bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR156-Targeted and Nontargeted SBP-Box Transcription Factors Act in Concert to Secure Male Fertility in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xing Shuping , Salinas María , Höhmann Susanne , Berndtgen Rita , Huijser Peter 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The SBP-box transcription factor SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE8 (SPL8) is required for proper development of sporogenic tissues in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we show that the semisterile phenotype of SPL8 loss-of-function mutants is due to partial functional redundancy with several other members of the Arabidopsis SPL gene family. In contrast with SPL8, the transcripts of these latter SPL genes are all targeted by miR156/7. Whereas the introduction of single miR156/7-resistant SPL transgenes could only partially restore spl8 mutant fertility, constitutive overexpression of miR156 in an spl8 mutant background resulted in fully sterile plants. Histological analysis of the anthers of such sterile plants revealed an almost complete absence of sporogenous and anther wall tissue differentiation, a phenotype similar to that reported for sporocyteless/nozzle (spl/nzz) mutant anthers. Expression studies indicated a functional requirement for miR156/7-targeted SPL genes limited to early anther development. Accordingly, several miR156/7-encoding loci were found expressed in anther tissues at later stages of development. We conclude that fully fertile Arabidopsis flowers require the action of multiple miR156/7-targeted SPL genes in concert with SPL8. Either together with SPL/NZZ or independently, these SPL genes act to regulate genes mediating cell division, differentiation, and specification early in anther development. Furthermore, SPL8 in particular may be required to secure fertility of the very first flowers when floral transition-related miR156/7 levels might not have sufficiently declined.
Dermoscopy findings of nail fold capillaries in connective tissue diseases
Authors: HASEGAWA Minoru 
Published: December 2010

AbstractNail fold (video) capillaroscopy is a well‐established technique to assess patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon, in whom specific abnormalities of capillaries are predictive of underlying systemic sclerosis and its related diseases (scleroderma spectrum disorder). The typical abnormalities are also found in patients with dermatomyositis and those findings are useful for the assessment of vascular injury and the evaluation of therapeutic effect in patients with scleroderma spectrum disorder and dermatomyositis. Recently, it has been suggested that dermoscopy can replace the capillaroscopy in significant part for detection of nail fold capillary abnormalities. In this review, I summarized the established capillaroscopy findings in connective tissues diseases and tried to apply the findings of dermoscopy to the findings and classification of capillaroscopy.
Correspondence between dermoscopic features and epidermal structures revealed by scanning electron microscope
Authors: NAGASHIMA Yoko , TSUCHIDA Tetsuya 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIt is already known that some typical dermoscopic patterns seen in melanocytic nevi on the sole have their own favorite site. In the weight‐bearing area, melanocytic nevi with a parallel furrow pattern were preferentially observed. Those with a lattice‐like pattern were observed in the arch area, whereas those with a crista reticulated pattern were seen in the border area. To investigate the relationship between the distribution of the dermoscopic patterns seen in plantar melanocytic nevi and the 3‐D structures of the epidermis, the basal surfaces of the plantar epidermis from 14 skin lesions were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our SEM observations revealed that transverse ridges formed a couple of parallel lamellae on the crista profunda limitans (limiting ridges). Between the limiting ridges and the crista profunda intermedia (intermediate ridges), the transverse ridges had different shapes according to the anatomical location of the sole. From these results, it was suggested that the characteristic dermoscopic patterns seen in acquired and junctional melanocytic nevi on the sole simulate the arrangement of transverse ridges.
This article has been retracted: Curcumin targets Akt cell survival signaling pathway in HTLV‐I‐infected T‐cell lines
Authors: Tomita Mariko , Matsuda Takehiro , Kawakami Hirochika , Uchihara Jun‐nosuke , Okudaira Taeko , Masuda Masato , Ohshiro Kazuiku , Mori Naoki 
Published: December 2010

This article has been retracted at the request of Editor‐in‐Chief & Author.The following article from Cancer Science: Mariko Tomita, Takehiro Matsuda, Hirochika Kawakami, Jun‐nosuke Uchihara, Taeko Okudaira, Masato Masuda, Kazuiku Ohshiro and Naoki Mori. Curcumin targets Akt cell survival signaling pathway in HTLV‐I‐infected T‐cell lines, Cancer Science 2006; 97: 322–327, (doi: 10.1111/j.1349‐7006.2006.00175.x), published online on 30 March 2006 on Blackwell Synergy (http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com), now Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Yusuke Nakamura, and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. All authors wish to retract this paper due to inappropriate image utilization in two of the figures within the article.Yusuke Nakamura Editor‐in‐Chief Cancer Science
Mutations in the Myostatin gene leading to hypermuscularity in mammals: indications for a similar mechanism in fish?
Authors: Stinckens A. , Georges M. , Buys N. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryThe transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) superfamily encodes secreted factors that are important in regulating embryonic development and tissue homeostatis in adults. Myostatin (MSTN, encoded by MSTN) or ‘growth and differentiation factor 8’, a member of this superfamily, is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth and is highly conserved among animal species. In 1997, a mutation associated with the so‐called double‐muscling phenotype in cattle was found in the MSTN gene. During the years following the discovery of the first MSTN mutation, other mutations were found in cattle and other mammalian species, and MSTN became one of the most thoroughly studied genes in animals. The aim of this review is mainly to describe the functional mutations located in the MSTN genes of several mammalian species, leading to double muscling in these animals. Furthermore, in light of the increasing importance of fish genetics, the possibility of functional mutations in piscine MSTN with a similar effect as in mammals, and a genetic model for MSTN research in fish, will also be discussed.
Angiotensin blockade in diabetic patients decreases insulin resistance‐associated low‐grade inflammation
Authors: Pavlatou Maria G. , Mastorakos George , Margeli Alexandra , Kouskouni Evangelia , Tentolouris Nicholas , Katsilambros Nikos , Chrousos George P. , Papassotiriou Ioannis 
Published: December 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (6): 652–658AbstractBackground  Insulin‐resistant states, such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), have been associated with chronic low‐grade systemic inflammation. Elevated levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP‐1) and C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), are found in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without complications. Angiotensin II (Ang II), a potent vasopressor, seems to regulate also the expression of the above inflammatory mediators acting as proinflammatory cytokine. In this study, we examined the effects of candesartan, an angiotensin receptror blocker, in the chronic low‐grade inflammation observed in DM 2.Materials and methods  Seventeen patients with DM2 of < 5 years duration were recruited for the study. Patients received 4 mg of candesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, for 6 months. Blood levels of IL‐6, MCP‐1, hs‐CRP and other inflammatory indices were measured before and at the end of candesartan administration.Results  At the end of treatment with candesartan, IL‐6 levels decreased significantly (P < 0·05). Serum levels of MCP‐1 and hs‐CRP showed a trend for significant decrease with treatment (P < 0·08 and P < 0·09, respectively). Statistically significant correlations were found between hs‐CRP and MCP‐1 (r = 0·623, P < 0·05), IL‐6 and MCP‐1 (r = 0·703, P < 0·05) and TRT and MCP‐1 (r = 0·752, P < 0·05), before but not at the end of candesartan administration.Conclusions  Candesartan could decrease the low‐grade inflammation of type 2 DM as shown by the decrease of inflammatory mediators. Thus, angiotensin receptor blockers could be useful for treating patients with DM2 not only for their antihypertensive capacity but also for their anti‐inflammatory actions.
Connectivity, dispersal behaviour and conservation under climate change: a response to Hodgson et al.
Authors: Doerr Veronica A. J. , Barrett Tom , Doerr Erik D. 
Published: December 2010

Summary1. Hodgson et al. [Journal of Applied Ecology46 (2009) 964] argue that connectivity is complex and uncertain, that it can be improved incidentally by increasing habitat extent, and that connectivity conservation is unlikely to be effective under climate change.2. We believe that they have overlooked recent research on dispersal behaviour and structural connectivity, which has improved our understanding of functional connectivity and revealed that it will not necessarily increase with habitat extent.3. New modelling techniques including least‐cost path models incorporate this more detailed understanding of connectivity into conservation planning, facilitating the true aim of connectivity conservation – to ensure appropriate interactions between habitat extent, quality and connectivity.4. Synthesis and applications. Advances in behavioural research and modelling techniques allow us to manage structural connectivity with as much certainty as we manage extent and quality of habitat. Successful landscape conservation to address both current threats and future climate change must manage these three elements in concert.
Whitefly infestation of pepper plants elicits defence responses against bacterial pathogens in leaves and roots and changes the below‐ground microflora
Authors: Yang Jung Wook , Yi Hwe‐Su , Kim Hyunkyung , Lee Boyoung , Lee Soohyun , Ghim Sa‐Youl , Ryu Choong‐Min 
Published: December 2010

Summary1. Upon facing biotic stresses, plants orchestrate defence mechanisms via internal and external mechanisms that are mediated by signalling molecules such as salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene and various other volatile compounds. Although pathogen‐ and chemical‐induced plant resistance has been studied extensively within the same plant compartment, the effects of above‐ground (AG) insect‐elicited plant defence on the resistance expression in roots and the below‐ground (BG) microbial community are not well understood.2. We assessed the effect of AG whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) attack on the elicitation of induced resistance against a leaf pathogen,Xanthomonas axonopodispv.vesicatoria, a soil‐borne pathogen,Ralstonia solanacearum, and on BG modifications of the rhizosphere microflora in peppers (Capsicum annuum).3. Symptom development caused by the two bacterial pathogens on leaves and roots was significantly reduced in whitefly‐exposed plants as compared to controls. A combined treatment with benzothiadiazole (BTH) and whitefly caused an additive effect on induced resistance, indicating that whitefly‐induced plant defence can utilize salicylic acid (SA)‐dependent signalling. To obtain further genetic evidence of this phenomenon, we evaluated the gene expression ofCapsicum annuum pathogenesis‐related protein(CaPR)1,CaPR4,CaPR10andCa protease inhibitor II, and observed increased expression after BTH and/or whitefly treatment indicating that AG whitefly infestation elicited SA and jasmonic acid signalling in AG and BG. Since the expression pattern of PR genes in the roots differed, we assessed microbial diversity in plants treated with BTH and/or whitefly.4. In addition to eliciting BG defence responses, a whitefly infestation of the leaves augmented the population of root‐associated Gram‐positive bacteria and fungi, which may have positively affected plant growth and induced systemic resistance. Whitefly feeding reduced plant size, which usually occurs as a consequence of the high costs of direct resistance induction.5. Synthesis.Our results demonstrate that whitefly‐induced resistance against bacterial pathogens can cross the AG–BG border and may cause further indirect benefits on future plant development, because it can positively affect the association or plant roots with putatively beneficial microorganisms.
Constitutive and induced subterranean plant volatiles attract both entomopathogenic and plant parasitic nematodes
Authors: Ali Jared G. , Alborn Hans T. , Stelinski Lukasz L. 
Published: December 2010

Summary 1. Indirect plant defences are well documented for the above‐ground constituents of plants. Although less investigated to date, below‐ground defences that mediate multitrophic interactions are equally important. Entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema diaprepesi) are attracted to herbivore‐induced volatiles from Swingle var. (Citrus paradisi×Poncirus trifoliata) when fed upon by root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus. 2. We examined the extent to which below‐ground volatiles modify behaviour of nematode species representing various foraging strategies (cruisers versus ambushers) and trophic levels (plant parasites versus entomopathogens). We compared attraction to volatiles of weevil‐infested and non‐infested roots from Swingle citrus rootstock and a parent line of the Swingle hybrid, Poncirus trifoliata (Pt). 3. Swingle weevil‐infested roots attracted more nematodes than non‐infested roots irrespective of nematode foraging strategy and trophic status. The parental line, Pt, attracted all nematode species irrespective of insect herbivory. 4. Dynamic in situ collection and GC–MS analysis of volatiles from soil revealed that Pt roots release attracting cues constitutively. A different non‐hybrid citrus species (sour orange, Citrus aurantium) released nematode attracting cues only in response to larval feeding, similar to responses found in Swingle. Volatile collections from above‐ and below‐ground portions of citrus plants revealed that above‐ground feeding by weevils does not induce production of nematode attracting cues analogous to that induced by root damage, nor does damage by larvae below‐ground induce a similar volatile above ground. 5. Synthesis. Our results suggest that release of nematode attractants by citrus roots occurs broadly and can be constant or herbivore‐induced. The major constituent of this indirect defence is produced by roots and not shoots and in response to below‐ground, but not above‐ground herbivory. Our findings suggest that this cue acts on nematode species broadly, attracting entomopathogenic nematodes that exhibit various foraging strategies. Unexpectedly, we also found that this cue attracts a plant parasitic nematode species. It appears, thus, that release of nematode attracting cues by citrus plants can cause ecological costs. The plants, however, appear to counteract against these costs, because constitutive release was found only in a cultivar that is resistant to phytopathogenic nematodes, while herbivore‐induced release occurred in lines susceptible to pathogenic nematode species.
Measuring biodiversity across spatial scales in a raised bog using a novel paired‐sample diversity index
Authors: Bennie Jonathan , Anderson Karen , Wetherelt Andrew 
Published: December 2010

Summary 1. Biodiversity is an inherently spatial phenomenon. It is determined by environmental heterogeneity and by spatially structured ecological processes such as disturbance, competition and dispersal. However, conventional biodiversity indices are based on discrete samples or pooled sets of samples without sufficient consideration of the spatial relationships between the samples. 2. Here we describe a new method for spatial analysis of species diversity, based on a paired‐sample version of the widely used Gini–Simpson diversity index and its numbers equivalent. The index and its numbers equivalent are plotted as a function of lag distance between two samples along spatial and/or environmental gradients. 3. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by applying it to two transects of fine‐scale (5 × 5 cm quadrat) vegetation data from sites with contrasting hydrology within a raised bog, where the location of each quadrat is accurately recorded and the height of the bog surface above the water table is measured using a terrestrial laser scanner. 4. Both transects have similar alpha‐diversity as measured using the Gini–Simpson index, and the transition between alpha‐ and gamma‐diversity occurs at similar length scales, suggesting that species aggregate at similar scales along both transects. However, the transect from the central bog dome has higher gamma‐diversity than that from the bog margin, and shows more marked significant spatial structure at a length scale of 135–140 cm, corresponding to the typical hummock–hollow microtopography at the site. We show that beta‐diversity at both transects can be attributable to both species clustering along the hydrological gradient, consistent with niche partitioning, as well as independent spatial aggregation of species that is not explained by hydrology. 5. Synthesis. The paired‐sample diversity index described here is a potentially useful tool in detecting and attributing patterns of beta‐diversity along both spatial and environmental gradients.
Top‐down control of herbivores varies with ecosystem types
Authors: Zhang Yangjian , Adams Jonathan 
Published: December 2010

Summary 1. Björkman et al. comment on Adams and Zhang’s finding of more leaf herbivory with increasing latitude, pointing out that top‐down control by predators on insect herbivores might cause less herbivory in warmer regions. 2. Stronger top‐down control with more plant diversity has been found mostly in systems that are less diverse overall, such as agricultural fields and grassland. Studies have also concentrated on small spatial scales. Whether top‐down control is relatively more important at large spatial scales in the most highly diverse tropical or warm temperate forests is still in doubt. 3. Synthesis. The importance of top‐down predator control of herbivores may vary with the system studied. Future work to understand the controls of herbivores needs to precisely monitor and compare the dynamics of individual herbivore species and their predators at a large spatial scale.
Role of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in striatal blood–brain barrier disruption in a 3‐nitropropionic acid model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Duran‐Vilaregut J. , del Valle J. , Manich G. , Camins A. , Pallàs M. , Vilaplana J. , Pelegrí C. 
Published: December 2010

J. Duran‐Vilaregut, J. del Valle, G. Manich, A. Camins, M. Pallàs, J. Vilaplana and C. Pelegrí (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 525–537 Role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 in striatal blood–brain barrier disruption in a 3‐nitropropionic acid model of Huntington's disease Aims: 3‐Nitropropionic acid (3‐NPA) is a natural toxin that, when administered to experimental animals, reproduces the brain lesions observed in Huntington's disease, which mainly consist of selective neurodegeneration of the striatum. The lesions also include severe alterations to the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which increase its permeability to several substances including blood components and exogenous fluorescent dyes, and the concomitant degradation of some of its constituents such as endothelial cells, tight junction proteins and the basement membrane. We studied here the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)‐2 and ‐9, also called gelatinases A and B, in the degradation of the BBB in the striatal lesions induced by the systemic administration of 3‐NPA to Sprague‐Dawley rats. Methods: 3‐NPA was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg once a day for 3 days. MMPs were studied by means of immunohistochemistry and in situ zymography. Results: In 3‐NPA‐treated rats, MMP‐9 was present in most of the degraded blood vessels in the injured striatum, while it was absent in vessels from non‐injured tissue. In the same animals, MMP‐2 staining was barely detected close to degraded blood vessels. The combination of MMP‐9 immunostaining, in situ zymography and inhibitory studies of MMP‐9 confirmed that net gelatinolytic activity detected in the degraded striatal blood vessels could be attributed almost exclusively to the active form of MMP‐9. Conclusion: Our results highlight the prominent role of MMP‐9 in BBB disruption in the striatal injured areas of this experimental model of Huntington's disease.
Early post‐transplant vaccination with pandemic influenza A/H1N1 vaccine in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Altamirano‐Diaz Luis , West Lori , Humar Atul , Ely Leticia , Urschel Simon , Gubbay Jonathan , Crowcroft Natasha , Kumar Deepali 
Published: December 2010

Altamirano‐Diaz L, West L, Humar A, Ely L, Urschel S, Gubbay J, Crowcroft N, Kumar D. Early post‐transplant vaccination with pandemic influenza A/H1N1 vaccine in pediatric heart transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:172–175. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus has the potential to cause severe disease in pediatric transplant patients. A pandemic vaccine against H1N1 is effective in immunocompetent children. We investigated the immunogenicity of this vaccine when given in the first six months after heart transplantation. Four patients younger than two yr received two doses of vaccine and one patient older than seven yr received one dose. Titers were obtained using the HAI at baseline and after final immunization. Five patients were enrolled, ages 0.5–7 yr. Median age at the time of transplant was five months (range 3 wk–7 yr). All patients received induction with anti‐thymoglobulin and maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus, MMF, and prednisone. Patients were immunized with the adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine after heart transplant at median time of nine wk (range 5–23 wk) post‐transplant. Three of five developed protective titers against H1N1. A proportion of pediatric patients may respond to influenza vaccine even when immunized in the early post‐transplant period.
Safety and efficacy of tacrolimus in pediatric liver recipients
Authors: Kelly Deirdre 
Published: December 2010

Kelly D. Safety and efficacy of tacrolimus in pediatric liver recipients. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:19–24. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Pediatric liver transplantation is now so successful that we expect more than 80% of children to survive into adolescence and adulthood. As the focus of care shifts toward long‐term patient management, immunosuppressive regimens should, in addition to preventing acute and chronic rejection, promote good quality of life and be free of significant long‐term side effects. Historically, the most effective immunosuppressive regimens have been based on induction with a combination of calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporin or tacrolimus) and steroids. Usually, maintenance is monotherapy with cyclosporin or tacrolimus or dual therapy with low‐dose alternate‐day steroids to encourage growth. A number of studies, including long‐term follow‐up, have shown significantly lower incidences of rejection, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cosmetic side effects in patients treated initially with tacrolimus compared with cyclosporin. The use of anti‐interleukin‐2 inhibitors as induction therapy, with low‐dose tacrolimus or in combination with mycophenolate mofetil, has a key role in preventing significant renal dysfunction and reducing infection and rejection. Steroid‐free immunosuppression is also proving to be an effective option for the management of pediatric liver recipients. The main challenges now facing pediatricians include ensuring long‐term quality of life, optimizing immunosuppression while preventing associated adverse events, and managing a smooth transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood.