bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular genetic diagnostics of Friedreich’s ataxia. Ten years’ experience based on analysis of blood samples
Authors: Kisfali Péter , Melegh Béla
Published: June 2012

Mutations of the frataxin gene give the most common underlying genetic background of recessively inheritable type ataxias in Europe. In our department, we have been establishing the molecular genetic diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia since 2001. We analyzed a total of 221 blood samples from the whole country. Methods: After fragment analysis we performed direct exon sequencing. Results: This study summarizes the retrospective analysis of these genetic test results. Pathological alteration was identified in altogether 26 cases. 2 expanded alleles were found in intron 1 in all 26 genetically confirmed patients; which is not more than 12% of the total analyzed samples. We did exon sequencing in the case of patients having one expanded allele and found no point mutation in any of the cases. Conclusions: In our setting, we could not verify the diagnosis by genetic analysis in a remarkable number of patients, which on one hand underlines the importance of clinical neurologic and clinical genetic analyses before performing tests, and on the other hand, it raises the need to examine the patients for other ataxia types. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 852–855.
Assessment of airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate
Authors: Antus Balázs
Published: June 2012

Airway inflammation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exposure to cigarette smoke induces the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the airways, which in turn produces various cytokines, chemokines, proteases and pro-inflammatory mediators leading ultimately to increased oxidative stress, a protease/anti-protease imbalance and progressive lung tissue injury. Biomarkers may be useful in monitoring airway inflammation and oxidative stress, defining different phenotypes of the disease and evaluating the response of therapies. Exhaled breath condensate collection is a simple and completely non-invasive method of sampling the lower respiratory tract in humans. Exhaled breath condensate may be a rich source of pulmonary biomarkers including hydrogen peroxide, cytokines, metabolites of the arachidonic acid, nitric oxides and the pH. However, the concentration of these biomarkers is often very low, which may cause several problems in their detection. The clinical applicability of exhaled breath condensate biomarkers cannot be assessed until methods of sample collection and analysis have been standardized. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 843–851.
Migration and Staging Patterns of the Wryneck (Jynx Torquilla) at Eilat, Israel
Authors: Yosef Reuven , Zduniak Piotr
Published: June 2012

The wryneck is an unusual representative of PalearcticPicidaein that it is a long-distance migrant, whose populations have declined across Europe in the last century. Israel is at the eastern extremes of the known wryneck migration routes in the spring, which are little studied. Hence, we studied the species migration patterns and staging at Eilat, the southern tip of Israel being a very important stopover site for many migratory bird species. During 28 springs and 25 autumn migration seasons in the years 1983-2010, a total of 588 wrynecks were trapped.

The mean number of birds recorded per spring season was 18.32 (SE = 2.12) and only 3.00 ± 0.71 per autumn season. The analysis performed for spring passage showed that the mean proportion of juveniles to all birds to which ages were assigned was 48.9 ± 5.2%. Furthermore, we did not find any differences in the dates of ringing, wing length, body mass or body condition index of juvenile and adults. We retrapped 97 (18.9%) wrynecks during the spring. The average proportion retrapped per season was 18.3 ± 2.9% and the average stopover was 4.8 ± 0.4 days. Recaptured birds were in better body condition than at first capture, and the body condition index gained significantly during their stay at the stopover site. The low conservation priority accorded to these habitats — and ignored in spite of many studies from the reagion — highlights the importance of the preservation of priority areas such that avian and other migrations can continue with minimal human impact.
A prevalência de incontinência urinária em mulheres praticantes de jump
Authors: Almeida Priscilla Pereira de , Machado Lívia Raquel Gomes
Published: June 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A incontinência urinária (IU) é definida pela Sociedade Internacional de Continência (ICS) como qualquer perda involuntária de urina. Ela exerce múltiplos efeitos sobre as atividades diárias, interações sociais e percepção da saúde. A literatura afirma que a prática de atividades físicas de alto impacto e esforço pode comportar-se como um fator de risco para a IU. OBJETIVOS: identificar a prevalência de IU em um grupo de mulheres praticantes de jump. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS:Estudo transversal quantitativo descritivo, com amostra de 32 voluntárias que responderam a questionário sobre antecedentes obstétricos e prática da atividade física e à tradução do International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). RESULTADOS:Houve relato de perdas urinárias em 37,5% das entrevistadas. A média de idade das mulheres que referem incontinência foi de 31,58 anos (DP ± 9,39). As mulheres com filhos tiveram 1,2 mais chances de apresentar IU do que as nulíparas. As que fazem jump três ou mais vezes por semana apresentaram 2,45 mais chances de apresentar IU. Nas que sentiam vontade de urinar durante o jump, a chance de IU foi seis vezes maior. 62,5% das entrevistadas referiram nenhum impacto na qualidade de vida, e a atividade física foi apontada como situação mais comum de IU. CONCLUSÃO: Existe incontinência urinária nas praticantes de jump investigadas, multíparas e nulíparas, em jovens, durante a prática de jump e em outras ocasiões, apontando a necessidade de estudos mais abrangentes sobre a temática.
Severe Peritonitis Induced by Methotrexate During Treatment of Persistent Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Authors: Zimmermann Stefan , Zaman Khalil , Wolfer Anita , Jacot William
Published: June 2012

This letter reports a case of methotrexate-induced peritonitis in an extensively investigated patient.
Bored pile design in stiff clay I: codes of practice
Authors: Vardanega Paul J. , Kolody Ekaterina , Pennington Stuart H. , Morrison Paul R. J. , Simpson Brian
Published: June 2012

The assessment of the allowable bearing load of bored piles ‘floating' in stiff clay is a standard engineering task. Although the soil mechanics is universal, engineers designing structures in different parts of the world will need to take into account the pertinent codes of practice. It will be helpful to compare such codes, especially in relation to their treatment of uncertainty in the design of bored piles. This paper presents a series of design calculations for a real set of geotechnical data using four international codes of practice: the Australian, American, European and Russian codes. The National Annexes of Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK are used in conjunction with the European code. This selection of countries covers the three Eurocode 7 design approaches (DA1, DA2 and DA3). A non-codified design method is used to provide a base case for comparative purposes with the six codified calculations. A companion paper investigates the issues of soil mechanics in pile design methods, uncertainty in soil parameters and settlement criteria.
Invader partitions ecological and evolutionary responses to above‐ and belowground herbivory
Authors: Huang Wei , Carrillo Juli , Ding Jianqing , Siemann Evan
Published: June 2012

Interactions between above‐ and belowground herbivory may affect plant performance and structure communities. Though many studies have documented interactions of invasive plants and herbivores, none shows how above‐ and belowground herbivores interact to affect invasive plant performance. Here, in a common garden in China, we subjected genetically differentiated tallow trees (Triadica sebifera) from native (China) and invaded (United States) ranges to herbivory by aboveground adults and belowground larvae of a specialist beetle, Bikasha collaris. Overall, relative to plants from China, U.S. plants had greater total and aboveground mass, comparable belowground mass, lower resistance to both above‐ and belowground herbivory, and higher tolerance to aboveground herbivory only. Accordingly, aboveground adults had greater impacts on Chinese plants, but belowground larvae more strongly impacted U.S. plants. These results indicate that the invader may adopt an “aboveground first” strategy, allocating more resources aboveground in response to selection for increased competitive ability, which increases aboveground tolerance to herbivory. Furthermore, we found that adults facilitated larval success, and these feedbacks were stronger for U.S. plants, suggesting that aboveground feeding of adults may be associated with lower defenses and/or higher resources belowground in the invader. Therefore, plants may have evolved different responses to above‐ and belowground herbivory, which can affect invasion success and herbivore population dynamics. These findings may provide new insights for an effective biological control program against invasive plants.
Interactions among chronic and acute impacts on coral recruits: the importance of size‐escape thresholds
Authors: Doropoulos Christopher , Ward Selina , Marshell Alyssa , Diaz-Pulido Guillermo , Mumby Peter J.
Published: June 2012

Newly settled recruits typically suffer high mortality from disturbances, but rapid growth reduces their mortality once size‐escape thresholds are attained. Ocean acidification (OA) reduces the growth of recruiting benthic invertebrates, yet no direct effects on survivorship have been demonstrated. We tested whether the reduced growth of coral recruits caused by OA would increase their mortality by prolonging their vulnerability to an acute disturbance: fish herbivory on surrounding algal turf. After two months' growth in ambient or elevated CO2 levels, the linear extension and calcification of coral (Acropora millepora) recruits decreased as CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) increased. When recruits were subjected to incidental fish grazing, their mortality was inversely size dependent. However, we also found an additive effect of pCO2 such that recruit mortality was higher under elevated pCO2 irrespective of size. Compared to ambient conditions, coral recruits needed to double their size at the highest pCO2 to escape incidental grazing mortality. This general trend was observed with three groups of predators (blenny, surgeonfish, and parrotfish), although the magnitude of the fish treatment varied among species. Our study demonstrates the importance of size‐escape thresholds in early recruit survival and how OA can shift these thresholds, potentially intensifying population bottlenecks in benthic invertebrate recruitment.
Coping With Dating Violence as a Function of Violence Frequency and Solution Attribution: A Structural Modeling Approach
Authors: Bapat Mona , Tracey Terence J. G.
Published: June 2012

This study presents a structural model of coping with dating violence. The model integrates abuse frequency and solution attribution to relate to college women’s choices of coping strategies. Three hundred and twenty-four undergraduate women reported being targets of some physical abuse from a boyfriend and responded to questions regarding the abuse, their solution attribution, and their coping behaviors. Solution attribution mediated the relation between frequency of the abuse and coping. Abuse frequency had a positive effect on external solution attribution, and external solution attribution had a positive effect on the level of use of active coping, utilization of social support, denial, and acceptance.
Coping With Obsessive Relational Intrusion and Stalking: The Role of Social Support and Coping Strategies
Authors: Nguyen Linda Kim , Spitzberg Brian H. , Lee Carmen M.
Published: June 2012

This study investigated the extent to which social support mediates negative effects of stalking and obsessive relational intrusion (ORI) victimization. A survey of 1,068 respondents indicated that (a) ORI/stalking victimization is positively related to negative symptoms and trauma; (b) five different types of coping responses are positively related to negative symptoms; (c) four domains of social support reveal small but significant negative relationships with negative symptoms; and (d) females are more threatened by unwanted pursuit than male victims, and male pursuers are more threatening than female pursuers. Structural equation modeling indicates that the influence of ORI/stalking on negative symptoms is mediated by the use of coping strategies and the adequacy of social support. Discussion speculates on the functional theoretical value of coping and support processes in managing unwanted pursuit and stalking.
Use of Pressure- and Rate-Transient Techniques for Analyzing Core Permeability Tests for Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Clarkson C. R. , Nobakht M. , Kaviani D. , Kantzas A.
Published: June 2012

The permeability of unconventional gas/oil reservoirs is a critical control on economic viability of unconventional plays, yet its determination, particularly in ultra-low permeability shale reservoirs, remains a challenge. Some of the difficulties in obtaining accurate permeability measurements in the lab include: recreating in-situ stress and fluid saturation conditions; establishing the appropriate sample size for measurement; correcting for sorption of gases on kerogen and clays; accounting for non-Darcy flow (slippage and diffusion); among many others. Unsteady-state measurements are most popular for establishing permeability in ultra-tight rock; both pressure-decay and pulse-decay decay techniques have been used. Analysis methods for these techniques have been established, but there remain some questions about whether these analysis methods are optimal for establishing permeability.

In this work, we investigate the use of pressure- and rate-transient analysis (PTA/RTA) methods to analyze data obtained from a new core plug analysis procedure, designed specifically to extract information (permeability and pore volume) from ultra-low permeability reservoir samples (core plugs). The new analysis procedure calls for analyzing the rate and/or pressure data analogously to larger-scale well-test/production data. During a core plug production test for example, derivative analysis of rate-normalized pseudo-pressure change is first analyzed to determine flow-regimes. For homogenous samples, linear flow is followed by boundary-dominated flow; for this scenario, permeability can be established by noting the end of linear flow and using the distance of investigation calculation to calculate permeability (knowing core length). Permeability can also be established independently from a linear flow (square-root of time) plot. Pore volume can also be established. Analytical simulation is used to verify estimates of permeability and pore volume from RTA/PTA. Our solutions allow complex unconventional gas reservoir behavior to be incorporated, including corrections for adsorbed gas and non-Darcy flow. Our new methodology is tested using various simulated cases which differ due to: 1) reservoir type (single or dual porosity, homogenous or heterogeneous); 2) matrix permeability; 3) analysis type (post injection/falloff production test, or post-injection falloff); 4) adsorption (compressed gas storage only or compressed + adsorbed gas storage); Darcy or non-Darcy flow. In all cases, reasonable estimates of permeability and pore volume were obtained, provided the appropriate corrections are made.

We believe this new technique for analyzing core data, and the proposed core testing procedure, will considerably improve on current techniques for establishing permeability and pore volume of unconventional reservoir samples.
Shale Gas Correction to Klinkenberg Slip Theory
Authors: Fathi Ebrahim , Tinni Ali , Akkutlu I. Yucel
Published: June 2012

Using lattice-Boltzmann simulation of steady-state gas flow we show that apparent permeability values of nano-scale capillaries could be significantly higher than those predicted by the Klinkenberg slip theory. The difference is due to kinetic effects of gas molecules that have gone through inelastic collisions with the walls on those molecules that make up the bulk fluid in the capillary. The kinetic energy that the bouncing back molecules have and the associated momentum carried to the bulk fluid is not a trivial matter in capillaries with diameter h less than 100nm. It creates a molecular streaming effect that amplifies velocity profile developing across the diameter of capillary. In a sense, it is not only the molecules interacting with the wall that slip but also the bulk fluid, i.e., double slip. The double-slip effect is shown using measured permeability data of a crushed nanoporous material with a uniform pore size (10<h<40 nm) at varying pore pressures. Using the simulation results we propose a modification to the Klinkenberg equation. New double-slip Klinkenberg equation includes a characteristic length scale (LKE) that is proportional to the kinetic energy per capillary cross-sectional area of the bouncing-back molecules by the walls. The new length scale of the molecular kinetic effects of nano-capillaries is larger than the mean free path of the molecules. The double-slip Klinkenberg equation reduces to the classical equation for slip flow in large capillaries, i.e., h/LKE >>1, and converges to the absolute permeability value at high pressures. Due to nanoporous nature of coals and organic-rich shales, the double-slip effect is likely to be significant near hydraulic fractures and production wells in depleted reservoirs.

The presented theoretical work brings new insights into the measurement of crushed particle permeability using gas uptake or release experiments. Although they are fast low-pressure laboratory measurements, there are widely-recognized uncertainties associated with them. In this paper we show that dramatic variation in the measured permeability is possible due to small changes in the measurement cell pressure. Hence, even when the crushed sample is considered to be representative of the reservoir, the measured permeability may not quantitatively be related to flow under the reservoir conditions. The double-slip permeability concept and the modified Klinkenberg theory eliminate some of the uncertainties associated with the laboratory measurement of permeability and lead to development of new measurement protocols for the unconventional resources industry. A double-slip Klinkenberg chart is developed including the effects of nano-capillaries on the permeability, and two procedures are presented with example calculations on how to use the chart to predict permeability of shale sample from its effective pore size and shape.
A Method to Evaluate Hormesis in Nanoparticle Dose-Responses
Authors: Nascarella Marc A. , Calabrese Edward J.
Published: June 2012

The term hormesis describes a dose-response relationship that is characterized by a response that is opposite above and below the toxicological or pharmacological threshold. Previous reports have shown that this relationship is ubiquitous in the response of pharmaceuticals, metals, organic chemicals, radiation, and physical stressor agents. Recent reports have also indicated that certain nanoparticles (NPs) may also exhibit a hormetic dose-response. We describe the application of three previously described methods to quantify the magnitude of the hormetic biphasic dose-responses in nanotoxicology studies. This methodology is useful in screening assays that attempt to parse the observed toxicological dose-response data into categories based on the magnitude of hormesis in the evaluation of NPs. For example, these methods may be used to quickly identify NP induced hormetic responses that are either desirably enhanced (e.g., neuronal cell viability) or undesirably stimulated (e.g., low dose stimulation of tumor cells).
Stability of singular time-delay systems in the sense of non-Lyapunov: Classical and modern approach
Authors: Debeljkovic Dragutin , Stojanovic Sreten , Aleksendric Marko
Published: June 2012

This paper provides sufficient conditions for both practical stability and finite-time stability of linear singular continuous time-delay systems which can be mathematically described as Ex(t)=Aox(t)+A1x(t-t). Considering a finite-time stability concept, new delay independent and delay dependent conditions have been derived using the approach based on the Lyapunov-like functions and their properties on the subspace of consistent initial conditions. These functions do not need to have the properties of positivity in the whole state space and negative derivatives along the system trajectories. When the practical stability has been analyzed the above mentioned approach was combined and supported by the classical Lyapunov technique to guarantee the attractivity property of the system behavior. Moreover an linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach has been applied in order to get less conservative conditions.
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein F Suppresses Angiotensinogen Gene Expression and Attenuates Hypertension and Kidney Injury in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Lo Chao-Sheng , Chang Shiao-Ying , Chenier Isabelle , Filep Janos G. , Ingelfinger Julie R. , Zhang Shao Ling , Chan John S.D.
Published: June 2012

We investigated the impact of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein F (hnRNP F) overexpression on angiotensinogen (Agt) gene expression, hypertension, and renal proximal tubular cell (RPTC) injury in high-glucose milieu both in vivo and in vitro. Diabetic Akita transgenic (Tg) mice specifically overexpressing hnRNP F in their RPTCs were created, and the effects on systemic hypertension, Agt gene expression, renal hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis were studied. We also examined immortalized rat RPTCs stably transfected with control plasmid or plasmid containing hnRNP F cDNA in vitro. The results showed that hnRNP F overexpression attenuated systemic hypertension, suppressed Agt and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) gene expression, and reduced urinary Agt and angiotensin II levels, renal hypertrophy, and glomerulotubular fibrosis in Akita hnRNP F-Tg mice. In vitro, hnRNP F overexpression prevented the high-glucose stimulation of Agt and TGF-β1 mRNA expression and cellular hypertrophy in RPTCs. These data suggest that hnRNP F plays a modulatory role and can ameliorate hypertension, renal hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis in diabetes. The underlying mechanism is mediated, at least in part, via the suppression of intrarenal Agt gene expression in vivo. hnRNP F may be a potential target in the treatment of hypertension and kidney injury in diabetes.
Fasting Insulin Levels and Metabolic Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetic Patients at the First Visit in Japan
Authors: Matsuba Ikuro , Saito Kazumi , Takai Masahiko , Hirao Koichi , Sone Hirohito
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between fasting insulin levels and metabolic risk factors (MRFs) in type 2 diabetic patients at the first clinic/hospital visit in Japan over the years 2000 to 2009.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In total, 4,798 drug-naive Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes were registered on their first clinic/hospital visits. Conventional clinical factors and fasting insulin levels were observed at baseline within the Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management (JDDM) study between consecutive 2-year groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using a model in which the dependent variable was fasting insulin values using various clinical explanatory variables.

RESULTS

Fasting insulin levels were found to be decreasing from 2000 to 2009. Multiple linear regression analysis with the fasting insulin levels as the dependent variable showed that waist circumference (WC), BMI, mean blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol were significant, with WC and BMI as the main factors. ANCOVA after adjustment for age and fasting plasma glucose clearly shows the decreasing trend in fasting insulin levels and the increasing trend in BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

During the 10-year observation period, the decreasing trend in fasting insulin was related to the slight increase in WC/BMI in type 2 diabetes. Low pancreatic β-cell reserve on top of a lifestyle background might be dependent on an increase in MRFs.
Clinicopathological Characteristics of Extramedullary Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia (AMKL): Report of a Case with Initial Mastoid Presentation and Review of Literature to Compare Extramedullary AMKL and Non-AMKL Cases
Authors: Liang Conan , Chan Kenny H. , Yoon Patricia J. , Lovell Mark A.
Published: June 2012

Extramedullary acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) is a rare neoplasm with a varied clinical presentation. AMKL with initial mastoid presentation has never been reported. The extreme rarity of mastoid AMKL, together with the tendency of extramedullary AMKL to mimic other small blue cell tumors, can create a diagnostic challenge. We report a case of AMKL that initially presented as a mastoid lesion and provide a comprehensive review and analysis that compares the characteristics of extramedullary AMKL and nonmegakaryoblastic acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in reported pediatric cases over the past 30 years. We found that patients with extramedullary AMKL were not only younger than patients without megakaryocytic differentiation but were also limited to those ≤2 years of age. In addition, girls predominated in both AMKL and AML MLL+ groups compared with other types of AML ( P = 0.0366 and P = 0.0082). Furthermore, we found that extramedullary AMKL was more likely to involve bone than AML MLL+ ( P < 0.0001) or other types of AML ( P = 0.0002). These findings suggest that extramedullary AMKL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SBCT in children, especially in patients with mastoid or other bony lesions, those <2 years of age, and female patients.
Localization, developmental regulation and stress induction of p8-L1 and p8-L2 in zebrafish
Authors: Sun Yanling , Feng Dong , Huang Qiaoyan , Zhang Shicui , Liu Zhenhui
Published: June 2012

The transcription cofactor, p8, has a basic helix-loop-helix motif and is involved in several metabolic processes. It has previously been reported that p8 plays an important role in stress response in zebrafish. We expanded on these studies to further investigate the roles of two p8-like cDNAs found in zerbrafish, p8-L1 and p8-L2. Zebrafish p8-L1 and p8-L2 cDNAs consist of 742 bp and 813 bp, respectively. Both have the same open reading frame despite different genomic structures and encode a 76 amino acid polypeptide with conserved a Phospho_p8 domain. These two cDNA’s were abundant in different tissues in the zebrafish: p8-L1 was high in intestine and muscle tissue and in low abundance in the backbone, whereas the highest amount of p8-L2 was found in the backbone, similar to p8. During embryogenesis, both p8-L1 and p8-L2 were abundant at the cleavage stage and decreased gradually in abundance from blastula to pharyngula stage. However, p8-L1 abundance increased during hatching as observed in p8. Quantitative real-time PCR assay suggested that p8-L1 and p8-L2 were both up-regulated significantly under osmotic pressure and pH value challenges, suggesting an important role of p8-L1 and p8-L2 genes in stress response.
Gene expression and activity analysis of the first thermophilic U32 peptidase
Authors: Jasilionis Andrius , Kaupinis Algirdas , Ger Marija , Valius Mindaugas , Chitavichius Donaldas , Kuisiene Nomeda
Published: June 2012

Peptidase family U32 is one of the few whose catalytic type and structure has not yet been described. It is generally accepted that U32 peptidases represent putative collagenases and contribute to the pathogenicity of some bacteria. Meanwhile, U32 peptidases are also found in nonpathogenic bacteria including thermophiles and hyperthermophiles. Here we report cloning of the U32.002 peptidase gene from thermophilic Geobacillus thermoleovorans DSM 15325 and demonstrate expression and characterization of the recombinant protein. It has been determined that U32.002 peptidase is constitutively expressed in the cells of thermophilic G. thermoleovorans DSM 15325. The recombinant oligomeric enzyme showed its activity only against heat-treated collagen. It was unable to degrade albumin, casein, elastin, gelatine and keratin. In contrast to this, the monomeric recombinant protein showed no activity at all. This paper is the first report about the thermophilic U32 peptidase. As the thermophilic bacteria are non-pathogenic, the role of constitutively expressed extracellular collagenolytic U32 peptidase in these bacteria is unclear.
Alien plant species and factors of invasiveness of anthropogenic vegetation in the Northwestern Balkans — a phytosociological approach
Authors: Šilc Urban , Vrbničanin Sava , Božić Dragana , Čarni Andraž , Stevanović Zora
Published: June 2012

We studied the anthropogenic vegetation of the Northwest Balkans in order to determine its susceptibility to invasion by alien plant species. We compiled a dataset of 3089 vegetation plots sampled between 1939 and 2009, recording a set of variables for each sample plot in order to determine which factors have the most effect on a habitat’s vulnerability to invaders. We calculated the proportion of native species, archaeophytes and neophytes for each plot. We used regression tree models to determine the site conditions of the most invaded anthropogenic habitats. The sample plots contained an average of 12.7% alien plant species, with a low proportion of archaeophytes (4.3%) and 8.4% neophytes. Local habitat conditions proved to have the largest effect, rather than climatic variables or propagule pressure. The proportion of archaeophytes follows a different pattern than that seen in central and northern Europe, indicating that macroecological factors are more important. Neophytes show a similar distribution to other European locations.
Macrofungal diversity in disturbed vegetation types in North-East Hungary
Authors: Rudolf Kinga , Morschhauser Tamás , Pál-Fám Ferenc
Published: June 2012

Macrofungi play an extraordinarily important role in the catalysis of the nutrient cycle of deciduous and coniferous forests. Habitat degradation adversely influences the number of fruiting bodies of macrofungi and diminishes the diversity of the fungal community. The diversity of the terricolous- and lignicolous macrofungi assemblages were compared in stands of semi-natural and two plant associations modified by humans in different degrees in North-East Hungary. We used data from 15 permanent plots that were sampled for vascular plants and macrofungi. Rank-abundance curves and Rényi’s diversity profiles were applied for diversity research. The results indicated that structure and diversity of the terricolous macrofungi assemblages were mainly influenced by climatic and habitat conditions and the degradation of the plant associations to a lesser degree. The diversity of lignicolous macrofungi was primarily affected by the continuous presence, quality, and quantity of deadwood. Accordingly, the form and degree of forest management, as well as the age of the growing stocks, influenced community structure. If nature conservation planning and conservation activity are based on those biodiversity indicators which are good proxies for macrofungi biodiversity, the latter might be optimal for preserving macrofungi biodiversity.
Population genetics of the hazel hen Bonasa bonasia in Poland assessed with non-invasive samples
Authors: Rutkowski Robert , Keller Marek , Jagołkowska Patrycja
Published: June 2012

Despite a severe decrease in the number of hazel hens during the 20th century, nowadays this grouse species is rather common in the forests of Northeastern and Southern Poland. We used mitochondrial control region and microsatellite markers to examine the genetic variability of Polish populations of hazel hens. We used non-invasively collected faeces to estimate genetic variability within populations, genetic differentiation among populations as well as genetic differentiation between two regions inhabited by two different subspecies of hazel hens. Our results confirm the usefulness of DNA from faeces to obtain reliable information on the population genetics of hazel hens. We found a rather high level of genetic variability in the Polish population. Genetic variability was higher in birds from continuous forests in the South of the country than in birds from fragmented habitats in the Northeast. Genetic differentiation was higher among subpopulations from Northeastern Poland. Additionally, both classes of molecular markers suggested the presence of two distinct genetic groups of birds, corresponding to previously described subspecies. We conclude that the genetic variability of the Polish hazel hen population has been influenced by habitat fragmentation and the history of the population during its post-glacial colonization of Poland from different glacial refugia.
The use of benthic macroinvertebrate families for river quality assessment in Lithuania
Authors: Višinskienė Giedrė , Bernotienė Rasa
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of environmental factors on the distribution of macroinvertebrate taxa in different sized lowland Lithuanian rivers. A secondary aim was to assess ecological river quality and to determine the most suitable biotic index. A final aim was to determine the most appropriate macroinvertebrate families for river quality assessment in Lithuania. Species composition and quantitative characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrate communities have been investigated using standard kick-sampling method by a standard hand net in 24 different river sites in spring. Physical and chemical environmental parameters were measured in the same study site as the macroinvertebrate sampling. A total of 186 taxa representing 66 families or higher taxonomic ranks of benthic macroinvertebrates have been identified. Water temperature and current velocity influenced the highest number of ivestigated families. Seven of the most tolerant and eleven of the most sensitive macroinvertebrate taxa for hydrochemical parameters related with organic pollution were determined. The DSFI method was founded to be the best index for assessment of ecological status for Lithuanian rivers until more accurate estimation method will be created.
Drivers of macrophyte development in rivers in an agricultural area: indicative species reactions
Authors: Lewin Iga , Szoszkiewicz Krzysztof
Published: June 2012

The ecological drivers of macrophyte development in a lowland agricultural area were tested based on a 2008 survey on the Wkra River catchment. Our survey was carried out in the rivers of an agricultural area with relatively high concentrations of both nitrates and phosphates in the water. By using the Polish macrophyte method, we were able to calculate several botanical metrics. Canonical ordination analyses used to relate biological data to environmental variables such as physical and chemical parameters of water, surface water velocity or river width, were carried out using CANOCO for Windows. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that pH and alkalinity were the parameters best correlated with the distribution of macrophytes and values of macrophyte indices. The recorded values of the Macrophyte Index for River in the Wkra River and its tributaries reflected their good and moderate ecological status (the Water Framework Directive scale). Despite the fact that nutrient concentrations in the water were relatively high and that most of the sites represented eutrophic conditions, the results of this survey showed that non-nutrient parameters may play an important role in explaining aquatic plant occurrence in rivers that have been subjected to eutrophication.
Morphological evaluation and antioxidant activity of in vitro- and in vivo-derived Echinacea purpurea plants
Authors: Zayova Ely , Stancheva Ira , Geneva Maria , Petrova Maria , Vasilevska-Ivanova Rumiana
Published: June 2012

An effective in vitro protocol for rapid clonal propagation of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench through tissue culture was described. The in vitro propagation procedure consisted of four stages: 1) an initial stage - obtaining seedlings on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium with 0.1 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine, 0.1 mg L−1 α-naphthalene acetic acid and 0.2 mg L−1 gibberellic acid; 2) a propagation stage — shoot formation on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine alone resulted in 9.8 shoots per explant and in combination with 0.1 mg L−1 α-naphthalene acetic acid resulted in 16.2 shoots per explant; 3) rooting stage — shoot rooting on half strength MS medium with 0.1 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid resulted in 90% rooted microplants; 4) ex vitro acclimatization of plants. The mix of peat and perlite was the most suitable planting substrate for hardening and ensured high survival frequency of propagated plants. Significant higher levels were observed regarding water-soluble and lipid-soluble antioxidant capacities (expressed as equivalents of ascorbate and α-tocopherol) and total pnenols content in extracts of Echinaceae flowers derived from in vitro propagated plants and adapted to field conditions in comparison with traditionally cultivated plants.
Effect of acute heat stress on rat adrenal cortex — a morphological and ultrastructural study
Authors: Petrovic-Kosanovic Dragana , Velickovic Ksenija , Koko Vesna , Jasnic Nebojsa , Cvijic Gordana , Miloševic Maja
Published: June 2012

The stereological structure of rat adrenal gland was analysed by light and electron microscopy after an acute (60 min) exposure to high ambient temperature (38°C). Under these conditions a significant increase in plasma corticotrophin (ACTH), serum corticosterone and aldosterone levels were observed. Histological and stereological investigation at light microscopy showed significant decrease in volume density of capsule and zona glomerulosa, increase in volume of fasciculata cells, and decrease of numerical density of zona fasciculata cells and mean diameter of blood vessels. At the ultrastructural level, volume density of nuclei and mitochondria of zona glomerulosa cells were significantly increased and that of lipid droplets decreased. Volume density of mitochondria of fasciculata cells was significantly increased, while number of lipid droplets per µm2 of cell was reduced. In the cells of zona reticularis significant increase in the number of lipid droplets was found. The response of zona glomerulosa may be interpreted as immediate reaction to dehydration, while alterations detected in zona fasciculata, which were less extensive, were related to purely stressogenic effects of high ambiental temperature.
Glucose inhibits the shoot bud formation in the moss Bryum billarderi
Authors: Zavala Arturo , Pérez Netzahualcoyotl , Becerra Analilia , López Miguel
Published: June 2012

Plant development is controlled by certain factors such as nutrient availability, environmental cues and the presence of signalling molecules. It has been proposed that phytohormones interact with sugars to modulate important processes in vascular plants. Cytokinins are key hormones because they regulate a large number of metabolic events, and sugars act as regulatory signals at several points in the life cycle. Bryum bilarderi Schwägr is a moss that was isolated by our group in the central highlands of Mexico and has demonstrated the ability to tolerate abiotic stresses. To study the effect of cytokinins and their interaction with glucose in bud induction, different concentrations of cytokinins with glucose were tested. One micromolar N-6-benzylaminopurine provided the best results for bud induction, but when 100 mM glucose was added, bud formation was inhibited. This glucose concentration also favoured the spread of the protonemal colony. These data demonstrate that N-6-benzylaminopurine is more effective than kinetin in inducing buds, and that glucose plays an important role as an inhibitory signalling molecule for the bud induction process that is mediated by cytokinins in the moss B. billarderi.
Anthocyanins from red cabbage extract — evidence of protective effects on blood platelets
Authors: Saluk Joanna , Bijak Michał , Kołodziejczyk-Czepas Joanna , Posmyk Małgorzata , Janas Krystyna , Wachowicz Barbara
Published: June 2012

Red cabbage belongs to cruciferous vegetables recognized as a rich source of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have a wide range of therapeutic advantages without adverse effects, including cardiovascular protective properties. For development of cardiovascular diseases, platelet activation is crucial; therefore compounds which inhibit platelet activation are sought after. The anti-platelet activity of anthocyanins has only been described and is still unclear. In our study, the extract of anthocyanins, obtained from fresh leaves of red cabbage, was used in vitro to examine their antioxidative effects on platelets under oxidative stress conditions which are responsible for hyperactivity of these cells. The antiplatelet and antioxidative activities were determined by platelet aggregation and specific markers of the arachidonate cascade with O2−· generation, and oxidative changes (carbonyl groups and 3-nitrotyrosine). Extracts (5–15 μM) protected platelet proteins and lipids against oxidative damage, and diminished platelet activation. Anthocyanins from red cabbage provided beneficial anti-platelet effects and might help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Rhizobial plasmids — replication, structure and biological role
Authors: Mazur Andrzej , Koper Piotr
Published: June 2012

Soil bacteria, collectively named rhizobia, can establish mutualistic relationships with legume plants. Rhizobia often have multipartite genome architecture with a chromosome and several extrachromosomal replicons making these bacteria a perfect candidate for plasmid biology studies. Rhizobial plasmids are maintained in the cells using a tightly controlled and uniquely organized replication system. Completion of several rhizobial genome-sequencing projects has changed the view that their genomes are simply composed of the chromosome and cryptic plasmids. The genetic content of plasmids and the presence of some important (or even essential) genes contribute to the capability of environmental adaptation and competitiveness with other bacteria. On the other hand, their mosaic structure results in the plasticity of the genome and demonstrates a complex evolutionary history of plasmids. In this review, a genomic perspective was employed for discussion of several aspects regarding rhizobial plasmids comprising structure, replication, genetic content, and biological role. A special emphasis was placed on current post-genomic knowledge concerning plasmids, which has enriched the view of the entire bacterial genome organization by the discovery of plasmids with a potential chromosome-like role.
In vitro propagation of Gentiana dinarica Beck.
Authors: Vinterhalter Branka , Milošević Dijana , Janković Teodora , Milojević Jelena , Vinterhalter Dragan
Published: June 2012

Gentiana dinarica Beck, rare and endangered species of Balkan Dinaric alps, was in vitro propagated (micropropagated) from axillary buds of plants collected at Mt. Tara, Serbia. G. dinarica preferred MS to WPM medium, with optimal shoot multiplication on MS medium with 3% sucrose, 1.0 mg l−1 BA and 0.1 mg l−1 NAA. Rooting was not clearly separated from shoot multiplication since BA did not completely inhibit root initiation. Spontaneous rooting on plant growth regulator-free medium occurred in some 30% of shoot explants. Rooting was stimulated mostly by decreased mineral salt nutrition and a medium with 0.5 MS salts, 2% sucrose and 0.5–1.0 mg l−1 IBA was considered to be optimal for rooting. Rooted plantlets were successfully acclimated and further cultured in peat-based substrate.
Natural rules for Arabidopsis thaliana pre-mRNA splicing site selection
Authors: Wu Ning , Matand Kanyand , Wu Huijuan , Li Baoming , Love Kayla , Stoutermire Brittany , Wu Yanfeng
Published: June 2012

The accurate prediction of plant pre-mRNA splicing sites has been studied extensively. The rules for plant pre-mRNA splicing still remain unknown. This study, based on confirmed sequence data, systematically analyzed all expressed genes on Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome IV to quantitatively explore the natural splicing rules. The results indicated that defining Arabidopsis thaliana pre-mRNA splicing sites required a combination of multiple factors including (1) relative conserved consensus sequence at splicing site; (2) individual nucleotide distribution pattern in 50 nucleotides up- and down-stream regions of splicing site; (3) quantitative analysis of individual nucleotide distribution by using the formulations concluded from this study. The combination of all these factors together can bring the accuracy of Arabidopsis thaliana splicing site recognition over 99%. The results provide additional information to the future of plant pre-mRNA splicing research.
Screening of rootstock hybrids with Vitis cinerea Arnold for phylloxera resistance
Authors: Pavloušek Pavel
Published: June 2012

The resistance to phylloxera is one of the most important properties of grapevine rootstock. The breeding and selection of rootstock varieties represents a biological method of fight against phylloxera. In this study altogether 59 rootstock hybrids originating from nine different populations were evaluated. Pedigrees of all populations involved Vitis cinerea Arnold introduced through the hybrid Bruci/(Vitis berlandieri Planch. × Vitis rupestris Scheele) × Vitis cinerea Arnold/ and the variety Börner. Pot experiments were performed in a glasshouse while those with excised root pieces in root bioassay took place in a laboratory. This combination showed to be a very good selection tool for rootstock breeding. In seven rootstock hybrids, it was found that the resistance to phylloxera gallicoles and radicicoles was very high. The highest number of resistant hybrids was found in Binova × Börner. The variety Börner showed to be the best gene source of phylloxera resistance and even in case of a simple crossing produced sufficient number of resistant progeny.
Bioactive content and antioxidant capacity of Cape gooseberry fruit
Authors: Rop Otakar , Mlcek Jiri , Jurikova Tunde , Valsikova Magdalena
Published: June 2012

At present, Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) fruit is one of the less used raw materials of plant origin, which can be used for human nutrition. This fruit, as well as alimentary products made of it, were used by healers in folk medicine in the distant past. The aim of this study was to monitor and evaluate the antioxidant capacity of fresh fruit of three Cape gooseberry cultivars ‘Giant’, ‘Golden berry’ and ‘Inka’. Antioxidant capacity was also tested, on the basis of the scavenging effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation of methanolic extracts made of fresh fruit. These results were further extended and supplemented with determinates of the vitamin C and total phenolic contents. These analyses were made for three consecutive years. The highest values of antioxidant capacity were observed in the ‘Inka’ cultivar (9.31 grams of ascorbic acid equivalents kg−1 of fresh mass). In this cultivar, the obtained results were corroborated also in ROS and the contents of vitamin C and total phenolics. Due to a high antioxidant capacity of this fruit species, the results presented should increase its popularity above all as a promising raw material, which can be used for human nutrition.