bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CVP2‐ and CVL1‐mediated phosphoinositide signaling as a regulator of the ARF GAP SFC/VAN3 in establishment of foliar vein patterns
Authors: Carland Francine , Nelson Timothy 
Published: May 2009

SummaryIn foliar organs of dicots, veins are arranged in a highly branched or reticulated pattern for efficient distribution of water, photosynthates and signaling molecules. Recent evidence suggests that the patterns rely in part on regulation of intracellular vesicle transport and cell polarity in selected cells during leaf development. The sorting of vesicle cargos to discrete cellular sites is regulated in yeast and animal cells by the binding of specific phosphoinositides (PIs). We report here that, in the plant Arabidopsis, specific PIs guide the vesicle traffic that is essential for polarized and continuous vein pattern formation. Mutations in SFC/VAN3, an ADP‐ribosylation factor GTPase‐activating protein (ARF GAP) with a PI‐binding pleckstrin homology domain, result in discontinuous vein patterns. Plants with mutations in both CVP2 and CVL1, which encode inositol polyphosphate 5′‐phosphatases that generate the specific PI ligand for the pleckstrin homology domain of SFC/VAN3, phosphatidylinositol‐4‐monophosphate (PI(4)P), have a discontinuous vein phenotype identical to that of sfc/van3 mutants. Single cvp2 or cvl1 mutants show weak and no discontinuous vein phenotypes, respectively, suggesting that they act redundantly. We propose that these two 5′‐phosphatases regulate vein continuity and cell polarity by generating a specific PI ligand for SFC/VAN3.
Drought Tolerance in Cotton: Involvement of Non‐enzymatic ROS‐Scavenging Compounds
Authors: Yildiz‐Aktas L. , Dagnon S. , Gurel A. , Gesheva E. , Edreva A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCompounds with reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐scavenging ability were studied. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) pattern of polyphenols, contents of proline and carotenoids, and antiradical (AR) capacity were determined. The malonyldialdehyde (MDA) level was also assessed. Tolerant and sensitive cotton genotypes were compared, grown in the Aegean region of Turkey at normal (field capacity) and limited (1/3 field capacity) water supply. Chlorogenic acid isomers and flavonoids were identified in HPLC pattern of polyphenols. At normal water supply, the tolerant genotype was distinguished by a higher content of all polyphenol types, higher proline, carotenoids and AR capacity and lower MDA level compared with the sensitive genotype. In plants subjected to water deficit, a decline of all polyphenol compounds, carotenoids and AR capacity was observed. However, this response was less pronounced in the tolerant than in the sensitive genotype, i.e. despite the stress conditions imposed, the tolerant plants maintained a more effective defence system. The data are corroborated by the weaker structural membrane damage in the drought‐exposed tolerant vs. sensitive genotype, according to the MDA test. Hence, diverse chemical types are involved in the non‐enzymatic ROS‐scavenging system of cotton plants and can be related to the drought tolerance of this important crop.
Corpus luteum Function and Pregnancy Outcome in Buffaloes during the Transition Period from Breeding to Non‐Breeding Season
Authors: Russo M , Vecchio D , Neglia G , Pacelli C , Prandi A , Gasparrini B , Zicarelli L , D’Occhio MJ , Campanile G 
Published: May 2009

ContentsThe aim in this study was to investigate corpus luteum function and embryonic loss in buffaloes mated by artificial inseminations (AI) during the transitional period from breeding to non‐breeding season. The study was carried out using 288 multiparous Italian Mediterranean Buffalo cows at 110 ± 4 days in milk. The buffaloes were mated by AI after synchronization of ovulation by the Ovsynch‐TAI protocol 25 days after AI buffaloes underwent trans‐rectal ultrasonography to assess embryonic development. Pregnancy diagnosis was confirmed on Days 45 and 70 after AI by rectal palpation. Buffaloes pregnant on Day 25 but not on Day 45 were considered to have undergone late embryonic mortality (LEM), whilst buffaloes pregnant on Day 45 but not on Day 70 were considered to have undergone foetal mortality (FM). Corpus luteum size and blood flow were determined by real‐time B‐mode/colour‐Doppler on day 10 after AI in 122 buffaloes. The resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were recorded at the time. Milk samples were collected on Days 10, 20 and 25 after AI in all inseminated buffaloes for the assay of whey P4 concentrations. Data were analysed by anova. Pregnancy rate on Day 25 after AI was 48.6% (140/288) and declined to 35.4% (102/288) and 30.6% (88/288) by Day 45 and Day 70 respectively. The incidences of LEM and FM were respectively 27.1% (38/140) and 13.7% (14/102). Pregnant buffaloes had greater (p < 0.01) whey concentrations of P4 from Day 20 onwards than buffaloes which showed LEM, whilst P4 in buffaloes that showed FM did not differ from the other two groups on Day 10 and Day 20. Corpus luteum blood flow on Day 10 after AI showed higher RI (p < 0.05) and PI (p = 0.07) values in buffaloes that subsequently were not pregnant on Day 25 compared with pregnant buffaloes. Buffaloes that were not pregnant on Day 45 also had a higher (p = 0.02) RI value on Day 10 than pregnant buffaloes, whilst PI values on Day 10 did not differ for the two groups of buffaloes. It was concluded that blood flow to the corpus luteum on Day 10 after AI influences corpus luteum function as judged by P4 secretion and also embryonic development and attachment in buffaloes.
Advanced Onset of Puberty in Gilts of Thrifty Genotype (Iberian Pig)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Añover P , Encinas T , Gomez‐Izquierdo E , Sanz E , Letelier CA , Torres‐Rovira L , Pallares P , Sanchez‐Sanchez R , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A 
Published: May 2009

ContentsThe Iberian pig is an autochthonous breed of the Mediterranean area, reared extensively in the central and southern areas of Spain and Portugal and that is known worldwide for the production of Iberian ham. The characteristics of the Iberian ham are related to its abundance of intramuscular fat, owing to the high capacity of the pig to accumulate fat under its skin and between the muscular fibres. This ability to store excess fat enables survival during periods of scarcity and it has been found in other antique animal breeds and even in humans, being named as the thrifty genotype. The reproductive management of the Iberian pig, in spite of a lack of accurate information unlike in other swine breeds, is based on the assumption of lower reproductive precocity and efficiency than the modern commercial breeds. The current study characterized and compared the onset of puberty in gilts of Iberian breed and meat commercial crosses (Large White × Landrace) reared in the same conditions by assessing weekly plasma progesterone profiles. At the end of the experimental period, when the gilts became 180 days old, the percentage of Iberian females that had reached puberty was 72.2%, with a mean age and weight of 160.5 ± 2.6 days and 92.9 ± 4.7 kg, respectively. The percentage of Large White × Landrace cross‐breed females reaching puberty at 180 days was only 15% (p < 0.05). The mean age and weight were 165.0 ± 4.1 days and 107.8 ± 2.2 kg (p < 0.05), respectively. Thus, converse to the traditional assumption, onset of puberty was advanced in Iberian gilts. These results are important for the reproductive management of the Iberian pig but, at the same time, may set the basis for future studies on the metabolism–reproduction link and, specifically, on the possible relationship between earlier accumulation of fat and attainment of puberty.
Pentoxifylline prevents pig serum‐induced rat liver fibrosis by inhibiting interleukin‐6 production
Authors: Toda Kyoko , Kumagai Naoki , Kaneko Fumihiko , Tsunematsu Satoshi , Tsuchimoto Kanji , Saito Hidetsugu , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground/Aim:  Pig serum‐induced rat liver fibrosis is a model of liver fibrosis in the absence of obvious hepatocyte injury. Penoxifylline (PTX), a xanthine derivative, which is a well‐known suppressor of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) production from inflammatory cells, has also been shown to inhibit the growth of hepatic stellate cells and to inhibit collagen synthesis in these cells in vitro. We investigated the effect of PTX on pig serum‐induced liver fibrosis in vivo, and assessed the mechanisms of prevention of fibrogenesis by this drug.Methods:  Male Wistar rats were given intraperitoneal injections of 0.5 ml normal pig serum twice a week for 10 weeks with or without concomitant oral administration of PTX (20 mg/kg).Results:  Rats that received pig serum showed significant liver fibrosis, and their serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and hyaluronic acid levels were significantly increased. The serum levels of IL‐6 were well correlated with the serum levels of hyaluronic acid, and increased as the liver fibrosis progressed. Penoxifylline prevented the development of fibrosis in this animal model and reduced the serum levels of IL‐6 in a dose‐dependent manner. In vitro, by the addition of PTX to the culture medium of the rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the proliferation of the HSCs was significantly inhibited and IL‐6 in the culture supernatant was also reduced significantly. Exogenous addition of IL‐6 partially restored the proliferation.Conclusion:  Penoxifylline prevents pig serum‐induced rat liver fibrosis by inhibiting the proliferation of HSCs and by inhibiting the production of IL‐6 from HSCs.
Anzygina, a new genus for some Australasian microleafhopper species formerly placed in the genusZyginaFieber (Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Erythroneurini)
Authors: Fletcher Murray J , Larivière Marie‐Claude 
Published: May 2009

AbstractSpecies of Erythroneurini (Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) currently placed in the genusZyginaand found in Australia, New Zealand and some neighbouring islands are transferred to the new genusAnzygina, type speciesErythroneura sidnicaKirkaldy, following comparison with the type species of the genus:Typhlocyba niveaMulsant and Rey. New combinations areAnzygina sidnica(Kirkaldy),Anzygina honiloa(Kirkaldy),Anzygina melanogaster(Kirkaldy) andAnzygina sativae(Evans) from Australia,Anzygina toetoe(Cumber),Anzygina agni(Knight),Anzygina dumbletoni(Ghauri) andAnzygina ramsayi(Knight) from New Zealand,Anzygina zealandica(Myers) from Australia and New Zealand,Anzygina jowettae(Knight) from Norfolk Island andAnzygina medioborealis(Ghauri) from Papua New Guinea. Lectotypes are designated forErythroneura honiloaKirkaldy andE. sidnicaKirkaldy.Anzygina billisp.n. is described from SE Qld, andAnzygina barrattaesp.n. is described from the South Island of New Zealand.A. agniis a new record for Australia and is presumed to be Australian in origin.A. dumbletonihas a distribution which suggests that it also is introduced to New Zealand although its origins are not known.A. ramsayi, A. barrattaeandA. toetoe, all of which appear to be New Zealand endemics, show affinity with each other based on aedeagal structure. A key to these species, based on males, is provided. The lack of male syntypes forErythroneura honialaKirkaldy andErythroneura lubraKirkaldy precludes establishment of their identities relative to other species of the genus, and both names are regarded as havingnomen dubiumstatus. Australian species not transferred toAnzyginaareZygina evansi(Ross) andZygina ipoloa(Kirkaldy), both of which belong elsewhere.
Expression of P2X3 purinoceptors in suburothelial myofibroblasts of the normal human urinary bladder
Authors: Liu Fei , Takahashi Norio , Yamaguchi Osamu 
Published: May 2009

Objectives:  To investigate the possible localization of P2X3 receptors on suburothelial myofibroblasts and the structural relationship between these cells and sensory nerves in the human bladder.Methods:  Bladder specimens were obtained from 17 patients. Cryosections were prepared for immunofluorescent investigations using various antibodies, including cytoskeletal marker vimentin, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SM actin), desmin, P2X3 purinoceptors, afferent nerve fibers marker calcitonin gene related peptide, substance P and Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4. Double‐labeling was employed to determine the spatial relationship of myofibroblasts with P2X3 purinoceptors and afferent fibers.Results:  In the bladder suburothelium, there was a network of fusiform vimentin‐positive cells with branching processes. Almost all of these vimentin‐positive myofibroblasts showed immunoreactivity for α‐SM actin. P2X3 receptors' immunoreactivity was not distributed on any of the suburothelial afferent nerve fibers including calcitonin gene related peptide, substance P and isolectin B4‐containing nerves in the bladder. However, abundant P2X3 receptors localized on the small soma and branching processes of suburothelial myofibroblasts. Furthermore, a large number of suburothelial afferent fibers were found to contact closely with myofibroblasts, or intermingle with each other.Conclusions:  In the suburothelium of the human bladder, there was a layer of vimentin‐positive myofibroblasts. Almost all vimentin‐positive myofibroblasts showed double labeling for α‐SM actin. These cells expressed P2X3 receptors. Suburothelial myofibroblasts may be intermediate in processing adenosine triphosphate‐mediated sensory activation.
Prognostic factors for the response to treatment in males with genital warts
Authors: Stefanaki C , Hadjivassiliou M , Katzouranis I , Bethimoutis G , Nicolaidou E , Anyfantakis V , Lagogianni E , Caroni C , Panagiotopoulos A , Antoniou C , Katsambas A 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Factors predicting an unfavourable course of genital warts to treatment have not been determined.Materials and methods  Behavioural and baseline disease characteristics were recorded from 246 males with anogenital warts. Urethral swabs were obtained and examined using the Hybrid Capture 2 Microplate assay. Patients were treated for their anogenital warts with cryotherapy, imiquimod cream 5% or podophyllotoxin. They were followed up every 3 months for 1 year.Results  Patients with a negative or low‐risk initial test tended to respond earlier to treatment than those with a high/intermediate‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) or with a dual infection (P = 0.028). The response rate was unrelated (P > 0.05) to the duration, number and anatomical location of the lesions and to the patient's age and sexual orientation, and only marginally to the initial extent of the lesion (P = 0.046). However, the type of treatment predicted a favourable response (P ≤ 0.001), with patients who received both imiquimod and crotherapy responding worse. Considering all factors simultaneously in logistic regression, only the type of treatment and extent of the disease were found to influence the response rate.Conclusion  The type of treatment and extent of the disease were the only factors found critical for patients’ response.
Comparison of inhibitors of superoxide generation in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Luo Z , Chen Y , Chen S , Welch WJ , Andresen BT , Jose PA , Wilcox CS 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  We compared the dose‐dependent reductions in cellular superoxide anion (O2‐) by catalytic agents: superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐SOD and the nitroxide 4‐hydroxy‐2,2,6,6,‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (tempol) with uncharacterized antioxidants: 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis (4‐sulphonatophenyl) porphyrinate iron (III)(Fe‐TTPS), (‐)‐cis‐3,3′,4′,5,7‐pentahydroxyflavane (2R,3R)‐2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐3,4‐dihydro‐1(2H)‐benzopyran‐3,5,7‐triol (‐epicatechin), 2‐phenyl‐1,2‐benzisoselenazol‐3(2H)‐one (ebselen) and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) with the spin trap nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and with the vitamins or their analogues: ascorbate, α‐tocopherol and 6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethylkroman‐2‐carboxy acid (trolox).Experimental approach:  O2‐ was generated in primary cultures of angiotensin II‐stimulated preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats and detected by lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence.Key results:  SOD, PEG‐SOD, NAC and tempol produced a similar maximum inhibition of O2‐ of 80–90%. ‐Epicatechin, NBT, ebselen and Fe‐TTPS were significantly (P < 0.0125) less effective (50–70%), whereas trolox, α‐tocopherol and ascorbate had little action even over 24 h of incubation (<31%). Effectiveness in disrupted and intact cells was similar for the permeable agents, PEG‐SOD and tempol, but was enhanced for SOD. Generation of O2‐ was increased by NAC and NBT at low concentrations but reduced at high concentrations.Conclusions and implications:  Maximum effectiveness against cellular production of O2‐ requires cell membrane permeability and catalytic action as exemplified by PEG‐SOD or tempol. NAC and NBT have biphasic effects on O2‐ production. Vitamins C and E or analogues have low efficacy.
Exploring Farm Investment Behaviour in Transition: The Case of Russian Agriculture
Authors: Bokusheva Raushan , Bezlepkina Irina , Lansink Alfons Oude 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper analyses the investment behaviour of Russian farms during the period of economic stabilisation that followed Russia’s financial crisis of 1998, and is the first to apply the error‐correction investment model to describe farms’ investment behaviour in the transitional context. Additionally, the paper employs the error‐correction and the adjustment‐cost model to test for differences in the investment behaviour between various farm categories. The results show that in general Russian farms exhibited an error‐correcting behaviour in the period under investigation. From 1999 to 2005 the output–capital gap was closed by an average rate of 10% per year. Estimates of the adjustment‐cost model show that Russian farm investments are very sensitive to the sales–capital ratio, suggesting that Russian farms exhibit increasing returns to scale and positive expectations about future revenues. Yet, such farm characteristics as ownership structure, access to input markets and also regional specifics were found to be decisive for farm investment not only in the short but long term too. Finally, the results show that the adjustment‐cost model is adequate for the evaluation of differences in short‐term investment behaviour, whereas it is noticeably less powerful for investigating differences in the farms’ long‐term investment behaviour.
A novel mutation in the biliverdin reductase‐A gene combined with liver cirrhosis results in hyperbiliverdinaemia (green jaundice)
Authors: Gåfvels Mats , Holmström Petra , Somell Anna , Sjövall Fredrik , Svensson Jan‐Olof , Ståhle Lars , Broomé Ulrika , Stål Per 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground: Hyperbiliverdinaemia is a poorly defined clinical sign that has been infrequently reported in cases of liver cirrhosis or liver carcinoma, usually indicating a poor long‐term prognosis.Aims: To clarify the pathogenesis of hyperbiliverdinaemia in an extended case report.Methods: A 64‐year‐old man with alcoholic cirrhosis was admitted to hospital with severe bleeding from oesophageal varices. Ultrasonography showed ascites, but no dilatation of the biliary tree. The skin, sclerae, plasma, urine and ascites of the patient showed a greenish appearance. Bilirubin levels were normal, and there were no signs of haemolysis. Biliverdin was analysed in plasma and urine with liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The seven exonic regions of the biliverdin reductase‐A (BVR‐A) gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced.Results: Biliverdin was present in plasma and urine. In nucleotide 52 of exon I of the DNA isolated from the hyperbiliverdinaemic patient, we discovered a novel heterozygous C→T nonsense mutation converting an arginine (CGA) in position 18 into a stop codon (TGA) (R18Stop) predicted to truncate the protein N‐terminally to the active site Tyr97. Two children of the proband were heterozygous for the identical mutation in the BVR‐A gene, but had no clinical signs of liver disease and had normal levels of biliverdin. The BVR‐A gene mutation was not found in 200 healthy volunteers or nine patients with end‐stage liver cirrhosis.Conclusion: Hyperbiliverdinaemia (green jaundice) with green plasma and urine may be caused by a genetic defect in the BVR‐A gene in conjunction with decompensated liver cirrhosis.
CHARACTERIZATION OF MARTENSIA (DELESSERIACEAE, RHODOPHYTA) BASED ON A MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR STUDY OF THE TYPE SPECIES, M. ELEGANS, AND M. NATALENSIS SP. NOV. FROM SOUTH AFRICA1
Authors: Lin Showe‐Mei , Hommersand Max H. , Fredericq Suzanne , De Clerck Olivier 
Published: May 2009

An examination of a series of collections from the coast of Natal, South Africa, has revealed the presence of two species of Martensia C. Hering nom. cons: M. elegans C. Hering 1841, the type species, and an undescribed species, M. natalensis sp. nov. The two are similar in gross morphology, with both having the network arranged in a single band, and with reproductive thalli of M. elegans usually larger and more robust than those of M. natalensis. Molecular studies based on rbcL sequence analyses place the two in separate, strongly supported clades. The first assemblage occurs primarily in the Indo‐West Pacific Ocean, and the second is widely distributed in tropical and warm‐temperate waters. Criteria that have been used in the past for separating the two, namely, the number and shape of the blades, the presence of a single‐ versus a multiple‐banded network, and blade margins entire or toothed, were determined to be unreliable. Although the examination of additional species is required, the morphology and position of procarps and cystocarps, whether at or near the corners of the longitudinal lamellae and the cross‐connecting strands or along the lobed, membranous edges of the longitudinal lamellae or on the thallus margins, may prove to be diagnostic at the subgenus level. We recognize subg. Martensia, including the type of Martensia: M. elegans and subg. Mesotrema (J. Agardh) De Toni based on Martensia pavonia (J. Agardh) J. Agardh.