bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infection of infants with human herpesvirus type 6 may be associated with reduced allergic sensitization and T‐helper type 2 development
Authors: Nordström I. , Rudin A. , Adlerberth I. , Wold A. , Saalman R. , Hesselmar B. , Åberg N. , Liljeqvist J‐Å. , Eriksson K. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryBackground
Epidemiological studies point to an inverse relationship between microbial exposure and the prevalence of allergic diseases. The underlying mechanism for this observation remains largely unknown, as well as the nature of the microbes involved.Objective
To investigate the effects of early infection with human herpesviruses (HHVs) on IgE formation and T‐helper type 2 (Th2) development in infants.Methods
Serum was collected from children aged 18 months and assessed for IgE to common allergens and IgG to five common herpesviruses. Cord blood plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) were exposed to HHV type 6 in vitro and mixed with allogeneic cord blood CD4+ T cells. Cytokine levels were determined by ELISA and by flow cytometry.Results
We found that children seropositive at 18 months of age to HHV type 6 were significantly less often IgE sensitized than seronegative children [odds ratio (OR): 0.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.009–0.68]. HHV type 6 also decreased the production of the Th2‐associated cytokines IL‐5 and IL‐13 by CD4+ T cells when co‐cultured with allogeneic cord blood pDC. This was associated with an increased production of IFN‐α by pDC exposed to HHV type 6.Conclusion
These data indicate that an early childhood infection with HHV type 6 could down‐regulate Th2 responses and reduce IgE formation to common allergens in a young child.
Spatially patterned guild structure in larval parasitoids of cyclically outbreaking winter moth populations
Authors: VINDSTAD OLE PETTER LAKSFORSMO , HAGEN SNORRE B. , SCHOTT TINO , IMS ROLF A. 
Published: May 2010

1. Wide temporal fluctuations in host abundance are a potential source of instability and stochasticity in the spatiotemporal population dynamics of associated parasitoid species. Within parasitoid guilds (i.e. parasitoids with similar modes of host utilisation), a conceivable outcome is guild organisation according to a lottery model, in which guild members attain local dominance by colonising previously emptied habitats during increasing host density, before other guild members. In the spatial dimension, an expected manifestation of such dynamics is variable guild structure even across homogeneous habitats.2. We examined the extent of large‐scale spatial patterning of guild characteristics in larval parasitoid wasps associated with cyclically outbreaking populations of the geometrid mothOperophtera brumatain northern Fennoscandia. The study was performed at the onset of the crash‐phase of the geometrid's outbreak cycle, along a 70‐km transect in costal northern Norway, characterised by largely homogeneous environmental conditions, except for a small climatic gradient.3. There was a distinct large‐scale spatial turnover in dominance among the major parasitoid groups (i.e. guild structure) inO.brumataalong the transect, whereas the total prevalence rate of the guild and its diversity showed no consistent variation. Guild structure was unrelated to host density.4. Although group‐specific responses to a slight spatial climatic gradient cannot be rejected as a causal mechanism, we conclude that our results are consistent with the expectation from large‐scale stochastic extinction‐recolonisation dynamics among functionally equivalent parasitoids relying on a host with strongly cyclic population fluctuations.
Thromboangiitis obliterans and endothelial function
Authors: Azizi Michel , Boutouyrie Pierre , Bura‐Rivière Alessandra , Peyrard Séverine , Laurent Stéphane , Fiessinger Jean‐Noël 
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (6): 518–526AbstractBackground  Endothelial dysfunction may be involved in the pathophysiology of thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). This study compares endothelial function and large artery stiffness between 10 TAO patients assessed during an exacerbation phase and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects.Material and methods  Flow‐mediated vasodilation after gradual hand skin heating (from 28 °C to 44 °C) and endothelium‐independent vasodilation after sublingual administration of 150 μg glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) were studied using a high‐resolution echotracking system to simultaneously measure the brachial artery (BA) diameter and changes in wall shear stress. Aortic stiffness was assessed by carotid‐to‐femoral pulse wave velocity.Results  The baseline BA diameter was significantly smaller in TAO patients (3599 ± 668 μm) than in control subjects (4114 ± 671, P = 0·04). Hand warming caused a linear increase in shear stress accompanied by a linear increase in BA diameter as a function of increasing temperature for TAO patients and control subjects. There was no significant difference between the two groups [relative increase in BA diameter: + 9·3% (−0·1 to 11·5) vs. + 4·8% (3·0 to 8·1), respectively; P = 0·63]. The slope of the BA diameter vs. shear stress relationship did not significantly differ between the two groups. The relative increase in the BA diameter after GTN was significantly greater in TAO patients than in controls [+ 30·8% (28·6 to 33·6) vs. + 16·2% (12·6 to 21·9) respectively; P = 0·02]. Finally, TAO patients had greater aortic stiffness than control subjects (9·81 ± 1·72 m s−1 vs. 7·82 ± 0·84 m s−1 respectively; P = 0·0052).Conclusions  Acute TAO is characterised by vasoconstriction and increased aortic stiffness in the absence of changes in flow‐mediated dilation.
Neighbourhood deprivation and the price and availability of fruit and vegetables in Scotland
Authors: Cummins S. , Smith D. M. , Aitken Z. , Dawson J. , Marshall D. , Sparks L. , Anderson A. S. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  Previous research has suggested that fruits and vegetables are more expensive and less readily available in more deprived communities. However, this evidence is mainly based on small samples drawn from specific communities often located in urban settings and thus is not generalisable to national contexts. The present study explores the influence of neighbourhood deprivation and local retail structure on the price and availability of fruit and vegetables in a sample of areas representing the diversity of urban–rural environments across Scotland, UK.Methods:  A sample of 310 stores located in 10 diverse areas of Scotland was surveyed and data on the price and availability of a basket of 15 fruit and vegetable items were collected. The data were analysed to identify the influence of store type and neighbourhood deprivation on the price and availability of fruits and vegetables.Results:  Neighbourhood deprivation and store type did not significantly predict the price of a basket of fruit and vegetables within the sample, although baskets did decrease in price as store size increased. The highest prices were found in the smallest stores located in the most deprived areas. Availability of fruit and vegetables is lower in small shops located within deprived neighbourhoods compared to similar shops in affluent areas. Overall, availability increases with increasing store size.Conclusions:  Availability of fruit and vegetables significantly varies by neighbourhood deprivation in small stores. Policies aimed at promoting sales of fruit and vegetable in these outlets may benefit residents in deprived areas.
The effectiveness of relative dose response to retinol intake as an evaluation of vitamin A status of cirrhotic patients
Authors: De Paula T. P. , Ramalho A. , Braulio V. B. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  The liver is the main organ involved in homeostasis, metabolism and the storage of retinol. During the fibrotic process, hepatic stellate cells lose their lipid drops, and retinol reserves may deplete. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate serum retinol levels (RL), hepatic retinol storage and dietary vitamin A intake in cirrhotic patients.Methods:  RL were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography in fifty‐eight cirrhotic patients. Fasting RL <1.05 μmol L−1 indicates vitamin A deficiency (VAD). A relative dose response (RDR) to oral retinol ≥20% indicates an inadequate hepatic retinol reserve (positive test). Severe malnutrition was defined as a mid‐arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and/or triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) below the 5th percentile and moderate malnutrition as MAMC and/or TSF below the 10th percentile. Vitamin A daily intake was estimated by a specific questionnaire. The Child‐Pugh classification of liver disease severity and the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease were used.Results:  Low RL were found in 60% of the patients. Twenty‐three cirrhotic patients had adequate fasting RL (RL = 1.34; 1.05–2.12 μmol L−1) and negative RDR, indicating efficient liver stores. Among thirty‐five cirrhotic patients with low RL, 43% had negative RDR (RL = 0.42; 0.06–0.82 μmol L−1) and 57% had positive RDR (RL = 0.45; 0.09–0.93 μmol L−1). Malnutrition (36%) and inadequate vitamin A intake (55%) were not associated with fasting RL or RDR.Conclusions:  VAD was highly prevalent in cirrhotic patients. However, in those with low serum RL and negative RDR, factors other than inadequate vitamin A intake, such as impaired hepatic vitamin A mobilization and intestinal vitamin A malabsorption, which were not examined in the present study, could have influenced the negative results obtained by the RDR method.
Penicillin‐binding protein folding is dependent on the PrsA peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Hyyryläinen Hanne‐Leena , Marciniak Bogumila C. , Dahncke Kathleen , Pietiäinen Milla , Courtin Pascal , Vitikainen Marika , Seppala Raili , Otto Andreas , Becher Dörte , Chapot‐Chartier Marie‐Pierre , Kuipers Oscar P. , Kontinen Vesa P. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe PrsA protein is a membrane‐anchored peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase in Bacillus subtilis and most other Gram‐positive bacteria. It catalyses the post‐translocational folding of exported proteins and is essential for normal growth of B. subtilis. We studied the mechanism behind this indispensability. We could construct a viable prsA null mutant in the presence of a high concentration of magnesium. Various changes in cell morphology in the absence of PrsA suggested that PrsA is involved in the biosynthesis of the cylindrical lateral wall. Consistently, four penicillin‐binding proteins (PBP2a, PBP2b, PBP3 and PBP4) were unstable in the absence of PrsA, while muropeptide analysis revealed a 2% decrease in the peptidoglycan cross‐linkage index. Misfolded PBP2a was detected in PrsA‐depleted cells, indicating that PrsA is required for the folding of this PBP either directly or indirectly. Furthermore, strongly increased uniform staining of cell wall with a fluorescent vancomycin was observed in the absence of PrsA. We also demonstrated that PrsA is a dimeric or oligomeric protein which is localized at distinct spots organized in a helical pattern along the cell membrane. These results suggest that PrsA is essential for normal growth most probably as PBP folding is dependent on this PPIase.
N‐acetyllactosamine‐induced retraction of bundle‐forming pili regulates virulence‐associated gene expression in enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Humphries Romney M. , Griener Thomas P. , Vogt Stefanie L. , Mulvey George L. , Raivio Tracy , Donnenberg Michael S. , Kitov Pavel I. , Surette Michael , Armstrong Glen D. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryEnteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoea in developing countries. The pathogenesis of EPEC is dependent on a coordinated multi‐step process culminating in the intimate adherence of the organisms to the host's intestinal mucosa. During the initial stages of the EPEC colonization process, the fimbrial adhesin, bundle‐forming pili (BFP), plays an integral role. We previously reported that the major BFP structural subunit, bundlin, displays lectin‐like properties, which enables BFP to initially tether EPEC to N‐acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) glycan receptors on host cell surfaces. We also reported that incubating EPEC with synthetic LacNAc‐bearing neoglycoconjugates not only inhibits their adherence to host cells, but also induces BFP retraction and subsequent degradation of the bundlin subunits. Herein, we demonstrate that the periplasmic serine protease, DegP, is required for degrading bundlin during this process. We also show that DegP appears to act as a bundlin chaperone during BFP assembly and that LacNAc‐BSA‐induced BFP retraction is followed by transcriptional upregulation of the BFP operon and downregulation of the locus of enterocyte effacement operons in EPEC.
The alternative oxidase (AOX) gene in Vibrio fischeri is controlled by NsrR and upregulated in response to nitric oxide
Authors: Dunn Anne K. , Karr Elizabeth A. , Wang Yanling , Batton Aaron R. , Ruby Edward G. , Stabb Eric V. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryAlternative oxidase (AOX) is a respiratory oxidase found in certain eukaryotes and bacteria; however, its role in bacterial physiology is unclear. Exploiting the genetic tractability of the bacterium Vibrio fischeri, we explore the regulation of aox expression and AOX function. Using quantitative PCR and reporter assays, we demonstrate that aox expression is induced in the presence of nitric oxide (NO), and that the NO‐responsive regulatory protein NsrR mediates the response. We have identified key amino acid residues important for NsrR function and experimentally confirmed a bioinformatically predicted NsrR binding site upstream of aox. Microrespirometry demonstrated that oxygen consumption by V. fischeri CydAB quinol oxidase is inhibited by NO treatment, whereas oxygen consumption by AOX is less sensitive to NO. NADH oxidation assays using inverted membrane vesicles confirmed that NO directly inhibits CydAB, and that AOX is resistant to NO inhibition. These results indicate a role for V. fischeri AOX in aerobic respiration during NO stress.
The economic impact of visceral leishmaniasis on rural households in one endemic district of Bihar, India
Authors: Sarnoff Rhonda , Desai Jaikishan , Desjeux Philippe , Mittal Atul , Topno Roshan , Siddiqui Niyamat Ali , Pandey Arvind , Sur Dipika , Das Pradeep 
Published: May 2010

SummaryObjective To estimate the economic burden of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) on the rural population of one VL endemic district of Bihar, the state with 85% of India’s cases.Methods Using a survey of a stratified multistage sampling of 15 178 households with 214 individuals with VL in the previous 12 months, the study provides data on VL treatment expenditures, financing and days of work lost in the context of overall household expenditures, income sources and assets.Results Median household expenditures on VL treatment represent, on average, 11% of annual household expenditures and an estimated 7 months of an individual’s income at the daily wage in rural Bihar. With 87% of households forced to take out loans to finance disease costs, VL can contribute to a spiral of increasing poverty. The current pattern of VL treatment, with multiple visits and treatments for a single episode of illness, significantly increases the economic burden on the household.Conclusion India’s National Elimination Program to make effective treatments accessible to the rural poor, if combined with expanded efforts to improve timely access to diagnosis by conducting rapid diagnostic tests closer to the community (and mobilizing the rural population to seek effective treatment earlier), can reduce VL’s economic burden on India’s rural households.
Epidemiology of Leishmania donovani infection in high‐transmission foci in Nepal
Authors: Rijal Suman , Uranw Surendra , Chappuis François , Picado Albert , Khanal Basudha , Paudel Ishwari S. , Andersen Elisabeth W. , Meheus Filip , Ostyn Bart , Das Murari L. , Davies Clive , Boelaert Marleen 
Published: May 2010

SummaryObjective  Nepal reports a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) incidence of 5 per 10 000 per year on the basis of notification by health facilities, but little community‐based epidemiological information exists. We report data on prevalence rates of Leishmania donovani infection in ten communities in East Nepal.Methods  Ten clusters with highest VL incidence rates were purposefully selected in Nepal. All households were mapped and socio‐demographic data and data on past VL incidence were collected. An exhaustive serological survey was performed of individuals aged >2 years, by collecting finger prick blood on filter paper in November–December 2006. The samples were tested by direct agglutination, and a titre ≥1:1600 was taken as marker of infection. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to assess risk factors for Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) positivity taking into account the clustering at household and village level.Results  The sero‐survey (n = 5397) showed an infection prevalence rate of 9%, (range 5–15% per cluster) with higher prevalence in men (9.9%) than in women (8.3%) (P = 0.049). Male gender, increasing age and poverty were significant risk factors in the final GEE model.Conclusion  Leishmania infection rate in high‐transmission areas in Nepal is associated with gender, age and socio‐economic status.
The epidemiology of Leishmania donovani infection in high transmission foci in India
Authors: Singh Shri P. , Picado Albert , Boelaert Marleen , Gidwani Kamlesh , Andersen Elisabeth W. , Ostyn Bart , Meheus Filip , Rai Madhukar , Chappuis François , Davies Clive , Sundar Shyam 
Published: May 2010

SummaryObjective  Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is highly prevalent in Bihar, India. India and its neighbours aim at eliminating VL, but several knowledge gaps in the epidemiology of VL may hamper that effort. The prevalence of asymptomatic infections with Leishmania donovani and their role in transmission dynamics are not well understood. We report data from a sero‐survey in Bihar.Methods  Demographic and immunological surveys were carried out in July and November 2006, respectively in 16 highly VL endemic foci in Muzaffarpur district in Bihar. Household and individual information was gathered and capillary blood samples were collected on filter papers. Direct agglutination test (DAT) was used to determine infected individuals (cut‐off titre 1:1600). DAT results were tabulated against individual and household variables. A multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to study the prevalence of serologically positive individuals taking into account the clustering at household and cluster levels.Results  Of study subjects 18% were DAT positive, and this proportion increased with age. Women had a significantly lower prevalence than men >14 years old. Owning domestic animals (cows, buffaloes or goats) was associated with a higher risk of being DAT positive [OR 1.16 (95% CI 1.01–1.32)], but socio‐economic status was not.Conclusions  Prevalence of leishmanial antibodies was high in these communities, but variable. Demographic factors (i.e. marriage) may explain the lower DAT positivity in women >14 years of age. Within these homogeneously poor communities, socio‐economic status was not linked to L. donovani infection risk at the individual level, but ownership of domestic animals was.
Family‐centred outcome measurement following paediatric stroke
Authors: Galvin Jane , Randall Melinda , Hewish Sara , Rice James , MacKay Mark T. 
Published: May 2010

Background/aim:  Therapy programmes aim to provide services that are family‐centred and address the specific needs of children. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting system (PEGS) are two measures that are available to assist in determining therapy priorities for children and their parents; however, the use of these measures has not been documented for children who have sustained a stroke. This project aimed to describe the functional concerns identified by children and their parents following paediatric stroke. Methodology:  A cross‐sectional design was used. A total of 26 children were recruited from a paediatric stroke outpatient clinic, and functional concerns were identified using either the COPM or the PEGS. Results:  Children and their parents identified similar issues. Of the 26 participants, 23 (88.5%) reported ongoing functional concerns at three months or more following stroke, whereas three participants did not identify any ongoing functional concerns. Functional concerns were grouped into categories of self‐care, productivity and leisure as outlined in the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance. Concerns were identified across all functional domains by both children and their parents. Conclusions:  The COPM and PEGS provided useful information about functional issues that are important to children and their parents following paediatric stroke. Use of these client‐centred measures provides an opportunity to better understand the impact of paediatric stroke on children’s functional abilities, and allows greater scope for service provision and planning for this group of children.
Imbalance of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma and adiponectin predisposes Kawasaki disease patients to developing atherosclerosis
Authors: Fukunaga Hideo , Kishiro Masahiko , Akimoto Katsumi , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Nagata Satoru , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  It remains controversial whether Kawasaki disease (KD) is a risk factor for the onset of atherosclerosis. An imbalance of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and adiponectin appears to play a role in the onset of atherosclerosis in adults, and we therefore examined PPARγ mRNA expression and adiponectin profiles in the peripheral white blood cells obtained from KD patients.Methods:  A total of 50 subjects were studied: nine patients with acute KD, 20 patients with convalescent KD, and 21 age‐matched controls. The gene expression of PPARγ, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and CC chemokine receptor 2 present in the blood were quantified. The relative gene expression, adiponectin levels, and the three adiponectin isoforms were compared among the subjects.Results:  The abundance of PPARγ and CC chemokine receptor 2 mRNA was significantly increased in convalescent KD patients. The monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 level was also increased in convalescent KD patients. The level of high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin was significantly lower in convalescent patients compared to controls. The PPARγ transcription levels negatively correlated with apolipoprotein A‐I levels in acute KD patients.Conclusions:  The transcript abundance of PPARγ and low levels of high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin in KD patients may have important clinical implications on the development of premature atherosclerosis. Because the potential risk for developing atherosclerosis has not yet been verified, long‐term observation is important, even in convalescent KD patients without coronary artery lesions.