bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precise destruction: an emerging picture of the APC
Authors: Thornton Brian R. , Toczyski David P.
Published: November 2006

Cell cycle transitions are often accompanied by the degradation of regulatory molecules. Targeting proteins to the proteasome for degradation is accomplished by the covalent addition of ubiquitin chains. The specificity of this pathway is largely dictated by a set of enzymes called ubiquitin ligases (or E3s). The anaphase-promoting complex (or APC) is a ubiquitin ligase that has a particularly prominent role in regulating cell cycle progression. To date, the APC is the most complicated member of the RING/cullin family of multisubunit E3s. It includes at least 13 core subunits and three related adaptors. A combination of biochemical, genetic, and structural approaches are now shedding light on the enzymology of the APC. This review will focus on these data, drawing parallels with related ubiquitin ligases.
TheS. cerevisiaeRrm3p DNA helicase moves with the replication fork and affects replication of all yeast chromosomes
Authors: Azvolinsky Anna , Dunaway Stephen , Torres Jorge Z. , Bessler Jessica B. , Zakian Virginia A.
Published: November 2006

TheSaccharomyces cerevisiaeDNA helicase Rrm3p is needed for normal fork progression through >1000 discrete sites scattered throughout the genome. Here we show that replication of all yeast chromosomes was markedly delayed inrrm3cells. Delayed replication was seen even in a region that lacks any predicted Rrm3p-dependent sites. Based on the pattern of replication intermediates in two-dimensional gels, the rate of fork movement inrrm3cells appeared similar to wild-type except at known Rrm3p-dependent sites. These data suggest that although Rrm3p has a global role in DNA replication, its activity is needed only or primarily at specific, difficult-to-replicate sites. By the criterion of chromatin immunoprecipitation, Rrm3p was associated with both Rrm3p-dependent and -independent sites, and moved with the replication fork through both. In addition, Rrm3p interacted with Pol2p, the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase ε, in vivo. Thus, rather than being recruited to its sites of action when replication forks stall at these sites, Rrm3p is likely a component of the replication fork apparatus.
Variation in the epigenetic silencing of FLC contributes to natural variation in Arabidopsis vernalization response
Authors: Shindo Chikako , Lister Clare , Crevillen Pedro , Nordborg Magnus , Dean Caroline
Published: November 2006

Vernalization, the cold-induced acceleration of flowering, involves the epigenetic silencing of the floral repressor gene FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). We investigated the molecular basis for variation in vernalization in Arabidopsis natural accessions adapted to different climates. A major variable was the degree to which different periods of cold caused stable FLC silencing. In accessions requiring long vernalization, FLC expression was reactivated following nonsaturating vernalization, but this reactivation was progressively attenuated with increasing cold exposure. This response was correlated with the rate of accumulation of FLC histone H3 Lys 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). Thus, variation in epigenetic silencing of FLC appears to have contributed to Arabidopsis adaptation.
Resveratrol and curcumin suppress immune response through CD28/CTLA-4 and CD80 co-stimulatory pathway
Authors: Sharma S , Chopra K , Kulkarni S K , Agrewala J N
Published: November 2006

The role of resveratrol and curcumin is well documented in cancer, inflammation, diabetes and various other diseases. However, their immunosuppressive action on T cells, B cells and macrophages is not well documented. In the present study, we have ascertained the effect of resveratrol and curcumin on T and B cells and macrophages. The most striking findings were that both resveratrol and curcumin suppressed the activity of T and B cells and macrophages, as evidenced by significant inhibition in proliferation, antibody production and lymphokine secretion. Interestingly, curcumin imparted immunosuppression by mainly down-regulating the expression of CD28 and CD80 and up-regulating CTLA-4. Resveratrol also functioned by decreasing the expression of CD28 and CD80, as well as by augmenting the production of interleukin (IL)-10.
Fission yeast Tor2 links nitrogen signals to cell proliferation and acts downstream of the Rheb GTPase
Authors: Uritani Masahiro , Hidaka Hidetoshi , Hotta Yukari , Ueno Masaru , Ushimaru Takashi , Toda Takashi
Published: November 2006

The target of rapamycin (Tor) plays a pivotal role in cell growth and metabolism. Yeast contains two related proteins, Tor1 and Tor2. In fission yeast, Tor1 is dispensable for normal growth but is involved in amino acid uptake and cell survival under various stress conditions. In contrast, Tor2 is essential for cell proliferation; however, its physiological function remains unknown. Here we characterize the roles of fission yeast Tor2 by creating temperature sensitive (tor2ts) mutants. Remarkably, we have found that tor2ts mimics nitrogen starvation responses, because the mutant displays a number of phenotypes that are normally induced only on nitrogen deprivation. These include G1 cell‐cycle arrest with a small cell size, induction of autophagy and commitment to sexual differentiation. By contrast, tor1Δtor2ts double mutant cells show distinct phenotypes, as the cells cease division with normal cell size in the absence of G1 arrest. Tor2 physically interacts with the conserved Rhb1/GTPase. Intriguingly, over‐expression of rhb1+ or deletion of Rhb1‐GAP‐encoding tsc2+ is capable of rescuing stress‐sensitive phenotypes of the tor1 mutant, implying that Tor1 and Tor2 also share functions in cell survival under adverse environment. We propose that Tor1 and Tor2 are involved in both corroborative and independent roles in nutrient sensing and stress response pathways.
Vegetative phenology constrains the onset of flowering in the perennial herb Lathyrus vernus
Authors: SOLA ANA J. , EHRLÉN JOHAN
Published: November 2006

The seasonal timing of flower production is a critical event in the life cycle of many plants. A range of abiotic and biotic interactions has been suggested to influence the optimal flowering phenology. More rarely, phenology has been examined from a developmental perspective. Still, the production of a flower or an inflorescence is an integral part of the ontogeny and architecture of a plant.

We investigated to what extent the timing of flowering is coupled to overall ontogeny and architecture in the perennial herb Lathyrus vernus. We asked if the decision to flower is associated with a change in vegetative phenology. We also investigated if onset of flowering depends on the start of shoot growth and leaf unfolding, time to complete shoot growth and leaf unfolding, and plant architecture. Lastly, we investigated whether the resource state of the plant affects vegetative and flowering phenology.

Flowering plants started shoot growth and leaf development significantly earlier than non‐flowering plants. In flowering plants, start of vegetative growth was positively correlated to start of flowering, but there was no positive correlation between development time and start of flowering. Earlier flowering plants produced their first inflorescence at lower positions than late‐flowering plants. Experimental manipulation of resource state affected several components of fitness but did not influence vegetative or flowering phenology.

Our results show that the decision to flower is linked to a change in vegetative phenology in L. vernus, and that differences in the onset of flowering among individuals are correlated to differences in vegetative phenology. A possible interpretation of this pattern is that the evolution of flowering phenology is partly constrained by vegetative development. Alternatively, flowering changes the optimal time of vegetative development. Still, individuals with similar timing of vegetative development may differ considerably in flowering time, suggesting that independent adjustments of vegetative and flowering phenology are possible.
The effects of chewing versus caffeine on alertness, cognitive performance and cardiac autonomic activity during sleep deprivation
Authors: KOHLER MARK , PAVY ALAN , VAN DEN HEUVEL CAMERON
Published: November 2006

Chewing has been shown to alleviate feelings of sleepiness and improve cognitive performance during the day. This study investigated the effect of chewing on alertness and cognitive performance across one night without sleep as well as the possible mediating role of cardiac autonomic activity. Fourteen adults participated in a randomized, counterbalanced protocol employing a chewing, placebo and caffeine condition. Participants completed tasks assessing psychomotor vigilance, tracking, grammatical reasoning, alertness and sleepiness each hour across the night. All participants received either placebo or caffeine (200 mg), while the chewing condition also chewed on a tasteless and odorless substance for 15 min each hour. Heart rate (HR), root mean square of the successive differences in R‐R intervals on the ECG (RMSSD), and preejection period (PEP) were simultaneously recorded. Alertness and cognitive performance amongst the chewing condition did not differ or were in fact worse when compared with placebo. Similarly, measures of HR and RMSSD remained the same between these two conditions; however, PEP was reduced in the later part of the night in the chewing condition compared with a relative increase for placebo. Caffeine led to improved speed and accuracy on cognitive tasks and increased alertness when compared with chewing. Relative increases in RMSSD and reductions in HR were demonstrated following caffeine; however, no change in PEP was seen. Strong associations between cardiac parasympathetic activity and complex cognitive tasks, as well as between subjective alertness and simpler cognitive tasks, suggest a differential process mediating complex versus simple cognitive performance during sleep deprivation.
Peripheral electrical nerve stimulation and rest‐activity rhythm in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: VAN DIJK KOENE R. A. , LUIJPEN MARIJN W. , VAN SOMEREN EUS J. W. , SERGEANT JOSEPH A. , SCHELTENS PHILIP , SCHERDER ERIK J. A.
Published: November 2006

Rest‐activity rhythm disruption is a prominent clinical feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The origin of the altered rest‐activity rhythm is believed to be degeneration of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In accordance with the ‘use it or lose it’ hypothesis of Swaab [Neurobiol Aging1991,12: 317–324] stimulation of the SCN may prevent age‐related loss of neurons and might reactivate nerve cells that are inactive but not lost. Previous studies with relatively small sample sizes have demonstrated positive effects of peripheral electrical nerve stimulation on the rest‐activity rhythm in AD patients. The present randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study was meant to replicate prior findings of electrical stimulation in AD in a substantially larger group of AD patients. The experimental group (n = 31) received peripheral electrical nerve stimulation and the placebo group (n = 31) received sham stimulation. Effects of the intervention on the rest‐activity rhythm were assessed by using wrist‐worn actigraphs. Near‐significant findings on the rest‐activity rhythm partially support the hypothesis that neuronal stimulation enhances the rest‐activity rhythm in AD patients. Interestingly,post‐hocanalyses revealed significant treatment effects in a group of patients who were not using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors concomitantly. We conclude that more research is needed before firm general conclusions about the effectiveness of electrical stimulation as a symptomatic treatment in AD can be drawn. In addition, the presentpost‐hocfindings indicate that future studies on non‐pharmacological interventions should take medication use into account.
Prevalence of sleep problems and their association with inattention/hyperactivity among children aged 6–15 in Taiwan
Authors: SUSAN SHUR‐FEN GAU
Published: November 2006

This study investigated the 6‐month prevalence rates of sleep‐related problems and their association with daytime inadvertent napping, inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional symptoms in children and adolescents. A representative school‐based sample of 2463 first to ninth graders was recruited using a multistage sampling method. The instruments included the Sleep Habits Questionnaire (including dyssomnia, parasomnia, sleep schedules, and sleep‐disordered breathing), the Chinese Health Questionnaire, and the Chinese versions of the Conners’ Parent and Teacher Rating Scales‐Revised: Short forms. The informants were mothers and teachers. The linear and nonlinear mixed models were used for statistical analyses and sex and age were controlled in the model. Results showed that the rates of middle insomnia, disturbed circadian rhythm, mouth breathing, and daytime inadvertent napping increased with age; whereas those of bedwetting, bruxism, sleep terrors decreased with age. Dyssomnia, sleep‐disordered breathing problems, daytime inadvertent napping, and sleep schedules were related to attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)‐related symptoms as assessed by mothers’ and teachers’ ratings. Parasomnia was associated with ADHD‐related symptoms as assessed by mothers’ ratings. Our findings suggest an age trend of sleep problems similar to those found in the literature and the association of daytime inadvertent napping, inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional symptoms with sleep‐related problems.
Changes in dreaming induced by CPAP in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients
Authors: CARRASCO EVA , SANTAMARIA JOAN , IRANZO ALEX , PINTOR LUIS , PABLO JOAN DE , SOLANAS ANTONIO , KUMRU HATICE , MARTÍNEZ‐RODRÍGUEZ JOSÉ ENRIQUE , BOGET TERESA
Published: November 2006

To study dream content in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and its modification with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. We assessed twenty consecutive patients with severe OSAS and 17 healthy controls. Polysomnograms were recorded at baseline in patients and controls and during the CPAP titration night, 3 months after effective treatment and 2 years later in patients. Subjects were awakened 5–10 min after the beginning of the first and last rapid eye movement (REM) sleep periods and we measured percentage of dream recall, emotional content of the dream, word count, thematic units, sleep architecture and REM density. Dream recall in REM sleep was similar in patients at baseline and controls (51.5% versus 44.4% respectively; P = .421), decreased to 20% and 24.3% the first and third month CPAP nights, and increased to 39% 2 years later (P = 0.004). Violent/highly anxious dreams were only seen in patients at baseline. Word count was higher in patients than in controls. REM density was highest the first CPAP night. Severe OSAS patients recall dreams in REM sleep as often as controls, but their dreams have an increased emotional tone and are longer. Despite an increase in REM density, dream recall decreased the first months of CPAP and recovered 2 years later. Violent/highly anxious dreams disappeared with treatment. A dream recall decrease with CPAP is associated with normalization of sleep in OSAS patients.
Differential effects of chronic partial sleep deprivation and stress on serotonin‐1A and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor sensitivity
Authors: ROMAN VIKTOR , HAGEWOUD ROELINA , LUITEN PAUL G. M. , MEERLO PETER
Published: November 2006

Disrupted sleep and stress are often linked to each other, and considered as predisposing factors for psychopathologies such as depression. The depressed brain is associated with reduced serotonergic and enhanced cholinergic neurotransmission. In an earlier study, we showed that chronic sleep restriction by forced locomotion caused a gradual decrease in postsynaptic serotonin‐1A receptor sensitivity, whilst chronic forced activity alone, with sufficient sleep time, did not affect receptor sensitivity. The first aim of the present study was to examine whether the sleep loss‐induced change in receptor sensitivity is mediated by adrenal stress hormones. The results show that the serotonin‐1A receptor desensitization is independent of adrenal hormones as it still occurs in adrenalectomized rats. The second aim of the study was to establish the effects of sleep restriction on cholinergic muscarinic receptor sensitivity. While sleep restriction affected muscarinic receptor sensitivity only slightly, forced activity significantly hypersensitized the muscarinic receptors. This hypersensitization is because of the stressful nature of the forced activity protocol as it did not occur in adrenalectomized rats. Taken together, these data confirm that sleep restriction may desensitize the serotonin‐1A receptor system. This is not a generalized effect as sleep restriction did not affect the sensitivity of the muscarinic cholinergic receptor system, but the latter was hypersensitized by stress. Thus, chronic stress and sleep loss may, partly via different pathways, change the brain into a direction as it is seen in mood disorders.
A mutation in Arabidopsis cytochrome b5 reductase identified by high‐throughput screening differentially affects hydroxylation and desaturation
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Wallis James G. , Skidmore Chris , Browse John
Published: November 2006

As a model for analyzing the production of novel fatty acids in oilseeds, we used the genetic and molecular techniques available for Arabidopsis to characterize modifying mutations affecting the accumulation of hydroxy fatty acids in the seeds of Arabidopsis plants that express a transgene for the castor bean fatty acid hydroxylase, FAH12. We developed a high‐throughput analytical system and used it to identify three complementation classes of mutations with reduced hydroxy fatty acid accumulation from among Arabidopsis M3 seed samples derived from chemical mutagenesis. We identified one of the mutations by positional cloning as a single base pair change in a gene encoding NADH:cytochrome b5 reductase (CBR1, At5g17770). When expressed in yeast, the mutant form of the enzyme was less active and less stable than the wild‐type enzyme. Characterization of homozygous mutant lines with and without the FAH12 transgene (FAH12 cbr1‐1 and cbr1‐1, respectively) indicated that the only detectable consequence of the cbr1‐1 mutation was on desaturase and hydroxylase reactions in the developing seed. The leaf and root fatty compositions, as well as the growth, development and seed production of mutant plants were indistinguishable from wild type. Interestingly, while the cbr1‐1 mutation reduced the accumulation of hydroxy fatty acids in seeds by 85%, the effects on 18:1 and 18:2 desaturation reactions were much less (<25% and <60%, respectively). These results suggest that there is competition in developing seeds among the several reactions that utilize reduced cytochrome b5.
Isolation and characterization of the RAD54 gene from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Osakabe Keishi , Abe Kiyomi , Yoshioka Toji , Osakabe Yuriko , Todoriki Setsuko , Ichikawa Hiroaki , Hohn Barbara , Toki Seiichi
Published: November 2006

Homologous recombination (HR) is an essential process in maintaining genome integrity and variability. In eukaryotes, the Rad52 epistasis group proteins are involved in meiotic recombination and/or HR repair. One member of this group, Rad54, belongs to the SWI2/SNF2 family of DNA‐stimulated ATPases. Recent studies indicate that Rad54 has important functions in HR, both as a chromatin remodelling factor and as a mediator of the Rad51 nucleoprotein filament. Despite the importance of Rad54 in HR, no study of Rad54 from plants has yet been performed. Here, we cloned the full‐length AtRAD54 cDNA sequence; an open reading frame of 910 amino acids encodes a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 101.9 kDa. Western blotting analysis showed that the AtRad54 protein was indeed expressed as a protein of approximately 110 kDa in Arabidopsis. The predicted protein sequence of AtRAD54 contains seven helicase domains, which are conserved in all other Rad54s. Yeast two‐hybrid analysis revealed an interaction between Arabidopsis Rad51 and Rad54. AtRAD54 transcripts were found in all tissues examined, with the highest levels of expression in flower buds. Expression of AtRAD54 was induced by γ‐irradiation. A T‐DNA insertion mutant of AtRAD54 devoid of full‐length AtRAD54 expression was viable and fertile; however, it showed increased sensitivity to γ‐irradiation and the cross‐linking reagent cisplatin. In addition, the efficiency of somatic HR in the mutant plants was reduced relative to that in wild‐type plants. Our findings point to an important role for Rad54 in HR repair in higher plants.
PDX1 is essential for vitamin B6 biosynthesis, development and stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Titiz Olca , Tambasco‐Studart Marina , Warzych Ewelina , Apel Klaus , Amrhein Nikolaus , Laloi Christophe , Fitzpatrick Teresa B.
Published: November 2006

Vitamin B6 is an essential coenzyme for numerous metabolic enzymes and is a potent antioxidant. In plants, very little is known about its contribution to viability, growth and development. The de novo pathway of vitamin B6 biosynthesis has only been described recently and involves the protein PDX1 (pyridoxal phosphate synthase protein). Arabidopsis thaliana has three homologs of PDX1, two of which, PDX1.1 and PDX1.3, have been demonstrated as functional in vitamin B6 biosynthesis in vitro and by yeast complementation. In this study, we show that the spatial and temporal expression patterns of PDX1.1 and PDX1.3, investigated at the transcript and protein level, largely overlap, but PDX1.3 is more abundant than PDX1.1. Development of single pdx1.1 and pdx1.3 mutants is partially affected, whereas disruption of both genes causes embryo lethality at the globular stage. Detailed examination of the single mutants, in addition to those that only have a single functional copy of either gene, indicates that although these genes are partially redundant in vitamin B6 synthesis, PDX1.3 is more requisite than PDX1.1. Developmental distinctions correlate with the vitamin B6 content. Furthermore, we provide evidence that in addition to being essential for plant growth and development, vitamin B6 also plays a role in stress tolerance and photoprotection of plants.
ROX1, a gene induced by rolB, is involved in procambial cell proliferation and xylem differentiation in tobacco stamen
Authors: Cecchetti Valentina , Altamura Maria Maddalena , Serino Giovanna , Pomponi Mirella , Falasca Giuseppina , Costantino Paolo , Cardarelli Maura
Published: November 2006

The Agrobacterium rhizogenes oncogene rolB mimics the effects of auxin in that it increases the sensitivity of transformed cells to this hormone. Here we isolated a tobacco gene, ROX1, acting downstream of rolB. We show that plants with reduced levels of ROX1 mRNA, due to the expression of a 35S‐driven ROX1‐antisense construct, have flowers with stamens and pistils longer than normal because of an increased number of cells. Localized expression of rolB in anthers results in overexpression of ROX1 and reduced growth of stamens, due to a reduced number of cells. In addition, the longer stamens of antisense plants show a delayed xylem differentiation in the lateral bundles, primarily of the junction region between anther and filament, while the shorter stamens of ROX1‐overexpressing plants show a precocious differentiation of xylem cells in the same tissues. Expression of ROX1 in stamens peaks at early stages of stamen growth, and ROX1 mRNA is localized mostly in anther procambial cells. The sequence of ROX1 shares a conserved element with a number of plant genes, including TED3, which is involved in xylem differentiation. These results point to a role of ROX1 in the balance between proliferation of procambial cells and xylem differentiation during stamen development.
Influence of SNPs in cytokine‐related genes on the severity of food allergy and atopic eczema in children
Authors: Negoro Takaharu , Orihara Kanami , Irahara Tomoko , Nishiyama Hiroshi , Hagiwara Kanae , Nishida Risa , Takagi Hiroki , Satoh Kazue , Yamamoto Yoshiki , Shimizu Shunichi , Hagiwara Tamio , Ishii Masakazu , Tanioka Toshihiro , Nakano Yasuko , Takeda Ken , Yoshimura Isao , Iikura Yoji , Tobe Takashi
Published: November 2006

Although many single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) studies have reported an association of atopy, allergic diseases and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, almost all of these studies sought risk factors for the onset of these allergic diseases. Furthermore, many studies have analyzed a single gene and hardly any have analyzed environmental factors. In these analyses, the results could be masked and the effects of other genes and environmental factors may be decreased. Here, we described the correlation between four genes [interleukin (IL)‐4 (C‐590T), IL‐4 receptor (A1652G), FCER1B (G6842A) and STAT6 (G2964A)] in connection with IgE production; the role of IL‐10 (C‐627A) as a regulatory cytokine of allergy; and the severity of food allergy (FA) and atopic eczema (AE) in 220 Japanese allergic children. In addition to these SNPs, environmental factors, i.e., patient's attitude, indoor envirmonment, and so on, were also investigated in this study.

Our study was retrospective, and the correlation was analyzed by our defined clinical scores divided into three terms: worst symptoms, recent symptoms and general amelioration at the most recent examination during the disease course. Our results indicated that IL‐10 AA, the genotype with lower IL‐10 production, is associated with higher IgE levels in the serum (p < 0.0001, estimate; 0.912). Marginal liver abnormalities were observed in the subject group with both FA and AE (p < 0.1191, estimate; 0.1490).

Our defined clinical scores enabled evaluation of various aspects of disease severity. Based on the scores, while no single SNP selected in this study determined severity, the combination of the SNP with laboratory data and environmental factors appeared to determine severity.
An electrogenic pump in the xylem parenchyma of barley roots
Authors: Zhu Jianjun , Raschke Klaus , Köhler Barbara
Published: November 2006

Analysis of an electrogenic pump in the plasma membrane of xylem‐parenchyma protoplasts from barley roots was performed using the patch‐clamp technique in the whole‐cell configuration. Particularly with regard to understanding xylem loading and unloading, the study of the electrogenic pump from this cell type is important; its functional confirmation was lacking to date. About one‐half of the investigated protoplasts displayed current responses with reversal potentials between −80 and −200 mV. The application of fusicoccin, an H+‐pump stimulator, caused an increase in currents recorded at a membrane potential of 0 mV and a shift of the reversal potential by about −50 mV. Treatment with dicylohexylcarbodiimid, an H+‐pump inhibitor, resulted in the reduction of the current at 0 mV. The Ca2+‐pump inhibitor, erythrosin B, showed no effect on current density at 0 mV and on the polarisation of the membrane potential. Enlarging the transmembrane pH gradient by raising the pH of the extracellular solution from 5.8 to 8.8 stimulated the currents. These are strong indications that the electrogenic pump was an H+‐pump. Neither intracellular pH nor the intracellular Ca2+ concentration affected its activity. Simultaneous activity of the electrogenic pump and anion conductances could produce states in which protoplasts exhibited ‘intermediate’ reversal potentials. It was concluded that the electrogenic pump was not directly involved in the loading of KCl and KNO3 into the xylem but, in combination with anion channel activities, contributed to the establishment of membrane potentials at which electroneutral salt transport and acid release can proceed.
Molecular mapping of a novel blast resistance gene Pi38 in rice using SSLP and AFLP markers
Authors: Gowda M. , Roy‐Barman S. , Chattoo B. B.
Published: November 2006

Blast, caused by Magnaporthe grisea, is the most devastating disease of rice worldwide. In this study, the main objective was to identify and map a new gene for blast resistance, in an indica rice cultivar ‘Tadukan’ against blast fungal isolate B157, using molecular tools. F2 segregating population was derived from ‘CO39’ (susceptible) and ‘Tadukan’ (resistant), and molecular mapping of the blast resistance gene was carried out using simple sequence length polymorphism (SSLP) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) methods. Two SSLP markers, RM206 and RM21 and three AFLP markers (AF1: E‐aca/M‐ctt; AF2: E‐aca/M‐cat and AF3: E‐acc/M‐cac2) were identified to be linked to the resistance gene. The co‐segregation analysis using SSLP markers implied that the blast resistance gene designated Pi38 resides on rice chromosome 11.
Improvement of in vitro culture response of elite wheat cultivars by selecting the source spike, the scutellum size and the temperature for the induction of embryogenesis
Authors: León E. , Marín S. , Barro F.
Published: November 2006

High frequencies of regeneration are desirable characteristics of in vitro culture from elite wheat cultivars. The effect of the source spike, the scutellum size and the induction temperature on embryogenesis, regeneration and number of plants per explant were optimized in three varieties of wheat and later determined in fifteen varieties of both bread and durum wheat. The highest frequencies of embryogenesis, regeneration and plants per explant were obtained when the first spike was used as source of scutella and decreased using the scutella from the second and third spikes. Scutella from the third spike yielded half the number of plants per explant than those from the first spike. Significant differences were also found for embryogenesis, regeneration and plants per explant as affected by scutellum size. The number of plants per explant drastically decreased in commercial varieties when scutella larger than 2.0 mm were used. The optimum induction temperature was 21 and 25°C for commercial and model genotypes, respectively. However, no differences were found for the number of plants per explant as affected by the induction temperature. The in vitro culture response of twelve and four cultivars of, respectively, bread and durum wheat were then determined. In all wheat varieties tested embryogenesis, regeneration and plants per explant varied over a wide range of values. In elite wheat varieties the selection of the source spike and the scutellum size can yield high frequencies of embryogenesis and regeneration and high numbers of plants per explant.
Pyramiding of Xa7 and Xa21 for the improvement of disease resistance to bacterial blight in hybrid rice
Authors: Zhang J. , Li X. , Jiang G. , Xu Y. , He Y.
Published: November 2006

‘Minghui 63’ is a restorer line widely used in hybrid rice production in China for the last two decades. This line and its derived hybrids, including ‘Shanyou 63’, are susceptible to bacterial blight (BB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). To improve the bacterial blight resistance of hybrid rice, two resistance genes Xa21 and Xa7, have been introgressed into ‘Minghui 63’ by marker‐assisted selection and conventional backcrossing, respectively. The single resistance gene‐introgressed lines, Minghui 63 (Xa21) and Minghui 63 (Xa7) had higher levels of resistance to bacterial blight than their derived hybrids, Shanyou 63 (Xa21) or Shanyou 63 (Xa7). Both Xa21 and Xa7 showed incomplete dominance in the heterozygous background of rice hybrids by infection with GX325 and KS‐1‐21. The improved restorer lines, with the homozygous genotypes, Xa21Xa21 or Xa7Xa7, were more resistant than their hybrids with the heterozygous genotypes Xa21xa21 or Xa7xa7. To further enhance the bacterial blight resistance of ‘Minghui 63’ and its hybrids, Xa21 and Xa7 were pyramided into the same background using molecular marker‐aided selection. The restorer lines developed with the resistance genes Xa21 and Xa7, and their derived hybrids were evaluated for resistance after inoculation with 10 isolates of pathogens from China, Japan and the Philippines, and showed a higher level of resistance to BB than the restorer lines and derived hybrids having only one of the resistance genes. The pyramided double resistance lines and their derived hybrids have the same high level of resistance to BB. These results clearly indicate that pyramiding of dominant genes is a useful approach for improving BB resistance in hybrid rice.
Prediction of indirect selection for seed and forage yield of lucerne based on evaluation under spaced planting
Authors: Annicchiarico P.
Published: November 2006

Phenotypic selection under spaced planting is frequently used in forage species. This study aimed to compare the predicted efficiency of direct selection for lucerne seed or forage yield under dense planting with indirect selection based on the same traits or seed yield components evaluated under spaced planting. Sixteen genotypes randomly chosen from a representative sample of locally adapted germplasm were grown for two years as individual clones spaced at 75 cm (density =1.78 plants/m2) and in dense plots formed by one row of four clones spaced at 10 cm (density = 50 plants/m2) using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Indirect selection based on seed yield under spaced planting was just 19% less efficient than direct selection, owing to moderate genetic correlation between plant densities (rg = 0.66) and somewhat higher broad‐sense heritability under spaced planting than under dense planting. The relative efficiency of indirect selection for seed yield in density based on individual seed yield components under spaced planting ranged from modest to very low and was always below 45%. The efficiency of indirect selection for dry matter yield based on yield response under spaced planting was moderate for total yield (64%) and very low for second‐year yield (32%) relative to direct selection.
Promoting measles vaccination in attendees not yet immunized at day‐care centers in Kyoto City
Authors: MATSUMURA TAKAYO , NAKAYAMA TAKEO , HAMAGASHIRA NAOKO
Published: November 2006

Background: Due to the low measles vaccination rate, localized measles epidemics occasionally occur in Japan with the majority of sufferers being children under 2 years of age. Despite an increased risk of infection at day‐care centers, the measles vaccination coverage for day‐care attendees is lower than children who are reared‐at‐home or attend kindergartens. This study aims to describe the current state of measles prevention policy at day‐care centers and to examine factors associated with vaccine promotion.

Methods: A cross‐sectional study using anonymous self‐administered questionnaires were distributed to the director or person‐in‐charge at 250 all licensed day‐care centers in Kyoto City, Japan, in 2004. The preventive measures against measles at day‐care centers and factors related to carrying out the promotion of measles vaccination were examined. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios (OR) using a logistical model were presented.

Results: Out of 250 day‐care centers, 187 questionnaires were returned (response rate, 74.8%). Measles vaccination history was taken at 161 day‐care centers (86.1%) at the time of enrolment; only 61 day‐care centers (32.6%) took a history during the school year. A total of 101 day‐care centers (54.0%) promoted measles vaccination in day‐care attendees who had not yet been immunized. Day‐care centers which promoted it were more likely to be ‘public facility’ (OR, 3.09) and ‘having opportunities to learn about vaccination’ (OR, 5.55). After adjustment, ‘having opportunities to learn about vaccination’ and ‘having knowledge that measles vaccination is best under the age of 15 months’ were significantly related to carrying out the promotion of measles vaccination (OR, 6.47; 95% confidence interval, 2.52–18.61; OR, 3.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.45–6.95, respectively).

Conclusion: Preventive measures for measles at day‐care centers are currently insufficient. Increasing opportunities to learn about vaccination may encourage promotional behavior.
Resource allocation to brain research in Europe (RABRE)
Authors: Sobocki P. , Lekander I. , Berwick S. , Olesen J. , Jönsson B.
Published: November 2006

This article is a markedly condensed summary of a longer report [Resource allocation to brain research in Europe (RABRE), part 2] that is simultaneously published on line: (i) as supplementary material linked to this European Journal of Neuroscience article (http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/ejn) and (ii) on the website of the European Brain Council (http://www.europeanbraincouncil.org/publications). We have recently shown that brain diseases account for 35% of the overall disease burden and cost European society almost €400 billion per year (a billion is understood to mean one thousand million throughout this report). The aim of the present study was to estimate funding for brain research in Europe and the cost–benefit of further investments in this area of research. The assessment of funding included public sources (governmental agencies plus charities) and industry funding. The assessment of publicly financed research support for brain research was based on a comprehensive survey, and industry investment in brain research was assessed based on published data on pharmaceutical development. The total funding of brain research in Europe was estimated at €4.1 billion in 2005, of which public grants amounted to < €900 million. Thus, industry funding accounted for 79%. Although cancer only incurred 50% of the cost of brain diseases in 2005, public grants for cancer research were almost twice as high as the public financial support of brain research. US‐based funding of brain research was almost four times higher than European funding. We assessed the cost–benefit of further investment in brain research using different methods. They all showed that increased investment in brain research is likely to be highly cost‐effective. We conclude that European spending on brain research, particularly public spending, is low compared to other fields of research and to the US, and that increased investment in brain research seems warranted.
The cytokine/neurotrophin axis in peripheral axon outgrowth
Authors: Gölz Greta , Uhlmann Lars , Lüdecke Doreen , Markgraf Nora , Nitsch Robert , Hendrix Sven
Published: November 2006

Inflammation is part of the physiological wound healing response following mechanical lesioning of the peripheral nervous system. However, cytokine effects on axonal regeneration are still poorly understood. Because cytokines influence the expression of neurotrophins and their receptors, which play a major role in axonal outgrowth after lesioning, we investigated the hypothesis that cytokines influence specifically neurotrophin‐dependent axon elongation. Therefore, we have characterized neurotrophin‐dependent neurite outgrowth of murine dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in vitro and investigated the influence of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines on these outgrowth patterns. Embryonic day 13 (E13) DRG were cultured in Matrigel for 2 days and axonal morphology, density and elongation were determined using an image analysis system. Nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) and ‐4 (NT‐4) were applied alone (50 ng/mL), in double or in triple combinations. NT‐3, NT‐4 and NT‐3 + NT‐4 combined induced a moderate increase in axonal outgrowth (P < 0.001) compared with controls, while NGF and all combinations including NGF induced an even more pronounced increase in axonal outgrowth (P < 0.001). After characterizing these outgrowth patterns, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) (50 or 500 ng/mL) were added to the different neurotrophin combinations. Low doses of TNFα and IL‐6 influenced neurite extension induced by endogenous neurotrophins. IL‐4 increased NT‐4‐induced outgrowth. IL‐6 stimulated NT‐3 + NT‐4‐induced outgrowth. IFNγ stimulated neurite extension in the presence of NT‐3 + NT‐4 and NT‐3 + NGF. TNFα inhibited NT‐3‐, NT‐3 + NGF‐, NT‐4 + NGF‐ and NT‐3 + NT‐4 + NGF‐induced outgrowth. These data suggest that inflammation following nerve injury modulates re‐innervation via a cytokine/neurotrophin axis.
Repair process of fetal brain after 5‐azacytidine‐induced damage
Authors: Ueno Masaki , Katayama Kei‐ichi , Yamauchi Hirofumi , Yasoshima Akira , Nakayama Hiroyuki , Doi Kunio
Published: November 2006

The fetal brain is susceptible to many extrinsic stresses. Some of these stresses induce excessive cell death in the prenatal stage, leading to anomalies in the neonatal brain. However, it is unclear how the developing brain responds to and repairs the prenatal tissue damage. We treated pregnant rats on day 13 of gestation with 5‐azacytidine, one of the compounds that induces excessive cell death and inhibits proliferation in neural progenitor cells, to damage the fetal brain, and investigated the repair process up to 60 h after treatment. Histological analysis showed that 5‐azacytidine induced strong apoptosis of neural cells. By 60 h, apoptotic cells disappeared and the tissue was repaired, although the telencephalic wall remained thinner than in controls. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the cell cycle distribution also returned to control levels at 60 h, suggesting that the repair process was completed around 60 h. During the repair period, amoeboid microglia infiltrated the brain and ingested the apoptotic cells. These microglial cells were positive for the multiple microglial markers, and mRNAs for the microglia‐related cytokines tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β and macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) were up‐regulated. DNA microarray analysis showed the up‐regulation of genes relevant to glial cells, inflammation, the extracellular matrix, glycolysis, proliferation and neural development. We show here that the developing brain has the capacity to respond to the damage induced by extrinsic chemical stresses, including changing the expression of numerous genes and the induction of microglia to aid the repair process.
Divergent trends in the incidence of end‐stage renal disease due to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in Europe, Canada and Australia during 1998–2002
Authors:   The ESRD Incidence Study Group
Published: November 2006

Aims  To describe the variation in geographical distribution of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) due to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and to calculate recent trends in incidence in predominantly white populations.

Methods  Estimation of age‐ and sex‐standardized incidence of ESRD by type of diabetes, and temporal trends, in population‐based data for persons aged 30–44, 45–54 or 55–64 years newly treated for ESRD during 1998–2002 in eight countries or regions of Europe, and Non‐Indigenous Canadians and Australians.

Results  The incidence of ESRD due to Type 1 diabetes at age 30–44 years correlated with published rates of childhood‐onset insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (P = 0.0025). ESRD due to Type 2 diabetes was uncommon before 45 years of age; in older persons, the highest rates (in Canada and Austria) were five times the lowest rates (in Norway and the Basque region). Rates of ESRD due to Type 1 diabetes fell, per year, by 6.4%[95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1–10.6%) in persons aged 30–44 years, and by 7.7% (95% CI: 2.4–12.7%] in those aged 45–54 years. In contrast, rates of ESRD due to Type 2 diabetes increased annually by 16% (95% CI: 5–28%) in the 30–44‐year age group, 11% (95% CI: 6–16%) at 45–54 years, and 9% (95% CI: 5–14%) at 55–64 years.

Conclusions  Modern prevention has reduced progression of nephropathy to ESRD due to Type 1 diabetes, but the continuing rise of ESRD due to Type 2 diabetes represents a failure of current disease control measures that has serious public health implications.
Predictive value of admission hyperglycaemia on mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Schiele F. , Descotes‐Genon V. , Seronde M. F. , Blonde M. C. , Legalery P. , Meneveau N. , Ecarnot F. , Mercier M. , Penfornis A. , Thebault L. , Boumal D. , Bassand J‐P. ,   on behalf of the investigators of the ‘Réseau Franc Comtois de Cardiologie’
Published: November 2006

Rationale and aim  In patients with an acute myocardial infarction, admission hyperglycaemia (AH) is a major risk factor for mortality. However, the predictive value of AH, when the risk score and use of guidelines‐recommended treatments are considered, is poorly documented.

Methods  The first fasting plasma glucose levels after admission, risk level, guidelines‐recommended treatment use and 1‐year mortality were recorded. Patients with first fasting glucose level after admission > 7.7 mmo/l were considered to have AH.

Results  Three hundred and twenty patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 404 with non‐ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) were included. One hundred and seventy‐five (24%) patients had pre‐existing diabetes (diabetes group), 154 (21%) had AH (AH+ group) and the remainding 395 (55%) had neither diabetes nor AH (AH– group). The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score was lower in the AH– group, but the use of guidelines‐recommended treatment was comparable in all groups. At 1 year, the mortality rate was higher in the AH+ group compared with the AH– group (18.8 vs. 6.1%, P < 0.01) and similar to that in the diabetes group (18.8 vs. 16.6%, P = NS). The relation between glycaemic status and mortality remained strong [AH+ vs. AH–, OR = 3.0 (1.5, 6.0) and diabetes vs. AH–, OR = 3.6 (1.7, 6.6)] after adjustment for the GRACE risk score [OR = 2.4 (1.8, 3.1) per 10% increase] and for treatment score [OR = 0.7 (0.6, 0.8) per 10% increase].

Conclusions  In patients without a history of diabetes, the presence of AH indicates an increased risk of 1‐year mortality, similar to that of patients with diabetes, even when the risk score and use of guidelines‐recommended treatment are controlled for.
The prevalence of depression and anxiety in adults with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Shaban M. C. , Fosbury J. , Kerr D. , Cavan D. A.
Published: November 2006

Aim  The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in a large UK group of people with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods  Patients aged 16–60 years were invited to complete self‐report questionnaires when they attended outpatient clinic appointments. HbA1c was recorded from the clinic database.

Results  Analysis was based on 273 complete questionnaires. The mean scores for both anxiety (mean 6.4, sd 4.5) and depression (mean 3.4, sd 3.5) were consistent with normative data. Females reported significantly higher mean anxiety than males, although neither reached the criterion for ‘caseness’. Significant differences to the norm were observed for the percentages reporting moderate to severe levels of depression in males (χ2 = 6.44; d.f. = 2; P = 0.04) and moderate to severe levels of anxiety in females (χ2 = 7.47; d.f. = 2; P = 0.02). HbA1c was positively correlated with HADS scores (anxiety r = 0.2, P = 0.001, depression r = 0.14, P = 0.02).

Conclusions  While there is no significant difference in the mean anxiety or depression in this cohort compared with those reported for a non‐diabetic, healthy population, the results suggest that there is an increased prevalence of clinically relevant anxiety in females and of depression in males with Type 1 diabetes when compared with the normative data.