Exposure to common environmental bacteria may be source of some allergic inflammation

Public release date: 31-Jan-2012
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Contact: Cody Mooneyhan
cmooneyhan@faseb.org
301-634-7104
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that certain strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause white blood cells to produce high levels of histamine, which worsens the severity of inflammation and infection

Could some cases of asthma actually be caused by an allergic reaction to a common environmental bacteria? New research findings published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology (https://www.jleukbio.org) suggests that this idea may not be as far-fetched as it seems. In a research report appearing in the February 2012 print issue, researchers show a link between common environmental bacteria and airway inflammation. Specifically, their research suggests that some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause white blood cells to produce very high levels of histamine, which in turn leads to inflammation, a hallmark symptom of asthma.

"We hope that these findings in mice will encourage human-focused research regarding bacterial stimulation of histamine production by white blood cells, like neutrophils, that are not traditionally associated with allergic inflammation," said George Caughey, M.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of California in San Francisco. "Such research could improve our understanding of inflammation in bacterial infections, and help us to craft therapies for relief of inflammation and its consequences for short and long-term health."

To make this discovery, scientists studied the effect of two strains of pseudomonas bacteria on isolated mouse white blood cells tasked with killing bacteria, called neutrophils. Results showed that one strain killed the neutrophils, but the second strain produced substances that caused the neutrophils to increase their production of histamine significantly. To see if their discovery was applicable outside of the test tube, the histamine-stimulating strain was then used to infect mice to produce bronchitis and pneumonia. These mice experienced a significant increase of histamine in their airways and lungs. Additional work showed that the bacteria persuade neutrophils to produce histamine by causing them to make much more of the key enzyme in histamine synthesis (histidine decarboxylase) than neutrophils would otherwise do in the unstimulated state.

"Despite advances in diagnosing and treating the symptoms of asthma and allergy, our understanding of the underlying initiating events remains elusive," said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. "This report helps shed light on how an 'everyday organism' might trigger asthma and allergy from an immune cell type not normally thought to be involved in allergic disease."

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The Journal of Leukocyte Biology (http://www.jleukbio.org) publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts on original investigations focusing on the cellular and molecular biology of leukocytes and on the origins, the developmental biology, biochemistry and functions of granulocytes, lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytes and other cells involved in host defense and inflammation. The Journal of Leukocyte Biology is published by the Society for Leukocyte Biology.

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Public release date: 31-Jan-2012
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Cody Mooneyhan
cmooneyhan@faseb.org
301-634-7104
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that certain strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause white blood cells to produce high levels of histamine, which worsens the severity of inflammation and infection

Could some cases of asthma actually be caused by an allergic reaction to a common environmental bacteria? New research findings published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology (https://www.jleukbio.org) suggests that this idea may not be as far-fetched as it seems. In a research report appearing in the February 2012 print issue, researchers show a link between common environmental bacteria and airway inflammation. Specifically, their research suggests that some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause white blood cells to produce very high levels of histamine, which in turn leads to inflammation, a hallmark symptom of asthma.

"We hope that these findings in mice will encourage human-focused research regarding bacterial stimulation of histamine production by white blood cells, like neutrophils, that are not traditionally associated with allergic inflammation," said George Caughey, M.D., a researcher involved in the work from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of California in San Francisco. "Such research could improve our understanding of inflammation in bacterial infections, and help us to craft therapies for relief of inflammation and its consequences for short and long-term health."

To make this discovery, scientists studied the effect of two strains of pseudomonas bacteria on isolated mouse white blood cells tasked with killing bacteria, called neutrophils. Results showed that one strain killed the neutrophils, but the second strain produced substances that caused the neutrophils to increase their production of histamine significantly. To see if their discovery was applicable outside of the test tube, the histamine-stimulating strain was then used to infect mice to produce bronchitis and pneumonia. These mice experienced a significant increase of histamine in their airways and lungs. Additional work showed that the bacteria persuade neutrophils to produce histamine by causing them to make much more of the key enzyme in histamine synthesis (histidine decarboxylase) than neutrophils would otherwise do in the unstimulated state.

"Despite advances in diagnosing and treating the symptoms of asthma and allergy, our understanding of the underlying initiating events remains elusive," said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. "This report helps shed light on how an 'everyday organism' might trigger asthma and allergy from an immune cell type not normally thought to be involved in allergic disease."

###

The Journal of Leukocyte Biology (http://www.jleukbio.org) publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts on original investigations focusing on the cellular and molecular biology of leukocytes and on the origins, the developmental biology, biochemistry and functions of granulocytes, lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytes and other cells involved in host defense and inflammation. The Journal of Leukocyte Biology is published by the Society for Leukocyte Biology.

---

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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/foas-etc013112.php

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We're hiring a Communications Director

Position: Communications Director

Organization:
The Regeneration Project is the national office of the Interfaith Power & Light (IPL) campaign. The IPL campaign is mobilizing a religious response to global warming in concert with our affiliate organizations in 39 states. IPL engages congregations through energy conservation and renewable energy programs, education and outreach, and public policy advocacy. IPL is working with faith communities around the country to become leaders in the fight against global warming. Over 14,000 congregations of all faiths are involved, in all 50 states.

Position Summary:
The Communications Director (CD) will develop and implement a national communications strategy to raise the profile of Interfaith Power & Light and broadcast faith-based and moral messages for climate action. The CD will be responsible for promoting our national policy priorities, strategic message development, recruiting and training spokespersons, and interacting directly with media outlets. Candidates should have demonstrated success in generating earned media in both traditional and online outlets. Candidates should also be experienced in utilizing social media for message amplification and list-building. The position is suited for an experienced communications professional who is excited about taking a relatively new and rapidly growing organization (we?ve just entered our second decade) to the next level. The ideal candidate will also have experience with the faith community and climate and/or energy policy advocacy along with at least three years project management experience.

This is an opportunity to join a unique and dynamic organization in a newly created, strategic position.

Responsibilities:
? Develop and implement national communications plan targeting both traditional and new media opportunities
? Ensure that social media communications are consistent with overall media strategy and messages
? Create and oversee development of compelling written materials including website content
? Maintain and develop relationships with reporters and editors; manage media database and track news coverage
? Monitor and analyze media coverage of national campaigns and state affiliates
? Work with state affiliate leaders to help them develop their communications programs
? Collaborate with other staff to integrate media outreach into campaign planning
? Travel to training events, strategy sessions, visibility events, or other large events and conferences as needed
? Provide creative input and work with multiple teams
? Collaborate with development team to ensure effective communication with funders, board members, and supporters
? Work with president and executive director to ensure program is meeting strategic priorities
? Work in coalitions with other environmental and faith-based organizations

Qualifications:
? B.A. or B.S.
? Seven to ten years media experience including at least three years in a senior management position
? Proven experience developing and implementing successful media and communications strategies
? Strong track record developing and managing creative online campaigns using social media, including list building campaigns
? Excellent written and oral communications skills
? Experience with climate, energy efficiency, and/or renewable energy policy
? Experience working in a nonprofit setting
? Experience working with the faith community preferred
? Ability to plan, organize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment; excellent attention to detail and follow-through are essential
? Ability to take initiative, think creatively and work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds and skills
? Proficiency with MS Word Office Suite and aptitude with Internet applications including email, social media, constituent relationship management and other related database tools
? Experience with Macintosh computers, online CRM and CRS software a plus

Compensation:
The Regeneration Project offers a competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous vacation time, commuter benefits and a retirement savings plan.

Location:
San Francisco (Financial District)

To Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter by February 24, 2012 to:
Communications Director Search
Care of Gretchen Killion
Gretchen@theregenerationproject.org
Please note where you saw the job posting.

Download PDF of job posting.

Source: http://interfaithpowerandlight.org/2012/01/were-hiring-a-communications-director/

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Backyard politics: risks and rewards for Gingrich (The Arizona Republic)

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