bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A protective role for periostin and TGF‐β in IgE‐mediated allergy and airway hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Gordon E. D. , Sidhu S. S. , Wang Z.‐E. , Woodruff P. G. , Yuan S. , Solon M. C. , Conway S. J. , Huang X. , Locksley R. M. , Fahy J. V. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryBackgroundThe pathophysiology of asthma involves allergic inflammation and remodelling in the airway and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to cholinergic stimuli, but many details of the specific underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Periostin is a matricellular protein with roles in tissue repair following injury in both the skin and heart. It has recently been shown to be up‐regulated in the airway epithelium of asthmatics and to increase active TGF‐β. Though one might expect periostin to play a deleterious role in asthma pathogenesis, to date its biological role in the airway is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of periostin deficiency on airway responses to inhaled allergen.MethodsIn vivo measures of airway responsiveness, inflammation, and remodelling were made in periostin deficient mice and wild‐type controls following repeated intranasal challenge with Aspergillus fumigatus antigen. In vitro studies of the effects of epithelial cell‐derived periostin on murine T cells were also performed.ResultsSurprisingly, compared with wild‐type controls, periostin deficient mice developed increased AHR and serum IgE levels following allergen challenge without differences in two outcomes of airway remodelling (mucus metaplasia and peribronchial fibrosis). These changes were associated with decreased expression of TGF‐β1 and Foxp3 in the lungs of periostin deficient mice. Airway epithelial cell‐derived periostin‐induced conversion of CD4+ CD25− cells into CD25+, Foxp3+ T cells in vitro in a TGF‐β dependent manner.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceAllergen‐induced increases in serum IgE and bronchial hyperresponsiveness are exaggerated in periostin deficient mice challenged with inhaled aeroallergen. The mechanism of periostin's effect as a brake on allergen‐induced responses may involve augmentation of TGF‐β‐induced T regulatory cell differentiation.
Allergenic activity of different tomato cultivars in tomato allergic subjects
Authors: Dölle S. , Lehmann K. , Schwarz D. , Weckwert W. , Scheler C. , George E. , Franken P. , Worm M. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryBackgroundTomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are consumed worldwide and their amount of consumption is associated with the prevalence of tomato allergy. Therefore, identification of tomato cultivars with reduced allergenicity would potentially increase the quality of life of affected subjects.ObjectiveIn this study, we examined the allergenic and biological activity of two different tomato cultivars in tomato allergic subjects.MethodsTwenty‐five subjects with tomato allergy were identified using double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges (DBPCFC). We applied skin prick test (SPT) and further DBPCFC to investigate the clinical differences between two tomato cultivars (‘Reisetomate’ and ‘Matina’). To examine the molecular basis of allergenic activity, immunoblotting and basophil activation test (BAT) were performed.ResultsThe cultivar ‘Reisetomate’ induced significantly less positive skin reactions (P = 0.045) and elicited fewer symptoms after oral challenge compared with ‘Matina’ (P = 0.047). Molecular assessment revealed that IgE‐binding profiles were variable on an interindividual basis, but no major differences between ‘Reisetomate’ and ‘Matina’ were detectable. In contrast, BAT underpinned the clinical differences evoked by the different tomato cultivars and showed a left‐shift of the dose‐response curve obtained for ‘Matina’ extract (P = 0.046).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceTomato cultivars promote a distinct clinical reactivity in tomato allergic subjects, demonstrated using SPT, DBPCFC and BAT. The molecular background for these differences could not be clarified, as the IgE‐binding profiles did not reveal significant alterations. This might be due to instabilities of physicochemical sensitive proteins and/or different isoform expression of allergens.
Preparing for hibernation in ground squirrels: adrenal androgen production in summer linked to environmental severity in winter
Authors: Boonstra Rudy , Bradley Adrian J. , Delehanty Brendan 
Published: August 2011

Summary1. At high latitudes, evolutionary adaptations focus on those that maximize survival, with hibernation being a major one used by many smaller mammals. Typically, mammalian hibernators overwinter in sites that are ≈0°C. However, in arctic regions, such sites do not exist, necessitating hibernation at sites well below 0°C. Lipid, the normal fuel of most hibernators, may not provide sufficient glucose needed by certain tissues to permit survival, with muscle breakdown being required. Critical to enhancing muscle stores are high concentrations of anabolic androgens prior to hibernation when the gonads are inactive.2. We compare and contrast androgen levels in arctic ground squirrels (AGS) (Urocitellus parryii Richardson) from the Yukon and Columbian ground squirrel (CGS) (U. columbianus Ord) from southern Alberta.3. In males, changes in testes mass over the active season were similar between AGS and CGS. In contrast, during the breeding and the nonbreeding, pre‐hibernation periods, androgen levels in AGS were 6–10 and 20–25 times, respectively, those of CGS. From the breeding to the pre‐hibernation periods, androgen levels declined 41% in AGS, but 86% in CGS. In females, androgen levels in AGS were high throughout the active season and, prior to hibernation, were 24 times those in CGS.4. In pre‐hibernating AGS, we determined the source of these high androgen levels from two studies. First, using a hormonal challenge protocol to probe the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, we found that androgen levels in both females and males decreased ≥10% in response to suppression by dexamethasone (an artificial glucocorticoid that inhibits ACTH release) and increased ≥18% in response to direct adrenal stimulation by adrenocorticorticotropic homone (ACTH). Second, by sequential hormonal injections in males of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and of ACTH coupled with gonadectomy (GDX), followed by adrenalectomy (ADX), we found that GnRH had no effect, whereas ACTH stimulated androgen levels by >40%, both before and after GDX. After ADX, levels fell by 80%. Thus, the adrenals, not the gonads, are the source of these androgens.5. We hypothesize that pre‐hibernating AGS have evolved a solution seen in no other known mammal: exploiting the benefits of high adrenal androgen levels prior to hibernation to build muscle that is then catabolized overwinter. The unknown is how AGS have mitigated the costs of these high androgen levels.
Litter diversity, fungal decomposers and litter decomposition under simulated stream intermittency
Authors: Bruder Andreas , Chauvet Eric , Gessner Mark O. 
Published: August 2011

Summary1. The drying of stream channels resulting from flow interruption is expected to increase as a consequence of climate change. Implications for aquatic organisms and processes are profound. We assessed whether riparian diversity can partially buffer against consequences of drying on fungal decomposers and leaf litter decomposition, an important ecosystem process.2. Our central hypothesis was that during dry periods recalcitrant leaf litter with high water‐holding capacity would extend the window of opportunity for microbial activity in less recalcitrant litter when both litter types are mixed, and that this would lead to a positive litter diversity effect on decomposition. To test for such interactive effects, we conducted a diversity experiment in a Mediterranean stream, in which alder and oak litter, and a mixture of both, was subjected to various drying regimes differing in intensity and timing.3. Drying regime affected both fungal decomposers and the decomposition rate of alder litter. Effects were observed both immediately and 3 weeks after stream flow resumed. Small differences in the timing of the dry period influenced both decomposition rate and measures of fungal performance (i.e. biomass and sporulation activity). Litter mixing, in contrast, had no effect on either decomposition or fungal decomposers, although mixing increased moisture retention in alder litter as required for the mechanism hypothesized to lead to a diversity effect.4. Given the contrasting traits of the litter types used in the experiment, our results imply that riparian tree diversity is unlikely to buffer against increased frequencies of stream flow disruption expected in the face of climate change. It appears, however, that the precise timing of dry periods and high‐flow events will strongly influence the extent to which stream food webs can exploit the resources supplied by riparian vegetation in the form of leaf litter.
Inferior alveolar nerve injury resulting from overextension of an endodontic sealer: non‐surgical management using the GABA analogue pregabalin
Authors: López‐López J. , Estrugo‐Devesa A. , Jané‐Salas E. , Segura‐Egea J. J. 
Published: August 2011

López‐López J, Estrugo‐Devesa A, Jané‐Salas E, Segura‐Egea JJ. Inferior alveolar nerve injury resulting from overextension of an endodontic sealer: non‐surgical management using the GABA analogue pregabalin. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 98–104, 2012.AbstractAim  To describe a case of endodontic sealer (AH Plus) penetration within the mandibular canal after root canal treatment with resolution of pain and paraesthesia after a non‐surgical approach, including treatment with prednisone and pregabalin.Summary  A 37‐year‐old woman underwent root canal treatment of the left mandibular second molar tooth. Postoperative periapical radiographs revealed the presence of radiopaque canal sealer in the mandibular canal. The day after, the patient reported severe pain in the tooth and paraesthesia/anaesthesia in the region innervated by the left inferior alveolar and mental nerve. Diagnosis of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve because of extrusion of AH Plus was established. The non‐surgical management included 1 mg kg−1 per day prednisone, two times per day, in a regimen on a daily basis, and 150 mg per day pregabalin, two doses per day, monitoring the progress with periodic follow‐up visits. One month after the incident, the signs and symptoms were gone.Key learning points
This case illustrates the care required when performing root canal treatment, especially when the root apices are in close proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve canal.
The complete resolution of paraesthesia and the control of pain achieved in the present case suggests that a non‐surgical approach combining prednisone and pregabalin is a good option in the management of the inferior alveolar when it is contacted by extruded root filling material.
A plastid protein NUS1 is essential for build‐up of the genetic system for early chloroplast development under cold stress conditions
Authors: Kusumi Kensuke , Sakata Chikako , Nakamura Takahiro , Kawasaki Shinji , Yoshimura Atsushi , Iba Koh 
Published: August 2011

SummaryDuring early chloroplast differentiation, the regulation of the plastid genetic system including transcription and translation differs greatly from that in the mature chloroplast, suggesting the existence of a stage‐dependent mechanism that regulates the chloroplast genetic system during this period. The virescent‐1 (v1) mutant of rice (Oryza sativa) is temperature‐conditional and develops chlorotic leaves under low‐temperature conditions. We reported previously that leaf chlorosis in the v1 mutant is caused by blockage of the activation of the chloroplast genetic system during early leaf development. Here we identify the V1 gene, which encodes a chloroplast‐localized protein NUS1. Accumulation of NUS1 specifically occurred in the pre‐emerged immature leaves, and is enhanced by low‐temperature treatment. The C‐terminus of NUS1 shows structural similarity to the bacterial antitermination factor NusB, which is known to play roles in the regulation of ribosomal RNA transcription. The RNA‐immunoprecipitation and gel mobility shift assays indicated that NUS1 binds to several regions of chloroplast RNA including the upstream leader region of the 16S rRNA precursor. In the leaves of the NUS1‐deficient mutant, accumulation of chloroplast rRNA during early leaf development was impaired and chloroplast translation/transcription capacity was severely suppressed under low temperature. Our results suggest that NUS1 is involved in the regulation of chloroplast RNA metabolism and promotes the establishment of the plastid genetic system during early chloroplast development under cold stress conditions.
Evolutionary reduction of developmental plasticity in desert spadefoot toads
Authors: KULKARNI S. S. , GOMEZ‐MESTRE I. , MOSKALIK C. L. , STORZ B. L. , BUCHHOLZ D. R. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractOrganisms vary their rates of growth and development in response to environmental inputs. Such developmental plasticity may be adaptive and positively correlate with environmental heterogeneity. However, the evolution of developmental plasticity among closely related taxa is not well understood. To determine the evolutionary pattern of plasticity, we compared plasticity in time to and size at metamorphosis in response to water desiccation in tadpoles among spadefoot species that differ in breeding pond and larval period durations. Like most tadpoles, spadefoot tadpoles possess the remarkable ability to accelerate development in response to pond drying to avoid desiccation. Here, we hypothesize that desert spadefoot tadpoles have evolved reduced plasticity to avoid desiccation in ephemeral desert pools compared to their nondesert relatives that breed in long‐duration ponds. We recorded time to and size at metamorphosis following experimental manipulation of water levels and found that desert‐adapted species had much less plasticity in larval period and size at metamorphosis than nondesert species, which retain the hypothetical ancestral state of plasticity. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between degree of plasticity and fat body content that may provide mechanistic insights into the evolution of developmental plasticity in amphibians.
Fine mapping and identification of the soybean RSC4 resistance candidate gene to soybean mosaic virus
Authors: Wang Dagang , Ma Ying , Liu Ning , Yang Zhonglu , Zheng Guijie , Zhi Haijian 
Published: August 2011

With 3 figures and 3 tablesAbstractSoybean mosaic virus (SMV) disease is one of the most destructive viral diseases for soybeans worldwide. In this study, 1047 F2 plants derived from ‘Dabaima’ (resistant) × ‘Nannong1138‐2’ (susceptible) were used to study inheritance and resistance gene linkage to SMV strain SC4. SSR were used to establish genetic maps of the parent plants, in addition to resistant or susceptible F2 generation plants. Results indicated that a single dominant gene (designated RSC4) located on chromosome 14 (MLG B2) controls resistance to SC4 infections. In addition, SNP and genomic‐SSR markers near RSC4 were examined. Based on the linkage analysis of the population, the genomic‐SSR markers BARCSOYSSR_14_1413 and BARCSOYSSR_14_1416 were found flanking RSC4. Sequence analysis of the soybean genome indicated that the interval between the two genomic‐SSR markers was <100 kb on chromosome 14. Quantitative real‐time PCR (QRT‐PCR) analysis of the 100‐kb region identified three genes (Glyma14g38510, 38560 and 38580) likely involved in regulating resistance to SMV. These results are useful for transferring and pyramiding or map‐based cloning of RSC4.
Predicting the treatment effect of sorafenib using serum angiogenesis markers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Miyahara Koji , Nouso Kazuhiro , Tomoda Takeshi , Kobayashi Sayo , Hagihara Hiroaki , Kuwaki Kenji , Toshimori Junichi , Onishi Hideki , Ikeda Fusao , Miyake Yasuhiro , Nakamura Shinichiro , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Yamamoto Kazuhide 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Sorafenib, the first agent demonstrated to have efficacy to improve the survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is an active multikinase inhibitor affecting angiogenesis and tumor proliferation. We analyzed cytokines related to angiogenesis or cell proliferation, and tried to determine their utility as biomarkers of sorafenib treatment effect for HCC.Methods:  Nine serum cytokines (angiopoietin‐2 [Ang‐2], follistatin, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor [G‐CSF], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], interleukin‐8 [IL‐8], leptin, platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1, and vascular endothelial growth factor) were measured in 30 HCC patients treated with sorafenib, and the effects of treatment were compared using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.Results:  All but IL‐8 were significantly higher at baseline in patients with progressive disease. Progression‐free survival was significantly shorter in patients with high levels of Ang‐2, G‐CSF, HGF, and leptin, and the hazard ratios were 2.51, 6.89, 2.55, and 4.14, respectively. As the number of cytokines at a high level increased, the treatment response deteriorated. Disease progression was seen in three of 12 (25.0%) patients with zero to two high biomarkers, two of six (33.3%) patients with 3–5 high biomarkers, and 10 of 12 (83.3%) patients with six to eight high biomarkers (P = 0.008). The prognosis of all patients with eight high biomarkers was progressive disease.Conclusion:  High levels of serum cytokines at baseline were correlated with poor effects of sorafenib treatment in patients with HCC.
Perioperative reactivation of hepatitis B virus replication in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Liang , Li Jing , Lau Wan Yee , Yan Jianjun , Zhou Feiguo , Liu Caifeng , Zhang Xianghua , Shen Jun , Wu Mengchao , Yan Yiqun 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication happens in patients who receive transarterial chemoembolization or systemic chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The incidence and risk factors of HBV reactivation during the perioperative period in HCC patients receiving hepatic resection is unknown.Methods:  Between May 2009 and November 2010, 164 consecutive patients with HBV‐related HCC who underwent hepatic resection were prospectively enrolled in the study. Among these, 126 patients received antiviral treatment before the operation (the antiviral group) and 38 patients did not receive any antiviral treatment (the non‐antiviral group).Results:  Ten patients (6.1%) developed HBV reactivation perioperatively (within 1 month after hepatectomy). The incidence of HBV reactivation in the antiviral group and non‐antiviral group were 1.6% (2/126) and 21.1% (8/38), respectively (P < 0.001). On univariate analysis, preoperative HBV DNA < 1.0 × 103 copies/mL and non‐antiviral therapy were significantly correlated with the occurrence of HBV reactivation (P = 0.044 and P < 0.001, respectively). Only non‐antiviral therapy remained as a predictive factor on multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 15.46; 95% confidence interval, 2.80–85.46, P = 0.002). The recovery of liver function (defined as a decrease of alanine aminotransferase back to normal) was achieved in 86.8% (132/152) patients without HBV reactivation and in 37.5% (3/8) patients with HBV reactivation when evaluated on day 30 after hepatectomy (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Hepatectomy could reactivate HBV replication during the perioperative period, especially in patients who did not receive any antiviral therapy. A close monitoring of HBV DNA during the perioperative period was necessary irrespective of the preoperative HBV DNA level. Once HBV was reactivated, antiviral therapy should be given.
Assessment of markers of glycaemic control in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease using continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: VOS FREDERIEK E , SCHOLLUM JOHN B , COULTER CAROLYN V , MANNING PATRICK J , DUFFULL STEPHEN B , WALKER ROBERT J 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Due to altered red blood cell survival and erythropoietin therapy glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) may not accurately reflect long‐term glycaemic control in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Glycated albumin (GA) and fructosamine are alternative markers of glycaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of HbA1c, GA and fructosamine as indicators of glycaemic control using continuous glucose monitoring.Methods:  HbA1c, GA and fructosamine concentrations were measured in 25 subjects with diabetic nephropathy (CKD stages 4 and 5 (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2)) matched with 25 subjects with diabetes and no evidence of nephropathy. Simultaneous real‐time glucose concentrations were monitored by continuous glucose monitoring over 48 h.Results:  GA correlated significantly to mean glucose concentrations in patients with and without CKD (r = 0.54 vs 0.49, P < 0.05). A similar relationship was observed with fructosamine relative to glucose. A poor correlation between HbA1c and glucose was observed with CKD (r = 0.38, P = ns) but was significant in the non‐CKD group (r = 0.66, P < 0.001). The GA/HbA1c ratio was significantly higher in diabetic patients with CKD compared with controls (2.5 ± 0.4 vs 2.2 ± 0.4, P < 0.05). HbA1c values were significantly lower in CKD patients, relative to non‐CKD patients at comparable mean glucose concentrations.Conclusion:  HbA1c significantly underestimates glycaemic control in patients with diabetes and CKD stages 4 and 5. In severe CKD, GA more accurately reflects glycaemic control compared with fructosamine and HbA1c and should be the preferred marker of glycaemic control.
Effects of stolon severing on the expansion ofAlternanthera philoxeroidesfrom terrestrial to contaminated aquatic habitats
Authors: GUO WEI , HU ZHENG‐HUA 
Published: August 2011

AbstractFew studies have examined the effects of clonal integration (translocation of resources between interconnected ramets) during the expansion of amphibious clonal plants from terrestrial to aquatic habitats. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to simulate the expansion of plants from terrestrial to contaminated aquatic habitats in the amphibious stoloniferous herbAlternanthera philoxeroides(alligator weed). The proximal ramets (i.e. relatively old) of clonal fragments grown in uncontaminated soils were connected to (allowing clonal integration) or disconnected from (preventing clonal integration) distal ramets (i.e. relatively young) grown either in uncontaminated water (control, no CuSO4) or in four copper‐contaminated water treatments containing 31.25, 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/L CuSO4, respectively. When a stolon connection was severed, all distal ramets grown in the contaminated water died. When the stolon connection was intact, however, the survival rate of the distal ramets was 85–100% when they were grown at the three lower levels of contamination and 43.75% at the highest level. Moreover, the survival rate and growth of the distal ramets grown in the three lower levels of contamination treatments did not differ from those in the control (uncontaminated water). These results suggest that clonal integration could greatly improve the survival and growth of alligator weed subjected to moderate levels of copper stress. Although clonal integration could also increase the survival rate of the connected distal ramets subjected to the highest level of copper stress (250 mg/L CuSO4) compared with that of disconnected distal ramets, the survival rate and growth measures were still significantly lower than those in the control. This suggests that clonal integration plays a limited role in the survival and growth of alligator weed when it is subjected to severe stress by high levels of copper contamination.