bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of B‐ and T‐cell responses and HLA‐DR4 binding motifs of the latex allergen Hev b 6.01 (prohevein) and its post‐transcriptionally formed proteins Hev b 6.02 and Hev b 6.03
Authors: Raulf‐Heimsoth M. , Rozynek P. , Brüning T. , Rihs H.‐P. 
Published: June 2004

Background:  Multiple immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐binding proteins in natural rubber latex extracts have been identified. In the case of Hev b 6 a differentiation was made between the precursor protein prohevein (Hev b 6.01) and its two post‐transcriptionally formed proteins, the N‐terminal hevein (Hev b 6.02) and the C‐terminal domain (Hev b 6.03). All three components act as independent allergens. The aim of this study was a detailed analysis of the T‐cell responses and the IgE‐binding capacity of Hev b 6.01, Hev b 6.02 and Hev b 6.03 by using these allergens as recombinant maltose‐binding fusion (MBP) proteins and the usage of synthetic modified hevein peptides.Methods:  Latex‐allergic health care workers (HCWs) suffering from rhinitis, conjunctivitis, contact urticaria and/or asthma with increased specific IgE‐antibodies to latex were tested for their IgE‐binding capacity and T‐cell reactivity (by proliferation response) to the recombinant MBP‐rHev b 6.01, MBP‐rHev b 6.02, MBP‐rHev b 6.03, to native Hev b 6.02, to modified hevein peptides and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). For testing of the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II restriction of MBP‐rHev b 6.01 induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) responses, monoclonal antibodies against HLA‐DR, HLA‐DP or HLA‐DQ were added.Results:  Seventeen of 18 (94%) serum samples from latex‐allergic HCWs had increased levels of specific IgE to MBP‐rHev b 6.01, 16 (89%) to MBP‐rHev b 6.02 and 13 (72%) to MBP‐rHev b 6.03. A significant difference existed between the specific IgE‐values of MBP‐rHev b 6.02 and MBP‐rHev b 6.03 (P < 0.01). Proliferation responses of PBMC of the same 18 latex‐allergic patients were positive for MBP‐rHev b 6.01 and MBP‐rHev b 6.03 in 83 and 67% of the tested PBMC suspension, whereas the proliferation responses induced with MBP‐rHev b 6.02 or native Hev b 6.02 were very low (5.6 and 22.2%). Sera from nine additional latex‐allergic patients showed specific IgE binding to the native Hev b 6.02, but none of these sera showed specific IgE binding to the modified Hev b 6.02‐peptides [whereby all eight cysteine residues were substituted by serine (C → S) or by alanine (C → A)]. Proliferation responses induced by the modified Hev b 6.02 peptides were not significantly different from that induced by Hev b 6.02. Potential HLA‐DR4Dw4(DRB1*0401)‐restricted T‐cell epitopes of Hev b 6.01 predicted by two computer algorithms were only found in the Hev b 6.03‐part of Hev b 6.01.Conclusion:  In the Hev b 6.01 precursor the regions responsible for IgE binding and those for inducing the T‐cell proliferation responses are settled in different parts of the protein. The Hev b 6.02 domain is responsible for IgE binding and carries discontinuous B‐cell epitopes whereas Hev b 6.03 is a better inducer of a proliferation response and contains HLA‐DR4‐binding motifs.
Allergic inflammation induced by a Penicillium chrysogenum conidia‐associated allergen extract in a murine model
Authors: Schwab C. J. , Cooley J. D. , Jumper C. J. , Graham S. C. , Straus D. C. 
Published: June 2004

Background:  Recent evidence has shown that viable conidia from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum induce allergic effects in mice. The present study was conducted to determine the specific allergic dose response of C57BL/6 mice to the protease extract, Pen ch, isolated from viable P. chrysogenum conidia.Methods:  Mice were treated with primary intraperitoneal (IP) injections of 10 or 100 μg of Pen ch adsorbed to alum, followed by weekly IP injections of 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 μg Pen ch with alum for 4 weeks, and with 10.0 μg of Pen ch by intranasal (IN) inoculations the final 2 weeks before killing.Results:  Intraperitoneal injections of 10 and 100 μg of Pen ch for 5 weeks followed by 2 weeks of IN instillation of 10 μg induced significant increases of total serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG1. Bronchoalveolar lavage cell counts revealed increased numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils. Histopathological examination of lungs detected perivascular inflammation by eosinophils and neutrophils and increased mucous production.Conclusions:  The data presented in this study indicate that sensitization to protease allergens released by viable P. chrysogenum conidia in vivo induce a strong allergic inflammatory response in a murine model, which could have implications for people exposed to high levels of conidia of this organism.
Type I latex allergy in health care workers with latex‐induced contact urticaria syndrome: a follow‐up study
Authors: Nettis E. , Colanardi M. C. , Ferrannini A. 
Published: June 2004

Background:  Latex allergy is an important occupational health issue among health care workers (HCWs). Secondary prevention in sensitized/allergic individuals involves avoiding exposure to NRL products.Aims of the study:  The aim of this follow‐up study is to determine the long‐term health consequences in HCWs with type I latex allergy with latex‐related contact urticaria syndrome, of providing appropriate information and practical avoidance education.Methods:  Seventeen HCWs with latex‐induced contact urticaria syndrome, as ascertained by the glove use test, were investigated. Initial and follow‐up visits included: a detailed questionnaire, skin prick test (SPT) with glove eluates and with commercial latex extract, SPT with common inhalant and food extracts, serum specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E to latex and some foods and the glove use test.Results:  On re‐examination, 11 (64.7%) subjects showed positive SPTs to extemporaneous extract and 10 (58.8%) patients showed a positive SPT to commercial extract. Of the nine patients with detectable levels of serum latex specific IgE at first evaluation, four (44.4%) became negative and four were assigned to at least one class lower. Only one (11.1%) employee had higher radioallergosorbent test values than those at the latex allergy diagnosis. At follow‐up, the 17 individuals had positive latex challenge results, although the duration of exposure causing a reaction increased.Conclusion:  Our study shows that preventive measures are sufficient to induce a reduction of sensitization. Continued avoidance is needed to prevent re‐sensitization or adverse reactions on re‐exposure.
Efficacy and tolerability of anti‐immunoglobulin E therapy with omalizumab in patients with concomitant allergic asthma and persistent allergic rhinitis: SOLAR
Authors: Vignola A. M. , Humbert M. , Bousquet J. , Boulet L‐P. , Hedgecock S. , Blogg M. , Fox H. , Surrey K. 
Published: June 2004

Background:  Anti‐IgE therapy could be particularly beneficial for patients with concomitant disease as it targets a common factor in both diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in patients with concomitant moderate‐to‐severe asthma and persistent allergic rhinitis.Methods:  This multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of omalizumab. A total of 405 patients (12–74 years) with a stable treatment (≥ 400 μg budesonide Turbuhaler®) and ≥ 2 unscheduled medical visits for asthma during the past year or ≥ 3 during the past 2 years were enrolled. Patients received omalizumab (≥ 0.016 mg/kg/IgE [IU/ml] per 4 weeks) or placebo for 28 weeks.Results:  Fewer patients treated with omalizumab experienced asthma exacerbations (20.6%) than placebo‐treated patients (30.1%), P = 0.02. A clinically significant (≥ 1.0 point) improvement in both Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire occurred in 57.7% of omalizumab patients compared with 40.6% of placebo patients (P < 0.001). Omalizumab reduced Wasserfallen symptom scores for asthma (P = 0.023), rhinitis (P < 0.001) and the composite asthma/rhinitis scores (P < 0.001) compared with placebo. Serious adverse events were observed in 1.4% of omalizumab‐treated patients and 1.5% of placebo‐treated patients.Conclusion:  Omalizumab is well tolerated and effective in preventing asthma exacerbations and improving quality of life in patients with concomitant asthma and persistent allergic rhinitis.
Specific Localization of Macrophages in Pregnant Bovine Caruncles
Authors: Miyoshi M , Sawamukai Y 
Published: June 2004

ContentsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution and phagocytotic function of macrophages in bovine caruncles during pregnancy. Pregnant Holstein caruncles obtained at a slaughterhouse and by Caesarean section just before the onset of parturition were used. Macrophages in these caruncles were observed immunohistochemically and histochemically. Macrophages were present in the parenchyma of caruncles throughout pregnancy. The macrophages were irregular in shape, and exhibited thin, long processes along the main and intermediate septa of caruncles. Macrophages increased as the gestation period progressed. Acid phosphatase activity of the macrophages appeared at 5–6 months of gestation and remained until the end of gestation period. In particular, macrophages showed strong acid phosphatase activity at the peripheral region of the caruncles just facing the chorionic villi. In addition, they were conglomerated in the hyperplastic prominences of caruncles. These results indicate that caruncle macrophages maintain the appropriate size and shape of each caruncle during pregnancy.
In vitro Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction of Dog Spermatozoa can be Feasibly Attained in a Defined Medium Without Glucose
Authors: Albarracín JL , Mogas T , Palomo MJ , Peña A , Rigau T , Rodríguez‐Gil JE 
Published: June 2004

ContentsIncubation of dog spermatozoa in a medium without glucose and in the presence of lactate and pyruvate (l‐CCM) for 4 h at 38.5°C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere induced in vitro capacitation of these cells. This was verified after the combined specific capacitation‐like changes in percentages of viability and altered acrosomes, motility characteristics, sperm location of reactivity against Pisum sativum, Arachis hypogaea and Helix pomatia lectins and the tyrosine phosphorylation pattern. Furthermore, a feasible acrosome reaction (AR) was induced when spermatozoa incubated in l‐CCM for 4 h were further co‐incubated for 1 h with canine oocytes. This was demonstrated by AR‐like changes in percentages of viability, altered acrosomes, motility characteristics and sperm location of reactivity against P. sativum, A. hypogaea and H. pomatia lectins. All these results clearly indicate that in vitro capacitation, and subsequent AR, can be feasibly achieved without the presence of sugars. This ability can be related to the specific characteristics of energy‐metabolism regulation reported in dog spermatozoa.
Effect of Exogenous Progesterone on Post‐thaw Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction of Bovine Spermatozoa
Authors: Lukoseviciute K , Zilinskas H , Januskauskas A 
Published: June 2004

ContentsThe aim of this work was to study the effect of progesterone (P4) on capacitation and acrosome reaction (AR) of post‐thaw bovine spermatozoain vitro. Spermatozoa were incubated (0–180 min) in capacitation medium supplemented with 0, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 μg/ml of P4. At different time intervals aliquots were taken to determine sperm plasma membrane lipid destabilization, or capacitation (AR induced by lysophosphatidylcholine) in spermatozoa. The second experiment aimed to study the effects of P4, as potential inducer of AR in heparin‐capacitated spermatozoa. The acrosomal status and viability of spermatozoa were evaluated under an epifluorescence microscope using Ethidium homodimer/peanut agglutinin fluorescein isothiocyanate staining method. Plasma membrane scrambling in spermatozoa was assessed by a flow cytometer, using merocyanine staining. The results show that P4 at the concentrations used had no negative effects on sperm viability. Progesterone significantly enhanced sperm capacitation (p < 0.001), but had no effect on plasma membrane lipid stability (p > 0.05) and did not significantly increase the AR of heparin‐capacitated spermatozoa (p > 0.05). Progesterone displayed its effects in a dose‐dependent manner with a maximum effect of 10 μg/ml P4 at 180 min of incubation. The results demonstrate that in cryopreserved bovine semen, P4 acts as capacitating, but not as an AR‐inducing agent.
Influence of CRH and ACTH Administration on Endocrine Profile and Ovulation in Sows
Authors: Lang A , Kaeoket K , Kindahl H , Madej A , Einarsson S 
Published: June 2004

ContentsGrouping of sows is a stressful event until the ranking is established. The purpose of this study was to simulate stress by repeated administration of porcine corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)/tetracosactide and to study its influence on endocrine profile and ovulation. Four multiparous sows were used and blood was collected every 2 h from the onset of pro‐oestrus until 12 h after ovulation. The first oestrus after weaning was used to check ovulation and acclimatize the sows to their environment. The second oestrus after weaning was used as control. At their third oestrus CRH (0.6 μg/kg) and at their fourth oestrus ACTH (5 μg/kg) were given every 4 h from onset of oestrus until ovulation. The total ‘area under the curve’ of cortisol was twofold larger in two of four sows during the CRH treatment period, and two‐ to fourfold larger (p ≤ 0.05) during the ACTH treatment period, compared with the corresponding control period. In three sows, there was no clear effect of either CRH or ACTH on the levels of oestradiol 17β, luteinizing hormone (LH) or on the timing of ovulation. One sow was different in all hormonal patterns and also in the timing of ovulation. In all four sows, ACTH treatment lowered the baseline level of prostaglandin F2α‐metabolite. Therefore, we conclude that stage of the oestrous cycle seems to be of importance when investigating the influence of exogenous administration of CRH/ACTH on hormonal pattern and ovulation time in the sow.
The metacommunity concept: a framework for multi‐scale community ecology
Authors: Leibold M. A. , Holyoak M. , Mouquet N. , Amarasekare P. , Chase J. M. , Hoopes M. F. , Holt R. D. , Shurin J. B. , Law R. , Tilman D. , Loreau M. , Gonzalez A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe metacommunity concept is an important way to think about linkages between different spatial scales in ecology. Here we review current understanding about this concept. We first investigate issues related to its definition as a set of local communities that are linked by dispersal of multiple potentially interacting species. We then identify four paradigms for metacommunities: the patch‐dynamic view, the species‐sorting view, the mass effects view and the neutral view, that each emphasizes different processes of potential importance in metacommunities. These have somewhat distinct intellectual histories and we discuss elements related to their potential future synthesis. We then use this framework to discuss why the concept is useful in modifying existing ecological thinking and illustrate this with a number of both theoretical and empirical examples. As ecologists strive to understand increasingly complex mechanisms and strive to work across multiple scales of spatio‐temporal organization, concepts like the metacommunity can provide important insights that frequently contrast with those that would be obtained with more conventional approaches based on local communities alone.
Energetic determinants of abundance in winter landbird communities
Authors: Meehan Timothy D. , Jetz Walter , Brown James H. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that individual energetics constrain macroecological patterns. Here we model total abundance within winter landbird communities as a function of (1) energy supply, as measured by ecosystem net primary productivity, and (2) energy use of individuals, as influenced by body mass and ambient temperature. Using data from the North American Christmas Bird Count, we find that total abundance increases with productivity to the 0.61 power, and decreases with body mass and environmental temperature as predicted by metabolic theory when individuals are below their thermoneutral zone. We note a negative relationship between ambient temperature and average body mass, and suggest that this community‐level pattern, reminiscent of Bergmann's Rule, is related to a tendency for small species to be less‐abundant or absent from cold locations. Results from this study emphasize the importance of individual‐level metabolism for understanding large‐scale ecological patterns.
Complex structural effects of two hemispheric climatic oscillators on the regional spatio‐temporal expansion of a threatened bird
Authors: Almaraz Pablo , Amat Juan A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractLinks between climatic conditions in the eastern equatorial Pacific and extratropical ecological processes remain unexplored. The analysis of a 20‐year time series of spatial and numeric dynamics of a threatened Mediterranean bird suggests, however, that such couplings can be remarkably complex. By providing a new ecological time‐series modelling approach, we were able to dissect the joint effects of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), regional weather, population density and stochastic variability on the expansion dynamics of the White‐headed duck (Oxyura leococephala) in Spain. Our results suggest that the spatial and numeric dynamics of ducks between peak brood emergence and wintering were simultaneously affected by different climatic phenomena during different phases of their global cycles, involving time lags in the numeric dynamics. Strikingly, our results point to both the NAO and the ENSO as potentially major factors simultaneously forcing ecological processes in the Northern Hemisphere, and suggest a new pathway for non‐additive effects of climate in ecology.
Polylysogeny and prophage induction by secondary infection in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Espeland Eric M. , Lipp Erin K. , Huq Anwar , Colwell Rita R. 
Published: June 2004

SummaryStrains of Vibrio cholerae O1, biotypes El Tor and classical, were infected with a known temperate phage (ΦP15) and monitored over a 15‐day period for prophage induction. Over the course of the experiment two morphologically and three genomically distinct virus‐like particles were observed from the phage‐infected El Tor strain by transmission electron microscopy and field inversion gel electrophoresis, respectively, whereas only one phage, ΦP15, was observed from the infected classical strain. In the uninfected El Tor culture one prophage was spontaneously induced after 6 days. No induction in either strain was observed after treatment with mitomycin C. Data indicate that El Tor biotypes of V. cholerae may be polylysogenic and that secondary infection can promote multiple prophage induction. These traits may be important in the transfer of genetic material among V. cholerae by providing an environmentally relevant route for multiple prophage propagation and transmission.
Mini‐Tn7 transposons for site‐specific tagging of bacteria with fluorescent proteins
Authors: Lambertsen Lotte , Sternberg Claus , Molin Søren 
Published: June 2004

SummaryThe mini‐Tn7 transposon system is a convenient tool for site‐specific tagging of bacteria in which the tagging DNA is inserted at a unique and neutral chromosomal site. We have expanded the panel of mini‐Tn7 delivery plasmids expressing different fluorescent proteins (stable and unstable) from the Escherichia coli lac derived promoter, PA1/04/03, or from the growth‐rate‐dependent Escherichia coli promoter PrrnB P1. The mini‐Tn7 transposons were inserted and tested in the soil bacterium, Pseudomonas putida KT2440. Successful and site‐specific tagging was verified by Southern blots as well as by PCR. Furthermore, the effect of fluorescent protein expression on the cellular growth rate was tested by growth competition assays.
Top‐down impact of bacterivorous nematodes on the bacterial community structure: a microcosm study
Authors: De Mesel Ilse , Derycke Sofie , Moens Tom , Van der Gucht Katleen , Vincx Magda , Swings Jean 
Published: June 2004

SummaryThe influence of bacterivorous nematodes (Diplolaimelloides meyli, Diplolaimelloides oschei, Diplolaimella dievengatensis, Panagrolaimus paetzoldi) on the development of a bacterial community growing on decaying cordgrass detritus was studied in laboratory microcosm experiments. Cordgrass leaves were incubated on a sediment surface with a natural bacterial mixture containing bacteria from sediment, cordgrass detritus and habitat water. The four nematode species were applied separately to the microcosms; controls remained without nematodes. Samples were taken seven times over a 65‐day period. The bacterial community structure was analysed by means of DGGE of the 16S rRNA genes. Multi Dimensional Scaling showed grouping of the samples per treatment. Analysis of Similarities indicated that the differences between treatments were significantly larger than differences within treatments. Our results suggest that nematodes can have a significant structuring top‐down influence on the ‘pool’ of bacteria growing on the detritus, even at low densities. Dissimilarities were similar between all treatments. Differences in bacterial community composition within the treatments with monhysterids (D. meyli, D. oschei and D. dievengatensis) can be explained by species‐specific food preferences.Panagrolaimus paetzoldion the other hand feeds unselectively, and thus affects the bacterial community differently. A top‐down effect of the nematodes on the diversity of the bacterial community was only evident under high grazing pressure, i.e. in the presence ofP. paetzoldi.
Bacterial diversity in deep Mediterranean sediments: relationship with the active bacterial fraction and substrate availability
Authors: Luna G. M. , Dell’Anno A. , Giuliano L. , Danovaro R. 
Published: June 2004

SummaryWe investigated vertical distribution and depth‐related patterns (from 670 to 2570 metres) of bacterial diversity in sediment samples collected along a transect in the warm deep Mediterranean sea. Analyses of bacterial diversity were compared with the abundance of benthic bacteria, their metabolically active fraction and the substrates potentially available for their growth. The number of active bacteria was dependent upon the availability of organic substrate in the sediment deriving from phytopigment inputs from the photic layer. The T‐RFLP analysis revealed that the surface layers of all sediments analysed were dominated by the same ribotypes, but clear shifts in bacterial community structure were observed in deeper sediment layers. High values of bacterial diversity (expressed as D, H’) and evenness (as J) were observed at all stations (a total of 61 ribotypes was identified), and as a result of the large fraction of rare ribotypes (c. 35%), the overall bacterial diversity in the deep sea region investigated was among the highest reported so far in literature. Biodiversity parameters did not display any relationship with water depth, but ribotype richness was related with the number and percentage of active bacteria, suggesting a coupling between organic inputs stimulating bacterial growth and deep‐sea bacterial diversity.