bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probing the mechanisms of low immunogenicity of a lipocalin allergen, Bos d 2, in a mouse model
Authors: Immonen A. , Saarelainen S. , Rautiainen J. , Rytkönen‐Nissinen M. , Kinnunen T. , Mäntyjärvi R. , Virtanen T. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryBackground Bos d 2, a major bovine allergen of the lipocalin family, stimulates very weakly cow dust‐asthmatic subjects' peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the spleen cells of several inbred mouse strains immunized with the allergen.Objective To identify the immune mechanisms accounting for the weak stimulatory capacity of Bos d 2.Methods The spleen cell responses of BALB/c mice immunized with the allergen and with hen egg lysozyme and tetanus toxoid as control antigens were examined using several in vitro methods.Results Analysis of the numbers of spleen cells in the antigen‐stimulated in vitro cultures with the vital dye 7‐amino‐actinomycin D showed that Bos d 2 induced a smaller expansion of cells in comparison with the control antigens. Increased cell death in vitro did not account for the weak response against Bos d 2. The number of spleen cells reacting against Bos d 2 also proved to be the lowest when they were analysed by labelling the stimulated cells with 5‐6‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester or by enumerating cytokine‐secreting cells by ELISPOT. Eliminating CD8+ cells in the in vitro culture did not enhance the response against Bos d 2. Bos d 2 was also the weakest of the antigens to stimulate the production of soluble cytokines. Adding IL‐2, IL‐4 or antibody against TGF‐β in the antigen‐stimulated spleen cell cultures enhanced the proliferative responses against all the antigens, whereas adding IL‐12 or antibody against IL‐4 or IL‐10 did not enhance the responses.Conclusion The results exclude several mechanisms of peripheral tolerance as an explanation for the poor immune response against Bos d 2, and suggest that the allergen is recognized by a low number of specific T cells. The weak immunogenicity of Bos d 2 may be related to its allergenicity.
Prolonged recurrence-free survival following OK432-stimulated dendritic cell transfer into hepatocellular carcinoma during transarterial embolization
Authors: Nakamoto Y , Mizukoshi E , Kitahara M , Arihara F , Sakai Y , Kakinoki K , Fujita Y , Marukawa Y , Arai K , Yamashita T , Mukaida N , Matsushima K , Matsui O , Kaneko S 
Published: November 2010

SummaryDespite curative locoregional treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), tumour recurrence rates remain high. The current study was designed to assess the safety and bioactivity of infusion of dendritic cells (DCs) stimulated with OK432, a streptococcus-derived anti-cancer immunotherapeutic agent, into tumour tissues following transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization (TAE) treatment in patients with HCC. DCs were derived from peripheral blood monocytes of patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis and HCC in the presence of interleukin (IL)-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and stimulated with 0·1 KE/ml OK432 for 2 days. Thirteen patients were administered with 5 × 106 of DCs through arterial catheter during the procedures of TAE treatment on day 7. The immunomodulatory effects and clinical responses were evaluated in comparison with a group of 22 historical controls treated with TAE but without DC transfer. OK432 stimulation of immature DCs promoted their maturation towards cells with activated phenotypes, high expression of a homing receptor, fairly well-preserved phagocytic capacity, greatly enhanced cytokine production and effective tumoricidal activity. Administration of OK432-stimulated DCs to patients was found to be feasible and safe. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed prolonged recurrence-free survival of patients treated in this manner compared with the historical controls (P = 0·046, log-rank test). The bioactivity of the transferred DCs was reflected in higher serum concentrations of the cytokines IL-9, IL-15 and tumour necrosis factor-α and the chemokines CCL4 and CCL11. Collectively, this study suggests that a DC-based, active immunotherapeutic strategy in combination with locoregional treatments exerts beneficial anti-tumour effects against liver cancer.
The resource availability hypothesis revisited: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Endara María‐José , Coley Phyllis D. 
Published: November 2010

Summary1. Several theories have provided a framework for understanding variation in plant defence against herbivores. Among them, the plant apparency theory and the resource availability hypothesis (RAH) have aimed to explain the patterns of defence investment and the selective pressures that have led to the variety of defensive strategies across species. Here we provide a historical review of both theories, present evidence that shaped their development and contrast their predictions.2. We present the results of a meta‐analysis of the utility of the RAH 25 years after it was proposed and compare it to apparency theory. We performed a meta‐analysis of 50 studies that have examined plant growth, defences and herbivory in relation to resource availability across latitude and ontogeny. Specifically, we tested four predictions that follow the RAH: (i) species adapted to resource‐rich environments have intrinsically faster growth rates than species adapted to resource‐poor environments; (ii) fast‐growing species have shorter leaf lifetimes than slow‐growing species; (iii) fast‐growing species have lower amounts of constitutive defences than slow‐growing species; and (iv) fast‐growing species support higher herbivory rates than slow‐growing species.3. Our results confirm the predictions that species adapted to resource‐poor environments grow inherently more slowly, invest more in constitutive defences and support lower herbivory than species from more productive habitats. Our data also showed that variation in growth rate among species better explains the differences in herbivory than variation in apparency, suggesting that the evolution of different defensive strategies across species is resource, rather than herbivore driven. We also found that the application of this theory appears robust across latitude and ontogeny, as the magnitude of the effect sizes for most of the predictions did not vary significantly between ecosystems or across ontogenic stages.4. We conclude that the RAH has served as a valid framework for investigating the patterns of plant defences and that its applicability is quite general.
Predicting root defence against herbivores during succession
Authors: Rasmann Sergio , Bauerle Taryn L. , Poveda Katja , Vannette Rachel 
Published: November 2010

Summary 1. Root herbivores and pathogens interfere with basic below‐ground plant function, and can thereby affect plant fitness and spatial and temporal patterns in natural plant communities. However, there has been little development of concepts and theories on below‐ground plant defence, a deficit that is in contrast to the abundance of theorizing for above‐ground plant parts. 2. A review of the past 10 years of research on below‐ground plant–herbivore interactions has revealed that, similar to above‐ground tissues, root defences can be expressed constitutively or induced upon herbivore attack, and can be classified into direct and indirect traits, tolerance, and escape. Indeed, it has been shown that roots tolerate herbivory by outgrowing or re‐growing lost tissues, or resist it by producing secondary metabolites that are toxic to herbivores or attract natural enemies of herbivores. 3. We propose that, similar to above‐ground plant–herbivore theories, the partition of abiotic and biotic factors over ecological succession can serve as the basis for predicting investment in defence strategies below‐ground. 4. Investigation of herbivore pressure and root responses along primary and secondary successional gradients suggests that: (i) roots are often fast growing, thinner and softer in early compared to later succession. (ii) Insect and nematode herbivore pressure increases until mid‐succession and later decreases. (iii) Mycorrhizal abundance increases with succession, and the composition of fungal species changes through succession, often shifting from arbuscular mycorrhizae to ecto‐mycorrhizae. 5. Based on these findings, and on classical (above‐ground) plant defence theory, we suggest the following set of testable hypotheses for below‐ground plant defence: (i) During succession, early plants invest most of their resources in growth and less in defences (associated with a general lack of herbivores and pathogens, and with limited availability of resources in the system), therefore relying more on re‐growth (tolerance) strategies. (ii) During mid‐succession, a buildup of herbivore pressure facilitates replacement by plant species that exhibit greater direct and indirect defence strategies. (iii) Constitutive and inducible levels of defences may trade‐off, and early successional plants should rely more on induction of defences after herbivore attack, whereas late successional plants will increasingly rely on constitutively produced levels of physical and chemical defence. (iv) Successional changes in microbial associations have consequences for root defence by improving plant nutrition and defence expression as well as directly competing for root space; however, toxic or impenetrable root defences may also limit association with root symbionts, and so may constrain the expression of root defence.
Peer interaction: the experience of distance students at university level
Authors: Ferguson R. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis study investigates how university students on distance learning courses experience interaction with their peers. Students on two distance learning courses at The Open University (UK) were interviewed, to investigate learners' experience of interaction on these courses. The analysis, using a grounded‐theory approach, reveals disparities between course designers' and students' reasons for integrating computer‐mediated interaction within the courses. It draws attention to the significant affective challenges that online students face when working together, and demonstrates a need to pay attention to their problems with self‐presentation. The study also reinforces the socio‐cultural view that it is important to consider the various contexts in which online learning takes place. Distance students have opportunities to structure their own learning contexts, and this allows them to source face‐to‐face learning interaction and other forms of support as they engage with individuals in their everyday environment.
Evaluation of nurse‐led discharge following laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Graham Lisa , Neal Christopher P. , Garcea Giuseppe , Lloyd David M. , Robertson Gavin S. , Sutton Christopher D. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIntroduction  The United Kingdom's Department of Health has identified reducing delays in patient discharge as a key aim for Health Service development. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair may be safely performed on a short stay basis, but day case rates remain low, with delays in discharge identified as a major contributing factor. Nurse‐led discharge has been widely advocated to speed patient discharge across varied specialities, but objective evidence to support its use is lacking. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of nurse‐led discharge following laparoscopic surgery.Methods  A retrospective comparison of doctor‐led and nurse‐led discharge following laparoscopic surgery was performed by analysis of two consecutive 4‐month periods, prior to and following the introduction of nurse‐led discharge by a laparoscopic nurse specialist. Outcomes assessed included time to discharge, reasons for delayed discharge, hospital readmissions and primary care episodes following discharge.Results  A total of 128 patients were included in the study, with each discharge group containing 64 patients. Patients in the nurse‐led discharge group were significantly more likely to be discharged on the day of surgery than patients in the doctor‐led discharge group (17.2% vs. 4.7%; P = 0.023), with a highly significant difference in same day discharge rates noted among patients operated on during morning theatre lists (44.0% vs. 10.7%; P = 0.006). There was no significant difference between the discharge groups in readmission rates or in the number of patients seeking primary care attention following discharge.Conclusions  Nurse‐led discharge may speed discharge following laparoscopic surgery with no apparent detriment to patient care.
Lr34 multi‐pathogen resistance ABC transporter: molecular analysis of homoeologous and orthologous genes in hexaploid wheat and other grass species
Authors: Krattinger Simon G. , Lagudah Evans S. , Wicker Thomas , Risk Joanna M. , Ashton Anthony R. , Selter Liselotte L. , Matsumoto Takashi , Keller Beat 
Published: November 2010

SummaryThe Triticum aestivum (bread wheat) disease resistance gene Lr34 confers durable, race non‐specific protection against three fungal pathogens, and has been a highly relevant gene for wheat breeding since the green revolution. Lr34, located on chromosome 7D, encodes an ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter. Both wheat cultivars with and without Lr34‐based resistance encode a putatively functional protein that differ by only two amino acid polymorphisms. In this study, we focused on the identification and characterization of homoeologous and orthologous Lr34 genes in hexaploid wheat and other grasses. In hexaploid wheat we found an expressed and putatively functional Lr34 homoeolog located on chromosome 4A, designated Lr34‐B. Another homoeologous Lr34 copy, located on chromosome 7A, was disrupted by the insertion of repetitive elements. Protein sequences of LR34‐B and LR34 were 97% identical. Orthologous Lr34 genes were detected in the genomes of Oryza sativa (rice) and Sorghum bicolor (sorghum). Zea mays (maize), Brachypodium distachyon and Hordeum vulgare (barley) lacked Lr34 orthologs, indicating independent deletion of this particular ABC transporter. Lr34 was part of a gene‐rich island on the wheat D genome. We found gene colinearity on the homoeologous A and B genomes of hexaploid wheat, but little microcolinearity in other grasses. The homoeologous LR34‐B protein and the orthologs from rice and sorghum have the susceptible haplotype for the two critical polymorphisms distinguishing the LR34 proteins from susceptible and resistant wheat cultivars. We conclude that the particular Lr34‐haplotype found in resistant wheat cultivars is unique. It probably resulted from functional gene diversification that occurred after the polyploidization event that was at the origin of cultivated bread wheat.
Male attractiveness, fertility and susceptibility to oxidative stress are influenced by inbreeding in Drosophila simulans
Authors: OKADA K. , BLOUNT J. D. , SHARMA M. D. , SNOOK R. R. , HOSKEN D. J. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractInbreeding frequently leads to inbreeding depression, a reduction in the trait values of inbred individuals. Inbreeding depression has been documented in sexually selected characters in several taxa, and while there is correlational evidence that male fertility is especially susceptible to inbreeding depression, there have been few direct experimental examinations of this. Here, we assessed inbreeding depression in male fertility and a range of other male fitness correlates in Drosophila simulans. We found that male fertility and attractiveness were especially susceptible to inbreeding depression. Additionally, levels of testicular oxidative stress were significantly elevated in inbred males, although sperm viability did not differ between inbred and outbred males. Copulation duration, induction of oviposition, and the proportion of eggs hatching did not differ for females mated to inbred or outbred males. Nevertheless, our results clearly show that key male fitness components are impaired by inbreeding and provide evidence that aspects of male fertility are especially susceptible to inbreeding depression.
A geographic mosaic of trophic interactions and selection: trees, aphids and birds
Authors: SMITH D. S. , BAILEY J. K. , SHUSTER S. M. , WHITHAM T. G. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractGenetic variation in plants is known to influence arthropod assemblages and species interactions. However, these influences may be contingent upon local environmental conditions. Here, we examine how plant genotype‐based trophic interactions and patterns of natural selection change across environments. Studying the cottonwood tree, Populus angustifolia, the galling aphid, Pemphigus betae and its avian predators, we used three common gardens across an environmental gradient to examine the effects of plant genotype on gall abundance, gall size, aphid fecundity and predation rate on galls. Three patterns emerged: (i) plant genotype explained variation in gall abundance and predation, (ii) G×E explained variation in aphid fecundity, and environment explained variation in gall abundance and gall size, (iii) natural selection on gall size changed from directional to stabilizing across environments.
An insight into functional genomics of transgenic lines of tomato cv Rio Grande harbouring yeast halotolerance genes
Authors: Safdar N. , Yasmeen A. , Mirza B. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractTomato cv Rio Grande plants were transformed with yeast halotolerance genes (HAL I or HAL II) using pPM7HAL I or pJRM16HAL II, with p35GUSINT as control. Transformation efficiency varied in the three constructs, with highest transformation found with p35GUSINT. Final selection of the transgenic plants was made on the basis of PCR. Transgene integration and copy number were assessed by Southern hybridisation. The primary transformants were allowed to self‐pollinate and the expected Mendelian ratios were studied in second‐generation progeny. Five independent homozygous lines each of HAL I and HAL II, as well as the control, were characterised to study inter‐transformant expression variability. The transformants showed considerable variability in expression of the respective genes, as shown by salt tolerance assays, chlorophyll content and peroxidase activity. The transgene expression in transgenic lines was analysed by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR. In response to different salt concentrations, transgenic plants over‐expressing HAL I and HAL II had significantly (α = 0.05) better performance than the control This study presents the comparative responses of the three constructs under the same transformation conditions and suggests possible mechanisms governed by yeast HAL I and HAL II genes, which seem to work in a coordinated manner by relatively decreasing osmotic and oxidative shock at different rates. Our results suggest that the yeast HAL I increases K+/Na+ selectivity and has a more functional role than HAL II in improving salt tolerance of the tomato cv Rio Grande grown in Pakistan.
Phylogenetic relationships of the Neotropical spider genus Itatiaya (Araneae)
Authors: Polotow Daniele , Brescovit Antonio D. 
Published: November 2010

Polotow, D. & Brescovit, A. D. (2010). Phylogenetic relationships of the Neotropical spider genus Itatiaya (Araneae). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 187–193.A cladistic analysis using parsimony under equal weights is applied to test the phylogenetic relationships of Itatiaya Mello‐Leitão, previously described in Ctenidae. The data matrix comprised 25 taxa scored for a total of 47 characters. The cladistic analysis yielded two equally parsimonious trees of 124 steps. The consensus of the two most parsimonious trees is used to discuss the phylogenetic relationships and justify taxonomic modifications. The results indicate that this genus is a representative of Zoropsidae, which is newly recorded from the Neotropical region. The monophyly of Itatiaya is supported by three non‐ambiguous synapomorphies and three homoplastic synapomorphies. A new diagnosis is provided for Itatiaya. Itatiaya pucupucu is placed as sister species to the remaining species of the genus. A polytomic clade composed of Itatiaya modesta, Itatiaya iuba, Itatiaya apipema and the clade formed by Itatiaya tacamby + Itatiaya pykyyra is supported by the presence of modified cylindrical gland spigots. Additionally, the male of I. pykyyra Polotow & Brescovit is described for the first time.
Molecular phylogeny of African hinged and helmeted terrapins (Testudines: Pelomedusidae: Pelusios and Pelomedusa)
Authors: Fritz Uwe , Branch William R. , Hofmeyr Margaretha D. , Maran Jérôme , Prokop Hynek , Schleicher Alfred , Š iroký Pavel , Stuckas Heiko , Vargas‐Ramírez Mario , Vences Miguel , Hundsdörfer Anna K. 
Published: November 2010

Fritz, U., Branch, W. R., Hofmeyr, M. D., Maran, J., Prokop, H., Schleicher, A., Široký, P., Stuckas, H., Vargas‐Ramírez, M., Vences, M. & Hundsdörfer, A. K. (2010). Molecular phylogeny of African hinged and helmeted terrapins (Testudines: Pelomedusidae: Pelusios and Pelomedusa). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 115–125.With 18 currently recognised species, Pelusios is one of the most speciose chelonian genera worldwide, even though the taxonomy of some species is contentious. Recent investigations suggested that the closely related, but morphologically distinct genus Pelomedusa is paraphyletic with respect to Pelusios, and that Pelomedusa consists of nine deeply divergent lineages. Using three mitochondrial and three nuclear DNA fragments (2054 bp mtDNA, 2025 bp nDNA), we examined for the first time the phylogeny of Pelusios by molecular means. Our analyses included all Pelusios species, except the probably extinct P. seychellensis, as well as the nine Pelomedusa lineages. The results showed that Pelusios and Pelomedusa are reciprocally monophyletic. Limited sampling of Pelusios species and homoplasy introduced by remote outgroups most likely explain the paraphyly of Pelomedusa in previous studies. The distinctiveness of most Pelusios species was confirmed, but none of the currently recognised species groups within Pelusios was monophyletic. In Pelusios rhodesianus and P. sinuatus distinct genetic lineages were discovered, suggestive of cryptic taxa. In contrast, the recognition of the weakly differentiated P. castaneus and P. chapini as full species is doubtful, as is the validity of the Malagasy and Seychellois subspecies of P. castanoides. GenBank sequences of P. williamsi were nested within P. castaneus, but the morphological distinctiveness of the two species makes it likely that the GenBank sequences (derived from a turtle from the pet trade) are misidentified. Divergence among the distinct genetic lineages of Pelomedusa equals or exceeds the differences among Pelusios species, supporting the view that Pelomedusa is a species complex.