bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genetic mouse model carrying the nonfunctional xeroderma pigmentosum group G gene
Authors: Sun Xue‐Zhi , Harada Yoshi‐Nobu , Zhang Rui , Cui Chun , Takahashi Sentaro , Fukui Yoshihiro
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT  A genetic mouse model with a disrupted XPG allele was generated by insertion of neo cassette sequences into exon 3 of the XPG gene by using embryonic stem (ES) cell techniques. The xpg‐deficient mice showed distinct developmental characteristics. Their body was marked smaller than that in wild‐type littermates since the postnatal day 6, and this postnatal growth failure became more severe with developmental proceeding. Their life span was very short, all of the mutants died by postnatal day 23 after showing great weakness and emaciation. In addition, the mutant homozygous mice also showed some progressive neurological signs, like the lower level of activity and a progressive ataxia. Further examination indicated there was developmental retardation of the brain in the mutant mice. Their brain weight, and thickness of cerebral cortex and cerebellar cortex were significant different from the controls. These characteristics, like small size brain, brain developmental retardation and progressive neurological dysfunctions in the homozygotes were similar to the typical clinical phenotype of the XPG patients and Cockayne syndrome, we believe that the xpg‐deficient mice will be an animal model for studying the function of the XP‐G protein in nucleotide‐excision repair and mechanisms related to the clinic symptoms of XP‐G and Cockayne syndrome in humans.
Perinatal development of the rat kidney: Apoptosis and epidermal growth factor
Authors: Okada Toshiya , Iwamoto Asako , Mukamoto Masafumi , Nakamura Jun , Kusakabe Ken , Kiso Yasuo , Morioka Hiroshi , Morikawa Yoshio
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT  Localization of apoptotic cells in the kidney of perinatal rats was examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated d–UTP–biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method and electron microscopy. Perinatal changes in the percentage of kidney cells with DNA fragmentation were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Through observation of two successive sections, the relationship between the localization of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) positive cells and TUNEL positive cells in the kidney was determined. From fetal day 18 to neonatal day 5, TUNEL positive cells were noted in immature glomeruli, collecting ducts and interstitium. Electron microscopically, chromatin condensed nuclei and apoptotic bodies were seen in the same tissue component as the TUNEL positive cells. The percentage of DNA fragmented cells significantly increased from fetal days 18 to 20 and significantly decreased from fetal days 20 to 22, while they still remained low in the neonatal period. The TUNEL positive cells in immature glomeruli and collecting ducts were not reactive to the EGFR antibody. The TUNEL positive cells were not observed in the proximal tubular cells, which were positive to EGFR antibody. These results indicate that apoptotic cells are present in the kidney throughout the perinatal period in the rat and that EGF plays an important role in perinatal development of the rat kidney.
Infertility observed in female rats treated with N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine: Histopathological examination of ovarian follicles and recovery of fertility
Authors: Harada Miwa , Kishimoto Koji , Hagiwara Rika , Nakashima Yoshifumi , Kurisu Kazunobu , Kawaguchi Yoshiro
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT  We previously reported infertility in female rats that received N–acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) intravenously at a dosage of 1000 mg/kg/day. Unfertilized oocytes and gestation day 1 and 2 embryos were assessed morphologically, and the results suggested that absence or thinning of the zona pellucida (ZP) is related to infertility. However, the morphological characteristics of oocytes before ovulation and recovery from the effects of NAC were not clarified. In the present study, the ovarian follicles were histopathologi–cally examined and the recovery of reproductive function was evaluated to investigate the effects of NAC. Female Sprague‐Dawley rats at 10 weeks of age received NAC intravenously at 1000 mg/kg/day for more than 1 week. Thinning of the ZP was observed in the ovarian follicles in all stages of growth by light microscopy. Outflow of the components of the ZP between the corona radiata and disarrangement of the corona radiata were more pronounced in growing follicles than in large secondary follicles. Similar findings were observed by electron microscopy, and the effects of NAC were limited to the ZP. Infertility and thinning of the ZP were observed in the no–recovery NAC group, but not in the recovery NAC group, in which animals recovered within four estrous cycles after NAC administration. It has been reported that the ZP is expressed by oocytes or by both oocytes and granulosa cells, but no changes were noted in these cells. The present findings suggest that NAC affects the ZP directly and that reproductive function may recover from the effects of NAC.
VACTERL association with a cleft hand
Authors: Endoh Noriko , Igawa Hiroharu H. , Sugihara Tsuneki
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT  Regarding radial ray deficiency, several reports suggest that preaxial limb anomalies occur frequently, while postaxial limb anomalies and cleft hand (split–hands) are rarely associated with VACTERL. We describe a rare clinical case of VACTERL with cleft hand and a number of visceral anomalies.
Cold immersion recovery responses in the diabetic foot with neuropathy
Authors: Bharara Manish , Viswanathan Vijay , Cobb Jonathan E
Published: September 2008

The aim of this article was to investigate the effectiveness of testing cold immersion recovery responses in the diabetic foot with neuropathy using a contact thermography system based on thermochromic liquid crystals. A total of 81 subjects with no history of diabetic foot ulceration were assigned to neuropathy, non neuropathy and healthy groups. Each group received prior verbal and written description of the test objectives and subsequently underwent a comprehensive foot care examination. The room temperature and humidity were consistently maintained at 24°C and less than 50%, respectively, with air conditioning. The right foot for each subject was located on the measurement platform after cold immersion in water at 18–20°C. Whole‐field thermal images of the plantar foot were recorded for 10 minutes. Patients with diabetes with neuropathy show the highest ‘delta temperature’, that is difference between the temperature after 10‐minute recovery period and baseline temperature measured independently at all the three sites tested, that is first metatarsal head (MTH), second MTH and heel. This clinical study showed for the first time the evidence of poor recovery times for the diabetic foot with neuropathy when assessing the foot under load. A temperature deficit (because of poor recovery to baseline temperature) suggests degeneration of thermoreceptors, leading to diminished hypothalamus‐mediated activity in the diabetic neuropathic group.
Warm immersion recovery test in assessment of diabetic neuropathy – a proof of concept study
Authors: Bharara Manish , Viswanathan Vijay , Cobb Jonathan E
Published: September 2008

The aim of this article was to present results of warm immersion recovery test in the diabetic foot with neuropathy using a liquid crystal‐based contact thermography system. It is intended to provide a ‘proof of concept’ for promoting the role of supplementary thermal assessment techniques and evidence‐based diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy. A total of 81 subjects from the outpatient department of MV Hospital for Diabetes, India, were assessed using a liquid crystal thermography system. Each subject was assigned to one of three study groups, that is diabetic neuropathy, diabetic non neuropathy and non diabetic healthy. The room temperature and humidity were consistently maintained at 24°C and less than 50%, respectively, with air conditioning. The right foot for each subject was located on the measurement platform after warm immersion in water at 37°C. Whole‐field thermal images of the plantar foot were recorded for 10 minutes. Local measurements at the most prevalent sites of ulceration, that is metatarsal heads, great toe and heel, show highest temperature deficit after recovery for diabetic neuropathy group. The findings of the current study support the ones of a previous study by the authors, which used cold immersion recovery test for the neuropathic assessment of the diabetic foot. A temperature deficit between the recovery and the baseline temperature for the neuropathic group suggests degeneration of thermoreceptors. Thermal stimulus tests can be useful to validate the nutritional deficits’ (during plantar loading and thermal stimulus) contribution in foot ulceration.
Retrospective review of mitomycin C use as third‐line chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: CHUA Wei , BEALE Philip , LEUNG Melissa , CLARKE Stephen
Published: September 2008

The aim of this review was to determine the therapeutic value of the combination of mitomycin C with either infusional 5‐fluorouracil or oral capecitabine in metastatic colorectal cancer when used as third‐line treatment or beyond in the setting of routine clinical practice. We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients with advanced colorectal cancer who received this combination at our institution after the failure of two lines of prior treatment. All the patients were assessable for toxicity and survival and 14 for tumor response. The median age of the patients was 61 (range 39–78). Of these, 72% were male and 78% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1. Eighty nine percent of the patients had metastatic involvement of the liver and five patients had at least three sites of metastatic involvement. All patients had received at least two lines of chemotherapy and had progressed on an oxaliplatin‐containing regimen. Most of the patients had previously received an irinotecan‐containing regimen, and a third had received prior biological agents. Overall, none of the patients achieved either complete or partial responses. Two patients (11%) achieved stable disease and 12 patients (67%) had progressive disease. The median progression‐free survival was 2.7 months (range 0.5–8.8) and the median overall survival was 5.4 months (range 1.3–31.2). This chemotherapy regimen was well tolerated with an acceptable toxicity profile. The results of our review confirm the low efficacy of combination mitomycin C in heavily pretreated Australian patients with advanced colorectal cancer. This review confirms that it has no role after two lines of modern combination chemotherapy regimens and recommends that focus should be placed on investigating newer agents for good performance status patients progressing after these treatments.
Requesting biochemical tumor markers: A costly gap between evidence and practice?
Authors: De LAINE Kate M , WHITE Graham H , KOCZWARA Bogda
Published: September 2008

Purpose:  We have evaluated the pattern of use of common tumor markers at our institution to determine the extent to which it complied with hospital guidelines.

Methods:  A retrospective audit of the use of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA125, and CA19‐9 tumor markers over a 6‐week period was conducted. Tumor marker request and clinical data were obtained from various hospital databases and the Central Cancer Registry. This information was then used to determine if the marker use was appropriate, meaning that the request indicated the clinical reason for the request and the reason matched the hospital guidelines.

Results:  A total of 170 tumor markers was ordered from 131 requests, representing 122 unique patients. CEA was requested most often (50.6% of all requests). Just over half (53.5%) of all markers requested were for follow‐up of a known cancer and 35.9% were used to help in the diagnosis of a suspected malignancy. A total of 103 markers (60.6% of all requests) tested were used in a specific malignancy as set out in the guidelines, but only in 54 (31.8%) was a clinical reason for the request clearly documented on the laboratory form.

Conclusion:  Less than one‐third of all requests indicate the clinical reason for the tumor marker request and are ordered in an appropriate clinical setting. Various interventions, such as educating prescribing clinicians and changing the request form may improve prescribing patterns.
Use of complementary and alternative therapies by Western Australian cancer patients
Authors: PIRRI Carlo , KATRIS Paul , TROTTER James , BAYLISS Evan , BENNETT Robert , DRUMMOND Peter
Published: September 2008

Aim:  Despite the paucity of controlled trials and possible interference with conventional treatments, complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) use is becoming increasingly popular and many patients do not discuss it with their physicians. Consequently, we examined the incidence and type of CAT use, perceived benefits of use, and the relationship between demographic, clinical or psychological factors and use in Western Australian patients.

Methods:  Two hundred newly diagnosed cancer patients beginning conventional multi‐modal treatment participated. Health‐related quality of life (HQOL), psychological adjustment and CAT use were assessed longitudinally at pretreatment, in treatment (at 8 weeks) and post‐treatment.

Results:  Overall, 30% of patients reported CAT use in the course of treatment. CAT users were predominantly younger (P = 0.004), tertiary educated (P = 0.016), possessed comorbid conditions (P = 0.023), and underwent lengthy treatment (P = 0.004). Patients who underwent lengthy treatment (>6 months) were three times more likely to use CAT than those who did not. Overall, 64% of CAT users perceived benefit from their use, primarily citing enhanced physical and emotional well‐being. CAT users, however, did not score significantly better than non‐users on any measure of HQOL, physical health or psychological function. CAT users generally reported greater psychosocial distress than non‐users across treatment, especially at pretreatment (baseline). However, with ongoing/new CAT use they significantly reduced their distress levels to that of non‐users by 8 weeks in treatment (P = 0.042).

Conclusion:  Complementary and alternative therapies enhanced cancer patients' psychological well‐being during the early stages of conventional treatment only. Use of CAT by cancer patients may be a clinical marker for psychosocial distress, and should trigger clinicians to inquire about physical symptoms, and concomitant anxiety and depression.
Psycho‐social issues in long‐term survivors of testicular cancer: Directions for future research
Authors: LUCKETT Tim , BUTOW Phyllis N , KING Madeleine T , OLVER Ian N
Published: September 2008

Testicular cancer is the most common non‐skin cancer in young men and among the most curable of all neoplasms, making patients’ long‐term physical, psychological and social well‐being of major concern. To date, research on outcomes has been restricted almost entirely to survivors in Europe and the USA. The current article reviews the international literature with a view to developing directions for future research in the Asia–Pacific region. We conclude that planning interventions to improve outcomes awaits further, prospective, controlled studies aimed at establishing the predictive value not only of socio‐demographic, disease and treatment variables but also of psycho‐social variables underlying adjustment and recovery. Ideally, research of this kind would: (i) highlight aspects of the experience of testicular cancer and its treatment that might be targeted by changes to patterns of care, and (ii) identify groups at risk of poor outcomes who could be identified for early intervention through screening. Planning of prospective research would itself benefit from further, large‐scale, cross‐sectional research aimed at identifying those variables that would prove most informative when tracked over time. Exploratory research of this kind should be aimed at providing a snapshot of men's well‐being in the context of a comprehensive range of variables that include patterns of care, unmet needs, satisfaction with treatment and social support as well as disease and treatment variables. Outcome variables should include disease‐specific concerns such as psycho‐sexual problems as well as general physical, psychological and social well‐being.
Response of Carney's triad‐related metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor to sunitinib
Authors: PRANAVAN Ganesalingam , GOLDSTEIN David , YIP Desmond
Published: September 2008

Background:  Metastatic Carney's triad is a rare syndrome of gastrointestinal stromal tumour, paraganglioma and pulmonary chondroma associated with unique clinical behavior and relative resistance to imatinib

Case:  A 50‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour, after having complete remission for almost three decades following gastrectomy for her original gastric tumour. She was c‐kit‐wild type and developed various paragangliomas and possible pulmonary chondromas during the course of her disease. Treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate and subsequently the multikinase inhibitor sunitinib were associated with periods of radiological response and clinical benefit before the patient died of progressive disease.

Conclusion:  Identification of patients with Carney's triad tumours is important in clinical practice as they have distinct clinical behavior, mutational status and relative lack of responsiveness to the current available targeted therapy compared to the typical c‐kit positive gastrointestinal stromal tumours.
Breast conservation for ductal carcinomain situ: Results at an Australian institution with evidence to recommend prospective assessment of the utility of a lumpectomy boost
Authors: CHIN Yaw S , BROWNE Lois , GRAHAM Peter H
Published: September 2008

Aim: We reviewed outcomes for ductal carcinomain situ(DCIS) of the breast at our institution to assess risk factors for ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence (IBTR) after breast conservation (BCT).

Methods: Records were reviewed of all patients who presented with biopsy‐confirmed DCIS of the breast prior to 1 January 2004. Variables analyzed included patient age, tumour size, grade, resection margins, comedonecrosis, surgery, tamoxifen, whole breast radiotherapy dose and addition of a boost. We also attempted to validate the University of Southern California/Van Nuys prognostic index (USC/VNPI).

Results: One hundred and thirty patients had DCIS: four were excluded from analysis and another 10 had mastectomies. A total of 116 patients had BCT and this group comprised the study population. Median follow‐up was 7.7 years (1.6–12.4) and median age was 58 years. Five‐ and 10‐year overall survivals were 98% (93.5–99.6 95% CI) and 89% (74–95 95% CI). Five‐ and 10‐year breast failure‐free survivals were 96% (90–98 95% CI) and 93% (85–97 95% CI). Young age was the only significant factor associated with IBTR (P = 0.018). Patients with a high USC/VNPI score were also significant for increased IBTR (P = 0.04), but this effect disappeared when age was omitted from the index. There was a trend towards an increased risk of IBTR with a lower whole breast dose of less than 50 Gy (P = 0.18). A boost was not associated with reduced IBTR. The 10‐year IBTR for patients under 55 who received adjuvant radiotherapy to a whole breast dose of <50 Gy but no tamoxifen was 25%.

Conclusion: Overall BCT local control and survival outcomes are excellent. There is a suggestion that younger patients should be treated with a whole breast dose equivalent to 50 Gy in 25 daily fractions regardless of a boost. However, this requires confirmation in a randomized phase III trial and therefore the currently active Trans‐Tasman Radiation Oncology Group randomized controlled trial 07.01 should be supported by the breast cancer treating community.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of ovarian lesions: Is it reliable?
Authors: KADIVAR Maryam , KARAMVANDI Mahvash
Published: September 2008

Aim:  To assess the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in evaluating ovarian lesions.

Methods:  Over a two‐year period, fine needle aspiration was performed on surgically removed ovarian masses from 75 patients, aged 20 to 56 years. Smears of the aspirated material stained by Papanicolaou, HE and Wright methods were evaluated by a pathologist who was blinded to the final histopathological diagnoses.

Results:  Smears of approximately half (32 of 75) of the aspirates were acellular. The remaining 43 aspirates consisted of 15 follicular cysts, two endometrioid cysts, three inflammatory processes and 23 neoplastic lesions. The malignant nature of 13 of the 15 (86%) malignant lesions was diagnosed correctly. Of these, three could not be classified into a specific subtype. Fifteen of the 25 (60%) follicular cysts were diagnosed correctly. In our study, the overall sensitivity and specificity of ovarian aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of malignant lesions were 86% and 100%, respectively. Cytological diagnosis of the benign lesions had a sensitivity of 48% and a specificity of 92%.

Conclusion:  Ovarian masses are easily accessible for cytological evaluation by fine needle aspiration during laparoscopy or sonography. We studied fine needle aspiration material from surgically removed specimens. However, the results can be extrapolated to real practice. Aspiration cytology can provide particularly useful information in young women with functional ovarian cysts, preventing unnecessary operations. Acellular cystic fluids should not be considered non‐diagnostic because they represent benign cysts in the majority of cases.
Oxaliplatin‐induced interstitial lung disease
Authors: PICCOLO Francesco , FEENEY Kynan T , TRIBE Anthony E , THOMPSON Phil J , MILLWARD Michael J , Van HAZEL Guy A
Published: September 2008

Oxaliplatin‐induced lung disease is an increasingly recognised phenomenon. We describe here three cases of presumed oxaliplatin‐induced interstitial lung disease. With increasing use of oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer, awareness of this complication and the need for early diagnosis and treatment of respiratory symptoms can lead to early cessation of chemotherapy, rapid exclusion of alternative diagnoses and initiation of treatment with corticosteroids.
Protease inhibitors and reproduction of reniform nematode in pineapple
Authors: Rabovich C. , Paull R. , Sipes B.
Published: September 2008

Endogenous protease inhibitors (PIs) in the roots of Smooth Cayenne pineapple clones may affect the growth of the plant‐parasitic nematode Rotylenchulus reniformis. In pineapple, reniform population densities remain atypically near preplant levels for 6–9 months after pineapple planting. A potted plant experiment was conducted to determine if the PI present in pineapple roots affected nematode reproduction and possibly account for the observed nematode field population dynamics. Pineapple PI activity increased for the first 6 months after planting and was higher in nematode‐inoculated plants. Nematode reproduction, however, was not correlated to PI activity. In a second experiment, PI activity was concentrated in the portion of the roots nearest the pineapple butt where nematode population densities were highest. The behaviour of the PI in pineapple roots suggested a defensive role, such as systemic acquired resistance, against R. reniformis.
Molecular systematics and population genetics of biological invasions: towards a better understanding of invasive species management
Authors: Le Roux J. , Wieczorek A.M.
Published: September 2008

The study of population genetics of invasive species offers opportunities to investigate rapid evolutionary processes at work, and while the ecology of biological invasions has enjoyed extensive attention in the past, the recentness of molecular techniques makes their application in invasion ecology a fairly new approach. Despite this, molecular biology has already proved powerful in inferring aspects not only relevant to the evolutionary biologist but also to those concerned with invasive species management. Here, we review the different molecular markers routinely used in such studies and their application(s) in addressing different questions in invasion ecology. We then review the current literature on molecular genetic studies aimed at improving management and the understanding of invasive species by resolving of taxonomic issues, elucidating geographical sources of invaders, detecting hybridisation and introgression, tracking dispersal and spread and assessing the importance of genetic diversity in invasion success. Finally, we make some suggestions for future research efforts in molecular ecology of biological invasions.
Dark matter halo concentrations in the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe year 5 cosmology
Authors: Duffy Alan R. , Schaye Joop , Kay Scott T. , Dalla Vecchia Claudio
Published: September 2008

We use a combination of three large N-body simulations to investigate the dependence of dark matter halo concentrations on halo mass and redshift in the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe year 5 (WMAP5) cosmology. The median relation between concentration and mass is adequately described by a power law for halo masses in the range 1011–1015h−1 M⊙ and redshifts z < 2, regardless of whether the halo density profiles are fitted using Navarro, Frenk & White or Einasto profiles. Compared with recent analyses of the Millennium Simulation, which uses a value of σ8 that is higher than allowed by WMAP5, z = 0 halo concentrations are reduced by factors ranging from 23 per cent at 1011h−1 M⊙ to 16 per cent at 1014h−1 M⊙. The predicted concentrations are much lower than inferred from X-ray observations of groups and clusters.
Ontological Dependence
Authors: Correia Fabrice
Published: September 2008

‘Ontological dependence’ is a term of philosophical jargon which stands for a rich family of properties and relations, often taken to be among the most fundamental ontological properties and relations. Notions of ontological dependence are usually thought of as ‘carving reality at its ontological joints’, and as marking certain forms of ontological ‘non‐self‐sufficiency’. The use of notions of dependence goes back as far as Aristotle's characterization of substances, and these notions are still widely used to characterize other concepts and to formulate metaphysical claims. This paper first gives an overview of the varieties of these notions, and then discusses some of their main applications.
Selecting Children: The Ethics of Reproductive Genetic Engineering
Authors: Liao S. Matthew
Published: September 2008

Advances in reproductive genetic engineering have the potential to transform human lives. Not only do they promise to allow us to select children free of diseases, they can also enable us to select children with desirable traits. In this paper, I consider two clusters of arguments for the moral permissibility of reproductive genetic engineering, what I call the Perfectionist View and the Libertarian View; and two clusters of arguments against reproductive genetic engineering, what I call the Human Nature View and the Motivation View. I argue that an adequate theory of the ethics of reproductive genetic engineering should take into account insights gained from these views.
Cellular oxygen sensing, signalling and how to survive translational arrest in hypoxia
Authors: Fähling M.
Published: September 2008

Hypoxia is a consequence of inadequate oxygen availability. At the cellular level, lowered oxygen concentration activates signal cascades including numerous receptors, ion channels, second messengers, as well as several protein kinases and phosphatases. This, in turn, activates trans‐factors like transcription factors, RNA‐binding proteins and miRNAs, mediating an alteration in gene expression control. Each cell type has its unique constellation of oxygen sensors, couplers and effectors that determine the activation and predominance of several independent hypoxia‐sensitive pathways. Hence, altered gene expression patterns in hypoxia result from a complex regulatory network with multiple divergences and convergences. Although hundreds of genes are activated by transcriptional control in hypoxia, metabolic rate depression, as a consequence of reduced ATP level, causes inhibition of mRNA translation. In a multi‐phase response to hypoxia, global protein synthesis is suppressed, mainly by phosphorylation of eIF2‐alpha by PERK and inhibition of mTOR, causing suppression of 5′‐cap‐dependent mRNA translation. Growing evidence suggests that mRNAs undergo sorting at stress granules, which determines the fate of mRNA as to whether being translated, stored, or degraded. Data indicate that translation is suppressed only at ‘free’ polysomes, but is active at subsets of membrane‐bound ribosomes. The recruitment of specific mRNAs into subcellular compartments seems to be crucial for local mRNA translation in prolonged hypoxia. Furthermore, ribosomes themselves may play a significant role in targeting mRNAs for translation. This review summarizes the multiple facets of the cellular adaptation to hypoxia observed in mammals.
Imidazoline‐induced amplification of glucose‐ and carbachol‐stimulated insulin release includes a marked suppression of islet nitric oxide generation in the mouse
Authors: Meidute‐Abaraviciene S. , Mosen H. , Lundquist I. , Salehi A.
Published: September 2008

Aim:  The role of islet nitric oxide (NO) production in insulin‐releasing mechanisms is unclear. We examined whether the beneficial effects of the imidazoline derivative RX 871024 (RX) on β‐cell function might be related to perturbations of islet NO production.

Methods:  Experiments were performed with isolated islets or intact mice challenged with glucose or carbachol with or without RX treatment. Insulin was determined with radioimmunoassay, NO generation with high‐performance liquid chromatography and expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) with confocal microscopy.

Results:  RX treatment, in doses lacking effects on basal insulin, greatly amplified insulin release stimulated by the NO‐generating secretagogues glucose and carbachol both in vitro and in vivo. RX also improved the glucose tolerance curve. Islets incubated at high glucose levels (20 mmol L−1) displayed increased NO production derived from both neuronal constitutive NO synthase (ncNOS) and iNOS. RX abrogated this glucose‐induced NO production concomitant with amplification of insulin release. Confocal microscopy revealed abundant iNOS expression in β cells after incubation of islets at high but not low glucose levels. This was abolished after RX treatment. Similarly, islets cultured for 24 h at high glucose levels showed intense iNOS expression in β cells. This was abrogated with RX and followed by an amplified glucose‐induced insulin release.

Conclusion:  RX effectively counteracts the negative impact of β‐cell NO generation on insulin release stimulated by glucose and carbachol suggesting imidazoline compounds by virtue of NOS inhibitory properties being of potential therapeutic value for treatment of β‐cell dysfunction in hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes.
When What You See Is Not What You Get: Rashbam's Commentary on Job and the Methodological Challenges of Studying Northern French Jewish Biblical Exegesis
Authors: Kalman Jason
Published: September 2008

This article explores the implications of recent debate over the attribution of a commentary on Job to the medieval exegete Samuel ben Meir that has arisen since the appearance of Sarah Japhet's edition of the text in 2000. A review of the debate provides an access point for discussion of the methodological difficulties faced by all scholars of medieval northern French Jewish biblical exegesis.
Notes on gastromycetes of the Yukon Territory and adjacent Alaska
Authors: Miller Jr. Orson K.
Published: September 2008

Cyathus in the Nidulariales and seven species in five genera of Lycoperdales including Battarrea, Calbovista, Calvatia, Lycoperdon, and Tulostoma are reported from the Yukon Territory and adjacent Alaska. Descriptions and notes of each species are given and accompanied by photomicrographs of the salient microscopic characters. Macrophotographs of four species are included.
Adult-plant leaf rust resistance in Thatcher and Marquis wheat: a genetic analysis of the host–parasite interaction
Authors: Bartos P. , Dyck P. L. , Samborski D. J.
Published: September 2008

Inheritance of adult-plant resistance to race 9 of leaf rust was investigated in the wheat varieties Thatcher and Marquis. Resistance was conferred by the same recessive gene in both varieties. The genetics of virulence on adult plants of Thatcher was studied in a F2 population of cultures from a cross between races 9 and 161. A single recessive gene conferred virulence on adult plants of Thatcher. This gene was inherited independently of the genes that condition virulence on host genes Lr1, Lr2, Lr3, and Lr11.
Factors affecting infection of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) by Stereum sanguinolentum in Quebec
Authors: Etheridge D. E.
Published: September 2008

Conditions influencing infection of artificially injured balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) by Stereum sanguinolentum (Alb. & Schw. ex Fr.) Fr. were studied over a 3-year period in Quebec. Optimal conditions for spore dispersal and germination occurred during extended periods of high relative humidity and when mean daily temperatures were between 45 and 75 F (7 and 24 C). Optimal conditions for infection of both decapitated living trees and freshly excised stem sections occurred during periods of rain and when mean daily temperatures were between 45 and 55 F (7 and 13 C). Susceptibility of wound surfaces to S. sanguinolentum varied under different environmental conditions; it fell off rapidly, and irreversibly, after a few days of exposure to high summer temperatures. Intense competition for the wound surface at temperatures above 60 F (15.5 C) by such fungi as Peniophora cinerea (Pers. ex Fr.) Cooke, Alternaria tenuis auct. sensu Wiltshire, and Ceratocystis piceae (Münch) Bakshi was the main factor limiting the period of susceptibility. Experimental evidence suggests that dominance by S. sanguinolentum of the fresh-wound surface is due to the relative inability of competitors to tolerate certain substrate properties, particularly at low temperatures. Modification of the substrate, either by addition of malt extract solution, or by excision of the injured part (or by natural death) favored saprophytic competition which suppressed the pathogen.
Lichens found on Larix lyallii and Pinus albicaulis in southwestern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Kalgutkar R. M. , Bird C. D.
Published: September 2008

Fifty-two species of lichens were found on Larix lyallii Parl. and Pinus albicaulis Engelm. trees in 31 stands in the subalpine zone of the mountains of southwestern Alberta. The species belong to the following North American distributional elements: 25, Pan Boreal; 13, Arctic Boreal; 8, Cordilleran or Western Boreal; 2, Pan North American; 2, Eastern Boreal; and 1, uncertain.In Larix lyallii, quadrats occupying the lower 30 cm of the trunk were characterized by a Parmeliopsis hyperopta – P. ambigua – Cetraria pinastri union whereas quadrats in a region 40 cm deep, centered at 1.3 m from the base, were occupied by a Letharia californica – Alectoria glabra union. In Pinus albicaulis, the lower quadrats were characterized by a Parmeliopsis ambigua – Cetraria pinastri – Parmeliopsis hyperopta – Lecidea fuscescens union whereas the upper were occupied by a Parmelia sphaerosporella – Letharia californica – Lecanora varia – Alectoria glabra union.Forty-eight species occurred on the smooth to rough, more absorbent, bark of Pinus albicaulis compared with 32 found on the rough bark of Larix lyallii.Succession followed four stages: (1) the invasion of appressed foliose lichens on the tree bases, (2) the appearance of crustose species on the lower four feet of the trunk, (3) the invasion of foliose species on the trunk and branches, and (4) the appearance of fruticose species.
New combinations in the Salix of Alaska and Yukon
Authors: Argus George W.
Published: September 2008

Four new combinations in the Salix of Alaska and Yukon are made: S. rotundifolia ssp. dodgeana, S. ovalifolia var. arctolitoralis, S. ovalifolia var. glacialis, S. planifolia ssp. pulchra, S. planifolia ssp. pulchra var. yukonensis. These taxa are discussed and the reasons for the new combinations are presented.
Bud formation on root segments of Ophioglossum petiolatum: effect of application site of cytokinins and auxin
Authors: Peterson R. L.
Published: September 2008

The application site of cytokinins has a direct effect on the position of bud initiation on root segments of Ophioglossum petiolatum. Apically treated segments have buds initiated randomly along the segment while buds on basally treated segments tend to develop close to the site of cytokinin application. Buds forming on control root segments and those treated with indoleacetic acid are located randomly along the segment in both apical and basal treatments.
A chromatographic and cytological study of Dryopteris dilatata in eastern North America
Authors: Widén Carl-Johan , Britton Donald M.
Published: September 2008

The phloroglucinol derivatives found in the rhizomes of Dryopteris intermedia Gray, diploid D. "dilatata", and D. campyloptera Clarkson, all from eastern North America, are compared and contrasted with those found in D. assimilis S. Walker, D. dilatata A. Gray, and D. spinulosa Watt from Europe, as well as diploid D. “dilatata” from Alaska. The presence or absence, and the morphology, of internal secreting hairs in these species was useful for comparing taxa and suggesting evolutionary patterns. Chromatographic analysis gives many more categories or finer divisions of D. dilatata s.l. than does genome analysis, which has suggested that D. assimilis, D. intermedia, and western D. “dilatata” represent the same ancestral genome.
The autoecious species of Puccinia on Heliantheae ['Ambrosiaceae'] in North America
Authors: Parmelee J. A.
Published: September 2008

In this second part of a study of the species of Puccinia completing their life cycle on Heliantheae ['Ambrosiaceae'], six species are recognized. Two new species are described: Puccinia caborcensis Parmelee is a brachy-form and P. sonorae Parmelee is a eu-form. Both occur on Ambrosia (= Franseria) in Mexico. P. franseriae Syd., previously considered synonymous with P. splendens Vize, is morphologically separable. The life cycle of P. helianthellae Arth., from the first part of this study, is described as an unstable brachy-form. The usefulness of these rusts as an aid in the taxonomy of the hosts is indicated, and a rust species – host table is included. Each rust is illustrated by a photomicrograph from type material.
Studies on periderm. II. Anthocyanidins in secondary periderm tissue of amabilis fir, grand fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar
Authors: Mullick D. B.
Published: September 2008

By using a mild method, which precludes the possibility of pigment hydrolysis during extraction and processing, the occurrence of anthocyanidins in the free state has been detected in the normal secondary periderm tissues (rhytidomal region) of amabilis fir (Abies amabilis (Dougl.) Forbes), grand fir (Abies grandis (Dougl.) Lindl.), western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), and western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn.). Cyanidin was present in all species. Pelargonidin was present in western hemlock and most likely also in western red cedar.
Storage of Polyporus tomentosus sporophores
Authors: Whitney R. D. , Bohaychuk W. P.
Published: September 2008

not available
Foliar nutrition and wood growth in red pine: the distribution of radiocarbon photoassimilated by individual branches of young trees
Authors: Rangnekar P. V. , Forward D. F. , Nolan N. J.
Published: September 2008

The distribution of photoassimilated carbon-14 in young plantation trees was studied 6 or 10 days after supplying 14CO2 for a day to a single branch in the second, third, or fourth whorl. Both apical and cambial growth occurred during the interval, and apical growth throughout the trees was measured. Elongating terminals and products of cambial growth in the fed branch were highly labeled. In all trees some 14C was exported to the adjacent side of the tree. Movement in the trunk was bidirectional, but the position of the donor branch determined the direction of major transport. Only from whorl 2 was it upward; from whorl 3 or 4 it was downward. In both directions activity decreased with distance from the base of the donor branch, and the leader did not accumulate more, per unit weight, than the intervening internodes. Some 14C entered branches arising in the path of transport.Radioactivity was concentrated only in regions of growth, whether apical or cambial. Most of the 14C was in ethanol-insoluble compounds, largely in cell wall constituents. Autoradiographs of stem sections confirmed that 14C was deposited in currently developing tracheids of secondary xylem during most of the 10-day growth period. The ratio of activity in lignin to that in cellulose was inversely related to the total 14C in the cell wall constituents.
A simplified technique for the application of nuclear emulsion in electron microscopic autoradiography
Authors: Bourne Victor L. , Cole Kathleen
Published: September 2008

A modified rotating disc technique for the application of nuclear emulsion in electronmicroscopic autoradiography under yellow-green safelight illumination was tested in this laboratory. It is simpler than a previous method and should produce better resolution, as the emulsion is applied directly over carbon-coated specimens without an intermediate formvar layer.
Coprobolus, a new genus of the tribe Theleboleae (Pezizaceae)
Authors: Cain Roy F. , Kimbrough J. W.
Published: September 2008

Coprobolus poculiformis with hyaline ellipsoid ascospores and multispored asci which split open at the apex is described as a new species and a new genus. It was found on rabbit dung.
Ammonia as a necrotoxin in the hypersensitive reaction caused by bacteria in tobacco leaves
Authors: Lovrekovich L. , Lovrekovich H. , Goodman R. N.
Published: September 2008

Tobacco leaves inoculated with 108 cells/ml of the incompatible bacteria Pseudomonas pisi, P. syringae, P. lachrymans, or Erwinia amylovora developed hypersensitive tissue necrosis, on the first day after inoculation. Similar tissue necrosis developed on the leaves inoculated with the compatible bacterium P. tabaci on the second day. By the time the symptoms developed ammonia gas had evolved from the inoculated leaves. Tissue necrosis caused by bacteria could be reproduced by exposing healthy tobacco leaves to ammonia gas. The amount of ammonia evolved during the development of either the hypersensitive reactions or the disease was enough to account for the formation of tissue necrosis in tobacco.
Colonization, isolation, and cultural descriptions of Thelephora terrestris and other ectomycorrhizal fungi of shortleaf pine seedlings grown in fumigated soil
Authors: Marx Donald H. , Bryan W. Craig , Grand Larry F.
Published: September 2008

Nineteen fungal symbionts were isolated from ectomycorrhizae of 7- to 9-month-old shortleaf pine seedlings grown in heavily fumigated soil in a greenhouse. Cultural and chemical characterization revealed five distinct cultural groups. One symbiont group was culturally identical with isolates of Thelephora terrestris, a primary symbiont colonizer of fumigated soil. The other four groups of ectomycorrhizal fungi belonged to different species. Numerous surface sterilants were tested in attempts to isolate symbionts, but only mercuric chloride (100 p.p.m.) and copper sulfate (2.5 and 5%) were effective.
Ultrastructure of hyphomycetes. Conidium ontogeny in Peziza ostracoderma
Authors: Hughes Gilbert C. , Bisalputra Alice-Ann
Published: September 2008

Light microscope and electron microscope studies of conidium ontogeny in the Chromelosporium state of Peziza ostracoderma Korf show that the solitary blastoconidia are produced synchronously on swollen elongate divergent ampullae through a process involving denticle development at localized 'soft spots' in the ampulla wall followed by a 'ballooning' of the denticle tip to form the conidium. Cytoplasm and nuclei move from the ampullae into the developing conidia. The occurrence and position of lomasomes in denticles and conidia support the assumption that these multivesicular bodies are associated with wall synthesis. The taxonomic and nomenclatural history of the Chromelosporium state of Peziza ostracoderma is reviewed.
The isolation, properties, and physiological role of lactic dehydrogenase from soybean cotyledons
Authors: King J.
Published: September 2008

L-Lactate:NAD oxidoreductase (EC. 1.1.1.27) was purified 110-fold from non-green soybean (Glycine max L. var. Canadian No. 1) cotyledons, and some of its kinetic properties were studied and compared to the properties of lactic dehydrogenases isolated from animals and microorganisms. The soybean enzyme was specific for L-lactate and NAD+ but in the reverse direction reduced not only pyruvate but also hydroxypyruvate and glyoxylate in the presence of NADH, although pyruvate was shown to be the preferred substrate. Optimum activity occurred at pH 9.2 in the direction of pyruvate formation and at pH 7.0 in the reverse direction. In its response to the use of coenzyme analogues and to heat treatment it resembled closely the L-lactic dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus plantarum. Its responses to acrylamide gel electrophoresis and to sulfhydryl group inhibitors were comparable to those of similar enzymes from animal sources.The physiological role of the enzyme in germinating soybean seeds, especially during the first 30 h when anaerobic conditions obtain within the seed, was assessed by measuring its specific activity and also by measuring the rise and fall of lactic acid concentration in cotyledons over the same time period. Various aspects of the metabolism of germinating fatty seeds are discussed in relation to this and other work recently reported.
A quantitative requirement for long day in the induction of staminate strobili by gibberellin in the conifer Cupressus arizonica
Authors: Pharis R. P. , Ruddat M. D. E. , Glenn J. L. , Morf W.
Published: September 2008

Induction of male strobili in Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica Greene) by exogenous gibberellin A3 (GA3) appears to have an absolute requirement for light, a quantitative requirement for long day (LD), and as shown by interruption of the dark periods, is in part under photoperiodic control. Under LD conditions the total number of new meristems produced is 10-fold greater than under short day (SD) even though this species exhibits indeterminate growth and does not set dormant buds under SD. Hence the total number of strobili resulting from GA3 application is higher under LD than under SD. However, strobili produced by GA3, when expressed as a percentage of the total number of meristems, is the same under both LD and SD, provided the GA3 concentration under SD is increased, and a longer period of time is allowed under SD. The factor(s) responsible for the enhanced meristem production under LD decrease(s) to an apparent steady state within the first 10 days after transfer of the plant to SD.
Distribution of secondary root growth potential in the root system of Pisum sativum
Authors: Yorke J. S. , Sagar G. R.
Published: September 2008

Development of the root system of peas grown on filter paper between vertical glass sheets was studied during the period 6 to 20 days after germination. Elongation of each whole root system proceeded at alternate high and low rates. At the end of each period of low growth rate, a higher order of roots emerged. Secondary roots tended to occur in clumps. Secondary roots with the greatest growth potential occurred midway within that region of the primary root from which secondary roots emerged, and also, but less markedly, at the positions of clumps. The timing and duration of elongation of roots with high growth potential differed from that of roots with lower growth.Growth potential of secondary root appears to be partly determined at the time of root initiation. Such a process would precondition a seedling to a particular environment.