bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoke suppresses in vitro allergic activation of mouse mast cells
Authors: Mortaz E. , Folkerts G. , Engels F. , Nijkamp F. P. , Redegeld F. A. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryBackground
Mast cells are important effector cells in innate or acquired immunity that contribute to host defence. Excessive activation of mast cells can result in the development of allergic diseases, including atopic asthma. Mast cell activation by IgE and specific antigen induces the cells to release spasmogenic, vasoactive and pro‐inflammatory mediators, which enhance airway smooth muscle contraction, vascular permeability and inflammatory cell recruitment. Recently, we have demonstrated that exposure of mast cells to cigarette smoke medium (CSM) triggered mast cells to produce chemokines. On the other hand, smoking may decrease the risk of allergic sensitization, which could be explained by a reduced IgE production or a diminished response of mast cells to activation of the IgE receptor.Objective
In this study, we investigated the effect of CSM on the allergic activation of mast cells through IgE and antigen.Methods
Primary cultured murine mast cells were exposed to CSM and activated with IgE and antigen or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The release of granules, production of leukotrienes, chemokines and cytokines was determined in the supernatants by ELISA. The effect of CSM exposure on intracellular signalling, especially the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 pathways, was analysed by Western blotting.Results
CSM suppressed IgE‐mediated degranulation and cytokine release, but no effect was observed on leukotriene release. CSM induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2 in mast cells. In CSM‐exposed mast cells, activating transcription factor (ATF)‐1 was phosphorylated after stimulation with IgE/Ag. LPS‐activated mast cells were not influenced by CSM.Conclusion
Our study suggests that exposure to cigarette smoke may lead to a reduced allergic activation of mast cells without affecting their response to activation via e.g. bacterial‐derived LPS.
Rehabilitation nurses practices in relation to urinary incontinence following stroke: a cross‐cultural comparison
Authors: Booth Jo , Kumlien Suzanne , Zang Yuli , Gustafsson Barbro , Tolson Debbie 
Published: March 2009

Aim.  To explore nurses’ practices and influences in relation to urinary incontinence following stroke, in the UK, Sweden and China.Background.  Urinary incontinence following stroke is common, under‐recognised and poorly researched. Before appropriate rehabilitation interventions can be developed, an understanding of nurses’ current management approaches and cultural influences is required.Design.  Qualitative.Methods.  Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with ten registered nurses from at least four different stroke units in three countries (n = 30). Interviews were carried out in the participants’ first language, using an agreed interview guide. Following translation, thematic analysis focusing on manifest meaning was undertaken, using an iterative approach involving electronic and face‐to‐face discussions.Results.  The consequence of only superficial assessment was no systematic identification of types or causes of urinary incontinence and no individualised plans developed. A process model of practice, common to all three countries, was identified for stroke survivors with urinary incontinence. Routine core activities were followed by the palliative pathway (most frequently), where urinary incontinence was contained to protect the stroke survivors’ safety and ensure social continence; or the rehabilitative route (more rarely), where simple continence promoting activities were implemented with the purpose of facilitating recovery of bladder function.Conclusions.  Nurses’ reactively manage urinary incontinence following stroke, adopting a routinised approach based on local custom and practice. Promotion of urinary continence is not a priority area of stroke rehabilitation for nurses in western or eastern countries.Relevance to clinical practice.  The dearth of evidence‐based interventions available to rehabilitate bladder function following stroke means that stroke nursing practice is an experience‐based endeavour. This study explains the nurses’ focus on containment and social continence and highlights the need to systematically assess stroke survivors’ bladder rehabilitation needs, identify types of urinary incontinence and adopt appropriate urinary continence promoting practices.
Intensive lipid lowering may reduce progression of carotid atherosclerosis within 12 months of treatment: the METEOR study
Authors: Bots M. L. , Palmer M. K. , Dogan S. , Plantinga Y. , Raichlen J. S. , Evans G. W. , O’Leary D. H. , Grobbee D. E. , Crouse III J. R. ,   METEOR Study Group
Published: March 2009

Abstract.Background.  In several statin trials, vascular event rates for treatment groups begin to separate 1 year after commencement of treatment. For atherosclerosis progression, the temporal sequence of the effect has not been defined. We used data from the Measuring Effects on intima media Thickness: an Evaluation Of Rosuvastatin (METEOR) trial to determine the earliest time point at which significant differences in atherosclerosis progression rates could be detected after initiation of statin therapy.Methods.  The METEOR trial was a double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled trial that studied the effect of LDL‐C lowering with 40 mg rosuvastatin on the rate of change of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) measured by B‐mode ultrasound amongst 984 low risk subjects. Ultrasound assessments were made at baseline and every 6 months up to 2 years.Results.  Rosuvastatin treatment was associated with a 49% reduction in LDL‐C‐C, a 34% reduction in total cholesterol, an 8.0% increase in HDL‐C and a 16% reduction in triglycerides (all P < 0.0001 compared with placebo). The difference in rate of mean maximum CIMT progression between the rosuvastatin and placebo groups (based on near and far wall measurements from both left and right common carotid and internal carotid segments and carotid bifurcation) was not statistically significant after 6 months (0.0023 mm year−1 and 0.0106 mm year−1, respectively P = 0.34). After 12 months, CIMT progression rates were significantly different between the groups: 0.0032 mm year−1 and 0.0133 mm year−1 in the rosuvastatin‐treated and placebo‐treated groups, respectively (P = 0.049). This divergence grew with further follow‐up: −0.0009 mm year−1 and 0.0131 mm year−1 after 18 months (P < 0.001) and −0.0014 mm year−1 and 0.0131 mm year−1 after 24 months of treatment (P < 0.001). Results were stronger for the mean common CIMT progression (based on near and far wall measurements from both left and right common carotid segments).Conclusion.  Aggressive LDL‐C lowering seems to exert its beneficial effect on atherosclerosis progression during the first 12 months of treatment. This parallels the timing of event reduction seen in clinical trials and suggests that the efficacy of lipid lowering treatment on CIMT progression can be evaluated in trials with a duration of 1 year, given sufficient sample size, high precision of measurements and a treatment effect comparable to that seen in METEOR.Trial Registration:  Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00225589.
More introgression with less gene flow: chloroplast vs. mitochondrial DNA in the Picea asperata complex in China, and comparison with other Conifers
Authors: DU FANG K. , PETIT RÉMY J. , LIU JIAN QUAN 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRecent work has suggested that rates of introgression should be inversely related to levels of gene flow because introgressed populations cannot be ‘rescued’ by intraspecific gene flow if it is too low. Mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA (mtDNA and cpDNA) experience very different levels of gene flow in conifers due to their contrasted maternal and paternal modes of transmission, hence the prediction that mtDNA should introgress more readily than cpDNA in this group. Here, we use sequence data from both mtDNA and cpDNA to test this hypothesis in a group of closely related spruces species, the Picea asperata complex from China. Nine mitochondrial and nine chloroplast haplotypes were recovered from 459 individuals in 46 natural populations belonging to five species of the Picea asperata complex. Low variation was found in the two mtDNA introns along with a high level of differentiation among populations (GST = 0.90). In contrast, we detected higher variation and lower differentiation among populations at cpDNA markers (GST = 0.56), a trend shared by most conifer species studied so far. We found that cpDNA variation, although far from being fully diagnostic, is more species‐specific than mtDNA variation: four groups of populations were identified using cpDNA markers, all of them related to species or groups of species, whereas for mtDNA, geographical variation prevails over species differentiation. The literature suggests that mtDNA haplotypes are often shared among related conifer species, whereas cpDNA haplotypes are more species‐specific. Hence, increased intraspecific gene flow appears to decrease differentiation within species but not among species.
The structural and biochemical characterizations of a novel TET peptidase complex from Pyrococcus horikoshii reveal an integrated peptide degradation system in hyperthermophilic Archaea
Authors: Durá M. Asunción , Rosenbaum Eva , Larabi Amédé , Gabel Frank , Vellieux Frédéric M. D. , Franzetti Bruno 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe structure of a 468 kDa peptidase complex from the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus horikoshii has been solved at 1.9 Å resolution. The monomer contains the M42 peptidase typical catalytic domain, and a dimerization domain that allows the formation of dimers that assemble as a 12‐subunit self‐compartmentalized tetrahedron, similar to those described for the TET peptidases. The biochemical analysis shows that the enzyme is cobalt‐activated and cleaves peptides by a non‐processive mechanism. Consequently, this protein represents the third TET peptidase complex described in P. horikoshii, thereby called PhTET3. It is a lysyl aminopeptidase with a strong preference for basic residues, which are poorly cleaved by PhTET1 and PhTET2. The structural analysis of PhTET3 and its comparison with PhTET1 and PhTET2 unravels common features explaining the general mode of action of the TET molecular machines as well as differences that can be associated with strong substrate discriminations. The question of the stability of the TET assemblies under extreme temperatures has been addressed. PhTET3 displays its maximal activity at 95°C and small‐angle neutron scattering experiments at 90°C demonstrate the absence of quaternary structure alterations after extensive incubation times. In conclusion, PhTETs are complementary peptide destruction machines that may play an important role in the metabolism of P. horikoshii.
Predictive models of weed population dynamics
Authors: FRECKLETON R P , STEPHENS P A 
Published: March 2009

SummaryMany of the challenges faced by weed ecologists can be met only by the capability to predict the responses of weed populations to changes in their environment or management. In spite of this, a review of papers published in Weed Research suggests that weed ecologists are remarkably reluctant to produce detailed, quantitative predictions. This may result from uncertainty in the accuracy of predictions and indeed, a variety of reasons have been put forward to suggest that the potential utility of weed models may be limited in this regard. In this study, we review the applications to which weed models have been put. Focusing on predictive population modelling, we highlight several limitations that can lead to failures of this approach and we discuss the likely prospects for weed population modelling. We make three points regarding the future of weed modelling. First, owing to prohibitive data requirements, the development of highly mechanistic models that attempt to make detailed predictions of weed population numbers is unlikely to be very successful. Second, data collection for developing weed models needs to be rethought. Weed models are most commonly compromised by a lack of spatial and temporal replication, preventing modellers from measuring parameter variability and error effectively and limiting assessments of model uncertainty. Finally, the utility of models needs to be better appreciated; models are key tools in making long range predictions of how management will affect weed populations, but, we estimate, they are used in only a small fraction of studies. Without the further development of models for weed population dynamics, our ability to predict long‐term dynamics will be restricted.
Proof of Foetal Antigens Entering the Maternal Circulation
Authors: DUNSFORD I. 
Published: March 2009

RésuméIl a été constaté chez quatre femmes de groupe O, rh négatives, un manque complet d'isoagglutinine anti‐A au moment de la naissance d'un enfant du groupe A. Avant et après la naissance, ces femmes avaient toutes de l'anti‐A. L'une d'elles avait au moment de l'accouchement dans son sang une petite quantité de globules agglutinées par les sérums‐test anti‐A, anti‐D et anti‐C, donc correspondant aux globules de l'enfant, qui était de groupe A, CDe‐cde. Ces faits soutiennent la thèse de Chown, selon laquelle les globules rouges (et peutêtre d'autres éléments cellulaires) du fétus font irruption à la naissance dans la circulation maternelle.ZusammenfassungIn 4 Fällen konnte zur Zeit der Geburt ein Fehlen der zu envartenden Isoagglutinine im Serum der Mütter beobachtet werden. Dieser Befund stützt die Annahme, wonach fötale Erythrozyten (oder auch andere antigentragende Gewebszellen) bei der Geburt in den mütterlichen Kreislauf gelangen.
Changes in Anti‐A, Anti‐B, Anti‐D and Cold Agglutinins Reactivity Resulting from Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: JANKOVIĆ B. D. , SIMONOVIĆ B. , ARSENIJEVIĆ K. , MILETIĆ B. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryAntisera containing anti‐A, anti‐B, non‐specific cold agglutinins and complete and incomplete anti‐D were exposed to ultraviolet irradiation. Ultraviolet irradiation for two to three hours was found to be effective for the inactivation of anti‐A, anti‐B, non‐specific cold agglutinins and complete anti‐D, whereas incomplete anti‐D is more stable.Electrophoretic patterns of irradiated sera showed the formation of a protein complex.RésuméDes serums contenant les isoagglutinines anti‐A ou anti‐B, des agglutinines froides non spécifiques, de l'anti‐D complet ou incomplet, furent traités par rayons ultraviolets. Ce traitement, appliqué durant 2 à 3 heures, suffit pour inactiver l'anti‐A, l'anti‐B, l'agglutinine froide et l'anti‐D complet, tandis que I'anti‐D incomplet se montra plus risistant.L'examen électrophorétique des sérums irradiés mit en évidence la formation d'un complexe protéinique.ZusammenfassungEine zwei‐ bis dreistundige Ultraviolettbestrahlung reicht aus, urn Anti‐A‐, Anti‐B‐Isoagglutinine, komplette Anti‐D‐Antikörper und unspezifische KälteaggIutinine zu inaktivieren. Inkomplette Anti‐D‐Antikörper werden durch diese Behandlung nicht inaktiviert. Bei der elektrophoretischen Analyse zeigen die bestrahlten Seren Denaturierungsschäden in Form von Eiweißkomplexen.
Large Scale Production of Human Plasma Fractions
Authors: Kistler P. , Nitschmann Hs. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe modifications put on the alcohol fractionation procedure of Nitschmann., Kistler and Lergier [8] since 1954 are communicated. The yields and purities realised were calculated from the results of about 150 fractionation runs, 100 1 of plasma each. The actual method allows the isolation of 48% of the total plasmaproteins as albumin (98% pure in electrophoretic analysis), 9,8% as γ‐Globulin (practically 100% pure) and 3,4% as clottable fibrinogen. A scheme summarizes the details of the entire procedure.RésuméLes modifications apportées depuis 1954 à la méthode de fractionnement de Nitschmann, Kistler et Lergier [8] sont décrites. Le rendement et la pureté des differents fractions ont été calculées à partir des résultats de 150 fractionnements de 100 litres chacun. La méthode actuelle permet d'obtenir 48% des protéines plasmatiques totales sous forme d'albumine (degré de pureté électrophorétique de 98%), 9,8% sous forme de γ‐globuline (degré de pureté pratiquement de 100%) et 3,4% sous forme de fibrinogène coagulable. Un schéma détaillé risume l'ensemble du procédé de fractionnement.Zusammenfassung:Die seit 1954 vorgenommenen Veränderungen der Alkoholfraktionierungsmethode nach Nitschmann, Kistler und Lergier [8] werden dargelegt. Die mit der Methode praktisch erzielten Ausbeuten und Reinheiten wurden aus den Ergebnissen von and 150 100‐Liter‐Plasma‐Ansätzen ermittelt: Nnch dem heutigen Verfahren lassen sich etwa 48% der totalen Plasmaproteine als Albumin (ungefähr 98% elektrophoretisch rein), 9,80/, als γ‐Globulin (praktisch 100prozentig rein) und 3,4% als gerinnbares Fibrinogen gewinnen. Das ganze Fraktionierverfahren ist in Form eines detaillierten Schemas zusammenfassend dargestellt.
Clearance of Rh‐Positive Foetal Erythrocytes from the Blood of Rh‐Negative Adults by Intravenously Applicable Immunoglobulin G anti‐D1
Authors: Börner P. , Deicher H. , Hoppe H. H. , Pixberg H. U. , Sieg W. 
Published: March 2009

Summary. The elimination of 1 ml Cr5‐1labelled, D‐positive, ABO‐compatible foetal erythrocytes by 200 μg of intravenously applied immunoglobulin G anti‐D was followed in 9 d‐negative probands. The red cells were quickly removed to the spleen, resulting in an erythrocyte half‐time of between 3 and 6 h. Deposition in other organs was not observed. None of the probands showed active formation of anti‐D antibody at 3 and 7 month afterwards. The intravenously applicable immunoglobulin G anti‐D therefore compares favourably with other preparations currently in use for intramuscular application.The mode of action of antibody mediated suppression of the immune response is discussed.
Antigenic Markers on Cultured Human Cells
Authors: Dawson Anne 
Published: March 2009

Summary. The cross‐reactions of M and N antibodies and the MN antigens of human tissue cells in culture have been investigated by mixed agglutination. Cross‐reactions have been found chiefly between the N antigen of tissue cells and anti‐M and anti‐N antibodies; and between anti‐N antibodies and the M antigen of red cells.Attempts were made to reduce cross‐reactivity by testing the cells at different temperatures and after treatment with enzymes. These conditions were also imposed upon red cells in direct agglutination using the same antisera but there was little correlation between the results of the direct agglutination and mixed agglutination tests.
Serotyping for Homotransplantation XXVIII Sib‐Pair Assay for NonHL‐A Antigens1
Authors: Mittal K. K. , Mickey M. R. , Terasaki P. I. 
Published: March 2009

Summary. Negative results were obtained in an investigation of 118 selected lymphocytotoxic antisera for activity against antigens determined by a locus or loci independent of the HL‐A locus. The sera studied were those not readily identifiable in terms of either generally recognized or tentative HL‐A antigenic specificities, and accordingly were considered appropriate for study to search for nonHL‐A antibodies. It is concluded that antisera active in lymphocytotoxicity tests against nonHL‐A antigens are quite rare.The investigation utilized a sib‐pair method based on the consideration that sibs alike at the HL‐A locus should react alike, except for technical error, to sera detecting only HL‐A antigens and that most such alike sibs should frequently react differently to sera detecting nonHL‐A antigens. Details of the method are described and its sensitivity is illustrated by showing that several red cell antigens were readily detected as determined by loci independent of the HL‐A locus.
Comparison of Counterelectrophoresis and Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests for Hepatitis‐Associated Antigen1
Authors: Shaffer W. E. , Vyas G. N. , Shahed A. , Chen E. , Perkins H. A. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryComparison of testing for hepatitis‐associated antigen (HAA) by a commercial counter‐electrophoresis system and a semiautomated hemagglutination inhibition technique shows the latter to be a practical and sensitive procedure for screening voluntary blood donors.
The Mg Blood Group Antigen in Two Indian Families
Authors: Joshi S. R. , Bharucha Z. S. , Sharma R. S. , Bhatia H. M. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe first two examples of Mg antigen from India are reported. Two families with 9 Mg positive individuals are studied. In one family, inheritance was by the gene complex Mgs but in the other there was no means of deciding between Mgs and MgS. The antigen Mg appears to be rare, since no other instance was detected in over 9,200 samples tested. 12 out of 1,614 random sera (0.74%) showed the presence of anti‐Mg antibody.
Human IgG Allotypes Co‐Occurring in More than One IgG Subclass
Authors: van Loghem Erna , De Lange Gerda , van Leeuwen A.M. , van Eede P.H. , Nijenhuis L.E. , Lefranc Marie‐Paule , Lefranc G. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractInheritance of an excess of immunoglobulin allotypes in one haplotype was encountered which could not be explained by the assumption of a duplicated locus. The surplus of allotypes was related to markers on the CH3 domain of γ3 chains. Two such cases were investigated extensively. The IgG3 molecules were isolated by gel filtration and by absorption on protein A. Only the usual combination of allotypes appeared to be present on the IgG3 molecules. The supernumerary markers were found in one case on IgG2 molecules and in the other case on IgG1 molecules. This followed from investigations of eluates after separation of the subclasses by immune absorptions. A hypothesis was proposed to explain these events by mutation of a particular position of an otherwise homologous stretch of γ‐subclass DNA.
An Example of a Naturally Occurring Anti‐cE (Rh27) that Binds Complement
Authors: Kline William E. , Sullivan Carolyn M. , Pope Marcy , Bowman Robert J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA serum sample from a nontransfused male containing anti‐Rh27 and an additional weakly reacting antibody was investigated. One absorption of the serum with RzRl cells left only anti‐Rh27 while repeated absorption with RlRl cells or autologous cells had no effect. Treatment of the serum with reducing agents destroyed all activity suggesting the antibody was predominantly IgM. Tests with monospecific antiglobulin reagents in the indirect antiglobulin test revealed very weak reactions with anti‐IgM and anti‐IgA, no reactions with anti‐IgG, and strong reactions with anti‐C3(C3c + C3d) and anti‐C4. This is the first reported example of a naturally occurring complement binding anti‐Rh27.