bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thymineless death is associated with loss of essential genetic information from the replication origin
Authors: Sangurdekar Dipen P. , Hamann Bree L. , Smirnov Dmitri , Srienc Friedrich , Hanawalt Philip C. , Khodursky Arkady B. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryThymine starvation results in a terminal cellular condition known as thymineless death (TLD), which is the basis of action for several common antibiotics and anticancer drugs. We characterized the onset and progression of TLD in Escherichia coli and found that DNA damage is the only salient property that distinguishes cells irreversibly senesced under thymine starvation from cells reversibly arrested by the nucleotide limitation. The damage is manifested as the relative loss of genetic material spreading outward from the replication origin: the extent of TLD correlates with the progression of damage. The reduced lethality in mutants deficient in the RecFOR/JQ repair pathway also correlates with the extent of damage, which explains most of the observed variance in cell killing. We propose that such spatially localized and persistent DNA damage is the consequence of transcription‐dependent initiation of replication in the thymine‐starved cells and may be the underlying cause of TLD.
Novel essential residues of Hda for interaction with DnaA in the regulatory inactivation of DnaA: unique roles for Hda AAA+ Box VI and VII motifs
Authors: Nakamura Kenta , Katayama Tsutomu 
Published: February 2010

Summary Escherichia coli ATP–DnaA initiates chromosomal replication. For preventing extra‐initiations, a complex of ADP–Hda and the DNA‐loaded replicase clamp promotes DnaA‐ATP hydrolysis, yielding inactive ADP–DnaA. However, the Hda–DnaA interaction mode remains unclear except that the Hda Box VII Arg finger (Arg‐153) and DnaA sensor II Arg‐334 within each AAA+ domain are crucial for the DnaA‐ATP hydrolysis. Here, we demonstrate that direct and functional interaction of ADP–Hda with DnaA requires the Hda residues Ser‐152, Phe‐118 and Asn‐122 as well as Hda Arg‐153 and DnaA Arg‐334. Structural analyses suggest intermolecular interactions between Hda Ser‐152 and DnaA Arg‐334 and between Hda Phe‐118 and the DnaA Walker B motif region, in addition to an intramolecular interaction between Hda Asn‐122 and Arg‐153. These interactions likely sustain a specific association of ADP–Hda and DnaA, promoting DnaA‐ATP hydrolysis. Consistently, ATP–DnaA and ADP–DnaA interact with the ADP–Hda‐DNA–clamp complex with similar affinities. Hda Phe‐118 and Asn‐122 are contained in the Box VI region, and their hydrophobic and electrostatic features are basically conserved in the corresponding residues of other AAA+ proteins, suggesting a conserved role for Box VI. These findings indicate novel interaction mechanisms for Hda–DnaA as well as a potentially fundamental mechanism in AAA+ protein interactions.
Mutational analysis of the S21 pinholin
Authors: Pang Ting , Park Taehyun , Young Ry 
Published: February 2010

SummaryLambdoid phage 21 has the prototype pinholin‐SAR endolysin lysis system, which is widely distributed among phages. Its prototype pinholin, S2168, triggers at an allele‐specific time to form small, heptameric lesions, or pinholes, in the cytoplasmic membrane, thus initiating lysis. S2168 has two transmembrane domains, TMD1 and TMD2. Only TMD2 is required for the formation of pinholes, whereas TMD1 acts as an inhibitor of TMD2 and must be externalized to the periplasm in the lytic pathway. Previously we provided evidence that S2168 first accumulates as inactive dimers with both transmembrane domains embedded in the bilayer. Here we analyse an extensive collection of S21 mutants to identify residues and domains critical to the function and regulation of the pinholin. Evidence is presented indicating that, within the inactive dimer, TMD1 acts in trans as an inhibitor of the lethal function of TMD2. A wide range of phenotypes, from absolute lysis defectives to accelerated lysis triggering, are observed for mutations mapping to each topological domain. The pattern of phenotypes allows the generation of a model for the structure of the inactive dimer. The model identifies the faces of the two transmembrane domains involved in intramolecular and intermolecular interactions, as well as interaction with the lipid.
Basal serum tryptase as risk assessment for severe Hymenoptera sting reactions in elderly
Authors: Guenova E. , Volz T. , Eichner M. , Hoetzenecker W. , Caroli U. , Griesinger G. , Burow G. , Mitev V. , Biedermann T. 
Published: February 2010

To cite this article: Guenova E, Volz T, Eichner M, Hoetzenecker W, Caroli U, Griesinger G, Burow G, Mitev V, Biedermann T. Basal serum tryptase as risk assessment for severe Hymenoptera sting reactions in elderly. Allergy 2010; 65: 919–923.AbstractBackground:  Epidemiologic studies suggest that elderly people are more prone to develop severe anaphylactic reactions. However, the exact cause for this phenomenon remains unclear.Aims of the study:  To study the role of the serum tryptase as a diagnostic parameter for individual risk evaluation and its impact on the severity of allergic reactions in elderly people.Methods:  Two hundred and seventy‐four consecutive patients visiting the Department of Dermatology, Tübingen, Germany, who were diagnosed with honeybee or wasp venom allergy, were included in the study.Results:  Sting reaction severity increased with increased age and tryptase levels (P = 0.001 and P = 0.0003, respectively). Furthermore, we find not only a general increment in tryptase levels in elderly people (P = 0.0001) but also a continuous increase in tryptase concentrations even below the cut‐off (11.4 μg/l) with increasing age (P = 0.0026).Conclusions:  Our data confirm serum tryptase as a risk factor for severe anaphylactic reaction to hymenoptera stings. Furthermore, we give first evidence that basal serum tryptase levels increase continuously with age and being an indicator for either increased mast cell load or reactivity this can at least partly be responsible for the observed aggravated allergic reactions in elderly people. As those patients are at increased risk for life‐threatening anaphylactic reactions, it should be considered to adjust VIT especially in elderly patients with elevated tryptase levels as recommended for patients with mastocytosis by increasing venom doses during VIT and by considering its life‐long continuation.
IPF: new insight on pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Harari S. , Caminati A. 
Published: February 2010

To cite this article: Harari S, Caminati A. IPF: new insight on pathogenesis and treatment. Allergy 2010; 65: 537–553.AbstractRecent years have seen a robust influx of exciting new observations regarding the mechanisms that regulate the initiation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis but the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. The search for an alternative hypothesis to unremitting, chronic inflammation as the primary explanation for the pathophysiology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) derives, in part, from the lack of therapeutic efficacy of high‐dose immunosuppressive therapy in patients with IPF. The inflammatory hypothesis of IPF has since been challenged by the epithelial injury hypothesis, in which fibrosis is believed to result from epithelial injury, activation, and/or apoptosis with abnormal wound healing. This hypothesis suggests that recurrent unknown injury to distal pulmonary parenchyma causes repeated epithelial injury and apoptosis. The resultant loss of alveolar epithelium exposes the underlying basement membrane to oxidative damage and degradation. Emerging concepts suggest that IPF is the result of epithelial–mesenchymal interaction. The initiation of this fibrotic response may depend upon genetic factors and environmental triggers; the role of Th1 or Th2 cell‐derived cytokines may also be important. This process appears to be unique to usual interstitial pneumonia/IPF. It is clear that IPF is a heterogeneous disease with variations in pathology, high‐resolution computed tomography findings, and patterns of progression. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a complex disorder, and no unifying hypothesis has been identified at present that explains all the abnormalities.
Mast cell adhesion to bronchial smooth muscle in asthma specifically depends on CD51 and CD44 variant 6
Authors: Girodet P.‐O. , Ozier A. , Trian T. , Begueret H. , Ousova O. , Vernejoux J.‐M. , Chanez P. , Marthan R. , Berger P. , Tunon de Lara J. M. 
Published: February 2010

To cite this article: Girodet P‐O, Ozier A, Trian T, Begueret H, Ousova O, Vernejoux J‐M, Chanez P, Marthan R, Berger P, Tunon de Lara JM. Mast cell adhesion to bronchial smooth muscle in asthma specifically depends on CD51 and CD44 variant 6. Allergy 2010; 65: 1004–1012.AbstractBackground:  Mast cells infiltrate the bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) in asthmatic patients, but the mechanism of mast cell adhesion is still unknown. The adhesion molecules CD44 (i.e. hyaluronate receptor) and CD51 (i.e. vitronectin receptor) are widely expressed and bind to many extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The aims of the study are (i) to identify the role of ECM in mast cell adhesion to BSM and (ii) to examine the role of CD51 and CD44 in this adhesion.Methods:  Human lung mast cells, human mast cell line (HMC‐1), and BSM cells from control donors or asthmatic patients were cultured in the presence/absence of various cytokines. Mast cell–BSM interaction was assessed using 3H‐thymidine‐pulsed mast cells, confocal immunofluorescence, or electron microscopy. Adhesion molecules expression and collagen production on both cell types were evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR, western blot, and flow cytometry.Results:  Mast cell adhesion to BSM cells mostly involved type I collagen of the ECM. Such an adhesion was increased in normal BSM cells under inflammatory condition, whereas it was maximal in asthmatic BSM cells. Blockade of either CD51 or CD44 significantly decreased mast cell adhesion to BSM. At the molecular level, protein and the transcriptional expression of type I collagen, CD51 or CD44 remained unchanged in asthmatic BSM cells or in mast cells/BSM cells under inflammatory conditions, whereas that of CD44 variant isoform 6 (v6) was increased.Conclusions:  Mast cell–BSM cell adhesion involved collagen, CD44, and CD51, particularly under inflammatory conditions. CD44v6 expression is increased in asthmatic BSM cells.
Validation of a questionnaire (CARAT10) to assess rhinitis and asthma in patients with asthma
Authors: Fonseca J. A. , Nogueira‐Silva L. , Morais‐Almeida M. , Azevedo L. , Sa‐Sousa A. , Branco‐Ferreira M. , Fernandes L. , Bousquet J. 
Published: February 2010

To cite this article: Fonseca JA, Nogueira‐Silva L, Morais‐Almeida M, Azevedo L, Sa‐Sousa A, Branco‐Ferreira M, Fernandes L, Bousquet J. Validation of a questionnaire (CARAT10) to assess rhinitis and asthma in patients with asthma. Allergy 2010; 65: 1042–1048.AbstractBackground and aim:  The Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) was developed to be used in the concurrent management of these diseases, as recommended by the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines. However, it was necessary to statistically identify and remove redundant questions and to evaluate the new version’s factor structure, internal consistency and concurrent validity.Methods:  In this cross‐sectional study 193 adults with allergic rhinitis and asthma from 15 outpatient clinics in Portugal were included. The CARAT questionnaire was reduced using descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency. Spearman’s correlations were used to compare the CARAT scores with a medical evaluation and other measures of control, including the Asthma Control Questionnaire and symptoms’ visual analogue scales. The performance against physician rating of control was summarized using the area under the curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic analysis. In addition, CARAT was compared with the physician’s decision to reduce, maintain or increase treatment.Results:  The reduced version has 10 questions and 2 factors (CARAT10). The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.85. All correlation coefficients of CARAT10 and factors with the different measures of control met the a priori predictions, ranging from 0.58 to 0.79. The AUC was 0.82. For the physician’s decision groups of reduce, maintain or increase treatment, the mean (IC95%) scores of CARAT10 were 24 (21.4;26.6), 21 (19.4;21.9) and 15 (13.6;16.5), respectively.Conclusion:  CARAT10 has high internal consistency and good concurrent validity, making it useful to compare groups in clinical studies.
Economic evaluation of BDP/formoterol fixed vs two single inhalers in asthma treatment
Authors: Brüggenjürgen B. , Ezzat N. , Kardos P. , Buhl R. 
Published: February 2010

To cite this article: Brüggenjürgen B, Ezzat N, Kardos P, Buhl R. Economic evaluation of BDP/formoterol fixed vs two single inhalers in asthma treatment. Allergy 2010; 65: 1108–1115.AbstractBackground:  Asthma treatment costs are substantial, the largest proportion being incurred by medications. Combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long‐acting beta2‐agonists (LABA) is recommended in patients not adequately controlled by ICS alone. Aim of this study was to compare costs and health outcomes of a fixed ICS–LABA combination of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and formoterol fumarate (FF) vs the same drugs delivered via separate inhalers in Germany.Methods:  A cost‐minimization analysis, a cost‐effectiveness analysis, as well as a threshold analysis were undertaken. Efficacy results were obtained from a recent clinical trial. Cost inputs include medical costs, physician costs, and hospital admission costs. Medical costs, health outcomes, and treatment costs were also varied to assess their impact on results.Results:  Beclomethasone dipropionate/FF fixed combination was less costly compared to BDP + FF delivered as separate inhalers, costs totaling €525 and €637, respectively, over a 24‐week treatment period. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was €−9.77 per additional day free of asthma symptoms. Equal cost‐effectiveness ratios would still be obtained at a price of the fixed combination increased by 3.4‐fold.Conclusion:  A cost‐minimization analysis as well as a cost‐effectiveness analysis for Germany based on different product price calculations show that BDP/FF fixed combination is superior to BDP + FF delivered via separate inhalers.
Linear and Stable Dominance Hierarchies in Cooperative Carrion Crows
Authors: Chiarati Elisa , Canestrari Daniela , Vera Rubén , Marcos José M. , Baglione Vittorio 
Published: February 2010

AbstractCooperatively breeding birds typically form cohesive and stable groups that live year‐round in all purpose territories where competition for resources is likely to arise. Understanding how group members negotiate over resources is crucial because conflicts may disrupt the stability of the group and may ultimately hinder cooperation. However, social relationships within the group have been largely neglected so far. Here we investigated how cooperatively breeding carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) share a food source, by observing dyadic interactions in 29 territories that contained retained offspring of the breeding pair and/or immigrants. We found that crows formed linear and stable dominance hierarchies, which were stronger for males than females. We suggest that this difference mirrors the level of competition for resources other than food, such as reproduction and territory inheritance, which is higher in males than females. Interestingly, immigrant males dominated male offspring, suggesting that, for the resident breeder, which is the alpha member of the group, the benefits of an association with an immigrant overcome the costs of having his sons pushed down in the hierarchy. Our study uncovered the key factors that determine hierarchical relationships among cooperatively breeding crows and highlighted the need of focussing on social interactions in every context of group living to fully explain the dynamic of cooperation at the nest.
Synthetic feeding stimulants enhance insecticide activity against western corn rootworm larvae, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Bernklau E. J. , Bjostad L. B. , Hibbard B. E. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn bioassays, the addition of a synthetic feeding stimulant blend improved the efficacy of the insecticide thiamethoxam against neonate western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, larvae. In 4‐h bioassays, the concentration of thiamethoxam required for 50% mortality (LC50) was 2800 pg/ml for the insecticide alone, but was reduced to 0.0075 pg/ml when the synthetic feeding stimulant blend was added (more than a 100,000‐fold difference). Dilutions of thiamethoxam and tefluthrin (ranging from 0 pg/ml to 10 μg/ml) were tested in behavioural bioassays alone and in conjunction with a feeding stimulant blend containing 30 : 4 : 4 : 1 mg/ml glucose : fructose : sucrose : linoleic acid. Larvae were placed on insecticide‐treated filter paper disks in an arena that allowed them to leave the treated area at will. In 30‐min bioassays, and in 4‐h bioassays, significantly more larvae fed on thiamethoxam‐treated disks when the feeding stimulant blend was present for every concentration of insecticide tested. Larvae fed readily on disks treated with tefluthrin when the feeding stimulants were added, but the feeding stimulant blend did not affect the activity of tefluthrin insecticide at any concentration tested.
Genetic variation for bulb size, soluble solids content and pungency in the Spanish sweet onion variety Fuentes de Ebro. Response to selection for low pungency
Authors: Mallor C. , Balcells M. , Mallor F. , Sales E. 
Published: February 2010

With no figures and 4 tables AbstractThe cultivar ‘Fuentes de Ebro’ is a long‐day onion grown in the northeast of Spain, which is characterized by its succulence and low pungency. However, to match the market demand the size, pungency, and storability need to be improved. We have evaluated these quality‐related bulb traits in 15 grower’s open‐pollinated lines of this cultivar. Phenotypic variation observed for bulb weight, size and soluble solids content was significantly affected by location, growing season and line, while pungency depended on line and plot location. We found higher levels of genetic variation for bulb size and pungency than for soluble solids content, and significant phenotypic correlations indicated that milder onion tend to show larger size and lower soluble solids content. After one cycle of selection, we have obtained progeny with significantly lower pungency levels, and therefore, we estimated a realized heritability of 0.67. As conclusion, it is feasible to obtain a sweet cultivar after some selection cycles in the ‘Fuentes de Ebro’ onion, although considering indirect consequences in size and soluble solids content.
Genetics of flowering time in chickpea in a semi‐arid environment
Authors: Hegde V. S. 
Published: February 2010

With 1 figure and 3 tables AbstractTime of flowering is an important component of adaptation and productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in semi‐arid environments characterized by terminal drought and heat stress. Genetics of flowering time was studied in late × early, early × late and early × early crosses under field conditions to obtain additional information on the number of genes involved and their allelic relationships. Results have shown that duplicate dominant genes with cumulative but unequal effect govern flowering time in chickpea. A genotype with two dominant alleles in homozygous or heterozygous conditions at both loci (Efl1,Efl2) control late flowering (41 days and above). A genotype with a dominant allele in homozygous or heterozygous condition at one of the loci and homozygous recessive allele at the other (Efl1,efl2) control earliness (26–40 days) and a genotype with homozygous recessive alleles at both loci (efl1,efl2) is responsible for super‐earliness (<25 days). Influence of maternal genetic factors on the inheritance of flowering time was non‐significant in chickpea.
A dramatic response to a single dose of infliximab as rescue therapy in acute generalized pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch associated with a neutrophilic cholangitis
Authors: Chandran Nisha Suyien , Chong Wei‐Sheng 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTGeneralized pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch is an unstable, inflammatory form of psoriasis, with the hallmark of neutrophil infiltration in cutaneous as well as extracutaneous lesions. It is often recalcitrant, making treatment difficult. Tumour necrosis factor‐α antagonists including infliximab have been used with success in treating recalcitrant cases. We report a case of a 48‐year‐old Chinese female patient with a long‐standing history of poorly controlled generalized pustular psoriasis which was resistant to multiple therapies. During a severe flare, a single dose of infliximab resulted in rapid clearing of cutaneous lesions, together with resolution of liver function abnormalities that are likely secondary to neutrophilic cholangitis. Subsequent maintenance therapy with acitretin allowed remission of pustular disease for 7 months. This demonstrates the efficacy of single‐dose infliximab for both cutaneous lesions and systemic hepatic involvement in generalized pustular psoriasis.
A case of multiple angiomas without any angiokeratomas in a female heterozygote with Fabry disease
Authors: Mirceva Vesna , Hein Rüdiger , Ring Johannes , Möhrenschlager Matthias 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTFabry disease is a rare, X‐chromosome‐linked lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficient α‐galactosidase A enzyme. The disease manifests primarily in affected hemizygous males and to some extent in heterozygous females (‘carrier’). A 45‐year‐old female Fabry disease patient without angiokeratomas but with numerous angiomas is presented. Her leukocyte α‐galactosidase A activity was reduced (0.35 nmol/min/mg protein; normal range: 0.4–1). The analysis of her α‐galactosidase A gene (exon 1–7) showed the transition c.427 G>A. An intrafamilial follow‐up search detected a reduced leukocyte α‐galactosidase A activity in her father, who suffered exclusively from coronary heart disease. Our case report underlines the possible wide range of clinical signs in Fabry disease patients, sometimes complicated by missing typical lesions (e.g. angiokeratomas). In oligosymptomatic Fabry disease cases, genetic analysis is recommended.
Cutaneous heterotopic bronchogenic tissue in the scapular area
Authors: Adım Şaduman Balaban , Başkan Emel Bülbül , Sarıcaoğlu Hayriye , Elezoğlu Bahar 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTCutaneous bronchogenic anomalies are very rare lesions, and most of them present as cysts and/or sinus tracts in the subcutaneous layer. We report a 15‐year‐old boy who presented with a crusted and papillomatous plaque over the right scapular region. Histopathological examination of this plaque revealed pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with papillary invaginations that included mucinous material. The lesion had no cyst or sinus formation and was bordered with smooth muscle bundles in stroma.