bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forward and reverse genetics to identify genes involved in the age‐related resistance response in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: CARVIEL JESSIE L. , AL‐DAOUD FADI , NEUMANN MELODY , MOHAMMAD ASIF , PROVART NICHOLAS J. , MOEDER WOLFGANG , YOSHIOKA KEIKO , CAMERON ROBIN K. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYAge‐related resistance (ARR) occurs in numerous plant species, often resulting in increased disease resistance as plants mature. ARR in Arabidopsis to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato is associated with intercellular salicylic acid (SA) accumulation and the transition to flowering. Forward and reverse genetic screens were performed to identify genes required for ARR and to investigate the mechanism of the ARR response. Infiltration of SA into the intercellular space of the ARR‐defective mutant iap1‐1 (important for the ARR pathway) partially restored ARR function. Inter‐ and intracellular SA accumulation was reduced in the mutant iap1‐1 compared with the wild‐type, and the SA regulatory gene EDS1 was also required for ARR. Combining microarray analysis with reverse genetics using T‐DNA insertion lines, four additional ARR genes were identified as contributing to ARR: two plant‐specific transcription factors of the NAC family [ANAC055 (At3g15500) and ANAC092 (At5g39610)], a UDP‐glucose glucosyltransferase [UGT85A1 (At1g22400)] and a cytidine deaminase [CDA1 (At2g19570)]. These four genes and IAP1 are also required for ARR to Hyaloperonospora parasitica. IAP1 encodes a key component of ARR that acts upstream of SA accumulation and possibly downstream of UGT85A1, CDA1 and the two NAC transcription factors (ANAC055, ANAC092).
A prospective Italian survey on the safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy for respiratory allergy
Authors: Schiappoli M. , Ridolo E. , Senna G. , Alesina R. , Antonicelli L. , Asero R. , Costantino M. T. , Longo R. , Musarra A. , Nettis E. , Crivellaro M. , Savi E. , Massolo A. , Passalacqua G. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryBackground
Subcutaneous immunotherapy is effective for the treatment of respiratory allergy, and it is largely used in Italy, but no systematic safety assessment has been carried out so far.Objective
To assess prospectively the safety of injection immunotherapy in a multicentre, real‐life survey.Methods
Eleven Italian allergy departments recorded the clinical characteristics of systemic reactions (SRs) due to immunotherapy. Vaccines were prescribed according to guidelines; only standardized depot extracts were used. SRs were graded according to the EAACI recommendations, and were classified as immediate or delayed.Results
One thousand seven hundred and thirty‐eight patients (847 males, age range 5–71) received immunotherapy from eight different manufacturers, for a total of 2038 courses (300 patients received two extracts). A total of 60 785 injections were given over a mean immunotherapy duration of 3 years. Overall, 95 reactions were observed in 57 patients (3.28%), corresponding to 4.7% of the courses and 1.56/1000 injections. Twenty‐five patients experienced more than one adverse event. There were 34 grade 2, 60 grade 3 and one grade 4 reactions and no fatality. SRs occurred more frequently in patients with asthma than in patients with rhinitis alone (4.1% vs. 1.1%), and were equally distributed between the build‐up and the maintenance phase. Ragweed and grass extracts caused significantly more side effects than other allergens.Conclusion
In this large prospective study, the rate of SRs was low, thus confirming that injection immunotherapy has an acceptable risk/benefit ratio when prescribed and carried out according to recommendations.
Retracted: CCR5 blockade in combination with rapamycin prolongs cardiac allograft survival in mice
Authors: Li J , Zhang K , Ye P , Wang S , Xia J 
Published: May 2009

SummaryBoth chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) blockade and rapamycin (rapa) are effective in modulating transplant immunity and led to prolonged allograft survival, yet a great many grafts were ultimately lost to acute rejection. In this study we examined the inhibition of CCR5 in combination with the treatment with rapa in cardiac transplantation. Fully major histocompatibility complex-mismatched murine cardiac allograft models were randomized to five groups. They were administered with anti-CCR5 antibody or control antibody and rapa or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), respectively. An additional group was treated with anti-CCR5 antibody, rapa and anti-CD25 antibody. Allograft rejection was investigated by flow cytometric analyses and enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Allografts treated with anti-CCR5 antibody plus rapa showed significantly prolonged survival (83 ± 3 days, P &lt; 0·001) compared with control antibody plus PBS-treated allografts (6 ± 1 days). Treatment with anti-CCR5 monoclonal antibody (mAb) plus rapa inhibited significantly the progression of chronic rejction. Further analysis of donor hearts in the anti-CCR5 antibody plus rapa-treated group demonstrated increased infiltration of CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3+ regulatory T cells, and depletion of CD25+ cells resulted in acute rejection of allografts in 18 ± 1 day. CCR5 blockade in combination with rapa is effective in preventing acute and chronic rejection in a robust murine model. This effect is mediated by CD25+ T cell recruitment and control of T lymphocyte proliferation.
A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of delayed‐ and extended‐release hydrocortisone (ChronocortTM) vs. conventional hydrocortisone (CortefTM) in the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Verma Somya , VanRyzin Carol , Sinaii Ninet , Kim Mimi S. , Nieman Lynnette K. , Ravindran Shayna , Calis Karim A. , Arlt Wiebke , Ross Richard J. , Merke Deborah P. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryObjective  Existing glucocorticoid treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is suboptimal and nonphysiological. We compared hormonal profiles during therapy with a new modified‐release hydrocortisone (MR‐HC), Chronocort™, to conventional hydrocortisone (HC), Cortef™, in patients with CAH.Design and patients  We conducted a Phase 2, open‐label, crossover pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study in 14 patients (out of whom seven were male subjects, age ranging from 17 to 55) with classic 21‐hydroxylase deficiency. One week of thrice daily HC (10, 5 and 15 mg) was followed by 1 month of once daily MR‐HC (30 mg at 22:00 hours). Twenty four‐hour sampling of cortisol, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP), androstenedione, and ACTH was performed at steady state.Measurements  The primary outcome measures were 8‐ and 24‐h area under the curve (AUC) hormones and 08:00 hours 17‐OHP.Results  Hydrocortisone therapy resulted in three cortisol peaks. A single cortisol peak occurred at approximately 06:00 hours on MR‐HC. MR‐HC resulted in significantly (P < 0·001) lower 24‐h afternoon (12:00 to 20:00 hours), and night‐time (20:00 to 04:00 hours) cortisol as compared with HC. From 04:00 to 12:00 hours, when physiological cortisol is highest, cortisol was higher on MR‐HC than HC (P < 0·001). Patients on MR‐HC had significantly (P < 0·05) higher afternoon (12:00 to 20:00 hours) 17‐OHP, androstenedione and ACTH, but significantly (P = 0·025) lower 08:00 hours 17‐OHP. No serious adverse events occurred.Conclusions  Modified‐release hydrocortisone represents a promising new treatment for CAH. Overnight adrenal androgens were well‐controlled, but rose in the afternoon with once‐daily dosing suggesting that a morning dose of glucocorticoid is needed. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosing regimen and long‐term clinical outcome.
Effects of woody plant species richness on mammal species richness in southern Africa
Authors: Qian Hong , Kissling W. Daniel , Wang Xianli , Andrews Peter 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAim  To determine the relationship between the species richness of woody plants and that of mammals after accounting for the effect of environmental variables.Location  Southern Africa, including Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and part of Mozambique.Methods  We used a comprehensive dataset including the species richness of mammals and of woody plants and environmental variables for 118 quadrats (each of 25,000 km2) across southern Africa, and used structural equation models (SEMs) and spatial regressions to examine the relationship between the species richness of woody plants and of mammal trophic guilds (herbivores, insectivores, carni/omnivores) and habitat guilds (aquatic/fossorial, ground‐living, climbers, aerial), after controlling for environment. We compared the results of SEMs with those of single‐predictor regressions (without controlling for environment) and of spatial regressions (controlling for both environment and residual spatial autocorrelation).Results  The geographical variation of mammal species richness in southern Africa was strongly and positively related to that of woody plant species richness, and this relationship held for most mammal guilds even when the influence of environment and spatial autocorrelation had been accounted for. However, the effect of woody plant species richness on the richness of aquatic/fossorial species almost disappeared after controlling for environment, suggesting that the congruence in species richness patterns between these two groups results from similar responses to the same environmental variables. For many mammal guilds, the relative role of environmental predictors as measured by standardized partial regression coefficients changed depending on whether non‐spatial single‐predictor regressions, non‐spatial SEMs, or spatial regressions were used.Main conclusions  Woody plants are important determinants of the species richness of most mammal guilds in southern Africa, even when controlling for environment and residual spatial autocorrelation. Environmental correlates with animal species richness as measured by simple correlations or single‐predictor regressions might not always reflect direct effects; they might, at least to some degree, result from indirect effects via woody plants. Interpretations of the strength of the effect of environmental variables on mammal species richness in southern Africa depend largely on whether spatial or non‐spatial models are used. We therefore stress the need for caution when interpreting environmental ‘effects’ on broad‐scale patterns of species richness if spatial and non‐spatial methods yield contrasting results.
Insecticide resistance and detoxifying enzyme activity in the principal bancroftian filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus, in northeastern India
Authors: SARKAR M. , BHATTACHARYYA I. K. , BORKOTOKI A. , GOSWAMI D. , RABHA B. , BARUAH I. , SRIVASTAVA R. B. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe insecticide resistance status of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) to DDT and deltamethrin across army cantonments and neighbouring villages in northeastern India was investigated. In India, DDT is still the insecticide of choice for public health programmes. In military stations, pyrethroids, especially deltamethrins, are used for insecticide‐treated nets (ITNs). Recent information on the levels of resistance to DDT and deltamethrin in mosquito populations of northeastern India is scare. Continued monitoring of insecticide resistance status, identification of the underlying mechanisms of resistance in local mosquito populations and the establishment of a baseline data bank of this information are of prime importance. Insecticide susceptibility assays were performed on wild‐caught adult female Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to the discriminating doses recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to DDT (4%) and deltamethrin (0.05%). Across all study sites, mortality as a result of DDT varied from 11.9 to 50.0%, as compared with 91.2% in the susceptible laboratory strain (S‐Lab), indicating that Cx. quinquefasciatus is resistant to DDT. The species was found to be 100% susceptible to deltamethrin in all study sites except Benganajuli and Rikamari. Knock‐down times (KDT) in response to deltamethrin varied significantly between study sites (P < 0.01) from 8.3 to 17.8 min for KDT50 and 37.4 to 69.5 min for KDT90. All populations exceeded the threshold level of alpha‐esterase, beta‐esterase and glutathion S‐transferase (GST) established for the S‐Lab susceptible strain, and all populations had 100% elevated esterase and GST activity, except Missamari and Solmara. Beta‐esterase activity in Field Unit II (96.9%) was less than in any of the other populations. Benganajuli had the highest activity level for all the enzymes tested. There was a significant correlation between all enzyme activity levels and insecticide resistance phenotype by populations (P < 0.05). The results presented here provide the first report and baseline information of the insecticide resistance status of Cx. quinquefasciatus in northeastern India, and associated information about biochemical mechanisms that are essential for monitoring the development of insecticide resistance in the area.
Histological characterization of Darier's disease in Tunisian families
Authors: Kassar S , Tounsi‐Kettiti H , Charfeddine C , Zribi H , Bchetnia M , Jerbi E , Mokni M , Osman A BEN , Abdelhak S , Boubaker S 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Darier's disease (OMIM 124200) is an autosomal‐dominant skin disorder characterized by warty papules and plaques in seborreheic areas, palmo‐plantar pits and distinctive nail abnormalities. The disease has complete penetrance in adults and variable expressivity. It is caused by mutations in the ATP2A2 gene, which encodes the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase type 2 isoform (SERCA2).Objective  We report histological investigations of six unrelated Tunisian families including 15 affected individuals with Darier's disease mutations.Results  The typical histological features of Darier's disease have been observed in the 15 patients. Variable histological features have been observed among Tunisian patients ranging from mild to moderate lesions of Darier's disease. A significant correlation has been observed between the clinical presentation of the Darier's disease (mild or moderate) and the intensity of the histological features. Isolated acral form of Darier's disease was seen in one case. Two distinct original associations have been observed: Darier's disease/pemphigus vulgaris in one patient and Darier's disease/ichtyosis in the other patient.Conclusion  Our findings confirmed the clinical heterogeneity of Darier's disease on the basis of histological study. The intensity of the histological features could be closely correlated to the severity of Darier's disease clinical presentation.
Maternal depression and mother–child interaction patterns: association with toddler problems and continuity of effects to late childhood
Authors: Leckman‐Westin Emily , Cohen Patricia R. , Stueve Ann 
Published: May 2009

Objective:  Increased behavior problems have been reported in offspring of mothers with depression. In‐home observations link maternal depressive symptoms (MDS) and mother–child interaction patterns with toddler behavior problems and examine their persistence into late childhood.Method:  Maternal characteristics (N = 153) and behaviors of two‐year‐old offspring (N = 215) were assessed in families from a randomly selected population cohort. Maternal self‐reported depressive symptoms and observed maternal–toddler interaction patterns were evaluated as risks for toddler problem behaviors. Follow‐up CBCL assessments about a decade later assessed persistence of effects identified in the toddler data.Results:  Maternal negativity toward her toddler was related to toddler problems, regardless of maternal depressive symptoms. MDS in combination with positive mother–toddler interaction showed only marginal ill effects on toddler offspring and no long‐term effects. Depressive symptoms of less responsive/emotion teaching dyads were related to offspring tantrums and to mother and observer rated fearfulness, independent of family contextual risks. Analyses of Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) problem scales obtained on these children in late childhood showed persistent effects similar to those shown at the younger age.Conclusions:  In sum, these findings suggest that for mothers with high levels of depressive symptoms, demonstrations of affection and responsiveness to toddler offspring may mitigate both current and long‐term consequences on offspring behavior.
Tonic blood pressure modulates the relationship between baroreceptor cardiac reflex sensitivity and cognitive performance
Authors: Reyes Del Paso Gustavo A. , González M. Isabel , Hernández José Antonio , Duschek Stefan , Gutiérrez Nicolás 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis study explored the effects of tonic blood pressure on the association between baroreceptor cardiac reflex sensitivity and cognitive performance. Sixty female participants completed a mental arithmetic task. Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity was assessed using sequence analysis. An interaction was found, indicating that the relationship between baroreceptor reflex sensitivity and cognitive performance is modulated by blood pressure levels. Reflex sensitivity was inversely associated to performance indices in the subgroup of participants with systolic blood pressure above the mean, whereas the association was positive in participants with systolic values below the mean. These results are in accordance with the findings in the field of pain perception and suggest that tonic blood pressure modulates the inhibitory effects of baroreceptor stimulation on high central nervous functions.
A probiotic strain of Escherichia coli, Nissle 1917, given orally exerts local and systemic anti‐inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide‐induced sepsis in mice
Authors: Arribas B , Rodríguez‐Cabezas ME , Camuesco D , Comalada M , Bailón E , Utrilla P , Nieto A , Concha A , Zarzuelo A , Gálvez J 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 is a probiotic strain used in the treatment of intestinal immune diseases, including ulcerative colitis. The aim of the present study was to test if this probiotic bacterium can also show systemic immunomodulatory properties after oral administration.Experimental approach:  The probiotic strain was administered to rats or mice for 2 weeks before its assay in two experimental models of altered immune response, the trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) model of rat colitis, localized in the colon, and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of systemic septic shock in mice. Inflammatory status was evaluated both macroscopically and biochemically after 1 week in the TNBS model or after 24 h in the LPS shock model. In addition, splenocytes were obtained from mice and stimulated, ex vivo, with concanavalin A or LPS to activate T or B cells, respectively, and cytokine production (IL‐2, IL‐5 and IL‐10) by T cells and IgG secretion by B cells measured.Key results:  E. coli Nissle 1917 was anti‐inflammatory in both models of altered immune response. This included a reduction in the pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor‐α both in the intestine from colitic rats, and in plasma and lungs in mice treated with LPS. The systemic beneficial effect was associated with inhibited production of the T cell cytokines and by down‐regulation of IgG release from splenocyte‐derived B cells.Conclusions and implications:  The anti‐inflammatory effects of E. coli Nissle 1917 given orally were not restricted to the gastrointestinal tract.
Blood Glucose Level, Alcohol Heavy Drinking, and Alcohol Craving During Treatment for Alcohol Dependence: Results From the Combined Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Dependence (COMBINE) Study
Authors: Leggio Lorenzo , Ray Lara A. , Kenna George A. , Swift Robert M. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Heavy drinking may increase blood glucose levels. Moreover, in alcohol‐dependent subjects, glucose may play a putative role in alcohol preference.Methods:  This study investigated the relationship between blood glucose levels and both alcohol heavy drinking and craving in alcohol‐dependent subjects participating in the COMBINE Study. The primary objective was to evaluate the relationship between baseline (pretreatment) glucose levels and percentage of heavy drinking day (PHDD) during treatment. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between glucose levels, baseline PHDD, and craving measured by the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS).Results:  This analysis consisted of 1,324 participants. Baseline glucose levels were significantly and positively associated with PHDD during treatment [F(1, 1225) = 5.21, p = 0.023], after controlling for baseline PHDD [F(1, 1225) = 36.25, p < 0.0001], gender [F (1, 1225) = 3.33, p = 0.07], and body mass index (BMI) [F(1, 1225) = 0.31, p = 0.58]. Higher glucose levels at baseline were associated with a higher percentage of PHDD at pretreatment [F(1, 1304) = 5.96, p = 0.015], after controlling for gender [F(1, 1304) = 0.29, p = 0.59] and BMI [F(1, 1304) = 0.90, p = 0.34]. Glucose was not significantly associated with the OCDS total score [F(1, 1304) = 0.12, p = 0.73], the OCDS Obsessive subscale [F(1, 1304) = 0.35, p = 0.56], or the OCDS Compulsive subscale [F(1, 1304) = 1.19, p = 0.28] scores, after controlling for gender and BMI.Discussion:  A link between pretreatment glucose levels and heavy drinking during treatment was found, suggesting a role of glucose in predicting heavy alcohol consumption. Although caution is needed in the interpretation of these results, elevated glucose and heavy drinking may be affected by a common mechanism and manipulations affecting glucose regulation may influence alcohol consumption.
Age at Death Estimation Using Multislice Computed Tomography Reconstructions of the Posterior Pelvis*
Authors: Barrier Pierre , Dedouit Fabrice , Braga José , Joffre Francis , Rougé Daniel , Rousseau Hervé , Telmon Norbert 
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Thanks to recent advances, computed tomography is now seen as a tool of great value in the field of physical anthropology. In this study, we focused on the posterior pelvis and the auricular surface and evaluated the accuracy of 3D reconstructions of the auricular surface, using a methodology derived from a previous study by Lovejoy et al. We also looked for trabecular bone criteria expressing age‐related changes. Forty‐six coxal bones were scanned, and scoring of macroscopic criteria showed a good agreement between 3D reconstructions and photographs, especially for transverse organization (k = 0.90). The changes occurring in the posterior part of the sacropubic trabecular bundle were evaluated on CT reconstructions via three new criteria, which exhibited a good intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement (k = 0.77–0.89), and were particularly useful in identifying older subjects. We concluded that these CT‐evaluated trabecular bone criteria are promising and yield useful information about age at death.
Baseline cortisol measures and developmental pathways of anxiety in early adolescence
Authors: Greaves‐Lord K. , Huizink A. C. , Oldehinkel A. J. , Ormel J. , Verhulst F. C. , Ferdinand R. F. 
Published: May 2009

Objective:  This study investigated whether baseline cortisol measures predicted future anxiety, and compared cortisol values of groups with different developmental pathways of anxiety.Method:  Cortisol levels were assessed in 1768 individuals (10–12 years). Anxiety levels were assessed at the same age and 2 years later.Results:  Cortisol measures did not predict future anxiety levels. Individuals with persistent anxiety problems did not show higher morning cortisol levels than those with persistently low, decreasing, or increasing anxiety levels. Instead, individuals with persistently high anxiety levels showed significantly lower evening cortisol levels than all other individuals. Further, participants with increasing anxiety levels showed higher morning cortisol levels (area under the curve; AUC) than individuals with persistently low anxiety levels.Conclusion:  The extent to which the HPA‐axis – by itself – plays a role in the aetiology of anxiety is questionable. Interactions of the HPA‐axis with other biological or environmental factors may be more important.