bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The enigma of cytosolic two‐component systems: a hypothesis
Authors: Krell Tino , Busch Andreas , Lacal Jesús , Silva‐Jiménez Hortencia , Ramos Juan‐Luis 
Published: February 2009

SummaryOne‐component systems (OCSs) and cytosolic two‐component regulatory systems (TCSs) appear to share the same biological function, which consists in the transcriptional control in response to the cellular concentration of signal molecules. However, cytosolic TCSs as compared with OCSs represent a genetic and metabolic burden to the cell: the genetic information encoding a TCS is significantly larger than that of an OCS, two or more proteins instead of one need to be synthesized for a TCS and operation of the latter system requires the expense of ATP which is not the case for most OCSs. The evolutionary advantages of cytosolic TCSs over OCSs are thus not obvious. We hypothesize here that the increased capacity of cytosolic TCSs to respond to multiple signals is a major advantage over OCSs. Different mechanisms for the incorporation of additional signals into the regulatory circuit are discussed. The inclusion of several signals into the definition of the final regulatory response is proposed to result in a better adaptation of the host to given environmental conditions.
Synopsis ofLeymusHochst. (Triticeae: Poaceae)
Authors: YEN Chi , YANG Jun‐Liang , BAUM Bernard R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractLeymusis a genus in the Triticeae tribe, Poaceae. The taxa of this genus are allopolyploid species which possess theNsandXmgenomes. According to cytological, cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses, some species ofHystrixandElymusought to be transferred to this genus. A world revision of the genusLeymusis needed. In this paper we summarize experimental results, provide a key to sections, species and varieties, and list all the taxa we recognize inLeymuswith their synonyms. This synopsis is a new taxonomic system to be used for the revision ofLeymus.
Musa chunii Häkkinen, a new species (Musaceae) from Yunnan, China and taxonomic identity of Musa rubra
Authors: HÄKKINEN Markku 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe center of diversity of the genus Musa (Musaceae) is in Southeast Asia, a region not studied in detail and where new species and varieties continue to be reported. A new wild banana species, M. chunii Häkkinen from Yunnan, China is described and illustrated based on observed morphological characteristics in the field. This extremely rare new species was only found in Tongbiguan Nature Reserve, Dehong District, West Yunnan. A key to M. chunii and related taxa is provided. In addition, critical notes regarding M. rubra Kurz identity are given.
Regulatory T cells and liver pathology in a murine graft versus host response model
Authors: Miyazaki Teruo , Doy Mikio , Ikegami Tadashi , Honda Akira , Unno Rie , Itoh Shinichi , Bouscarel Bernard , Matsuzaki Yasushi 
Published: February 2009

Aim:  We have previously reported in mice the hepatic inflammatory in graft versus host response (GVHR) model due to the disparity of major histocompatibility complex class‐II. The regulatory T (Treg) cells have been reported to control excessive immune response and prevent immune‐related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis profiles of chronic GVHR progression, focusing on the Treg cells.Methods:  GVHR mice induced by parental spleen CD4+ T cell injection were sacrificed after 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks (G0, G2, G4, G8). Further, one GVHR group received anti‐IL‐10 antibody in advance and were maintained for 2 weeks. Pathologic profiles of hepatic infiltrating inflammatory cells were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry staining with surface markers including Treg cell markers.Results:  Remarkable hepatic inflammatory in G2 significantly and gradually improved over time up to G8. In immunohistochemical staining, the increased IL‐10 receptor β+ Tr1 cells in G2 were maintained through to G8; although other inflammatory cells decreased from G2 to G8. By contrast, in the anti‐IL‐10 antibody received‐GVHR mice, the Tr1 cells were not detectable with significant inflammatory aggravation, while FoxP3+ Treg cells significantly enhanced.Conclusions:  These findings in the GVHR mice suggest that the expression and activity of Treg cells, especially the Tr1 cells, might be key factors for pathologic alteration in immune‐related liver disease.
Antibacterial Activity of Ultrashort Cationic Lipo-β-Peptides
Authors: Serrano Griselda N. , Zhanel George G. , Schweizer Frank 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Previously reported
d
,
l
-lipo-α-peptides and their lipo-β-peptide counterparts (C16-KGGK, C16-KAAK, C16-KKKK, and C12-KLLK) were studied, and the lipo-β-peptides were found to retain antimicrobial activity. Likewise, no significant changes in antimicrobial activity were found upon activity comparisons with
d
,
l
-amino acid-based lipopeptides or any
l
-amino acid lipopeptides. As a defined amphipathic structure is unlikely to form with such short molecules and as similar activities were obtained from all lipopeptides, we suspect that the action of membrane permeation is retained.
Combination Therapy of Advanced Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Transiently Neutropenic Rats Using Human Pharmacokinetic Equivalent Doses of Voriconazole and Anidulafungin
Authors: van de Sande Wendy W. J. , Mathot Ron A. A. , ten Kate Marian T. , van Vianen Wim , Tavakol Mehri , Rijnders Bart J. A. , Bakker-Woudenberg Irma A. J. M. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT
At present, voriconazole (VOR) is the drug of first choice for treating invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). However, particularly in advanced stages of disease and in the severely immunocompromised host, the mortality remains substantial. The combination of VOR with an echinocandin may improve the therapeutic outcome. We investigate here whether combining VOR and anidulafungin (ANI) in advanced IPA in transiently neutropenic rats results in a higher therapeutic efficacy. Since VOR is metabolized more rapidly in rodents than in humans, dosage adjustment for VOR is necessary to obtain an area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) in rodents that is equivalent to that of humans. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of VOR and ANI in rats were elucidated, and dosage schedules were applied that produced AUCs similar to those of humans. The developed dose schedules were well tolerated by the rats, without effects on renal and hepatic functions. VOR showed excellent efficacy in early IPA (100% rat survival). In advanced IPA, VOR was less efficacious (50% rat survival), whereas a significant decrease in galactomannan concentrations in lungs and sera was found in surviving rats. ANI administered in advanced IPA resulted in 22% rat survival, and the serum concentrations of fungal galactomannan were slightly but not significantly decreased. The addition of ANI to VOR did not result in significantly increased therapeutic efficacy in advanced IPA, resulting in 67% rat survival and a significant decrease in galactomannan concentration in serum. In conclusion, VOR monotherapy is therapeutically effective in the treatment of advanced-stage IPA and superior to the use of ANI. Combining both agents does not significantly improve the therapeutic outcome.
Polymeric Linear Peptide Chimeric Vaccine-Induced Antimalaria Immunity Is Associated with Enhanced In Vitro Antigen Loading
Authors: Silva-Flannery Luciana M. , Cabrera-Mora Monica , Dickherber Megan , Moreno Alberto 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTImmunization of mice withPlasmodium bergheiorPlasmodium yoeliisynthetic linear peptide chimeras (LPCs) based on the circumsporozoite protein protects against experimental challenge with viable sporozoites. The immunogenicity of LPCs is significantly enhanced by spontaneous polymerization. To better understand the antigenic properties of polymeric antimalarial peptides, we studied the immune responses elicited in mice immunized with a polymer or a monomer of a linear peptide construct specific forP. yoeliiand compared the responses of antigen-presenting cells following incubation with both peptide species. Efficient uptake of the polymeric peptide in vitro resulted in higher expression of the coactivation markers CD80, CD40, and CD70 on dendritic cells and higher proinflammatory cytokine production than with the monomeric peptide. Macropinocytosis seems to be the main route used by polymeric peptides internalized by antigen-presenting cells. Spontaneous polymerization of synthetic antimalarial-peptide constructs to target professional antigen-presenting cells shows promise for simple delivery of subunit malaria vaccines.
Variant-Specific Immunity to
Plasmodium berghei
in Pregnant Mice
Authors: Megnekou Rosette , Hviid Lars , Staalsoe Trine 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

We have investigated the immunological basis of pregnancy-related
Plasmodium berghei
recrudescence in immune mice with substantial preexisting immunity. Specifically, we examined the relevance of this experimental model to the study of pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) caused by
P. falciparum
in women with substantial preexisting protective immunity. We used mice with immunity induced prior to pregnancy and employed flow cytometry to assess their levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) recognizing antigens on the surfaces of infected erythrocytes (IEs) in plasma. After immunization, the mice did not possess IgG specific for antigens on IEs obtained during pregnancy-related recrudescence but they acquired recrudescence-specific IgG over the course of several pregnancies and recrudescences. In contrast, levels of antibodies recognizing IEs from nonpregnant mice did not increase with increasing parity. Furthermore, maternal hemoglobin levels increased and pregnancy-related parasitemia decreased with increasing parity. Finally, parasitemic mice produced smaller litters and pups with lower weights than nonparasitemic mice. Taken together, these observations suggest that levels of antibodies specific for recrudescence-type IEs are related to the protection of pregnant mice from maternal anemia, low birth weight, and decreased litter size. We conclude that the model replicates many of the key parasitological and immunological features of PAM, although the
P. berghei
genome does not encode proteins homologous to the
P. falciparum
erythrocyte membrane protein 1 adhesins, which are of key importance in
P. falciparum
malaria. The study of
P. berghei
malaria in pregnant, immune mice can be used to gain significant new insights regarding malaria pathogenesis and immunity in general and regarding PAM in particular.
Contribution ofBordetella bronchisepticaFilamentous Hemagglutinin and Pertactin to Respiratory Disease in Swine
Authors: Nicholson Tracy L. , Brockmeier Susan L. , Loving Crystal L. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTBordetella bronchisepticais pervasive in swine populations and plays multiple roles in respiratory disease. Most studies addressing virulence factors ofB. bronchisepticaare based on isolates derived from hosts other than pigs. Two well-studied virulence factors implicated in the adhesion process are filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) and pertactin (PRN). We hypothesized that both FHA and PRN would serve critical roles in the adhesion process and be necessary for colonization of the swine respiratory tract. To investigate the role of FHA and PRN inBordetellapathogenesis in swine, we constructed mutants containing an in-frame deletion of the FHA or the PRN structural gene in a virulentB. bronchisepticaswine isolate. Both mutants were compared to the wild-type swine isolate for their ability to colonize and cause disease in swine. Colonization of the FHA mutant was lower than that of the wild type at all respiratory tract sites and time points examined and caused limited to no disease. In contrast, the PRN mutant caused similar disease severity relative to the wild type; however, colonization of the PRN mutant was reduced relative to the wild type during early and late infection and induced higher anti-Bordetellaantibody titers. Together, our results indicate that despite inducing different pathologies and antibody responses, both FHA and PRN are necessary for optimal colonization of the swine respiratory tract.
Asc and Ipaf Inflammasomes Direct Distinct Pathways for Caspase-1 Activation in Response to
Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Case Christopher L. , Shin Sunny , Roy Craig R. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Caspase-1 activation is a key feature of the innate immune response of macrophages elicited by pathogens and a variety of toxins. Here, we determined the requirement for different adapter proteins involved in regulating host processes mediated by caspase-1 after macrophage infection by
Legionella pneumophila
. The adapter protein Asc was found to be important for caspase-1 activation during
L. pneumophila
infection. Activation of caspase-1 through Asc did not require the flagellin-sensing pathway involving the host nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing protein Ipaf (NLRC4). Asc-dependent caspase-1 activation was inhibited by high extracellular potassium levels, whereas Ipaf-dependent activation was unaffected by potassium treatment. Activation of caspase-1 in macrophages occurred independently of Nalp3 and proteasome activity, suggesting that a previously uncharacterized mechanism for caspase-1 activation through Asc may be triggered by
L. pneumophila
. Rapid pore formation and pyroptosis induced by
L. pneumophila
required caspase-1, Ipaf, and bacterial flagellin but occurred independently of Asc. Equivalent levels of active interleukin-18 (IL-18) were detected in the lungs of mice infected with a flagellin-deficient strain of
L. pneumophila
and Asc-deficient mice infected with wild-type
L. pneumophila
. Active IL-18 was undetectable in the lungs of Asc-deficient mice infected with an
L. pneumophila
flagellin mutant, indicating independent roles for Ipaf and Asc in caspase-1-mediated processing and release of IL-18 in vivo. Ipaf-dependent activation of caspase-1 restricted bacterial replication in vivo, whereas Asc was dispensable for restriction of
L. pneumophila
replication in mice. Thus,
L. pneumophila-
mediated caspase-1 activation involves the coordinate activities of inflammasomes differentially regulated by Ipaf and Asc.
Composition, training needs and independence of ethics review committees across Africa: are the gate-keepers rising to the emerging challenges?
Authors: Nyika A , Kilama W , Chilengi R , Tangwa G , Tindana P , Ndebele P , Ikingura J 
Published: February 2009

Background:The high disease burden of Africa, the emergence of new diseases and efforts to address the 10/90 gap have led to an unprecedented increase in health research activities in Africa. Consequently, there is an increase in the volume and complexity of protocols that ethics review committees in Africa have to review.Methods:With a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the African Malaria Network Trust (AMANET) undertook a survey of 31 ethics review committees (ERCs) across sub-Saharan Africa as an initial step to a comprehensive capacity-strengthening programme. The number of members per committee ranged from 3 to 21, with an average of 11. Members of 10 institutional committees were all from the institution where the committees were based, raising prima facie questions as to whether independence and objectivity could be guaranteed in the review work of such committees.Results:The majority of the committees (92%) cited scientific design of clinical trials as the area needing the most attention in terms of training, followed by determination of risks and benefits and monitoring of research. The survey showed that 38% of the ERC members did not receive any form of training. In the light of the increasing complexity and numbers of health research studies being conducted in Africa, this deficit requires immediate attention.Outcome:The survey identified areas of weakness in the operations of ERCs in Africa. Consequently, AMANET is addressing the identified needs and weaknesses through a 4-year capacity-building project.
Transforming growth factor β1 signalling, wound healing and repair: a multifunctional cytokine with clinical implications for wound repair, a delicate balance
Authors: Klass B R , Grobbelaar A O , Rolfe K J 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a multifunctional cytokine known to be involved in a number of human diseases. It is believed to play an important role in wound healing and repair, as it is a key regulator of the production and remodelling of the extracellular matrix through its effect on mesenchymal cells. Over the last few years, it has become evident that the signalling pathway of TGFβ is complex with numerous receptor–ligand interactions, intracellular pathways and a number of mechanisms, which not only control the signalling but may also decide the response to the TGFβ signal. This review focuses on TGFβ1 signalling and the role that TGFβ1 plays in wound healing, repair and scarring.
Current treatments in the management of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Iglesias P , Díez J J 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) develops as a consequence of autonomous hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by parathyroid glands usually because of a solitary parathyroid adenoma. Parathyroidectomy, a surgical procedure with a high success rate, is currently the treatment of choice. Pathological parathyroid tissue excision can be achieved by surgical and non-surgical ablative therapy. Bilateral cervical surgical exploration performed by an experienced parathyroid surgeon is curative in 95–98% of PHP and is associated with a low complication rate. In some patients, such as those with a single parathyroid adenoma adequately localised in presurgical imaging studies, this type of surgery may be more extensive than is needed. Moreover, the introduction of new intraoperative parathyroid-localising techniques, such as intraoperative PTH measurement and nuclear mapping, has boosted the development of new and less invasive parathyroid surgical techniques. Other non-surgical ablative techniques, such as selective percutaneous ethanol injection and transcatheter ablation of pathological parathyroid tissue, may be adequate in cases in which surgery is contraindicated. Lastly, among the therapeutic alternatives to parathyroidectomy are antiresorptive drugs (bisphosphonates, oestrogens and selective oestrogen receptor modulators) and inhibitors of PTH secretion (calcimimetics). A combination of drugs with diverse mechanisms of action may have a synergistic effect in the symptomatic control of PHP.
Influence of weather on two insectivorous bats in a temperate Pacific Northwest rainforest
Authors: Burles D. W. , Brigham R. M. , Ring R. A. , Reimchen T. E. 
Published: February 2009

Adverse weather conditions frequently have a significant negative influence on survival and reproductive success of insectivorous bats. Low ambient temperatures increase the energetic costs of maintaining euthermia and reduces insect activity, while precipitation likely adds “clutter” making prey more difficult to detect using echolocation. We studied two species of insectivorous bats, Myotis lucifugus (LeConte, 1831) and Myotis keenii (Merriam, 1895), in the Pacific Northwest of Canada, a region that experiences frequent cool, wet weather during spring and summer. Our study took place during the El Niño – La Niña cycle of 1998–1999, which resulted in contrasting years. The summer of 1998 was unusually warm and dry, while the summer of 1999 was unusually cool and wet. We predicted that both species would be adversely affected by the cool, wet conditions of 1999, resulting in prolonged gestation, late fledging of young, and lower reproductive success. However, this was not the case. Myotis lucifugus did experience delays in reproductive timing and lower reproductive success in 1999, as predicted, whereas M. keenii experienced much shorter gestations, earlier fledgings, and no difference in reproductive success between years. We hypothesize that the ability of M. keenii to glean prey enables it to better cope with cool, wet conditions.
Population variation in hypoxic responses of the cichlid Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae
Authors: Martínez M. L. , Chapman L. J. , Rees B. B. 
Published: February 2009

F1 offspring of the African cichlid Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae Seegers, 1990 from swamp (low oxygen) and lake (high oxygen) origin were raised under normoxia and submitted to hypoxia acclimation (0.8 ± 0.4 mg·L–1) and normoxia acclimation (7.4 ± 0.3 mg·L–1) for 4 weeks. Haematocrit and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) specific activities in the liver, white skeletal muscle, heart, and brain were measured. For haematocrit and LDH activities of liver, muscle, and heart, the response to acclimation depended upon population of origin. In general, fish from the swamp population showed a more “typical” hypoxic response (increased haematocrit and LDH activities), whereas fish from the lake population either did not respond or showed the opposite response. The results suggest that populations of P. m. victoriae sampled from habitats with diverse oxygen regimes differ in their physiological and biochemical responses to hypoxia.
Selective feeding of pine voles on roots of tree seedlings
Authors: Schreiber L. A. , Swihart R. K. 
Published: February 2009

Previous studies have implicated numerous physical and biotic factors as contributing to the failure of oak to regenerate successfully throughout substantial portions of eastern North America. Recent field evidence in southern Indiana implicated belowground herbivory by pine voles ( Microtus pinetorum (LeConte, 1830)) as a potentially important but overlooked mortality agent for oak seedlings. We used cafeteria-style feeding trials to determine whether selection of hardwood seedlings by captive pine voles differed according to species or age. White oak ( Quercus alba L.) was selected more frequently and experienced a greater proportion of root removal by pine voles than same-age seedlings of the other four species tested. Yellow poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera L.) was never eaten. White oak seedlings 3 and 6 weeks of age suffered proportionately greater root removal than conspecific seedlings 12 and 15 weeks of age; pine voles removed roughly constant levels of root biomass irrespective of seedling age. Our results confirm that pine voles selectively feed on oak seedlings. In areas where pine voles are abundant, belowground herbivory could limit regeneration of oak by reducing seedling growth and survival. The importance of pine voles as factors influencing the success of oak regeneration warrants closer scrutiny in future field studies.
Classification of Regional Climate Variability in the State of California
Authors: Abatzoglou John T. , Redmond Kelly T. , Edwards Laura M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA novel approach is presented to objectively identify regional patterns of climate variability within the state of California using principal component analysis on monthly precipitation and temperature data from a network of 195 climate stations statewide and an ancillary gridded database. The confluence of large-scale circulation patterns and the complex geography of the state result in 11 regional modes of climate variability within the state. A comparison between the station and gridded analyses reveals that finescale spatial resolution is needed to adequately capture regional modes in complex orographic and coastal settings. Objectively identified regions can be employed not only in tracking regional climate signatures, but also in improving the understanding of mechanisms behind regional climate variability and climate change. The analysis has been incorporated into an operational tool called the California Climate Tracker.