bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Azaspirene, a fungal product, inhibits angiogenesis by blocking Raf‐1 activation
Authors: Asami Yukihiro , Kakeya Hideaki , Komi Yusuke , Kojima Soichi , Nishikawa Kiyohiro , Beebe Kristin , Neckers Len , Osada Hiroyuki
Published: July 2008

Angiogenesis is an inevitable event in tumor progression and metastasis, and thus has been a compelling target for cancer therapy in recent years. Effective inhibition of tumor progression and metastasis could become a promising way to treat tumor‐induced angiogenesis. We discovered that a fungus, Neosartorya sp., isolated from a soil sample, produced a new angiogenesis inhibitor, which we designated azaspirene. Azaspirene was previously shown to inhibit human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at an effective dose, 100% of 27 µmol/L without significant cell toxicity. In the present study, we investigated the antiangiogenic activity of azaspirene in vivo. Azaspirene treatment reduced the number of tumor‐induced blood vessels. Administration of azaspirene at 30 µg/egg resulted in inhibition of angiogenesis (23.6–45.3% maximum inhibition relative to the controls) in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay. Next, we elucidated the molecular mechanism of antiangiogenesis of azaspirene. We investigated the effects of azaspirene on VEGF‐induced activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway in HUVEC. In vitro experiments indicated that azaspirene suppressed Raf‐1 activation induced by VEGF without affecting the activation of kinase insert domain‐containing receptor/fetal liver kinase 1 (VEGF receptor 2). Additionally, azaspirene preferentially inhibited the growth of HUVEC but not that of the non‐vascular endothelial cells NIH3T3, HeLa, MSS31, and MCF‐7. Taken together, these results demonstrate that azaspirene is a novel inhibitor of angiogenesis and Raf‐1 activation that contains a unique carbon skeleton in its molecular structure. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1853–1858)
The impact of alcohol use on depressive symptoms in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients†
Authors: Sullivan Lynn E. , Saitz Richard , Cheng Debbie M. , Libman Howard , Nunes David , Samet Jeffrey H.
Published: July 2008

Aims  To examine the impact of alcohol use on depressive symptoms in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients.

Design  Data were collected at 6‐month intervals and analyzed to evaluate the association between alcohol dependence and consumption on depressive symptoms using longitudinal mixed‐effects regression models controlling for specified covariates.

Measurements  The two independent variables were current alcohol dependence assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and past month consumption (heavy versus not heavy drinking) using a validated calendar‐based method. The primary outcome was depressive symptoms as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D).

Participants  HIV‐infected adults with current or past alcohol problems.

Findings  Alcohol dependence and heavy alcohol use were significantly associated with higher CES‐D scores in unadjusted models. In adjusted analyses, the association of current alcohol dependence persisted [mean difference in CES‐D was 3.49 for dependence versus non‐dependence; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.76–5.22]; however, the effect of heavy drinking was no longer statistically significant (mean difference in CES‐D was 1.04 for heavy versus not heavy drinking; 95% CI: −0.24–2.32).

Conclusions  Alcohol use is associated with more depressive symptoms in HIV‐infected patients with alcohol problems. This association remains significant after adjusting for potential confounders only when alcohol use meets the criteria for alcohol dependence.
Toll‐like receptor 2 and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐2 play divergent roles in the recognition of gut‐derived lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in dendritic cells
Authors: Zeuthen Louise Hjerrild , Fink Lisbeth Nielsen , Frøkiær Hanne
Published: July 2008

The gut microbiota is vital in the maintenance of homeostasis in the gut immune system. Its diversity and composition play major roles in relation to allergies and inflammatory bowel diseases, and administration of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, has positive effects on these pathologies. However, the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects are largely unknown. Here we reveal divergent roles played by Toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR2) and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐2 (NOD2) in dendritic cell (DC) recognition of LAB. Murine bone‐marrow‐derived DC lacking NOD2 produce higher levels of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and reduced levels of IL‐12 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in response to LAB. This indicates that peptidoglycan is partly responsible for the T helper type 1 skewing effect of certain LAB. Dendritic cells that are TLR2−/− produce less IL‐12 and TNF‐α and more IL‐10 in response to some strains of lactobacilli, while they produce more IL‐12 and less IL‐10 in response to bifidobacteria. The same tendency was found in human monocyte‐derived DC. We have previously reported that the weak IL‐12‐inducing and TNF‐α‐inducing bifidobacteria inhibit the T helper type 1 skewing effect induced by strong immunostimulatory lactobacilli. Here we show that this immunoinhibitory effect of bifidobacteria is dependent on TLR2 and independent of NOD2. Moreover, independently of the cytokine pattern induced by intact LAB, cell wall fractions of all LAB, as well as synthetic lipoproteins possess immunoinhibitory capacities in both human and murine DC. These novel findings suggest that LAB act as immunoregulators through interaction of lipoprotein with TLR2 and as immunostimulators through interaction of peptidoglycan with NOD2.
Molar incisor hypomineralization in Hong Kong Chinese children
Authors: CHO SHIU‐YIN , KI YUNG , CHU VANESSA
Published: July 2008

Background.  Most prevalence studies on molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) were carried out in European countries, and data from the East‐Asian populations were lacking.

Aim.  This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MIH in Hong Kong Chinese children.

Design.  Since 2006, charting of teeth with MIH was included into the routine dental examination in a school dental clinic. The dental records of grade 6 primary school children who attended annual check‐up in this clinic in 2006 were subsequently reviewed retrospectively. The records were selected for this study if the charting indicated that the children were affected by MIH.

Results.  A total of 2635 records were reviewed and 73 cases of MIH were identified. The prevalence of MIH in this group of children was 2.8%. Their mean age was 12, and the male‐to‐female ratio was 1 : 1.2. The mean decayed, missing, or filled permanent teeth value of those affected was 1.5, which was higher than that of the general Hong Kong Chinese children aged 12 years old (0.8). A total of 192 teeth were affected. The most commonly affected teeth were permanent maxillary first molars, followed by mandibular first molars and maxillary central incisors. Dental fillings and fissure sealants were found in 52 (38%) and 65 (47%) permanent first molars with hypomineralization, respectively. Medical histories were unremarkable in 60 children, whereas early childhood diseases were reported in 13 cases.

Conclusions.  The prevalence of MIH in the permanent dentition of Hong Kong Chinese children was 2.8%. Children with MIH showed higher caries experience in the permanent dentition than the general population of similar age.
Risk factors for injuries to maxillary permanent incisors and upper lip among schoolchildren in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: KAHABUKA FEBRONIA KOKULENGYA , MUGONZIBWA EMERIA ABELLA
Published: July 2008

Background.   Dental trauma is common among children, and the maxillary permanent central incisors are the most often affected teeth.

Aim.   This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for injury to maxillary permanent incisors and the upper lip among Tanzanian schoolchildren aged 8–14 years.

Design.   A cross‐sectional study involving 1119 children. The risk variables investigated included age, gender, lip competence, and overjet. The corresponding proportions of injuries and the relative risk (with 95% confidence interval) were calculated and tested by Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression was applied to ascertain the strength and direction of the association of the risk variables to injuries, and backward selection was used to test significant risk factors.

Results.   About 24% of the children had trauma to maxillary incisors, 45% had incompetent lip whereas 31% had increased overjet. Age, gender, overjet, and lip competence showed significant association with injuries to upper lip and maxillary incisors. Boys had sustained more injuries than girls, with a higher relative risk for luxation injuries. Enamel fracture was associated with overjet combined with lip competence, whereas enamel dentine fracture without pulp involvement was related to gender. Luxation injuries were associated with gender, tooth avulsion with overjet, and lip competence. Injury to the upper lip was associated with age.

Conclusion.   Male gender, increased overjet, and lip incompetence were the main risk factors of getting trauma to maxillary incisors, whereas age was the risk factor for injury to the upper lip.
Behavioural plasticity associated with propagule size, resources, and the invasion success of the Argentine ant Linepithema humile
Authors: Sagata Katayo , Lester Philip J.
Published: July 2008

The number of individuals involved in an invasion event, or ‘propagule size’, has a strong theoretical basis for influencing invasion success. However, rarely has propagule size been experimentally manipulated to examine changes in invader behaviour, and propagule longevity and success.

We manipulated propagule size of the invasive Argentine ant Linepithema humile in laboratory and field studies. Laboratory experiments involved L. humile propagules containing two queens and 10, 100, 200 or 1000 workers. Propagules were introduced into arenas containing colonies of queens and 200 workers of the competing native ant Monomorium antarcticum. The effects of food availability were investigated via treatments of only one central resource, or 10 separated resources. Field studies used similar colony sizes of L. humile, which were introduced into novel environments near an invasion front.

In laboratory studies, small propagules of L. humile were quickly annihilated. Only the larger propagule size survived and killed the native ant colony in some replicates. Aggression was largely independent of food availability, but the behaviour of L. humile changed substantially with propagule size. In larger propagules, aggressive behaviour was significantly more frequent, while L. humile were much more likely to avoid conflict in smaller propagules.

In field studies, however, propagule size did not influence colony persistence. Linepithema humile colonies persisted for up to 2 months, even in small propagules of 10 workers. Factors such as temperature or competitor abundance had no effect, although some colonies were decimated by M. antarcticum.

Synthesis and applications. Although propagule size has been correlated with invasion success in a wide variety of taxa, our results indicate that it will have limited predictive power with species displaying behavioural plasticity. We recommend that aspects of animal behaviour be given much more consideration in attempts to model invasion success. Secondly, areas of high biodiversity are thought to offer biotic resistance to invasion via the abundance of predators and competitors. Invasive pests such as L. humile appear to modify their behaviour according to local conditions, and establishment was not related to resource availability. We cannot necessarily rely on high levels of native biodiversity to repel invasions.
Medicine and science in the fight against doping in sport
Authors: Catlin D. H. , Fitch K. D. , Ljungqvist A.
Published: July 2008

The fight against doping in sports commenced as a result of the death of a Danish cyclist during the Rome Olympic Games in 1960. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) established a Medical Commission (IOC‐MC) which had the task of designing a strategy to combat the misuse of drugs in Olympic Sport. Some International Sport Federations (IF) and National Sports Federations followed suit, but progress was modest until the world’s best male sprinter was found doped with anabolic steroids at the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988. Further progress was made following the cessation of the cold war in 1989 and in 1999 public authorities around the world joined the Olympic Movement in a unique partnership by creating WADA – the ‘World Anti‐Doping Agency’. The troubled history of the anti‐doping fight from the 1960s until today is reviewed. In particular, the development of detection methods for an ever increasing number of drugs that can be used to dope is described, as are the measures that have been taken to protect the health of the athletes, including those who may need banned substances for medical reasons.
Where are people being tested for anti‐HCV in England? Results from sentinel laboratory surveillance
Authors: Brant L. J. , Hurrelle M. , Balogun M. A. , Klapper P. , Ramsay M. E. ,   the Hepatitis Sentinel Surveillance Study Group
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Many people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are unaware of their infection and are, therefore. potentially infectious to others. To enable effective case‐finding policies to be developed, an understanding of where people, and injecting drug users (IDUs) in particular, are accessing HCV antibody testing is needed. HCV antibody testing data were collected electronically from 21 sentinel laboratories in England between 2002 and 2006 in this cross‐sectional study. Service types of the physician requesting the HCV test were identified and classified. Differences in people being tested in each service type and over time were investigated. Over half a million people were tested in 5 years. Whilst most testing took place in hospital, a large proportion of people were tested in community care, particularly in general practice surgeries and genito‐urinary medicine clinics. Younger people were more likely to be tested in community care, and there was evidence that testing differed according to ethnic status. IDUs were tested in all parts of the health services, although the highest proportion positive were from prisons and specialist services for drug users. Testing increased between 2002 and 2005 whilst the proportion of people testing positive declined. Routine laboratory data can provide valuable information on where people are being tested for HCV. Risk exposures should be investigated and testing targeted to people at higher risk for infection. Local laboratories should review data on testing locations and proportion positive to inform local initiatives to improve testing and yield.
Diagnosis of acute hepatitis C virus infection and estimated incidence in low‐ and high‐risk English populations
Authors: Brant L. J. , Ramsay M. E. , Balogun M. A. , Boxall E. , Hale A. , Hurrelle M. , Kaluba L. , Klapper P. , Lewis D. , Patel B. C. , Parry J. , Irving W. L.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  The diagnosis of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is not straightforward; few people exhibit clinical symptoms and genome/antigen detection techniques do not indicate when infection had occurred. Here, a strategy to detect HCV RNA in the absence of antibody (‘window‐period’) for diagnosis of acute infection is assessed. The sentinel surveillance of hepatitis testing study was used to retrospectively identify anti‐HCV negative samples from high‐risk individuals (2002–2003), for testing singly for HCV RNA. Additional samples were identified prospectively (2005) and tested in pools for HCV RNA. Positive samples were genotyped. Incidence and costs of adopting the pooling strategy were estimated. In the retrospective study, 8/390 (2.1%) samples were confirmed HCV RNA positive, anti‐HCV negative. Prospectively, 3237 samples were tested in 325 pools. Five positive pools identified four confirmed HCV RNA positive patients (one false positive). Estimated incidence was 12.9 per 100 person‐years in injecting drug users (IDUs) (retrospective study) and 3.7 per 100 person‐years among drug/alcohol services and prison attendees (prospective study). Estimated costs were £850 per positive sample, in areas of higher risk. The yield from a window‐period strategy depends upon the population tested. Pooled HCV RNA testing of anti‐HCV negative samples from the current IDUs is realistic and relatively inexpensive to identify recently infected individuals.
Natural killer cells suppress full cycle HCV infection of human hepatocytes
Authors: Wang S.‐H. , Huang C.‐X. , Ye L. , Wang X. , Song L. , Wang Y.‐J. , Liang H. , Huang X.‐Y. , Ho W.‐Z.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  The role of natural killer (NK) cells in controlling hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and replication has not been fully delineated. We examined NK cell‐mediated noncytolytic effect on full cycle HCV infection of human hepatocytes. Human hepatocytes (Huh7.5.1 cells) co‐cultured with NK cells or treated with supernatants (SN) from NK cells cultures had significantly lower levels of HCV RNA and protein than control cells. This NK cell‐mediated anti‐HCV activity could be largely abolished by antibody to interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ). The investigation of the mechanisms for NK cell‐mediated anti‐HCV activity showed that NK SN‐treated hepatocytes expressed higher levels of IFN‐α/β than the control cells. NK SN also enhanced IFN regulatory factor‐3 and 7 expression in the hepatocytes. In addition, NK SN enhanced the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 2, the nuclear factors that are essential for the activation of IFN‐mediated antiviral pathways. These data provide direct evidence at cellular and molecular levels that NK cells have a key role in suppressing HCV infection of and replication in human hepatocytes.
Monocyte‐derived dendritic cells from HCV‐infected patients transduced with an adenovirus expressing NS3 are functional when stimulated with the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C)
Authors: Echeverría I. , Zabaleta A. , Silva L. , Díaz‐Valdés N. , Riezu‐Boj J. I. , Lasarte J. J. , Borrás‐Cuesta F. , Civeira M. P. , Prieto J. , Sarobe P.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Dendritic cells (DC) transfected with an adenovirus encoding hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protein (AdNS3) induce potent antiviral immune responses when used to immunize mice. However, in HCV infected patients, controversial results have been reported regarding the functional properties of monocyte‐derived DC (MoDC), a cell population commonly used in DC vaccination protocols. Thus, with the aim of future vaccination studies we decided to characterize MoDC from HCV patients transfected with AdNS3 and stimulated with the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C). Phenotypic and functional properties of these cells were compared with those from MoDC obtained from uninfected individuals. PCR analysis showed that HCV RNA was negative in MoDC from patients after the culture period. Also, phenotypic analysis of these cells showed lower expression of CD80, CD86, and CD40, but similar expression of HLA‐DR molecules as compared to MoDC from uninfected individuals. Functional assays of MoDC obtained from patients and controls showed a similar ability to activate allogeneic lymphocytes or to produce IL‐12 and IL‐10, although lower IFN‐α levels were produced by cells from HCV patients after poly(I:C) stimulation. Moreover, both groups of MoDC induced similar profiles of IFN‐γ and IL‐5 after stimulation of allogeneic T‐cells. Finally, migration assays did not reveal any difference in their ability to respond to CCL21 chemokine. In conclusion, MoDC from HCV patients are functional after transduction with AdNS3 and stimulation with poly(I:C). These findings suggest that these cells may be useful for therapeutic vaccination in chronic HCV infection.
Follicular Lymphoma in a X‐linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome Carrier Female
Authors: Woon S.‐T. , Ameratunga R. , Croxson M. , Taylor G. , Neas K. , Edkins E. , Browett P. , Gane E. , Munn S
Published: July 2008

X‐linked lymphoproliferative (XLP) syndrome is a rare primary immune‐deficiency disorder caused by mutations of the SH2D1A or XIAP genes. Males with the disorder are usually in good health until contracting Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) whereupon the majority of patients die from fulminant infectious mononucleosis, lymphoma or hypogammaglobulinaemia. This report describes a female carrier with an XLP phenotype who was retrospectively identified after her grandson died from the disorder. Subsequent genetic testing identified the patient's mother and affected maternal grandmother as XLP carriers. The family’s medical records were significant. The proband had lymphoma at ages 2 and 8 and made a full recovery following treatment. Both the maternal grandmother and uncle died of non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We were concerned that the XLP carrier mother may be predisposed to lymphoma if the normal X chromosome is skewed towards inactivation. The human androgen receptor assay detected random X chromosome inactivation in the carrier mother. EBV was not detected in the lymphoma tissues of the proband and his grandmother, confirming previous findings that EBV is not always associated with lymphoma in XLP. More significantly, our study highlights the importance of identifying XLP in families with a high incidence of lymphoma.
Potassium transport and plant salt tolerance
Authors: Shabala Sergey , Cuin Tracey A.
Published: July 2008

Salinity is a major abiotic stress affecting approximately 7% of the world’s total land area resulting in billion dollar losses in crop production around the globe. Recent progress in molecular genetics and plant electrophysiology suggests that the ability of a plant to maintain a high cytosolic K+/Na+ ratio appears to be critical to plant salt tolerance. So far, the major efforts of plant breeders have been aimed at improving this ratio by minimizing Na+ uptake and transport to shoot. In this paper, we discuss an alternative approach, reviewing the molecular and ionic mechanisms contributing to potassium homeostasis in salinized plant tissues and discussing prospects for breeding for salt tolerance by targeting this trait. Major K+ transporters and their functional expression under saline conditions are reviewed and the multiple modes of their control are evaluated, including ameliorative effects of compatible solutes, polyamines and supplemental calcium. Subsequently, the genetic aspects of inheritance of K+ transport ‘markers’ are discussed in the general context of salt tolerance as a polygenic trait. The molecular identity of ‘salt tolerance’ genes is analysed, and prospects for future research and breeding are examined.
Beneficial effects of potassium on human health
Authors: He Feng J. , MacGregor Graham A.
Published: July 2008

Until recently, humans consumed a diet high in potassium. However, with the increasing consumption of processed food, which has potassium removed, combined with a reduction in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, there has been a large decrease in potassium intake which now, in most developed countries, averages around 70 mmol day−1, i.e. only one third of our evolutionary intake. Much evidence shows that increasing potassium intake has beneficial effects on human health. Epidemiological and clinical studies show that a high‐potassium diet lowers blood pressure in individuals with both raised blood pressure and average population blood pressure. Prospective cohort studies and outcome trials show that increasing potassium intake reduces cardiovascular disease mortality. This is mainly attributable to the blood pressure‐lowering effect and may also be partially because of the direct effects of potassium on the cardiovascular system. A high‐potassium diet may also prevent or at least slow the progression of renal disease. An increased potassium intake lowers urinary calcium excretion and plays an important role in the management of hypercalciuria and kidney stones and is likely to decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Low serum potassium is strongly related to glucose intolerance, and increasing potassium intake may prevent the development of diabetes that occurs with prolonged treatment with thiazide diuretics. Reduced serum potassium increases the risk of lethal ventricular arrhythmias in patients with ischaemic heart disease, heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy, and increasing potassium intake may prevent this. The best way to increase potassium intake is to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Role of magnesium in carbon partitioning and alleviating photooxidative damage
Authors: Cakmak Ismail , Kirkby Ernest A.
Published: July 2008

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency exerts a major influence on the partitioning of dry matter and carbohydrates between shoots and roots. One of the very early reactions of plants to Mg deficiency stress is the marked increase in the shoot‐to‐root dry weight ratio, which is associated with a massive accumulation of carbohydrates in source leaves, especially of sucrose and starch. These higher concentrations of carbohydrates in Mg‐deficient leaves together with the accompanying increase in shoot‐to‐root dry weight ratio are indicative of a severe impairment in phloem export of photoassimilates from source leaves. Studies with common bean and sugar beet plants have shown that Mg plays a fundamental role in phloem loading of sucrose. At a very early stage of Mg deficiency, phloem export of sucrose is severely impaired, an effect that occurs before any noticeable changes in shoot growth, Chl concentration or photosynthetic activity. These findings suggest that accumulation of carbohydrates in Mg‐deficient leaves is caused directly by Mg deficiency stress and not as a consequence of reduced sink activity. The role of Mg in the phloem‐loading process seems to be specific; resupplying Mg for 12 or 24 h to Mg‐deficient plants resulted in a very rapid recovery of sucrose export. It appears that the massive accumulation of carbohydrates and related impairment in photosynthetic CO2 fixation in Mg‐deficient leaves cause an over‐reduction in the photosynthetic electron transport chain that potentiates the generation of highly reactive O2 species (ROS). Plants respond to Mg deficiency stress by marked increases in antioxidative capacity of leaves, especially under high light intensity, suggesting that ROS generation is stimulated by Mg deficiency in chloroplasts. Accordingly, it has been found that Mg‐deficient plants are very susceptible to high light intensity. Exposure of Mg‐deficient plants to high light intensity rapidly induced leaf chlorosis and necrosis, an outcome that was effectively delayed by partial shading of the leaf blade, although the Mg concentrations in different parts of the leaf blade were unaffected by shading. The results indicate that photooxidative damage contributes to development of leaf chlorosis under Mg deficiency, suggesting that plants under high‐light conditions have a higher physiological requirement for Mg. Maintenance of a high Mg nutritional status of plants is, thus, essential in the avoidance of ROS generation, which occurs at the expense of inhibited phloem export of sugars and impairment of CO2 fixation, particularly under high‐light conditions.
Adaptive survival mechanisms and growth limitations of small‐stature herb species across a plant diversity gradient
Authors: Daßler A. , Roscher C. , Temperton V. M. , Schumacher J. , Schulze E.‐D.
Published: July 2008

Several biodiversity experiments have shown positive effects of species richness on aboveground biomass production, but highly variable responses of individual species. The well‐known fact that the competitive ability of plant species depends on size differences among species, raises the question of effects of community species richness on small‐stature subordinate species. We used experimental grasslands differing in species richness (1–60 species) and functional group richness (one to four functional groups) to study biodiversity effects on biomass production and ecophysiological traits of five small‐stature herbs (Bellis perennis, Plantago media, Glechoma hederacea, Ranunculus repens and Veronica chamaedrys). We found that ecophysiological adaptations, known as typical shade‐tolerance strategies, played an important role with increasing species richness and in relation to a decrease in transmitted light. Specific leaf area and leaf area ratio increased, while area‐based leaf nitrogen decreased with increasing community species richness. Community species richness did not affect daily leaf carbohydrate turnover of V. chamaedrys and P. media indicating that these species maintained efficiency of photosynthesis even in low‐light environments. This suggests an important possible mechanism of complementarity in such grasslands, whereby smaller species contribute to a better overall efficiency of light use. Nevertheless, these species rarely contributed a large proportion to community biomass production or achieved higher yields in mixtures than expected from monocultures. It seems likely that the allocation to aboveground plant organs to optimise carbon assimilation limited the investment in belowground organs to acquire nutrients and thus hindered these species from increasing their performance in multi‐species mixtures.
Fitness and genetic variation of Viola calaminaria, an endemic metallophyte: implications of population structure and history
Authors: Bizoux J.‐P. , Daïnou K. , Raspé O. , Lutts S. , Mahy G.
Published: July 2008

We investigated variations in genetic diversity and plant fitness in a rare endemic metallophyte of calamine soils, Viola calaminaria, in relation to population size, population connectivity and population history in order to evaluate and discuss potential conservation strategies for the species. Mean population genetic diversity (Hs = 0.25) of V. calaminaria was similar to endemic non‐metallophyte taxa. Twenty‐one per cent of the genetic variation was partitioned among populations and a low (9%) but significant differentiation was found among geographical regions. Our results did not support the hypothesis that the acquisition of metal tolerance may result in reduced genetic diversity, and suggested that strict metallophytes do not exhibit higher inter‐population differentiation resulting from scattered habitats. There were no relationships between population genetic diversity and population size. Significant correlations were found between plant fitness and (i) population size and (ii) connectivity index. Recently‐founded populations exhibited the same level of genetic diversity as ancient populations and also possessed higher plant fitness. There was no indication of strong founder effects in recently‐established populations. The results suggest that the creation of habitats through human activities could provide new opportunities for conservation of this species.
Unique occurrence of pectin‐like fibrillar cell wall deposits in xylem fibres of poplar
Authors: Arend M. , Muninger M. , Fromm J.
Published: July 2008

Using light and electron microscopic techniques, we studied the unique occurrence of fibrillar cell wall deposits in mature xylem fibres from poplar. These cell wall deposits lined the lumen‐facing side of the wall, mainly in fibres next to vessel elements. Different lines of evidence point to the pectin‐like nature of these fibrillar cell wall deposits. First, specific staining by Alcian Blue 8GX, a dye with high affinity for pectic substances. Second, the strongly reduced staining of the cell wall deposits in microscopic sections treated with pectolytic enzyme. Third, concomitant staining of pits, which are known to consist mainly of pectic substances. Given the pectin‐like nature of the fibrillar cell wall deposits as well as their preferred occurrence in fibres neighbouring water‐conducting vessel elements, a function for the fibrillar cell wall deposits in lateral water diffusion and stem water storage is hypothesised. The hypothesis is supported by the increased abundance of these cell wall deposits in wood tissue of a drought‐sensitive poplar species.
Identification of potential protein regulators bound to the tissue‐specific positive and negative cis‐acting elements of a green tissue‐specific promoter in rice
Authors: Cai M. , Yuan T. , Duan L. , Li X. , Wang S.
Published: July 2008

Although some tissue‐specific cis‐acting elements have been identified, the molecular mechanisms of tissue‐specific gene expression remain elusive. Here, we report the identification by a yeast one‐hybrid screen of five proteins, Os10g31330/glycine‐rich, Os01g10400/metallothionein‐like, Os05g51180/nucleic acid‐binding, Os05g37930/unknown and Os01g01689/phosphatidylinositol kinase that bound to either the positive or negative tissue‐specific cis elements of a rice promoter from the green tissue‐specific D54O gene. These proteins are localised in the nucleus and the genes encoding them are differentially expressed in different tissues, further suggesting their putative roles in regulating gene expression. These results suggest that the green tissue‐specific expression of the D54O gene may be regulated by the interaction of multiple proteins with cis elements in the promoter region.
Female reproductive output in a Mediterranean shrub: effects from inflorescence to population
Authors: Sánchez A. M. , Albert M. J. , Escudero A.
Published: July 2008

Inflorescence effects have been poorly studied, in spite of the functional relevance of the inflorescence in fruit and seed ecology. The present study focused on the effects of inflorescence size and phenology, and flower position within the inflorescence, in relation to fruit and seed production of the Mediterranean shrub Ononis fruticosa. Variability in fruit and seed production, seed weight and germination were estimated and modelled. Results confirmed that the most important predictors in seed production were inflorescence flowering time and flower position within the inflorescence. Thus, the number of mature seeds per fruit was higher in earlier inflorescences and in basal positions. On the other hand, predation was higher in fruits in basal positions. In fact, seed predation seemed to be the most important factor controlling final seed production. Models at the plant level suggested a negative incidence of geitonogamous pollination and resource limitation, which were also observed at the fruit level. This study confirmed the relevance of inflorescence effects on the reproductive output of O. fruticosa. Although the underlying processes could not be identified, our results provide several hypotheses for future experimental studies.
Mapping of QTL for resistance to powdery mildew and resistance gene analogues in perennial ryegrass
Authors: Schejbel B. , Jensen L. B. , Asp T. , Xing Y. , Lübberstedt T.
Published: July 2008

The objective of this study was to map resistance gene analogues (RGA) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for powdery mildew resistance in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The mapping population consisted of 184 F2 genotypes produced from a cross between one genotype of a synthetic perennial ryegrass variety Veyo and one genotype from the perennial ryegrass ecotype Falster. The greenhouse infection was measured as number of sporulating colonies on a 10‐cm leaf area with the maximum possible number of colonies to be counted set to 50. The range of infection scores in the population was 0–50 and the heritability was 71.7%. In total, two QTL for powdery mildew resistance were identified, and mapped to linkage groups (LG) LG3 and LG7. Individually, these QTL explained between 7.5% and 22.1% of the total phenotypic variation. Six RGA and three laccases were mapped to LG2, LG3, LG4, LG5 and LG7, however, no close linkage between RGA and QTL was observed.
Chromosomal location in triticale of leaf rust resistance genes introduced from Triticum monococcum
Authors: Sodkiewicz W. , Strzembicka A. , Apolinarska B.
Published: July 2008

This study was undertaken to understand the inheritance of leaf rust resistance in line TM16 of Triticum monococcum ssp. monococcum var. macedonicum Papag. which is the source of resistance transferred into hexaploid triticale lines (Tcl/Tm). Thirty‐two secondary tetraploid genotypes were analysed cytologicaly to identify substitutions of Am‐genome chromosomes by their homoeologous A‐genome chromosomes from a leaf rust susceptible hexaploid triticale accession. Plants with one (or more) substituted chromosomes were inoculated with leaf rust at two growth stages. The disease phenotypes of these lines indicated that a major resistance gene was located on the short arm of T. monococcum chromosome 2Am. An additional gene on chromosome 6Am had complementary effects in enhancing the effects of the gene on chromosome 2Am.
Wheat leaf rust resistance gene Lr59 derived from Aegilops peregrina
Authors: Marais G. F. , McCallum B. , Marais A. S.
Published: July 2008

An Aegilops peregrina (Hackel in J. Fraser) Maire & Weiller accession that showed resistance to mixed leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) inoculum was crossed with, and backcrossed to, hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). During backcrossing a chromosome segment containing a leaf rust resistance gene (here designated Lr59) was spontaneously translocated to wheat chromosome 1A. Meiotic, monosomic and microsatellite analyses suggested that the translocated segment replaced most of, or the complete, 1AL arm, and probably resulted from centromeric breaks and fusion. The translocation, of which hexaploid wheat line 0306 is the appropriate source material, provided seedling leaf rust resistance against a wide range of South African and Canadian pathotypes.
Development of PCR‐based markers for a major locus conferring powdery mildew resistance in mungbean (Vigna radiata)
Authors: Zhang M. C. , Wang D. M. , Zheng Z. , Humphry M. , Liu C. J.
Published: July 2008

Powdery mildew (PM) can cause significant yield loss in mungbean and several loci conferring resistance to this disease have been identified. A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) marker (VrCS65) linked closely to one of these loci was used to screen a mungbean bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library and positive BAC clones identified were used to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR or microsatellite) and sequence tagged site (STS) markers. Four of the new PCR markers (including two SSRs and two STSs) co‐segregated with the original RFLP marker VrCS65, and another SSR marker (VrCS SSR2) was located 0.5 cM away from it. These PCR‐based and locus‐specific markers could be useful in breeding cultivars with enhanced resistance to PM and in the further characterization of the locus including the isolation of gene(s) responsible for the resistance.
Na+/Ca2+ EXCHANGER INHIBITOR AMELIORATES IMPAIRED ENDOTHELIUM‐DEPENDENT Na+ RELAXATION INDUCED BY HIGH GLUCOSE IN RAT AORTA
Authors: Su Ying , Liu Xiao‐Min , Sun Yan‐Ming , Jin Hong‐Bo , Luan Ying , Wu Yun
Published: July 2008

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of KB‐R7943, an inhibitor of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, on impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxation (EDR) induced by high glucose in rat isolated aorta.

Both acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced EDR and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)‐induced endothelium‐independent relaxation (EIR) were measured after aortic rings had been exposed to high glucose in the absence and presence of KB‐R7943.

Coincubation of aortic rings with high glucose (25 mmol/L) for 24 h resulted in a significant inhibition of EDR, but had no effect on EIR. After incubation of aortic rings in the presence of both KB‐R7943 (0.1–10 µmol/L) and high glucose for 24 h, significantly attenuation of impaired EDR was observed. This protective effect of KB‐R7943 (10 µmol/L) was abolished by superoxide dismutase (SOD; 200 U/mL) and l‐arginine (3 mmol/L), whereas d‐arginine (3 mmol/L) had no effect. Similarly, high glucose decreased SOD activity and the release of nitric oxide (NO) and increased superoxide anion () production in aortic tissue. KB‐R7943 significantly decreased production and increased SOD activity and NO release.

These results suggest that KB‐R7943 can restore impaired EDR induced by high glucose in rat isolated aorta, which may be related to the scavenging of oxygen free radicals and enhanced NO production.
Effect of the CYP2C19 polymorphism on the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori infection by 7‐day triple therapy with regular proton pump inhibitor dosage
Authors: Kang Jung Mook , Kim Nayoung , Lee Dong Ho , Park Young Soo , Kim Joo Sung , Chang In Jin , Song In Sung , Jung Hyun Chae
Published: July 2008

Background and Aim:  Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) in the liver. We investigated whether the CYP2C19 genotype plays a role in the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in patients receiving pantoprazole‐ or esomeprazole‐based triple therapy.

Methods:  A total of 327 patients infected with H. pylori were treated with either pantoprazole or esomeprazole, plus amoxicillin and clarithromycin for 7 days. The presence of the CYP2C19 genotype was determined by pyrosequencing.

Results:  The overall H. pylori eradication rate was 85%; 82.6% for the PAC regimen, and 88.3% for the EAC regimen; the differences were not statistically significant. The overall eradication rate in the poor metabolizer groups (PM) was significantly higher than in the extensive metabolizer groups (EM) (97.4% vs 83.3%; P = 0.016). The eradication rates in the EM and PM groups were 80.8% and 95.7% for the PAC regimen and 86.8% and 100% for the EAC regimen, respectively.

Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that the CYP2C19 genotype status may play a role in the H. pylori eradication rate in patients receiving pantoprazole or esomeprazole‐based triple therapy.
Etiology and outcome of acute liver failure: Retrospective analysis of 50 patients treated at a single center
Authors: Hiramatsu Akira , Takahashi Shoichi , Aikata Hiroshi , Azakami Takahiro , Katamura Yoshio , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Uka Kiminori , Yamashina Keitaro , Takaki Shintaro , Kodama Hideaki , Jeong Soo Cheol , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: July 2008

Background and Aim:  Acute liver failure (ALF) remains a devastating disease carrying considerable mortality. Since deceased donor liver transplantation is rarely performed in Japan, the artificial liver support system (ALS) and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are the main modalities used for treatment of ALF. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of ALF patients and to evaluate therapies for ALF according to etiology.

Methods:  Fifty consecutive patients with ALF were treated between January 1990 and December 2006. Prior to 1997, patients received ALS only. After 1997, ALS and/or LDLT were applied. LDLT was performed in 10 patients.

Results:  Four of 15 (27%) pre‐1997 ALF patients survived, and 16 of 35 (46%) post‐1997 ALF patients survived, including eight who underwent LDLT. The causes of ALF were acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in 18%, severe acute exacerbation (SAE) of chronic HBV infection in 18%, autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in 8%, and cryptogenic hepatitis in 44%. In total, 67% of the patients with ALF caused by acute HBV infection and AIH were cured without LDLT; only 11% of patients with ALF caused by SAE of HBV and 24% of cryptogenic hepatitis were successfully treated without LDLT. Notably, 80% of patients with cryptogenic hepatitis who underwent LDLT survived.

Conclusion:  Since 1997, the survival rate of ALF patients has increased, mainly due to the introduction of LDLT. Liver transplantation should be performed especially in patients with ALF caused by SAE of HBV and cryptogenic hepatitis.
Model consisting of ultrasonographic and simple blood indexes accurately identify compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis
Authors: Chen Yong‐Peng , Dai Lin , Wang Jing‐Lin , Zhu You‐Fu , Feng Xiao‐Rong , Hou Jin‐Lin
Published: July 2008

Background and Aim:  Several models for significant fibrosis or cirrhosis have been introduced for hepatitis C, but are seldom for hepatitis B. The present study retrospectively evaluates the relationship between ultrasonography, blood tests, and fibrosis stage, and constructs a model for predicting compensated cirrhosis.

Methods:  A total of 653 patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent liver biopsies, ultrasonographic scanning, and routine blood tests were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the model set and validation set. Blood tests and ultrasonographic indexes were analyzed statistically. An ultrasonographic scoring system consisting of liver parenchyma, gallbladder, hepatic vessel, and splenomegaly was introduced.

Results:  There were significant differences between cirrhosis and other fibrosis stages in ultrasonographic indexes of liver parenchyma, gallbladder, hepatic vessel, and splenomegaly. Ultrasonographic scores were significantly different between F4 and other fibrosis, and significantly correlated with fibrosis stage. Apart from alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, blood tests and patients' age were correlated with fibrosis, and were significantly different between patients with and without cirrhosis. The model for cirrhosis indexes consisting of ultrasonographic score, patient's age, and variables, including platelet, albumin, and bilirubin predicted cirrhosis with area under receiver–operator curve of 0.907 in the model set and 0.849 in the validation set. Using proper cut‐off values, nearly 81% patients could be accurately assessed for the absence or presence of cirrhosis.

Conclusion:  The model consisting of ultrasonographic score, patients' age, blood variables of platelet, albumin, and bilirubin can identify hepatitis B cirrhosis with a high degree of accuracy. The application of this model would greatly reduce the number of biopsies.
Does hyaluronic acid stimulate tumor growth after endoscopic mucosal resection?
Authors: Sohn Dae Kyung , Chang Hee Jin , Choi Hyo Seong , Jeong Seung‐Yong , Kook Myeong‐Cherl , Kim Chan Gyoo , Choi Il Ju
Published: July 2008

Background and Aim:  A submucosal injection of sodium hyaluronate is widely used for mucosal elevation in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection procedures; however, the oncologic safety of sodium hyaluronate remains unknown. Hyaluronate is the main ligand for CD44 and this interaction was reported to promote tumor progression in in vitro or animal studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium hyaluronate on tumor growth after EMR for gastrointestinal cancers.

Methods:  The study included 18 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for locally‐recurrent or remnant gastrointestinal cancers after EMR from January 2001 to December 2006. The immunohistochemical expression levels of Ki‐67, CD44, ErbB2, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were evaluated in the primary tumor tissue and the recurrent tumor. The protein expression in recurrent or remnant lesions was also compared between the sodium hyaluronate group and non‐sodium hyaluronate group.

Results:  Sodium hyaluronate was used in nine of 14 cases with EMR for gastric cancers and in one of four cases for colon cancers. The time to operation after EMR was 133 days (5–687 days). An analysis of the immunohistochemical expression levels between primary and recurrent or remnant tumors showed no significant differences in the expression levels of Ki‐67, CD44, ErbB2, and EGFR with or without sodium hyaluronate.

Conclusions:  We found no evidence that sodium hyaluronate stimulates the growth of remnant tumors after EMR.