bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dendritic cell differentiation with prostaglandin E2results in selective attenuation of the extracellular signal‐related kinase pathway and decreased interleukin‐23 production
Authors: Hayashi Fumie , Yanagawa Yoshiki , Onoé Kazunori , Iwabuchi Kazuya 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe balance between interleukin (IL)‐12 and IL‐23 production by dendritic cells (DCs) is crucial for the induction of appropriate immune responses. In the present study, we examined the effect of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) treatment of DCs during differentiation on IL‐12 and IL‐23 production in response to Toll‐like receptor (TLR) stimulation. Bone marrow‐derived DCs were generated by culturing murine bone marrow cells with granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) alone (cont‐DCs) or GM‐CSF plus PGE2(PG‐DCs). Upon TLR stimulation, IL‐23 production by PG‐DCs was markedly decreased compared with that by cont‐DCs. However, no significant difference was detected in IL‐12 production between these types of DC. To examine the mechanism underlying the impaired production of IL‐23 by PG‐DCs, we analysed the activities of extracellular signal‐related kinases (ERKs) 1/2, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), c‐jun N‐terminal kinases 1/2, Akt, and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB (p65) in these DCs upon TLR stimulation. The ERK1/2 activity in PG‐DCs was significantly lower than that of cont‐DCs. No significant differences were detected in the activities of other molecules between cont‐DCs and PG‐DCs. In addition, treatment of cont‐DCs with U0126, a specific inhibitor of the ERK pathway, reduced the TLR‐mediated production by the DCs of IL‐23 but not IL‐12. Thus, DC development in the presence of PGE2results in selective attenuation of the ERK pathway. The attenuation of ERK activation appears to be responsible for the decreased IL‐23 production by PG‐DCs.
Differences in population size variability among populations and species of the family Salmonidae
Authors: Dochtermann Ned A. , Peacock Mary M. 
Published: April 2010

Summary 1. How population sizes vary with time is an important ecological question with both practical and theoretical implications. Because population size variability corresponds to the operation of density‐dependent mechanisms and the presence of stable states, numerous researchers have attempted to conduct broad taxonomic comparisons of population size variability. 2. Most comparisons of population size variability suggest a general lack of taxonomic differences. However, these comparisons may conflate differences within taxonomic levels with differences among taxonomic levels. Further, the degree to which intraspecific differences may affect broader inferences has generally not been estimated and has largely been ignored. 3. To address this uncertainty, we examined intraspecific differences in population size variability for a total of 131 populations distributed among nine species of the Salmonidae. We extended this comparison to the interspecific level by developing species level estimates of population size variability. 4. We used a jackknife (re‐sampling) approach to estimate intra‐ and interspecific variation in population size variability. We found significant intraspecific differences in how population sizes vary with time in all six species of salmonids where it could be tested as well as clear interspecific differences. Further, despite significant interspecific variation, the majority of variation present was at the intraspecific level. Finally, we found that classic and recently developed measures of population variability lead to concordant inferences. 5. The presence of significant intraspecific differences in all species examined suggests that the ability to detect broad taxonomic patterns in how population sizes change over time may be limited if variance is not properly partitioned among and within taxonomic levels.
Disposition of oral telithromycin in foals and in vitro activity of the drug against macrolide‐susceptible and macrolide‐resistant Rhodococcus equi isolates
Authors: JAVSICAS L. H. , GIGUÈRE S. , WOMBLE ARIEL Y. 
Published: April 2010

Javsicas, LH., Giguère, S., Womble, AY. Disposition of oral telithromycin in foals and in vitro activity of the drug against macrolide‐susceptible and macrolide‐resistant Rhodococcus equi isolates. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2885.2009.01151.x.The objectives of this study were to determine the serum and pulmonary disposition of telithromycin in foals and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of telithromycin against macrolide‐susceptible and macrolide‐resistant Rhodococcus equi isolates. A single dose of telithromycin (15 mg/kg of body weight) was administered to six healthy 6–10‐week‐old foals by the intragastric route. Activity of telithromycin was measured in serum, pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF), and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells using a microbiological assay. The broth macrodilution method was used to determine the MIC of telithromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin against R. equi. Following intragastric administration, mean ± SD time to peak serum telithromycin activity (Tmax) was 1.75 ± 0.76 h, maximum serum activity (Cmax) was 1.43 ± 0.37 μg/mL, and terminal half‐life (t½) was 3.81 ± 0.40 h. Telithromycin activity, 4 h postadministration was significantly higher in BAL cells (50.9 ± 14.5 μg/mL) than in PELF (5.07 ± 2.64 μg/mL), and plasma (0.84 ± 0.25 μg/mL). The MIC90 of telithromycin for macrolide‐resistant R. equi isolates (8 μg/mL) was significantly higher than that of macrolide‐susceptible isolates (0.25 μg/mL). The MIC of telithromycin for macrolide‐resistant isolates (MIC50 = 4.0 μg/mL) was significantly lower than that of clarithromycin (MIC50 = 24.0 μg/mL), azithromycin (MIC50 =256 μg/mL) and erythromycin (MIC50 = 24 μg/mL).
The effects of L‐659,066, a peripheral α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist, and verapamil on the cardiovascular influences of dexmedetomidine in conscious sheep
Authors: RAEKALLIO M. R. , HONKAVAARA J. M. , VAINIO O. M. 
Published: April 2010

Raekallio M. R., Honkavaara J. M., Vainio O. M. The effects of L‐659,066, a peripheral α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist, and verapamil on the cardiovascular influences of dexmedetomidine in conscious sheep.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.33, 434–438.We investigated whether administration of L‐659,066, a peripheral α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist, or verapamil, a calcium‐channel antagonist, would prevent the cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine. Eleven sheep received three intravenous treatments with a randomized, cross‐over design: dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg, DEX); DEX with L‐659,066 (250 μg/kg, DEX + L); and verapamil (0.05 mg/kg) 10 min prior to DEX (Ver + DEX). Haemodynamics were recorded at intervals upto 40 min. Acute increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) (106 ± 10.7 to 120.8 ± 11.7 mmHg), central venous pressure (CVP) (3.3 ± 3.2 to 14.7 ± 5.0 mmHg) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) (1579 ± 338 to 2301 ± 523 dyne s/cm5), and decreases in cardiac output (CO) (5.36 ± 0.87 to 3.93 ± 1.30 L/min) and heart rate (HR) (88.6 ± 15.3 to 49.7 ± 5.5/min) were detected with DEX. The peak SVR remained lower after Ver + DEX (1835 ± 226 dyne s/cm5) than DEX alone, but the other parameters did not significantly differ between these treatments. 2 min after drug delivery, differences between DEX and DEX + L were statistically significant for all measured haemodynamic parameters. With DEX + L, an early decrease in MAP (99.9 ± 6.8 to 89.3 ± 6.6 mmHg) was detected, and DEX + L induced a slight but significant increase in CVP and a decrease in HR at the end of the observation period, while SVR and CO did not significantly change. All animals were assessed as deeply sedated from 2–20 min with no differences between treatments. L‐659,066 has great potential for clinical use to prevent the cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine mediated by peripheral α2‐adrenoceptors, whereas the effects of verapamil were marginal.
C7 Deficiency and Meningococcal Infection Susceptibility in Two Spanish Families
Authors: Barroso S. , López‐Trascasa M. , Merino D. , Álvarez A. J. , Núñez‐Roldán A. , Sánchez B. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn this work, we report the genetic basis of C7 deficiency in two different Spanish families. In family 1, by using exon‐specific polymerase chain reaction and sequencing, a recently described mutation was found in homozygosity in the patient; a single base change in exon 15 (C2107T) leading to a stop codon that causes truncation of the C‐terminal portion of C7 (Q681X). Patient’s father, mother and sister were heterozygous for this mutation. Interestingly, patient’s parents were not related. In family 2, a new single base mutation in exon 2 (G90A), leading to a stop codon that causes the premature truncation of C7 (W8X), was found in the patient, mother and sister 1. Additionally, patient 2, her father and sisters, displayed a missense mutation in exon 9 (G1135C) resulting in a change of aminoacid (G357R). Although sister 1 bore the same mutations in the C7 gene that patient 2, she remains asymptomatic. Because both mutations were found in the patient and her sister, we analyse other defence mechanisms such as FcγR polymorphisms as well as mannose‐binding lectin alleles (MBL2 gene) and MBL levels. Results showed that both siblings bore identical combinations of FcγR allotypes and different MBL2 alleles, exhibiting patient 2 a MBL‐insufficient genotype. Normal MBL levels were found in patient 1 and in two previously studied C7‐deficient siblings, suggesting the involvement of other mechanisms of immunity distinct of FcγR variants and the MBL pathway, for the absence of meningococcal recurrent infections in certain C7‐deficient individuals.
Chitinase Induce the Release of IL‐8 in Human Airway Epithelial Cells, Via Ca2+‐dependent PKC and ERK Pathways
Authors: Hong J. Y. , Lee K. E. , Kim K. W. , Sohn M. H. , Kim K.‐E. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractChitinases are produced in significant quantities by hosts defending against infections with chitin‐containing organisms. However, little is known about the immune response of exogenous chitinase in human epithelial cells. IL‐8 has been suggested to have a role in the pathogenesis of the allergenic inflammation of bronchial asthma. We examined whether Streptomyces griseus (S. griseus) chitinase‐induced IL‐8 on airway epithelium and identified the involvement of intracellular signalling pathways. H292 cells were treated with S. griseus chitinase with different concentrations and times. The IL‐8 levels were determined by specific human IL‐8 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Using a series of pharmacological inhibitors, we examined the upstream signalling pathway responsible for IL‐8 expression in response to S. griseus chitinase. Cells exposed to S. griseus chitinase showed higher level of IL‐8 protein production and mRNA expression. Cells stimulated by S. griseus chitinase resulted in the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐kB) pathways. Inhibitors of Ca2+‐dependent PKC (Ro‐31‐8220, calphostin C and Gő6976) significantly abolished chitinase‐induced expression of IL‐8. However, Ca2+‐independent PKC inhibitor (rottlerin) did not inhibit IL‐8 expression. Through ERK inhibitor (U0126) and NF‐kB inhibitor (caffeine acid phenethyl ester) treatment, it was proven that ERK and NF‐kB regulated chitinase‐induced IL‐8 expression. We concluded that S. griseus chitinase‐induced IL‐8 expression was regulated by the activation of Ca2±‐dependent PKC, ERK and NF‐kB in human airway epithelial cells.
Analysis of VH Gene Rearrangement and Somatic Hypermutation in Sjogren’s Syndrome and IgG4‐Related Sclerosing Sialadenitis
Authors: Sakuma H. , Okumura F. , Miyabe S. , Sugiura M. , Joh T. , Shimozato K. , Inagaki H. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIgG4‐related sclerosing sialadenitis is currently considered as an autoimmune disease distinct from Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) and responds extremely well to steroid therapy. To further elucidate the characteristics of IgG4‐related sclerosing sialadenitis, we analysed VH fragments of IgH genes and their somatic hypermutation in SS (n = 3) and IgG4‐related sclerosing sialadenitis (n = 3), using sialolithiasis (n = 3) as a non‐autoimmune control. DNA was extracted from the affected inflammatory lesions. After PCR amplification of rearranged IgH genes, at least 50 clones per case (more than 500 clones in total) were sequenced for VH fragments. Monoclonal IgH rearrangement was not detected in any cases examined. When compared with sialolithiasis, there was no VH family or VH fragment specific to SS or IgG4‐related sclerosing sialadenitis. However, rates of unmutated VH fragments in SS (30%) and IgG4‐related sclerosing sialadenitis (39%) were higher than that in sialolithiasis (14%) with statistical significance (P = 0.0005 and P < 0.0001, respectively). This finding suggests that some autoantibodies encoded by germline or less mutated VH genes may fail to be eliminated and could play a role in the development of SS and IgG4‐related sclerosing sialadenitis.
Clinical and Molecular Characterization of X‐linked Hyper‐IgM Syndrome Patients in China
Authors: An Y. , Xiao J. , Jiang L. , Yang X. , Yu J. , Zhao X. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractX‐linked Hyper‐IgM syndrome (XHIM) is caused by mutations of CD154 gene also known as CD40 ligand (CD40L). CD40L is expressed in activated T cells and interacts with CD40 receptor expressed on B lymphocytes and dendritic cells. Affected patients present cellular and humoral immune defects, with infections by intracellular, opportunistic and extracellular pathogens. In the present study, we investigate molecular defects involved in the XHIM in five patients and identified five distinct CD40L mutations, three of which had not been previously described. P1 harboured a novel p.L193P mutation, which abolished the expression of CD40L. P2 had a frameshift deletion in exon 3 (p.E108fsX19), which also decreased the protein expression. P3 demonstrated p.E54X change in exon 2. P4 harboured the p.Q186X change in the exon 5. P5 demonstrated p. E142X change in exon 5. Mutations in P3, P4 and P5 all led to the production of premature CD40L protein. Two of the five genetically defined patients received umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation from unrelated donor and achieved clinical remission, and the expression of CD40L on the peripheral blood mononuclear cells restored. These mutations reflect the heterogeneity of CD40L gene, indicating the need for accurate and reliable molecular testing in patients suspected of XHIM.
Perennial lucerne affects weed community trajectories in grain crop rotations
Authors: MEISS H , MÉDIÈNE S , WALDHARDT R , CANEILL J , BRETAGNOLLE V , REBOUD X , MUNIER‐JOLAIN N 
Published: April 2010

Meiss H, Médiène S, Waldhardt R, Caneill J, Bretagnolle V, Reboud X & Munier‐Jolain N (2010). Perennial lucerne affects weed community trajectories in grain crop rotations. Weed Research50, 331–340.SummaryComplex crop rotations may be beneficial for weed management. We analysed how pluriannual forage crops may affect weed composition during cereal‐based crop rotations. Using a space‐for‐time‐substitution design, we compared weed composition and diversity before, during and after perennial crops. We surveyed four groups of fields: (a) winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) following annual crops, (b) 1‐year old lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) following annual crops, (c) 2–6 years old lucerne and (d) winter wheat following pluriannual lucerne in western France (420 fields in total). Weed composition varied among the four groups, suggesting a cyclic trajectory corresponding to the phases of the crop rotation. Indicator Species Analysis showed that these differences were due to at least 40 species, including the most common weeds. A functional group analysis showed that perennial lucerne crops shifted the communities away from several problematic weeds, especially annual broad‐leaved species with an upright or climbing morphology. This effect was also visible in the wheat following lucerne. Other species (including perennials, annuals with rosettes and some grasses) benefited from the particular growth conditions in lucerne but decreased in the following wheat. The diversification of arable crop rotations with perennial crops may thus be useful for Integrated Weed Management, reducing the need for herbicides. Other species less harmful to annual crops were favoured, resulting in increased floristic diversity.
Outcomes of renal transplantation in recipients with Wegener’s granulomatosis
Authors: Shen Jenny , Gill Jagbir , Shangguan Muyun , Sampaio Marcelo S. , Bunnapradist Suphamai 
Published: April 2010

Shen J, Gill J, Shangguan M, Sampaio MS., Bunnapradist S. Outcomes of renal transplantation in recipients with Wegener’s granulomatosis. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 380–387. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) is the leading cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis‐induced end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). In this study, we compared transplant outcomes between recipients with ESRD caused by WG to recipients with ESRD secondary to other causes. Using OPTN/UNOS data from 1996 to 2007, 919 recipients with WG were identified. Post‐transplant outcomes included rates of delayed graft function, acute rejection within one‐yr post‐transplant, overall and death‐censored graft survival, and patient survival and were compared between recipients with ESRD secondary to WG versus ESRD from other causes. Recipients with ESRD because of WG had superior unadjusted and adjusted rates of graft loss, patient death, and functional graft loss (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.711, 0.631, and 0.625 respectively, p < 0.001). When we compared the WG cohort to a non‐WG, non‐diabetic population, the HR for graft loss was still significant, but patient death and death‐censored graft loss were not. Subgroup analysis of recipients aged over 60 confirmed that WG recipients had better unadjusted outcomes. This study supports the notion that renal transplantation is an effective treatment option for patients with ESRD secondary to WG. They fare similarly, if not better, than other patients.
Isolation and characterisation of bacterial colonies from seeds and in vitro cultures of Fraxinus spp. from Italian sites
Authors: Donnarumma F. , Capuana M. , Vettori C. , Petrini G. , Giannini R. , Indorato C. , Mastromei G. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractCulturable bacteria were isolated from seeds, embryos and contaminated in vitro cultures of ash (Fraxinus excelsior L., F. ornus L. and F. angustifolia L.) and were identified using morphological and molecular analyses. Fourteen morphologically distinct isolates were recovered from seeds of Fraxinus spp. 16S rDNA sequencing categorised these isolates into ten separate genera. Three strains isolated from contaminated in vitro cultures, Pantoea agglomerans, Staphylococcus succinus and Aerococcus viridans, were used for comparative analysis with isolates from seeds. Antibiotic sensitivity testing of the isolated contaminants, including phytotoxicity of antibiotics on in vitro cultures of ash, was also investigated. Phytotoxic effects on explants immersed in ampicillin or cultured on medium containing ampicillin were negligible, however tetracycline, either alone or in combination with other antibiotics, had phytotoxic effects. We conclude that ampicillin is a suitable antibiotic to limit the growth of contaminating bacteria during the in vitro culture of ash.
Relationship between Distance to Cover, Vigilance and Group Size in Staging Flocks of Semipalmated Sandpipers
Authors: Beauchamp Guy 
Published: April 2010

AbstractCover can be either a source of protection or a source of danger for foragers. Distance to cover creates a gradient in predation risk that allows examining adjustments in anti‐predator behaviour such as group size and vigilance. As distance to obstructive cover increases, both group size and vigilance are expected to decrease given that individuals have more time to react to a more distant source of danger. I provide an empirical test of these predictions in staging semipalmated sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) in a system controlling for many confounding factors that have marred earlier research. Controlling for food density, forager density and phenotypic attributes often correlated with distance to cover, I found that as distance to obstructive cover increased, sandpipers foraged in sparser groups, were less flighty and to some extent less vigilant. Such controlled studies are needed to re‐assess the relationship between distance to cover and anti‐predator behaviour.
Molecular Characterization of Tomato Leaf Curl Hainan Virus, a New Begomovirus, and Evidence for Recombination
Authors: Zhang Hui , Hu Gaojie , Zhou Xueping 
Published: April 2010

AbstractVirus isolates HaNHK7 and HaNHK8 were obtained from tomato plants showing leaf curl symptoms in Hainan Province of China. The complete DNA sequences of both isolates were determined to be 2748 nucleotides, with all the characteristic features of begomovirus genome organization. The two isolates share 99.8% identity with each other but have <88.3% nucleotide sequence identity with other begomoviruses. Consequently, HaNHK7 and HaNHK8 are considered to be isolates of a novel Begomovirus species, for which the name Tomato leaf curl Hainan virus (ToLCHnV) is proposed. ToLCHnV is most closely related to Papaya leaf curl China virus (PaLCuCNV, AJ558117) (88.3% in total nucleotide sequences). However, the AC2 gene more resembles that of Ageratum leaf curl virus (ALCuV, AJ851005) and AC1 and AC4 genes resemble those of Tomato leaf curl Vietnam virus (ToLCVV, AF264063). Sequence analyses suggest that ToLCHnV may have arisen by recombination between viruses related to PaLCuCNV, ALCuV and ToLCVV. Neither the DNA‐B component nor the DNA‐β molecule was found to be associated with ToLCHnV isolates.
Prothrombin complex concentrates used alone in urgent reversal of warfarin anticoagulation
Authors: Tran H. , Collecutt M. , Whitehead S. , Salem H. H. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground: Prothrombinex‐VF (a three‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate) contains little factor VII. Therefore, the Warfarin Reversal Consensus Guidelines from 2004 published by The Australasian Society of Haemostasis and Thrombosis recommend that it be administered with fresh frozen plasma to reverse warfarin anticoagulation.Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Prothrombinex‐VF used alone in warfarin reversal.Methods: Adult patients requiring urgent reversal of warfarin anticoagulation were defined as having achieved complete (target international normalized ratio (INR) <1.4) or partial reversal (target INR 1.4–2.0) of their anticoagulation. Prothrombinex‐VF was given at doses of between 25 and 50 IU/kg based on the intent of reversal and an INR was obtained 30 min post infusion.Results: A total of 50 patients (mean age 72 years, range 32–85 years) was included. The median initial INR in the complete reversal arm (n= 35) was 3.5 (range 1.7–20) with 91% achieving the target INR (mean 1.1, range 0.9–1.4). In the partial reversal arm (n= 15) the mean initial INR was 5.6 (range 2.5–12) with 93% achieving the target INR (mean 1.6, range 1.4–2.2). There were no adverse effects attributed to Prothrombinex‐VF.Conclusions: Prothrombinex‐VF is very effective and safe when used alone to reverse warfarin anticoagulation. The supplementary use of fresh frozen plasma in these patients is not required. A review of the current Warfarin Reversal Consensus Guidelines is needed.