to develop a population dynamics model of N. californicus.
Tobacco smoke exposure in hospitalised Aboriginal children in Central Australia
Authors: Hudson Lee , White Andrew , Roseby Rob 
Published: April 2009

Aim:  Child exposure to tobacco smoke is detrimental to health. Australian Aboriginal people have a higher rate of cigarette smoking compared with the national average. Thus, we aim to measure the proportion of children admitted to Alice Springs Hospital who are exposed to tobacco smoke at home, to correlate this with prevalence of regular cough and gauge smokers' interest in quitting.Method:  A questionnaire was administered verbally to carers of children admitted to Alice Springs Hospital, November 2006 to January 2007. Main outcome measures were presence of a smoker at home and presence of a regular cough. We measured the interest of carers and speculated interest of other smokers in quitting. Eighty‐two questionnaires were completed (60% of children admitted during the study period). Eighty‐nine per cent of children were Aboriginal.Results:  As so few non‐Aboriginal children were included in the study, their results were not included in analysis. Sixty‐four per cent of children lived with at least one smoker. Seventy per cent of children exposed to smoke at home lived with more than one smoker. Point prevalence of reported regular cough was 33%. Forty‐three per cent of children who lived with at least one smoker had regular cough compared with 13% in those who did not (P= 0.035). The rate ratio for regular cough when living with a smoker versus when not living with a smoker was 2.77 (95% confidence interval: 1.06–7.23). Forty‐two per cent of the smokers expressed interest in quitting.Conclusion:  It is concerning that the majority of hospitalised children were exposed to tobacco smoke at home, while fewer than half of smokers were interested in quitting.
Milk curd obstruction in premature infants receiving fortified expressed breast milk
Authors: Wagener Silke , Cartwright David , Bourke Christopher 
Published: April 2009

Aim:  Milk curd obstruction is one of the less common causes of neonatal bowel obstruction. It has been described in premature infants who received high caloric formula feeds. We report presentation, management and outcome of premature neonates who developed milk curd obstruction while being fed fortified expressed breast milk.Methods:  A retrospective case note review of babies who were treated for milk curd obstruction in Royal Children's Hospital and Mater Children's Hospital in Brisbane between 2001 and 2007 was performed.Results:  Nine preterm neonates developed milk curd obstruction (mean gestational age 27 weeks). All babies received ortified expressed breast milk. Symptoms presented were those of bowel obstruction in the majority of cases. Laparotomy was required in eight babies, one had a pre‐existing ileostomy that was washed out. Two babies died shortly after surgery, while two followed several months later.Conclusion:  The diagnosis of milk curd obstruction should be considered in all premature babies with signs of bowel obstruction who are fed expressed breast milk with caloric fortification.
New electrophysiological mapping combined with MRI in parkinsonian’s subthalamic region
Authors: Coste J. , Ouchchane L. , Sarry L. , Derost P. , Durif F. , Gabrillargues J. , Hemm S. , Lemaire J. J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the main target for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease. We analysed the relationships between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) anatomy and spontaneous neuronal activity to confirm the potential of microelectrode recordings to assist in determining the optimal surgical target. Ten bilateral surgeries were performed after 1.5‐T (T2‐weighted) anatomical MRI identification of the STN, zona incerta (ZI), Forel’s field H2 (H2) and substantia nigra (SN). Spontaneous neuronal activity was recorded simultaneously along the distal 10 mm on a central track (optimally covering the STN) and a 2‐mm anterior track. We calculated off‐line mean firing rate and burst frequency on 248 neurons clustered according to anatomical structure. Subjective visual analysis of signal was also realized on‐line, during surgery, to classify patterns of activity. Mean firing rate and burst frequency increased from H2–ZI to SN. The mean firing rate was higher in SN only using paired comparison (SN vs. its neighbours). The burst frequency was lower in H2 than in SN; using comparison with neighbours, it was lower in H2 and ZI. An irregular high activity (type 2C) was more often detected in STN and SN than in H2 and ZI. Anatomical boundaries and unitary recordings appear to be linked, supporting the ability of MRI to provide a detailed anatomy. Electrophysiological mapping combined with MRI is a useful tool for precise targeting in the subthalamic region.
TRPA1‐mediated responses in trigeminal sensory neurons: interaction between TRPA1 and TRPV1
Authors: Salas Margaux M. , Hargreaves Kenneth M. , Akopian Armen N. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe transient receptor potential (TRP)A1 channel is involved in the transduction of inflammation‐induced noxious stimuli from the periphery. Previous studies have characterized the properties of TRPA1 in heterologous expression systems. However, there is little information on the properties of TRPA1‐mediated currents in sensory neurons. A capsaicin‐sensitive subset of rat and mouse trigeminal ganglion sensory neurons was activated with TRPA1‐specific agonists, mustard oil and the cannabinoid WIN55,212. Mustard oil‐ and WIN55,212‐gated currents exhibited marked variability in their kinetics of activation and acute desensitization. TRPA1‐mediated responses in neurons also possess a characteristic voltage dependency with profound outward rectification that is influenced by extracellular Ca2+ and the type and concentration of TRPA1‐specific agonists. Examination of TRPA1‐mediated responses in TRPA1‐containing cells indicated that the features of neuronal TRPA1 are not duplicated in cells expressing only TRPA1 and, instead, can be restored only when TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels are coexpressed. In summary, our results suggest that TRPA1‐mediated responses in sensory neurons have distinct characteristics that can be accounted for by the coexpression of the TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels.
Reconstructing Christian Ethics: Exploring Constructivist Practices for Teaching Christian Ethics in the Masters of Divinity Curriculum
Authors: Danaher William 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis article reflects on an effort to incorporate constructivist pedagogies (learner‐centered, inquiry‐guided, problem‐based models of teaching) into an introductory class on Christian Ethics in an M.Div. curriculum. Although some students preferred more traditional pedagogies, the majority found that constructivist pedagogies better accommodated different life experiences, diverse learning styles, and other features of the M.Div. curriculum. Further, a qualitative assessment of one student exercise indicates that constructivist pedagogies have benefits over traditional pedagogies. Specifically, students' work on a learning‐group research project displayed creativity, depth, and breadth not found in individual research papers. Nonetheless, lukewarm student feedback also demonstrated the need to consider wider factors when attempting such innovations.