bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The level of urinary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) of patients with IgA nephropathy is elevated and associated with pathological phenotypes
Authors: Tan Y , Zhang J-J , Liu G , Zhang H , Zhao M-H 
Published: January 2009

Summary
Recent studies have demonstrated deposition of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in glomeruli of some patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The aim of this study is to investigate the levels of urinary sIgA in IgAN patients with different pathological phenotypes and whether it could be used as a non-invasive biomarker for assessment of kidney injury in IgAN. Urine samples from 202 patients with IgAN were collected on the day of renal biopsy. Forty-eight fulfilled the histopathological criteria of Haas-I or II (group 1), 60 fulfilled Haas-III (group 2) and 94 patients fulfilled Haas-IV or V (group 3). Urine samples from 60 healthy sex- and age-matched volunteers with negative urinalysis were collected as normal controls. Urinary sIgA was detected by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and was corrected by urinary creatinine. In comparison with normal controls, the levels of urinary sIgA were significantly higher in IgAN [2·22 (0–43·82) μg/mg Cr versus 1·08 (0–16·49) μg/mg Cr, P &lt; 0·001]. The levels of urinary sIgA were significantly higher in group 3 than that in group 2 and group 1 [3·54 (0–43·82) μg/mg Cr versus 1·63 (0–15·88) μg/mg Cr versus 0·91 (0–11·79), P &lt; 0·001], and group 2 than group 1 (P = 0·014). The levels of urinary sIgA were associated positively with proteinuria (r = 0·443, P &lt; 0·001), serum creatinine (r = 0·376, P &lt; 0·001) and histopathological parameters, such as ratio of global sclerosis (r = 0·356, P &lt; 0·001), ratio of total crescents (r = 0·339, P &lt; 0·001) and ratios of cellular crescents (r = 0·231, P &lt; 0·001). The levels of urinary sIgA were associated closely with histopathological phenotypes of IgAN and might be used as a non-invasive biomarker to evaluate kidney injury in IgAN.
Differential cytokine secretion and early treatment response in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Djoba Siawaya J F , Beyers N , Van Helden P , Walzl G 
Published: January 2009

SummaryBiomarkers for treatment response would facilitate the testing of urgently needed new anti-tuberculous drugs. The present study investigated the profiles of 30 proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory and angiogenic factors [epidermal growth factor, eotaxin, fractalkine, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, interferon-γ, interferon-inducible protein-10, Krebs von den Lungen-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, sCD40L, transforming growth factor-α, tumour necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor] in the plasma of 12 healthy tuberculin skin test-positive community controls and 20 human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients with active tuberculosis (TB) and identified potential biomarkers for early treatment response. We showed differences in the level of circulating cytokines between healthy controls and TB patients, but also between fast responders and slow responders to anti-tuberculosis treatment. The general discriminant analysis based on pre-treatment and week 1 measurements identified 10 sets of three-variable models that could classify fast and slow responders with up to 83% accuracy. Overall, this study shows the potential of cytokines as indicators of anti-tuberculosis treatment response.
Smad3 loss confers resistance to the development of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid–induced colorectal fibrosis
Authors: Latella G. , Vetuschi A. , Sferra R. , Zanninelli G. , D’Angelo A. , Catitti V. , Caprilli R. , Flanders K. C. , Gaudio E. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground  Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)/Smad3 signalling plays a central role in tissue fibrogenesis, acting as a potent stimulus of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein accumulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of Smad3 in the pathogenesis of colonic fibrosis induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in Smad3 null mice.Materials and methods  Chronic colitis‐associated fibrosis was induced in 15 Smad3 null and 13 wild‐type mice by intra‐rectal administration of TNBS. Each mouse received an incremental dose of TNBS (0·5–1·0 mg per week) over a 6‐week period. The colon was excised for macroscopic examination and histological, morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. For immunohistochemistry, alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen types I–III, TGF‐β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), Smad3, Smad7, and CD3 antibodies were used.Results  At macroscopic examination, the colon of Smad3 wild‐type mice appeared significantly harder, thicker and shorter than that of the Smad3 null mice. Of the wild‐type mice, 50% presented colonic adhesions and strictures. Histological and morphometric evaluation revealed a significantly higher degree of colonic fibrosis and accumulation of collagen in the Smad3 wild‐type compared to null mice, whereas the degree of colonic inflammation did not differ between the two groups of mice. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed a marked increase in CTGF, collagen I–III, TGF‐β and Smad3 staining in the colon of Smad3 wild‐type compared to null mice, whereas Smad7 was increased only in null mice.Conclusions  These results indicate that Smad3 loss confers resistance to the development of TNBS‐induced colonic fibrosis. The reduced fibrotic response appears to be due to a reduction in fibrogenic mesenchymal cell activation and ECM production and accumulation. Smad3 could be a novel target for potential treatment of intestinal fibrosis, especially in inflammatory bowel disease.
Elevated temperature reduces the respiratory scope of coral reef fishes
Authors: NILSSON GÖRAN E. , CRAWLEY NATALIE , LUNDE IDA G. , MUNDAY PHILIP L. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe capacity for marine fishes to perform aerobically (aerobic scope) is predicted to control their thermal tolerance and, thus, the impact that rapid climate change will have on their populations. We tested the effect of increased water temperatures on the resting and maximum rates of oxygen consumption in five common coral reef fishes at Lizard Island on the northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. All species exhibited a decline in aerobic capacity at elevated water temperatures (31, 32 or 33 °C) compared with controls (29 °C); however, the response was much stronger in two cardinalfishes, Ostorhinchus cyanosoma and O. doederleini, compared with three damselfishes, Dascyllus anuarus, Chromis atripectoralis and Acanthochromis polyacanthus. Aerobic scope of the two cardinalfishes was reduced by nearly half at 31 °C compared with 29 °C, and virtually all capacity for additional oxygen uptake was exhausted by 33 °C. In contrast, the three damselfishes retained over half their aerobic scope at 33 °C. Such differences in thermal tolerance between species, and possibly families, suggest that the community structure of reef fish assemblages might change significantly as ocean temperatures increase. Populations of thermally tolerant species are likely to persist at higher temperatures, but populations of thermally sensitive species could decline on low‐latitude reefs if individual performance falls below levels needed to sustain viable populations.
Periodic limb movements and sleep apnoea
Authors: WARNES H. , DINNER D. S. , KOTAGAL P. , BURGESS R. C. 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARY  This study investigated the relationship of Periodic Leg Movements (PLMs) to the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) in 52 patients. In addition the prevalence of PLMs in OSA was compared with two other patient populations: narcolepsy and idiopathic PLM disorder (n= 38). All patients were between 20 and 50 years in age and were compared with a control group of 88 asymptotic paid volunteers aged between 20 and 50.PLMs were scored when tibialis anterior EMG activity lasted 0.5–5.0 s with an amplitude of at least half that of pre‐sleep voluntary ankle dorsiflexion and when they were part of 4 or more consecutive events separated by 20–90 s.The prevalence of PLMs in OSA was 27.6%, which was similar to the prevalence in our normal controls of 20.5%. However, in the OSA group the majority of the PLMs occurred in the mild OSA patients (40.7%). This was similar to the prevalence of PLMs in narcoleptics (50%). The prevalence of PLMs in moderate OSA, was 24.5%; similar to that of normal controls. In severe OSA, PLMs were also low (12.5%).There is an inverse relationship between PLMs and the severity of OSA. The greater number of arousals and awakenings associated with respiratory irregularities seen in the severe OSA group produced an equivocal manifestation of PLMs.
Puccinellia tenuiflora maintains a low Na+ level under salinity by limiting unidirectional Na+ influx resulting in a high selectivity for K+ over Na+
Authors: WANG CHUN‐MEI , ZHANG JIN‐LIN , LIU XUE‐SONG , LI ZHAN , WU GUO‐QIANG , CAI JIAN‐YI , FLOWERS TIMOTHY J. , WANG SUO‐MIN 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT Puccinellia tenuiflora is a useful monocotyledonous halophyte that might be used for improving salt tolerance of cereals. This current work has shown that P. tenuiflora has stronger selectivity for K+ over Na+ allowing it to maintain significantly lower tissue Na+ and higher K+ concentration than that of wheat under short‐ or long‐term NaCl treatments. To assess the relative contribution of Na+ efflux and influx to net Na+ accumulation, unidirectional 22Na+ fluxes in roots were carried out. It was firstly found that unidirectional 22Na+ influx into root of P. tenuiflora was significantly lower (by 31–37%) than in wheat under 100 and 150 mm NaCl. P. tenuiflora had lower unidirectional Na+ efflux than wheat; the ratio of efflux to influx was similar between the two species. Leaf secretion of P. tenuiflora was also estimated, and found the loss of Na+ content from leaves to account for only 0.0006% of the whole plant Na+ content over 33 d of NaCl treatments. Therefore, it is proposed that neither unidirectional Na+ efflux of roots nor salt secretion by leaves, but restricting unidirectional Na+ influx into roots with a strong selectivity for K+ over Na+ seems likely to contribute to the salt tolerance of P. tenuiflora.
Wound‐induced apoplastic peroxidase activities: their roles in the production and detoxification of reactive oxygen species
Authors: MINIBAYEVA F. , KOLESNIKOV O. , CHASOV A. , BECKETT R. P. , LÜTHJE S. , VYLEGZHANINA N. , BUCK F. , BÖTTGER M. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTProduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a widely reported response of plants to wounding. However, the nature of enzymes responsible for ROS production and metabolism in the apoplast is still an open question. We identified and characterized the proteins responsible for the wound‐induced production and detoxification of ROS in the apoplast of wheat roots (Triticum aestivum L.). Compared to intact roots, excised roots and leachates derived from them produced twice the amount of superoxide (O2•−). Wounding also induced extracellular peroxidase (ECPOX) activity mainly caused by the release of soluble peroxidases with molecular masses of 37, 40 and 136 kD. Peptide mass analysis by electrospray ionization–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–tandem mass spectrometry (ESI–QTOF–MS/MS) following lectin affinity chromatography of leachates showed the presence of peroxidases in unbound (37 kD) and bound (40 kD) fractions. High sensitivity of O2•−‐producing activity to peroxidase inhibitors and production of O2•− by purified peroxidases in vitro provided evidence for the involvement of ECPOXs in O2•− production in the apoplast. Our results present new insights into the rapid response of roots to wounding. An important component of this response is mediated by peroxidases that are released from the cell surface into the apoplast where they can display both oxidative and peroxidative activities.
Isoprene synthesis protects transgenic tobacco plants from oxidative stress
Authors: VICKERS CLAUDIA E. , POSSELL MALCOLM , COJOCARIU CRISTIAN I. , VELIKOVA VIOLETA B. , LAOTHAWORNKITKUL JULLADA , RYAN ANNETTE , MULLINEAUX PHILIP M. , NICHOLAS HEWITT C. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTIsoprene emission represents a significant loss of carbon to those plant species that synthesize this highly volatile and reactive compound. As a tool for studying the role of isoprene in plant physiology and biochemistry, we developed transgenic tobacco plants capable of emitting isoprene in a similar manner to and at rates comparable to a naturally emitting species. Thermotolerance of photosynthesis against transient high‐temperature episodes could only be observed in lines emitting high levels of isoprene; the effect was very mild and could only be identified over repetitive stress events. However, isoprene‐emitting plants were highly resistant to ozone‐induced oxidative damage compared with their non‐emitting azygous controls. In ozone‐treated plants, accumulation of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) was inhibited, and antioxidant levels were higher. Isoprene‐emitting plants showed remarkably decreased foliar damage and higher rates of photosynthesis compared to non‐emitting plants immediately following oxidative stress events. An inhibition of hydrogen peroxide accumulation in isoprene‐emitting plants may stall the programmed cell death response which would otherwise lead to foliar necrosis. These results demonstrate that endogenously produced isoprene provides protection from oxidative damage.
Constitutive and herbivore‐induced monoterpenes emitted by Populus × euroamericana leaves are key volatiles that orient Chrysomela populi beetles
Authors: BRILLI FEDERICO , CICCIOLI PAOLO , FRATTONI MASSIMILIANO , PRESTININZI MARCO , SPANEDDA ANTONIO FRANCO , LORETO FRANCESCO 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT Chrysomela populi beetles feed on poplar leaves and extensively damage plantations. We investigated whether olfactory cues orientate landing and feeding. Young, unexpanded leaves of hybrid poplar emit constitutively a blend of monoterpenes, primarily (E)‐β‐ocimene and linalool. This blend attracts inexperienced adults of C. populi that were not previously fed with poplar leaves. In mature leaves constitutively emitting isoprene, insect attack induces biosynthesis and emission of the same blend of monoterpenes, but in larger amount than in young leaves. The olfactometric test indicates that inexperienced beetles are more attracted by adult than by young attacked leaves, suggesting that attraction by induced monoterpenes is dose dependent. The blend does not attract adults that previously fed on poplar leaves. Insect‐induced emission of monoterpenes peaks 4 d after the attack, and is also detected in non‐attacked leaves. Induced monoterpene emission is associated in mature leaves with a larger decrease of isoprene emission. The reduction of isoprene emission is faster than photosynthesis reduction in attacked leaves, and also occurs in non‐attacked leaves. Insect‐induced monoterpenes are quickly and completely labelled by 13C. It is speculated that photosynthetic carbon preferentially allocated to constitutive isoprene in healthy leaves is in part diverted to induced monoterpenes after the insect attack.
Identification and genetic diversity of Mycosphaerella species on banana and plantain in Nigeria
Authors: Zandjanakou‐Tachin M. , Vroh‐Bi I. , Ojiambo P. S. , Tenkouano A. , Gumedzoe Y. M. , Bandyopadhyay R. 
Published: January 2009

Ribosomal coding DNA was sequenced and compared in 95 isolates of Mycosphaerella spp. collected in Nigeria and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was used to identify the species and to determine the genetic structure of the sampled geographical populations. Using reference GenBank accessions with intercontinental distributions as controls, and shared species‐specific SNPs in these control accessions, 84 (88·4%) isolates that grouped into 14 SNP haplotypes were identified as M. fijiensis, while 11 (11·6%) isolates represented by seven SNP haplotypes were characterized as M. eumusae. None of the isolates were either M. musicola or M. musae. The presence of M. fijiensis and M. eumusae in the collection was further confirmed using previously published species‐specific probes designed on actin and β‐tubulin gene sequences. A pairwise comparison of the population genetic distances revealed significant genetic differentiation between most populations (P < 0·001), with an average FST of 0·126, and a population structure corresponding to the four sampled geographical zones. The intraspecific dissimilarity of M. eumusae was 4·6%, compared with 2% for M. fijiensis. Compared to all the GenBank reference accessions, three sequence variations were unique to some Nigerian M. fijiensis haplotypes. Twenty‐one sequence haplotypes were identified, geographically mapped and registered in GenBank. The results indicate that M. musicola has been replaced by more frequently occurring M. fijiensis and M. eumusae, against which disease management and resistance breeding efforts should be directed in Nigeria.
Molecular Characterization of Patients with X‐linked Hyper‐IgM Syndrome: Description of Two Novel CD40L Mutations
Authors: Rangel‐Santos A. , Wakim V. L. , Jacob C. M. , Pastorino A. C. , Cunha J. M. , Collanieri A. C. , Niemela J. E. , Grumach A. S. , Duarte A. J. S. , Moraes‐Vasconcelos D. , Oliveira J. B. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractType 1, X‐linked Hyper‐IgM syndrome (HIGM1) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CD154 protein, also known as CD40 ligand (CD40LG). CD40L is expressed in activated T cells and interacts with CD40 receptor expressed on B lymphocytes and dendritic cells. Affected patients present cellular and humoral immune defects, with infections by intracellular, opportunistic and extracellular pathogens. In the present study we investigated the molecular defects underlying disease in four patients with HIGM1. We identified four distinct CD40L mutations, two of them which have not been previously described. P1 harboured the novel p.G227X mutation which abolished CD40L expression. P2 had a previously described frame shift deletion in exon 2 (p.I53fsX65) which also prevented protein expression. P3 demonstrated the previously known p.V126D change in exon 4, affecting the TNF homology (TNFH) domain. Finally, P4 evidenced the novel p.F229L mutation also located in the TNFH domain. In silico analysis of F229L predicted the change to be pathological, affecting the many hydrophobic interactions of this residue. Precise molecular diagnosis in HIGM syndrome allows reliable detection of carriers, making genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis possible.
Critical care in low‐income countries
Authors: Baker Tim 
Published: January 2009

SummaryCritical care in low‐income countries remains rudimentary. When defined as all aspects of care for patients with sudden, serious, reversible disease, critical care is not disease or age specific and includes triage and emergency medicine, hospital systems, quality of care and Intensive Care Units. This review collates the literature on critical care in low‐income countries and explores how the care can be both feasible and effective. Emergency care including triage is often one of the weakest parts of the health system; but if well organized it can be life‐saving and cost‐effective. Emergency triage and treatment has been developed for paediatric admissions with promising results. Hospital systems do not currently prioritize the critically ill and few hospitals have Intensive Care Units. The quality of care given to inpatients on hospital wards is often poor and could be improved in many ways. There is a lack of training and awareness of the principles of critical care. Basic critical care concentrating on ABC – airway, breathing and circulation – need not be resource intensive. Oxygen is a cheap and effective treatment for pneumonia and other severe disease, but is not always available. Improved critical care could have a significant effect on the burden of disease and effects of ill health. Research into the most cost‐effective treatments and methods of caring for critically ill patients is urgently needed.
Adherence rate to inhaled corticosteroids and their impact on asthma control
Authors: Lasmar L. , Camargos P. , Champs N. S. , Fonseca M. T. , Fontes M. J. , Ibiapina C. , Alvim C. , Moura J. A. R. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Poor asthma control is associated to high morbidity. The objective of this study was to assess the association between adherence rates to beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) and the degree of asthma control.Methods:  A cohort concurrent study was carried out for 12 months with 122 asthmatic patients, aged 3–12 years, randomly selected in a pediatric pulmonology outpatient clinic, who received BDP free of charge. Adherence rates were verified by pharmacy records. Clinical control was assessed through a scoring system comprised four variables (nocturnal and morning symptoms, limitation of physical activities and exacerbations). Total score was 16 points. Patients whose score was below or equal to two were considered controlled (group 1), and patients whose score was above or equal to three were considered uncontrolled (group 2). For patients able to perform spirometry, we considered as controlled the patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) equal to or above 80% of the predicted value, and as uncontrolled the patients with FEV1 below 80%.Results:  Fewer than half (40.3% maximum) of the 122 patients maintained asthma control. Median adherence rate of groups 1 and 2 were 85.5% and 33.8%, (P < 0.001) in the 4th month, 90.0% and 48.0% (P < 0.001) in the 8th month and 84.4% and 47.0% in the 12th month (P < 0.001), respectively.Conclusion:  In all periods, there were statistically significant differences in adherence rates for maintaining or not maintaining the asthma control. Optimal asthma control entailed adherence rate higher than 80%. Strategies for reducing asthma morbidity should include a regular monitoring of adherence to inhaled steroids.
Time trends in prevalence and severity of childhood asthma and allergies from 1995 to 2002 in France
Authors: Annesi‐Maesano I. , Mourad C. , Daures J.‐P. , Kalaboka S. , Godard P. 
Published: January 2009

Objective:  To assess time trends in symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic eczema among adolescents in Languedoc Roussillon, France.Methods:  Two cross‐sectional surveys were conducted 7 years apart using the same protocol. School‐based samples of 3383 participants in the 1995 survey and 1642 participants in the 2002 survey respectively were recruited.Results:  There was a tendency towards stagnation in current symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema. Indices related to lifetime diagnosis of asthma, hay fever and eczema increased. For all the conditions, indices of severity also showed a decrease in the 7‐year study period.Conclusions:  Our study shows that symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema were stable, supporting the effectiveness of national asthma prevention and management guidelines for such diseases. The increase in indices related to lifetime diagnosis could be the result of increased public and professional awareness of the diseases and changes in diagnostic labelling in recent years.