bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Abundance of Proteins Involved in Phytosiderophore Production in Boron-Tolerant Barley
Authors: Patterson John , Ford Kris , Cassin Andrew , Natera Siria , Bacic Antony 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Boron (B) phytotoxicity affects cereal-growing regions worldwide. Although B-tolerant barley (Hordeum vulgare) germplasm is available, molecules responsible for this tolerance mechanism have not been defined. We describe and use a new comparative proteomic technique, iTRAQ peptide tagging (iTRAQ), to compare the abundances of proteins from B-tolerant and -intolerant barley plants from a ‘Clipper’ × ‘Sahara’ doubled-haploid population selected on the basis of a presence or absence of two B-tolerance quantitative trait loci. iTRAQ was used to identify three enzymes involved in siderophore production (Iron Deficiency Sensitive2 [IDS2], IDS3, and a methylthio-ribose kinase) as being elevated in abundance in the B-tolerant plants. Following from this result, we report a potential link between iron, B, and the siderophore hydroxymugineic acid. We believe that this study highlights the potency of the iTRAQ approach to better understand mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance in cereals, particularly when applied in conjunction with bulked segregant analysis.
Food anaphylaxis
Authors: Wang Julie , Sampson Hugh A. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryAnaphylaxis is a life‐threatening allergic reaction, and food is one of the most common responsible allergens in the outpatient setting. The prevalence of food‐induced anaphylaxis has been steadily rising. Education regarding food allergen avoidance is crucial as most of the fatal reactions occurred in those with known food allergies. The lack of a consensus definition for anaphylaxis has made its diagnosis difficult. Symptoms affect multiple organ systems and include pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, respiratory difficulty, wheezing, hypotension, and shock. Prompt recognition of anaphylaxis is essential as delayed treatment has been associated with fatalities. Although epinephrine is accepted as the treatment of choice, timely administration does not always occur, partly due to a lack of awareness of the diagnostic criteria. Several novel tools are currently being investigated, which will potentially aid in the diagnosis and treatment of food‐induced anaphylaxis.
Lower airways inflammation in allergic rhinitics: a comparison with asthmatics and normal controls
Authors: Brown J. L. , Behndig A. F. , Sekerel B. E. , Pourazar J. , Blomberg A. , Kelly F. J. , Sandström T. , Frew A. J. , Wilson S. J. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground
Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma represent a continuum of atopic disease. AR is believed to pre‐dispose an individual to asthma. Compared with asthmatics and normal controls, the inflammatory response in the lower airways of rhinitics is not fully elucidated. To test the hypothesis that the inflammatory response in the airways of subjects with AR is at a level intermediate between that in normal controls and asthmatics, we have characterized bronchial inflammation and cytokine mRNA levels in non‐asthmatic allergic rhinitics and compared it with subjects with allergic asthma and with normal controls.Methods
Endobronchial mucosal biopsies were obtained at bronchoscopy from 14 allergic rhinitics, 16 asthmatics and 21 normal controls. Biopsies were embedded into glycol methacrylate resin for immunohistochemical analysis of cellular inflammation and snap frozen for semi‐quantitative PCR analysis of cytokine mRNA levels.Results
Airway inflammation in rhinitic subjects was characterized by an increase in submucosal eosinophils, mast cells and the mRNA expression of TNF‐α, at an intermediate level between healthy and asthmatics. In addition, CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the epithelium, the endothelial expression of vascular adhesion molecule‐1 and IL‐1β mRNA were higher in the allergic rhinitics compared with both normal controls and asthmatics, whereas growth‐related oncogene α‐mRNA was decreased in AR compared with both healthy and asthmatics. Airway inflammation in the asthmatic group was characterized by higher numbers of eosinophils and mast cells, together with an increase in TNF‐α‐mRNA compared with both healthy and rhinitics. IFN‐γ mRNA was the highest in normal controls and lowest in the asthmatics.Conclusions
In individuals with AR the present data suggest an intermediate state of airway inflammation between that observed in normal individuals and subjects with clinical asthma. It is also indicated that IFN‐γ production by CD8+ T lymphocytes could be protective against the development of airway hyperresponsiveness. Further work is needed to evaluate this hypothesis.
The association between infant feeding practices and subsequent atopy among children with a family history of asthma
Authors: Mihrshahi S. , Ampon R. , Webb K. , Almqvist C. , Kemp A. S. , Hector D. , Marks G. B. ,   for the CAPS Team
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground
Although longer duration of breastfeeding and later introduction of solid foods are both recommended for the prevention of asthma and allergic disease, evidence to support these recommendations is controversial.Objective
To examine the relation between infant feeding practices and the risk of asthma and allergic disease at age 5 years.Methods
A cohort of children with a family history of asthma in Sydney, Australia, was followed from birth to age 5 years. Data on infant feeding practices and on early manifestations of eczema were collected prospectively. The presence of eczema, asthma and atopy (positive allergen skin prick tests) were determined at age 5 years.Results
In 516 children evaluated at age 5 years, there was no significant association between the duration of breastfeeding or timing of introduction of solid foods and protection against asthma or other allergic disease, after adjustment for confounding factors. However, breastfeeding for 6 months or more and introduction of solid foods after 3 months were both associated with an increased risk of atopy at age 5 years (P=0.02 and 0.01, respectively). There was no significant association between the presence of eczema at 4 weeks and at 3 months and continued breastfeeding beyond those times.Conclusion
Longer duration of breastfeeding and later introduction of solid foods did not prevent the onset of asthma, eczema or atopy by age 5 years.
Interaction of maternal atopy, CTLA‐4 gene polymorphism and gender on antenatal immunoglobulin E production
Authors: Yang K. D. , Ou C.‐Y. , Hsu T.‐Y. , Chang J.‐C. , Chuang H. , Liu C.‐A. , Liang H.‐M. , Kuo H.‐C. , Chen R.‐F. , Huang E.‐Y. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground
Genetic heritability and maternal atopy have been correlated to antenatal IgE production, but very few studies have studied gene–maternal atopy interaction on antenatal IgE production. This study investigated the interaction of CTLA‐4 polymorphism with prenatal factors on the elevation of cord blood IgE (CBIgE).Methods
Pregnant women were antenatally recruited for collection of prenatal environmental factors by a questionnaire. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected for CBIgE detection by fluorescence‐linked enzyme assay and CTLA‐4 polymorphism measurement by restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results
A total of 1104 pregnant women initially participated in this cohort study, and 898 of them completed cord blood collection. 21.4% of the newborns had elevation of CBIgE (0.5 kU/L). The CTLA‐4+49A allele (P=0.021), maternal atopy (P<0.001) and gender (P=0.034), but not the CTLA‐4+49G allele, −318C allele, −318T allele, parental smoking or paternal atopy, were significantly correlated with the CBIgE elevation in multivariate analysis. A dichotomous analysis of gene–maternal atopy interactions identified maternal atopy and CTLA‐4+49A allele had an additive effect on the CBIgE elevation, especially prominent in male newborns; and in the absence of maternal atopy, CTLA‐4+49GG genotype had a protective effect on CBIgE elevation in female newborns.Conclusions
Maternal but not paternal atopy has significant impacts on CBIgE elevation depending on gender and CTLA‐4+49A/G polymorphism of newborns. Control of maternal atopy and modulation of CTLA‐4 expression in the prenatal stage may be a target for the early prevention of perinatal allergy sensitization.
Up‐regulation of CCL17, CCL22 and CCR4 in drug‐induced maculopapular exanthema
Authors: Tapia B. , Morel E. , Martín‐Díaz M.‐Á. , Díaz R. , Alves‐Ferreira J. , Rubio P. , Padial A. , Bellón T. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground
Maculopapular exanthema has been reported to be the most frequently drug‐induced cutaneous reaction. Although T lymphocytes are involved in the pathomechanism of this disease, little is know about the recruitment of these cells to the skin.Objective
The aim of this work is to study the role of the chemokines TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 in the lymphocyte trafficking to affected skin in drug‐induced exanthemas.Methods
Real‐time PCR was performed to quantify gene expression levels of CCL17, CCL22 and their receptor CCR4 in lesional skin biopsies and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients. CCL27 and CCL22 proteins were detected in the skin by immunochemistry. Protein expression of CCR4 was determined by flow cytometry in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Functional migration assays to CCL17 and CCL22 were assessed to compare the migratory responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients and healthy subjects.Results
CCL17 and CCL22 were up‐regulated in maculopapular exanthema‐affected skin. CCR4 mRNA levels and protein expression were increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during the acute phase of the disease. The increased expression of the receptor was consistent with a higher response of peripheral blood lymphocytes to CCL17 and CCL22 compared with the migratory response in healthy donors.Conclusion
TARC/CCL17 and MDC/CCL22 might cooperate in attracting T lymphocytes to skin in drug‐induced maculopapular exanthemas.
Understanding the potential role of mobile phone‐based monitoring on asthma self‐management: qualitative study
Authors: Pinnock H. , Slack R. , Pagliari C. , Price D. , Sheikh A. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground
National and international healthcare policy increasingly seeks technological solutions to the challenge of providing care for people with long‐term conditions. Novel technologies, however, have the potential to change the dynamics of disease monitoring and self‐management. We aimed to explore the opinions and concerns of people with asthma and primary care clinicians on the potential role of mobile phone monitoring technology (transmitting symptoms and peak flows, with immediate feedback of control and reminder of appropriate actions) in supporting asthma self‐management.Methods
This qualitative study recruited 48 participants (34 adults and teenagers with asthma, 14 asthma nurses and doctors) from primary care in Lothian (Central Scotland) and Kent (South East England). Thirty‐nine participated in six focus groups, which included a demonstration of the technology; nine gave in‐depth interviews before and after a 4‐week trial of the technology.Results
Participants considered that mobile phone‐based monitoring systems can facilitate guided self‐management although, paradoxically, may engender dependence on professional/technological support. In the early phases, as patients are learning to accept, understand and control their asthma, this support was seen as providing much‐needed confidence. During the maintenance phase, when self‐management predominates, patient and professionals were concerned that increased dependence may be unhelpful, although they appreciated that maintaining an on‐going record could facilitate consultations.Conclusion
Mobile phone‐based monitoring systems have the potential to support guided self‐management by aiding transition from clinician‐supported early phases to effective self‐management during the maintenance phase. Continuing development, adoption and formal evaluation of these systems should take account of the insights provided by our data.
A proof‐of‐concept study to assess the putative dose response to topical corticosteroid in persistent allergic rhinitis using adenosine monophosphate challenge
Authors: Barnes M. L. , Menzies D. , Nair A. R. , Hopkinson P. J. , Lipworth B. J. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryIntroduction
The aim of this proof‐of‐concept study was to assess whether nasal adenosine monophosphate (AMP) challenge may be used to quantify dose response to topical fluticasone propionate (FP) in persistent allergic rhinitis (PER).Methods
Eligible subjects with PER entered a randomized double‐blind crossover study of 2 weeks of intranasal FP at 100 μg or 400 μg daily, with a 2‐week placebo washout period before each randomized treatment. Measurements after each washout or treatment comprised: peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) response to nasal AMP (the primary outcome), domiciliary PNIF, the mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (miniRQLQ), symptom scores, nasal nitric oxide levels and overnight urinary cortisol:creatinine ratios.Results
Thirteen patients completed per protocol. Maximal PNIF response to AMP was attenuated 0.9% (95% confidence interval −7.1 to 9.0, P=NS) by FP 100 μg, and 12.9% (4.8–20.9, P=0.009) by FP 400 μg. The 400–100 μg difference was 12.0% U (2.6–21.3, P=0.049). None of the other outcomes were responsive enough to detect any significant treatment effects. The standardized response means to FP 400 μg were 81% for AMP challenge, 54% for domiciliary PNIF, 53% for miniRQLQ, 24% for symptom scores and 18% for nasal nitric oxide. No adrenal suppression was detected at either dose.Conclusion
FP exhibited dose‐related suppression of nasal airway hyperresponsiveness to AMP challenge, but without associated detectable adrenal suppression at the higher dose. Moreover, the AMP response demonstrated the highest signal to noise ratio compared with other outcome measures in PER.
Number of allergens to be tested to assess allergenic sensitization in epidemiologic studies: results of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey I
Authors: Bousquet P.‐J. , Hooper R. , Kogevinas M. , Jarvis D. , Burney P. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground
Many clinical and epidemiological studies have measured the prevalence of IgE sensitization using skin tests and/or serum‐specific IgE. Most of them have been done in only one country using a battery of selected allergens relevant to that country. In multi‐centre studies, the number of tested allergens is often limited by the cost. It is therefore difficult to compare prevalence of sensitized subjects between studies.Objective
To define the number and the type of allergen that should be tested in order to characterize a person as sensitized.Method
Subjects were selected from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey I. All subjects underwent skin prick tests to nine of the most common allergens. In addition, two local allergens were tested in some centres.Result
Using nine allergens, 35.6% of the 11 355 subjects were sensitized. The prevalence of sensitization increased with the number of tested allergens. Seven allergens enabled the identification of almost all sensitized subjects, adding another one inducing, in most countries, an increase of prevalence under 0.5%. Adding one local allergen to the battery of tests increased the overall estimated prevalence by only 1%. This increase was not seen in Ireland and was less marked in the United Kingdom (0.3%) but was greater in France (2.6%), Australia (2.5%) and Belgium (1.9%).Conclusion
Seven selected allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat, grass, birch, olive pollen, Alternaria and Cladosporium) allow the identification of almost all sensitized subjects in epidemiologic studies. Inclusion of local allergen should be considered in a standard panel for international studies.
Pharmacological and clinical evidences on the potential for abuse and dependence of propofol: a review of the literature
Authors: Roussin Anne , Montastruc Jean‐Louis , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPropofol (2,6‐diisopropylphenol) is an intravenous short‐acting anaesthetic widely used for inducing and maintaining anaesthesia. Propofol is also being increasingly used for sedation. Beside medical use, propofol is abused for recreational purpose, mostly in medical professionals who are not informed of the risk of dependence to this compound. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of molecular, animal and clinical pharmacological data of the literature evidencing the potential for abuse and dependence of propofol.
Breeding performance and longevity of Tomicus destruens on Mediterranean and continental pine species
Authors: Faccoli Massimo 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe pine shoot beetle Tomicus destruens (Wollaston) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is one of the main pests of Mediterranean forests, where it is oligophagous on Mediterranean pines. However, possible global warming may make the insect move to higher latitudes and altitudes, allowing it to attack new pine species. In this respect, the aim of the present article was to assess both the acceptance and performance of T. destruens offered host and non‐host pine species. A no‐choice breeding experiment was set up under laboratory conditions, using logs of three Mediterranean (Pinus pinea L., Pinus pinaster Miller, and Pinus halepensis Aiton) and two continental (Pinus nigra Arnold and Pinus sylvestris L.) pine species. Log debarking at the end of adult emergence assessed parent fecundity, egg, and larval mortality. The quality of callow adults emerging from each tested pine was evaluated on the basis of their longevity on a semiartificial diet. Tomicus destruens colonised all tested pine species, but did not reproduce in Scots pine, taking about 79 days to complete development with no differences among pines tested. The best breeding performance, evaluated as female fecundity and adult production, was observed in P. halepensis, and the lowest in P. pinaster. On average, adults emerging from P. pinea survived longer (83 days) than from other pines, and adult longevity was the lowest in males emerging from P. nigra. Austrian pine, which under natural conditions is usually not a host of T. destruens, allowed insect development and adult production similar to P. pinea and P. pinaster.
In vitro metabolism by human skin and fibroblasts of retinol, retinal and retinoic acid
Authors: Bailly J. , Crettaz M. , Schifflers M. H. , Marty J. P. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe metabolism of radio‐labelled retinol, retinal and retinoic acid by fresh human skin as well as by human dermal fibroblasts have been investigated in vitro. Surgically removed human skin biopsies were placed at the air‐liquid interface, and treated topically for 24 h with retinoids. At the end of the treatment period, epidermis and dermis were separated by heat. Epidermis, dermis and medium were subsequently extracted and resulting fractions were analysed by HPLC. Dermal fibroblast cultures were treated and analysed in a comparable manner. Topical application of retinoids resulted in gradient concentrations within the skin. For each fraction, metabolites and unchanged product proportions were determined by HPLC. After treatment with retinol and retinal, low but significant amounts of retinoic acid were detected in the epidermis, as well as in the dermis (30 pmol to 90 pmol). In comparison, treatments with retinoic acid itself, led to higher level of retinoic acid in the epidermis and in the dermis (respectively 2050 and 420 pmol). Cultured human dermal fibroblasts, treated with retinol and retinal, formed retinoic acid as well as several other metabolites (retinol esters, reduction of retinal to retinol…). Taken together, our results are consistent with an action of retinol or retinal on the skin via a retinoic acid formation and a metabolic function of the dermis.
Analysis of the desmoplakin gene reveals striking conservation with other members of the plakin family of cytolinkers
Authors: Green K. J. , Guy S. G. , Cserhalmi‐Friedman P. B. , McLean W. H. I. , Christiano A. M. , Wagner R. M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMembers of the plakin family of cytolinker proteins integrate filaments into cellula networks and anchor these networks to the plasma membrane. Their importance is supported by the existence of cell and tissue fragility disorders caused by mutations in certain family members. In this study, the human gene encoding desmoplakin (DSP) was characterized and its structure compared with the related family members: plectin, bullous pemphigoid antigen 1 (BPAG1), envoplakin (EVPL) and periplakin (PPL). Sequence analysis of genomic clones was carried out in combination with a PCR‐based strategy to define intron‐exon border. DSP was mapped using the GB4 radiation hybrid mapping panel to the interval between markers D6S296 and AFM043Xf2, correponding to cytogenetic band 6p24. In addition, the murine gene (DSP) was mapped to mouse chromosome 13 by interspecific backcross mapping. DSP encompasses 45 kb organized into 24 exons and 23 introns, and the pattern of intron‐exon borders bears a striking resemblance to other member of the plakin family. Notable features include the fact that a single large exon encodes the entire C‐termius of each gene. In contrast, the N‐termini comprise numerous smaller exons with conservation of many genses will facilitate their further evaluation as targets of genetic disorders and provide insights into the evolutionary relationships among molecules in this emerging gene family.
Maturation of epidermal Langerhans cells: increased experssion of β‐and γ‐actin isoforms as a basis of specialized cell functions
Authors: Ross R. , Ross X. L. , Längin T. , Reske‐Kunz A. B. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractEpidermal Langerhans cells (LC) represent immature dendritic cells. During in vitro culture in the presence of keratinocytes they mature into potenet immunostimulatory cells for naive T cells. This process is thought to simulate in vivo maturation of LC following activation by antigen contect. Maturation of LC is accompanied by morphological alteration. Applying a differential screening procedure we isolated differentially expressed cDNAs involved in the maturation events including cDNAs of the cytoskeletal actin isoforms β‐and γ‐actin. Stronger signals with hybridization probes derived from cultured LC compared with probes derived from freshly isolated LC indicate upregulation of actin expression. Upregulated expression of actin was confirmed by RT‐PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Staining with flurescence‐labelled and increase in F‐actin levels in cultured LC. Thus our data show that maturation of LC, which involves formation of dendritic structures and movement of formerly immobile cell, is accompanied by augmented expresion of actin and formation of additional actin filaments. Furthermore, actin mRNA, often used as reference to assess mRNA amounts for Northern blotting or competitive RT‐PCR because of its high and ubiquitous expression is an inappropriate standard for the analysis of LC and DC.