bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IgE cross‐reactivity between Ascaris lumbricoides and mite allergens: possible influences on allergic sensitization and asthma
Authors: ACEVEDO N. , CARABALLO L. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryNematode infections such as Ascariasis are important health problems in underdeveloped countries, most of them located in the tropics where environmental conditions also promote the perennial co‐exposure to high concentrations of domestic mite allergens. Allergic diseases are common, and most of patients with asthma exhibit a predominant and strong IgE sensitization to mites. It is unknown whether co‐exposure to Ascaris lumbricoides and the domestic mites Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus potentiates Th2 responses and IgE sensitization, thereby modifying the natural history of allergy. Recently, we obtained experimental evidence of a high cross‐reactivity between the allergenic extracts of these invertebrates, involving well‐known allergens such as tropomyosin and glutathione transferases. There is indirect evidence suggesting that the clinical impact of these findings may be important. In this review, we discuss the potential role of this cross‐reactivity on several aspects of allergy in the tropics that have been a focus of a number of investigations, some of them with controversial results.
Disentangling the contributions of ontogeny and water stress to photosynthetic limitations in almond trees
Authors: EGEA GREGORIO , GONZÁLEZ‐REAL MARÍA M. , BAILLE ALAIN , NORTES PEDRO A. , DIAZ‐ESPEJO ANTONIO 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTVery few studies have attempted to disentangle the respective role of ontogeny and water stress on leaf photosynthetic attributes. The relative significance of both effects on photosynthetic attributes has been investigated in leaves of field‐grown almond trees [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb] during four growth cycles. Leaf ontogeny resulted in enhanced leaf dry weight per unit area (Wa), greater leaf dry‐to‐fresh weight ratio and lower N content per unit of leaf dry weight (Nw). Concomitantly, area‐based maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax), maximum electron transport rate (Jmax), mesophyll conductance to CO2 diffusion (gm)′ and light‐saturated net photosynthesis (Amax) declined in both well‐watered and water‐stressed almond leaves. Although gm and stomatal conductance (gs) seemed to be co‐ordinated, a much stronger coordination in response to ontogeny and prolonged water stress was observed between gm and the leaf photosynthetic capacity. Under unrestricted water supply, the leaf age‐related decline of Amax was equally driven by diffusional and biochemical limitations. Under restricted soil water availability, Amax was mainly limited by gs and, to a lesser extent, by photosynthetic capacity and gm. When both ontogeny and water stress effects were combined, diffusional limitations was the main determinant of photosynthesis limitation, while stomatal and biochemical limitations contributed similarly.
Crosstalk between reactive oxygen species and hormonal signalling pathways regulates grain dormancy in barley
Authors: BAHIN EMILIE , BAILLY CHRISTOPHE , SOTTA BRUNO , KRANNER ILSE , CORBINEAU FRANÇOISE , LEYMARIE JULIETTE 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTSeed dormancy, defined as the inability to germinate under favourable conditions, is controlled by abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GAs). Phytohormone signalling interacts with reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling regarding diverse aspects of plant physiology and is assumed to be important in dormancy alleviation. Using dormant barley grains that do not germinate at 30 °C in darkness, we analysed ROS content and ROS‐processing systems, ABA content and metabolism, GA‐responsive genes and genes involved in GA metabolism in response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. During after‐ripening, the ROS content in the embryo was not affected, while the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) was gradually converted to glutathione disulphide (GSSG). ABA treatment up‐regulated catalase activity through transcriptional activation of HvCAT2. Exogenous H2O2 partially alleviated dormancy although it was associated with a small increase in embryonic ABA content related to a slight induction of HvNCED transcripts. H2O2 treatment did not affect ABA sensitivity but up‐regulated the expression of HvExpA11 (GA‐induced gene), inhibited the expression of HvGA2ox3 involved in GA catabolism and enhanced the expression of HvGA20ox1 implicated in GA synthesis. In barley, H2O2 could be implicated in dormancy alleviation through activation of GA signalling and synthesis rather than repression of ABA signalling.
Regulatory control of high levels of carotenoid accumulation in potato tubers
Authors: ZHOU XIANGJUN , MCQUINN RYAN , FEI ZHANGJUN , WOLTERS ANNE‐MARIE A. , VAN ECK JOYCE , BROWN CHARLES , GIOVANNONI JAMES J. , LI LI 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers contain a wide range of carotenoid contents. To decipher the key factors controlling carotenoid levels in tubers, four potato lines (Atlantic, Désirée, 91E22 and POR03) were examined by a combination of biochemical, molecular and genomics approaches. These lines contained incremental levels of carotenoids, which were found to be associated with enhanced capacity of carotenoid biosynthesis as evident from norflurazon treatment. Microarray analysis of high and low carotenoid lines (POR03 versus Atlantic) revealed 381 genes that showed significantly differential expression. The carotenoid metabolic pathway genes β‐carotene hydroxylase 2 (BCH2) and β‐carotene hydroxylase 1 (BCH1), along with zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP), and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1A (CCD1A) were among the most highly differentially expressed genes. The transcript levels of BCH2 and BCH1 were lowest in Atlantic and highest in POR03, whereas those of ZEP and CCD1A were high in low carotenoid lines and low in high carotenoid lines. The high expression of BCH2 in POR03 line was associated with enhanced response to sugars. Our results indicate that high levels of carotenoid accumulation in potato tubers were due to an increased metabolic flux into carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, as well as the differential expression of carotenoid metabolic genes.
Isoprene synthesis in plants: lessons from a transgenic tobacco model
Authors: VICKERS CLAUDIA E. , POSSELL MALCOLM , LAOTHAWORNKITKUL JULLADA , RYAN ANNETTE C. , HEWITT C. NICHOLAS , MULLINEAUX PHILIP M. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTIsoprene is a highly reactive gas, and is emitted in such large quantities from the biosphere that it substantially affects the oxidizing potential of the atmosphere. Relatively little is known about the control of isoprene emission at the molecular level. Using transgenic tobacco lines harbouring a poplar isoprene synthase gene, we examined control of isoprene emission. Isoprene synthase required chloroplastic localization for catalytic activity, and isoprene was produced via the methyl erythritol (MEP) pathway from recently assimilated carbon. Emission patterns in transgenic tobacco plants were remarkably similar to naturally emitting plants under a wide variety of conditions. Emissions correlated with photosynthetic rates in developing and mature leaves, and with the amount of isoprene synthase protein in mature leaves. Isoprene synthase protein levels did not change under short‐term increase in heat/light, despite an increase in emissions under these conditions. A robust circadian pattern could be observed in emissions from long‐day plants. The data support the idea that substrate supply and changes in enzyme kinetics (rather than changes in isoprene synthase levels or post‐translational regulation of activity) are the primary controls on isoprene emission in mature transgenic tobacco leaves.
Cadmium‐induced oxalate secretion from root apex is associated with cadmium exclusion and resistance in Lycopersicon esulentum
Authors: ZHU XIAO FANG , ZHENG CHENG , HU YI TING , JIANG TAO , LIU YU , DONG NING YU , YANG JIAN LI , ZHENG SHAO JIAN 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThe mechanisms of heavy metal resistance in plants can be classified into internal tolerance and exclusion mechanisms, but exclusion of heavy metals with the help of organic acids secretion has not been well documented. Here we demonstrated the contribution of oxalate secretion to cadmium (Cd) exclusion and resistance in tomato. Different Cd resistance between two tomato cultivars was evaluated by relative root elongation (RRE) and Cd accumulation. Cultivar ‘Micro‐Tom’ showed better growth and lower Cd content in roots than ‘Hezuo903’ at different Cd concentrations not only in short‐term hydroponic experiment but also in long‐term hydroponic and soil experiments, indicating that the genotypic difference in Cd resistance is related to the exclusion of Cd from roots. ‘Micro‐Tom’ had greater ability to secrete oxalate, suggesting that oxalate secretion might contribute to Cd resistance. Cd‐induced secretion of oxalate was localized to root apex at which the majority of Cd accumulated. Phenylglyoxal, an anion‐channel inhibitor, effectively blocked Cd‐induced oxalate secretion and aggravated Cd toxicity while exogenous oxalate supply ameliorated Cd toxicity efficiently. These results indicated that the oxalate secreted from the root apex helps to exclude Cd from entering tomato roots, thus contributes to Cd resistance in the Cd‐resistant tomato cultivar.
Perforin‐Mediated Cytotoxicity in non‐ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Laskarin G. , Persic V. , Ruzic A. , Miletic B. , Rakic M. , Samsa D. Travica , Raljevic D. , Pejcinovic V. Pehar , Miskulin R. , Rukavina D. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe aim of this investigation was to examine the role of perforin (P)‐mediated cytotoxicity in the dynamics of tissue damage in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) treated with anti‐ischaemic drugs. We enrolled 48 patients with NSTEMI in this study [age, 71.5 years; 61.5/76 (median, 25th/75th percentiles)]. The percentage of total peripheral blood P+ lymphocytes was elevated owing to the increased frequency of P+ cells within natural killer (NK) subsets, T and NKT cells in patients on day 1 after NSTEMI when compared with healthy controls. Positive correlations were found between cardiac troponin I plasma concentrations and the frequency of P+ cells, P+ T cells, P+ NK cells and their CD56+dim and CD56+bright subsets during the first week after the NSTEMI. The expression of P in NK cells was accompanied by P‐mediated cytotoxicity against K‐562 targets at all days examined, except day 21, when an anti‐perforin monoclonal antibody did not completely abolish the killing. The percentage of P+ T cells, P+ NKT cells and P+ NK subsets was the highest on the day 1 after NSTEMI and decreased in the post‐infarction period. CD56+ lymphocytes were found in damaged myocardium, suggesting their tissue recruitment. In conclusion, patients with NSTEMI have a strong and prolonged P‐mediated systemic inflammatory reaction, which may sustain autoaggressive reactions towards myocardial tissue during the development of myocardial infarction.
Gene Interaction Network Regulates Plasma Cell Differentiation
Authors: Alinikula J. , Lassila O. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEffective humoral immunity depends on B cells, plasma cells and follicular helper T cells (TFH) and secreted high‐affinity antibodies. The differentiation of mature B cell into plasma cells is ultimately hardwired in a regulatory network of transcription factors. This circuitry is responding to extracellular stimuli, which leads to production of higher‐affinity antibodies after germinal centre (GC) reaction. The understanding of the transcriptional regulation of GCs and the initiation of plasma cell differentiation is becoming increasingly clear. It is evident that transcriptional repressor Blimp‐1 can drive the plasma cell differentiation, but the initiation of plasma cell differentiation in GCs is likely coupled to the loss of B cell characteristics maintained by transcription factors Pax5 and Bcl6.
Molecular Mechanism of Immunoglobulin V‐Region Diversification Regulated by Transcription and RNA Metabolism in Antigen‐Driven B Cells
Authors: Sakaguchi N. , Maeda K. , Kuwahara K. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe immune system produces specific antibodies (Ab) against any antigens (Ag) of exogenous and endogenous origins with a diverse repertoire of V‐region specificities. The primary V‐region repertoire is created by the rearrangement of immunoglobulin (Ig) V‐region, D‐ and J‐segments with the insertion of N‐ and P‐sequences during early B cell differentiation. Recent studies revealed that secondary diversification of the IgV‐region generated in the peripheral lymphoid organs plays a critical role in the generation of effective Ab production for protection from various pathogens. Naïve B cells that react with Ags initiate proliferation and differentiation in the follicular region and create the germinal centres (GCs), where activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID)‐dependent IgV‐region somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class‐switch recombination generate high‐affinity and class‐switched mature Ag‐specific B cells. Our studies have discovered a 210‐kDa nuclear protein, named GC‐associated nuclear protein (GANP) that is up‐regulated in GC B cells during the T cell–dependent (TD) immune responses. By studying mice with mutant forms of the ganp gene, we demonstrated that GANP is essential for the generation of high‐affinity B cells against TD‐Ag by affecting SHM at the IgV‐regions. GANP is associated with AID in the cytoplasm and the GANP/AID complex is recruited to the nucleus, specifically, the chromatin, and targeted selectively to the IgV‐region gene in B cells. GANP augments the access of AID towards IgV‐regions in B cells. Here, we review the role of GANP in acquired immunity through the detailed analysis of the molecular mechanism generating SHM specifically at IgV‐regions in B cells.
Early protective and risk factors for allergic rhinitis at age 4½ yr
Authors: Alm Bernt , Goksör Emma , Thengilsdottir Hrefna , Pettersson Rolf , Möllborg Per , Norvenius Gunnar , Erdes Laslo , Åberg Nils , Wennergren Göran 
Published: March 2011

To cite this article: Alm B, Goksör E, Thengilsdottir H, Pettersson R, Möllborg P, Norvenius G, Erdes L, Åberg N, Wennergren G. Early protective and risk factors for allergic rhinitis at age 4½ years. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 398–404.AbstractAllergic heredity plays a major role in the development of allergic rhinitis. In addition the introduction of food may influence the risk of subsequent allergic disease. The aim of this study was to analyse early risk factors and protective factors for allergic rhinitis at preschool age. Data were obtained from a prospective, longitudinal study of a cohort of children born in the region of western Sweden in 2003 and 8,176 families (50% of the birth cohort) were randomly selected. The parents answered questionnaires at 6 and 12 months and at 4½ yr of age. The response rate at 4½ yr was 4,496, i.e. 83% of the 5,398 questionnaires distributed at 4½ yr. At 4½ yr of age, 5.5% reported symptoms of allergic rhinitis during the last year. In the multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for allergic rhinitis were: allergic sensitisation to food allergens at 4½ yr (OR 10.21; 95% confidence interval 4.22–24.73), recurrent wheeze at 4½ yr (3.33; 1.56–7.10), doctor‐diagnosed eczema at 4½ yr (2.72; 1.62–4.55), parental rhinitis (2.21; 1.39–3.53), eczema first year (1.97; 1.19–3.26) and male gender (1.82; 1.13–2.94). The risk was reduced with fish introduction before 9 months (0.49; 0.29–0.82). In conclusion, we found that previous and present allergic disease, heredity and male gender increased the risk of allergic rhinitis at 4½ yr of age. The introduction of fish before the age of 9 months reduced the risk.
Effects of Complement Component 3 Derivatives on Pig Oocyte Maturation, Fertilization and Early Embryo Development In Vitro
Authors: Georgiou AS , Gil MA , Almiñana C , Cuello C , Vazquez JM , Roca J , Martinez EA , Fazeli A 
Published: March 2011

ContentComplement component 3 (C3) has well‐established roles within immune system, but its roles outside of immune system are less characterized. The extensive presence of C3 throughout the female reproductive tract, and its temporal, and gamete‐specific regulation of expression suggest a potential role for C3 in reproduction. In the present investigation, the effects of C3, C3b and iC3b on porcine oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryonic development were examined. We identified the ability of iC3b to positively influence oocyte maturation. No effects on fertilization efficiency, penetration rates, polyspermy and blastocyst formation were observed. However, C3, C3b and iC3b presence in embryo culture medium resulted in fewer total cells in test blastocysts compared to control blastocysts. The results of this study indicate a potential function for iC3b in oocyte maturation. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the presence of either C3, C3b or iC3b has a negative influence on early embryonic development in the porcine species.
Allitridi inhibits transient outward potassium currents in human atrial myocytes
Authors: Deng Chun‐Yu , Rao Fang , Kuang Su‐Juan , Wu Shu‐Lin , Shan Zhi‐Xin , Li Xiao‐Hong , Zhou Zhi‐Ling , Lin Qiu‐Xiong , Liu Xiao‐Ying , Yang Min , Lin Shu‐Guang , Yu Xi‐Yong 
Published: March 2011

Summary1. It has been reported that allitridi, an active compound extracted from garlic, has many cardiovascular effects. However, it remains unknown whether allitridi affects major repolarization currents, such as the transient outward K+ current (Ito), ultrarapid delayed rectifier K+ current (IKur) and the L‐type Ca2+current (ICa), in human atrial myocytes.2. In the present study, we investigated the effects of allitridi on Ito, IKur, ICa and the action potential in human isolated atrial myocytes using the whole‐cell patch recording technique.3. Allitridi reversibly inhibited Ito, but not IKur and ICa, in human atrial myocytes. These effects of allitridi on Ito were concentration dependent (IC50 = 44.9 μmol/L). Inactivation of Ito was accelerated and the voltage‐dependent inactivation potential was shifted towards the negative direction. Allitridi (30 μmol/L) significantly prolonged action potential duration in human atrial myocytes.4. The results of the present study indicate that allitridi inhibits Ito, but not IKur and ICa, and prolongs the action potential duration in human atrial myocytes.
Use of Chinese medicine among prostate cancer patients in Taiwan: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lin Yi‐Hsien , Chen Kuang‐Kuo , Chiu Jen‐Hwey 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe National Health Insurance (NHI) covers Western medicine and Chinese medicine (CM) in Taiwan. The present study aimed to investigate the trends and characteristics of CM use among prostate cancer patients before and after diagnosis. A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was carried out using the NHI research database. The present study cohort consisted of 4720 prostate cancer patients diagnosed in 2004. Claims of CM services of these patients between 2003 and 2008 were analyzed. The prevalence of CM use of this cohort was 25.8%, 26.8%, 23.6%, 22.4%, 22.0% and 21.1% in 2003–2008, respectively. Overall, 52.6% of this cohort had ever used CM. In the first year of diagnosis, there was the greatest increase of new CM users (12.1%). The total number of CM users and visits reached the peak in 2004 and decreased in the subsequent years (2005–2008). The average number of CM visits per user was 6.7, 6.7, 7.0, 7.1, 7.3 and 7.2 in 2003–2008, respectively. The most frequently recorded principal diagnosis of CM visits was musculoskeletal diseases (21.4%), symptoms/signs (17.6%) and neoplasms (11.7%). Chinese herbal medicine (75.1%) was the most commonly used, followed by acupuncture/traumatological manipulative therapies (29.7%). Patients using CM before diagnosis tended to be CM users after diagnosis. The increase of CM use over the first year of prostate cancer diagnosis can be primarily attributed to an increase of new CM users, rather than of CM visits per users.
Transverse testicular ectopia with splenogonadal fusion: A case report
Authors: Hasegawa Yuichi , Kanemitsu Izumi , Ueoka Katsuhiko 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBoth transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) and splenogonadal fusion (SGF) are rare congenital abnormalities. We report a case with both TTE and SGF, simultaneously. As far as we know, this is the first reported case. In order to identify a case of TTE or SGF, it is necessary to consider that the testes and ectopic spleens have similar patterns on ultrasonograph and magnetic resonance imaging.
Mental health nursing education in preregistration nursing curricula: A national report
Authors: Moxham Lorna , McCann Terence , Usher Kim , Farrell Gerry , Crookes Patrick 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThe Australian Mental Health Nurse Education Taskforce conducted a national examination of mental health content of preregistration nursing curricula in order to develop a framework for including mental health in future curricula. This paper presents the qualitative findings from national consultations about the framework. Content analysis of data was undertaken, and the findings show four key themes. First, the mental health content of curricula should be increased; second, overall mental health nursing leadership should be strengthened; third, mental health consumer participation should be increased in all aspects of curricula; and finally, a repository should be established for mental health teaching resources.
Continuous moderate‐intensity exercise with or without intermittent high‐intensity work: effects on acute and late glycaemia in athletes with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Iscoe K. E. , Riddell M. C. 
Published: March 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 824–832 (2011)AbstractAims  Individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus are susceptible to hypoglycaemia during and after continuous moderate‐intensity exercise, but hyperglycaemia during intermittent high‐intensity exercise. The combination of both forms of exercise may have a moderating effect on glycaemia in recovery. The aims of this study were to compare the physiological responses and associated glycaemic changes to continuous moderate‐intensity exercise vs. continuous moderate‐intensity exercise + intermittent high‐intensity exercise in athletes with Type 1 diabetes.Methods  Interstitial glucose levels were measured in a blinded fashion in 11 trained athletes with Type 1 diabetes during two sedentary days and during 2 days in which 45 min of afternoon continuous moderate‐intensity exercise occurred either with or without intermittent high‐intensity exercise. The total amount of work performed and the duration of exercise was identical between sessions.Results  During exercise, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, oxygen utilization, ventilation and blood lactate levels were higher during continuous moderate‐intensity + intermittent high‐intensity exercise vs. continuous moderate‐intensity exercise (all P < 0.05). Despite these marked cardiorespiratory differences between trials, there was no difference in the reduction of interstitial glucose or plasma glucose levels between the exercise trials. Nocturnal glucose levels were higher in continuous moderate‐intensity + intermittent high‐intensity exercise and in sedentary vs. continuous moderate‐intensity exercise (P < 0.05). Compared with continuous moderate‐intensity exercise alone, continuous moderate‐intensity + intermittent high‐intensity exercise was associated with less post‐exercise hypoglycaemia (5.2 vs. 1.5% of the time spent with glucose < 4.0 mmol/l) and more post‐exercise hyperglycaemia (33.8 vs. 20.4% of time > 11.0 mmol/l).Conclusions  Although the decreases in glucose level during continuous moderate‐intensity exercise and continuous moderate‐intensity + intermittent high‐intensity exercise are similar, the latter form of exercise protects against nocturnal hypoglycaemia in athletes with Type 1 diabetes.