bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of seed settleability and settling velocity in water for plant colonization of river gravel bars
Authors: Yoshikawa Masato , Hoshino Yoshinobu , Iwata Naoto 
Published: November 2012

AbstractQuestionsA natural gravel‐bed river is an important habitat for xerophytic plant species that prefer dry and periodically disturbed environments. However, human‐impacted gravel bars covered with fine sandy sediments are often rapidly occupied by hygrophytic and mesophytic species, including weedy species, after a flush event. What is the mechanism by which these plant seeds are carried on gravel bars through a flush event? Can the seed traits of floating capability (buoyancy or settleability) and settling velocity in water explain seed accumulation in sandy sediments?LocationThe Tama River, central Japan.MethodsSeed buoyancy/settleability and settling velocity in water were examined for 70 herbaceous species growing on newly deposited sediments of a river gravel bar. Settling velocities of sand particles of different sizes were estimated using theoretical formulas to compare with those of plant seeds. In addition, actual seed content of 36 samples of fresh sandy sediments were examined using a germination test to confirm coincident sedimentation of seeds and sand particles.ResultsOf the 70 species examined, only nine had apparently buoyant seeds and the remaining 61 species had non‐buoyant seeds. We found that 53 (86.9%) of the 61 species having non‐buoyant seeds had settling velocities comparable to those of very fine sand and fine sand particles, ranging from 0.062 to 0.25 mm in diameter. Furthermore, fresh sandy sediments deposited by a flush event contained many non‐buoyant seeds of common species of above‐ground vegetation. Both the germinated seedling number and species richness in the sediment samples showed positive correlation with the percentage weight of very fine sand and fine sand.ConclusionsSeeds of most of the species that appeared after a flush event were considered carried by submerged dispersal through flowing water than through floating dispersal, because of their settleability. Many plant seeds could deposit together with fine sandy sediments as water velocity declined, since they had correspondent settling velocities. The main reason for rapid colonization by hygrophytic and mesophytic species was the settleability and settling velocity of the seeds.
Direct genetic evidence for reproductive philopatry and associated fine‐scale migrations in female blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) in French Polynesia
Authors: Mourier Johann , Planes Serge 
Published: November 2012

AbstractConservation of top predators has been emphasized as essential in an ecosystem due to their role in trophic chain regulation. Optimizing conservation strategies for these endangered marine top predators requires direct estimates of breeding patterns and connectivity as these are essential to understanding the population dynamics. There have been some attempts to investigate breeding patterns of reef sharks from litter reconstruction using molecular analyses. However, direct fine‐scale migrations of female sharks for parturition as well as connectivity at a medium scale like between islands remain mostly unknown. We used microsatellite DNA markers and a likelihood‐based parentage analysis to determine breeding patterns of female blacktip reef sharks in Moorea (Society Islands, French Polynesia). Most females gave birth at their home island but some migrated to specific nursery areas outside the area they are attached to, sometimes going to another island 50 km away across deep ocean. Our analysis also revealed that females migrated to the same nursery for every birthing event. Many offspring showed a high level of inbreeding indicating an overall reduced population size, restricted movements and dispersal, or specific mating behaviour. Females represent the vectors that transport the genes at nursery grounds, and their fidelity should thus define reproductive units. As females seem to be philopatric, males could be the ones dispersing genes between populations. These results highlight the need to conserve coastal zones where female reef sharks seem to exhibit philopatry during the breeding season.
Analysis of genetically modified red‐fleshed apples reveals effects on growth and consumer attributes
Authors: Espley Richard V. , Bovy Arnaud , Bava Christina , Jaeger Sara R , Tomes Sumathi , Norling Cara , Crawford Jonathan , Rowan Daryl , McGhie Tony K. , Brendolise Cyril , Putterill Jo , Schouten Henk J. , Hellens Roger P. , Allan Andrew C. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryConsumers of whole foods, such as fruits, demand consistent high quality and seek varieties with enhanced health properties, convenience or novel taste. We have raised the polyphenolic content of apple by genetic engineering of the anthocyanin pathway using the apple transcription factor MYB10. These apples have very high concentrations of foliar, flower and fruit anthocyanins, especially in the fruit peel. Independent lines were examined for impacts on tree growth, photosynthesis and fruit characteristics. Fruit were analysed for changes in metabolite and transcript levels. Fruit were also used in taste trials to study the consumer perception of such a novel apple. No negative taste attributes were associated with the elevated anthocyanins. Modification with this one gene provides near isogenic material and allows us to examine the effects on an established cultivar, with a view to enhancing consumer appeal independently of other fruit qualities.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of 0.5% Ivermectin Lotion for Head Louse Infestations
Authors: Hazan Lydie , Berg Jeffrey E. , Bowman James P. , Murray John V. , Ryan William G. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe safety of a novel 0.5% ivermectin lotion (IVL) and potential for ivermectin absorption after application was investigated in an open‐label study in young children, and a human repeat insult patch test (HRIPT) and cumulative irritation test (CIT) assessed any potential for cumulative dermal irritation and contact sensitization. In the pharmacokinetic and safety study, 30 head louse–infested children ages 6 months to 3 years received a 10‐minute application of IVL on day 1. Blood was collected before application; 0.5, 1, and 6 hours after rinsing; and on days 2 and 8. Samples from 20 subjects were assayed for ivermectin (test sensitivity 0.05 ng/mL). Liver panel and complete blood counts were completed for all subjects. For the HRIPT/CIT, occlusive patches containing IVL or vehicle control lotion (CL) were repeatedly applied to 220 healthy adult subjects to assess contact sensitization; for cumulative dermal irritation testing, additional patches with normal saline and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were applied to 36 subjects. In the open‐label study, all detected ivermectin plasma concentrations were <1 ng/mL. No safety signals emerged, and treatment was well tolerated. In the HRIPT/CIT, IVL was significantly less irritating than normal saline and SDS, with no evidence of dermal irritation or sensitization in human skin. IVL was safe when applied topically, absorption was de minimus, there was no evidence of irritation or sensitization from repeated exposures, and results support the safety of topical IVL use in children as young as 6 months.
Acute graft‐versus‐host disease in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Single‐center experience during 10 yr
Authors: Faraci Maura , Caviglia Ilaria , Biral Erika , Morreale Giuseppe , Giardino Stefano , Garbarino Lucia , Castagnola Elio , Dini Giorgio , Lanino Edoardo 
Published: November 2012

Abstracta‐GvHD may complicate allogeneic HSCT. In this retrospective single‐center study, we evaluated incidence and risk factors of a‐GvHD in 197 consecutive allogeneic pediatric HSCTs applying Glucksberg and NIH a‐GvHD classifications. Among 179 eligible transplants, the cumulative incidence of grade 0–I a‐GvHD was 48% and grade II–IV was 52%. None of the considered variables significantly influenced the incidence of grade II–IV a‐GvHD. Malignancy and myeloablation were associated with an increased risk of classic a‐GvHD (p < 0.01). Seventy‐two percentage of children are alive, with a significant difference in OS and TRM between grade 0 and I vs. grade II and IV a‐GvHD; this observation was reproduced in the non‐malignant setting, while only a disparity in TRM was evidenced in children with malignancy. In our experience, the incidence of a‐GvHD was similar, regardless of donor type. Myeloablation and malignant disease represented the only risk factors for classic a‐GvHD. Our results highlight the need for a better prevention of this complication in the non‐malignant setting.
Of mushrooms and chocolate trees: aetiology and phylogeny of witches' broom and frosty pod diseases of cacao
Authors: Evans H. C. , Bezerra J. L. , Barreto R. W. 
Published: November 2012

The troubled history of the two major diseases of the chocolate tree (Theobroma cacao) in South America, witches' broom and frosty pod, is reviewed, concentrating on critical aspects of the aetiology as well as the phylogeny of the causal agents. Both diseases are caused by sister species within the genus Moniliophthora, belonging to the Marasmiaceae family of mushrooms. The witches' broom pathogen, Moniliophthora perniciosa, evolved on the Amazonian side of the Andes and induces brooms not only in cacao and its relatives in the genera Theobroma and Herrania (Malvaceae), but also in species in the plant families Bignoniaceae, Malpighiaceae and Solanaceae, on which the mushrooms (basidiomata) are produced. Moniliophthora roreri, the type species of the genus, evolved as a pod pathogen on endemic Theobroma species on the western side of the northern Andean Cordillera. Because Moniliophthora was described originally as the asexual form of an unknown basidiomycete, the generic diagnosis is amended here to accommodate species with agaricoid basidiomata. In addition, the new variety M. roreri var. gileri is designated for the morphotype occurring on Theobroma gileri, in northwest Ecuador. Cytology studies indicate that the supposed conidia of M. roreri are, in fact, sexual spores (meiospores) and it is posited that the fruiting structure represents a much‐modified mushroom. Finally, based on preliminary data from pathogenicity testing, it is hypothesized that the true causal agent of both diseases is an as yet unidentified infectious agent vectored into the host by the fungus.
Induction of resistance to Phytophthora sojae in soyabean (Glycine max) by salicylic acid and ethylene
Authors: Sugano S. , Sugimoto T. , Takatsuji H. , Jiang C.‐J. 
Published: November 2012

This study investigated the protective effects of various phytohormones and plant activators on soyabean resistance to Phytophthora sojae, the cause of root and stem rot. It was found that application of benzothiadiazole (BTH, an activator of salicylic acid (SA) signalling) and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC, a precursor of ethylene (ET) biosynthesis) markedly induced resistance to P. sojae. By contrast, gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) rendered soyabean seedlings more susceptible to P. sojae. Simultaneous application of ABA with BTH or ACC suppressed the protective effects of BTH and ACC, indicating that ABA acts antagonistically on the SA‐ and ET‐signalling pathways. Neither BTH nor ACC directly inhibited growth of P. sojae. The protective effect of ACC was diminished by co‐treatment with its analogue α‐aminoisobutyric acid, suggesting that ET biosynthesis is required for ACC‐induced soyabean resistance. Expression analysis of ET‐ and SA‐responsive genes demonstrated the activation of ET‐ and SA‐signalling pathways during P. sojae infection. Furthermore, ACC treatments augmented the expression of ET‐responsive and pathogenesis‐related genes. Taken together, the results indicate that ACC (ET)‐induced soyabean resistance to P. sojae relies on transcriptional augmentation of defence‐related genes.
Pre‐ and Post‐Partum Mild Underfeeding Influences Gene Expression in the Reproductive Tract of Cyclic Dairy Cows
Authors: Valour D , Hue I , Degrelle SA , Déjean S , Marot G , Dubois O , Germain G , Humblot P , Ponter AA , Charpigny G , Grimard B 
Published: November 2012

ContentsUndernutrition before and after calving has a detrimental effect on the fertility of dairy cows. The effect of nutritional stress was previously reported to influence gene expression in key tissues for metabolic health and reproduction such as the liver and the genital tract early after calving, but not at breeding, that is, between 70 and 90 days post‐partum. This study investigated the effects of pre‐ and post‐partum mild underfeeding on global gene expression in the oviduct, endometrium andcorpus luteumof eight multiparous Holstein cows during the early and middle phases of an induced cycle 80 days post‐partum. Four control cows received 100% of energy and protein requirements during the dry period and after calving, while four underfed received 80% of control diet. Oestrous synchronization treatment was used to induce ovulation onD80 post‐partum. Oviducts, ovaries and the anterior part of each uterine horn were recovered surgically 4, 8, 12 and 15 days after ovulation.Corpora luteawere dissected from the ovaries, and the endometrium was separated from the stroma and myometrium in each uterine horn. The oviduct segments were comprised of ampulla and isthmus.RNAs from ipsi‐ and contralateral samples were pooled on an equal weight basis. In each tissue, gene expression was assessed on a custom bovine 10Karray. No differentially expressed gene (DEG) in thecorpus luteumwas identified between underfed and control, conversely to 293DEGs in the oviduct vs 1 in the endometrium under a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.10 and 1370DEGs vs 3, respectively, underFDR < 0.15. Additionally, we used dedicated statistics (regularized canonical correlation analysis) to correlate the post‐partum patterns of six plasma metabolites and hormones related to energy metabolism measured weekly between calving andD80 with gene expression. High correlations were observed between post‐partum patterns ofIGF‐1, insulin, β‐hydroxybutyrate and the expression in the oviduct of genes related to reproductive system disease, connective tissue disorders and metabolic disease. Moreover, we found special interest in the literature to retinoic acid‐related genes (e.g.FABP5/CRABP2) that might indicate abnormalities in post‐partum tissue repair mechanisms. In conclusion, this experiment highlights relationships between underfeeding and gene expression in the oviduct and endometrium after ovulation in cyclic Holstein cows. This might help to explain the effect of mild undernutrition on fertilization failure and early embryonic mortality in post‐partum dairy cows.
Effect of Estradiol and Progesterone on Metabolic Biomarkers in Healthy Bitches
Authors: Tvarijonaviciute A , Carrillo‐Sanchez JD , Ceron JJ 
Published: November 2012

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between hormonal changes that occur during oestrus and biomarkers related with glucose metabolism (glucose and insulin), lipid metabolism (lipidic profile and BChE) and adipokines (adiponectin and ghrelin) in healthy bitches. For this purpose, we measured these analytes in serum of bitches, at two times: before (T1) and after (T2) the LH peak that were established according to progesterone concentrations. Increased levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.01), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) (p < 0.01), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (p < 0.01), adiponectin (p < 0.01) and ghrelin (p < 0.05) were observed at T2 in comparison with T1. No statistically significant changes were observed in serum glucose, insulin, homoeostasis model assessment for insulin sensitivity (HOMA), triglycerides and BChE. When all data of T1 and T2 were pooled, serum adiponectin showed positive correlation with progesterone (r = 0.353; p = 0.022) and HDL‐C (r = 0.307; p = 0.048), and negative with insulin (r = −0.429; p = 0.005), HOMA (r = −0.446; p = 0.003) and BChE (r = −0.522; p < 0.001). Ghrelin showed negative correlation with estradiol (r = −0.701; p = 0.004). BChE was negatively correlated with estradiol (r = −0.441; p = 0.018) and glucose (r = −0.343; p = 0.028), and positively with insulin (r = 0.460; p = 0.003) and HOMA (r = 0.505; p < 0.001). In conclusion, changes in metabolic biomarkers occur in bitches after LH peak, characterized by increased lipids (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol) without changes in BChE activity, and increased adiponectin and ghrelin concentrations, without significant changes in glucose and insulin.
In vivo susceptibility to benznidazole of Trypanosoma cruzi strains from the western Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Teston Ana P. M. , Monteiro Wuelton M. , Reis Daniele , Bossolani Gleison D. P. , Gomes Mônica L. , de Araújo Silvana M. , Bahia Maria T. , Barbosa Maria G. V. , Toledo Max J. O. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the susceptibility of Trypanosoma cruzi strains from Amazon to benznidazole.MethodsWe studied 23 strains of T. cruzi obtained from humans in the acute phase of Chagas disease, triatomines and marsupials in the state of Amazonas and from chronic patients and triatomines in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The strains were classified as TcI (6), TcII (4) and TcIV (13). For each strain, 20 Swiss mice were inoculated: 10 were treated orally with benznidazole 100 mg/kg/day (TBZ group) for 20 consecutive days and 10 comprised the untreated control group (NT). Fresh blood examination, haemoculture (HC), PCR, and ELISA were used to monitor the cure.ResultsThe overall cure rate was 60.5% (109/180 mice) and varied widely among strains. The strains were classified as resistant, partially resistant or susceptible to benznidazole, irrespective of discrete typing units (DTUs), geographical origin or host. However, the TcI strains from Amazonas were significantly (P = 0.028) more sensitive to benznidazole than the TcI strains from Paraná. The number of parasitological, molecular and serological parameters that were significantly reduced by benznidazole treatment also varied among the DTUs; the TBZ group of mice inoculated with TcIV strains showed more reductions (8/9) than those with TcI and TcII strains.ConclusionsBenznidazole resistance was observed among natural populations of the parasite in the Amazon, even in those never exposed to the drug.
Multifunctional Role of Human SPLUNC1 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection
Authors: Sayeed Sameera , Nistico Laura , St Croix Claudette , Di Y. Peter 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

The human short PLUNC1 (SPLUNC1) protein has been identified as a component of the pulmonary antimicrobial response based on its structural similarity to the bactericidal/permeability-increasing (BPI) protein. Using a genetically modified mouse model, we recently verified the antimicrobial activity of SPLUNC1 against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in vivo
. To further define the mechanism of epithelial SPLUNC1-mediated antibacterial action, we carried out studies to determine how SPLUNC1 protects the host from acute respiratory infections.
P. aeruginosa
treated with recombinant human SPLUNC1 protein showed decreased growth
in vitro
. This antibacterial activity was due to growth inhibition, as a consequence of a SPLUNC1-induced increase in bacterial cell permeability. Removal of SPLUNC1 allowed the recovery of
P. aeruginosa
and suggested no permanent cell injury or direct killing of bacteria. Further investigation showed coating of bacterial cells by SPLUNC1. We suggest that this “bacterial cell coating” is necessary for the bacteriostatic function of SPLUNC1. Additionally, we demonstrated a novel role for SPLUNC1 as a chemoattractant that facilitated migration of macrophages and neutrophils. Taking the findings together, we propose synergistic roles for human SPLUNC1 as an antibacterial agent with bacteriostatic and chemotactic activities.
Toll-Like Receptor 2-Dependent Activity of Native Major Outer Membrane Protein Proteosomes of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Massari Paola , Toussi Deana N. , Tifrea Delia F. , de la Maza Luis M. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Chlamydia trachomatis
is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen and the etiologic agent of blinding trachoma. Intracellular signaling pathways leading to host cell inflammation and innate immunity to
Chlamydia
include those mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and nucleotide binding oligomerization domain 1 (Nod1) protein. In epithelial cells, TLR-dependent signaling contributes to local immune responses via induction of inflammatory mediators. There is evidence that TLR3, TLR4, and, particularly, TLR2 are critical for
Chlamydia
-mediated host cell activation and pathology. Despite the importance of TLR2, major chlamydial TLR2 antigens have not been identified so far. Numerous bacterial porins are known TLR2 agonists, i.e., porins from
Neisseriae
,
Shigella
,
Salmonella
,
Haemophilus influenzae
, and
Fusobacterium nucleatum
, which share structural and functional similarities with the chlamydial major outer membrane protein (MOMP), a strong antigen candidate for a potential vaccine against
C. trachomatis
. We describe the ability of purified, detergent-free MOMP to signal via TLR2
in vitro
in TLR-overexpressing cells and TLR2-competent human reproductive tract epithelial cell lines. Using MOMP formed in pure protein micelles (proteosomes), we show the induction of TLR2-dependent interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-6 secretion
in vitro
, the involvement of TLR1 as a TLR2 coreceptor, and the activation of both NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase intracellular pathways. Interestingly, MOMP proteosomes induce cytokine secretion in endocervical epithelial cells (End/E6E7) but not in urethral epithelial cells (THUECs). A detailed understanding of the TLR2-dependent molecular mechanisms that characterize the effect of MOMP proteosomes on host cells may provide new insights for its successful development as an immunotherapeutic target against
Chlamydia
.