bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of peach thaumatin‐like proteins and their identification as major peach allergens
Authors: Palacín A. , Tordesillas L. , Gamboa P. , Sanchez‐Monge R. , Cuesta‐Herranz J. , Sanz M. L. , Barber D. , Salcedo G. , Díaz‐Perales A. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryBackground
Peach is the most important fruit related to food allergy in the Mediterranean area. Pru p 3, its lipid transfer protein, has been described as the principal allergen responsible for cross‐reactivities with other foods and pollen and the severity of clinical symptoms. However, the involvement of other allergenic families cannot be ruled out. Thaumatin‐like proteins (TLPs) have been described as food allergen in several fruits, such as apple, cherry, kiwi and banana, and pollen.Objective
To identify members of the TLP family in peach fruit and to characterize putative allergens.Methods
Through two‐dimensional (2D) electrophoresis of peach extract and immunodetections with a pool of peach‐allergic patients, IgE‐binding spots were identified and the corresponding proteins purified and characterized as allergens by in vitro and in vivo assays.Three isoforms, belonging to the TLP family, were purified by different chromatographic systems and characterized by N‐terminal amino acid sequences, molecular weight determination (MALDI) and enzymatic activity analysis (β‐1,3‐gluconase test and inhibition growth of fungi). In the same way, their IgE‐binding capacity and allergenic activity were tested by ELISA assays, basophil activation tests and skin prick tests (SPT).Results
Two peach‐TLPs, Pru p 2.0101 and Pru p 2.0201, were identified as IgE‐binding spots by 2D electrophoresis. Another peach‐TLP, Pru p 2.0301, was cloned and produced as recombinant protein in a yeast system. The three isoforms were purified and characterized as TLPs by immunoblotting with anti‐chestnut TLP antibodies and anti‐plant N‐asparagine complex glycan (anti‐cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinant). All of them showed β‐1,3‐glucanase activity and inhibition of fungal growth. The three TLPs were recognized by around 50% of the sera from 31 patients analysed in ELISA experiments. All three gave a positive response to an SPT and/or in basophil activation experiments.Conclusion
Three isoforms, belonging to the TLP family, were identified in peach as principal allergens. Their prevalence, observed in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo analyses, suggests that they are important allergens and should therefore be included in the routine diagnosis of peach allergy, at least in the Mediterranean area. Cite this as: A. Palacín, L. Tordesillas, P. Gamboa, R. Sanchez‐Monge, J. Cuesta‐Herranz, M. L. Sanz, D. Barber, G. Salcedo and A. Díaz‐Perales, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1422–1430.
Preferential activation of peripheral blood Vγ9+γ/δ T cells by group A, B and C but not group D or F streptococci
Authors: BENDER A , KABELITZ D 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYPrevious studies have established that inactivated mycobacteria are potent and selective activators of Vγ9+/Vδ2+ human γ/δ T cells. Here we have analysed the proliferative response of human γ/δ T cells to five serologically distinct groups of streptococci. While heat-inactivated streptococci of all five serogroups tested (A, B. C, D and F) induced a strong proliferative response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), only groups A, B and C elicited a selective activation of Vγ9+γ/δ T cells in 10 (serogroup B) or 11 (serogroups A and C) of 11 tested healthy individuals. In striking contrast, groups D and F streptococci failed to activate γ/δ T cells in nine of 11 donors and induced only a weak γ/δ T cell response in two additional individuals. Depletion of Vγ9+ T cells before culture completely eliminated all γ/δ T cell responses to streptococci. These data indicate that groups A, B and C (but not D or F) streptococci can be included in the growing list of selective ligands for Vγ9+/Vδ2+ human γ/δ T cells.
Cellular responses to human chondrocytes: absence of allogeneic responses in the presence of HLA-DR and ICAM-1
Authors: JOBANPUTRA P , CORRIGALL V , KINGSLEY G , PANAYI G 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYTo assess the accessory cell function of human articular chondrocytes, we assessed the ability of human chondrocytes to stimulate allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and to support phytohacmagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferation of highly purified T cells. We also examined the surface expression of HLA-DR and ICAM-1 on the chondrocytes both unstimulated and stimulated with cytokines in vitro. Chondrocytes failed to stimulate allogeneic PBMC despite the constitutive expression of MHC class I molecules and the cytokine-induced expression of class II molecules but were able to support T cell proliferation to PHA, IFN-γ and to a limited extent, IL-1β, induced class II expression on chondrocytes. ICAM-1 was present on 94–99% of freshly isolated cells; this declined with culture (17–59%; P&lt;0·005) but was readily induced by IFN-γ, IL-1β, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Alloreactivity and, presumably, autoreactivity to chondrocytes requires factors in addition to the surface expression of DR and ICAM-1. However the presence of these molecules suggests a capacity for cell-cell interactions in inflammatory sites such as the cartilage pannus junction.
Significance of IL-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB)
Authors: Kadota J , Matsubara Y , Ishimatsu Y , Ashida M , Abe K , Shirai R , Iida K , Kawakami K , Taniguchi H , Fujii T , Kaseda M , Kawamoto S , Kohno S 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYWe evaluated the effect of erythromycin therapy on pulmonary function tests and the airway inflammatory response of patients with DPB. The number of neutrophils in BALF obtained from DPB patients was significantly higher than that of healthy volunteers. Treatment with erythromycin (600 mg/day for 12.9 γδ+9.5 months (mean γδ+s.d.)) significantly reduced the total number of cells and neutrophils in the airway, and significantly improved pulmonary function tests. The levels of IL-1β and IL-8 were significantly higher in DPB compared with healthy volunteers (P &lt; 0.05, P &lt; 0.05, respectively). IL-1 Ra in patients is considered to have a weak inhibitory activity for IL-1β, with approximately five-fold concentration of IL-1β compared with that in healthy volunteers (approx. nine-fold concentration of IL-1β). Erythromycin therapy significantly reduced these cytokines to levels comparable to those of healthy volunteers, and produced a trend toward reduction in the level of IL-1Ra in BALF. The level of IL-1β correlated significantly with the concentration of neutrophils in BALF (r= 0.72, P &lt; 0.01), as well as with the level of IL-1Ra (r= 0.688, P &lt; 0.05) and IL-8 (r= 0.653, P &lt; 0.05). A nearly significant or significant correlation was observed between the concentration of neutrophils and levels of IL-1Ra or IL-8 in BALF (r= 0.526, P= 0.053 or r= 0.776, P &lt; 0.01, respectively). There was also a significant relationship between FEV, and the concentration of neutrophils in BALF (r= 0.524, P &lt; 0.05). Our results suggest that the relative amounts of IL-1β and IL-1Ra or IL-8 may contribute, at least in part, to the neutrophil-mediated chronic airway inflammation in patients with chronic airway disease, and long-term erythromycin therapy may down-regulate the vigorous cycle between the cytokine network and neutrophil accumulation, with resultant reduction of neutrophil-mediated inflammatory response.
Biochemical analysis and immunogenicity ofLeishmania majoramastigote fractions in cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: RAFATI S , COUTY-JOUVE S , ALIMOHAMMADIAN M H , LOUIS J A 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYSoluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) from both developmental stages of L. major (L. major MRHO/IR/75/ ER) were prepared. Three and five subfractions of SLA from amastigote and promastigote were obtained by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), respectively. Biochemical analyses and comparison of amastigote and promastigote SLA were done. The biochemical analyses revealed that the first fraction of L. major amastigote possesses a distinct band on its electrophoretic mobility pattern corresponding to a position of 24 kD, and it has enzymatic activity with characteristics of a cysteine proteinase. The isolated fractions of amastigote were tested for induction of proliferation, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IL-4 production in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from individuals who had recovered and also chronic patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. major. The cells of recovered individuals compared with chronic cases proliferated profoundly in response to the first fraction of amastigote SLA. In all recovered individuals, the IFN-γ, but not IL-4, was secreted in response to stimulation with the first fraction of amastigote SLA. In chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis, IFN-γ was infrequently observed in response to stimulation by all three fractions of amastigote SLA, but secretion of IL-4 was observed. These data indicate that first fraction of amastigote SLA is a strong inducer of primed human immune response to L. major, and may have a protective function.
Evaluation of PG‐M3 antibody in the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukaemia
Authors: Gupta Sanjeev Kumar , Sazawal Sudha , Mahapatra Manoranjan , Saxena Renu 
Published: August 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (10): 960–962AbstractBackground & objectives  Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is a distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) characterized by a reciprocal translocation, t(15;17) and a high incidence of life‐threatening coagulopathy. APL diagnosis is considered a medical emergency. As reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for PML‐RARα fusion oncoprotein is time consuming, there is a need for a rapid and accurate diagnostic test for APL. This study evaluates the role of PG‐M3 monoclonal antibody using immunofluorescence (IF) in the early diagnosis of APL.Materials and Methods  Thirty‐six new untreated APL cases diagnosed with RT‐PCR for PML‐RARα as the gold standard and 38 non‐APL controls (28 non‐APL AMLs and 10 non‐leukaemic samples) were evaluated by routine morphology and cytochemistry, RT‐PCR and IF using PG‐M3 monoclonal antibody.Results  Using IF, 34 of 36 (94·4%) APL cases showed a microgranular pattern suggestive of APL and two cases (5·6%) showed a speckled pattern typical of wild‐type PML protein (False negative). By comparison, two of 28 (7·1%) non‐APL AMLs showed microgranular pattern (false positive). Hence, IF as a diagnostic test for APL resulted in a sensitivity of 94·4%, specificity of 92·9% and positive and negative predictive values of 94·4% and 92·9% respectively. All 10 non‐leukaemic samples showed a speckled pattern.Conclusions  IF using PG‐M3 antibodies can be used as a rapid (takes 2 h), cheap, sensitive and specific method to identify APL. It can be a useful adjunct for diagnosis of APL especially if facilities for RT‐PCR are not available, particularly in resource‐limited settings.
Lipid assessment, metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease risk
Authors: Arsenault Benoit J. , Després Jean‐Pierre , Stroes Erik S. G. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Kastelein John J. P. , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Boekholdt S. Matthijs 
Published: August 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (12): 1081–1093AbstractBackground  Although the total to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL‐C) has been used for decades to identify individuals at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), apolipoprotein‐based (apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A‐I [apoB/apoA‐I]) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR)‐based lipoprotein concentrations (low‐density lipoproteinNMR/high‐density lipoproteinNMR [LDLNMR/HDLNMR]) may also be useful for CHD risk stratification.Materials and methods  In a case–control study conducted within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)‐Norfolk study population, 870 individuals who developed CHD during a 6‐year follow‐up were matched to 1659 controls on the basis of gender, age and enrolment time. LDLNMR and HDLNMR were measured by proton NMR spectroscopy.Results  After adjusting for traditional CHD risk factors, men in the top quintile of the various lipoprotein ratios proved to be at increased CHD risk (OR = 2·59 [95% IC, 1·76–3·83] for TC/HDL‐C ratio, 2·59 [1·75–3·83] for apoB/apoA‐I ratio and 2·78 [1·86–4·17] for LDLNMR/HDLNMR ratio) compared with men in the bottom quintile. Similar associations were observed in women (OR = 2·86 [1·71–4·80] for TC/HDL‐C ratio, 2·94 [1·74–4·97] for apoB/apoA‐I ratio and 2·03 [1·21–3·43] for LDLNMR/HDLNMR ratio). Compared with participants with only one component of the metabolic syndrome, those who had five had an increased TC/HDL‐C ratio (73·0% and 80·4% in men and women respectively), apoB/apoA‐I ratio (58·0% and 62·9% in men and women respectively) and for LDLNMR/HDLNMR ratio (52·6% and 54·1% in men and women respectively).Conclusion  In this European study population, the TC/HDL‐C, apoB/apoA‐I and LDLNMR/HDLNMR ratios were similarly associated with components of the metabolic syndrome and CHD risk.
Penetration resistance of gypsiferous horizons
Authors: POCH R. M. , VERPLANCKE H. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryTo assess the importance and the possible causes of penetration resistance of horizons with gypsum, 20 horizons in seven irrigated profiles were studied. Gypsum contents ranged from 0 to 900 g kg−1. Penetrometer tests were performed on undisturbed soil cores by means of a needle penetrometer at different matric potentials. The increase of penetration resistance on drying was caused by changes in the effective stress of the soils, calculated from their soil water characteristic curves. Multiple regression tests showed that besides water content and bulk density, gypsum content was positively correlated with penetration resistance. It seems that in the soils studied the increase of penetration resistance caused by gypsum is due to the growth of gypsum crystals in pre‐existing pores, which reduces the volume of regular and continuous voids necessary for root growth.
The origin and loss of fractal scaling in simulated soil aggregates
Authors: CRAWFORD J. W. , VERRALL S. , YOUNG I. M. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryA growing body of evidence supports the use of fractals to approximate the heterogeneous structure of soil. Fractal models of transport processes in soil indicate that the fractal dimension and the upper limit to fractal scaling (denoted ξ) determine flow rates and scaling properties. A two‐dimensional Monte Carlo simulation of soil aggregation is used to identify the key processes which may lead to fractal‐like scaling in the soil matrix. A bonding law is developed which parameterizes the relative importance of chemical bonding to binding by microbial by‐products and fungi. We investigate the sensitivity of the fractal dimension and ξ to the nature of the bonding law, and to aggregate fragmentation, initial particle size distribution and mechanical restructuring. Fractal‐like structures result from the aggregation process. However, the measured fractal dimension is insensitive to the detailed form of the bonding law. The factor that most sensitively influences the fractal dimension is found to be mechanical restructuring such as would arise from the action of roots, soil fauna and natural weathering. By contrast, ξ is most sensitive to the bonding law. The results suggest that the fractal dimension and characteristic diameter of aggregates should be uncorrelated, and that increased binding by microbial by‐products and fungi should produce larger, less dense, aggregates.
Trivalent metal (Cr, Y, Rh, La, Pr, Gd) sorption in two acid soils and its consequences for bioremediation
Authors: JONES D. L. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe recent addition of trivalent metals to soil and their subsequent movement within the biosphere are of concern. For this reason, the sorption of chromium (Cr), yttrium (Y). rhodium (Rh), lanthanum (La), praseodymium (Pr) and gadolinium (Gd) in two contrasting acid soils has been determined. Except for Rh, the sorption of the other trivalent metals conformed well to the Langmuir equation with derived sorption parameters similar for all the trivalent species tested. Calculation of the buffer powers indicated that under both small (0·01 mmol kg−1) and large (1 mmol kg−1) trivalent metal soil loadings > 99·5% of the metals will be associated with the exchange phase with small quantities present in the bulk soil solution (<0·5%). It seems that the slight availability of metals within the bulk soil solution will slow the rate of trivalent metal bioremediation of contaminated sites.
Spatial distribution of phytoplankton in Lake Baikal, Spring 1991
Authors: BONDARENKO N.A. , GUSELNIKOVA N.E. , LOGACHEVA N.F. , POMAZKINA G.V. 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY

Studies carried out in Lake Baikal in late spring (late May‐early June) 1991 showed marked differences in the species composition and abundance of phytoplankton in different regions of the lake. The south and north basins were characterized by small forms of algae. The middle basin, Maloe More and the shallow waters of the Selenga had species with large cells including Aulacoseira islandica subsp. helvetica, Dinobryon cylindricum and D. divergens.
Areas of high biomass were correlated with shallow waters and river inputs. This was especially apparent in the region of the Selenga delta. The vertical distribution of phytoplankton indicated the non‐synchronous start of the spring homothermy throughout the lake. Phytoplankton were concentrated in the upper 100 m layer with subsurface maxima resulting from the sinking of large algae.
The concentration of phytoplankton biomass in general at this time characterized the lake as moderately productive.
Light limitation of phytoplankton development in an oligotrophic lake ‐ Loch Ness, Scotland
Authors: JONES R.I. , YOUNG J.M. , HARTLEY A.M. , BAILEY‐WATTS A.E. 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY

The underwater light climate in Loch Ness is described in terms of mixing depth (Zm) and depth of the euphoric zone (Zeu). During periods of complete mixing, Zm equates with the mean depth of the loch (132 m), but even during summer stratification the morphometry of the loch and the strong prevailing winds produce a deep thermocline and an epilimnetic mixed layer of about 30 m or greater. Hence, throughout the year the quotient Zm/Zeu is exceptionally high and the underwater light climate particularly unfavourable for phytoplankton production and growth.
Phytoplankton biomass expressed as chlorophyll a is very low in Loch Ness, with a late summer maximum of less than 1.5 mg chlorophyll a m‐3 in the upper 30 m of the water column. This low biomass and the resulting very low photosynthetic carbon fixation within the water column are evidence that a severe restraint is imposed on the rate at which phytoplankton can grow in the loch.
The chlorophyll a content per unit of phytoplankton biovolume and the maximum, light‐saturated specific rate of photosynthesis are both parameters which might be influenced by the light climate under which the phytoplankton have grown. However, values obtained from Loch Ness for both chlorophyll a content (mean 0.0045 mg mm‐3) and maximum photosynthetic rate (1–4 mg C mg Chla‐1 h‐1) are within the range reported from other lakes.
Laboratory bioassays with the natural phytoplankton community from Loch Ness on two occasions in late summer when the light climate in the loch is at its most favourable, suggest that even then limitation of phytoplankton growth is finely balanced between light and phosphorus limitation. Hence, for most of the year, when the light climate is less favourable, phytoplankton growth will be light limited.
Quotients relating mean annual algal biomass as chlorophyll a (c. 0.5 mg Chla m‐3) and the probable annual specific areal loading of total phosphorus (0.4–1.7 g TP m‐2 yr‐1) suggest that the efficiency with which phytoplankton is produced in Loch Ness per unit of TP loading is extremely low when compared with values from other Scottish lochs for which such an index has been calculated. This apparent inefficiency can be attributed to suppression of photosynthetic productivity in the water column due to the unfavourable underwater light climate.
These several independent sources of evidence lead to the conclusion that phytoplankton development in Loch Ness is constrained by light rather than by nutrients. Loch Ness thus appears to provide an exception to the generally accepted paradigm that phytoplankton development in lakes of an oligotrophic character is constrained by nutrient availability.
Differences in endozoochorous dispersal between aquatic plant species, with reference to plant population persistence in rivers
Authors: POLLUX B. J. A. , SANTAMARIA L. , OUBORG N. J. 
Published: August 2010

Summary 1. In river ecosystems, populations are continuously subjected to unidirectional downstream currents resulting in a downstream movement of populations. To ensure long‐term population persistence in rivers, organisms must have a mechanism for upstream dispersal, which allows them to re‐colonise upstream areas.2. In this study we assessed differences in the potential for endozoochorous seed dispersal of Sparganium emersum and Sagittaria sagittifolia, two aquatic plant species with different seed morphologies, by mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and teal (Anas crecca), two duck species with different body weights.3. We found no significant differences in seed retrieval (the proportion of ingested seeds retrieved after gut passage) and seed retention time (time between seed ingestion and retrieval), between mallard and teal, despite the difference in body weights. We did find a significantly higher germination (%) over retention time of S. emersum seeds retrieved from teal compared with mallard, most likely related to a more efficient removal of the seed coat during passage through the gut of teal.4. There were large differences between S. emersum versus S. sagittifolia in: (i) seed retrieval (22.65 ± 20.8% versus 1.60 ± 2.4%, respectively); (ii) seed retention time in duck gut, with a maximum of 60 h versus 12 h; (iii) the effect of gut passage on seed germination, with an increase of approximately 35% versus a decrease of 25%; and (iv) the effect of gut passage on seed germination rate, with an acceleration of 10 days versus a delay of 3 days on average. The results show that S. emersum has a higher potential for endozoochorous dispersal by ducks and postdispersal establishment than S. sagittifolia.5. We propose that, in rivers, bird‐mediated seed dispersal may promote re‐colonisation of upstream areas, enabling long‐term plant population persistence.