bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of the chaplin and rodlin hydrophobic sheath proteins in Streptomyces venezuelae is controlled by σBldN and a cognate anti‐sigma factor, RsbN
Authors: Bibb Maureen J. , Domonkos Ágota , Chandra Govind , Buttner Mark J. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe chaplin and rodlin proteins together constitute the major components of the hydrophobic sheath that coats the aerial hyphae and spores in Streptomyces, and mutants lacking the chaplins are unable to erect aerial hyphae and differentiate on minimal media. We have gained insight into the developmental regulation of the chaplin (chp) and rodlin (rdl) genes by exploiting a new model species, Streptomyces venezuelae, which sporulates in liquid culture. Using microarrays, the chaplin and rodlin genes were found to be highly induced during submerged sporulation in a bldN‐dependent manner. Using σBldN ChIP‐chip, we show that this dependence arises because the chaplin and rodlin genes are direct biochemical targets of σBldN. sven3186 (here named rsbN for regulator of sigma BldN), the gene lying immediately downstream of bldN, was also identified as a target of σBldN. Disruption of rsbN causes precocious sporulation and biochemical experiments demonstrate that RsbN functions as a σBldN‐specific anti‐sigma factor.
Redox‐responsive regulation of denitrification genes in Brucella
Authors: Roop II R. Martin , Caswell Clayton C. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBrucella strains encounter oxygen deprivation during their intracellular replication in host cells, and the capacity of these bacteria to utilize NO3 as an alternative electron acceptor for respiration plays an important role in their successful adaption to their intracellular niche. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Carrica et al (2012). report that NtrY and NtrX comprise a redox‐responsive two‐component regulator in Brucella abortus 2308 that responds to decreasing levels of O2 and induces the expression of this strain's denitrification genes. Thus, NtrYX joins the increasing number of genetic regulators that contribute to the metabolic versatility required for the virulence of Brucella strains in their mammalian hosts.
Intestinal barrier function in health and gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Camilleri M. , Madsen K. , Spiller R. , Van Meerveld B. G. , Verne G. N. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractDefects in intestinal barrier function are associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There is growing evidence that increases in intestinal permeability plays a pathogenic role in diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease, and functional bowel disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This review takes a unique translational approach to discuss the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the regulation of intestinal barrier function in IBS. The review summarizes the components of the intestinal barrier including the tight junction complex within the epithelium, and the methods used to assess gut permeability both in vitro and in vivo. Throughout the review, the authors have attempted to critically review the latest research from both experimental animal models and human studies to appraise whether intestinal barrier dysfunction is a primary cause of functional GI disorders, such as IBS.…
Prenatal exposure to allergen, DNA methylation, and allergy in grandoffspring mice
Authors: Niedzwiecki M. , Zhu H. , Corson L. , Grunig G. , Factor P. H. , Chu S. , Jiang H. , Miller R. L. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundPrenatal allergen exposure has been linked to both induction and protection of allergic sensitization in offspring. We hypothesized that prenatal exposure of mice (F0) to Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) would be associated with decreased immunoglobulin (Ig) E and airway eosinophilia and alterations in CpG methylation of T‐helper genes in third‐generation mice (F2).MethodsFemale BALB/c mice were sensitized to A. fumigatus (62.5, 125, 1250 μg, or saline) and re‐exposed to the same dose on days 7 and 14 (early) or days 12 and 17 (late) gestation. Grandoffspring were treated with A. fumigatus (62.5 μg) at 9 weeks. IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels and cell counts from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined. Lung DNA was pyrosequenced at multiple sites in the interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐4 promoters.ResultsGrandoffspring of mothers dosed with 1250 μg early during pregnancy developed increased airway eosinophilia (P < 0.05). Grandoffspring of mothers dosed late in pregnancy developed lower IgE (P < 0.05) and airway eosinophilia (P < 0.05). Grandoffspring of mothers dosed early had lower methylation at IL‐4 CpG−408 and CpG−393 compared to late dosed mice (P < 0.005 across all doses). Few correlations were found between methylation levels and airway eosinophilia and IgE.ConclusionPrenatal exposure to A. fumigatus late during pregnancy, but not early, was associated with lower IgE and airway eosinophilia in grandoffspring. Prenatal exposure to A. fumigatus was associated with changes in CpG methylation in the IFN‐γ and IL‐4 promoters that did not correlate consistently with indicators of allergic sensitization.
Increased expression of IL‐19 in the epithelium of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps
Authors: Pace E. , Scafidi V. , Di Bona D. , Siena L. , Chiappara G. , Ferraro M. , La Grutta S. , Gallina S. , Speciale R. , Ballacchino A. , Bachert C. , Bousquet J. , Gjomarkaj M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammation of the nose and of the paranasal sinuses. The involvement of the respiratory epithelium in the mechanisms of CRS is poorly understood.AimsAmong proteins expressed by nasal epithelial cells in CRS, IL‐19 may have key functions. We here aimed to determine the expression and regulation of IL‐19.MethodsNasal biopsies from normal subjects (n = 12), subjects with CRS but without nasal polyps (NP) (CRSsNP, n = 12) and with CRS with NP (CRSwNP, n = 15) were collected. Human Asthma Gene Array and real‐time PCR were used to evaluate gene expression, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for protein expression. Results for IL‐19 were confirmed by real‐time PCR. The constitutive and stimulated (LPS, TGF β) expression of IL‐19 and cell proliferation were evaluated in a nasal epithelial cell line (RPMI 2650).ResultsHuman Asthma Gene Array showed an increased IL‐19 gene expression in NP from patients with CRS in comparison with normal subjects. Real‐time PCR confirmed the IL‐19 mRNA up‐regulation in patients with CRSwNP and showed an up‐regulation of IL‐19, at lower extent, in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) in comparison with normal subjects. Western blot analysis confirmed that IL‐19 is increased also at protein level in patients with CRSwNP in comparison with normal subjects. In NP, IL‐19 is highly expressed in the metaplastic nasal epithelium when compared to normal or hyperplastic epithelium. LPS stimulation increased IL‐19 expression, and recombinant IL‐19 increased cell proliferation in nasal epithelial cells.ConclusionsIL‐19 is overexpressed in the epithelium in CRSwNP and increases epithelial cell proliferation.
Ragweed pollen collected along high‐traffic roads shows a higher allergenicity than pollen sampled in vegetated areas
Authors: Ghiani A. , Aina R. , Asero R. , Bellotto E. , Citterio S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundPollutants may affect pollen allergenicity and thus the prevalence of allergies. Although a few studies are available in literature, the connection between pollution and the allergenic potential of pollen has yet to be clearly defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of traffic‐related pollution on the allergenicity of ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) pollen through a field‐based experiment.MethodsMature pollen grains were collected from ragweed plants grown along main roadsides and in vegetated areas of Po river plain. The percentage of sub‐pollen particle‐releasing grains (SPPGs) was evaluated immediately after sampling by microscope and image analysis. Immunochemistry and LC‐MS/MS were applied to assess the whole allergenicity and the allergen pattern characterizing the different pollen samples.ResultsNo statistical difference was detected in the percentage of SPPGs among pollen samples. Specifically, after hydration, the mean percentage was very low (<4%) in all the samples, regardless of the site of origin. On the contrary, pollen collected along high‐traffic roads showed a higher whole allergenicity than pollen from low‐traffic roads and vegetated areas which showed a reactivity similar to that of the commercial pollen ‘Allergon’, used as a standard. The detected higher allergenicity levels were attributed to both quantitative and qualitative differences in allergen pattern.ConclusionOur findings show that pollen collected at different sites contains different amount and number of allergens and suggest that traffic‐related pollution enhances ragweed pollen allergenicity, which may contribute to the increasing prevalence of ragweed allergy in Lombardy plain.
Responses of leaf nitrogen and mobile carbohydrates in different Quercus species/provenances to moderate climate changes
Authors: Li M.‐H. , Cherubini P. , Dobbertin M. , Arend M. , Xiao W.‐F. , Rigling A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractGlobal warming and shortage of water have been evidenced in the recent past and are predicted for the future. Climate change will inevitably have considerable impact on plant physiology, growth, productivity and forest ecosystem functions. The present study determined the effects of simulated daytime air warming (+1 to 1.5 °C during the growing season), drought (−40% and −57% of mean precipitation of 728 mm during the 2007 and 2008 growing season, respectively) and their combination, on leaf nitrogen (N) and non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) of two Quercus species (Q. robur and Q. petraea) and provenances (two provenances for each species) grown in two soil types in Switzerland across two treatment years, to test the hypothesis that leaf N and NSC in the more water‐sensitive species (Q. robur) and provenances (originating from water‐rich locations) will more strongly respond to global warming and water deficit, compared to those in the more drought‐tolerant species (Q. petraea) or provenances. No species‐ and provenance‐specific responses in leaf N and NSC to the climate treatment were found, indicating that the results failed to support our hypothesis. The between‐species variation of leaf N and NSC concentrations mainly reflected differences in biology of the two species, and the between‐provenance variation of N and NSC concentrations apparently mirrored the climate of their origins. Hence, we conclude that (i) the two Quercus species studied are somewhat insensitive, due to their distribution covering a wide geographical and climate range, to moderate climate change within Switzerland, and (ii) a moderate global warming of B1 scenario (IPCC 2007) will not, or at least less, negatively affect the N and carbon physiology in Q. robur and Q. petraea.
Comparative Analysis of the Oocytes and Early Development of Two Species of Curimatidae Teleost Fish
Authors: Perini V. R. , Sato Y. , Rizzo E. , Bazzoli N. 
Published: May 2012

Summary
Curimatella lepidura and Steindachnerina elegans are small forage fish, constituting an important link in the food chain, serving as food for larger commercial fish. In this study, characteristics of the eggs, of the oocyte's surface ultrastructure and of the embryogenesis are first described for these species. Absolute fecundity was 40864 ± 8769 oocytes for C. lepidura and 22089 ± 8710 oocytes for S. elegans. Oocytes of both species are yellowish, weakly adhesive and with a post‐fertilization diameter of 1019.5 ± 20.6 μm and 978.75 ± 29.16 μm for C. lepidura and S. elegans, respectively. The ultrastructural analysis, using scanning electron microscopy, showed that the oocyte's surface of both species has pore canals over the entire surface and a funnel‐shaped micropyle. At 24°C, the embryonic development of C. lepidura was completed 25 h after fertilization, and blastopore closure occurred in 7 h 30 min. In S. elegans, larvae hatched 20 h after fertilization, and blastopore closure occurred in 7 h 15 min. The fertilization rate was 74.5 ± 7.96 and 71.2 ± 10.8% for C. lepidura and S. elegans, respectively. This study provides important support for clarifying phylogenetic relationships and in ecological and zoological understanding of Neotropical Curimatidae fish.
Seagrass ecophysiology meets ecological genomics: are we ready?
Authors: Procaccini Gabriele , Beer Sven , Björk Mats , Olsen Jeanine , Mazzuca Silvia , Santos Rui 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn March 2011, the Ecophysiology and Genetics Working Groups of the European Science Foundation COST Action ES 0906, entitled Seagrass Productivity: From Genes to Ecosystem Management, organized an exploratory workshop entitled “Linking Ecophysiology and Ecogenomics in Seagrass Systems”. The goal of the workshop was to discuss how to integrate comparative gene expression studies with physiological processes such as photosynthetic performance, carbon and nitrogen utilization and environmental adaptation. The main questions discussed for integrative research related to mechanisms of carbon utilization, light requirements, temperature effects and natural variation in pH and ocean acidification. It was concluded that the seagrass research community is still in the nascent stages of linking ecophysiology with genomic responses, as carbon and nitrogen metabolism of seagrasses have not been sufficiently well studied. Likewise, genomic approaches have only been able to assign meaningful interpretations to a handful of differentially expressed genes. Nevertheless, the way forward has been established.
Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) and Prostaglandins F2α and E2 Synthases (PGFS and PGES) Expression and Prostaglandin F2α and E2 Secretion Following Oestrogen and/or Progesterone Stimulation of the Feline Endometrium
Authors: Siemieniuch MJ , Jursza E , Kowalewski MP , Majewska M , Skarzynski DJ 
Published: May 2012

ContentsSex steroids in synergy with prostaglandins (PG) are involved in the regulation of cyclic ovarian function. In this study, we investigated the mRNA expression of three genes involved in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and hence PG production in domestic cats: PG‐endoperoxide synthase (PTGS2), PGF2α synthase (PGFS) and PGE2 synthase (PGES). Feline endometria (n = 16) were collected at oestrus and mid and late phases of pseudopregnancy. In addition, the effects of E2 and/or P4 on PG secretion and gene expression on endometrial explants were studied in an in vitro culture system. Expression levels of all examined genes were up‐regulated at the mid phase of pseudopregnancy. The effects of E2 and/or P4 treatment on both PG secretion and expression of the genes were observed after 12 h of culture. Expression of PGES was significantly up‐regulated by E2 plus P4 at oestrus and the mid phase of pseudopregnancy and was also up‐regulated by a single treatment with P4 at late pseudopregnancy (p < 0.05). Simultaneous incubation with E2 and P4 up‐regulated PTGS2 gene expression at oestrus and mid‐luteal phase (p < 0.05). Progesterone plus E2 significantly increased PGE2 secretion at oestrus and the mid phase of pseudopregnancy. However, treatment with E2 and/or P4 affected neither PGF2α secretion nor PGFS expression at any phase after 12 h of culture. The overall findings indicate that genes involved in PG synthesis are up‐regulated at the mid phase of pseudopregnancy. An increase in PGE2 secretion and up‐regulation of PGES and PTGS2 are the main responses of the endometrium to treatment with E2 and P4 at oestrus and the mid phase of pseudopregnancy in the cat. These data support the hypothesis that ovarian sex steroids via endometrial PGE2 are involved in endocrine homoeostasis, especially at oestrus and the mid, but not the late, phase of pseudopregnancy in cats.
Uterine Infection Influences Size and Follicular Fluid Composition of the Largest Follicle in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Pande M , Das GK , Khan FA , Sarkar M , Prasad JK , Pathak MC , Kumar H 
Published: May 2012

ContentsThe effect of uterine infection on size and follicular fluid composition of the largest follicle was studied in buffalo. Reproductive tracts were collected from 102 graded Murrah buffaloes at an abattoir. Uterine infection was diagnosed by physical examination of uterine mucus, white side test and uterine cytology. Samples with pus‐containing mucus, positive reaction on white side test and/or >5% neutrophils were considered to be positive for uterine infection. Diameter of the largest follicle was measured, and follicular fluid was aspirated and assayed for nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid (AA), cholesterol, oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). Infected buffaloes had smaller‐sized (p < 0.0001) largest follicles than non‐infected buffaloes. Follicular fluid collected from the largest follicle in infected buffaloes had greater (p < 0.0001) NO and P4 concentrations coincident with lesser AA (p < 0.001), cholesterol (p < 0.0001) and E2 (p < 0.0001) concentrations. Results indicated that uterine infection has an inhibitory effect on growth of the largest follicle in buffalo. The changes in follicular fluid composition in infected buffaloes suggest that the direct effect of uterine infection on ovarian function may be mediated through an alteration in the follicular microenvironment. Greater NO and lesser AA concentrations in the follicular fluid of infected animals are novel findings.
Patients' views and experiences of pro re nata medication in acute mental health settings
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Horsfall Jan , Jackson Debra , O'Hara‐Aarons Maureen , Hunt Glenn E. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTIn the present study, we interviewed 40 patients in acute inpatient mental health settings regarding their experience of, and views about, receiving pro re nata (PRN) medication. Patient requests for PRN were primarily to relieve anxiety or to aid sleep, and the majority of the participants (80%) could describe a situation where this medication was very helpful. From the perspective of patients, interactions surrounding the immediate administration of PRN medication were inadequate, in that half of the interviewees were simply told to take the medication, and three‐quarters said that, in their experience, formal consent was not commonly sought. Three‐quarters of respondents came up with alternatives to PRN, and half wanted more information about the medication itself. These findings could contribute to improved nursing assessment for PRN medication need, administration, and monitoring.
Efficacy and safety of alogliptin added to metformin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with an open‐label, long‐term extension study
Authors: Seino Y. , Miyata Y. , Hiroi S. , Hirayama M. , Kaku K. 
Published: May 2012

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of alogliptin added to metformin versus metformin monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved inadequate glycaemic control on metformin (500 or 750 mg/day) + diet/exercise.MethodsIn a randomized, double‐blind trial, 288 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus T2DM received either 12.5 or 25 mg alogliptin once daily + metformin or placebo + metformin for 12 weeks. Thereafter, 276 patients continued on one of the two alogliptin dosages + metformin in an open‐label extension for 40 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint in the randomized, double‐blind phase was the change in HbA1c from baseline (week 0) to the end of treatment (week 12). The primary endpoint during the long‐term extension phase was adverse events.ResultsAfter 12 weeks both dosages of alogliptin + metformin produced significantly greater changes from baseline in HbA1c than placebo (metformin monotherapy: with changes in LS means − 0.55 and − 0.64% vs. 0.22%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Incidences of adverse effects were comparable between groups, with no increases in hypoglycaemia. Over 52 weeks, there were no safety or tolerability concerns with alogliptin when added to metformin.ConclusionsAlogliptin 12.5 and 25 mg once daily was safe and effective when added to metformin (500 or 750 mg/day) in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes on metformin alone.
Willingness to pay and quality of life in patients with rosacea
Authors: Beikert F.C. , Langenbruch A.K. , Radtke M.A. , Augustin M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground  Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis affecting >2% of the population. Willingness to pay (WTP) is a well established method which reflects the individual burden of disease.Objectives  Evaluation of WTP and quality of life (QoL) in patients with rosacea.Methods  Nationwide postal survey on adult patients with rosacea affiliated with the German rosacea patient advocacy group. WTP was evaluated by three standardized items and compared to historical data on vitiligo (n = 1023). QoL was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).Results  Data from n = 475 rosacea patients (79.9% women, mean age 56.3, range 26–90) were analysed. On average, patients were willing to pay € 2880 (median € 500) for complete healing compared with € 7360 (median € 3000) in vitiligo. Relative WTP was higher in women; the highest sums were registered for the age group 21–30 years. The extent of facial involvement predicted a higher relative WTP, whereas WTP decreased with the duration of symptoms and age. Mean DLQI total score was 4.3 compared to 7.0 in vitiligo. In rosacea, the highest values were observed in patients <30 years. Severe QoL reductions (DLQI>10) were less frequent (11%) than in vitiligo (24.6%). The correlation between WTP and DLQI was significant (e.g. r = 0.249, P = 0.000 for relative WTP).Conclusion  Rosacea patients show a moderate WTP and average QoL reduction is mild. WTP proved to be a valid tool to assess patients’ burden of disease. Patient education and the development of effective treatment options might still improve patients’ satisfaction.