bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential regulation of monocyte cytokine release by αV and β2 integrins that bind CD23
Authors: Edkins Adrienne L. , Borland Gillian , Acharya Mridu , Cogdell Richard J. , Ozanne Bradford W. , Cushley William 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe human soluble CD23 (sCD23) protein displays highly pleiotropic cytokine‐like activity. Monocytic cells express the sCD23‐binding integrins αVβ3, αVβ5, αMβ2 and αXβ2, but it is unclear which of these four integrins most acutely regulates sCD23‐driven cytokine release. The hypothesis that ligation of different sCD23‐binding integrins promoted release of distinct subsets of cytokines was tested. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and sCD23 promoted release of distinct groups of cytokines from the THP‐1 model cell line. The sCD23‐driven cytokine release signature was characterized by elevated amounts of RANTES (CCL5) and a striking increase in interleukin‐8 (IL‐8; CXCL8) secretion, but little release of macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP‐1β; CCL4). Antibodies to αVβ3 or αXβ2 both promoted IL‐8 release, consistent with the sCD23‐driven pattern, but both also evoked strong MIP‐1β secretion; simultaneous ligation of these two integrins further increased cytokine secretion but did not alter the pattern of cytokine output. In both model cell lines and primary tissue, integrin‐mediated cytokine release was more pronounced in immature monocyte cells than in mature cells. The capacity of anti‐integrin monoclonal antibodies to elicit a cytokine release response is epitope‐dependent and also reflects the differentiation state of the cell. Although a pattern of cytokine release identical to that provoked by sCD23 could not be elicited with any individual anti‐integrin monoclonal antibody, αXβ2 and αVβ3 appear to regulate IL‐8 release, a hallmark feature of sCD23‐driven cytokine secretion, more acutely than αMβ2 or αVβ5.
Adrenomedullin, a neuropeptide with immunoregulatory properties induces semi‐mature tolerogenic dendritic cells
Authors: Rullé Sandrine , Kioon Marie‐Dominique Ah , Asensio Carine , Mussard Julie , Ea Hang‐Korng , Boissier Marie‐Christophe , Lioté Frédéric , Falgarone Géraldine 
Published: February 2012

SummaryDendritic cells (DC) play a pivotal role in tolerance. Adrenomedullin (AM), a neuropeptide with anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory effects, may decrease T helper type 1 effector cells and induce regulatory T (Treg) cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate AM effects on murine dendritic cell (DC) maturation and functions. Bone marrow‐derived DC were produced and stimulated with CpG motifs, lipopolysaccharide or AM for 24 hr. Then, DC maturation and expression of AM and AM receptors were evaluated. Compared with lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated or CpG‐stimulated DC, AM‐stimulated DC had lower levels of co‐stimulatory molecule expression and pro‐inflammatory cytokine release. The AM induced high levels of interferon‐γ but not of interleukin‐10. Importantly, AM inhibited lipopolysaccharide‐induced maturation of DC. However, allogeneic T‐cell stimulation and endocytic capacity of AM‐stimulated DC were comparable to those of semi‐mature and mature DC. Moreover, DC expressed AM and its receptors at a basal level, and AM receptor expression increased with DC maturation. The AM stimulation induced indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) expression, promoting Treg cell expansion. For the first time, we describe the DC maturation phenotype by a neuropeptide (AM). We have demonstrated that AM and its receptors are expressed in DC and that exogenous AM can modify the DC phenotype and functions and can induce a semi‐mature DC phenotype with IDO expression. These results indicate close interactions among immune system regulation mechanisms and calcitonin‐like peptides.
A dynamic Brownian bridge movement model to estimate utilization distributions for heterogeneous animal movement
Authors: Kranstauber Bart , Kays Roland , LaPoint Scott D. , Wikelski Martin , Safi Kamran 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. The recently developed Brownian bridge movement model (BBMM) has advantages over traditional methods because it quantifies the utilization distribution of an animal based on its movement path rather than individual points and accounts for temporal autocorrelation and high data volumes. However, the BBMM assumes unrealistic homogeneous movement behaviour across all data.2. Accurate quantification of the utilization distribution is important for identifying the way animals use the landscape.3. We improve the BBMM by allowing for changes in behaviour, using likelihood statistics to determine change points along the animal's movement path.4. This novel extension, outperforms the current BBMM as indicated by simulations and examples of a territorial mammal and a migratory bird. The unique ability of our model to work with tracks that are not sampled regularly is especially important for GPS tags that have frequent failed fixes or dynamic sampling schedules. Moreover, our model extension provides a useful one‐dimensional measure of behavioural change along animal tracks.5. This new method provides a more accurate utilization distribution that better describes the space use of realistic, behaviourally heterogeneous tracks.
Relationships among soil moisture, aeration and plant communities in natural and harvested coniferous forests in coastal British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Sajedi Toktam , Prescott Cindy E. , Seely Brad , Lavkulich Les M. 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. This study was undertaken to address a curious ecological phenomenon that occurs over extensive areas of northern Vancouver Island, Canada. Slow tree growth and symptoms of nutrient deficiencies appear within 10 years of harvesting old‐growth cedar‐hemlock (CH) forests, but do not occur on adjacent hemlock‐fir (HA) stands. We investigate the underlying causes of distinct differences in productivity and fertility of the two ecosystems.2. We hypothesized that the differences in nutrient supply and tree growth arise from small, but ecologically significant, differences in soil moisture with attendant effects on redox potential (Eh), aeration, soil C stores and plant species distribution. Our field studies determined (i) whether neighbouring CH and HA forests differ in soil moisture and aeration, (ii) whether soil carbon stores differ among CH and HA forests, (iii) whether plant community composition in the two forest types is related to soil moisture and aeration and (iv) the impact of harvesting CH and HA forests on moisture and aeration conditions.3. As hypothesized, soils in CH forests were wetter and less aerated, and had shallower aerated depth and higher frequency of anaerobic conditions compared with HA forests. About 43% of the samples taken from CH forests had average redox values <+300 mV, a threshold below which anaerobic conditions develop and root growth is impeded. Soil carbon stores and rates of decomposition of cellulose did not differ among the forest types. Soil aeration explained 25% of the variability in species composition of plant communities.4. The two forest types responded differently to clear‐cut harvesting, and there were indications that clear‐cut harvesting could trigger reductions in soil aeration in some HA forest soils which could lead to paludification and a decline in site productivity of these ecosystems.5. Synthesis.Our findings confirmed that these ecosystems bracket a critical biological threshold below which low soil oxygen availability caused by excessive moisture becomes limiting for biological processes. Recognition of this redox threshold and its ecological implications could contribute to improved ability to manage ecosystems which may be near this threshold or become so in a changing climate.
An analysis of two evidence‐based parent training programmes and determination of the characteristics for a new programme model
Authors: ARKAN B. , ÜSTÜN B. , GÜVENIR T. 
Published: February 2012

Accessible summary
A parent programme serves to systematically develop the information, attitudes and skills required for rearing a child, family relations and fulfilling parental responsibilities in the family and society.
The two best (well‐known) parent programmes conducted with the parents of children diagnosed with behaviour problems are the Triple P and the Incredible Years which cooperate with families and the society, reduce the risk factors and support the protective factors.
The programmes also offer a multi‐disciplinary approach with high evidence standards, use randomized controlled studies and yield long‐term results.
AbstractThe Triple P and Incredible Years are the two best (well‐known) parent programmes which cooperate with families and the society, reduce the risk factors and support the protective factors. The programmes also offer a multidisciplinary approach with high evidence standards, use randomized controlled studies and yield long‐term results. Accordingly, this literature review was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of these two programmes, to determine the (similarities) and differences. ‘MEDLINE, PUBMED, COCHRANE’ databases, online and published journals and dissertations in Turkey were reviewed for the study. Consequently, results of 49 studies were presented, which were evaluated according to certain criteria such as samples, methods and results. The studies on the Triple P and the Incredible Years Parent Program illustrated a decrease in problematic behaviours of the children and negative parenting practices of parents following the implementation of programmes. However, the studies also pointed out the differences between the Triple P and the Incredible Years Parent Program. It is recommended that a new parent education programme be prepared and tested for our country in accordance with the results of the study.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of butorphanol following intravenous administration to the horse
Authors: KNYCH H. K. , CASBEER H. C. , McKEMIE D. S. , ARTHUR R. M. 
Published: February 2012

Knych, H. K., Casbeer, H. C., McKemie, D. S., Arthur, R. M. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of butorphanol following intravenous administration to the horse. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 36, 21–30.Butorphanol is a narcotic analgesic commonly used in horses. Currently, any detectable concentration of butorphanol in biological samples collected from performance horses is considered a violation. The primary goal of the study reported here was to update the pharmacokinetics of butorphanol following intravenous administration, utilizing a highly sensitive liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) assay that is currently employed in many drug‐testing laboratories. An additional objective was to characterize behavioral and cardiac effects following administration of butorphanol. Ten exercised adult horses received a single intravenous dose of 0.1 mg/kg butorphanol. Blood and urine samples were collected at time 0 and at various times for up to 120 h and analyzed using LC‐MS. Mean ± SD systemic clearance, steady‐state volume of distribution, and terminal elimination half‐life were 11.5 ± 2.5 mL/min/kg, 1.4 ± 0.3 L/kg, and 5.9 ± 1.5 h, respectively. Butorphanol plasma concentrations were below the limit of detection (LOD) (0.01 ng/mL) by 48 h post administration. Urine butorphanol concentrations were below the LOD (0.05 ng/mL) of the assay in seven of 10 horses by 120 h post drug administration. Following administration, horses appeared excited as noted by an increase in heart rate and locomotion. Gastrointestinal sounds were markedly decreased for up to 24 h.
Identifying insecticide resistance genes in mosquito by combining AFLP genome scans and 454 pyrosequencing
Authors: PARIS MARGOT , DESPRES LAURENCE 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAFLP‐based genome scans are widely used to study the genetics of adaptation and to identify genomic regions potentially under selection. However, this approach usually fails to detect the actual genes or mutations targeted by selection owing to the difficulties of obtaining DNA sequences from AFLP fragments. Here, we combine classical AFLP outlier detection with 454 sequencing of AFLP fragments to obtain sequences from outlier loci. We applied this approach to the study of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) toxins in the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. A genome scan of Bti‐resistant and Bti‐susceptible A. aegypti laboratory strains was performed based on 432 AFLP markers. Fourteen outliers were detected using two different population genetic algorithms. Out of these, 11 were successfully sequenced. Three contained transposable elements (TEs) sequences, and the 10 outliers that could be mapped at a unique location in the reference genome were located on different supercontigs. One outlier was in the vicinity of a gene coding for an aminopeptidase potentially involved in Bti toxin‐binding. Patterns of sequence variability of this gene showed significant deviation from neutrality in the resistant strain but not in the susceptible strain, even after taking into account the known demographic history of the selected strain. This gene is a promising candidate for future functional analysis.
Alterations in composition and diversity of the intestinal microbiota in patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Carroll I. M. , Ringel‐Kulka T. , Siddle J. P. , Ringel Y. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  The intestinal microbiota has been implicated in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Due to the variable resolutions of techniques used to characterize the intestinal microbiota, and the heterogeneity of IBS, the defined alterations of the IBS intestinal microbiota are inconsistent. We analyzed the composition of the intestinal microbiota in a defined subgroup of IBS patients (diarrhea‐predominant IBS, D‐IBS) using a technique that provides the deepest characterization available for complex microbial communities.Methods  Fecal DNA was isolated from 23 D‐IBS patients and 23 healthy controls (HC). Variable regions V1–V3 and V6 of the 16S rRNA gene were amplified from all samples. PCR products were sequenced using 454 high throughput sequencing. The composition, diversity and richness of microbial communities were determined and compared between D‐IBS and HC using the quantitative insights into microbial ecology pipeline.Key Results  The contribution of bacterial groups to the composition of the intestinal microbiota differed between D‐IBS and HC. D‐IBS patients had significantly higher levels of Enterobacteriaceae (P = 0.03), and lower levels of Fecalibacterium genera (P = 0.04) compared to HC. β‐Diversity values demonstrated significantly lower levels of UniFrac distances in HC compared to D‐IBS patients. The richness of 16S rRNA sequences was significantly decreased in D‐IBS patients (P < 0.04).Conclusions & Inferences  Our 16S rRNA sequence data demonstrates a community‐level dysbiosis in D‐IBS. The altered composition of the intestinal microbiota in D‐IBS is associated with significant increases in detrimental and decreases in beneficial bacterial groups, and a reduction in microbial richness.
Obesity and its associated disease: a role for microbiota?
Authors: Tehrani A. Bonakdar. , Nezami B. G. , Gewirtz A. , Srinivasan S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Gut microbiota have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of the obesity and its related metabolic diseases. A variety of factors including diet, genetic background, environment and host innate and adaptive immune responses define an individual’s gut microbiota.Purpose  In this review we outline potential mechanisms by which gut microbiota can contribute to the development of obesity focusing on specific processes such as microbial energy extraction, microbiota induced‐inflammation and regulation of appetite. We review the current understanding of each of these processes on regulating metabolism and examine potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment or prevention of the metabolic syndrome. We explore the hypothesis that alteration in gut microbiota may be an initial event leading to altered feeding behavior and/or systemic inflammation, ultimately leading to weight gain and the metabolic syndrome.
Forisome performance in artificial sieve tubes
Authors: KNOBLAUCH MICHAEL , STUBENRAUCH MIKE , VAN BEL AART J. E. , PETERS WINFRIED S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTIn the legume phloem, sieve element occlusion (SEO) proteins assemble into Ca2+‐dependent contractile bodies. These forisomes presumably control phloem transport by forming reversible sieve tube plugs. This function, however, has never been directly demonstrated, and appears questionable as forisomes were reported to be too small to plug sieve tubes, and failed to block flow efficiently in artificial microchannels. Moreover, plugs of SEO‐related proteins in Arabidopsis sieve tubes do not affect phloem translocation. We improved existing procedures for forisome isolation and storage, and found that the degree of Ca2+‐driven deformation that is possible in forisomes of Vicia faba, the standard object of earlier research, has been underestimated substantially. Forisomes deform particularly strongly under reducing conditions and high sugar concentrations, as typically found in sieve tubes. In contrast to our previous inference, Ca2+‐inducible forisome swelling certainly seems sufficient to plug sieve tubes. This conclusion was supported by 3D‐reconstructions of forisome plugs in Canavalia gladiata. For a direct test, we built microfluidics chips with artificial sieve tubes. Using fluorescent dyes to visualize flow, we demonstrated the complete blockage of these biomimetic microtubes by Ca2+‐induced forisome plugs, and concluded by analogy that forisomes are capable of regulating phloem flow in vivo.
The Late Neoproterozoic/Early Palaeozoic evolution of the West Congo Belt of NW Angola: geochronological (U‐Pb and Ar‐Ar) and petrostructural constraints
Authors: Monié Patrick , Bosch Delphine , Bruguier Olivier , Vauchez Alain , Rolland Yann , Nsungani Pedro , Buta Neto André 
Published: February 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 238–247, 2012AbstractU‐Pb zircon and Ar‐Ar amphibole and biotite ages from rocks of the West Congo Belt of Angola indicate that this area underwent two main deformation events of amphibolite facies grade at c. 540 and 490 Ma, which were followed by tectonically assisted exhumation during eastward thrusting of the hinterland domain onto the foreland domain. High‐grade conditions in the West Congo Belt are 20–40 Ma younger than in the Ribeira–Araçuai Belt of Brazil, its South American counterpart, or than in the westernmost Kaoko Belt of Namibia, its African correlative. In the present state of knowledge, a more appropriate counterpart to the southern part of the West Congo Belt may be restricted to the Cabo Frio Terrane in the eastern Ribeira Belt, which yields a broadly similar evolution.
The first case of tinea faciei caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei isolated in Chile
Authors: Concha Marcela , Nicklas Claudia , Balcells Elvira , Guzmán Ana María , Poggi Helena , León Eugenia , Fich Felix 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei is a zoophilic dermatophyte transmitted by hedgehogs which human infections manifest as highly inflammatory and pruritic eruptions.Methods  We report a 21‐year‐old woman who presented with a two‐week history of a pruritic scaly erythematous plaque on the nose. The patient had kept hedgehogs as pets, and one had bitten her on the tip of the nose two months prior to the appearance of the nasal lesion.Results  Fungal culture from the scales on the tip of the patient’s nose was compatible with T. mentagrophytes var. erinacei. The strains isolated from cultures made from samples taken from the noses and ears of the pet hedgehogs were morphologically similar to the strain isolated from the patient. Morphological identification was confirmed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer. The lesion was diagnosed as tinea faciei, and therapy was initiated with topical and systemic terbinafine 250 mg/day for eight weeks, which resulted in complete improvement.Conclusions  Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei is the most common dermatophyte isolated in hedgehogs. Usually T. mentagrophytes var. erinacei infection manifests as an extremely inflammatory and pruritic eruption that is confined to the site of contact with the hedgehog. Although the identification of T. mentagrophytes by traditional methods is possible, identification by ITS region analysis is a fast, simple, and increasingly available method. The increasing frequency of the practice of keeping exotic animals as pets has resulted in the emergence of several zoonotic diseases that can potentially be transmitted to humans.
Serum levels of GRO‐α are elevated in association with disease activity in patients with Behçet’s disease
Authors: Kato Yasunobu , Yamamoto Toshiyuki 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Although the etiology of Behçet’s disease (BD) is still unknown, neutrophils are implicated in its pathogenesis. Growth‐related oncogene‐α (GRO‐α) is a potent chemoattractant and activator for neutrophils.Objective  To determine the role of GRO‐α in the pathogenesis of BD, we investigated serum GRO‐α levels in patients with BD.Materials and methods  Sera from patients with BD (n = 57) and control subjects (n = 26) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of GRO‐α were compared with clinical symptoms.Results  Patients with BD had significantly elevated serum GRO‐α levels compared with healthy controls (121.7 ± 79.2 pg/ml vs. 75.9 ± 20.6 pg/ml, P < 0.01). Concerning the subgroups of BD, serum GRO‐α levels in active patients with BD (n = 35) were significantly higher than in inactive patients with BD (n = 22; 139.0 ± 92.8 pg/ml vs. 94.3 ± 36.2 pg/ml, P < 0.05). Also, as seen in previous studies, serum interleukin‐8 levels in patients with BD (52.4 ± 81.8 pg/ml) were significantly higher than in controls (13.9 ± 19.7 pg/ml, P < 0.01). Enhanced GRO‐α levels correlated with clinical symptoms such as erythema nodosum.Conclusion  Our results indicate that serum levels of GRO‐α are elevated in patients with active stage BD, suggesting that GRO‐α may serve as a reliable marker for disease activity of BD.
What happens to the severity grading by objective SCORAD if we over‐ or underestimate disease extent or intensity in patients with atopic dermatitis?
Authors: Hon Kam‐lun Ellis , Wang Shuxin Susan , Leung Ting Fan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  The objective SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) is a widely‐used clinical score for assessing the extent, intensity, and severity of atopic dermatitis (AD).Objective  We evaluated the effect on the severity grading if extent or intensity was under‐estimated or overestimated.Materials and methods  Six‐hundred and fifty‐one SCORADs performed over a 40‐month period were evaluated. The effect on AD severity grading of six‐hundred and fifty‐one SCORADs performed over a 40‐month period was evaluated if disease extent or intensivity was misestimated.Results  The effect on AD grading was generally small if extent had been misestimated by 10% or 20%. In the mild grade (n = 131), 40%, 62%, and 82% would have become moderate if the intensity had been underestimated by 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the moderate grade (n = 296), 13%, 27%, and 41% would have become severe if the intensity had been underestimated by 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The grading would have become mild in 16%, 31%, and 44% if the intensity had been overestimated by 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the severe grade (n = 224), 14%, 25%, and 38% would have become moderate if the intensity had been overestimated by 1, 2, and 3, respectively.Conclusions  The effect on AD grading is generally small if extent is misestimated. A huge difference, especially if underestimated in the mild group, would occur if intensity is misestimated. Surrogate markers of disease severity could overcome or supplement shortcoming of clinical scores in AD research.