bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabinoid‐induced delayed gastric emptying is selectively increased upon intermittent administration in the rat: role of CB1 receptors
Authors: Abalo R. , Cabezos P. A. , Vera G. , López‐miranda V. , Herradón E. , Martín‐fontelles M. I. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground  Cannabinoids acutely administered depress central, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal functions. These effects might be modified upon repeated administration. Compared to the effects induced by daily administration, those induced by intermittent administration are less known. The effect of intermittent treatment with the CB1/CB2 cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212‐2 (WIN) was studied in the rat.Methods  Male rats received saline, vehicle or WIN at 0.5 (low‐WIN) or 5 (high‐WIN) mg kg−1 week−1 for 4 weeks. WIN effects on the central nervous system (cannabinoid tetrad tests), cardiovascular function and gastrointestinal motor function were evaluated after the first and last doses, and, where appropriate, 1 week after the last dose. To determine the involvement of CB1 receptors in the chronic effect of WIN, the CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 (1 mg kg−1) was used.Key Results  High‐ (but not low‐) WIN induced the four signs of the cannabinoid tetrad, and reduced gastrointestinal motility, but did not alter cardiovascular parameters. Upon chronic intermittent administration, tolerance did not clearly develop to WIN effects. Quite the opposite, depression of gastric emptying was intensified. No effect was long‐lasting. Repeated administration of AM251 was more efficacious than single administration to block WIN chronic central effects, but the opposite occurred regarding lower intestinal motility.Conclusions & Inferences  Upon intermittent administration, hypersensitization may develop to some effects (particularly delayed gastric emptying) induced by cannabinoid agonists. CB1 antagonists/inverse agonists may show different efficacy upon repeated or single administration to block cannabinoid‐induced central and gastrointestinal effects. Thus, cannabinoid effects are dependent on the pattern of drug administration.
Different serum cytokine levels in chronic vs. acute Anisakis simplex sensitization‐associated urticaria
Authors: DASCHNER A. , RODERO M. , DE FRUTOS C. , VALLS A. , VEGA F. , BLANCO C. , CUÉLLAR C. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryThe knowledge on immune mechanisms of chronic urticaria (CU) at the cytokine level is widely scarce. We compared pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory as well as Th1‐ and Th2‐associated serum cytokine levels in two phenotypes of CU: associated with (CU+) and without (CU−) sensitization against Anisakis simplex, a ubiquitous fish parasite, that has been associated with acute urticaria in gastro‐allergic anisakiasis (GAA) and with CU+. Thirteen CU+ and 19 CU− patients were compared with 13 GAA patients and 15 control subjects for cytokines, measured by cytometric bead array. Urticaria activity score was positively correlated with IL‐6 in CU−. Serum levels of IL‐10 were lower in CU+ and CU− with respect to the control group. Median IFN‐γ was lower in all urticaria groups. Patients with previous parasitism by A. simplex displayed higher TGF‐β levels than subjects without previous parasitism. The main finding was lower levels of IL‐17 in CU+ with respect to GAA or controls, with a further tendency to even lower levels in CU−. Different urticaria phenotypes are associated with distinct serum cytokine levels.
Donor risk score and baseline biopsy CADI value predict kidney graft outcome
Authors: Kahu Jaanus , Kyllönen Lauri , Räisänen‐Sokolowski Anne , Salmela Kaija 
Published: February 2011

Kahu J, Kyllönen L, Räisänen‐Sokolowski A, Salmela K. Donor risk score and baseline biopsy CADI value predict kidney graft outcome. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E276–E283. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Different donor parameters and baseline biopsy have been used to assess the quality of donor organs. There is, however, no consensus which risk factors and chronic changes in the donor kidney can be accepted for transplantation. The study included 481 deceased organ donors and their 829 kidney recipients transplanted during 1995–2005. The biopsies were re‐evaluated according to the Banff 97 classification. The prognostic significance of donor risk factors and Chronic Allograft Damage Index (CADI) was analyzed. We propose a new donor risk score, calculated as the count of positive risk factors from a defined set of factors in the medical history of the donor. This donor risk score predicts histological quality of the kidney, graft function, and survival. Transplantations from donors with donor risk score >4 had significantly decreased graft survival compared to those with donor risk scores 0–4; the five‐yr death‐censored graft survivals were 83% vs. 93%, respectively. High donor CADI score (>3) was associated with worse graft function and survival. Three‐yr glomerular filtration rate declined from 82 to 49 mL/min with donor CADI increase from 0 to ≥4. Our results show that high donor risk score and CADI value reflect low functional reserve and risk for poor graft outcome.
Surveillance of megakaryocytic function by measurement of CD61‐exposing microparticles in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients
Authors: Rank Andreas , Nieuwland Rienk , Delker Ruth , Pihusch Verena , Wilkowski Ralf , Toth Bettina , Kolb Hans‐Jochem , Pihusch Rudolf 
Published: February 2011

Rank A, Nieuwland R, Delker R, Pihusch V, Wilkowski R, Toth B, Kolb H‐J, Pihusch R. Surveillance of megakaryocytic function by measurement of CD61‐exposing microparticles in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E233–E242. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Increasing evidence suggests that circulating microparticles (MP) exposing CD61 originate predominantly from megakaryocytes. Dramatic changes in megakaryocytic homeostasis are regularly observed following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and associated with transplantation‐associated complications. We studied MP plasma levels prospectively in healthy subjects (n = 10) and allogeneic HSCT recipients (n = 19) twice weekly from the start of conditioning therapy up to day 30. A total of 224 measurement points were evaluated. MP were isolated, double‐stained with annexin V and anti‐CD61, and analyzed by flow cytometry. In uncomplicated HSCT, we found a correlation between platelet and CD61‐exposing MP count, which resulted in a constant ratio of MP per platelet. The ratio was increased in patients with active hematological malignancies before transplantation and normalized during conditioning therapy. After take, the MP ratio increased, whereas infections and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia did not affect the ratio. In patients with GvHD, a decreased MP ratio was observed depending on the grade of GvHD, possibly indicating megakaryocytic damage. The MP ratio was able to discriminate between toxic, septic, and GvHD‐induced hyperbilirubinemia. We first describe CD61+ MP levels during allogeneic HSCT and postulate that the MP ratio might be a useful biomarker for the surveillance of megakaryocytes during HSCT.
Long‐term effects on renal function of dose‐reduced calcineurin inhibitor and sirolimus in cardiac transplant patients
Authors: Khandhar Sameer J. , Shah Hemal V. , Shullo Michael A. , Zomak Rachelle , Navoney Michelle , McNamara Dennis M. , Kormos Robert L. , Toyoda Yoshiya , Teuteberg Jeffrey J. 
Published: February 2011

Khandhar SJ, Shah HV, Shullo MA, Zomak R, Navoney M, McNamara DM, Kormos RL, Toyoda Y, Teuteberg JJ. Long‐term effects on renal function of dose‐reduced calcineurin inhibitor and sirolimus in cardiac transplant patients.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 42–49.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)‐associated renal insufficiency is common after cardiac transplantation (CTX); however, the addition of sirolimus allows for CNI dose reduction and this strategy may limit CNI renal toxicity. This study examines the long‐term effects of such a strategy.Methods:  Patients from a single center who had CTX from 1990 to 2007 and who were converted to sirolimus and a dose‐reduced CNI were compared to group‐matched controls maintained on CNI and an antiproliferative agent.Results:  One hundred and fifty‐five patients (79 sirolimus and 76 controls) were included and had similar baseline characteristics. Sirolimus was started a mean of 1429 d post‐CTX and maintained for a mean of 823 d. Reason for conversion to sirolimus was renal insufficiency (34%), vasculopathy (29%), recurrent rejection (19%), and other (18%). The eGFR was not different between groups at baseline (44.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 46.0, p = 0.64) or at any point during follow‐up: 90 d, 180 d, 1 yr, 2 yr, and 3 yr.Conclusion:  Patients converted to a regimen of sirolimus and a dosed‐reduced CNI have stable renal function over the following three yr, but do not have an improvement in renal outcomes compared to patients maintained on full dose CNI.
Geographic variation in the flood‐induced fluctuating temperature requirement for germination in Setaria parviflora seeds
Authors: Mollard F. P. O. , Insausti P. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractOur aim was to search for specific seed germinative strategies related to flooding escape in Setaria parviflora, a common species across the Americas. For this purpose, we investigated induction after floods, in relation to fluctuating temperature requirements for germination in seeds from mountain, floodplain and successional grasslands. A laboratory experiment was conducted in which seeds were imbibed or immersed in water at 5 °C. Seeds were also buried in flood‐prone and upland grasslands and exhumed during the flooding season. Additionally, seeds were buried in flooded or drained grassland mesocosms. Germination of exhumed seeds was assayed at 25 °C or at 20 °C/30 °C in the dark or in the presence of red light pulses. After submergence or soil flooding, a high fraction (>32%) of seeds from the floodplain required fluctuating temperatures to germinate. In contrast, seeds from the mountains showed maximum differences in germination between fluctuating and constant temperature treatment only after imbibition (35%) or in non‐flooded soil conditions (40%). The fluctuating temperature requirement was not clearly related to the foregoing conditions in the successional grassland seeds. Maximum germination could also be attained with red light pulses to seeds from mountain and successional grasslands. Results show that the fluctuating temperature requirement might help floodplain seeds to germinate after floods, indicating a unique feature of the dormancy of S. parviflora seeds from floodplains, which suggests an adaptive advantage aimed at postponing emergence during inundation periods. In contrast, the fluctuating temperature required for germination among seeds from mountain and successional grasslands show its importance for gap detection.
Persistence of sunflower crop traits and fitness in Helianthus petiolaris populations
Authors: Gutierrez A. , Cantamutto M. , Poverene M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractTransgenic plants have increased interest in the study of crop gene introgression in wild populations. Genes (or transgenes) conferring adaptive advantages persist in introgressed populations, enhancing competitiveness of wild or weedy plants. This represents an ecological risk that could increase problems of weed control. Introgression of cultivar alleles into wild plant populations via crop–wild hybridisations is primarily governed by their fitness effect. To evaluate this, we studied the second generation of seven wild–crop interspecific hybrids between weedy Helianthus petiolaris and cultivated sunflower, H. annuus var. macrocarpus. The second generation comprised open‐pollinated progeny and backcrosses to the wild parent, mimicking crosses that occur in natural situations. We compared a number of morphological, life history and fitness traits. Multivariate analysis showed that the parental species H. annuus and H. petiolaris differed in a number of morphological traits, while the second hybrid generation between them was intermediate. Sunflower crop introgression lowered fitness of interspecific hybrids, but fitness parameters tended to recover in the following generation. Relative frequency of wild/weedy and introgressed plants was estimated through four generations, based on male and female parent fitness. In spite of several negative selection coefficients observed in the second generation, introgressed plants could be detected in stands of <100 weedy H. petiolaris populations. The rapid recovery of fecundity parameters leads to prediction that any trait conferring an ecological advantage will diffuse into the wild or weedy population, even if F1 hybrids have low fitness.
The βI‐galactosidase of Cicer arietinum is located in thickened cell walls such as those of collenchyma, sclerenchyma and vascular tissue
Authors: Martín I. , Jiménez T. , Hernández‐Nistal J. , Dopico B. , Labrador E. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe report localisation of the chickpea βI‐Gal, a member of the chickpea β‐galactosidase family, which contains at least four members. After generation of specific antibodies, the distribution and cellular immunolocalisation of the protein in different organs and developmental stages of the plant was studied. βI‐Gal protein is much longer than the other chickpea β‐galactosidases because of the presence of a lectin‐like domain in the carboxyl terminus of the protein. Western blot experiments indicated that the active βI‐Gal retains this lectin‐like domain for its function in the plant. The βI‐Gal protein was mainly detected in cell walls of elongating organs, such as seedling epicotyls and stem internodes. An immunolocation study indicated a very good correlation between the presence of this βΙ‐galactosidase and cells whose walls are thickening, not only in aged epicotyls and mature internodes in the final phase of elongation, but mostly in cells with a support function, such as collenchyma cells, xylem and phloem fibres and a layer of sclerenchyma cells surrounding the vascular cylinder (perivascular fibres). These results could suggest a function for the βI‐Gal in modification of cell wall polymers, leading to thicker walls than the primary cell walls.
Transcriptional regulation of two RTE‐like genes of carnation during flower senescence and upon ethylene exposure, wounding treatment and sucrose supply
Authors: Yu Y. , Wang H. , Liu J. , Fu Z. , Wang J. , Liu J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractRTE1 (REVERSION‐TO‐ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY1) was identified as a positive regulator of ETR1 (ethylene resistant1) function in Arabidopsis; RTEs are a small gene family. Ethylene plays a crucial role in the senescence of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) flowers. Two cDNA clones encoding putative RTE‐like protein (DCRTE1 and DCRTH1) were obtained from total RNA isolated from senescing carnation petals using RT‐PCR and RACE techniques. The predicted proteins of DCRTE1 and DCRTH1 consist of 228 and 233 amino acids, respectively. Interestingly, the deduced DCRTE1 protein, like most other RTEs, includes two putative transmembrane domains, while the deduced DCRTH1 protein includes five putative transmembrane domains, according to the TMHMM database. Northern blots showed that the level of DCRTE1 mRNA in petals first decreased then increased remarkably after ethylene production started, and DCRTE1 expression showed an increasing trend in ovaries during natural flower senescence. The amount of DCRTH1 transcripts increased gradually in both petals and ovaries during natural senescence. Exogenous ethylene increased transcript abundance of DCRTE1 and DCRTH1 to various degrees in both petals and ovaries. STS treatment decreased the level of DCRTH1 mRNA in petals and ovaries compared with the control. DCRTE1 and DCRTH1 showed a rapid increase and then a decrease in mRNA accumulation in leaves after wounding. These results suggest that both DCRTE1 and DCRTH1 could play important roles in flower senescence‐related signalling. Sucrose treatment did not remarkably affect the amount of DCRTE1 and DCRTH1 mRNAs.
For she that hath, to her shall be given…Implications of flowering in Anemone nemorosa L.
Authors: Pontoppidan M.‐B. , Petersen P. M. , Philipp M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe looked for life‐history trade‐offs between flowering, vegetative growth and somatic maintenance in the common woodland herb Anemone nemorosa. A. nemorosa forms a horizontal rhizome system consisting of previously formed annual segments and terminated by a flowering or non‐flowering shoot. Resources acquired by the aboveground parts are used for flowering, seed production, storage and growth of the annual segments. Resources stored in the rhizome during the growing period are used for preformation of buds, somatic maintenance between two growing periods and development of aboveground parts in the following spring. We hypothesised that the decision to invest in flower buds depends on the amount of resources stored in the recently formed annual segment. We also hypothesised a trade‐off between flowering and segment growth and, finally, as a consequence, we expected individual rhizomes to alternate between the flowering and the non‐flowering state. We found that segments producing flower buds were significantly longer than non‐flowering segments, indicating that resource level influences the function of the preformed buds. Contrary to our expectations, we found flowering rhizomes produced longer annual segments than non‐flowering rhizomes. We suggest the larger leaf area of flowering rhizomes and occasional abortion of flowers or seeds as possible mechanisms behind this pattern. Our study shows that even though the decision to produce a flower bud is taken in another time‐frame than that in which the actual flowering and fruiting takes place, an ostensibly inexpedient decision is changed to a neutral or even an advantageous incident.
Amlodipine ameliorates endothelial dysfunction in mesenteric arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: He Xi , Zhang Hong‐Li , Zhao Ming , Yang Jun‐Lu , Cheng Gong , Sun Lei , Li Dong‐Ling , Jiang Hong‐Ke , Zhao Qiang , Yu Xiao‐Jiang , Zang Wei‐Jin 
Published: February 2011

Summary1. Endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role in the development and progression or pathogenesis of hypertension. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, is an effective antihypertensive agent. We investigated the effects of amlodipine on endothelial dysfunction in mesenteric arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).2. Eight‐week‐old SHR were treated with amlodipine (10 mg/kg per day) for 8 weeks. Control SHR and Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with saline. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by the tail‐cuff method. Isometric tension changes of isolated mesenteric arterial rings were recorded continuously by a myograph system. Serum contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total nitrate/nitrite (NOx) were determined. Vascular superoxide anion production was analysed with dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence.3. The contractile responses to KCl and phenylephrine were greater in untreated SHR than in WKY. Acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced relaxation was significantly impaired in untreated SHR. Amlodipine treatment reduced the contractions and improved relaxation to ACh. In WKY, relaxation to ACh was inhibited by NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) and not changed by ascorbic acid. In untreated SHR, the response to ACh was unaffected by l‐NAME, whereas it was improved by ascorbic acid. Amlodipine restored the inhibitory effect of l‐NAME on ACh‐induced relaxation, but ascorbic acid no longer exerted its facilitating effect. Amlodipine prevented the rise in SBP and ameliorated abnormalities in serum MDA and NO in untreated SHR. DHE assay showed an increased intravascular superoxide generation in untreated SHR, which was abrogated by amlodipine.4. Treatment of SHR with amlodipine resulted in amelioration of endothelial dysfunction by anti‐oxidant activity and improvement in NO availability.
Serum pepsinogen II: A neglected but useful biomarker to differentiate between diseased and normal stomachs
Authors: He Cai‐yun , Sun Li‐ping , Gong Yue‐hua , Xu Qian , Dong Nan‐nan , Yuan Yuan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Serum pepsinogen II (sPGII) is underutilized and considered an inconspicuous biomarker in clinical practice. We refocused on this neglected but novel biomarker and conducted the present study, aiming to elucidate the normal level of sPGII in healthy Chinese patients and to investigate the clinical utility of sPGII for gastric disease screening.Methods:  In 2008–2009, a total of 2022 participants from northern China were selected and enrolled in the study. sPGII and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)–immunoglobulin G were measured with ELISA.Results:  sPGII showed a normal value of 6.6 microg/L in a total of 466 patients with endoscopically‐ and histologically‐normal stomachs. A small sex difference was observed: the average value of sPGII was 7 microg/L and 6 microg/L in males and females, respectively (P < 0.001). In the differentiation between healthy and diseased (endoscopically‐diseased stomach or gastritis/atrophic gastritis in endoscopic biopsies) stomach mucosae, the best sPGII cut‐off value was 8.25 microg/L (sensitivity 70.6%, specificity 70.8%). In screening the H. pylori seropositivity, the optimum cut‐off sPGII value was 10.25 microg/L (sensitivity 71.6%, specificity 70.1%).Conclusions:  We demonstrated that the mean values of sPGII in a healthy Chinese population are 7 microg/L and 6 microg/L for males and females, respectively. sPGII significantly increases in diseased and H. pylori‐infected stomach, and the best sPGII cut‐off value is 8.25 microg/L in the differentiation between patients with healthy and diseased stomach mucosae. Furthermore, Chinese patients with sPGII greater than 10.25 microg/L are at greater risk of various H. pylori‐related gastropathies, and are therefore prior candidates for gastro‐protection therapy.
Genetic predisposition to diffuse panbronchiolitis
Authors: KEICHO NAOTO , HIJIKATA MINAKO 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTDiffuse panbronchiolitis is characterized by chronic inflammation in respiratory bronchioles and sinobronchial infection. The pathophysiology accompanying the persistent bacterial infection is noteworthy for the accumulation of lymphocytes and foamy macrophages around the small airways, for mucus hypersecretion, and for the number of neutrophils in the large airways. Until the establishment of long‐term macrolide therapy, the prognosis was generally poor. Case studies of diffuse panbronchiolitis in East Asians, including Japanese, Koreans and Chinese, have frequently been reported, and genetic predisposition to the disease has been assumed in Asians. Immunogenetic studies revealed a strong association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B54 in Japanese, whereas an association with HLA‐A11 was reported in Koreans. These findings imply that a major susceptibility gene may be located between the HLA‐A and HLA‐B loci on the short arm of human chromosome 6. We have recently cloned novel mucin‐like genes in this candidate region. In addition to accumulated knowledge of classical HLA genes and mucin genes, further analysis of newly identified genes may provide insights into the pathogenesis of the disease.