bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of legume silage digestibility from various laboratory methods
Authors: Rinne M. , Olt A. , Nousiainen J. , Seppälä A. , Tuori M. , Paul C. , Fraser M. D. , Huhtanen P.
Published: December 2006

The potential of different laboratory methods to predict legume silage organic matter digestibility (OMD) in vivo was evaluated by using data from thirty‐three pure legume silages in seven experiments. The samples were analysed for crude protein concentration, cell wall composition, in vitro digestibility by the methods of Tilley and Terry [Journal of the British Grassland Society, 18 (1963), 104–111; OMDT&T], pepsin‐cellulase solubility (OMS) and gas production (OMDGAS), and for indigestible neutral‐detergent fibre concentration in situ (INDF). The relationships between the results obtained by the laboratory methods and in vivo OMD, all expressed as ratios, were studied using linear univariate regression models with experiment as a random variable (mixed model). Legume silage digestibility could be estimated with acceptable accuracy by different in vitro methods, but not from the chemical composition of the samples. The highest accuracy in OMD prediction was found with OMS (RMSE 0·0113; R2 = 0·965) followed by OMDGAS (RMSE 0·0149; R2 = 0·944), OMDT& T (RMSE 0·0149; R2 = 0·940) and INDF (RMSE 0·0168; R2 = 0·925). The relationships between the in vitro methods and in vivo digestibility are not universal, and should be determined separately for each laboratory and type of forage. Part of the error in OMD prediction can be attributed to errors in in vivo OMD determination.
Effects of date of autumn closing and timing of winter grazing on herbage production in winter and spring
Authors: Hennessy D. , O'Donovan M. , French P. , Laidlaw A. S.
Published: December 2006

Growth of grass herbage in Ireland is highly seasonal with little or no net growth from November to February. As a result, feed demand exceeds grass supply during late autumn, winter and early spring. At low stocking rates [≤2 livestock units (LU) ha−1], there is potential to defer some of the herbage grown in autumn to support winter grazing. This study examined the effects of four autumn‐closing dates and four winter‐grazing dates in successive years on the accumulation of herbage mass and on tiller density in winter and subsequent herbage production at two sites in Ireland, one in the south and one in the north‐east. Closing swards from grazing in early and mid‐September (north‐east and south of Ireland respectively) provided swards with >2 t DM ha−1 and a proportion of green leaf >0·65–0·70 of the herbage mass above 4 cm, with a crude protein (CP) concentration of >230 g kg−1 DM and dry matter digestibility (DMD) of >0·700. The effects of autumn‐closing date and winter‐grazing date on herbage production in the subsequent year varied between the two sites. There was no significant effect of autumn‐closing date in the north‐eastern site whereas in the south earlier autumn closing reduced the herbage mass in late March by up to 0·34 t DM ha−1 and delaying winter grazing reduced the herbage mass in late March by up to 0·85 t DM ha−1. The effects of later grazing dates in winter on herbage mass continued into the summer at the southern site, reducing the herbage mass for the period from late March to July by up to 2 t DM ha−1. The effects of imposing treatments in successive years did not follow a consistent pattern and year‐to‐year variation was most likely linked to meteorological conditions.
Genetic patterns of tenElymusspecies from the Tibetan and Inner Mongolian plateaus of China
Authors: Yan X. B. , Guo Y. X. , Zhou H. , Lu B. R. , Wang K.
Published: December 2006

Genetic diversity was investigated for forty populations of tenElymusspecies from the Tibetan and Inner Mongolian plateaus of China using allozyme and micro‐satellite markers. The two assays differed in the amount of polymorphism detected. Micro‐satellites detected the higher amounts of polymorphism. For allozymes and micro‐satellite markers, between populations of each species, the proportion of polymorphic loci, heterozygosity and Shannon's Information index ranged from 0·1667 to 0·833, and 0·455 to 1·00, respectively, 0·0800 to 0·2528 and 0·1622 to 0·3619, respectively, and 0·1173 to 0·3769 and 0·2248 to 0·5318 respectively. As for gene flow at the species and population levels, limited gene flow was found between populations within species and between species. From a geographical standpoint, samples from different regions showed a range of values. Populations from the Tibetan Plateau of China had higher genetic variation than from the Inner Mongolian plateau both using allozyme and micro‐satellite markers.
Comparative defoliation tolerance of temperate perennial grasses
Authors: Cullen B. R. , Chapman D. F. , Quigley P. E.
Published: December 2006

The defoliation tolerance of cultivars of four temperate perennial pasture grasses, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne, cv. Yatsyn1), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica cv. Australian), tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae cv. Demeter) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata cv. Porto), was determined under controlled conditions over a period of 12 weeks. Undefoliated plants were compared with defoliated plants, where only half of one leaf was left intact at the initial defoliation, and leaf regrowth was harvested every 3–4 d. The growth responses measured were plant tiller number, dry weight, relative leaf regrowth rate, root:shoot ratio, sheath:stem ratio and specific leaf weight. All species showed morphological adaptations that potentially increased their ability to tolerate defoliation (e.g. increased allocation to shoot at the expense of roots and lower specific leaf weights) but cocksfoot was found to be the most defoliation‐tolerant and perennial ryegrass the least. The adaptation that favoured cocksfoot most strongly was high sheath:stem ratio, which, it is proposed, allowed it to maintain photosynthesis and a level of carbon supply sufficient to support regrowth throughout the experiment. The strategy of perennial ryegrass which favours leaf growth and leads to rapid leaf turnover rates made it particularly susceptible to defoliation under the conditions of this experiment. This highlights the likely importance of defoliation‐avoidance responses in explaining the well‐known grazing resistance of this species. Phalaris and tall fescue showed responses that were intermediate between the other two species. The importance of defoliation‐avoidance mechanisms and implications for grazing management are discussed.
Daily carbohydrate accumulation in eight tall fescue cultivars
Authors: Shewmaker G. E. , Mayland H. F. , Roberts C. A. , Harrison P. A. , Chatterton N. J. , Sleper D. A.
Published: December 2006

Eight cultivars of tall fescue (Loliumarundinaceum Schreb., S.J. Darbyshire = Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), Barcel, Kenhy, Kentucky‐31, Missouri‐96, Mozark, Stargrazer, C‐1 (an experimental selection), and HiMag, were sampled at 2‐h intervals during daylight on four cutting dates. Cultivars varied in concentrations of carbohydrate fractions but accumulation rates were not different. Daily mean total non‐structural carbohydrate (TNC) concentrations for cutting dates in May, July, August and September declined from 239 to 231, 143 and 120 g TNC kg−1 adjusted dry weight (ADW) respectively. Concentrations of fructans were highest in July but sucrose, glucose and starch concentrations were highest in May. Sucrose was the largest contributor proportionately to TNC daily means across accessions in May (0·33), August (0·30) and September (0·38). Glucose composed an equivalent proportion of TNC in the August harvest. Starch concentration was highest in May at 53 g kg−1 ADW and lowest in August at 23 g kg−1 ADW. The TNC concentration increased by 22·4 (May), 16·8 (July), 21·0 (August) and 30·8 g kg−1 ADW (September) from dawn to dusk. Forage samples taken to estimate preference by ruminants or for TNC analyses should be cut and preserved within 1 h to control the diurnal variation of TNC proportionately within 0·05. Tall fescue should generally be cut between noon and sunset for TNC concentrations to be greater than the daily mean.
Occurrence of endophytes in grasses native to northern China
Authors: Wei Y. K. , Gao Y. B. , Xu H. , Su D. , Zhang X. , Wang Y. H. , Lin F. , Chen L. , Nie L. Y. , Ren A. Z.
Published: December 2006

A survey of grass species associated with Neotyphodium and Epichloë fungal endophytes was made in the permanent grasslands of northern China. A total of 41 grass species, 56 sites and 172 local populations were examined to reveal endophytic infection of native grasses. Twenty‐five of the forty‐one species of grasses (proportionately 0·61) were infected by endophytes: twenty‐two species had a mean infection rate of 0·01–0·50 and only three species had a mean infection >0·50. Of the 172 local populations examined, however, proportionately 0·72 were not infected, 0·181 had an infection rate of 0·01–0·50 and 0·099 had an infection rate of 0·51–1·00. Two genera of grasses, Cleistogenes and Koeleria, as well as twenty plant species, were previously unknown endophytic hosts in China. High infection rates (0·86–1·00) of plants of Achnatherum sibiricum were detected at all eleven sites studied. Other grasses in which high infection rates were found were Agropyron mongolicum, Roegneria turczaninovii, Agropyron elongate, Poa palustris and Poaangustifolia. It was concluded that endophytes are found widely in natural grass populations and that endophyte–grass interactions may have effects on ecosystems and livestock in the grasslands of northern China.
Effects of a range‐of‐motion exercise programme
Authors: Tseng Chien‐Ning , Chen Cheryl Chia‐Hui , Wu Shiao‐Chi , Lin Li‐Chan
Published: December 2006

Title. Effects of a range‐of‐motion exercise programme

Aim.  This paper reports an evaluation of a range‐of‐motion exercise programme aimed at improving joint flexibility, activity function, perception of pain, and depressive symptoms in a sample of stroke survivors in long‐term care facilities.

Background.  The benefits of physical rehabilitation for stroke survivors have been well established. There is, however, little empirical data on the effects of a simple nurse‐led range‐of‐motion exercise programme in improving function for these people.

Method.  A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 1999 with 59 bedridden older stroke survivors in residential care. Participants were randomly assigned to usual care or one of two intervention groups. The 4‐week, twice‐per‐day, 6 days‐per‐week range‐of‐motion exercise protocols were similar in both intervention groups, and consisted of full range‐of‐motion exercises of the upper and lower extremities. To test the effect of different degrees of staff involvement, in intervention group I, a Registered Nurse was present to supervise participants performing the exercises, while intervention group II involved a Registered Nurse physically assisting participants to achieve maximum range‐of‐motion within or beyond their present abilities.

Results.  Both intervention groups had statistically significant improvement in joint angles, activity function, perception of pain and depressive symptoms compared with the usual care group (P < 0·05). Post hoc comparison revealed that the joint angles in intervention group II were statistically significantly wider than in both the other groups (P < 0·01).

Conclusions.  A simple nurse‐led range‐of‐motion exercise programme can generate positive effects in enhancing physical and psychological function of bedridden older people with stroke. Further studies are needed to investigate the long‐term effects of the programme in maximizing function, reducing care utilization and enhancing quality of life for this population.
Living in the city: can anyone become an ‘urban exploiter'?
Authors: Kark Salit , Iwaniuk Andrew , Schalimtzek Adam , Banker Eran
Published: December 2006

Aim As urban landscapes expand, shifts in biodiversity are occurring. This is leading biogeographers and ecologists to consider human‐dominated landscapes in their current work. One question that arises is: what characterizes those species that are widespread in the most highly urban environments compared with those restricted to less urbanized areas in the city? Here, we aim to identify the traits that enable species to become urban exploiters, i.e. to dominate highly urbanized surroundings. Identifying these traits may help us better predict and possibly mitigate the biotic homogenization occurring in these areas.

Location Israel in general, with special focus on the city of Jerusalem.

Methods Combining literature and field‐based data for birds in Israel we compared phenotypic, behavioural and life‐history traits between urban exploiters and urban adapters. The latter occur in urban landscapes, but are characteristic of the less urbanized parts of the city. We then examined the trends along a finer field‐sampled gradient of increasing urbanization from sub‐natural to downtown areas within the city of Jerusalem.

Results Urban exploiters and adapters differed primarily in social structure and migratory status: exploiters were significantly more social and sedentary than urban adapters. Clear trends were also seen for dietary preferences along a gradient of increasing urbanization in Jerusalem, such that, with increasing urbanization, the proportion of granivorous species increased whereas the proportion of species feeding on invertebrates declined. In contrast, neither relative brain size nor behavioural flexibility, as measured by feeding innovations, differed significantly among urban exploiters and adapters in Israel or along the urbanization gradient in Jerusalem specifically.

Main conclusions The results of our study suggest that being successful in more vs. less urbanized environments in the city is not necessarily a factor of brain size nor of how flexible and behaviourally innovative the species is; rather, it depends on a combination of traits, including diet, degree of sociality, sedentariness and preferred nesting sites.
Analysis of factors implicated in the recent decline of Australia's mammal fauna
Authors: McKenzie N. L. , Burbidge A. A. , Baynes A. , Brereton R. N. , Dickman C. R. , Gordon G. , Gibson L. A. , Menkhorst P. W. , Robinson A. C. , Williams M. R. , Woinarski J. C. Z.
Published: December 2006

Aim  To assess whether eight factors thought to be involved in the extinction process can explain the pattern of recent decline in Australia's mammal fauna.

Location  Australia.

Methods  We compiled the first comprehensive lists of mammal species extant at the time of European settlement in each of Australia's 76 mainland regions, and assigned a current conservation status to each species in each region to derive an index of faunal attrition. We then sought to explain the observed region‐to‐region variation in attrition (the dependent variable) by building a series of models using variables representing the eight factors.

Results  A strong geographically based pattern of attrition emerged, with faunal losses being greatest in arid regions and least in areas of high rainfall. The Akaike information criterion showed support for one model that explained 93% of the region‐to‐region variation in attrition. Its six variables all made independent contributions towards explaining the observed variation. Two were environmental variables, namely mean annual rainfall (a surrogate for regional productivity) and environmental change (a measure of post‐European disturbance). The other four were faunal variables, namely phylogenetic similarity, body‐weight distribution, area (as a surrogate for extent of occurrence), and proportion of species that usually shelter on the ground (rather than in rock piles, burrows or trees).

Main conclusions  In combination with historical evidence, the analysis provides an explicit basis for setting priorities among regions and species. It also shows that the long‐term recovery of populations of many species of Australian mammals will require introduced predator suppression as well as extensive habitat management that includes controlling feral herbivores. Specifically, habitat management should restore aspects of productivity relevant to the types of species at risk and ensure the continual availability of suitable refuges from physiological stressors.
A review of the benefits of whole body exercise during and after treatment for breast cancer
Authors: Kirshbaum Marilyn N
Published: December 2006

Aim.  A current critical review of the literature was deemed necessary to evaluate the strength of evidence to inform clinical practice.

Background.  Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in empirical literature surrounding the benefits of exercise for breast cancer patients.

Methods.  A systematic search strategy was used to identify relevant literature. Twenty‐nine articles were retained for critical review, appraised for quality and synthesized.

Results.  Many early studies had limited internal and external validity. Recent studies were considerably more rigorous and robust. Consistent support for all types of aerobic exercise was most evident in studies of patients during adjuvant cancer treatments (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), compared with post‐treatment studies. The evidence which suggested that aerobic exercise limits cancer‐related fatigue was particularly strong. For other patient concerns, the empirical support was less robust, however, the potential for beneficial and measurable patient outcomes was indicated for cardiopulmonary function, overall quality of life, global health, strength, sleep, self‐esteem and reduced weight gain, depression, anxiety and tiredness.

Conclusions.  Additional studies with higher methodological quality are required in this clinically relevant area to substantiate current indications particularly for patient subgroups (e.g. older people, those with advanced cancer and the disadvantaged).

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important for all healthcare professionals involved in the care of individuals affected by breast cancer to be aware of the evidence surrounding the benefits of exercise and to encourage patients to increase physical activity and improve their overall health and well‐being.
A review of the impact and effectiveness of nurse‐led care in dermatology
Authors: Courtenay Molly , Carey Nicola
Published: December 2006

Aims and objectives.  To identify systematically, summarize and critically appraise the current evidence regarding the impact and effectiveness of nurse‐led care in dermatology.

Background.  A diverse range of nurse‐led models of care exist in dermatology. Primary studies have been conducted evaluating these models, but review and synthesis of the findings from these studies have not been undertaken.

Method.  Systematic searches of CINAHL, MEDLINE, British Nursing Index (BNI) and the RCN Library Catalogue from 1990 until March 2005. The searches were supplemented by an extensive hand search of the literature through references identified from retrieved articles and by contact with experts in the field.

Results.  Fourteen relevant publications were identified and included findings from both primary and secondary care. The evidence indicates that nurses are treating a number of dermatological conditions, primarily using treatment protocols, across a broad range of clinical settings. However, some nurses working in primary care, lack confidence to treat some of these conditions and the educational needs of these nurses are frequently unmet. A reduction in the severity of the condition and more effective use of topical therapies are benefits of nurse interventions on service delivery. Faster access to treatment, a reduction in referrals to the general practitioner or dermatologist and an increase in knowledge of their condition are benefits reported by patients.

Conclusions.  Findings of the review are generally positive. However, there are methodological weaknesses and under researched issues, e.g. cost effectiveness of nurse‐led care and the prescription of medicines by nurses for patients with dermatological conditions that point to the need for further rigorous evaluation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurse‐led care is an integral element of the dermatology service offered to patients. This review highlights the impact of this care and the issues that require consideration by those responsible for the development of nurse‐led models of care in dermatology.
Circadian Clocks: Setting Time By Food
Authors: Mendoza J.
Published: December 2006

In mammals, daily rhythms in behaviour and physiology are driven by a circadian timing system comprised, in a hierarchical way, of a master pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus and of peripheral oscillators in most body cells. At the molecular level, in both the SCN and peripheral oscillators, the circadian clock mechanism is built from interconnected feedback loops in gene expression that operate in a cell‐autonomous and self‐sustained fashion. The SCN clock is mainly entrained by light/dark cycles. By contrast, peripheral oscillators can be strongly affected by daily feeding cycles, which have little effect on the phase of the SCN. However, when feeding schedules are coupled with a caloric restriction, behavioural and physiological circadian rhythms and gene expression in the SCN are shifted and/or entrained to meal‐time. Moreover, the reward and motivational value of food can also be a potent synchroniser for the SCN clock. This suggests that energy metabolism and motivational properties of food can influence the clock mechanism of the SCN. Food‐related cues may entrain clock genes of the SCN with a direct effect, or be mediated indirectly by another neural or peripheral site. In addition, there may be one or more oscillator sites that would play an integral role as a food‐entrained oscillator (FEO), responsible for anticipation of meal‐time. The site housing, or the network underlying, this putative FEO is still unknown. The aim of this review is to summarise our current knowledge of the central and peripheral circadian clocks and how they can be entrained by feeding at the physiological and molecular levels.
Neuronal Activity of Aromatase Enzyme in Non‐Copulating Male Rats
Authors: Portillo W. , Castillo C. G. , Retana‐Márquez S. , Roselli C. E. , Paredes R. G.
Published: December 2006

There are apparently normal male rats that fail to initiate copulation; these animals are called non‐copulating (NC) males. Several research groups have demonstrated that conversion of testosterone to oestradiol (aromatisation) in specific brain areas known to be involved in the control of masculine sexual behaviour is fundamental in the control of masculine sexual behaviour. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the concentration of aromatase activity (AA) in the brain is lower in NC males than in copulating males (C). We quantified AA in several brain nuclei and also evaluated whether NC rats have altered concentrations of testosterone in their plasma. We found that AA was reduced in the medial preoptic nuclei (MPN) of NC male rats vs C males. In addition, NC and C male rats had similar plasma levels of testosterone. These data suggest that reduced levels of AA in the MPN could be a crucial factor associated with lack of male coital behaviour in rats.
Growth of Campylobacter jejuni on nitrate and nitrite: electron transport to NapA and NrfA via NrfH and distinct roles for NrfA and the globin Cgb in protection against nitrosative stress
Authors: Pittman Marc S. , Elvers Karen T. , Lee Lucy , Jones Michael A. , Poole Robert K. , Park Simon F. , Kelly David J.
Published: December 2006

Pathways of electron transport to periplasmic nitrate (NapA) and nitrite (NrfA) reductases have been investigated in Campylobacter jejuni, a microaerophilic food‐borne pathogen. The nap operon is unusual in lacking napC (encoding a tetra‐haem c‐type cytochrome) and napF, but contains a novel gene of unknown function, napL. The iron‐sulphur protein NapG has a major role in electron transfer to the NapAB complex, but we show that slow nitrate‐dependent growth of a napG mutant can be sustained by electron transfer from NrfH, the electron donor to the nitrite reductase NrfA. A napL mutant possessed ∼50% lower NapA activity than the wild type but showed normal growth with nitrate as the electron acceptor. NrfA was constitutive and was shown to play a role in protection against nitrosative stress in addition to the previously identified NO‐inducible single domain globin, Cgb. However, nitrite also induced cgb expression in an NssR‐dependent manner, suggesting that growth of C. jejuni with nitrite causes nitrosative stress. This was confirmed by lack of growth of cgb and nssR mutants, and slow growth of the nrfA mutant, in media containing nitrite. Thus, NrfA and Cgb together provide C. jejuni with constitutive and inducible components of a robust defence against nitrosative stress.
The interaction of light quality and irradiance with gibberellins, cytokinins and auxin in regulating growth of Helianthus annuus hypocotyls
Authors: KUREPIN LEONID V. , EMERY R. J. NEIL , PHARIS RICHARD P. , REID DAVID M.
Published: December 2006

A reduced red to far‐red (R/FR) light ratio and low photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) irradiance are both strong signals for inducing etiolation growth of plant stems. Under natural field conditions, plants can be exposed to either a reduced R/FR ratio or lower PAR, or to a combination of both. We used Helianthus annuus L., the sunflower, to study the effect of reduced R/FR ratio, low PAR or their combination on hypocotyl elongation. To accomplish this, we attempted to uncouple light quality from light irradiance as factors controlling hypocotyl elongation. We measured alterations in the levels of endogenous gibberellins (GAs), cytokinins (CKs) and the auxin indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), and the effect of exogenous hormones on hypocotyl growth. As expected, both reduced R/FR ratio and lower PAR can significantly promote sunflower hypocotyl elongation when given separately. However, providing the reduced R/FR ratio at a low PAR resulted in the greatest hypocotyl growth, and this was accompanied by significantly higher levels of endogenous IAA, GA1, GA8, GA20 and of a wide range of CKs. Providing a reduced R/FR ratio under normal PAR also significantly increased growth and again gave significantly higher levels of endogenous IAA, GAs and CKs. However, only under the de‐etiolating influence of a normal R/FR ratio did lowering PAR significantly increase levels of GA1, GA8 and GA20. We thus conclude that light quality (e.g. the R/FR ratio) is the most important component of shade for controlling hypocotyl growth and elevated growth hormone content.
A molecular phylogeny of the Old World stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) and the non‐monophyly of the large genusTrigona
Authors: RASMUSSEN CLAUS , CAMERON SYDNEY A.
Published: December 2006

AbstractWe examined the inter‐ and infrageneric relationships of Old World Meliponini with a near‐complete sampling of supra‐specific taxa. DNA sequences for the taxa were collected from four genes (mitochondrial 16S rRNA, nuclear long‐wavelength rhodopsin copy 1 (opsin), elongation factor‐1α copy F2 and arginine kinase). Additional sampling of New World taxa indicated thatTrigona sensu latois not monophyletic:Trigonafrom the Indo‐Malayan/Australasian Regions forms a large clade distantly related to the NeotropicalTrigona. A separate clade comprises the Afrotropical meliponines, and includes the ‘minute’ species found in the Afrotropical, Indo‐Malayan and Australasian Regions. The Neotropical genusMelipona, by contrast with previous investigations, is not the sister lineage to the remaining stingless bees, but falls within the strongly supported Neotropical clade. These results constitute the framework for a revised classification and ongoing biological investigations of Meliponini. A single taxonomic change,Heterotrigona bakeristat.n., is proposed on the basis of sequence divergence.
Characterization of a BAHD acyltransferase responsible for producing the green leaf volatile (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐yl acetate in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: D'Auria John C. , Pichersky Eran , Schaub Andrea , Hansel Armin , Gershenzon Jonathan
Published: December 2006

Green‐leaf volatiles are commonly emitted from mechanically and herbivore‐damaged plants. Derived from the lipoxygenase pathway, these compounds may serve as attractants to predators and parasitoids of herbivores, prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi, and induce several important plant defense pathways. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the major volatile released upon mechanical wounding of the leaves is the GLV ester, (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐yl acetate. We have characterized a member of the BAHD acyltransferase gene family At3g03480 which catalyzes the formation of (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐yl acetate from acetyl‐CoA and (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol. The encoded acetyl CoA:(Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol acetyltransferase (CHAT) has the ability to accept several medium‐chain‐length aliphatic and benzyl‐derived alcohols, but has highest catalytic efficiency with (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol. The highest expression of CHAT occurs in the leaves and stems. Upon mechanical damage, the (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐yl acetate emission peaked after 5 min and declined to pre‐damage levels after 90 min. However, CHAT gene transcript levels increased much more slowly with the highest levels detected between 3 and 6 h after wounding. An increase in CHAT enzyme activity in vitro followed the transcript increase, with levels peaking between 10 and 12 h after wounding. Plants expressing either an RNAi cassette for the CHAT gene or plants harboring a T‐DNA insertion in the CHAT coding region had greatly reduced (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐yl acetate emission, showing that the CHAT enzyme is responsible for the in planta production of this ester.
Salicylic acid‐mediated innate immunity in Arabidopsis is regulated by SIZ1 SUMO E3 ligase
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Nam Jaesung , Park Hyeong Cheol , Na Gunnam , Miura Kenji , Jin Jing Bo , Yoo Chan Yul , Baek Dongwon , Kim Doh Hoon , Jeong Jae Cheol , Kim Donggiun , Lee Sang Yeol , Salt David E. , Mengiste Tesfaye , Gong Qingqiu , Ma Shisong , Bohnert Hans J. , Kwak Sang‐Soo , Bressan Ray A. , Hasegawa Paul M. , Yun Dae‐Jin
Published: December 2006

Reversible modifications of target proteins by small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) proteins are involved in many cellular processes in yeast and animals. Yet little is known about the function of sumoylation in plants. Here, we show that the SIZ1 gene, which encodes an Arabidopsis SUMO E3 ligase, regulates innate immunity. Mutant siz1 plants exhibit constitutive systemic‐acquired resistance (SAR) characterized by elevated accumulation of salicylic acid (SA), increased expression of pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes, and increased resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000. Transfer of the NahG gene to siz1 plants results in reversal of these phenotypes back to wild‐type. Analyses of the double mutants, npr1 siz1, pad4 siz1 and ndr1 siz1 revealed that SIZ1 controls SA signalling. SIZ1 interacts epistatically with PAD4 to regulate PR expression and disease resistance. Consistent with these observations, siz1 plants exhibited enhanced resistance to Pst DC3000 expressing avrRps4, a bacterial avirulence determinant that responds to the EDS1/PAD4‐dependent TIR‐NBS‐type R gene. In contrast, siz1 plants were not resistant to Pst DC3000 expressing avrRpm1, a bacterial avirulence determinant that responds to the NDR1‐dependent CC‐NBS‐type R gene. Jasmonic acid (JA)‐induced PDF1.2 expression and susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea were unaltered in siz1 plants. Taken together, these results demonstrate that SIZ1 is required for SA and PAD4‐mediated R gene signalling, which in turn confers innate immunity in Arabidopsis.
A new in vitro translation system for non‐radioactive assay from tobacco chloroplasts: effect of pre‐mRNA processing on translation in vitro
Authors: Yukawa Maki , Kuroda Hiroshi , Sugiura Masahiro
Published: December 2006

We previously developed an in vitro translation system derived from tobacco chloroplasts. Here, we report a significantly improved in vitro translation system. By modifying preparation procedures for chloroplast extracts and reaction conditions, we achieved 100‐fold higher translation activity than the previous system. The new system does not require the supplement of Escherichia coli tRNAs due to the omission of micrococcal nuclease treatment, thus the tRNA population reflects the intrinsic tRNA population in tobacco chloroplasts. The rate of translation initiation from a variety of chloroplast mRNAs may be measured by monitoring the fluorescence intensity of synthesized green fluorescent protein, which is a non‐radioactive detection method. Incorporation of an amino acid linked to a fluorescent dye also allows detection of the translation products in vitro. Using our new system, we found that mRNAs carrying unprocessed or processed atpH and rbcL 5′‐UTRs were efficiently translated at similar rates, whereas translation of mRNAs with processed atpB and psbB 5′‐UTRs was more efficient than those with unprocessed 5′‐UTRs. These results suggest that the role of 5′‐UTR processing in the regulation of chloroplast gene expression differs between mRNAs. The new in vitro translation system will be a powerful tool to investigate the mechanism of chloroplast mRNA translation.
Arabidopsis hot2 encodes an endochitinase‐like protein that is essential for tolerance to heat, salt and drought stresses
Authors: Kwon YeRim , Kim Sun‐Hee , Jung Moon‐Soo , Kim Mi‐Sook , Oh Jee‐Eun , Ju Hyun‐Woo , Kim Kang‐il , Vierling Elizabeth , Lee Hojoung , Hong Suk‐Whan
Published: December 2006

The Arabidopsis hot2 mutant was originally identified based on its lack of thermotolerance, but pleiotropic abnormal phenotypes are also exhibited under normal conditions, including semi‐dwarfism, ethylene overproduction and aberrant cell shape with incomplete cell walls. Here we present additional characterization of the hot2 mutant, and the map‐based cloning of HOT2. Mutants of hot2 had an aberrant tolerance to salt and drought stresses, and accumulated high levels of Na+ in cells under either normal or NaCl stress conditions. Expression of the stress‐inducible COR15A and KIN1 gene in hot2 mutants in response to increased NaCl concentrations was normal. HOT2 encoded a chitinase‐like protein (AtCTL1) that has not previously been shown to be involved in tolerance to salt stress. Ten‐day‐old seedlings of wild‐type plants exhibited constitutive expression of the AtCTL1 transcript, the level of which was unaffected by treatment with NaCl, mannitol or mild heat. These observations provide genetic evidence that a chitinase‐like protein prevents the overaccumulation of Na+ ions, thereby contributing to the salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. A possible role for this chitinase‐like protein in Arabidopsis tolerance to abiotic stress is discussed.
The Rc and Rd genes are involved in proanthocyanidin synthesis in rice pericarp
Authors: Furukawa Tsutomu , Maekawa Masahiko , Oki Tomoyuki , Suda Ikuo , Iida Shigeru , Shimada Hiroaki , Takamure Itsuro , Kadowaki Koh‐ichi
Published: December 2006

Different colors, such as purple, brown, red and white, occur in the pericarp of rice. Here, two genes affecting proanthocyanidin synthesis in red‐ and brown‐colored rice were elucidated. Genetic segregation analysis suggested that the Rd and A loci are identical, and both encode dihydroflavonol‐4‐reductase (DFR). The introduction of the DFR gene into an Rcrd mutant resulted in red‐colored rice, which was brown in the original mutant, demonstrating that the Rd locus encodes the DFR protein. Accumulation of proanthocyanidins was observed in the transformants by the introduction of the Rd gene into the rice Rcrd line. Protein blot analysis showed that the DFR gene was translated in seeds with alternative translation initiation. A search for the Rc gene, which encodes a transacting regulatory factor, was conducted using available DNA markers and the Rice Genome Automated Annotation System program. Three candidate genes were identified and cloned from a rice RcRd line and subsequently introduced into a rice rcrd line. Brown‐colored seeds were obtained from transgenic plants by the introduction of a gene containing the basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) motif, demonstrating that the Rc gene encodes a bHLH protein. Comparison of the Rc locus among rice accessions showed that a 14‐bp deletion occurred only in the rc locus.
CLINICAL STUDY: Alcohol administration acutely inhibits ghrelin secretion in an experiment involving psychosocial stress
Authors: Zimmermann Ulrich S. , Buchmann Arlette , Steffin Birgit , Dieterle Christoph , Uhr Manfred
Published: December 2006

The appetite‐regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin are altered in alcoholism and influence the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal system. We investigated whether acute ethanol ingestion and stress exposure affect ghrelin secretion. Nine healthy male volunteers were exposed to a standardized laboratory stressor involving public speaking on 2 days. On the first day they ingested 0.6 g/kg ethanol and on the second a placebo drink 50 minutes before the stressor. Plasma ghrelin, cortisol, glucose, and insulin were measured at baseline and in eight subsequent samples obtained up to 120 minutes after drinking (75 minutes after stress onset). The stress test induced a transient and significant rise in cortisol, which was not altered by prior alcohol administration. No significant change of ghrelin, insulin or glucose levels was observed after the stressor. Ghrelin declined significantly within 15 minutes after alcohol drinking, fell to a minimum of 66% of baseline at 75 minutes and remained at that level until the last sample at 120 minutes. No significant ghrelin changes were observed during placebo experiments. Insulin and glucose were not significantly influenced by stress or by alcohol. We conclude that alcohol drinking acutely attenuates circulating ghrelin levels. This effect is more pronounced than would be expected from the calories ingested with alcohol, as compared with a prior report where liquid meals of different caloric content were administered. We could not observe a stress effect on ghrelin, which does not support a role for ghrelin in stress‐induced anorexia.
IMAGING STUDY: Reduced fMRI activation of an occipital area in recently detoxified alcohol‐dependent patients in a visual and acoustic stimulation paradigm
Authors: Hermann Derik , Smolka Michael N. , Klein Sabine , Heinz Andreas , Mann Karl , Braus Dieter F.
Published: December 2006

Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with neural damage that manifests in deficits in information processing. Previous studies evaluated higher cognitive functions such as working memory, but basic sensory information processing circuits have never been investigated before. Therefore, we applied a simple visual and acoustic stimulation paradigm in this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) pilot study. Nine recently detoxified male alcohol‐dependent patients and nine healthy volunteers were presented a well‐established 6‐Hz checkerboard and auditory stimuli in the form of drumbeats in a block‐design fMRI paradigm. During visual and acoustic stimulation, alcoholics and controls activated widespread occipital and temporal brain areas, as well as parts of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and thalamus. In a comparison of the stimulation‐induced activation of alcoholics and controls, the alcoholics showed a significantly lower blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal in an extended bilateral occipital area (P < 0.001) as compared with healthy controls. In no region was the BOLD signal significantly higher in the alcohol‐dependent subjects compared with controls. The reason for the new finding of a highly significant lower activation of the occipital cortex is unclear. It is in line with studies of neuropsychological tests in recently detoxified alcohol‐dependent patients that also reported deficits in visual abilities. Attention deficits or a persisting neuronal alteration in the first weeks of alcohol abstinence may have contributed to this result.
GENETIC STUDY: Association between the BclI glucocorticoid receptor polymorphism and smoking in a sample of patients with obstructive airway disease
Authors: Rogausch Anja , Kochen Michael M. , Meineke Cornelia , Hennig Juergen
Published: December 2006

Glucocorticoids seem to mediate the effect of stimulant drugs such as nicotine. Several studies have pointed to an association between the BclI polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor gene and increased glucocorticoid effects. We analysed the association of smoking behaviour and the BclI polymorphism using a case–control design within the framework of a larger pharmacogenetic study. A total of 327 Caucasian patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from 39 German general practices gave informed consent to take part in the study. They filled in questionnaires concerning their smoking behaviour and were genotyped for the BclI polymorphism. The genotype frequencies for non‐smokers (n = 251; CC, 0.42; CG, 0.46; GG, 0.12) as well as for smokers (n = 76; CC, 0.29; CG, 0.55; GG, 0.16) were consistent with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The proportion of smokers was significantly lower among carriers of the CC‐genotype (22/127 = 17%) compared with carriers of the G‐allele (54/200 = 27%; χ2 = 4.08; P = 0.04). Within the group of smokers, the proportion of heavy smokers (> 19 cigarettes/day; median) was reduced in C‐homozygous patients when compared with carriers of the G‐allele (7/22 = 32% versus 31/54 = 57%; χ2 = 4.09; P = 0.04). Stepwise logistic regression analysis also pointed to an association between the CC‐genotype and a reduced probability of being a smoker (odds ratio = 0.55; 95% confidence interval = 0.30–1.00; P = 0.05) controlling for other predictors. In summary, this study provides evidence that the BclI polymorphism might play a role in the maintenance and severity of nicotine dependence.
Treatment of minor illness in primary care: a national survey of patient satisfaction, attitudes and preferences regarding a wider nursing role
Authors: Caldow Jan , Bond Christine , Ryan Mandy , Campbell Neil C. , Miguel Fernando San , Kiger Alice , Lee Amanda
Published: December 2006

Background  This study investigated patient opinion about the provision of nurse‐led vs. doctor‐led primary health care in the treatment of minor illness.

Design  A postal questionnaire survey including discrete choice experiment (DCE) of a national sample followed by telephone interviews with respondent volunteers.

Setting and participants  A large random sample of the population of Scotland from a range of general practices including traditional and extended practice nursing roles was invited to participate.

Main outcome measures  Patient satisfaction with, opinion of and preference for practice nurse (PN) vs. doctor consultation in primary care in relation to gender, age, education and income.

Results  Questionnaire response rate was 49% (1343 of 2740). Women, younger people, the less well‐educated and those with higher income had a more positive attitude towards the PN. Older people had a more positive attitude to the doctor. Results from the DCE indicated that whilst most respondents would prefer a doctor consultation, many would be happy to consult with a nurse if other aspects of the consultation were improved.

Forty‐eight people were interviewed. The main perceived differences between doctors and nurses were academic ability and qualifications. Most respondents thought nurses could deal with relatively minor problems and should be able to prescribe some drugs.

Conclusion  Patients would always want their choice of health professional to be available at first contact. However, this study suggests that, in primary health‐care practices, if nurses take on more roles previously the preserve of doctors, patients would accept them, particularly if patients receive information on nurses’ capabilities.
Maternal testosterone in pregnancy and atopic outcomes in childhood
Authors: Shaheen S. O. , Hines M. , Newson R. B. , Wheeler M. , Herrick D. R. M. , Strachan D. P. , Jones R. W. , Burney P. G. J. , Henderson A. J.
Published: December 2006

Background:  In mice, androgens downregulate Th2 cytokine responses, but whether androgen levels during pregnancy might influence the development of allergy in the offspring has not been studied.

Methods:  In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a population‐based birth cohort of 14 541 pregnancies, we related maternal blood total testosterone during pregnancy, measured in a subset of the cohort, to allergic outcomes in the offspring, including asthma, hayfever, eczema (n = 543) and wheezing (n = 532) at 69–81 months, and atopy (positive skin prick test to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, cat or grass, n = 386) and blood total immunoglobulin E (IgE; n = 314) at 7 years. We used logistic and linear regression to analyse binary outcomes and log‐transformed IgE, respectively, controlling for potential confounders.

Results:  Maternal testosterone was negatively associated with total IgE in boys [adjusted geometric mean ratio (GMR), per doubling of testosterone, 0.33 (0.20–0.55), P = 0.000038 (n = 168)], but not in girls [GMR 1.04 (0.53–2.06), P = 0.91 (n = 146)], P‐value interaction 0.0086. The effect in boys was even stronger in the absence of maternal atopic disease. Testosterone was not associated with skin test positivity or atopic disease in either sex.

Conclusions:  Higher testosterone levels in pregnancy are associated with lower IgE production in boys.
A recombinant allergen chimer as novel mucosal vaccine candidate for prevention of multi‐sensitivities
Authors: Wild C. , Wallner M. , Hufnagl K. , Fuchs H. , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber K. , Breiteneder H. , Scheiner O. , Ferreira F. , Wiedermann U.
Published: December 2006

Background:  As conventional immunotherapy is less efficacious in patients with allergic multi‐sensitivities compared with mono‐sensitized subjects, new intervention strategies are needed. Therefore, an allergen chimer was genetically engineered for treatment of multi‐sensitization with birch and grass pollen on the basis of mucosal tolerance induction.

Methods:  The major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 served as a scaffold for N‐ and C‐terminal linkage of the immunodominant peptides of the grass pollen allergens Phl p 1 and Phl p 5 and this new construct was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. After purification, physicochemical and immunological characterization the chimer was used for intranasal tolerance induction prior to poly‐sensitization with Bet v 1, Phl p 1 and Phl p 5.

Results:  The immunological characterization revealed that the conformation of Bet v 1 within the chimer was comparable to that of natural as well as recombinant Bet v 1. The chimer was immunogenic in mice for T and B cell responses to the three allergens. Intranasal application of the chimer prior to poly‐sensitization significantly suppressed humoral and cellular allergen‐specific Th2 responses and prevented development of airway inflammation upon allergen challenge. Moreover, local allergen‐specific IgA antibodies were induced by the chimer. The mechanisms of poly‐tolerance induction seemed to be mediated by regulatory cytokines, since TGF‐β and IL‐10 mRNA in splenocytes were upregulated and tolerance was transferable with these cells.

Conclusion:  The data indicate that such allergen chimers harboring several unrelated allergens or allergen peptides could serve as mucosal polyvalent vaccines for prevention of multi‐sensitivities.