bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In silico analysis reveals multiple putative type VI secretion systems and effector proteins in Pseudomonas syringae pathovars
Authors: SARRIS PANAGIOTIS F. , SKANDALIS NICHOLAS , KOKKINIDIS MICHAEL , PANOPOULOS NICKOLAS J. 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYType VI secretion systems (T6SS) of Gram‐negative bacteria form injectisomes that have the potential to translocate effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells. In silico analysis of the genomes in six Pseudomonas syringae pathovars revealed that P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000, pv. tabaci ATCC 11528, pv. tomato T1 and pv. oryzae 1‐6 each carry two putative T6SS gene clusters (HSI‐I and HSI‐II; HSI: Hcp secretion island), whereas pv. phaseolicola 1448A and pv. syringae B728 each carry one. The pv. tomato DC3000 HSI‐I and pv. tomato T1 HSI‐II possess a highly similar organization and nucleotide sequence, whereas the pv. tomato DC3000, pv. oryzae 1‐6 and pv. tabaci 11528 HSI‐II are more divergent. Putative effector orthologues vary in number among the strains examined. The Clp‐ATPases and IcmF orthologues form distinct phylogenetic groups: the proteins from pv. tomato DC3000, pv. tomato T1, pv. oryzae and pv. tabaci 11528 from HSI‐II group together with most orthologues from other fluorescent pseudomonads, whereas those from pv. phaseolicola, pv. syringae, pv. tabaci, pv. tomato T1 and pv. oryzae from HSI‐I group closer to the Ralstonia solanacearum and Xanthomonas orthologues. Our analysis suggests multiple independent acquisitions and possible gene attrition/loss of putative T6SS genes by members of P. syringae.
Affinity of Avr2 for tomato cysteine protease Rcr3 correlates with the Avr2‐triggered Cf‐2‐mediated hypersensitive response
Authors: VAN'T KLOOSTER JOHN W. , VAN DER KAMP MARC W. , VERVOORT JACQUES , BEEKWILDER JULES , BOEREN SJEF , JOOSTEN MATTHIEU H. A. J. , THOMMA BART P. H. J. , DE WIT PIERRE J. G. M. 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYThe Cladosporium fulvum Avr2 effector is a novel type of cysteine protease inhibitor with eight cysteine residues that are all involved in disulphide bonds. We have produced wild‐type Avr2 protein in Pichia pastoris and determined its disulphide bond pattern. By site‐directed mutagenesis of all eight cysteine residues, we show that three of the four disulphide bonds are required for Avr2 stability. The six C‐terminal amino acid residues of Avr2 contain one disulphide bond that is not embedded in its overall structure. Avr2 is not processed by the tomato cysteine protease Rcr3 and is an uncompetitive inhibitor of Rcr3. We also produced mutant Avr2 proteins in which selected amino acid residues were individually replaced by alanine, and, in one mutant, all six C‐terminal amino acid residues were deleted. We determined the inhibitory constant (Ki) of these mutants for Rcr3 and their ability to trigger a Cf‐2‐mediated hypersensitive response (HR) in tomato. We found that the two C‐terminal cysteine residues and the six amino acid C‐terminal tail of Avr2 are required for both Rcr3 inhibitory activity and the ability to trigger a Cf‐2‐mediated HR. Individual replacement of the lysine‐17, lysine‐20 or tyrosine‐21 residue by alanine did not affect significantly the biological activity of Avr2. Overall, our data suggest that the affinity of the Avr2 mutants for Rcr3 correlates with their ability to trigger a Cf‐2‐mediated HR.
Review article: the optimal medical management of acute severe ulcerative colitis
Authors: Hart A. L. , Ng S. C. 
Published: July 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 615–627SummaryBackground  Management of acute severe ulcerative colitis (UC) is a clinical challenge, with a mortality rate of approximately 1–2%. The traditional management with intravenous corticosteroids has been modified by introduction of ciclosporin and more recently, infliximab.Aim  To provide a detailed and comprehensive review of the medical management of acute severe UC.Methods  PubMed and recent conference abstracts were searched for articles relating to treatment of acute severe UC.Results  Two‐thirds of patients respond to intravenous steroids in the short term. In those who fail steroids, low‐dose intravenous ciclosporin at 2 mg/kg/day is effective. Approximately 75% and 50% of patients treated with ciclosporin avoid colectomy in the short and long‐terms, respectively. Long‐term outcome of ciclosporin therapy is improved by introduction of azathioprine on discharge from hospital, together with oral ciclosporin as a bridging therapy. Controlled data show that infliximab is effective as rescue therapy for acute severe UC and the effect appears to be durable, although longer‐term follow‐up data are needed.Conclusions  Both ciclosporin and infliximab have demonstrated efficacy as rescue medical therapies in patients with acute severe UC, but surgery needs to be considered if there is failure to improve or clinical deterioration.
High levels of serum angiogenic growth factors in patients with AL amyloidosis: comparisons with normal individuals and multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Kastritis Efstathios , Roussou Maria , Michael Michalis , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Michalis Evridiki , Migkou Magdalini , Delimpasi Sossana , Kyrtsonis Marie Christine , Gogos Dimitrios , Liapis Konstantinos , Charitaki Evangelia , Repousis Panagiotis , Terpos Evangelos , Dimopoulos Meletios A. ,   On behalf of the Greek Myeloma Study Group
Published: July 2010

SummarySerum levels of five angiogenic cytokines were evaluated in 82 patients with primary systemic amyloidosis (AL). Angiopoietin‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and angiogenin were higher in AL patients than in controls (n = 35) and newly‐diagnosed, symptomatic, myeloma patients (n = 35). Angiopoetin‐1/Angiopoetin‐2 ratio was lower in AL compared to controls but higher than in myeloma patients. Angiopoetin‐2 correlated with cardiac dysfunction indices; however, none of the angiogenic growth factors was prognostically significant. The increased angiogenic cytokine levels observed in AL seem to represent either a toxic effect of amyloid fibrils or light chains, or a compensatory response to organ dysfunction.
Tamoxifen counteracts the allergic immune response and improves allergen‐induced dermatitis in mice
Authors: Babina M. , Kirn F. , Hoser D. , Ernst D. , Rohde W. , Zuberbier T. , Worm M. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryBackground
Tamoxifen (TX) represents the prototype selective oestrogen receptor modulator. In addition to its use in breast cancer, TX possesses immunomodulatory functions and displays beneficial effects in models of systemic lupus erythematosus. We hypothesized that TX might inhibit type I allergic reactions, which are also characterized by deviations in humoral immunity.Objective
To evaluate the effects of TX on the allergic immune response in appropriate mouse models.Methods
Balb/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA)‐alum by the intraperitoneal route, and humoral parameters, T cell cytokine patterns and OVA‐induced ear swelling responses were determined in a preventive (start of TX treatment before sensitization) and a therapeutic setting (start after sensitization), respectively. In addition, the impact of TX on clinical signs, epidermal thickness and leucocyte infiltration of the skin was investigated in a model of allergen‐induced dermatitis.Results
Preventive TX treatment interfered with all aspects of the allergic immune response, leading to a reduction of allergen‐specific Ig levels (IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a), a skewing effect in the T cell compartment with the inhibition of IL‐4 and an abrogation of ear swelling responses. Interestingly, a therapeutic TX administration was also effective in reducing Ig levels and ear swelling responses. The vigorous systemic effects were additionally mirrored by local changes in allergen‐dependent dermatitis with reduced clinical symptoms, diminished epidermal thickness and decreased CD4+ and CD8+ cell infiltrates.Conclusion
TX inhibits allergic responses when given preventively and also therapeutically, and improves allergen‐induced dermatitis. Because of its effectiveness, TX could bear significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of allergies. Cite this as: M. Babina, F. Kirn, D. Hoser, D. Ernst, W. Rohde, T. Zuberbier and M. Worm, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1256–1265.
British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology guidelines for the management of egg allergy
Authors: Clark A. T. , Skypala I. , Leech S. C. , Ewan P. W. , Dugué P. , Brathwaite N. , Huber P. A. J. , Nasser S. M. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryThis guideline advises on the management of patients with egg allergy. Most commonly, egg allergy presents in infancy, with a prevalence of approximately 2% in children and 0.1% in adults. A clear clinical history and the detection of egg white‐specific IgE (by skin prick test or serum assay) will confirm the diagnosis in most cases. Egg avoidance advice is the cornerstone of management. Egg allergy often resolves and re‐introduction can be achieved at home if reactions have been mild and there is no asthma. Patients with a history of severe reactions or asthma should have reintroduction guided by a specialist. All children with egg allergy should receive measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination. Influenza and yellow fever vaccines should only be considered in egg‐allergic patients under the guidance of an allergy specialist. This guideline was prepared by the Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) and is intended for allergists and others with a special interest in allergy. The recommendations are evidence‐based but where evidence was lacking consensus was reached by the panel of specialists on the committee. The document encompasses epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and co‐morbid associations. Cite this as: A. T. Clark, I. Skypala, S. C. Leech, P. W. Ewan, P. Dugué, N. Brathwaite, P. A. J. Huber and S. M. Nasser, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1116–1129.
Iloprost has potent anti‐inflammatory properties on human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Müller T. , Dürk T. , Blumenthal B. , Herouy Y. , Sorichter S. , Grimm M. , Panther E. , Cicko S. , Norgauer J. , Idzko M. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryBackground
The stable prostaglandin I2 analogue (iloprost) iloprost has been shown to inhibit allergic airway inflammation in mice by modulating the function of myeloid dendritic cells (DCs).Objective
The aim of the current study was to investigate the biological activity of iloprost on human monocyte‐derived DCs.Methods
I prostanoid (IP) receptor expression was analysed by RT‐PCR. Cytokine secretion by DCs and CD4+ T cells was measured by ELISA. The expression of the transcription factor FoxP3 after co‐culture of DCs with CD4+ CD45RA+ T cells was analysed by flow cytometry.Results
Human monocyte‐derived DCs were found to express mRNA specific for the PGI2 receptor IP, and stimulation with iloprost resulted in increased cyclic AMP levels in both immature DCs (iDCs) and mature DCs (mDCs). Moreover, iloprost dose dependently inhibited the secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐12p70 in mDCs, while it enhanced IL‐10 production. Changes in cytokine secretion were paralleled by an altered T‐cell priming capacity of DCs: in co‐culture experiments of iloprost‐treated mDC and naïve CD45RA+ T cells, an induction of regulatory T cells could be observed, as demonstrated by increased intracellular FoxP3 expression and IL‐10 production. Additionally, iloprost inhibited the MIP‐3β‐induced migration of mDCs.Conclusion
In summary, our results provide evidence that iloprost profoundly affects the function of human myeloid DCs. Therefore, iloprost might also be a new therapeutical option for the treatment of asthma in humans. Cite this as: T. Müller, T. Dürk, B. Blumenthal, Y. Herouy, S. Sorichter, M. Grimm, E. Panther, S. Cicko, J. Norgauer and M. Idzko, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1214–1221.
Infections and asthma: new insights into old ideas
Authors: Sevin C. M. , Peebles R. S. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryCite this as: C. M. Sevin and R. S. Peebles Jr, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1142–1154.A relationship between infections and allergic airway disease has long been recognized, and many reviews have been written on this topic. However, both clinical and basic science studies published in the last 3 years provide new insights into the relationship between infection and allergic conditions. In this review, we focus on these very recent studies, which address the role of infection in the development, maintenance, and exacerbation of asthma. Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections have each been examined and provide a framework for these novel concepts.
Effect of acute hyperglycaemia on sensory processing in diabetic autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Frøkjær Jens B. , Søfteland Eirik , Graversen Carina , Dimcevski Georg , Drewes Asbjørn M. 
Published: July 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (10): 883–886AbstractBackground  Acute hyperglycaemia is known to increase gastrointestinal (GI) sensitivity in healthy subjects and may contribute to the increased prevalence of GI symptoms in diabetes patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute hyperglycaemia on perception and brain responses to painful visceral and somatic stimuli in diabetic patients.Materials and methods  The sensitivity and evoked brain potentials (EPs) to electrical oesophageal and median nerve stimulations were assessed in 14 type‐1 diabetes patients with autonomic neuropathy and GI symptoms using a hyperinsulinaemic clamp at 6 and 15 mM.Results  No differences between the normo‐ and hyperglycaemic conditions were found in sensitivity to both oesophageal (P = 0·72) and median nerve (P = 0·66) stimulations. The latencies and amplitudes of EPs did not differ between the normo‐ and hyperglycaemic conditions following oesophageal (P = 0·53 and 0·57) and median nerve (P = 0·78 and 0·52) stimulations.Conclusions  Acute hyperglycaemia itself does not contribute to the sensations in patients with longstanding diabetes and autonomic neuropathy. Any potential sensory effects of acute hyperglycaemia can likely be blurred by the neuropathic‐like changes in the sensory nervous system.
The recent breakthroughs in the understanding of host genomics in hepatitis C
Authors: Rauch Andri , Rohrbach Janine , Bochud Pierre‐Yves 
Published: July 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (10): 950–959AbstractBackground  Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is spontaneously resolved in about 30% of acutely infected individuals. In those who progress to chronic hepatitis C, HCV therapy permanently eradicates infection in about 40% of cases. It has long been suspected that host genetic factors are key determinants for the control of HCV infection.Design  We will review in this study four genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and two large candidate gene studies that assessed the role of host genetic variation for the natural and treatment‐induced control of HCV infection.Results  The studies consistently identified genetic variation in interleukin 28B (IL28B) as the strongest predictor for the control of HCV infection. Importantly, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL28B strongly predicted both spontaneous and treatment‐induced HCV recovery. IL28B is located on chromosome 19 and encodes interferon‐λ, a type III interferon with antiviral activity, which is mediated through the JAK‐STAT pathway by inducing interferon‐stimulated genes. The SNPs identified in the GWAS are in high linkage disequilibrium with coding or functional non‐coding SNPs that might modulate function and/or expression of IL28B. The role of the different IL28B alleles on gene expression and cytokine function has not yet been established.Conclusions  These findings provide strong genetic evidence for the influence of interferon‐λ for both the natural and treatment‐induced control of HCV infection, and support the further investigation of interferon‐λ for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Furthermore, genetic testing before HCV therapy could provide important information towards an individualized HCV treatment.
Warming increases the proportion of primary production emitted as methane from freshwater mesocosms
Authors: YVON‐DUROCHER GABRIEL , MONTOYA JOSÉ M. , WOODWARD GUY , JONES J. IWAN , TRIMMER MARK 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMethane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the dominant gaseous end products of the remineralization of organic carbon and also the two largest contributors to the anthropogenic greenhouse effect. We investigated whether warming altered the balance of CH4 efflux relative to gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) in a freshwater mesocosm experiment. Whole ecosystem CH4 efflux was strongly related to temperature with an apparent activation energy of 0.85 eV. Furthermore, CH4 efflux increased faster than ER or GPP with temperature, with all three processes having sequentially lower activation energies. Warming of 4 °C increased the fraction of GPP effluxing as CH4 by 20% and the fraction of ER as CH4 by 9%, in line with the offset in their respective activation energies. Because CH4 is 21 times more potent as a greenhouse gas, relative to CO2, these results suggest freshwater ecosystems could drive a previously unknown positive feedback between warming and the carbon cycle.
Forage density effect on sound insulation properties
Authors: Green O. , Gasso‐Tortajada V. , Gislum R. , Jørgensen R. N. , Sørensen C. G. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractOne of the main parameters affecting forage management and quality is density. Existing methods used for measuring physical properties of forage involve costly destructive analysis. A frequent and appropriate control of the forage density is required for optimizing the management of silage, hay and straw production; therefore, there is a need to develop a new measurement method. The sound insulation properties of a material are governed by its physical structure. Based on this, an inexpensive, non‐destructive acoustic measurement method using sound insulation properties was developed to determine forage density. The method has been used to analyse the correlation of the density with the sound insulation spectra produced by small‐scale models of hay, silage and straw. Results show that the sound insulation spectra of forage have a high correlation with the density and a significant congruence with the physical structure of the targeted forage types. The findings are highly relevant for innovative applications in agriculture, animal nutrition and bio‐energy production in terms of material properties monitoring, materials classification and quality determination.
An evaluation of the hygienic quality in single‐species hays and commercial forages used in equine nutrition
Authors: Seguin V. , Lemauviel‐Lavenant S. , Garon D. , Bouchart V. , Gallard Y. , Blanchet B. , Diquelou S. , Personeni E. , Gauduchon P. , Ourry A. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPulmonary diseases such as recurrent airway obstruction have become a major concern in the horse industry. Airborne dust, including aeroallergens from forages, is suspected to be the main factor in its aetiology. Hypothesizing that grassland flora could affect hay hygienic quality, and therefore have implications for the respiratory health of horses, we compared five single‐species hays (Trifolium repens, Lolium perenne, Alopecurus geniculatus, Poa trivialis and Holcus lanatus). Multi‐species hay from Normandy, and different commercial forages (single‐species haylage, multi‐species haylage, Crau hay and hay from Swiss mixing), chosen to represent current horse forages, were also investigated. Dust, moulds, pollens and endotoxins were different among forage types, while mycotoxins were not detected in any of the forage types. Holcus lanatus hay was the dustiest among the single‐species hays but also the least contaminated by moulds. A particular mould profile was associated with each plant species. The four commercial forages appeared to have a better hygienic quality than the multi‐species hay. Among commercial forages, the single‐species haylage was the least dusty but also the most contaminated by moulds. Overall the results suggest that the hygienic quality of equine forages could be improved by an appropriate choice of grassland species.
Current regeneration patterns at the tree line in the Pyrenees indicate similar recruitment processes irrespective of the past disturbance regime
Authors: Batllori Enric , Camarero J. Julio , Gutiérrez Emilia 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim  Impacts of global change, such as land‐use and climate changes, could produce significant alterations in the elevational patterns of alpine tree line ecotones and their adjacent vegetation zones. Because the responses of the tree line to environmental variations are directly related to successful tree regeneration, understanding recruitment dynamics is an indispensable step in tree line research. We aimed to compare potential ecological limitations on recent tree line regeneration in undisturbed and disturbed sites by analysing the demographic structure and spatiotemporal patterns of recruits and large trees.Location  Alpine tree line ecotones comprising Pinus uncinata in the Catalan Pyrenees (north‐east Spain) and Andorra.Methods  We assessed the demographic structure and spatial pattern of recent recruitment using techniques of point‐pattern and autocorrelation analyses. A total of 3639 P. uncinata individuals were mapped, measured and aged at 12 sites. To evaluate the effects of past disturbances on recent tree line response we compared tree lines that had either been recently affected by human‐induced disturbances or had remained undisturbed for many years.Results  The age structure of the tree lines, together with the lack of an age gap between seedlings and saplings, did not indicate recent episodes of high seedling mortality and suggest that recruitment has been frequent under current climate conditions. Seedlings appeared highly aggregated at short distances (up to 3 m), irrespective of disturbance history, and were spatially segregated with respect to large trees. However, we found no evidence of patches of even‐aged seedlings, and our results suggest that dispersal events at intermediate distances (10–17 m) may be frequent. Autocorrelation analyses revealed different patterns of density and age of recruits between disturbed and undisturbed tree lines, but the strength and small‐scale clustering of seedlings and saplings were very similar between sites.Main conclusions  We found no recruitment limitation on recent tree line dynamics in the Pyrenees. Furthermore, processes affecting tree recruitment seem to be similar among populations regardless of their past disturbance regime. Our results suggest that constraints on tree line dynamics causing differential responses between sites may operate on older life stages and not upon recruits, and that such constraints may be more contingent on local site conditions than on disturbance history.