bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression profiles of toll‐like receptors in anterior kidney of channel catfish,Ictalurus punctatus(Rafinesque), acutely infected byEdwardsiella ictaluri
Authors: Pridgeon J W , Russo R , Shoemaker C A , Klesius P H 
Published: April 2010

AbstractUsing quantitative PCR (QPCR), the relative transcriptional levels of five toll‐like receptors (TLR2, TLR3, TLR5, TLR20a and TLR21) were studied in the channel catfish,Ictalurus punctatus(Rafinesque), under uninfected and acutely infected conditions [1‐, 2‐, 4‐, 6‐, 12‐, 24‐, 36‐ and 48‐h post‐injection (hpi)]. Under uninfected conditions, the transcriptional levels of the five TLRs were significantly lower than that of 18S rRNA (P < 0.001). QPCR results also revealed that the transcriptional levels of TLR20a and TLR5 were higher than those of TLR2, TLR3 or TLR21. The transcriptional level of TLR3 was significantly lower than that of the other four TLRs (P < 0.001). However, when channel catfish were acutely infected byEdwardsiella ictalurithrough intraperitoneal injection, the transcriptional levels of TLRs increased significantly (P < 0.005) at 6 hpi. Among the five TLRs studied, the transcriptional levels of TLR3, TLR5 and TLR21 were never significantly lower than under uninfected conditions (P = 0.16, 0.27 and 0.19, respectively), suggesting these three TLRs might play important roles in host defence against infection byE. ictaluri. The amount ofE. ictaluriin the anterior kidney increased at 12 and 24 hpi but decreased at 36 and 48 hpi. Our results suggest that TLRs are important components in the immune system in the channel catfish, and their rapid transcriptional upregulation (within 6 hpi) in response to acuteE. ictaluriinfection might be important for survival from enteric septicaemia of catfish.
Factors influencing in vitro respiratory burst assays with head kidney leucocytes from rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Chettri J K , Holten‐Andersen L , Buchmann K 
Published: April 2010

AbstractHead kidney leucocytes are central elements in a number of in vivo and in vitro assays elucidating innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in teleosts following stimulation with various antigens. These systems are sensitive to several factors affecting the outcome of the assays. The present work describes the importance of temperature, cell concentration, exposure time and immune‐modulatory molecules on the respiratory burst activity (RBA) of rainbow trout head kidney leucocytes in vitro. Some variation in RBA was observed among individual fish. However, use of cells pooled from four individuals produced satisfactory results following exposure to phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, zymosan and β‐glucan. Temperature was shown to have a significant effect on production of reactive radicals as illustrated by a high activity in cells maintained at 15–20 °C and a reduced activity at temperature extremes (1, 4 and 30 °C). Highest activity was found at a cell concentration of 1 × 107 cells mL−1. Reactivity showed a clear decline when cells were exposed for more than 4 h. Moreover, incubation of cells with inhibitory substances viz., DiMePE2, cortisol and superoxide dismutase decreased the RBA. It is concluded that several biotic and abiotic factors should be taken into account when conducting RBA assays with head kidney leucocytes for elucidation of rainbow trout immune responses.
Pneumococcal CbpD is a murein hydrolase that requires a dual cell envelope binding specificity to kill target cells during fratricide
Authors: Eldholm Vegard , Johnsborg Ola , Straume Daniel , Ohnstad Hilde Solheim , Berg Kari Helene , Hermoso Juan A. , Håvarstein Leiv Sigve 
Published: April 2010

SummaryPneumococci that are competent for natural genetic transformation express a number of proteins involved in binding, uptake, translocation and recombination of DNA. In addition, they attack and lyse non‐competent sister cells present in the same environment. This phenomenon has been termed fratricide. The key effector of pneumococcal fratricide is CbpD, a secreted protein encompassing an N‐terminal CHAP domain, two SH3b domains and a C‐terminal choline‐binding domain (CBD). CbpD is believed to degrade the cell wall of target cells, but experimental evidence supporting this hypothesis has been lacking. Here, we show that CbpD indeed has muralytic activity, and that this activity requires functional CBD and SH3b domains. To better understand the critical role played by the non‐catalytic C‐terminal region of CbpD, various translational fusions were constructed between the CBD and SH3b domains and green fluorescent protein (GFP). The results showed that the SH3b domains specifically recognize and bind peptidoglycan, while the CBD domain functions as a localization signal that directs CbpD to the septal region of the pneumococcal cell. Intriguingly, transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that target cells attacked by CbpD ruptures at the septal region, in accordance with the binding specificity displayed by the CBD domain.
Amino‐terminal residues dictate the export efficiency of the Campylobacter jejuni filament proteins via the flagellum
Authors: Neal‐McKinney Jason M. , Christensen Jeffrey E. , Konkel Michael E. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryBacterial flagella play an essential role in the pathogenesis of numerous enteric pathogens. The flagellum is required for motility, colonization, and in some instances, for the secretion of effector proteins. In contrast to the intensively studied flagella of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, the flagella of Campylobacter jejuni, Helicobacter pylori and Vibrio cholerae are less well characterized and composed of multiple flagellin subunits. This study was performed to gain a better understanding of flagellin export from the flagellar type III secretion apparatus of C. jejuni. The flagellar filament of C. jejuni is comprised of two flagellins termed FlaA and FlaB. We demonstrate that the amino‐termini of FlaA and FlaB determine the length of the flagellum and motility of C. jejuni. We also demonstrate that protein‐specific residues in the amino‐terminus of FlaA and FlaB dictate export efficiency from the flagellar type III secretion system (T3SS) of Yersinia enterocolitica. These findings demonstrate that key residues within the amino‐termini of two nearly identical proteins influence protein export efficiency, and that the mechanism governing the efficiency of protein export is conserved among two pathogens belonging to distinct bacterial classes. These findings are of additional interest because C. jejuni utilizes the flagellum to export virulence proteins.
A 20‐residue peptide of the inner membrane protein OutC mediates interaction with two distinct sites of the outer membrane secretin OutD and is essential for the functional type II secretion system in Erwinia chrysanthemi
Authors: Login Frédéric H. , Fries Markus , Wang Xiaohui , Pickersgill Richard W. , Shevchik Vladimir E. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe type II secretion system (T2SS) is widely exploited by proteobacteria to secrete enzymes and toxins involved in bacterial survival and pathogenesis. The outer membrane pore formed by the secretin OutD and the inner membrane protein OutC are two key components of the secretion complex, involved in secretion specificity. Here, we show that the periplasmic regions of OutC and OutD interact directly and map the interaction site of OutC to a 20‐residue peptide named OutCsip (secretin interacting peptide, residues 139–158). This peptide interacts in vitro with two distinct sites of the periplasmic region of OutD, one located on the N0 subdomain and another overlapping the N2‐N3′ subdomains. The two interaction sites of OutD have different modes of binding to OutCsip. A single substitution, V143S, located within OutCsip prevents its interaction with one of the two binding sites of OutD and fully inactivates the T2SS. We show that the N0 subdomain of OutD interacts also with a second binding site within OutC located in the region proximal to the transmembrane segment. We suggest that successive interactions between these distinct regions of OutC and OutD may have functional importance in switching the secretion machine.
Membrane invagination in Rhodobacter sphaeroides is initiated at curved regions of the cytoplasmic membrane, then forms both budded and fully detached spherical vesicles
Authors: Tucker Jaimey D. , Siebert C. Alistair , Escalante Maryana , Adams Peter G. , Olsen John D. , Otto Cees , Stokes David L. , Hunter C. Neil 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe purple phototrophic bacteria synthesize an extensive system of intracytoplasmic membranes (ICM) in order to increase the surface area for absorbing and utilizing solar energy. Rhodobacter sphaeroides cells contain curved membrane invaginations. In order to study the biogenesis of ICM in this bacterium mature (ICM) and precursor (upper pigmented band – UPB) membranes were purified and compared at the single membrane level using electron, atomic force and fluorescence microscopy, revealing fundamental differences in their morphology, protein organization and function. Cryo‐electron tomography demonstrates the complexity of the ICM of Rba. sphaeroides. Some ICM vesicles have no connection with other structures, others are found nearer to the cytoplasmic membrane (CM), often forming interconnected structures that retain a connection to the CM, and possibly having access to the periplasmic space. Near‐spherical single invaginations are also observed, still attached to the CM by a ‘neck’. Small indents of the CM are also seen, which are proposed to give rise to the UPB precursor membranes upon cell disruption. ‘Free‐living’ ICM vesicles, which possess all the machinery for converting light energy into ATP, can be regarded as bacterial membrane organelles.
Cell wall synthesis is necessary for membrane dynamics during sporulation of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Meyer Pablo , Gutierrez Jennifer , Pogliano Kit , Dworkin Jonathan 
Published: April 2010

SummaryDuring Bacillus subtilis sporulation, an endocytic‐like process called engulfment results in one cell being entirely encased in the cytoplasm of another cell. The driving force underlying this process of membrane movement has remained unclear, although components of the machinery have been characterized. Here we provide evidence that synthesis of peptidoglycan, the rigid, strength bearing extracellular polymer of bacteria, is a key part of the missing force‐generating mechanism for engulfment. We observed that sites of peptidoglycan synthesis initially coincide with the engulfing membrane and later with the site of engulfment membrane fission. Furthermore, compounds that block muropeptide synthesis or polymerization prevented membrane migration in cells lacking a component of the engulfment machinery (SpoIIQ), and blocked the membrane fission event at the completion of engulfment in all cells. In addition, these compounds inhibited bulge and vesicle formation that occur in spoIID mutant cells unable to initiate engulfment, as did genetic ablation of a protein that polymerizes muropeptides. This is the first report to our knowledge that peptidoglycan synthesis is necessary for membrane movements in bacterial cells and has implications for the mechanism of force generation during cytokinesis.
The trypanolytic factor of human serum: many ways to enter the parasite, a single way to kill
Authors: Vanhollebeke Benoit , Pays Etienne 
Published: April 2010

SummaryHumans have developed a particular innate immunity system against African trypanosomes, and only two Trypanosoma brucei clones (T. b. gambiense, T. b. rhodesiense) can resist this defence and cause sleeping sickness. The main players of this immunity are the primate‐specific apolipoprotein L‐I (apoL1) and haptoglobin‐related protein (Hpr). These proteins are both associated with two serum complexes, a minor subfraction of HDLs and an IgM/apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA1) complex, respectively, termed trypanosome lytic factor (TLF) 1 and TLF2. Although the two complexes appear to lyse trypanosomes by the same mechanism, they enter the parasite through various modes of uptake. In case of TLF1 one uptake process was characterized. When released in the circulation, haemoglobin (Hb) binds to Hpr, hence to TLF1. In turn the TLF1–Hpr–Hb complex binds to the trypanosome haptoglobin (Hp)–Hb receptor, whose original function is to ensure haem uptake for optimal growth of the parasite. This binding triggers efficient uptake of TLF1 and subsequent trypanosome lysis. While Hpr is involved as TLF ligand, the lytic activity is due to apoL1, a Bcl‐2‐like pore‐forming protein. We discuss the in vivo relevance of this uptake pathway in the context of other potentially redundant delivery routes.
Exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus in German shorthaired pointer dogs: disease development, progression and evaluation of three immunomodulatory drugs (ciclosporin, hydroxychloroquine, and adalimumab) in a controlled environment
Authors: Mauldin Elizabeth A. , Morris Daniel O. , Brown Dorothy C. , Casal Margret L. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSix German shorthaired pointer dogs (two females, four males) with exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ECLE) were studied in a controlled setting until disease progression necessitated euthanasia. During investigations into the heredity of disease, five dogs received immunomodulatory drugs to alleviate clinical signs (lameness, erythema, scaling, erosions/ulcers). One dog served as a control and received only baths and oral fatty acids. Four dogs received ciclosporin (5–10 mg/kg once daily) for 4.5 months to 2 years. Ciclosporin decreased erythema and arthralgia, but did not halt worsening of lesions. Three dogs received hydroxychloroquine (5–10 mg/kg once daily) for 8 weeks, 7 months, and 9 months, respectively, with no side effects. Hydroxychloroquine appeared to slow clinical progression in two dogs on extended treatment and normalized globulin levels in all three dogs while receiving the drug. Four dogs, including the control dog, were euthanized between 1 and 4.5 years of age. Two remaining male dogs received a tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α antagonist, adalimumab, at 0.5 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 8 weeks then weekly for 8 weeks. Serum TNF‐α levels were not significantly altered nor were quantifiable changes seen in skin lesions or lameness. Subsequently, the dogs were maintained on hydroxychloroquine for another year. This is the first study to evaluate the use of a TNF‐α inhibitor for canine lupus and the first to address the safety of long‐term administration of hydroxychloroquine, albeit in a small number of dogs. The study documents the progression of ECLE and generally poor response to therapy.
Has undergraduate education prepared occupational therapy students for possible practice in palliative care?
Authors: Meredith Pamela Joy 
Published: April 2010

Background:  It has been argued that the unique nature of the occupational therapy role in palliative care (PC) warrants dedicated attention in undergraduate programmes to improve the confidence of occupational therapy graduates to work in this setting. Nevertheless, little is known about either the present PC education or the preparedness of graduates to work in this field. In addressing each of these issues, this study also sought information to guide the development of occupational therapy‐specific undergraduate teaching resources.Methods:  Survey information was gathered from two participant groups: (i) six occupational therapy schools from Australia and New Zealand and (ii) 24 occupational therapists employed in PC in Australia and New Zealand. Two different surveys were used, targeting issues specific to each of these two groups. Where possible, data were analysed quantitatively, whereas open‐ended questions were interpreted thematically.Results:  Occupational therapy schools reported 2–10 hours of PC‐specific content and requested teaching resources specific to the occupational therapy role. Less than half of the clinicians (45.8%) recalled receiving undergraduate content in PC, and 75% reported having felt unprepared to work in this field. Clinicians who had received PC‐specific content at university felt more prepared to work in this field than those who had not. Several recommendations for teaching PC were made.Conclusions:  The link between the extent of PC education received and perceived readiness to work in this field, together with the relatively small amount of dedicated undergraduate PC‐specific content, supports the need to optimise teaching in this unique field.
Systematic review of early intervention programmes for children from birth to nine years who have a physical disability
Authors: Ziviani Jenny , Feeney Rachel , Rodger Sylvia , Watter Pauline 
Published: April 2010

Aim:  To systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of early intervention programmes for children with physical disabilities.Methods:  Twelve electronic databases were searched for articles published between 1990 and April 2008. The quality of articles was appraised using an adapted version of the Checklist for the Evaluation of Research Articles and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.Results:  Ten studies were included in the review. Cross‐sectional and interrupted time‐series studies were of moderate methodological quality, whereas the non‐randomised control trial was of moderate‐to‐high methodological quality. Studies differed considerably with respect to participants, types of intervention and outcomes measured.Conclusions:  Positive outcomes for both children and families have resulted from early intervention. However, methodological limitations hamper a more rigorous analysis of findings across studies.
Considerations for occupational therapy assessment for Indigenous children in Australia
Authors: Thorley Michelle , Lim Sok Mui 
Published: April 2010

Background:  To date, the literature specifically relating to occupational therapy assessment of Australian Indigenous children is lacking. This article aims to present occupational therapists with practice guidelines for conducting assessments with primary school‐aged Indigenous children in Australia. It highlights key considerations to be made prior to assessment, reviews potentially culturally relevant assessment tools and discusses key principles to guide assessment practice.Method:  A literature review was carried out with the aim of investigating: (i) Australian Indigenous culture in relation to health and paediatric development; (ii) current practices for assessment with Australian Indigenous children; and (c) paediatric assessment tools and their potential use with Australian Indigenous children.Results:  Research relating to specific assessments does highlight some pertinent points about their use with children from non‐Western cultures.Conclusions:  Conducting culturally relevant assessment requires a combination of the right tools, an adaptive approach to both understanding and conducting assessments and, above all, an appreciation that each child is unique.
Climate change: The implications for child health in Australasia
Authors: Hosking Jamie , Jones Rhys , Percival Teuila , Turner Nikki , Ameratunga Shanthi 
Published: April 2010

AbstractChildren are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of climate change, the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. However, the worst effects on child health can be avoided, and well‐designed climate policies can have important benefits for child health and equity. We call on child health professionals to seize opportunities to prevent climate change, improve child health and reduce inequalities, and suggest useful actions that can be taken.
The clinical significance of urine cytology after a radical cystectomy for urothelial cancer
Authors: Yoshimine Shunsuke , Kikuchi Eiji , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Ide Hiroki , Miyajima Akira , Nakagawa Ken , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: April 2010

Objectives:  To evaluate the impact of urine cytology on the prediction of the upper urinary tract recurrence (UTR) of urothelial cancer after a radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion.Methods:  A total of 125 patients who underwent RC from 1987 to 2005 were retrospectively identified. The median follow‐up period was 64 months. The specimens for urine cytology were obtained from the urine voided or obtained through a catheter or a conduit. The relationship between a positive urine cytology result and UTR detection was determined.Results:  UTR was diagnosed in eight patients (6.4%) at a median follow‐up of 63.3 months. The overall rate of a positive urine cytology result was 12.3% for the urine in an ileal conduit, 18.8% in a continental reservoir and 10.5% in an orthotopic neobladder. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the urine cytology for the detection of UTR were 75.0% and 90.6%, respectively. However, UTR could be diagnosed earlier by using urinary cytology, rather than by radiological examinations and/or related symptoms in only 5.9% (1/17 positive urine cytology) of cases. Eleven (64.7%) of 17 patients with positive urine cytology were false positive and eight (72.7%) of the 11 patients with no UTR had a positive urine cytology result only once.Conclusions:  Urine cytology after RC was not a potent screening tool for the early detection of UTR because of the difficulty in distinguishing the cancer cells from degenerated intestinal epithelial cells in the urinary diversion urine.
Clinical effect of naftopidil on the quality of life of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A prospective study
Authors: Komiya Akira , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Awa Yusuke , Egoshi Ken‐ichi , Onishi Tetsuro , Nakatsu Hiroomi , Ohki Takemasa , Mikami Kazuo , Sato Naohide , Araki Kazuhiro , Ota Sho , Naya Yukio , Ichikawa Tomohiko 
Published: April 2010

Objectives:  To investigate the benefit of α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist naftopidil on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH/LUTS).Methods:  A total of 99 men with BPH/LUTS were prospectively recruited. The Short Form‐8 (SF‐8) was used for generic QOL assessment and each parameter was compared with the norm in these patients. Longitudinal changes were evaluated using the SF‐8 and the International Prostatic Symptoms Score (I‐PSS) at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks after naftopidil administration. The relationship between SF‐8 and I‐PSS was analyzed.Results:  Five of eight components in the SF‐8 were significantly lower than the Japanese national norm at baseline. SF‐8 score was improved by naftopidil at 4 and 8 weeks in general health (GH) and physical component summary (PCS) in the patients in their 70s. Mental health (MH) and mental component summary (MCS) were improved at 8 weeks in patients in their 60s. When analyzing the whole cohort, SF‐8 GH, role emotional (RE) and MH had improved at 8 weeks, which was similar to the norm, and bodily pain (BP) results were better. Compared with the baseline, total I‐PSS, storage/voiding symptoms and QOL index scores improved significantly under naftopidil. Each component of I‐PSS (except for hesitancy) correlated with SF‐8 sub‐scales (except for BP) to some extent.Conclusions:  BPH/LUTS impairs generic QOL, which is improved by naftopidil treatment. SF‐8 can be a useful instrument to assess the efficacy of BPH/LUTS treatment because its simplicity to complete and analyze, and its meaningful relationship to I‐PSS.