bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BslA, the S‐layer adhesin of B. anthracis, is a virulence factor for anthrax pathogenesis
Authors: Kern Justin , Schneewind Olaf 
Published: November 2009

SummaryMicrobial pathogens use adhesive surface proteins to bind to and interact with host tissues, events that are universal for the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. A surface adhesin of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, required to mediate these steps has not been discovered. Previous work identified BslA, an S‐layer protein, to be necessary and sufficient for adhesion of the anthrax vaccine strain, Bacillus anthracis Sterne, to host cells. Here we asked whether encapsulated bacilli require BslA for anthrax pathogenesis in guinea pigs. Compared with the highly virulent parent strain B. anthracis Ames, bslA mutants displayed a dramatic increase in the lethal dose and in mean time‐to‐death. Whereas all tissues of animals infected with B. anthracis Ames contained high numbers of bacilli, only few vegetative forms could be recovered from internal organs of animals infected with the bslA mutant. Surface display of BslA occurred at the poles of encapsulated bacilli and enabled the binding of vegetative forms to host cells. Together these results suggest that BslA functions as the surface adhesin of the anthrax pathogen B. anthracis strain Ames.
Difference in the distribution and speciation of cellular nickel between nickel‐tolerant and non‐tolerant Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. BY‐2 cells
Authors: SAITO AKIHIRO , SAITO MISA , ICHIKAWA YUSUKE , YOSHIBA MASAAKI , TADANO TOSHIAKI , MIWA EITARO , HIGUCHI KYOKO 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTTo evaluate Ni dynamics at the subcellular level, the distribution and speciation of Ni were determined in wild‐type (WT) and Ni‐tolerant (NIT) tobacco BY‐2 cell lines. When exposed to low but toxic levels of Ni, NIT cells were found to contain 2.5‐fold more Ni (14% of whole‐cell Ni values) in their cell walls than WT cells (6% of whole‐cell Ni values). In addition to higher levels of Ni in the apoplast, a higher proportion (94%) of symplastic Ni was localized in the vacuoles of NIT cells than in the vacuoles of WT cells (81%). The concentration of cytosolic Ni in the NIT cells was significantly lower (18 nmol g−1 FW) than that in the WT cells (85 nmol g−1 FW). In silico simulation showed that 95% of vacuolar Ni was in the form of Ni‐citrate complexes, and that free Ni2+ was virtually absent in the NIT cells. On the other hand, the amount of free metal ions was markedly increased in WT cells because free citrate was depleted by chelation of Ni. A protoplast viability assay using BCECF‐AM further demonstrated that the main mechanism that confers strong Ni tolerance was present in the symplast as opposed to the cell wall.
Genes mapping to boron tolerance QTL in barley identified by suppression subtractive hybridization
Authors: HASSAN MAHMOOD , OLDACH KLAUS , BAUMANN UTE , LANGRIDGE PETER , SUTTON TIM 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTBoron tolerance is a quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. Suppression subtractive hybridization was carried out on root cDNA from bulked boron tolerant and intolerant doubled haploid barley lines grown under moderate boron stress to identify genes associated with boron tolerance. One hundred and eleven clones representing known proteins were found to be up‐regulated in the tolerant bulk upon boron stress. Nine clones were genetically mapped to previously reported boron tolerance QTL. These include a clone identical to the boron transporter gene Bot1 and a clone coding for a bromo‐adjacent homology domain‐containing protein, mapping to the 6H boron tolerance locus and co‐segregating with reduced boron intake in a Clipper × Sahara‐3771 mapping population. A third clone mapping to the 2H QTL region encoding an S‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase precursor was found to provide tolerance to high boron by heterologous expression. Yeast cells expressing Sahara SAMDC were able to grow on 15 mm boron solid media and maintained cellular boron concentrations at 13% lower than control cells expressing empty vector. The data suggest that an antioxidative response mechanism involving polyamines and the ascorbate–glutathione pathway in Sahara barley may provide an advantage in tolerating high soil concentrations of boron.
Comparative analysis of the grain proteome fraction in barley genotypes with contrasting salinity tolerance during germination
Authors: WITZEL KATJA , WEIDNER ANNETTE , SURABHI GIRIDARA‐KUMAR , VARSHNEY RAJEEV K. , KUNZE GOTTHARD , BUCK‐SORLIN GERHARD H. , BÖRNER ANDREAS , MOCK HANS‐PETER 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTIn the present paper, we based a search for candidates underlying different levels of salinity tolerance during germination in the Oregon Wolfe Barley mapping population (DOM × REC) by proteomic profiling of the mature grain of lines showing differing levels of salinity tolerance. By contrasting the parents DOM and REC, displaying divergent stress responses, and two tolerant and two sensitive segregants, six protein spots were identified that showed a differential abundance between the tolerant and the sensitive lines. The tolerant lines expressed a higher level of 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and glucose/ribitol dehydrogenase (Glc/RibDH). Both proteins were heterologously over‐expressed in an osmo‐sensitive yeast strain and over‐expression of Glc/RibDH resulted in an enhanced ability of yeast transformants to grow on salt containing media. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of the population germinating at different salt concentrations led to the identification of two chromosome regions on 5H and one on 7H associated with salt stress response. A dense barley transcript map was employed to map the genomic region of all identified proteins. Two of these, heat‐shock protein 70 and Glc/RibDH, co‐localized with the identified QTL on chromosome 5H. The putative functional role of the candidates is discussed.
Regulation of growth response to water stress in the soybean primary root. I. Proteomic analysis reveals region‐specific regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism and control of free iron in the elongation zone
Authors: YAMAGUCHI MINEO , VALLIYODAN BABU , ZHANG JUAN , LENOBLE MARY E. , YU OLIVER , ROGERS ELIZABETH E. , NGUYEN HENRY T. , SHARP ROBERT E. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTIn water‐stressed soybean primary roots, elongation was maintained at well‐watered rates in the apical 4 mm (region 1), but was progressively inhibited in the 4–8 mm region (region 2), which exhibits maximum elongation in well‐watered roots. These responses are similar to previous results for the maize primary root. To understand these responses in soybean, spatial profiles of soluble protein composition were analysed. Among the changes, the results indicate that region‐specific regulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism may contribute to the distinct growth responses in the different regions. Several enzymes related to isoflavonoid biosynthesis increased in abundance in region 1, correlating with a substantial increase of isoflavonoid content in this region which could contribute to growth maintenance via various potential mechanisms. In contrast, caffeoyl‐CoA O‐methyltransferase, which is involved in lignin synthesis, was highly up‐regulated in region 2. This response was associated with enhanced accumulation of lignin, which may be related to the inhibition of growth in this region. Several proteins that increased in abundance in both regions of water‐stressed roots were related to protection from oxidative damage. In particular, an increase in the abundance of ferritin proteins effectively sequestered more iron and prevented excess free iron in the elongation zone under water stress.
Temporal heterogeneity of cold acclimation phenotypes in Arabidopsis leaves
Authors: GORSUCH PETER A. , PANDEY SUBEDAR , ATKIN OWEN K. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTTo predict the effects of temperature changes on plant growth and performance, it is crucial to understand the impact of thermal history on leaf morphology, anatomy and physiology. Here, we document a comprehensive range of leaf phenotypes in 25/20 °C‐grown Arabidopsis thaliana plants that were shifted to 5 °C for up to 2 months. When warm‐grown, pre‐existing (PE) leaves were exposed to cold, leaf thickness increased due to an increase in mesophyll cell size. Leaves that were entirely cold‐developed (CD) were twice as thick (eight cell layers) as their warm‐developed (WD) counterparts (six layers), and also had higher epidermal and stomatal cell densities. After 4 d of cold, PE leaves accumulated high levels of total non‐structural carbohydrates (TNC). However, glucose and starch levels declined thereafter, and after 45 d in the cold, PE leaves exhibited similar TNC to CD leaves. A similar phenomenon was observed in δ13C and a range of photosynthetic parameters. In cold‐treated PE leaves, an increase in respiration (Rdark) with cold exposure time was evident when measured at 25 °C but not 5 °C. Cold acclimation was associated with a large increase in the ratio of leaf Rdark to photosynthesis. The data highlight the importance of understanding developmental thermal history in determining individual phenotypic traits.
The Effect of Microenvironmental CD40 Signals on TRAIL‐ and Drug‐induced Apoptosis in Follicular Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Nuutinen U. , Ropponen A. , Eeva J. , Eray M. , Pellinen R. , Wahlfors J. , Pelkonen J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFollicular lymphoma (FL) cells are malignant counterparts of germinal centre (GC) B cells. Microenvironment of FL B cells has an important role in the progression of FL and might also have an impact on the treatment of FL. CD40 is an important mediator of microenvironmental survival signals in GCs. Here we studied responses of CD40 signalling on TRAIL‐, dexamethasone‐ and doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis in three human FL cell lines. In two of the FL cell lines, CD40 protected cells from apoptosis which was entirely dependent on the activation of NF‐κB. In one of the FL cell lines, CD40 induced apoptosis itself. However, inhibition of NF‐κB induced apoptosis in all three FL cell lines. Therefore, our results indicate that inhibitors of NF‐κB or critical downstream anti‐apoptotic targets of NF‐κB instead of blocking CD40 antibodies in combination with TRAIL or other cytotoxic agents should be considered in the treatment of FL in order to prevent the protective effect of the microenvironment.
Expansion ofPhragmites australisin the Liaohe Delta, north‐east China
Authors: JI Y H , ZHOU G S , LV G H , ZHAO X L , JIA Q Y 
Published: November 2009

SummaryBased on satellite images and historical vegetation maps,Phragmites australis(common reed) in the Liaohe Delta, in north‐east China, has expanded from 78 078 ha in 1984 to 91 262 ha in 2006, averaging over 600 ha year−1. This study also attempted to elucidate the reason for this expansion, using both historical documents and field surveys. The results suggested that the expansion ofP. australiswas driven mainly by human activities. Freshwater irrigation reduced soil salinity; irrigation of land blocks divided by canals and ditches (square‐land irrigation) maintained optimal temperature, water and oxygen for the growth ofP. australis; deep freshwater irrigation and seawater irrigation eliminated some weeds; combined irrigation and burning eliminated an insect pest. These examples in the Liaohe Delta showed that water, salinity, oxygen, temperature and insect pests were important ecological factors that affected the growth ofP. australis. By harmonising these ecological factors, optimal conditions were created for the natural expansion ofP. australisand promoted the formation of monospecific stands ofP. australis.
The development and testing of a measure assessing clinician beliefs about patient self‐management
Authors: Hibbard Judith H. , Collins Peter Alf , Mahoney Eldon , Baker Laurence H. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground  Clinicians have been slow to embrace support for patient self‐management.Objective  To explore clinicians’ beliefs about patient self‐management and specifically assess which patient competencies clinicians believe are most important for their patients.Methods  Using items adapted from the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) as a basis, a new measure that assesses clinicians’ beliefs about patient self‐management was created using Rasch analysis. The development and testing of the new measure Clinician Support for Patient Activation Measure (CS‐PAM) is described here. Primary care clinicians from the UK and the USA were recruited to participate in the survey (n = 175).Findings  The CS‐PAM reliably measures clinician attitudes about the patient role in the care process. Clinicians strongly endorse that patients should follow medical advice but are less likely to endorse that patients should be able to make independent judgements or take independent actions. Endorsed to a lesser degree was the idea that patients should be able to function as a member of the care team. Least endorsed was the notion that patients should be independent information seekers.Discussion  Clinicians’ views appear to be out of step with current policy directions and professional codes. Clinicians need support to transition to understand the need to support patients as independent actors.
Communicating the results of research: how do participants of a cardiac rehabilitation RCT prefer to be informed?
Authors: Dalal Hasnain , Wingham Jennifer , Pritchard Colin , Northey Sharon , Evans Philip , Taylor Rod S. , Campbell John 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective  To determine the preferred means by which participants in a study of cardiac rehabilitation wish to be informed of the study’s results.Design  Postal questionnaire survey of participants in a randomized controlled trial.Setting  Cornwall, southwest England.Participants  Patients recruited to the Cornwall Heart Attack Rehabilitation Management Study (CHARMS).Method  Participants recruited to CHARMS who were alive 3 years and 9 months after the trial was completed were contacted by letter and invited to return a reply slip with four short questions indicating how they would prefer to be informed about the published results of the study.Results  In March 2008, 191/230 participants originally recruited to CHARMS were still alive. General practitioners deemed 166/191 (88%) survivors medically appropriate to be contacted through a postal survey, and 154/166 (93%) participants responded to the invitation to participate in the follow‐up survey. 86% (143/166) of participants indicated that they wished to be informed about the results: 115 (80%) of these elected to receive information by letter and 25 (18%) of these preferred to attend a meeting. Men older than 65 years predominated in this latter group. Women respondents preferred to receive the study results by letter; none preferred communication by email or the web.Conclusion  Survivors of acute myocardial infarction who participated in a RCT of cardiac rehabilitation wanted to receive a summary of the aggregate study results. Participants had preferences regarding how they would wish to be informed about the results of the study. Most participants preferred to be informed by letter or email, but some preferred the interaction of a group or a meeting.
An ethical justification for the Chronic Care Model (CCM)
Authors: Oprea Liviu , Braunack‐Mayer Annette , Rogers Wendy A. , Stocks Nigel 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  Chronic diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Their effects can be mitigated by high quality evidence‐based care, but this is not the norm in most systems. The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is an evidence‐based policy response to this practice gap, which uses multiple strategies to promote the quality of chronic care.Objective:  To review CCM with an ethical lens.Methods:  We reviewed the published empirical and non‐empirical articles of CCM to analyse the ethical underpinnings of this model.Results and conclusions:  We argue that its principal ethical value lies in the institutional cooperation it builds between the stakeholders involved in health care services. First, we briefly describe CCM and argue that the pathways through which it aims to improve patients’ health outcomes are not made explicit. Second, we argue that the potential of CCM to be more beneficent, compared with traditional health care systems, depends on its capacity to promote mutual trust between health care providers and patients. There is no evidence to date that the implementation of CCM enhances mutual trust between health care professionals and patients. Third, we argue that CCM seeks to enhance human agency, allowing increased expression of individual autonomy and increased respect for individuals thereby expanding human freedom and avoiding social discrimination. However, we review the communication patterns that characterize the model of doctor–patient relationship promoted by this model and argue that these communication patterns raise ethical concerns that may prevent the model from reaching its expected outcomes.
The intention to switch health insurer and actual switching behaviour: are there differences between groups of people?
Authors: Hendriks Michelle , De Jong Judith D. , Van Den Brink‐Muinen Atie , Groenewegen Peter P. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground  Several western countries have introduced managed competition in their health care system. In the Netherlands, a new health insurance law was introduced in January 2006 making it easier to switch health insurer each year.Objective  The objective was to measure people’s intention to switch health insurer and actual switching behaviour. We also examined whether some groups were less inclined to switch health insurer and/or had more difficulty to exert their intention to switch.Design  In October 2006, members of three Dutch panels indicated whether they intended to switch health insurer during that year’s open enrolment period. In the beginning of 2007, the same people were asked whether they indeed switched health insurer.Results  Only 1% intended to switch health insurer. Women, older people, lower educated people, people who were insured for a longer period and people who reported a bad or moderate health were less inclined to switch health insurer. The amount of switching was higher among individuals who intended to switch (31%) than among individuals who did not know whether they would switch (7%) and individuals with no intention to switch (2%). Among those who intended to switch health insurer, women and people who reported a good health switched health insurer more often. The years of enrolment were also associated with actual switching behaviour.Discussion and Conclusions  We might have to temper the optimistic expectations on enhanced choice. Future research should determine why people do not switch health insurer when they intend to and which barriers they experience.
The small airways and distal lung compartment in asthma and COPD: a time for reappraisal
Authors: Contoli M. , Bousquet J. , Fabbri L. M. , Magnussen H. , Rabe K. F. , Siafakas N. M. , Hamid Q. , Kraft M. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Contoli M, Bousquet J, Fabbri LM, Magnussen H, Rabe KF, Siafakas NM, Hamid Q, Kraft M. The small airways and distal lung compartment in asthma and COPD: a time for reappraisal. Allergy 2010; 65: 141–151.AbstractThe involvement of small airways in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been debated for a long time. However, a proper definition of small airway disease is still lacking, and neither a widely accepted biomarker nor a functional parameter to assess small airway abnormalities and to explore the effect of tested compounds on small airways is available. Aiming towards increased knowledge and consensus on this topic, this perspective paper intends to (i) strengthen awareness among the scientific community on the role of small airways in asthma and COPD; (ii) examine the pros and cons of some biological, functional and imaging parameters in the assessment of small airway abnormalities; and (iii) discuss the evidence for distal airway pharmacological targeting in asthma and COPD.
The allergy‐protective properties of Acinetobacter lwoffii F78 are imparted by its lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Debarry J. , Hanuszkiewicz A. , Stein K. , Holst O. , Heine H. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Debarry J, Hanuszkiewicz A, Stein K, Holst O, Heine H. The allergy‐protective properties of Acinetobacter lwoffii F78 are imparted by its lipopolysaccharide. Allergy 2010; 65: 690–697.AbstractBackground:  An increasing number of epidemiological studies show that exposure to farming environment during early childhood strongly influences the development of allergic reactions later in life (‘hygiene hypothesis’). Also, it had been shown that certain bacteria from this environment may have allergy‐protective properties. In the present study, we further characterized one of these bacteria, namely Acinetobacter lwoffii F78, with regard to the bacteria‐induced signaling and possible mechanisms of allergy protection.Methods:  The impact of A. lwoffii F78 on human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells especially with respect to their THelper cell polarization capacity was investigated by ELISA and real‐time PCR experiments as well as confocal microscopy. The responsible molecule for these effects was further characterized and identified using blocking experiments.Results:  It was shown that A. lwoffii F78 induced a TH1‐polarizing program in human dendritic cells which led to TH1 differentiation. In addition, a positive influence on the TBet/GATA3 level could be detected. Blocking experiments revealed that the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of A. lwoffii F78 was the responsible molecule promoting these effects.Conclusion:  We found evidence that the allergy‐protecting effects of A. lwoffii F78 are because of the activation of a TH1‐polarizing program in human dendritic cells, and that the LPS of A. lwoffii F78 is responsible for these beneficial effects.