bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constructing a 7‐day ahead forecast model for grass pollen at north London, United Kingdom
Authors: Smith M. , Emberlin J. 
Published: October 2005

Summary Background A number of media outlets now issue medium‐range (∼7 day) weather forecasts on a regular basis. It is therefore logical that aerobiologists should attempt to produce medium‐range forecasts for allergenic pollen that cover the same time period as the weather forecasts.Objective the objective of this study is to construct a medium‐range (7 day) forecast model for grass pollen at north London.Method the forecast models were produced using regression analysis based on grass pollen and meteorological data from 1990 to 1999 and tested on data from 2000 and 2002. The modelling process was improved by dividing the grass pollen season into three periods; the pre‐peak, peak and post‐peak periods of grass pollen release. The forecast consisted of five regression models: two simple linear regression models predicting the start and end date of the peak period, and three multiple regression models forecasting daily average grass pollen counts in the pre‐peak, peak and post‐peak periods.Results overall, the forecast models achieved 62% accuracy in 2000 and 47% in 2002, reflecting the fact that the 2002 grass pollen season was of a higher magnitude than any of the other seasons included in the analysis.Conclusion this study has the potential to make a notable contribution to the field of aerobiology. Winter averages of the North Atlantic Oscillation were used to predict certain characteristics of the grass pollen season, which presents an important advance in aerobiological work. The ability to predict allergenic pollen counts for a period between five and seven days will benefit allergy sufferers. Furthermore, medium‐range forecasts for allergenic pollen will be of assistance to the medical profession, including allergists planning treatment and physicians scheduling clinical trials.
Atopic dermatitis, extrinsic atopic dermatitis and the hygiene hypothesis: results from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zutavern A. , Hirsch T. , Leupold W. , Weiland S. , Keil U. , von Mutius E. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryBackground
Atopic Dermatitis (AD), hayfever and asthma are commonly summarized as atopic diseases. The spatial distribution of AD differs from that of asthma and hayfever, suggesting that AD might follow a different risk pattern than these diseases. AD can be differentiated into an allergic extrinsic form (EAD) and a non‐allergic intrinsic form (IAD). Only EAD might follow the distribution and risk pattern that have been ascribed to asthma and hayfever.Objective
To investigate the distribution and risk factor profile of AD and EAD focusing on environmental factors relating to the hygiene hypothesis.Methods
Population‐based cross‐sectional study on 12 601 children aged 5–7 and 9–11 years from Dresden (Eastern Germany) and Munich (Western Germany). Information was obtained by International Study of Asthma and Allergic Childhood questionnaires, dermatological examinations and skin prick testing. AD‐diagnosis ever, current AD‐symptoms and visible eczema were investigated with their respective extrinsic forms.Results
Maternal and paternal history of AD were equally strong determinants of the child's AD status. Factors related to the hygiene hypothesis like day‐care attendance and number of older siblings were not associated with a decreased risk of AD. The proportion of EAD within AD was higher in Eastern than in Western Germany. The determinants of the diseases appeared to be similar for both EAD and IAD.Conclusions
There was no evidence of the hygiene hypothesis holding true for AD or EAD. AD might be a separate entity than respiratory atopic diseases. Little is known about the risk factors of AD and factors different from those of respiratory allergic diseases should be considered in future research.
Performance of High Arctic tundra plants improved during but deteriorated after exposure to a simulated extreme temperature event
Authors: Marchand Fleur L. , Mertens Sofie , Kockelbergh Fred , Beyens Louis , Nijs Ivan 
Published: October 2005

AbstractArctic ecosystems are known to be extremely vulnerable to climate change. As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios project extreme climate events to increase in frequency and severity, we exposed High Arctic tundra plots during 8 days in summer to a temperature rise of approximately 9°C, induced by infrared irradiation, followed by a recovery period. Increased plant growth rates during the heat wave, increased green cover at the end of the heat wave and higher chlorophyll concentrations of all four predominating species (Salix arctica Pall., Arctagrostis latifolia Griseb., Carex bigelowii Torr. ex Schwein and Polygonum viviparum L.) after the recovery period, indicated stimulation of vegetative growth. Improved plant performance during the heat wave was confirmed at plant level by higher leaf photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and at ecosystem level by increased gross canopy photosynthesis. However, in the aftermath of the temperature extreme, the heated plants were more stressed than the unheated plants, probably because they acclimated to warmer conditions and experienced the return to (low) ambient as stressful. We also calculated the impact of the heat wave on the carbon balance of this tundra ecosystem. Below‐ and aboveground respiration were stimulated by the instantaneous warmer soil and canopy, respectively, outweighing the increased gross photosynthesis. As a result, during the heat wave, the heated plots were a smaller sink compared with their unheated counterparts, whereas afterwards the balance was not affected. If other High Arctic tundra ecosystems react similarly, more frequent extreme temperature events in a future climate may shift this biome towards a source. It is uncertain, however, whether these short‐term effects will hold when C exchange rates acclimate to higher average temperatures.
Flow cytometric technique for determination of prostasomal quantity, size and expression of CD10, CD13, CD26 and CD59 in human seminal plasma
Authors: CARLSSON LENA , RONQUIST GUNNAR , ELIASSON RUNE , EGBERG NILS , LARSSON ANDERS 
Published: October 2005

SummaryProstasomes are prostate‐derived organelles in seminal plasma exhibiting pluripotent properties to facilitate the fertilization process. Seminal prostasome concentration, size distribution and expression of the prostasomal surface antigens CD10, CD13, CD26 and CD59 were examined by flow cytometry. The study group consisted of 79 men with involuntary infertility. Very strong correlations existed between the prostasome expressions of the different CD markers. Significant correlations between prostasome concentration and CD molecules were weak or lacking. Further, no or weak relationships were observed between the prostasomal CD markers and sperm morphology, seminal fructose, neutral α‐glucosidase activity, zinc and tumour necrosis factor α concentrations. Flow cytometry is a practical way to study prostasomes in seminal fluid without prior separation. This is a new technique for evaluation of the role of prostasomes and their functions in male reproductive physiology.
Regulation of ompA mRNA stability: the role of a small regulatory RNA in growth phase‐dependent control
Authors: Rasmussen Anders Aamann , Eriksen Maiken , Gilany Kambiz , Udesen Christina , Franch Thomas , Petersen Carsten , Valentin‐Hansen Poul 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe Escherichia coli ompA mRNA, encoding a highly abundant outer membrane protein, has served as a model for regulated mRNA decay in bacteria. The half‐life of this transcript correlates inversely with the bacterial growth rate and is growth stage‐dependent. The stability of the messenger is determined by the 5′‐untranslated region which possesses cleavage sites for RNase E. Hfq binds to this region, is essential for controlling the stability and has been suggested to directly regulate ompA mRNA decay. Here we report that the 78 nucleotide SraD RNA, which is highly conserved among Enterobacteriaceae, acts in destabilizing the ompA transcript when rapidly grown cells enter the stationary phase of growth. During this growth‐stage the expression of SraD RNA becomes strongly increased. The SraD‐mediated decay of ompA mRNA depends on Hfq and in vitro studies revealed that Hfq facilitates binding of the regulatory RNA to the translational initiation region of the messenger. Deletion of sraD, however, does not significantly affect the stability of the ompA mRNA in slowly growing cells. Our results indicate that distinct regulatory circuits are responsible for growth phase‐ and growth rate‐dependent control of the ompA mRNA stability.
Identification of novel Yap1p and Skn7p binding sites involved in the oxidative stress response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: He Xin‐Jian , Fassler Jan S. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yap1p and Skn7p transcription factors collaborate in the activation of oxidative stress response (OSR) genes. Although Yap1p and Skn7p oxidative stress response elements (YRE, OSRE) have been characterized and identified in some OSR genes, many OSR genes lack such elements. In this study, the complex, oxidative responsive, CCP1 promoter was used as a model to investigate the cis‐acting elements responsible for activation by oxidative stress. In addition to consensus YRE and OSRE sequences, novel Yap1p and Skn7p binding sites were identified in the CCP1 promoter. These new sites were found to mediate Yap1p‐ and Skn7p‐dependent activation of OSR genes including TSA1 and CTT1 previously thought to lack Yap1p and Skn7p binding sites. The novel YREs and OSREs were found to be enriched in the promoter regions of a set of 179 OSR genes. The widespread existence of novel Yap1p and Skn7p binding sites strongly suggest that direct binding of Yap1p and Skn7p is responsible for activation of many more OSR genes than previously believed.
Involvement of the Escherichia coli folate‐binding protein YgfZ in RNA modification and regulation of chromosomal replication initiation
Authors: Ote Tomotake , Hashimoto Masayuki , Ikeuchi Yoshiho , Su’etsugu Masayuki , Suzuki Tsutomu , Katayama Tsutomu , Kato Jun‐ichi 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe Escherichia coli hda gene codes for a DnaA‐related protein that is essential for the regulatory inactivation of DnaA (RIDA), a system that controls the initiation of chromosomal replication. We have identified the ygfZ gene, which encodes a folate‐binding protein, as a suppressor of hda mutations. The ygfZ null mutation suppresses an hda null mutation. The over‐initiation and abortive elongation phenotypes conferred by the hda mutations are partially suppressed in an hda ygfZ background. The accumulation of the active form of DnaA, ATP‐DnaA, in the hda mutant is suppressed by the disruption of the ygfZ gene, indicating that YgfZ is involved in regulating the level of ATP‐DnaA. Although ygfZ is not an essential gene, the ygfZ disruptant grows slowly, especially at low temperature, demonstrating that this gene is important for cellular proliferation. We have identified mnmE (trmE) as a suppressor of the ygfZ disruption. This gene encodes a GTPase involved in tRNA modification. Examination of RNA modification in the ygfZ mutant reveals reduced levels of 2‐methylthio‐6‐iodeadenosine, indicating that YgfZ participates in the methylthio‐group formation of this modified nucleoside in some tRNAs. These results suggest that YgfZ is a key factor in regulatory networks that act via tRNA modification.
Dissection of functional domains of the polar localization factor PodJ in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Lawler Melanie L. , Larson David E. , Hinz Aaron J. , Klein David , Brun Yves V. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe polar organelle development protein, PodJ, is important for proper establishment of polarity in Caulobacter crescentus. podJ null mutants are unable to form holdfast or pili, have reduced swarming motility, and have difficulty ejecting the flagellum during the swarmer to stalked cell transition. In this study, we create a series of truncation mutants to investigate functional domains of PodJ. We show that PodJ has a transmembrane domain between amino acids 600 and 670. We identify a periplasmic region important for pili production and a cytoplasmic region required for holdfast formation and swarming motility, and establish that PleC localization is not required for holdfast formation and motility in soft agar. Analysis of the mutants reveals that the last 54 amino acids of the protein negatively regulate processing of the full‐length form of the protein, PodJL, to a shorter form, PodJS. Finally, we identify a cytoplasmic region of PodJ involved in targeting it to the flagellar pole, and a periplasmic region required for localization of PleC.
The Impact of Electrical Charge on the Viability and Physiology of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Hilpert F. , Heiser A. , Wieckhorst W. , Arnold N. , Kabelitz D. , Jonat W. , Pfisterer J. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe use of electrical charge for electroporation or electrofusion is widely applied to customize dendritic cells (DC) and their immunological properties as anticancer vaccines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of various electrical field strengths on the recovery, viability and physiology of DC. Immature DC were transferred into low‐conductive medium and electrically charged within a range of 0–1500 V/cm. Viability was assessed by Trypan Blue dye exclusion or staining with impermeant nucleic acid stains and fluorescence‐activated cell sorter analysis. Additionally, apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry after staining with Annexin‐V, endocytosis by uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran and metabolic activity by a standardized fluorescent live/dead assay. There was a strong correlation between the electrical field strength and the viability and physiology of DC. Field strengths ≥1000 V/cm significantly impaired viability, metabolism and endocytotic activity. Dual fluorescence with 7‐7‐amino‐actinomycin D and Annexin‐V demonstrated that loss of viability was predominantly due to necrosis rather than apoptosis. Field strengths ≤500 V/cm allowed to maintain good cell viability and recovery of DC and did not cause alterations of metabolism and endocytosis. Therefore, the frequently used amplification of field strengths to improve the efficacy of electroporation and electrofusion requires critical re‐evaluation.
Roles of Group IIA Phospholipase A2 and Complement in Killing of Bacteria by Acute Phase Serum
Authors: Grönroos J. O. , Salonen J. H. , Viander M. , Nevalainen T. J. , Laine V. J. O. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe complement system is regarded as an important component of the innate defence system against invading bacteria. However, synergistic actions between the complement and the other components of innate immunity are incompletely known. Human group IIA phospholipase A2 (hGIIA PLA2) is an effective antibacterial enzyme in serum of patients with severe bacterial infections. Our aim was to investigate the significance of complement and hGIIA PLA2 in acute phase serum. Serum samples were collected from patients with acute bacterial infections and from healthy control subjects. We prepared hGIIA PLA2‐depleted serum by immunoadsorption and inhibited the activity of complement by a specific inhibitor, compstatin. The bactericidal effects of treated and untreated serum were compared by incubating Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes in the presence of serum. Acute phase serum effectively killed S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, and depletion of hGIIA PLA2 significantly reduced the antibacterial effect. Complement had a weak bactericidal effect against L. monocytogenes. We conclude that hGIIA PLA2 is the major antibacterial factor in human acute phase serum against the gram‐positive bacteria S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, exceeding complement in efficiency.
Adjuvant Effect of Synthetic Oligodeoxyribonucleotides (CpG‐ODN) From the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis gp43 gene on the Th2–Th1 Immunomodulation of Experimental Paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Amaral C. C. , Garcia I. P. , Fernandes G. F. , Almeida S. R. , Camargo Z. P. , Souza M. C. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractParacoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Immunostimulatory effects of P. brasiliensis DNA and CpG‐oligodeoxyribonucleotides (CpG‐ODN) have shown a Th2–Th1 immunomodulation of the isogenic murine model of susceptibility, which develops a progressive and disseminating disease. In this study, we investigated the optimum time interval and doses of CpG‐ODN which are able to induce Th2–Th1 immunomodulation. The optimum concentrations for the induction of a decrease in antibody production were 0.5 and 1 µg. Mice immunized twice with CpG‐ODN and gp43 (5 and 7 days before the challenge) showed a 60% higher chance of survival compared with the control group (nonimmunized), and an increase in Th1 isotype (IgG2a) was also observed. In vitro assays of naive and preimmunized mice showed discrete cellular proliferation when stimulated by suitable concentrations of CpG‐ODN. Type 1 cytokines interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and interferon‐γ were increased in cell culture supernatants, but no significant difference was found in Th2 IL‐4 cytokines in stimulated or nonstimulated cell cultures. Concerning the Th2–Th1 kinetics in experimental PCM models by adjuvant effect of CpG‐ODN, there are still many questions to be answered and clarified. However, the gathering of data obtained in this investigation has led us to suggest that the modulation of Th2–Th1 in experimental PCM depends on time and CpG‐ODN concentration.
Interleukin‐2‐Activated Natural Killer Cells May Have a Direct Role in the Control of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis Promastigote and Macrophage Infection
Authors: Aranha F. C. S. , Ribeiro U. , Basse P. , Corbett C. E. P. , Laurenti M. D. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractTo study the role of Natural Killer (NK) cells in Leishmania infection, peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice were infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis promastigotes and incubated with interleukin‐2 (IL‐2)‐activated NK (A‐NK) cells at different ratios of A‐NK cells to infected macrophages (5:1, 1:1, 0.2:1). The A‐NK cells were added either together with the parasites (0‐h group) or 24 h later (24‐h group). Morphological studies of the cultures revealed predominance of parasitic debris within macrophages that were in close contact with A‐NK cells and the decrease in parasite recovery was directly proportional to the A‐NK cell concentration used. Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and IL‐12 were detected in the supernatant at levels proportional to the A‐NK cell concentration used. No significant difference was observed between the groups with respect to NO levels in the culture supernatant. When A‐NK cells were added directly to the L. (L.) amazonensis promastigote cultures, the parasite recovery decreased proportional to the number of A‐NK cells added. In vivo studies demonstrated smaller lesion sizes in animals inoculated with both parasites and A‐NK cells compared with parasites alone. Histopathology of the skin lesions from animals receiving A‐NK cells together with the parasites showed moderate parasitism and a nodular inflammatory infiltrate formed by mononuclear cells and a few vacuolized macrophages. In contrast, animals inoculated only with the parasites showed a highly parasitized dermis with infiltration of intensely vacuolized macrophages. These results demonstrate the role of A‐NK cells in parasite lysis and in resistance of macrophages to L. (L.) amazonensis in the early phase of infection.
Fungal contamination of bedding
Authors: Woodcock A. A. , Steel N. , Moore C. B. , Howard S. J. , Custovic A. , Denning D. W. 
Published: October 2005

Background:  It is currently believed that most fungal exposure occurs external to the home.Aims:  To enumerate the fungal flora of used synthetic and feather pillows and the dust vacuumed from them, in the UK.Methods:  10 pillows aged between 1.5 and >20 years in regular use were collected and quantitatively cultured for fungi. Swatches were taken from nine sections of the pillow and dust was also collected by vacuum from five pillows. Pillow vacuuming was carried out prior to pillow culture. All were cultured at room temperature, 30 and 37°C for 7 days in broth before plating, and a subset were also cultured for 24 h in broth and then plated. Fungi were identified by standard morphological methods.Results:  The commonest three species isolated were Aspergillus fumigatus (n = 10), Aureobasidium pullulans (n = 6) and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (n = 6). Another 47 species were isolated from pillows and vacuum dust. The number of species isolated per pillow varied from 4 to 16, with a higher number from synthetic pillows. Compared with the nonallergenic A. pullulans, more A. fumigatus was found in synthetic than feather pillows.Conclusions:  We have examined pillows for fungal contamination, and show that the typical used pillow contains a substantial load of many species of fungi, particularly A. fumigatus. Given the time spent sleeping, and the proximity of the pillow to the airway, synthetic and feather pillows could be the primary source of fungi and fungal products. This has important implications for patients with respiratory disease, and especially asthma and sinusitis.
Retrospective Study on Vulvar Conformation in Relation to Endometrial Cytology and Fertility in Thoroughbred Mares
Authors: Hemberg E. , Lundeheim N. , Einarsson S. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryChanges in the conformation of the vulva predispose the mare to uterine infection. Vulvoplasty for closure of the upper vulvar lips improves fertility. Not all mares are resutured after parturition, but are resutured after mating. No clinical data have hitherto been published on the reproductive outcome in mares that are resutured or not after parturition. The objectives of the present study were to investigate relationships between vulvar status (not Caslick‐operated, group A; previously Caslick‐operated and/or not resutured after the last parturition, groups B and C respectively) and endometrial cytology, conception rate and live foal rate for different age groups and categories of Thoroughbred mares. A careful examination of the vulvar area, and endometrial sampling for bacteriology and cytology was performed. The mares were naturally mated once during oestrus (never foal heat) by one of two stallions. Mares belonging to vulvar status group A had the highest conception rate and live foal rate, whereas the lowest conception rate and live foal rate occurred in mares with vulvar status group C. A multifactorial analysis revealed that the vulvar status at arrival had a significant effect on pregnancy rate and live foal rate, but not on fetal loss. Stallion, year and age group had no significant effect on any of the three variables analysed. In conclusion, optimizing managerial factors such as resuturing Caslick‐operated mares immediately after parturition to minimize growth of micro‐organisms with a subsequent endometritis will contribute to their conception and that they carry a pregnancy to term.
Interdigital Involvement in a Case of Primary Cutaneous Canine Histoplasmosis in Japan
Authors: Nishifuji K. , Ueda Y. , Sano A. , Kadoya M. , Kamei K. , Sekiguchi M. , Nishimura K. , Iwasaki T. 
Published: October 2005

SummaryA 5‐year‐old male Siberian husky bred outdoor in Tokyo had a swollen paw with interdigital granulomatous lesions in the left hindlimb. The dog had no apparent pulmonary or gastrointestinal involvement. Histopathological analysis of the skin lesions demonstrated yeast‐like organisms predominantly within macrophages. Sequence analysis of fungal ribosome RNA gene isolated from a paraffin sample revealed a 100% homology with the teleomorph of Histoplasma capsulatum. The present case may support the concept of primary cutaneous canine histoplasmosis as an endemic phenotype recognized in Japan.