bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relevance of a crenarchaeotal subcluster related to Candidatus Nitrosopumilus maritimus to ammonia oxidation in the suboxic zone of the central Baltic Sea
Authors: Labrenz Matthias , Sintes Eva , Toetzke Falko , Zumsteg Anita , Herndl Gerhard J , Seidler Marleen , Jürgens Klaus 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Marine pelagic redoxclines are areas of enhanced biogeochemical cycling inhabited by distinct functional groups of prokaryotes. In this study, the diversity and abundance of archaeal and bacterial nitrifying populations throughout a pelagic redoxcline in the central Baltic Sea were examined using a suite of molecular methods. 16S rRNA/rRNA gene as well as bacterial and archaeal amoA mRNA/amoA gene fingerprints and clone libraries revealed that the putative nitrifying assemblages consisted solely of one crenarchaeotal subcluster, named GD2, which was closely related to Candidatus Nitrosopumilus maritimus. Neither distinct differences between transcript- and gene-based fingerprints nor pronounced differences in the crenarchaeotal composition throughout the whole redoxcline were detected. The abundance of this GD2 subgroup, as determined by the oligonucleotide probe Cren537 and the newly developed and more specific probe Cren679 showed that GD2 and total crenarchaeotal cell numbers were nearly identical throughout the redoxcline. The highest GD2 abundance (2.3 × 105 cells ml−1) occurred in the suboxic zone, accounting for around 26% of total prokaryotic cells. Below the chemocline, GD2 abundance was relatively stable (1.5–1.9 × 105 cells ml−1). Archaeal amoA expression was detected only in the putative nitrification zone and formed a narrow band in the suboxic layer, where ammonium, oxygen, nitrate, nitrite and phosphate concentrations were below 5 μmol l−1. To our knowledge this is the first study to show the dominance of only one crenarchaeotal nitrifying key cluster in a natural habitat. The metabolic properties and survival mechanisms present in this cluster inside and outside the nitrification zone remain to be determined.
Will ocean acidification affect marine microbes?
Authors: Joint Ian , Doney Scott C , Karl David M 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
The pH of the surface ocean is changing as a result of increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and there are concerns about potential impacts of lower pH and associated alterations in seawater carbonate chemistry on the biogeochemical processes in the ocean. However, it is important to place these changes within the context of pH in the present-day ocean, which is not constant; it varies systematically with season, depth and along productivity gradients. Yet this natural variability in pH has rarely been considered in assessments of the effect of ocean acidification on marine microbes. Surface pH can change as a consequence of microbial utilization and production of carbon dioxide, and to a lesser extent other microbially mediated processes such as nitrification. Useful comparisons can be made with microbes in other aquatic environments that readily accommodate very large and rapid pH change. For example, in many freshwater lakes, pH changes that are orders of magnitude greater than those projected for the twenty second century oceans can occur over periods of hours. Marine and freshwater assemblages have always experienced variable pH conditions. Therefore, an appropriate null hypothesis may be, until evidence is obtained to the contrary, that major biogeochemical processes in the oceans other than calcification will not be fundamentally different under future higher CO2/lower pH conditions.
Association Between Cardiovascular Health and Hearing Function: Pure-Tone and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Measures
Authors: Hutchinson Kathleen M. , Alessio Helaine , Baiduc Rachael R. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeA reduction in hearing sensitivity is often considered to be a normal age-related change. Recent studies have revisited prior ways of thinking about sensory changes over time, uncovering health variables other than age that play a significant role in sensory changes.MethodIn this cross-sectional study, cardiovascular (CV) health, pure-tone thresholds at 1000 to 4000 Hz, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), with and without contralateral noise, were measured in 101 participants age 10–78 years.ResultsPersons in the “old” age category (49–78 years) had worse pure-tone hearing sensitivity and DPOAEs than persons in the younger age categories (p< .05), affirming an age effect. Although hearing decline occurred in all persons in all CV fitness categories of every age group, those with low CV fitness in the old age group had significantly worse pure-tone hearing at 2000 and 4000 Hz (p<.05). Otoacoustic emission measurements were better for the old high-fit group but not significantly influenced by CV fitness level across age groups.ConclusionsResults of the current study elucidate the potentially positive impact of CV health on hearing sensitivity over time. This finding was particularly robust among older adults.
Quality of Life in Children With Unilateral Hearing Loss: A Pilot Study
Authors: Borton Sarah A. , Mauze Elizabeth , Lieu Judith E. C. 
Published: June 2010

PurposeThe objective of this pilot study was to investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL).MethodThe study was conducted in 2 stages among children age 6–17 years. In Stage 1, the authors conducted focus groups of children with UHL and their parents to elicit perceptions of how UHL affected the lives of these children. In Stage 2, a generic pediatric quality of life survey was used to measure HRQOL quantitatively in children with normal hearing, UHL, and bilateral hearing loss. Participants were recruited from the clinical and research populations of an academic otolaryngology department.ResultsThe focus groups revealed that the children with UHL experienced barriers due to their hearing loss but learned to adapt. Quantitatively, statistically significant differences between groups were not observed on the 3 main HRQOL scales (Total, Psychosocial, and Physical). Children with UHL had a significantly larger variance on the social functioning score than children with normal hearing and bilateral hearing loss.ConclusionsUHL may affect the HRQOL of children; this possibility should be included when counseling parents. However, further research is warranted to determine whether the authors' findings are generalizable to other children with UHL.
Survey of College Students' MP3 Listening: Habits, Safety Issues, Attitudes, and Education
Authors: Hoover Alicia , Krishnamurti Sridhar 
Published: June 2010

Purpose
To survey listening habits and attitudes of typical college students who use MP3 players and to investigate possible safety issues related to MP3 player listening.

Method

College students who were frequent MP3 player users (
N
= 428) filled out a 30-item online survey. Specific areas probed by the present survey included frequency and duration of MP3 player use, MP3 player volume levels used, types of earphones used, typical environments in which MP3 player was worn, specific activities related to safety while listening to MP3 players, and attitudes toward MP3 player use.

Results
The majority of listeners wore MP3 players for less than 2 hr daily at safe volume levels. About one third of respondents reported being distracted while wearing an MP3 player, and more than one third of listeners experienced soreness in their ears after a listening session. About one third of respondents reported occasionally using their MP3 players at maximum volume levels. Listeners indicated willingness to (a) reduce volume levels, (b) decrease listening duration, and (c) buy specialized earphones to conserve their hearing.

Conclusion
The study found concerns regarding the occasional use of MP3 players at full volume and reduced environmental awareness among some college student users.
The Influence of Cardiovascular Health on Peripheral and Central Auditory Function in Adults: A Research Review
Authors: Hull Raymond H. , Kerschen Stacy R. 
Published: June 2010

Purpose
This article provides a comparative review of research that has been conducted over the past 60+ years on the influence of cardiovascular health on the function of the peripheral and central auditory systems, and findings on the influence of improvements in cardiovascular health on those same systems.

Method
Research spanning the past 6 decades reviewed for this article has both hypothesized and confirmed the cardiovascular system’s effects on the peripheral and central auditory systems. A review of the influence of the cardiovascular system is presented in this article, and a potential new avenue for auditory rehabilitation is postulated. The review presented in this article does not represent all studies conducted in the topic area but does provide an in-depth look into this fascinating area of research.

Conclusions
The negative influence of impaired cardiovascular health on both the peripheral and central auditory system and the potential positive influence of improved cardiovascular health on these same systems have been found through a sizable body of research that has been conducted over more than 6 decades. The most significant positive relationship between improved cardiovascular health and improvements in those auditory systems has been found among older adults. If that relationship continues to be confirmed, then a potential new avenue for auditory rehabilitation on behalf of adults who possess impaired auditory function may be discovered.
Auditory Processing Disorder and Speech Perception Problems in Noise: Finding the Underlying Origin
Authors: Lagacé Josée , Jutras Benoît , Gagné Jean-Pierre 
Published: June 2010

PurposeA hallmark listening problem of individuals presenting with auditory processing disorder (APD) is their poor recognition of speech in noise. The underlying perceptual problem of the listening difficulties in unfavorable listening conditions is unknown. The objective of this article was to demonstrate theoretically how to determine whether the speech recognition problems are related to an auditory dysfunction, a language-based dysfunction, or a combination of both.MethodTests such as the Speech Perception in Noise (SPIN) test allow the exploration of the auditory and language-based functions involved in speech perception in noise, which is not possible with most other speech-in-noise tests. Psychometric functions illustrating results from hypothetical groups of individuals with APD on the SPIN test are presented. This approach makes it possible to postulate about the origin of the speech perception problems in noise.ConclusionAPD is a complex and heterogeneous disorder for which the underlying deficit is currently unclear. Because of their design, SPIN-like tests can potentially be used to identify the nature of the deficits underlying problems with speech perception in noise for this population. A better understanding of the difficulties with speech perception in noise experienced by many listeners with APD should lead to more efficient intervention programs.
Dysphagia After Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: Etiology, Clinical Presentation, and Efficacy of Current Treatments
Authors: Langmore Susan E. , Krisciunas Gintas P. 
Published: June 2010

After radiation therapy (RT) or chemoradiation (CRT) therapy for head and neck cancer, some patients develop significant swallowing problems. This complication is thought to be a result of radiation induced damage and chronic alteration of tissues whereby the body reacts to the radiation by producing fibrosis. In some persons, this healing process seems to go awry, thus causing excess fibrosis and dysphagia. The major problem faced by patients with dysphagia is stiffness of tissue and underlying muscle weakness, causing reduced bolus clearance; hence, food is much more problematic than liquids. In fact, aspiration is rare unless the dysphagia is severe.
While compensatory treatment for dysphagia post C/RT is helpful, it is not rehabilitative. More permanent rehabilitative approaches use exercise regiments along with stretching. Massage, lymphedema therapy and electrical stimulation are sensory based or externally based treatments that also are employed, but less frequently. Unfortunately, the efficacy of most treatment approaches is limited, and randomized clinical trials urgently are needed to guide clinicians who work with this population.
Heterogeneous Connexin43 distribution in heart failure is associated with dispersed conduction and enhanced susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Boulaksil Mohamed , Winckels Stephan K.G. , Engelen Markus A. , Stein Mèra , van Veen Toon A.B. , Jansen John A. , Linnenbank André C. , Bierhuizen Marti F.A. , Groenewegen W. Antoinette , van Oosterhout Matthijs F.M. , Kirkels Johannes H. , de Jonge Nicolaas , Varró András , Vos Marc A. , de Bakker Jacques M.T. , van Rijen Harold V.M. 
Published: June 2010

AimsSudden arrhythmogenic cardiac death is a major cause of mortality in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). To investigate determinants of the increased arrhythmogenic susceptibility, we studied cardiac remodelling and arrhythmogenicity in CHF patients and in a mouse model of chronic pressure overload.Methods and resultsClinical and (immuno)histological data of myocardial biopsies from CHF patients with (VT+) and without (VT−) documented ventricular arrhythmia were compared with controls. In CHF patients, ejection fraction was decreased and QRS duration was increased. Cell size and interstitial fibrosis were increased, but Connexin43 (Cx43) levels, the most abundant gap junction in ventricular myocardium, were unchanged. No differences were found between VT+ and VT− patients, except for the distribution pattern of Cx43, which was significantly more heterogeneous in VT+. Mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham operated. At 16 weeks, cardiac function was determined by echocardiography and epicardial ventricular activation mapping was performed. Transverse aortic constriction mice had decreased fractional shortening and prolonged QRS duration. Right ventricular conduction velocity was reduced, and polymorphic VTs were induced in 44% TAC and 0% sham mice. Interstitial fibrosis was increased and Cx43 quantity was unchanged in TAC mice with and without arrhythmias. Similar to CHF patients, heterogeneous Cx43 distribution was significantly associated with arrhythmias in TAC mice and with spatial heterogeneity of impulse conduction.ConclusionHeterogeneous Cx43 expression during CHF is associated with dispersed impulse conduction and may underlie enhanced susceptibility to ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Optimal management of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease in children
Authors: Jacobsohn David A. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryChronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a major complication after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Not only is it the major cause of late mortality in HSCT patients, but it also accounts for significant morbidity. Much of the literature on chronic GVHD has focused on adults. Chronic GVHD is of major importance in children, especially since they have years to live following the complications of chronic GVHD and its therapy. The goal is to review incidence, manifestations, and therapies, especially when applicable to the paediatric population.
Analysis of the kinetics of band 3 diffusion in human erythroblasts during assembly of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton
Authors: Kodippili Gayani C. , Spector Jeff , Kang Grace E. , Liu Hui , Wickrema Amittha , Ritchie Ken , Low Philip S. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryDuring definitive erythropoiesis, erythroid precursors undergo differentiation through multiple nucleated states to an enucleated reticulocyte, which loses its residual RNA/organelles to become a mature erythrocyte. Over the course of these transformations, continuous changes in membrane proteins occur, including shifts in protein abundance, rates of expression, isoform prominence, states of phosphorylation, and stability. In an effort to understand when assembly of membrane proteins into an architecture characteristic of the mature erythrocyte occurs, we quantitated the lateral diffusion of the most abundant membrane protein, band 3 (AE1), during each stage of erythropoiesis using single particle tracking. Analysis of the lateral trajectories of individual band 3 molecules revealed a gradual reduction in mobility of the anion transporter as erythroblasts differentiated. Evidence for this progressive immobilization included a gradual decline in diffusion coefficients as determined at a video acquisition rate of 120 frames/s and a decrease in the percentage of compartment sizes >100 nm. Because complete acquisition of the properties of band 3 seen in mature erythrocytes is not observed until circulating erythrocytes are formed, we suggest that membrane maturation involves a gradual and cooperative assembly process that is not triggered by the synthesis of any single protein.
Diagnostic value of outcome measures following allergen exposure in an environmental challenge chamber compared with natural conditions
Authors: Hohlfeld J. M. , Holland‐Letz T. , Larbig M. , Lavae‐Mokhtari M. , Wierenga E. , Kapsenberg M. , Van Ree R. , Krug N. , Bufe A. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground
Efficacy testing of drugs in seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is often disturbed by seasonal variations of environmental allergens, and assessment of onset and duration of action is hardly possible under natural conditions. Allergen provocation in an environmental challenge chamber (ECC) can be of added value in this respect. However, the specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility of outcome measures under both settings are unclear.Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the diagnostic value (specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of clinical end‐points and biomarkers both following allergen provocation in an ECC and under natural conditions.Methods
Sixty adult patients with SAR to grass and 60 healthy subjects were exposed twice to grass pollen in an ECC and observed twice during the pollen season. Symptoms, nasal flow, as well as exhaled and nasal nitric oxide (NO) were investigated.Results
The total nasal symptom score (TNSS) in the ECC had the best reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC=0.86) and sensitivity/specificity [area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)=0.99] of all measures. Symptoms in season also had good sensitivity/specificity but were far less reproducible. Nasal flow in the ECC had good sensitivity/specificity but reproducibility was limited. NO measurements showed good reproducibility but sensitivity/specificity were limited, except for exhaled NO in season (AUC=0.75).Conclusion
The high reproducibility and sensitivity/specificity in the ECC suggests that TNSS is a valuable outcome measure. While exhaled NO can be considered to monitor airway inflammation, nasal NO appears to be unspecific. Cite this as: J. M. Hohlfeld, T. Holland‐Letz, M. Larbig, M. Lavae‐Mokhtari, E. Wierenga, M. Kapsenberg, R. van Ree, N. Krug and A. Bufe, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 998–1006.
Functional expression of granzyme B in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells: a role in allergic inflammation
Authors: Bratke K. , Nielsen J. , Manig F. , Klein C. , Kuepper M. , Geyer S. , Julius P. , Lommatzsch M. , Virchow J. C. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are involved in a variety of immune functions. However, the expression of cytotoxic granule proteins like granzymes and perforin in human pDCs is still poorly understood.Objective
The aim of this study was to systematically analyse the expression and regulation of cytotoxic granule proteins in human pDCs.Methods
The expression of cytotoxic proteins was analysed by RT‐PCR, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. The functional expression of these proteins was confirmed in a flow‐cytometry‐based cytotoxicity assay using K562 cells as targets. In order to analyse the regulation of pDC‐derived cytotoxic proteins in infectious and allergic diseases, human pDCs were analysed after stimulation with toll‐like receptor (TLR)7/9 ligands and in the human asthma model of segmental allergen challenge.Results
Granzyme B (GrB), but not the granzymes A, H, K, M or perforin, was specifically expressed by human pDCs and this GrB expression was up‐regulated by IL‐3 stimulation. In addition, IL‐3‐stimulated pDCs were found to kill K562 cells in a GrB‐ and caspase‐dependent manner. TLR7/9 ligands significantly suppressed GrB expression in pDCs. In contrast, there was an up‐regulation of GrB in endobronchial pDCs 24 h after allergen challenge, and this was accompanied by enhanced GrB concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.Conclusion
We report the selective expression of GrB in human pDCs and show for the first time pDC‐mediated GrB‐ and caspase‐dependent cytotoxicity against target cells. In addition, the regulation of GrB expression was investigated in vitro and in vivo providing an evidence for a specific role of pDC‐derived GrB in allergic inflammation. Cite this as: K. Bratke, J. Nielsen, F. Manig, C. Klein, M. Kuepper, S. Geyer, P. Julius, M. Lommatzsch and J. C. Virchow, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1015–1024.
The role of filaggrin in the atopic diathesis
Authors: O'Regan G. M. , Irvine A. D. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryAtopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory disease characterized by pruritic skin lesions, immunodysregulation, disrupted epidermal barrier function and IgE‐mediated sensitization to food and environmental allergens. Identification of the aetiology of AD has become increasingly a priority, as it is clear that the disease burden exceeds AD alone, with many children suffering severe, multi‐system and occasionally life‐threatening allergic disease. Previous approaches to understanding AD have centred on mechanisms in the adaptive immune system, often with an emphasis on the Th1–Th2 paradigm. Recently, the conceptual focus has increasingly shifted to include a primary defect in the epithelial barrier as a threshold event in moderate‐to‐severe AD. Familial aggregation of the disease is well established through many family studies of AD, asthma and allergic rhinitis, suggesting a significant heritable component. The identification of loss‐of‐function mutations in the filaggrin (FLG) gene, whose product is a key structural protein in the outermost layer of the epidermis in up to 50% of patients with AD, provides a significant insight into explaining disease initiation and points to a complex secondary interplay of environmental and immunological sequelae once barrier disruption is established. The elucidation of the environmental, genetic and immunobiological modifiers of this structural molecule may also direct our understanding of the pathomechanisms and endotypes central to the atopic diathesis. The recent identification of a murine model for FLG‐AD, with the detection of a homozygous frame‐shift mutation in the Flg gene in flaky‐tail (ft/ft) mice, stands to rapidly accelerate our understanding of mechanisms and therapeutic intervention points in AD. Refining the molecular understanding of AD and its subtypes will allow for specific diagnostic, treatment and ultimately, preventative algorithms, and has opened an exciting new world of investigative challenges and collaborations. Cite this as: G. M. O'Regan and A. D. Irvine, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 965–972.