bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A global meta‐analysis of Tuber ITS rDNA sequences: species diversity, host associations and long‐distance dispersal
Authors: BONITO GREGORY M. , GRYGANSKYI ANDRII P. , TRAPPE JAMES M. , VILGALYS RYTAS 
Published: October 2010

AbstractTruffles (Tuber) are ectomycorrhizal fungi characterized by hypogeous fruitbodies. Their biodiversity, host associations and geographical distributions are not well documented. ITS rDNA sequences of Tuber are commonly recovered from molecular surveys of fungal communities, but most remain insufficiently identified making it difficult to determine whether these sequences represent conspecific or novel taxa. In this meta‐analysis, over 2000 insufficiently identified Tuber sequences from 76 independent studies were analysed within a phylogenetic framework. Species ranges, host associates, geographical distributions and intra‐ and interspecific ITS variability were assessed. Over 99% of the insufficiently identified Tuber sequences grouped within clades composed of species with little culinary value (Maculatum, Puberulum and Rufum). Sixty‐four novel phylotypes were distinguished including 36 known only from ectomycorrhizae or soil. Most species of Tuber showed 1‐3% intraspecific ITS variability and >4% interspecific ITS sequence variation. We found 123 distinct phylotypes based on 96% ITS sequence similarity and estimated that Tuber contains a minimum of 180 species. Based on this meta‐analysis, species in Excavatum, Maculatum and Rufum clades exhibit preference for angiosperm hosts, whereas those in the Gibbosum clade are preferential towards gymnosperms. Sixteen Tuber species (>13% of the known diversity) have putatively been introduced to continents or islands outside their native range.
The Shigella T3SS needle transmits a signal for MxiC release, which controls secretion of effectors
Authors: Martinez‐Argudo Isabel , Blocker Ariel J. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryType III secretion systems (T3SSs) are key determinants of virulence in many Gram‐negative bacteria, including animal and plant pathogens. They inject ‘effector’ proteins through a ‘needle’ protruding from the bacterial surface directly into eukaryotic cells after assembly of a ‘translocator’ pore in the host plasma membrane. Secretion is a tightly regulated process, which is blocked until physical contact with a host cell takes place. Host cell sensing occurs through a distal needle ‘tip complex’ and translocators are secreted before effectors. MxiC, a Shigella T3SS substrate, prevents premature effector secretion. Here, we examine how the different parts of T3SSs work together to allow orderly secretion. We show that T3SS assembly and needle tip composition are not altered in an mxiC mutant. We find that MxiC not only represses effector secretion but that it is also required for translocator release. We provide genetic evidence that MxiC acts downstream of the tip complex and then the needle during secretion activation. Finally, we show that the needle controls MxiC release. Therefore, for the first time, our data allow us to propose a model of secretion activation that goes from the tip complex to cytoplasmic MxiC via the needle.
Modulating cellular recombination potential through alterations in RecA structure and regulation
Authors: Bakhlanova Irina V. , Dudkina Alexandra V. , Baitin Dima M. , Knight Kendall L. , Cox Michael M. , Lanzov Vladislav A. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryThe wild‐type Escherichia coli RecA protein is a recombinase platform with unrealized recombination potential. We have explored the factors affecting recombination during conjugation with a quantitative assay. Regulatory proteins that affect RecA function have the capacity to increase or decrease recombination frequencies by factors up to sixfold. Autoinhibition by the RecA C‐terminus can affect recombination frequency by factors up to fourfold. The greatest changes in recombination frequency measured here are brought about by point mutations in the recA gene. RecA variants can increase recombination frequencies by more than 50‐fold. The RecA protein thus possesses an inherently broad functional range. The RecA protein of E. coli (EcRecA) is not optimized for recombination function. Instead, much of the recombination potential of EcRecA is structurally suppressed, probably reflecting cellular requirements. One point mutation in EcRecA with a particularly dramatic effect on recombination frequency, D112R, exhibits an enhanced capacity to load onto SSB‐coated ssDNA, overcome the effects of regulatory proteins such as PsiB and RecX, and to pair homologous DNAs. Comparisons of key RecA protein mutants reveal two components to RecA recombination function – filament formation and the inherent DNA pairing activity of the formed filaments.
Ecological differentiation in xylem cavitation resistance is associated with stem and leaf structural traits
Authors: MARKESTEIJN LARS , POORTER LOURENS , PAZ HORACIO , SACK LAWREN , BONGERS FRANS 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTCavitation resistance is a critical determinant of drought tolerance in tropical tree species, but little is known of its association with life history strategies, particularly for seasonal dry forests, a system critically driven by variation in water availability. We analysed vulnerability curves for saplings of 13 tropical dry forest tree species differing in life history and leaf phenology. We examined how vulnerability to cavitation (P50) related to dry season leaf water potentials and stem and leaf traits. P50‐values ranged from −0.8 to −6.2 MPa, with pioneers on average 38% more vulnerable to cavitation than shade‐tolerants. Vulnerability to cavitation was related to structural traits conferring tissue stress vulnerability, being negatively correlated with wood density, and surprisingly maximum vessel length. Vulnerability to cavitation was negatively related to the Huber‐value and leaf dry matter content, and positively with leaf size. It was not related to SLA. We found a strong trade‐off between cavitation resistance and hydraulic efficiency. Most species in the field were operating at leaf water potentials well above their P50, but pioneers and deciduous species had smaller hydraulic safety margins than shade‐tolerants and evergreens. A trade‐off between hydraulic safety and efficiency underlies ecological differentiation across these tropical dry forest tree species.
CD4+/CD25+ Cells in Systemic Inflammation in COPD
Authors: Domagała‐Kulawik J. , Hoser G. , Dąbrowska M. , Safianowska A. , Chazan R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe autoimmune reaction is recently suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). As COPD is a systemic disease, the elements of an autoimmune response in circulatory system is of interest. It has been shown that regulatory T cells are important in the control of autoimmunity. There are some data on a role of adiponectin in the regulation of immune reactions. The objective of this study was to assess the elements of autoimmune reaction in the peripheral blood (PB) of patients with COPD. Twenty‐eight patients with mild/moderate COPD and 20 healthy volunteers were investigated. Flow cytometry method with mixtures of monoclonal antibodies anti: CD14/CD45, CD3/CD19, CD4/CD25/CTLA4 and CD8/CD25 were used. Concentration of adiponectin was measured using ELISA method. We observed significantly lower proportion of CD4+/CD25+ as well as CD4+/CD25+ high cells in COPD patients than in healthy controls (15.3 versus 17.8% and 0.79 versus 1.54%, respectively, P < 0.05). The proportion of CTLA4+ cells in CD25+ cells and the mean fluorescence of CTLA4 on CD4+ cells were higher in patients than in healthy controls (10.4 versus 4.7%, P < 0.05, 189% versus 149%, non significant, respectively). We found significantly elevated concentration of adiponectin in patients when compared to healthy subjects (15.4 versus 8.5 μl/ml, P < 0.05). We found that the adiponectin/BMI ratio correlated with the decrease of FEV1%. The results of this study support the possible role of CD4/CD25/CTLA4 cells and adiponectin in the systemic inflammation in COPD.
Phenotypic Diversity of Peripheral Blood Plasma Cells in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Szyszko E. A. , Brun J. G. , Skarstein K. , Peck A. B. , Jonsson R. , Brokstad K. A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractProduction of autoantibodies is one of the main features of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Long‐lived plasma cells (PC) can produce autoantibodies for prolonged period of times without being affected by immunosuppressive therapies. As of today, little is known about the long‐lived PC subset and their contribution to autoimmunity. We have characterized the phenotypic and migratory properties of peripheral blood PC isolated from pSS patients (grouped by focus score, FS) and compared them to PC from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and normal non‐autoimmune subjects. We observed two populations of PC in all study groups, CD19+ PC and CD19− PC. Interestingly, the CD19− PC subset was most prominent in autoimmune patients (pSS and RA) compared to normal controls. Further investigation of the PC phenotype revealed that a high percentage of both CD19+ and CD19− PC isolated from pSS and RA patients did not express the CD27 marker, which is normally highly expressed on all types of PC. Differences in the expression of markers such as IgM, IgG, CD95 and CXCR3 in the group with high FS compared to FS = 1, underscore the heterogeneity of pSS patient group and demonstrate that phenotypic pattern of circulating PC associates with the severity of inflammation in the salivary glands of these patients. Our migration experiments show that addition of CXCL12 to PC in vitro, do not alter the migration potential of PC in any group tested. However, we observed an overall higher spontaneous migration of PC from pSS compared to both RA and normal controls.
In vitro susceptibility testing of meticillin‐resistant and meticillin‐susceptible staphylococci to mupirocin and novobiocin
Authors: Fulham Kristen S. , Lemarie Stephen L. , Hosgood Giselle , Dick Hani L. N. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAntimicrobials effective against meticillin‐resistant staphylococci are limited. Mupirocin is a topical antimicrobial used to treat bacterial skin infections. Novobiocin is an oral antimicrobial approved for treatment of staphylococcal upper respiratory infections in dogs. This study reports the in vitro activity of mupirocin and novobiocin on meticillin‐susceptible (MSS) and resistant staphylococci (MRS) from healthy dogs and dogs with superficial pyoderma. Staphylococci were isolated from skin swabs at four sites on healthy dogs and from lesions on dogs with superficial pyoderma. Staphylococci were identified by morphology and by catalase and coagulase testing. Speciation and susceptibility testing were performed by the Dade Microscan (W. Sacramento, CA, USA). Meticillin resistance was confirmed by an oxacillin screen plate. Novobiocin and mupirocin susceptibilities were tested by disc diffusion. Staphylococci were cultured from 61 healthy dogs (17 MRS and 44 MSS) and 30 dogs with pyoderma (15 MRS and 15 MSS), with higher proportions of MRS isolates in dogs with pyoderma (P = 0.038; χ2 test). For mupirocin, 79.5% (35 of 44) MSS and 82.3% (14 of 17) MRS isolates from healthy dogs, and 100% (15 of 15) MSS and 86.6% (13 of 15) MRS isolates from dogs with pyoderma were susceptible (MSS, P = 0.094; MRS, P = 1.0; Fisher’s exact test). For novobiocin, 95.4% (42 of 44) MSS and 52.9% (nine of 17) MRS isolates from healthy dogs and 93.3% (14 of 15) MSS and 80% (12 of 15) MRS isolates from dogs with pyoderma were susceptible (MSS, P = 1.0; MRS, P = 0.148; Fisher’s exact test).
Kidney transplantation in the morbidly obese: complicated but still better than dialysis
Authors: Bennett William M. , McEvoy Kevin M. , Henell Karen R. , Pidikiti Sudha , Douzdjian Viken , Batiuk Thomas 
Published: October 2010

Bennett WM, McEvoy KM, Henell KR, Pidikiti S, Douzdjian V, Batiuk T. Kidney transplantation in the morbidly obese: complicated but still better than dialysis. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 401–405. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Obese patients are denied renal transplantation in many centers. We report results regarding obesity from a new transplant program (1999 through 2007). Six hundred and forty‐two patients were transplanted: 439 patients with BMI < 30 (Group 1), 109 patients with BMI 30.1‐34.9 (Group 2), and 89 patients with BMI > 35 (Group 3). Follow‐up was at least one yr. Medical and surgical management was performed by the same team throughout the study period. There were no demographic differences between groups except for increased diabetes in Groups 2 and 3. Actuarial graft and patient survivals were not statistically different between groups. Group 3 patients had numerical trends toward more delayed graft function and lower graft survivals but these did not reach statistical significance. Biopsy‐proven rejections did not differ between groups. Wound infections were statistically significant in Groups 2 and 3 compared to Group 1 (p < 0.01). Despite increased wound infection rates with increased BMI, transplanting patients with morbid obesity results in better survival for individual patients than dialysis. Thus, there is no a priori ethical reason for treating obese ESRD patients differently from those with other comorbidities.
The use of sirolimus as a rescue therapy in pediatric intestinal transplant recipients
Authors: Andres Ane M. , Lopez Santamaría Manuel , Ramos Esther , Hernandez Francisco , Prieto Gerardo , Encinas Jose , Leal Nuria , Molina Manuel , Sarría Jesús , Tovar Juan 
Published: October 2010

Andres AM, Lopez Santamaría M, Ramos E, Hernandez F, Prieto G, Encinas J, Leal N, Molina M, Sarría J, Tovar JA. The use of sirolimus as a rescue therapy in pediatric intestinal transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14: 931–935. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  To review our experience with SRL as a second‐line therapy in our series of 45 SBTx recipients (1997–2009). Retrospective review of five children converted to SRL: 3 M/2 F; median of three yr old (range 20 months–18 yr); rescue indications, adverse events with SRL, resolution of tacrolimus‐related side effects, incidence of rejection, PTLD, or GVHD were summarized. Tacrolimus was discontinued (average 13 months after transplant) because of refractory hemolytic anemia in four patients with decreased renal function and because of advanced renal failure and unclear neutropenia in one. PTLD and GVHD had been previously diagnosed in two. Tacrolimus‐related side effects disappeared in all five although other immunosuppressants and splenectomy were used simultaneously or later in most of them. Adverse events reported after the conversion were infections (tuberculosis and Pneumocystis carinii in two) and mild hypertriglyceridemia. No rejection, GVHD, or PTLD episode was observed. Four patients are alive with excellent quality of life (median follow‐up 18 months). Sirolimus is a safe rescue therapy in SBTx children when tacrolimus is not well tolerated. Renal function and hematologic disorders seem to improve, although other simultaneous strategies could be also involved. Further studies could demonstrate its efficacy as a first‐line treatment.
Uncoupling ecological innovation and speciation in sea snakes (Elapidae, Hydrophiinae, Hydrophiini)
Authors: SANDERS K. L. , MUMPUNI  , LEE M. S. Y. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe viviparous sea snakes (Hydrophiini) are by far the most successful living marine reptiles, with ∼60 species that comprise a prominent component of shallow‐water marine ecosystems throughout the Indo‐West Pacific. Phylogenetically nested within the ∼100 species of terrestrial Australo‐Melanesian elapids (Hydrophiinae), molecular timescales suggest that the Hydrophiini are also very young, perhaps only ∼8–13 Myr old. Here, we use likelihood‐based analyses of combined phylogenetic and taxonomic data for Hydrophiinae to show that the initial invasion of marine habitats was not accompanied by elevated diversification rates. Rather, a dramatic three to six‐fold increase in diversification rates occurred at least 3–5 Myr after this transition, in a single nested clade: the Hydrophis group accounts for ∼80% of species richness in Hydrophiini and ∼35% of species richness in (terrestrial and marine) Hydrophiinae. Furthermore, other co‐distributed lineages of viviparous sea snakes (and marine Laticauda, Acrochordus and homalopsid snakes) are not especially species rich. Invasion of the oceans has not (by itself) accelerated diversification in Hydrophiini; novelties characterizing the Hydrophis group alone must have contributed to its evolutionary and ecological success.
Epidemiology of high‐level parvovirus B19 viraemia among Dutch blood donors, 2003–2009
Authors: Kooistra K. , Mesman H. J. , de Waal M. , Koppelman M. H. G. M. , Zaaijer H. L. 
Published: October 2010

Background and Objectives  Plasma derivatives and blood components with low levels of parvovirus B19 (B19) seem not infectious, but recently infected, highly viraemic donors may transmit B19. We studied the incidence of high‐level B19 viraemia (B19 DNA > 106 IU/ml) in 6·5 million Dutch blood donations.Materials and Methods  Between 2003 and 2009, all Dutch blood and plasma donations were screened for the presence of B19 DNA, via pools of 480. Reactive pools were resolved and demographic parameters were obtained for all donors with B19 viraemia > 106 IU/ml. In a subset, IgG and IgM antibodies to B19 were determined.Results  Four hundred and eleven donations (1/15815) were identified with B19 DNA levels above 106 IU/ml, predominantly (83%) occurring in donors aged 18–47 years. Each year infection rates were elevated between December and July, with April accounting for 16% of infections. The years 2004 and 2009 were epidemic, with up to 1/4880 highly viraemic donations in May 2004. In a subset of 67 viraemic donations, 47/67 (70%) tested negative for IgG and IgM antibodies to B19; 16/67 (24%) showed isolated IgM and 4/67 (6%) contained IgG and IgM antibodies. The seasonal pattern of asymptomatic B19 infection in blood donors followed the notification rate of clinical cases. Geographically, B19 infection was randomly spread over the Netherlands.Conclusions  In epidemic seasons, blood donations with high levels of parvovirus, without concurrent antibodies, are common. They may infect immunocompromised and parvovirus‐naïve recipients. The feasibility of preventive measures should be studied.
Marine artificial micro‐reserves: a possibility for the conservation of endangered species living on artificial substrata
Authors: García‐Gómez José C. , López‐Fé Carlos M. , Espinosa Free , Guerra‐García José M. , Rivera‐Ingraham Georgina A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe installation of urban and commercial infrastructures on the coast has a severe impact on the marine environment. This impact is mostly negative but, simultaneously, some of the species that colonize artificial substrata (sometimes rare or threatened) find refuge in man‐made structures. The protection of endangered species is usually provided by marine protected areas or by laws that punish their damage or collection, but effective enclosure and custody must be achieved in the case of easily accessible intertidal species. We used the ferruginous limpet,Patella ferruginea,as a case study because it is the most endangered invertebrate in the Mediterranean. This species, which lives in the intertidal zone and is very accessible to people, is a free‐spawning, protandric hermaphrodite, highly dependent on population density and individual size for its reproductive success. Previous work by the authors found the species is especially abundant on artificial substrates on both shores of the Strait of Gibraltar, where people collect fewer of them. Spanish laws of coastal management do not allow the enclosure of the natural coastline, but artificial installations like harbour breakwaters may be closed or guarded, and visits for educational purposes may be carried out under control. The possibility of declaring some kind of environmental protection for these artificial areas would be a very helpful tool for conservation and management purposes. Protected individuals would grow larger and eventually produce exponentially more offspring, which could be transported by currents to adjacent habitats. Here we propose a protection concept for artificial sites termed Artificial Marine Micro‐Reserve (AMMR), where some endangered species experience a refuge from human disturbance. This concept is a modification of the land micro‐reserves that have been recently declared in small natural sites that keep rare plant species. A network of AMMRs would be the final objective, allowing the creation of a great metapopulation ofP. ferrugineaand also giving refuge to other endangered species that have been found to grow in this type of substratum. Critically, the declaration of a micro‐reserve cannot be used as a reason in favour of new construction because of the negative influence of such structures on the marine environment, together with the fact that there is no certainty that valuable species will settle on them.
Isolation of recombinant cysteine dioxygenase protein from Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Authors: Kasperova Alena , Kunert Jiri , Horynova Milada , Weigl Evzen , Sebela Marek , Lenobel Rene , Raska Milan 
Published: October 2010

SummaryCysteine dioxygenase (CDO, EC 1.13.11.20) catalyses the oxygenation of cysteine to cysteine sulphinic acid leading to the production of sulphite, sulphate and taurine as the final metabolites of cysteine catabolism. Keratinolytic fungi secrete sulphite and sulphate to reduce disulphide bridges in host tissue keratin proteins as the first step of keratinolysis. In the present study, we describe the identification of cDNA, as well as expression and characterisation of recombinant CDO protein from Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The cDNA was amplified using primers designed on the basis of high conservancy CDO regions identified in other fungi. PCR product was cloned and sequenced. Recombinant CDO was expressed in Escherichia coli, and affinity purified and identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization – time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Enzyme activity was assayed by monitoring the production of cysteine sulphinate using mass spectrometry. The Cdo cDNA encodes for a protein consisting of 219 amino acids. Recombinant CDO protein C‐terminally fused with a His tag was purified by affinity chromatography. The CDO purified under native condition was proved to be enzymatically active. Protein identity was confirmed by MALDI‐TOF MS. Comparison of cDNA sequence with those identified in other fungi revealed significant homology. Identification of T. mentagrophytes CDO provides indispensable tools for future studies of dermatophyte pathogenicity and development of new approaches for prevention and therapy.