bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide transcriptional analysis of the Arabidopsis thaliana interaction with the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and the human pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Thilmony Roger , Underwood William , He Sheng Yang 
Published: March 2006

Summary Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst) is a virulent pathogen that causes disease on tomato and Arabidopsis. The type III secretion system (TTSS) plays a key role in pathogenesis by translocating virulence effectors from the bacteria into the plant host cell, while the phytotoxin coronatine (COR) contributes to virulence and disease symptom development. Recent studies suggest that both the TTSS and COR are involved in the suppression of host basal defenses. However, little is known about the interplay between the host gene expression changes associated with basal defenses and the virulence activities of the TTSS and COR during infection. In this study, we used the Affymetrix full genome chip to determine the Arabidopsis transcriptome associated with basal defense to Pst DC3000 hrp mutants and the human pathogenic bacterium Escherichia coli O157:H7. We then used Pst DC3000 virulence mutants to characterize Arabidopsis transcriptional responses to the action of hrp‐regulated virulence factors (e.g. TTSS and COR) during bacterial infection. Additionally, we used bacterial fliC mutants to assess the role of the pathogen‐associated molecular pattern flagellin in induction of basal defense‐associated transcriptional responses. In total, our global gene expression analysis identified 2800 Arabidopsis genes that are reproducibly regulated in response to bacterial pathogen inoculation. Regulation of these genes provides a molecular signature for Arabidopsis basal defense to plant and human pathogenic bacteria, and illustrates both common and distinct global virulence effects of the TTSS, COR, and possibly other hrp‐regulated virulence factors during Pst DC3000 infection.
Gene frequencies of human platelet antigens in the Macedonian population
Authors: Pavkovic M. , Petlichkovski A. , Strezova A. , Arsov T. , Trajkov D. , Spiroski M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractHuman platelet antigen (HPA) systems consist of more than 12 bi‐allelic antigen polymorphisms. Due to these polymorphisms, platelet‐membrane glycoproteins can be recognized as alloantigens or autoantigens and can cause conditions such as fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, post‐transfusion refractoriness to platelets, and post‐transfusion throbocytopenic purpura. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of HPA‐1, ‐2, ‐3, and ‐5 in Macedonian population by using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The allele frequencies were 0.865 for HPA‐1a, 0.135 for HPA‐1b, 0.852 for HPA‐2a, 0.148 for HPA‐2b, 0.578 for HPA‐3a, 0.422 for HPA‐3b, 0.909 for HPA‐5a, and 0.091 for HPA‐5b. Results of our study were not significantly different from those reported in the other European studies. Our population displayed the highest frequency for HPA‐2b allele (0.148) reported among European population.
Optimization of the MhcOvar‐DRB1 gene typing
Authors: Arrieta‐Aguirre I. , García‐Etxebarria K. , Jugo B. M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe variability of the sheep major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II DRB1 locus has been analyzed in this work. Exon 2 of Ovar‐DRB1 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the primers designed by Amills et al. for goats. In a total of 187 sheep of Latxa breed, we identified by PCR‐single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) 19 alleles, eight of them previously unpublished. Moreover, the observed heterozygosity reached 91–95%. A new allelic type named DRB*14 was defined, which brings to light once more the discussion as to the ancestor of the domestic sheep. Although all the defined alleles can be discriminated by PCR‐SSCP, sequence‐based typing is proposed as the technique of choice for sheep DRB1 gene typing.
HLA‐DRB1, ‐DQB1 alleles in head and neck carcinoma patients
Authors: Koskinen W. J. , Partanen J. , Vaheri A. , Aaltonen L.‐M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractCertain HLA class II alleles have been reported to play a role in development or prevention of cervical carcinoma, an epithelial malignancy linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). In head and neck carcinomas, of which a subset is also HPV associated, the impact of HLA genes remains unknown. HLA‐DRB1, ‐DQB1 alleles were determined in a comprehensive series of 162 head and neck carcinoma patients, for which 83 consecutive cadaveric organ donors of Finnish origin served as controls. DRB1*03 was associated with node‐negative disease and DRB1*08 and 13 with small tumors; DRB1*04 was protective against disease relapse. Most alleles of borderline significance in this study act similarly in cervical carcinomas.
Th1/Th2 cytokine gene polymorphisms in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Vasakova M. , Striz I. , Slavcev A. , Jandova S. , Kolesar L. , Sulc J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe investigated 30 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and 103 healthy volunteers for the cytokines polymorphisms of the IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐1R, IL‐1RA, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, transforming growth factor‐β, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐4RA genes. The strongest correlation of a genotype with the disease was found for gene polymorphisms at the promotor region of IL‐4, where the CT genotypes at the positions (−590) and (−33) were more frequent in the IPF group (P < 0.0001,Pcorr < 0.0022;vs P < 0.0001,Pcorr < 0.0022). Our results support the idea of the pathogenic role of cytokine gene polymorphisms in the etiology and pathogenesis of IPF, with emphasize on the IL‐4 promotor gene polymorphisms.
Investigation of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor KIR2DL4 diversity by sequence‐based typing in Chinese population
Authors: Zhu F.‐M. , Jiang K. , Lv Q.‐F. , He J. , Yan L.‐X. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractHuman killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) play an important role in controlling natural killer (NK) cell function. Here, polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing (PCR‐SBT) procedures identifying alleles of the KIR2DL4 gene have been established. The method was designed around the specific amplification of exon 3 to exon 5 and exon 7 to exon 9 of the KIR2DL4 gene and produce discrimination of KIR2DL4 alleles. Genomic DNAs from 83 healthy unrelated Chinese Han individuals were typed for KIR2DL4 alleles by this method. Each sample was assigned to the putative KIR2DL4 allele combination according to the nucleotide polymorphism profiles of all KIR2DL4 alleles. Twenty‐one different genotypes and seven KIR2DL4 alleles were observed in the population, with KIR2DL4*00102 having the highest frequency, 0.5. Five individuals bear a recombinant allele KIR3DP*004 that associated with three putative KIR2DL4 alleles. Our data demonstrated that the established PCR‐SBT method for KIR2DL4 allele typing was reliable, and Chinese Han population is distinct in KIR2DL4 allele frequencies in comparison to some other populations.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*44 variant (B*4441) in three unrelated Caucasian individuals
Authors: Hoelsch K. , Lenggeler I. , Knabe H. , Hartel K. , Klein H‐G. , Woelpl A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractHere, we report the identification of a new human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*44 allele found almost simultaneous in three DNA samples which were part of routine bone marrow donor typing by order of the German registry ‘Aktion Knochenmarkspende Bayern’. The samples appeared noticeable in different polymerase chain reactions using sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP) or sequence‐specific oligonucleotides (PCR‐SSO). Sequence‐based typing revealed a novel allele officially designated as B*4441*. This sequence differs from HLA‐B*44020101/4427 by two nucleotide positions at the beginning of exon 3: by position 353 (T to C) and by position 355 (A to C). These differences in sequence result in deviant amino acids at codon 94 (Ile94Thr) and codon 95 (Ile95Leu).
Eliciting repeat blood donations: tell early career donors why their blood type is special and more will give again
Authors: Chamla J. H. , Leland L. S. , Walsh K. 
Published: March 2006

Background and Objectives  This study was designed to investigate whether sending a personalized and informative letter to early career donors would increase the number returning to donate again, as the literature suggests that it is at around the third donation that people become career donors.Materials and Methods  Experimental participants were sent a recruitment letter that included information about their own blood type and the percentage of the general population with the same blood type who donated. Control participants received a recruitment letter with some general information. The aim of the study was to determine whether more participants in the experimental group, compared with the control group, would donate blood within a 4‐week period after receiving their personalized recruitment letter.Results  Donors in the experimental group were 43% more likely to return to donate than those in the control group [χ2 (1) = 5·79, P < 0·016].Conclusions  Sending out personalized, informative letters appears to be a potentially powerful donor‐retention tool.
Treatment of adult patients with sepsis‐induced coagulopathy and purpura fulminans using a plasma‐derived protein C concentrate (Ceprotin®)
Authors: Schellongowski Peter , Bauer Edith , Holzinger Ulrike , Staudinger Thomas , Frass Michael , Laczika Klaus , Locker Gottfried J. , Quehenberger Peter , Rabitsch Werner , Schenk Peter , Knöbl Paul 
Published: March 2006

Background and Objectives  The aim of this study was to document the effects of supplementation with a plasma‐derived protein C concentrate in adult patients with infectious purpura fulminans.Materials and Methods  We report the effect of the administration of a human protein C concentrate (Ceprotin®, Baxter, Vienna, Austria) in eight adult patients with purpura fulminans. Five patients received the concentrate as level‐adjusted continuous infusion (10 U/kg/h, target protein C activity 100%) and three patients received the concentrate as bolus infusions (100 U/kg every 6 h) in addition to standard sepsis therapy. Heparin, fresh‐frozen plasma, antithrombin‐ and fibrinogen concentrates, low‐dose rtPA, and platelet transfusions were given when appropriate.Results  Six patients had overt disseminated intravascular coagulation: platelets, 19 g/l; fibrinogen, 60 mg/dl; antithrombin, 47%; prothrombin time, 32%; activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), 88 s; d‐dimer, 66 µg/ml; protein C activity, 29% (medians). Five patients had septic shock, six renal failure and four respiratory failure. Patients received between 5000 and 77 000 U of protein C concentrate over 2·5 days (median); the protein C activity increased to 184% (median) and coagulopathy resolved within 3 days in seven of the eight patients. Six patients survived, one died early from fulminant sepsis, and one died after 14 days from candida sepsis.Conclusions  Our data suggest that treatment with a plasma‐derived protein C zymogen concentrate might be a useful support in adult patients with purpura fulminans.
A Study of Dry Cow Therapy and Effects on SCC in 10 Irish Dairy Herds
Authors: Barrett D. J. , Clegg T. , Healy A. M. , Doherty M. L. 
Published: March 2006

SummarySomatic cell count (SCC) data for 480 cows in 10 Irish dairy herds from January 2001 until June 2002 were analysed. Herds were selected on the basis of a recent or ongoing history of clinical or subclinical mastitis. An individual cow SCC of 200 000 cells per ml was used as the threshold for elevation of SCC. The duration of elevated SCC prior to drying‐off and the magnitude of the elevation in SCC were found to have an impact on the response to dry cow therapy (DCT). A trend also emerged indicating that increasing parity had a negative influence on the response to DCT.
Efficacy of Oral Tadalafil, a New Long‐acting Phosphodiesterase‐5 Inhibitor, for the Short‐term Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in a Dog
Authors: Serres F. , Nicolle A. P. , Tissier R. , Gouni V. , Pouchelon J.‐L. , Chetboul V. 
Published: March 2006

SummarySystolic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was diagnosed in a 15‐year‐old intact male Yorkshire terrier presented for progressive dyspnoea and coughing. Several examinations were performed (thoracic radiographs, faecal analysis, heartworm antigen test, tracheal fluoroscopy, abdominal ultrasound, complete blood cell count, urine and serum biochemistry) but the PAH remained of unknown origin. Despite medical treatment (diuretics and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor), cardiovascular and respiratory signs dramatically worsened over a 1‐month period, with several daily syncope, cyanosis and tachypnoea at rest requiring permanent oxygen therapy. Oral tadalafil (Cialis®), a new long‐acting phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor, belonging to the same family as sildenafil (Viagra®), was added to the background therapy. The condition of the dog improved quickly (<24 h), and short‐term follow up (7 days) showed a decrease in systolic pulmonary arterial pressure up to 26 mmHg concomitant with the disappearance of all respiratory and cardiac signs of PAH (cyanosis, syncope and tachypnoea). This case is of interest because it concerns the first reported short‐term use of tadalafil in canine PAH. However, long‐term studies with a large number of diseased animals are now required before prescription by general practitioners could be recommended.
Comparison of Lipase Activity in Peritoneal Fluid of Dogs with Different Pathologies – A Complementary Diagnostic Tool in Acute Pancreatitis?
Authors: de Arespacochaga A. Guija , Hittmair K. M. , Schwendenwein I. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryA clinical diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is often difficult to obtain. Histopathology remains the gold standard, whereas clinical signs, diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, even in combination, may be insufficient. In a prospective study, lipase activity in ascitic fluid of various aetiologies was determined in 44 dogs in order to investigate its performance in cases of acute pancreatitis. Data of simultaneously determined blood lipase activities were available in 27 dogs. Lipase activity was measured by a colorimetric assay. A complete peritoneal fluid analysis was performed. Dogs were divided into four groups, according to their final diagnosis: acute pancreatitis (A), abdominal trauma (B), abdominal neoplasia (C) and others (hepatic or cardiac diseases) (D). Dogs with acute pancreatitis had a significantly higher peritoneal lipase activity than those in other groups (P ≤ 0.024), while no significant difference was found between the other groups (P ≥ 0.734). Blood lipase activity as well as protein content and total cell count of the ascitic fluid did not show any significant difference between groups. Data show that determination of lipase activity in dogs that develop ascites may be useful in complementing the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.
Seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum among Healthy Dogs and Horses in Israel
Authors: Levi O. , Waner T. , Baneth G. , Keysary A. , Bruchim Y. , Silverman J. , Harrus S. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryThe presence of reacting antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum has previously been demonstrated in Israel, both in humans and the golden jackal (Canis aureus syriacus). This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of A. phagocytophilum antibodies in two additional potential hosts, domestic dogs and horses in order to investigate the possibility of exposure to the organism in Israel. Of 195 dogs tested, 9% were seroreactive with A. phagocytophilum antigen and 30% were seroreactive to Ehrlichia canis. Twenty‐nine percent of the dogs seropositive for E. canis were also reactive to A. phagocytophilum. Two dogs had immunofluoresence antibody (IFA) antibody titres for A. phagocytophilum greater than E. canis. The equine serological survey (n = 300) revealed no seroreactive horses. The results presented in this study suggest that dogs in Israel could have been accidentally exposed to A. phagocytophilum, for example by ticks carried on migrating birds, however, the possibility of cross‐reaction with E. canis should also be considered. In spite of the high prevalence of ticks on horses in Israel during the summer months, no evidence for exposure to A. phagocytophilum was apparent.
Comparison of Blood Non‐Specific Immune Parameters in Bovine Virus Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) Persistently Infected and in Immune Heifers
Authors: Piccinini R. , Luzzago C. , Frigerio M. , Frigerio V. , Liandris E. , Zecconi A. 
Published: March 2006

SummarySeveral data from different authors show that Bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) could be a key component in multiple‐etiology diseases, indeed a lower leukocytes number and their impaired functions decrease the resistance to infections. However, most of the information on the impairment of immune function during BVDV infections arise from circumstantial evidence and from experimental infection studies, and few from field data. To assess the effects of BVDV on blood cells parameters, cellular and humoral functions under field conditions, we designed a controlled study in commercial dairy herds, comparing persistent infected (PI) and healthy heifers. A total of 45 heifers were considered, the PI animals were nine, the control animals were 34, while two controls were considered as acute infected animals. The comparison of the mean values in PI calves showed a significant decrease for leukocytes and granulocytes, while platelets showed a significant increase, when compared with control animals. The total number of lymphocytes decreased not significantly in PI animals, while the proportion significantly increased. The number and proportion of monocytes was significantly reduced in PI animals, when compared with controls. The data collected on markers of cellular immunity during our study cannot be compared with the literature because there are no reference values. The presence of a persistent infection affected the cellular enzymes: NAGase, lysozyme and respiratory burst showed a large statistically significant decrease in PI animals when compared with controls. The presence of a persistent infection with BVD virus influenced blood cells number and impaired some blood cell functions. Such impairment confirms that PI animals represent a threat to the herd not only because they could spread BVDV, but also because they are more susceptible to other infectious diseases.
A Slide Latex Agglutination Test for the Rapid Detection of Antibodies in Serum Against Porcine Parvovirus
Authors: Lü J. , Zhao J. , Fang L. , He Q. , Cao S. , Chen H. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryA slide latex agglutination test (LAT) was developed and evaluated to detect serum antibodies against porcine parvovirus. Porcine parvovirus antigen was obtained by 10% PEG‐6000 and 0.5 mol/l sodium chloride precipitation, and inactivated by 0.1% methanal. Two per cent suspensions of latex particles (0.5–0.8 μm) were coated by adding an equal volume of porcine parvovirus antigen at 0.34 μg/ml. Repeatability of latex agglutination test was evaluated with a panel of 100 sera using the same and different antigen lots. A good agreement between LAT and haemagglutination inhibit assay was observed. Because of convenience and speed of performance, this method would be used widely in clinic examination.
Detection of the astA (EAST1) Gene in Attaching and Effacing Escherichia coli from Ruminants
Authors: Yuste M. , De La Fuente R. , Ruiz‐santa‐quiteria J. A. , Cid D. , Orden J. A. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryA total of 206 attaching and effacing Escherichia coli strains from ruminants were analysed for the presence of the astA (EAST1) and bfpA genes. None of these strains was bfpA‐positive. The percentage of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains astA‐positive found in healthy cattle (15.6%) suggests that this animal species may be a significant reservoir of atypical EPEC potentially pathogenic for humans.
American foulbrood of the honey bee: Occurrence and distribution of different genotypes of Paenibacillus larvae in the administrative district of Arnsberg (North Rhine‐Westphalia)
Authors: Peters M. , Kilwinski J. , Beringhoff A. , Reckling D. , Genersch E. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBetween March 2003 and October 2004, Paenibacillus larvae, the aetiological agent of American foulbrood disease of the honey bee, was isolated from broodcombs and honey samples of 54 apiaries in the administrative district of Arnsberg (North Rhine‐Westphalia, Germany). Genotyping of 176 P. larvae isolates with repetitive element polymerase chain reaction fingerprinting (rep‐PCR) using BOX A1R and MBO REP1 primers revealed five different genotypes (AB, Ab, ab, aß, AБ). In samples of three apiaries, more than one genotype was detected. A combination of two genotypes was isolated from honey samples of the same hive two times (ab/aß and Ab/ab). The five genotypes were not randomly distributed in the district, but revealed a certain geographical clustering. Possible factors with impact on the genotype diversity and the distribution pattern are discussed.
Sero‐epidemiology of Canine Leptospirosis in Trinidad: Serovars, Implications for Vaccination and Public Health
Authors: Adesiyun A. A. , Hull‐jackson C. , Mootoo N. , Halsall S. , Bennett R. , Clarke N. R. , Whittington C. U. , Seepersadsingh N. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryA sero‐epidemiological study on canine leptospirosis was conducted in house, stray, farm and hunting dogs, as well as in suspect cases of clinical canine leptospirosis. Serum samples were collected from apparently healthy (vaccinated and non‐vaccinated), house dogs. A questionnaire was administered to the owners to elicit information on risk factors for leptospirosis. The microscopic agglutination test was used to screen for leptospirosis using 17 international serovars. Reciprocal titres of between 100 and <800 were considered as evidence of past exposure while reciprocal titres of 800 or greater were classified as suggestive of acute/current infection. Of a total of 419 serum samples tested, 61 (14.6%) were seropositive for Leptospira agglutinins, 23 (5.5%) had mixed infections and 16 (3.8%) had current infection. Amongst 50 suspected cases of clinical leptospirosis, 24 (48.0%) were seropositive and only 13 (26.0%) had current infection compared with 10 (6.3%) and three (1.9%) of 160 apparently healthy house dogs respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05; χ2). Twelve (25.5%) of 47 hunting dogs, 10 (20.4%) of 49 farm dogs and five (4.4%) of 113 stray dogs were seropositive (P < 0.05; χ2). Overall, a total of nine serovars were detected with serovars mankarso, icterohaemorrhagiae RGA, autumnalis and copenhageni being involved in 29 (47.5%), 20 (32.8%), 25 (41.0%) and 10 (16.4%) respectively in 61 seropositive dogs (P < 0.05; χ2). Serovar mankarso was most predominant in seropositive apparently healthy dogs, 37.8% (14/37), suspected clinical cases of leptospirosis, 62.5% (15/24) compared with serovar icterohaemorrhagiae with a frequency of 21.6% (8/37) and 50.0% (12/24), the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05; χ2). Although all vaccines used for prevention of canine leptospirosis in the country contain serovars canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae, serovar mankarso was mostly associated with infection and disease and may be a good candidate for inclusion in the vaccine used locally. The public health risk posed to owners of dogs infected with Leptospira cannot be over‐emphasized considering the zoonotic nature of the disease.