bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Educational case series: Mechanisms of drug allergy
Authors: Caubet Jean‐Christoph , Pichler Werner J. , Eigenmann Philippe A. 
Published: June 2011

To cite this article: Caubet J‐C, Pichler WJ, Eigenmann PA. Educational case series: Mechanisms of drug allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 559–567.AbstractOnce administered, a drug can activate the immune system by various mechanisms and lead to a large range of clinical manifestations closely related to the type of immune reaction elicited. Administration of the drug can classically result in an immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐type sensitization, but can also result in more complex activation of the immune system potentially resulting in severe syndromes, such as the drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS). Although there has been a major increase in our knowledge over the last years, the exact mechanisms of drug allergy are not well understood for most clinical manifestations. A complex interaction between individual characteristics, environmental factors, and the drug itself is usually responsible for adverse reactions to drugs. In this educational review series, we described three cases of drug allergy: first, a child with a typical IgE‐mediated drug allergy, second, a child with a non‐immediate reaction to penicillin, and in the third patient, we will discuss the drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome, which is rare but potentially fatal. These cases are correlated to the immune mechanism potentially involved.
Prediction of flowering time in Brassica oleracea using a quantitative trait loci‐based phenology model
Authors: Uptmoor R. , Li J. , Schrag T. , Stützel H. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractUniformly developing plants with a predictable time to harvest or flowering under unfavourable climate conditions are a major breeding goal in crop species. The main flowering regulators and their response to environmental signals have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana and homologues of flowering genes have been mapped in many crop species. However, it remains unclear which genes determine within and across genotype flowering time variability in Brassica oleracea and how genetic flowering time regulation is influenced by environmental factors. The goal of this study is model‐based prediction of flowering time in a B. oleracea DH‐line population using genotype‐specific and quantitative trait loci (QTL) model input parameters. A QTL‐based phenology model accounting for genotypic differences in temperature responses during vernalisation and non‐temperature‐sensitive durations from floral transition to flowering was evaluated in two field trials. The model was parameterised using original genotype‐specific model input parameters and QTL effects. The genotype‐specific model parameterisation showed accurate predictability of flowering time if floral induction was promoted by low temperature (R2 = 0.81); unfavourably high temperatures reduced predictability (R2 = 0.65). Replacing original model input parameters by QTL effects reduced the capability of the model to describe across‐genotype variability (R2 = 0.59 and 0.50). Flowering time was highly correlated with a model parameter accounting for vernalisation effects. Within‐genotype variability was significantly correlated with the same parameter if temperature during the inductive phase was high. We conclude that flowering time variability across genotypes was largely due to differences in vernalisation response, although it has been shown elsewhere that the candidate FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) did not co‐segregate with flowering time in the same population. FLC independent vernalisation pathways have been described for several species, but not yet for B. oleracea.
Malus hupehensis NPR1 induces pathogenesis‐related protein gene expression in transgenic tobacco
Authors: Zhang J.‐Y. , Qiao Y.‐S. , Lv D. , Gao Z.‐H. , Qu S.‐C. , Zhang Z. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMost commercially grown apple cultivars are susceptible to fungal diseases. Malus hupehensis has high resistance to many diseases affecting apple cultivars. Understanding innate defence mechanisms would help to develop disease‐resistant apple crops. Non‐expressor of pathogenesis‐related genes 1 (NPR1) plays a key role in regulating salicylic acid (SA)‐mediated systemic acquired resistance (SAR). MhNPR1 cDNA, corresponding to genomic DNA and its 5′ flanking sequences, was isolated from M. hupehensis. Sequence analysis showed that the regulatory mechanism for oligomer–monomer transition of the MhNPR1 protein in apple might be similar to that of GmNPR1 in soybean, but different from that of AtNPR1 in Arabidopsis. No significant differences in MhNPR1 expression were found in M. hupehensis after infection with Botryosphaeria berengeriana, showing that MhNPR1 might be regulated by pathogens at the protein level, as described for Arabidopsis and grapevine. SA treatment significantly induced MhNPR1 expression in leaves, stems and roots, while methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment induced MhNPR1 expression in roots, but not in leaves or stems. The expression of MhNPR1 was highly increased in roots, moderately in leaves, and did not change in stems after treatment with 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC). SAR marker genes (MhPR1 and MhPR5) were induced by SA, MeJA and ACC in leaves, stems and roots. Overexpression of MhNPR1 significantly induced the expression of pathogenesis‐related genes (NtPR1, NtPR3 and NtPR5) in transgenic tobacco plants and resistance to the fungus Botrytis cinerea, suggesting that MhNPR1 orthologues are a component of the SA defence signalling pathway and SAR is induced in M. hupehensis.
Phylogeography of Acesta clams from submarine seamounts and escarpments along the western margin of North America
Authors: Clague Gillian E. , Jones William Joe , Paduan Jennifer B. , Clague David A. , Vrijenhoek Robert C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractGenetic connectivity and habitat characteristics were examined in two species of Acesta clams (Bivalvia: Limidae) from submarine seamounts and continental slopes along the western North America margin. Two species were identified from dive videos obtained with submarine remotely operated vehicles that surveyed a 2200‐km range between 27° and 46° N latitude. Acesta sphoni was only found at shallower habitats (545–860 m depth) in the southern part of this range, whereas Acesta mori was more abundant and widely distributed in deeper habitats (1029–1996 m). Both species occurred on seamounts and on the walls of submarine canyons and continental slopes. Segregation of these species by depth exposes them to correlated differences in water temperatures and dissolved oxygen concentrations. Ninety‐eight individuals sampled from seven seamounts and one escarpment locality were characterized with DNA‐barcodes based on 643 base pairs of mitochondrial cytochrome‐c‐oxidase subunit I (COI). Further analysis of these sequences revealed no significant geographical subdivision across the sampled range. This lack of differentiation suggests ongoing genetic exchange between the seamount populations and those possibly distributed along the continental margins. Examination of regional bathymetric profiles suggested that an abundance of suitable habitat might exist along these margins.
Stress Preconditioning of Boar Spermatozoa: A New Approach to Enhance Semen Quality*
Authors: Pribenszky C , Horváth A , Végh L , Huang S‐Y , Kuo Y‐H , Szenci O 
Published: June 2011

ContentsSemen preparation and cryopreservation require finely adjusted procedures. Gametes are sensitive to environmental stresses, so in vitro procedures aim to minimize the inevitable harmful conditions. Applying stress to precondition cells has only been investigated recently. Studies demonstrated that by utilizing a well defined and properly applied hydrostatic pressure (HP) stress treatment to spermatozoa before in vitro storage, cryopreservation or insemination, cell survival and fertility improved compared with untreated controls. The birth of healthy piglets from treated fresh or frozen‐thawed semen demonstrates the in vivo safety of the procedure. Although the biological mechanism is still unclear, several processes incorporating cellular stress response might explain the observations. This paper summarizes results, background, aspects and considerations of HP treatment for porcine semen. The new principle, i.e. to improve the stress tolerance by a defined sublethal stress may outline a new strategy in assisted reproductive technologies with unique theoretical and practical consequences.
Semen Traits and Seminal Plasma Biochemical Parameters in White Leghorn Layer Breeders
Authors: Khan RU , Laudadio V , Tufarelli V. 
Published: June 2011

ContentsThis study was designed to determine the semen quality and seminal plasma biochemical parameters in White Leghorn layer breeders in the early phase of maturity. Individual ejaculates from 25 males were analysed for the determination of volume, sperm concentration, dead sperm percentage (DS) and sperm motility. Seminal plasma was separated and analysed for total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), paraoxonase (PON1), arylesterase, ceruloplasmin, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Our findings showed a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation between TOS and DS in layer breeders. The values of TAC were significantly negatively correlated with TOS and DS, while positively correlated with PON1. Conversely, AST showed significant negative correlation with motility and DS. Significantly, negative correlation was also observed between ALT and sperm concentration. In conclusion, these parameters provide some valuable basal data that may help better understanding the semen quality characteristics of White Leghorn layer breeders.
Neuroprotective effects of oestrogen against oxidative toxicity through activation of G‐protein‐coupled receptor 30 receptor
Authors: Liu Shui‐Bing , Han Jie , Zhang Nan , Tian Zhen , Li Xu‐Bo , Zhao Ming‐Gao 
Published: June 2011

Summary1. 17‐β‐oestradiol (E2) plays a critical role in neuroprotection through both genomic and non‐genomic mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of G‐protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), a new kind of oestrogen receptor, in the neuroprotection against oxidative insult.2. The neuroprotection evoked by GPR30 stimulation was examined in cultured cortical neurons. Hoechst 33258/propidium iodide double staining, flow cytometric analysis and western blotting were applied to assess neuronal apoptosis induced by H2O2.3. We found that the GPR30 agonist, G1, and E2 attenuated apoptosis induced by H2O2 exposure. Furthermore, G1 (1 nmol/L) or E2 (1 nmol/L) significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (p‐ERK1/2), Bcl‐2 and pro‐caspase‐3. Pretreatment with ICI182780, a highly selective nuclear oestrogen receptor antagonist that is used to block the classical ERα and ERβ receptors, did not totally block the neuroprotective effects of E2 (1 nmol/L) and had no effect on the neuroprotective effects of G1 (1 nmol/L).4. Our data suggest that GPR30 is involved in the neuroprotection against oxidative insult. The neuroprotection evoked by GPR30 stimulation was associated with the signalling through the ERK1/2 kinase pathway. In addition, the anti‐apoptotic activity of GPR30 was dependent on the expression of Bcl‐2 and pro‐caspase‐3. GPR30 might be a potential therapeutic target for neuroprotection and oxidative stress.
Diaphragm and peripheral muscle thickness on ultrasound: Intra‐rater reliability and variability of a methodology using non‐standard recumbent positions
Authors: BALDWIN CLAIRE E. , PARATZ JENNIFER D. , BERSTEN ANDREW D. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Reliable measurement of diaphragm and peripheral muscle thickness, using diagnostic ultrasound, has only been validated in the erect posture. However, in many clinical populations, including critically ill patients, the erect posture presents logistic difficulties. This study aimed to validate ultrasound measurement of diaphragm and peripheral muscle thickness in the recumbent position.Methods:  An observational methodology of repeated but blind ultrasound and anthropometric measurements was applied, to assess inta‐rater reliability. Thirteen healthy volunteers (aged 20–73 years) participated. A pneumotachograph was used to target lung volume, as diaphragm thickness was measured from ultrasound at end‐expiration, and both 25% and 50% of inspiratory capacity, while semi‐recumbent. The thicknesses of the mid‐upper arm, mid‐forearm and mid‐thigh musculature were also measured bilaterally while supine.Results:  Diaphragm thickness could be reliably measured at end‐expiration (intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.990, 95% confidence interval: 0.918–0.998), 25% of inspiratory capacity (ICC = 0.959 (0.870–0.988)) and 50% of inspiratory capacity (ICC = 0.994 (0.980–0.998)). Peripheral muscle thickness measurements were also reliable (ICC = 0.998–1.0). Supine anthropometric measurements of limb segment lengths and girths were highly reproducible.Conclusions:  This ultrasound technique has good reliability in recumbent positions, making it useful for application to clinical populations when the erect posture is not practical.
Masting in a temperate tree: Evidence for environmental prediction?
Authors: BURNS K. C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMany plant species produce large fruit crops in some years and then produce few or no fruits in others. Synchronous, inter‐annual variation in plant reproduction is known as ‘masting’ and its adaptive significance has yet to be fully resolved. For 8 consecutive years, I quantified every fruit produced by 22 females of a New Zealand tree species (Dysoxylum spectabile), which has an unusual habit of taking a full calendar year to mature fruits after flowering. Fruit production varied strongly among years and was tightly synchronized among trees. Annual variability in fruit production declined with total reproductive output, indicating trees with lower fecundity exhibited a stronger tendency to mast. Although unrelated to temperature, annual fruit production was positively related to precipitation during annual periods of fruit development, and negatively related to fruit production in the previous year. Seedlings had higher rates of survivorship in a wet, high‐seed year than in a dry, low‐seed year, suggesting that seedlings might be drought sensitive. Therefore, D. spectabile produced large fruit crops during periods of high rainfall prior to fruit maturation, which may enhance survivorship of drought‐intolerant seeds. Results were inconsistent with several hypotheses that are widely believed to be the most likely explanations for masting. Instead, results were consistent with the environmental prediction hypothesis, suggesting that this hypothesis may be more important than previously appreciated.
Relationship between vegetation, hydrology and fluvial landforms on an unregulated sand‐bed stream in the Hunter Valley, Australia
Authors: CHALMERS ANITA C. , ERSKINE WAYNE D. , KEENE ANNABELLE F. , BUSH RICHARD T. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA survey of fluvial landforms was conducted at Widden Brook, an unregulated sand‐bed stream in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to investigate the physical factors associated with vegetation pattern in Riverine Oak Forest. Groundwater depth and chemistry (pH, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity) were measured using piezometers and submersible data loggers on three fluvial landforms (i.e. toe of bank, top of bank and floodplain) along five transects. Floristic composition, canopy cover, bare ground and leaf litter were assessed within 45 quadrats on the three landforms along the five transects. Elevation above the bed and flood return period were determined by cross‐sectional survey and flood frequency analysis, while flow duration was determined from the gauge record. Canonical correspondence analysis demonstrated that vegetation composition was associated with average watertable depth and flood variables to a similar extent. The relative importance of these factors would be expected to vary with flood‐ and drought‐dominated climatic periods on a scale of several decades. Floristic composition was moderately associated with the canopy cover of the dominant woody species, Casuarina cunninghamiana (Miq.), but weakly correlated with bare ground and groundwater chemistry. Suites of species were associated with particular fluvial landforms and their corresponding flood and watertable conditions. The reach examined has characteristics similar to both the semi‐arid and mesic riparian ecosystems of the USA. The coarse sediments, high flood variability, short flood duration and dominance by a pioneer tree that relies on groundwater are similar to riparian ecosystems in the western USA, while the relatively broad floodplain and the development of a forest canopy that is associated with the distribution of understorey plants are similar to the mesic riparian systems in the eastern USA.
Impact of expected value on neural activity in rat substantia nigra pars reticulata
Authors: Bryden Daniel W. , Johnson Emily E. , Diao Xiayang , Roesch Matthew R. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) is thought to serve as the output of the basal ganglia, whereby associative information from striatum influences behavior via disinhibition of downstream motor areas to motivate behavior. Unfortunately, few studies have examined activity in SNr in rats making decisions based on the value of predicted reward similar to those conducted in primates. To fill this void, we recorded from single neurons in SNr while rats performed a choice task in which different odor cues indicated what reward was available on the left or on the right. The value of reward associated with a leftward or rightward movement was manipulated by varying the size of and delay to reward in separate blocks of trials. Rats were faster or slower depending on whether the expected reward value was high or low, respectively. The number of neurons that increased firing during performance of the task outnumbered those that decreased firing. Both increases and decreases were modulated by expected value and response direction. Neurons that fired more or less strongly for larger reward tended to fire, respectively, more or less strongly for immediate reward, reflecting their common motivational output. Finally, value selectivity was present prior to presentation of cues indicating the nature of the upcoming behavioral response for both increasing‐ and decreasing‐type neurons, reflecting the internal bias or preparatory set of the rat. These results emphasize the importance of increasing‐type neurons on behavioral output when animals are making decisions based on predicted reward value.
Intangible assets, IFRS and analysts’ earnings forecasts
Authors: Chalmers Keryn , Clinch Greg , Godfrey Jayne M. , Wei Zi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe investigate whether the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in 2005 by Australian firms has been associated with a loss of potentially useful information about intangible assets. We find that the negative association between the accuracy and dispersion of analysts’ earnings forecasts and aggregate reported intangibles previously documented by Matolcsy and Wyatt (2006) becomes stronger subsequent to IFRS adoption, primarily for firms with high levels of underlying intangible assets. Our result is largely attributable to reported goodwill, rather than other intangible assets, suggesting that the impairment approach to goodwill valuation required by IFRS conveys more useful information than does the former straight‐line amortization approach. When we investigate a sub‐sample of firms that report lower intangibles under IFRS than under the prior Australian GAAP, we do find some evidence consistent with a loss of useful information relating to intangibles.
Overexpression of Brassica juncea wild‐type and mutant HMG‐CoA synthase 1 in Arabidopsis up‐regulates genes in sterol biosynthesis and enhances sterol production and stress tolerance
Authors: Wang Hui , Nagegowda Dinesh A. , Rawat Reetika , Bouvier‐Navé Pierrette , Guo Dianjing , Bach Thomas J. , Chye Mee‐Len 
Published: June 2011

SummaryBrassica juncea 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase (HMGS) is encoded by four isogenes (BjHMGS1‐BjHMGS4). In vitro enzyme assays had indicated that the recombinant BjHMGS1 H188N mutant lacked substrate inhibition by acetoacetyl‐CoA (AcAc‐CoA) and showed 8‐fold decreased enzyme activity. The S359A mutant demonstrated 10‐fold higher activity, while the H188N/S359A double mutant displayed a 10‐fold increased enzyme activity and lacked inhibition by AcAc‐CoA. Here, wild‐type and mutant BjHMGS1 were overexpressed in Arabidopsis to examine their effects in planta. The expression of selected genes in isoprenoid biosynthesis, isoprenoid content, seed germination and stress tolerance was analysed in HMGS overexpressors (OEs). Those mRNAs encoding enzymes 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGR), sterol methyltransferase 2 (SMT2), delta‐24 sterol reductase (DWF1), C‐22 sterol desaturase (CYP710A1) and brassinosteroid‐6‐oxidase 2 (BR6OX2) were up‐regulated in HMGS‐OEs. The total sterol content in leaves and seedlings of OE‐wtBjHMGS1, OE‐S359A and OE‐H188N/S359A was significantly higher than OE‐H188N. HMGS‐OE seeds germinated earlier than wild‐type and vector‐transformed controls. HMGS‐OEs further displayed reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)–induced cell death and constitutive expression of salicylic acid (SA)‐dependent pathogenesis‐related genes (PR1, PR2 and PR5), resulting in an increased resistance to Botrytis cinerea, with OE‐S359A showing the highest and OE‐H188N the lowest tolerance. These results suggest that overexpression of HMGS up‐regulates HMGR, SMT2, DWF1, CYP710A1 and BR6OX2, leading to enhanced sterol content and stress tolerance in Arabidopsis.
EXCESS TRAVEL IN NON‐PROFESSIONAL TRIPS: WHY LOOK FOR IT MILES AWAY?
Authors: BOUSSAUW KOBE , VAN ACKER VERONIQUE , WITLOX FRANK 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTBased on the spatial distribution of some quasi‐daily destination classes and survey‐reported trip distances, regional variation in excess travel in non‐professional trips in Flanders (Belgium) is assessed. To this end, proximity to various quasi‐daily destinations is compared with the reported distance that is actually travelled to reach similar, but alternative, facilities. We note that in rural areas (compared with urban areas) larger distances are travelled, although the closest facility is chosen more often. In the most urbanised areas, however, we note that spatial proximity is also an important aspect in destination choice. Quantification of these phenomena can support the practice of sustainable spatial planning by distinguishing areas that are too mono‐functional or too remote, and therefore need more functional diversity, and by identifying areas where densification is useful because the location is close to most quasi‐daily destinations, reducing the need to travel over large distances.