bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complete Deletion of
Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus
HC-Pro: a Null Mutant Is Viable for Systemic Infection
Authors: Stenger Drake C. , French Roy , Gildow Frederick E. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

A
Wheat streak mosaic virus
(WSMV) genome lacking HC-Pro was constructed and confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR to systemically infect wheat, oat, and corn. Coupled in vitro transcription/translation reactions indicated that WSMV P1 proteinase cleaved the polyprotein at the P1/P3 junction of the HC-Pro null mutant. The WSMV HC-Pro null mutant was competent for virion formation, but the virus titer was reduced 4.5-fold relative to that of the wild type. Collectively, these results indicate that WSMV HC-Pro is dispensable for replication and movement, two essential processes that are disrupted by point and small-insertion mutations introduced into potyvirus HC-Pro.
Increased Expression of the NK Cell Receptor KLRG1 by Virus-Specific CD8 T Cells during Persistent Antigen Stimulation
Authors: Thimme Robert , Appay Victor , Koschella Marie , Panther Elisabeth , Roth Evelyn , Hislop Andrew D. , Rickinson Alan B. , Rowland-Jones Sarah L. , Blum Hubert E. , Pircher Hanspeter 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTThe killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) is a natural killer cell receptor expressed by T cells that exhibit impaired proliferative capacity. Here, we determined the KLRG1 expression by virus-specific T cells. We found that repetitive and persistent antigen stimulation leads to an increase in KLRG1 expression of virus-specific CD8+T cells in mice and that virus-specific CD8+T cells are mostly KLRG1+in chronic human viral infections (human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus) but not in resolved infection (influenza virus). Thus, by using KLRG1 as a T-cell marker, our results suggest that the differentiation status and function of virus-specific CD8+T cells are directly influenced by persistent antigen stimulation.
A molecular diagnostic method for detecting Nacobbus in soil and in potato tubers
Authors: Kerry Brian , Peteira Belkis , Atkins Simon , Franco Javier , Manzanilla-López Rosa 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSpecies of the genus Nacobbus have the potential to reduce yields of major food crops such as potato, sugar beet and tomato in many parts of the world, thus warranting a quarantine effort to avoid their introduction. Molecular studies offer a new method for routine quarantine diagnostics for this nematode that will be faster and more sensitive than previous methods. A primer set was designed from Nacobbus ITS sequences and their specificity confirmed. DNA was extracted from nematodes, soil and potato tubers for use in PCR. Optimised PCR conditions were established and the PCR products were separated on 2% agarose gels, showing that specific ITS primers for the detection of Nacobbus generated a single PCR product, although band size varied slightly between species and soil isolates. The product was generated from DNA extracted from all the Nacobbus samples but not from other nematodes tested (Pratylenchus, Radopholus, Meloidogyne, Globodera, Heterodera). No bands were generated from the uninfested control soil and control tuber DNA samples, thus demonstrating the specificity of the primers. For the first time, Nacobbus was detected in soil and tuber samples using molecular approaches. These results have important applications not only in analysing advisory samples but also in the screening of material for quarantine purposes.
Identification and histopathology of the foliar nematode Aphelenchoides ritzemabosi (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) on basil in Italy
Authors: Vovlas Nicola , Troccoli Alberto , Lamberti Franco , Minuto Andrea , Garibaldi Angelo 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe foliar nematode species Aphelenchoides ritzemabosi is reported attacking sweet basil in glasshouses in the province of Imperia, northwest Italy. The nematode colonised and reproduced within the leaf, petiole and stem tissues. The epidermis and mesophyll were invaded by the nematode which caused internerval discoloration and necrosis and collapse of the palisade and spongy parenchyma. All nematode developmental stages, including eggs, were observed in the leaf tissues. Morphology and morphometrics of A. ritzemabosi from chlorotic and necrotic leaf tissues are presented. Possible control measures, which are complicated by the short life cycle of the nematode, the broad host range, and the short productive cycle of basil, are also discussed, together with the risk of an erroneous field diagnosis caused by difficulty in differentiating the symptoms of basil downy mildew and basil black spot from those of the foliar nematode.
Multiple displacement amplification (MDA) of total genomic DNA from Meloidogyne spp. and comparison to crude DNA extracts in PCR of ITS1, 28S D2-D3 rDNA and Hsp90
Authors: Skantar Andrea , Carta Lynn 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBecause the quantity of nematode specimens available for molecular analysis is often limited, the number of analyses possible is constrained by the availability of DNA. Multiple displacement amplification (MDA) was assessed for whole genome amplification of crude DNA from several Meloidogyne species. MDA produced microgram quantities of template that resulted in successful amplification of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) and 28S D2-D3 expansion regions, producing PCR results that were comparable to template generated by the single nematode smash method. MDA greatly improved degenerate primer PCR of single-copy Hsp90, a gene which is more sensitive than multi-copy ribosomal genes to limited DNA template. MDA should expand the number of molecular analyses possible for single nematodes. MDA will also be useful for archiving DNA from valuable specimens and provide a way for laboratories to share identical genetic material for nematode diagnosis.
Genital organ anomalies in Xiphinema dentatum (Nematoda: Longidoridae)
Authors: Radivojević Milan 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSeven specimens of Xiphinema dentatum with abnormal genital organs were found in the same population. Normal females are amphidelphic with the vulva located slightly anterior to the mid-body. Of some 24 000 females examined, six were found to be abnormal. One has a normally developed genital tract, but located in an abnormally posterior position. Two females have two complete systems each, one system in the normal position, and the other well posterior. Another female has a normal posterior branch, while the anterior one is abnormally branched at the pars dilatata uteri into two oviducts and ovaries, one ovary being degenerate. Another two females lack central parts of the system, the remaining distal parts being fused proximally. Males are rare in this species, sometimes having a fully developed diorchic genital tract, but usually with only the copulatory apparatus developed. Of the 137 males examined, one has a normal copulatory apparatus, lacks the seminal duct and has two abnormal masses of tissue corresponding to the position where the testes would normally be located.
Evaluation of the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) as alternative hosts for laboratory mass-rearing of Strelkovimermis spiculatus (Nematoda: Mermithidae)
Authors: Achinelly María , Camino Nora 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe effect of the number of pre-parasitic juveniles of Strelkovimermis spiculatus on infection rate in larvae of the culicid mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens, and the susceptibility of different larval instars of the culicids to the parasite, was studied in order to facilitate laboratory mass production of the nematode. The infection rate in each mosquito species varied between 72 and 100% for the different concentrations of pre-parasites used per host. Infection percentages in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae exposed to S. spiculatus varied from 11 to 98%. Significant differences in percentage infection were observed between 4th instar larvae and the earlier instars. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the feasibility of mass-rearing S. spiculatus in A. aegypti and C. pipiens under laboratory conditions.
Competition between endoparasitic nematodes and effect on biomass of Ammophila arenaria (marram grass) as affected by timing of inoculation and plant age
Authors: van der Putten Wim , Duyts Henk , Brinkman E. Pernilla 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe studied the effects of intra- and interspecific competition on the abundance of endoparasitic nematodes and assessed the consequences for biomass production of the natural dune grass Ammophila arenaria. Pratylenchus penetrans was limited by intraspecific competition and it suppressed the abundance of Heterodera arenaria, whilst the interaction between H. arenaria and Meloidogyne maritima was neutral. Pratylenchus penetrans and H. arenaria reduced plant biomass, whereas M. maritima did not. Plant biomass was not differently affected by adding one or two nematode species. When added to older plants, numbers of H. arenaria and M. maritima were higher but numbers of P. penetrans were lower, resulting in less reduction of plant biomass. We discuss our results on this natural system with respect to patterns of interspecific nematode competition observed in agricultural systems.
Reproductive fitness of Meloidogyne artiellia populations on chickpea and durum wheat
Authors: Barbarroja Jorge Martín , Jiménez Díaz Rafael , Fernández Víctor Hernández , Castillo Pablo 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe influence of chickpea and durum wheat, as crops widely used in rotations in the Mediterranean Basin, on the reproductive fitness of five Meloidogyne artiellia populations from Italy, Spain and Syria, was investigated under controlled conditions. The reproductive fitness of the M. artiellia populations, determined as the number of eggs per mature egg mass, was significantly greater in durum wheat cv. Simeto than in chickpea cv. UC 27 for all five nematode populations. Similarly, both in chickpea and durum wheat the reproductive fitness differed among nematode populations, with populations of M. artiellia from Castel del Monte (southern Italy) and CL5 (northern Spain) producing the greatest number of eggs per egg mass. The fewest number of eggs per egg mass of M. artiellia occurred for populations from Alhama 6 (southern Spain) and Tel-Hadya (northern Syria).
−308GAandTNFBpolymorphisms in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Gong M. N. , Zhou W. , Williams P. L. , Thompson B. T. , Pothier L. , Boyce P. , Christiani D. C. 
Published: August 2005

The−308GAandTNFB1/2 polymorphisms of the tumour necrosis factor genes have been associated with increased susceptibility to, and mortality in sepsis, although, prior studies are not consistent. Their role in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has not been evaluated. The current authors hypothesised that the−308Aallele andTNFB22genotype would be associated with increased susceptibility to, and mortality in ARDS.The above hypothesis was investigated in a nested case-control study of 441 Caucasian controls and 212 cases admitted to an intensive care unit with sepsis, trauma, aspiration or hyper-transfusions.The−308AandTNFB1alleles were in linkage disequilibrium. These polymorphisms were not associated with ARDS susceptibility on crude analysis. On subgroup analyses, they were associated with either increased or decreased odds of developing ARDS depending on whether the clinical risk for ARDS results in direct or indirect pulmonary injury. The−308Aallele was associated with increased 60-day mortality in ARDS, with the strongest association found among younger patients. There was no association between theTNFBpolymorphism and ARDS mortality.The −308GA, but not theTNFB12, polymorphism was associated with increased mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome, but their association with acute respiratory distress syndrome susceptibility depended on the site of injury predisposing to acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The role of increased pulmonary blood flow in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: van Albada M. E. , Schoemaker R. G. , Kemna M. S. , Cromme-Dijkhuis A. H. , van Veghel R. , Berger R. M. F. 
Published: August 2005

Chronic increased pulmonary blood flow is considered a pre-requisite for the induction of advanced vascular lesions in pulmonary arterial hypertension in congenital heart defects. The aim of the present study was to characterise the effects of increased pulmonary flow induced by an aortocaval shunt in the monocrotaline rat model for pulmonary hypertension in terms of survival, haemodynamics, pathology and histology.Male Wistar rats were injected with monocrotaline followed by the creation of an abdominal aortocaval shunt. Animals were sacrificed when displaying symptoms of weight loss or dyspnoea, 4–5 weeks after the creation of the shunt.Echocardiography identified increased ventricular dimensions in shunted rats and right ventricular hypertrophy in monocrotaline-treated rats. At similar pulmonary artery pressures, shunted monocrotaline rats displayed higher morbidity and mortality, increased pulmonary-to-systemic artery pressure ratios and increased right ventricular hypertrophy compared with nonshunted monocrotaline rats. Histological assessment demonstrated increased number and diameter of pre-acinar pulmonary arteries. Intra-acinar vessel remodelling and occlusion occurred to a similar extent in shunted and nonshunted monocrotaline rats.In conclusion, increased pulmonary blood flow in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and unfavourable haemodynamic and cardiac effects. These effects could be attributed to more pronounced right heart failure rather than to altered intra-acinar pulmonary vessel remodelling.
Cost-effectiveness of isoniazid chemoprevention in close contacts
Authors: Diel R. , Nienhaus A. , Schaberg T. 
Published: August 2005

The aim of the present study was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis in young and middle-aged adults with latent tuberculosis (TB) infection in Germany.A Markov model simulated the progression of 20- and 40-yr-old close contacts of active TB cases over 20 yrs. Health and economic outcomes of isoniazid (INH) chemopreventionversusno intervention were compared. The analysis determined the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life year and the difference between numbers of TB cases and of TB-related deaths.INH chemoprevention prevented 79% of expected TB cases in both age groups, and saved €9,482 and €9,142 in the lower and higher age groups, respectively, per case prevented. Quality-adjusted life expectancy was slightly extended by 8 days in the lower age group and 7 days in the higher age group, at a cost saving of €417 and €375, respectively, per person. Annual savings were €20,862 and €18,742 per 1,000 contacts, respectively. The number needed to be treated to prevent one TB case in the lower age group was 23 and 25 in the higher age group. The programme also prevented three TB-related deaths in the younger and two in the older cohort. The results are highly sensitive to treatment-cost assumptions.In conclusion, isoniazid chemoprevention in Germany is a highly cost-effective approach for reducing the burden of tuberculosis in recently converted young and middle-aged adults.
Risk factors for rehospitalisation in COPD: role of health status, anxiety and depression
Authors: Gudmundsson G. , Gislason T. , Janson C. , Lindberg E. , Hallin R. , Ulrik C. S. , Brøndum E. , Nieminen M. M. , Aine T. , Bakke P. 
Published: August 2005

The aim of the present study was to analyse the risk of rehospitalisation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and associated risk factors.This prospective study included 416 patients from a university hospital in each of the five Nordic countries. Data included demographic information, spirometry, comorbidity and 12 month follow-up for 406 patients. The hospital anxiety and depression scale and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were applied to all patients.The number of patients that had a re-admission within 12 months was 246 (60.6%). Patients that had a re-admission had lower lung function and health status. A low forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and health status were independent predictors for re-admission. Hazard ratio (HR; 95% CI) was 0.82 (0.74–0.90) per 10% increase of the predicted FEV1and 1.06 (1.02–1.10) per 4 units increase in total SGRQ score. The risk of rehospitalisation was also increased in subjects with anxiety (HR 1.76 (1.16–2.68)) and in subjects with low health status (total SGRQ score >60 units). When comparing the different subscales in the SGRQ, the closest relation between the risk of rehospitalisation was seen with the activity scale (HR 1.07 (1.03–1.11) per 4 unit increase).In patients with low health status, anxiety is an important risk factor for rehospitalisation. This may be important for patient treatment and warrants further studies.
Does leptin play a cytokine-like role within the airways of COPD patients?
Authors: Bruno A. , Chanez P. , Chiappara G. , Siena L. , Giammanco S. , Gjomarkaj M. , Bonsignore G. , Bousquet J. , Vignola A. M. 
Published: August 2005

The leptin-leptin receptor system might be up-regulated in the airways of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In bronchial biopsies obtained from normal subjects and smokers, with and without COPD, the present study examined leptin and leptin-receptor expression and their co-localisation in airway and inflammatory cells.Combining immunohistochemistry with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labelling techniques, apoptosis in airway and inflammatory cells and in leptin and leptin-receptor expressing cells was investigated. In the epithelial cells both leptin and leptin-receptor expression was higher in normal subjects than in smokers and COPD subjects. By contrast, in the sub-mucosa, leptin was over-expressed in COPD when compared with normal subjects and smokers. Leptin and its receptor were co-localised, mainly with activated T cells (CD45R0) and CD8+T lymphocytes.In smokers, apoptosis was found in some inflammatory cells, whereas in COPD inflammatory cells, leptin and leptin-receptor positive cells were not apoptotic. Leptin expression was related to COPD severity and assessed using the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease classification.In conclusion, the present study shows an increased leptin expression in bronchial mucosa of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, associated with airway inflammation and airflow obstruction.
Asthma self-management skills and the use of asthma education during pregnancy
Authors: Murphy V. E. , Gibson P. G. , Talbot P. I. , Kessell C. G. , Clifton V. L. 
Published: August 2005

During pregnancy, patients with asthma are at risk of poor outcomes, particularly when asthma is poorly controlled. The aim of this study was to determine the level of asthma self-management skills and knowledge among pregnant subjects and describe the implementation of an asthma education programme delivered in an antenatal clinic setting.Pregnant subjects with asthma were assessed by an asthma educator at 20 (n = 211) and 33 weeks gestation (n = 149). Lung function, symptoms, medication use, adherence, knowledge and inhaler technique were assessed. They were asked whether they had a written asthma action plan, or performed peak flow monitoring. Asthma was classified as mild, moderate or severe.At the first visit with the asthma educator, 40% of females reported nonadherence to inhaled corticosteroids, inhaler technique was assessed as inadequate in 16% and 42% had inadequate medication knowledge. Peak flow monitoring was performed by 3% and 15% had a written action plan. There were significant improvements in all aspects of asthma self-management following education. In females with severe asthma, night symptoms and reliever medication use significantly decreased after education.In conclusion, during pregnancy, patients with asthma have poor asthma knowledge and skills, and may benefit from self-management education as part of their obstetric care.
Physiological changes during symptom recovery from moderate exacerbations of COPD
Authors: Parker C. M. , Voduc N. , Aaron S. D. , Webb K. A. , O'Donnell D. E. 
Published: August 2005

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive disease (AECOPD) are characterised by worsening dyspnoea that is variably prolonged. In this study, physiological changes during moderate AECOPD were examined and the factors associated with dyspnoea resolution over time were determined.In total, 20 patients experiencing an AECOPD were evaluated within 72 h of initial worsening of symptoms (day 0) with pulmonary function testing, metabolic testing and symptom assessment using the dyspnoea domain of the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ). Treatment was optimised and testing was repeated after 7, 14, 30 and 60 days.At day 0, patients were very short of breath (CRQ-dyspnoea mean±sem2.4±0.3) and showed significant airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 41±3% predicted) and lung hyperinflation (forced residual capacity (FRC) 164±7% pred). By day 60 CRQ-dyspnoea improved to 4.6±0.5 (some shortness of breath); FRC and residual volume decreased by 5 and 11%, respectively; inspiratory capacity (IC) and slow vital capacity increased by 18 and 17%, respectively; and FEV1increased by 18% with no change in FEV1/FVC. Total lung capacity did not change during AECOPD, and thus, changes in IC reliably reflected changes in end-expiratory lung volume.In conclusion, moderate acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterised by worsening airflow obstruction and lung hyperinflation. Improvement of dyspnoea following acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was associated with reduction in lung hyperinflation and consequent increase in expiratory flow rates.
Dietary intake of flavonoids and asthma in adults
Authors: Garcia V. , Arts I. C. W. , Sterne J. A. C. , Thompson R. L. , Shaheen S. O. 
Published: August 2005

Epidemiological studies have suggested that a high consumption of apples may protect against asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This effect has been attributed to their high flavonoid content, but few studies have investigated the relationship between flavonoid intake and obstructive lung disease directly.In a population-based, case-control study of 1,471 adults aged 16–50 yrs in London (UK), the present study examined whether dietary intake of catechins, flavonols and flavones was negatively associated with asthma, asthma severity and chronic sputum production. Asthma was defined by positive responses to a standard screening questionnaire in 1996 and information about usual diet was obtained by a food frequency questionnaire in 1997.After controlling for potential confounders, dietary intake of these three flavonoid subclasses was not significantly associated with asthma, (odds ratio per quintile (95% confidence interval) = 0.94 (0.86–1.02); 1.00 (0.92–1.09); 0.98 (0.88 –1.08) for flavones, flavonols and total catechins, respectively) nor was it associated with asthma severity, or chronic sputum production.In conclusion, no evidence was found for a protective effect of three major subclasses of dietary flavonoids on asthma. It is possible that other flavonoids or polyphenols present in apples may explain the protective effect of apples on obstructive lung disease.