bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracts from Epilobium sp. herbs induce apoptosis in human hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells by activating the mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Stolarczyk Magdalena , Naruszewicz Marek , Kiss Anna K 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this work was to determine the effect of standardized aqueous extracts from Epilobium angustifolium L., E. parviflorum Schreb. and E. hirsutum L. herbs on the apoptosis of hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells (LNCaP).

Methods
The extracts were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography−diode array detector coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS). Apoptosis in the cells was analysed using Annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate, and mitochondrial potential, Δψm, using JC-1 by flow cytometry. Caspase-3 activity was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Key findings
Using the HPLC-DAD-MS/MS method, 38 constituents were characterized. Extracts contained significant amounts of oenothein B as well as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Exposure of LNCaP cells to the extracts (20, 50 and 70 μg/ml) resulted in a significant increase in the level apoptotic cells, from 2.86 ± 0.5% (for untreated cells) up to 86.6 ± 1.0%. All extracts significantly decreased the mitochondrial potential, Δψm, resulting in an increase in the activity of caspase-3 from 0.3 ± 0.07 ng/mg of protein (for untreated cells) up to 1.26 ± 0.32 ng/mg of protein.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that Epilobium extracts are active against LNCaP prostate cancer cells and that their apoptotic activity is related to activation of the mitochondrial pathway. The high oenothein B content may influence the biological activity of these plant materials.
Transverse sectioning for histological assessment of sebaceous glands in healthy dogs and canine sebaceous adenitis
Authors: Bond R. , Brooks H. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate transverse sectioning for histological assessment of canine sebaceous glands in health and disease.MethodsSkin specimens were obtained from the cadavers of six healthy beagle dogs and from an archive of tissue sections of 24 dogs with a histological diagnosis of sebaceous adenitis.ResultsIn healthy beagle dogs, both the mean numbers of compound hair follicles and sebaceous lobes observed in transverse sections were approximately threefold higher (P < 0 · 001) than those seen in vertical sections. A similar relationship was noted in examples of sebaceous adenitis. In cases of sebaceous adenitis, there was a complete absence of sebaceous glands in paired transverse and vertical sections in 14 cases, whereas in 3 dogs glands were observed in transverse sections where none were seen in vertical sections. The percentages of hair follicles with associated sebaceous glands in affected dogs did not vary between transverse (12 · 3%) and vertical (13 · 3%) sections, whereas 89% (vertical) and 96% (transverse) of follicles had associated glands in the healthy beagle dogs.SignificanceTransverse sectioning of canine skin specimens to allow visualization of the follicular isthmus or deep portion of the common infundibulum enhances the histological assessment of sebaceous glands in both health and disease.
Phylogenetic relationships among Orostachys subsection Orostachys species (Crassulaceae) based on nuclear and chloroplast DNA data
Authors: KOZYRENKO Marina M. , GONTCHAROVA Svetlana B. , GONTCHAROV Andrey A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNuclear ribosomal ITS and four cpDNA intergenic spacer sequences were used to assess how the patterns of molecular differentiation are related to taxonomic boundaries and geographic distribution in polymorphic and taxonomically complex Orostachys subsection Orostachys (Crassulaceae). Two major cpDNA lineages were identified in a set of Orostachys populations, lineage A, comprising 13 closely related haplotypes found in 11 populations of monocarpic O. malacophylla var. malacophylla, O. maximowiczii, and O. gorovoii and lineage B that included 9 out of 10 divergent haplotypes found in five populations of O. paradoxa, distinct in perennial stoloniferous habit. Our data suggest that the current concepts of O. malacophylla var. malacophylla, O. maximowiczii, and O. gorovoii are incompatible with the differentiation at the cpDNA level. Neither of these taxa could be allied to a particular haplotype or haplotype clade. The pattern of relationships between 7 ITS ribotypes found in 17 populations supported neither the morphology‐based taxonomic subdivision in the subsection Orostachys nor grouping according to geographical origin of the populations or lineages recovered with cpDNA data. A high level of similarity of ITS rDNA sequences between the subsection members suggests their relatively recent and rapid divergence from a common ancestor.
Genotypic diversity and genetic structure of populations of the distylous aquatic plantNymphoides peltata(Menyanthaceae) in China
Authors: LIAO Yi‐Ying , YUE Xiao‐Li , GUO You‐Hao , GITURU Wahiti Robert , WANG Qing‐Feng , CHEN Jin‐Ming 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNymphoides peltatais a distylous aquatic plant. In order to explore the relative importance of clonal growth and sexual reproduction within populations and also to reveal the origin of the commonly occurring one style morph populations in China, we studied the clonal diversity and population genetic structure of this species. By using seven single sequence repeat primer pairs, a total of 192 multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were identified among the 472 samples from the 21 populations analyzed; each population had two or more MLGs. The number of MLGs was lower for the one style morph populations than distylous populations. Analysis of molecular variance showed that a smaller proportion of genetic variation resided among populations (36.8%). A neighbor‐joining tree indicated that there was no significant geographical structure of the genetic variation among populations ofN. peltata. The Bottleneck tests indicated that there had been significant bottlenecks in most of the studied populations. The successful sexual recruitment from seeds may have contributed to the high clonal diversity in distylous populations ofN.peltatain China. Demographic stochasticity or bottleneck should account for the one style morph population with several MLGs. And also the bottleneck effects or demographic changes caused by human activities occurring randomly in populations should account for the finding of no significant geographical structure of the genetic variation among the investigated populations ofN.peltata.
A Potential Role for Substance P and Interleukin‐6 in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Schmidt M.J. , Roth J. , Ondreka N. , Kramer M. , Rummel C. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundNeuropathic pain can be a clinical sign in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) with syringomyelia. The pathophysiology of this pain is not fully understood.HypothesisNeuropathic pain in CKCS is a result of a neuroinflammatory process.AnimalsTwenty‐six client‐owned dogs: 15 dogs with clinical signs of cervical hyperesthesia (group 1), and 11 dogs without of clinical signs (group 2).MethodsDogs were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and substance P were measured in CSF and compared with morphological findings on MRI and clinical pain scores.ResultsAll dogs without clinical signs had symmetrical syringomyelia, whereas in the group with pain, 6 dogs had symmetrical and 9 dogs had asymmetrical syringomyelia. Pain and syringomyelia asymmetry were correlated, and a strong association between pain and dorsal horn involvement of syringomyelia was observed. There was no significant difference between the mean width of the syringomyelia in dogs with or without pain. The concentrations of interleukin‐6 and substance P were significantly higher in dogs with neuropathic pain. Tumor necrosis factor alpha was not detected in either group.Concentrations of substance P were significantly higher in dogs with asymmetrical syringomyelia or dorsal horn involvement, whereas interleukin‐6 concentrations were not significantly different between groups.ConclusionRelease of interleukin‐6 and substance P may initiate proinflammatory effects leading to development of persistent pain in CKCSs with syringomyelia.
The influence of environmental factors on biological soil crust: from a community perspective to a species level approach
Authors: Concostrina‐Zubiri Laura , Martínez Isabel , Rabasa Sonia G. , Escudero Adrián 
Published: April 2013

AbstractQuestionsEnvironmental factors have been identified as strong modulators of plant community distribution and diversity, especially in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems. Despite recent advances in the ecology of biological soil crusts (BSC) from a community perspective, much remains unknown at the species level. Do environmental factors at different scales influence species richness, diversity and composition of BSC communities? At the species level, what are the main predictors for species occurrence and frequency?LocationA geographic gradient from southeast to central Spain.MethodsIn a geographic gradient, we characterized BSC communities based on species richness and diversity, species composition and species frequency. Using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and multivariate analyses we evaluated the effect of precipitation, type of soil substrate, presence of shrubs and presence of Stipa tenacissima on community attributes.ResultsPrecipitation positively influenced species richness and diversity, but had little effect on BSC occurrence at the species level. Type of substrate was a strong predictor for species composition, occurrence and frequency, gypsiferous soils being those with higher species richness and diversity. At the local scale, S. tenacissima had more effect on species occurrence and frequency, while shrub presence was a poor predictor of community attributes.ConclusionsEnvironmental factors influence BSC diversity predominantly at a large scale, while local‐scale factors influence both community diversity and species distribution.
Puny males punch above their weight to preserve genetic diversity in a declining Atlantic salmon population
Authors: Moore J.‐S. , Fraser D. J. 
Published: April 2013

Many salmonid fish populations have anadromous (i.e. migratory) and nonanadromous individuals co‐existing in sympatry. The nonanadromous individuals, frequently males, mature at a much smaller size in freshwater without undergoing marine migrations and often successfully fertilize many eggs laid by anadromous females. Because these small males do not recruit to fisheries, they are often not regarded in high esteem by fishers. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Johnstone et al. () demonstrate that by substantially contributing to reproduction, such males help maintain genetic diversity in a declining population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Their results show that estimates of effective population size (Ne), obtained by counting the number of anadromous adults returning from sea and correcting for unequal sex ratios, are lower than estimates generated from genetic markers. Many mechanisms are expected to reduce Ne below the adult census population size (N); the opposite pattern of Ne > N observed by Johnstone et al. () is difficult to explain unless the reproductive effort of nonanadromous males is accounted for. The results have important implications for the conservation of small populations and highlight the challenges of relating Ne to N in organisms with complex life histories.
Recombination in the threespine stickleback genome—patterns and consequences
Authors: Roesti Marius , Moser Dario , Berner Daniel 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHeterogeneity in recombination rate may strongly influence genome evolution and entail methodological challenges to genomic investigation. Nevertheless, a solid understanding of these issues awaits detailed information across a broad range of taxa. Based on 282 F2 individuals and 1872 single nucleotide polymorphisms, we characterize recombination in the threespine stickleback fish genome. We find an average genome‐wide recombination rate of 3.11 cm/Mb. Crossover frequencies are dramatically elevated in the chromosome peripheries as compared to the centres, and are consistent with one obligate crossover per chromosome (but not chromosome arm). Along the sex chromosome, we show that recombination is restricted to a small pseudoautosomal domain of c. 2 Mb, spanning only 10% of that chromosome. Comparing female to male RAD sequence coverage allows us to identify two discrete levels of degeneration on the Y chromosome, one of these ‘evolutionary strata’ coinciding with a previously inferred inverted region. Using polymorphism data from two young (<10 000 years old) ecologically diverged lake‐stream population pairs, we demonstrate that recombination rate correlates with both the magnitude of allele frequency shifts between populations and levels of genetic diversity within populations. These associations reflect genome‐wide heterogeneity in the influence of selection on linked sites. We further find a strong relationship between recombination rate and GC content, possibly driven by GC‐biased gene conversion. Overall, we highlight that heterogeneity in recombination rate has profound consequences on genome evolution and deserves wider recognition in marker‐based genomic analyses.
High resolution synchrotron imaging of wheat root hairs growing in soil and image based modelling of phosphate uptake
Authors: Keyes Samuel D. , Daly Keith R. , Gostling Neil J. , Jones Davey L. , Talboys Peter , Pinzer Bernd R. , Boardman Richard , Sinclair Ian , Marchant Alan , Roose Tiina 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Root hairs are known to be highly important for uptake of sparingly soluble nutrients, particularly in nutrient deficient soils. Development of increasingly sophisticated mathematical models has allowed uptake characteristics to be quantified. However, modelling has been constrained by a lack of methods for imaging live root hairs growing in real soils.

We developed a plant growth protocol and used Synchrotron Radiation X‐ray Tomographic Microscopy (SRXTM) to uncover the three‐dimensional (3D) interactions of root hairs in real soil. We developed a model of phosphate uptake by root hairs based directly on the geometry of hairs and associated soil pores as revealed by imaging.

Previous modelling studies found that root hairs dominate phosphate uptake. By contrast, our study suggests that hairs and roots contribute equally. We show that uptake by hairs is more localized than by roots and strongly dependent on root hair and aggregate orientation.

The ability to image hair–soil interactions enables a step change in modelling approaches, allowing a more realistic treatment of processes at the scale of individual root hairs in soil pores.
Validation method training: nurses' experiences and ratings of work climate
Authors: Söderlund Mona , Norberg Astrid , Hansebo Görel 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundTraining nursing staff in communication skills can impact on the quality of care for residents with dementia and contributes to nurses' job satisfaction. Changing attitudes and practices takes time and energy and can affect the entire nursing staff, not just the nurses directly involved in a training programme. Therefore, it seems important to study nurses' experiences of a training programme and any influence of the programme on work climate among the entire nursing staff.Aims and objectivesTo explore nurses' experiences of a 1‐year validation method training programme conducted in a nursing home for residents with dementia and to describe ratings of work climate before and after the programme.DesignA mixed‐methods approach.MethodsTwelve nurses participated in the training and were interviewed afterwards. These individual interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed, then analysed using qualitative content analysis. The Creative Climate Questionnaire was administered before (n = 53) and after (n = 56) the programme to the entire nursing staff in the participating nursing home wards and analysed with descriptive statistics.ResultsAnalysis of the interviews resulted in four categories: being under extra strain, sharing experiences, improving confidence in care situations and feeling uncertain about continuing the validation method. The results of the questionnaire on work climate showed higher mean values in the assessment after the programme had ended.ConclusionThe training strengthened the participating nurses in caring for residents with dementia, but posed an extra strain on them. These nurses also described an extra strain on the entire nursing staff that was not reflected in the results from the questionnaire. The work climate at the nursing home wards might have made it easier to conduct this extensive training programme.Implications for practiceTraining in the validation method could develop nurses' communication skills and improve their handling of complex care situations.
Complete Atrioventricular Block after TAVI: When Is Pacemaker Implantation Safe?
Authors: SCHWERG MARIUS , BALDENHOFER GERD , DREGER HENRYK , BONDKE HANSJÜRGEN , STANGL KARL , LAULE MICHAEL , MELZER CHRISTOPH 
Published: April 2013

IntroductionAtrioventricular (AV) block is a frequent complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). TAVI is routinely performed under anticoagulation using heparin, which potentially may lead to an increased bleeding rate in patients who undergo permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation immediately after TAVI. As the number of TAVI procedures continues to rise, data on the optimal management of TAVI‐related AV block are needed. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze PPM implantation‐related complications after TAVI.MethodsWe retrospectively collected data on PPM implantations after TAVI in our center from January 2010 to December 2012. In total, we included 30 patients who received a PPM for TAVI‐related AV block. Twelve patients (group A) underwent PPM implantation on the day of TAVI. In 18 patients (group B), PPM implantation was performed at least 1 day after TAVI (3.8 ± 4.5 days). Since all patients undergoing TAVI receive dual antiplatelet therapy (DA‐therapy), we compared all implantations after TAVI with a historic patient cohort that underwent PPM implantation under DA‐therapy.ResultsProcedure times, fluid loss via drainage systems, and drainage times were neither significantly different between groups A and B nor between all PPM implantations after TAVI compared to the historic control group.ConclusionPPM implantation immediately after TAVI is safe and can be performed without increased rate of complications.
Accelerating adoption of genetically modified crops in Africa through a trade liability regime
Authors: Smyth Stuart J. , Kerr William A. , Phillips Peter W. B. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryGiven the apparently unbridgeable divide that has developed between the 25 odd countries that grow and trade GM crops and the evolving EU regulatory hurdles, it may be time to consider alternative strategies for realizing a global market for agricultural products. Africa is one area of the world where the battle over GM agriculture is being played out, yet it is the continent where GM could have the greatest positive impact. Numerous African nations, given their long‐standing trade connections to European nations, fear that allowing the commercialization of GM crops could lead to comingling of GM and conventional products and, hence, the loss of export opportunities to the EU. These are legitimate concerns. One potential solution that warrants serious consideration would be to establish a pool of funds that could be accessed by African agricultural commodity exporters in instances where exports to Europe are rejected. A production levy could be imposed in leading industrial adopting nations (i.e., Australia, Canada and the United States). The revenue raised would provide an endowment fund that could be used to offset the costs arising from import refusals. African‐sourced shipments rejected by the EU will most certainly have alternate markets, but could receive a reduced price or incur higher costs associated with serving alternate markets. The intent of the fund would be to compensate for the real difference between the net returns contracted with European importers and the final market price received. This article examines the feasibility of establishing such a fund and discusses the funding options.
Induction of toxin‐specific neutralizing immunity by molecularly uniform rice‐based oral cholera toxin B subunit vaccine without plant‐associated sugar modification
Authors: Yuki Yoshikazu , Mejima Mio , Kurokawa Shiho , Hiroiwa Tomoko , Takahashi Yuko , Tokuhara Daisuke , Nochi Tomonori , Katakai Yuko , Kuroda Masaharu , Takeyama Natsumi , Kashima Koji , Abe Michiyo , Chen Yingju , Nakanishi Ushio , Masumura Takehiro , Takeuchi Yoji , Kozuka‐Hata Hiroko , Shibata Hiroaki , Oyama Masaaki , Tanaka Kunisuke , Kiyono Hiroshi 
Published: April 2013

SummaryPlants have been used as expression systems for a number of vaccines. However, the expression of vaccines in plants sometimes results in unexpected modification of the vaccines by N‐terminal blocking and sugar‐chain attachment. Although MucoRice‐CTB was thought to be the first cold‐chain‐free and unpurified oral vaccine, the molecular heterogeneity of MucoRice‐CTB, together with plant‐based sugar modifications of the CTB protein, has made it difficult to assess immunological activity of vaccine and yield from rice seed. Using a T‐DNA vector driven by a prolamin promoter and a signal peptide added to an overexpression vaccine cassette, we established MucoRice‐CTB/Q as a new generation oral cholera vaccine for humans use. We confirmed that MucoRice‐CTB/Q produces a single CTB monomer with an Asn to Gln substitution at the 4th glycosylation position. The complete amino acid sequence of MucoRice‐CTB/Q was determined by MS/MS analysis and the exact amount of expressed CTB was determined by SDS‐PAGE densitometric analysis to be an average of 2.35 mg of CTB/g of seed. To compare the immunogenicity of MucoRice‐CTB/Q, which has no plant‐based glycosylation modifications, with that of the original MucoRice‐CTB/N, which is modified with a plant N‐glycan, we orally immunized mice and macaques with the two preparations. Similar levels of CTB‐specific systemic IgG and mucosal IgA antibodies with toxin‐neutralizing activity were induced in mice and macaques orally immunized with MucoRice‐CTB/Q or MucoRice‐CTB/N. These results show that the molecular uniformed MucoRice‐CTB/Q vaccine without plant N‐glycan has potential as a safe and efficacious oral vaccine candidate for human use.
Cutaneous Verrucous Xanthoma in a Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Boyd Alan S. , Roffwarg David 
Published: April 2013

AbstractVerrucous xanthomas (VXs) typically arise on the oral mucosa but have been reported on glabrous skin in patients with graft‐versus‐host disease or recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). The inciting cause of these tumors is unclear but may result from cutaneous inflammation and trauma. We describe a patient with RDEB who had previously undergone a bone marrow transplant for her condition and subsequently developed an VX on her neck.