bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tissue‐specific expression of a defence‐related peroxidase in transgenic wheat potentiates cell death in pathogen‐attacked leaf epidermis
Authors: SCHWEIZER PATRICK 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTGene technology can offer creative solutions to problems of agronomical relevance, which may not be solved by conventional breeding methods. One of the major problems of wheat cultivation is disease caused by a number of fungal pathogens including the wheat powdery mildew fungus Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici (Bgt). Transgenic wheat plants that constitutively express the coding sequence of the defence‐related wheat peroxidase TaPrx103 (previously TaPERO) in shoot epidermis under the control of the wheat GstA1 promoter were generated and found to exhibit enhanced resistance to Bgt (Altpeter et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 57, 271–283). Here, I report on physiological and molecular analyses of these plants in order to assess the mode of action of the peroxidase encoded by the TaGstA1:TaPrx103 transgene. Epidermal cells of transgenic lines with enhanced resistance were found to respond to Bgt attack more frequently with hypersensitive cell death and the generation of hydrogen peroxide. By contrast, resistance of epidermal cell walls to degradation by fungal enzymes appeared to be similar in transgenic and wild‐type plants. Moreover, the analysis of the abundance of approximately 10 000 wheat transcripts revealed no significant effect of the GstA1i:TaPrx103 transgene on host gene expression in non‐inoculated leaves and only a marginal effect in Bgt‐challenged leaves, compared with wild‐type plants treated in the same manner. The results indicate that the TaPrx103 protein is involved in generating reactive oxygen species specifically in pathogen‐attacked cells, which may lead to localized cell death and resistance. I therefore suggest that the transgenic plants presented here can be regarded as substantially equivalent to non‐transgenic wheat.
River spacing and drainage network growth in widening mountain ranges
Authors: Castelltort Sébastien , Simpson Guy 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTDrainage networks in linear mountain ranges always display a particular geometrical organisation whereby the spacing between the major drainage basins is on average equal to half the mountain width (distance from the mountain front to the main drainage divide), independent of climate and tectonics. This relationship is valid for mountains having different widths and is thus usually thought to be maintained by drainage reorganisation during mountain belt widening. However, such large‐scale systematic drainage reorganisation has never been evidenced. In this paper, we suggest an alternative explanation, namely that the observed drainage basin relationships are an inherent property of dendritic river networks and that these relationships are established on the undissected, lowland margins outside mountain ranges and are progressively incorporated and quenched into uplifted topography during range widening. Thus, we suggest that the large‐scale geometry of drainage networks in mountain ranges is mainly antecedent to erosion. We propose a model in which the large‐scale drainage geometry is controlled mainly by the geometrical properties of the undissected surfaces (in particular, the ratio of the regional slope to the local slope related to roughness) over which rivers are flowing before uplift, and is therefore independent of climate and tectonics.
Cultured Human Tumour Cells May Be Arrested In All Stages of the Cycle During Stationary Phase: Demonstration of Quiescent Cells In G1, S and G2 Phase
Authors: Drewinko B. , Yang Li Ying , Barlogie B. , Trujillo J. M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSix human colon carcinoma cell lines were induced to enter stationary phase of growth by nutrient deprivation and cell crowding. Growth kinetics parameters (cell number, flow cytometric analysis of DNA distribution, and labelling and mitotic indices) were measured sequentially for all lines during the various stages of in vitro growth. Our results demonstrated that a substantial fraction of cells (9–18%) were located in G2, phase when they changed from an exponential to a stationary mode of growth. Moreover, a large number of cells in stationary phase of growth had an S‐phase DNA content, as determined by flow cytometry, but failed to incorporate radioactive DNA precursors (up to 15‐fold difference). to substantiate these findings. cells in stationary phase of growth were induced to enter exponential growth by re‐seeding in fresh medium at a lower density. Subsequently observed changes in DNA‐compartment distribution, and in labelling and mitotic indices were those expected from cells that had been arrested at different stages of the cycle during their previous stationary phase. Thus, the non‐proliferating quiescent state (Q), traditionally located ‘somewhere’ in G1, phase, appears to be composed also of cells that can be arrested at other stages of the cycle (Qs, and QG). Although the proportion of such cells is rather small, their contribution to the growth kinetics behaviour of human in vivo tumours will become apparent following ‘recruiting’ or ‘synchronizing’ clinical manoeuvres and will prevent the formation of a clear‐cut wave of synchronized cells.
What can we learn from the experiences of consultants around the time of a child's death?
Authors: Baverstock A. , Finlay F. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAims  To describe how paediatric consultants report dealing with child and neonatal deaths as part of their daily work.Background  Paediatric consultants are involved with children and their families facing death through illness. This study focused on consultant's involvement around the time of death including: decision making and its associated difficulties, talking to parents and the use of coping strategies. Consultants with more than 5 years experience were asked what experience has taught them and consultants with less that 5 years experience were asked what they felt was the biggest change from being a registrar.Methods  Following Multicentre Research Ethics Committee (MREC) approval a pre‐piloted self‐administered questionnaire (with one reminder) was sent to 100 of the paediatric consultants within the South West Region.Results  There was a 61% response rate. Most consultants had experienced a variety of opinions when talking to parents about when to withdraw or withhold life sustaining treatment. Uncertainty (39%) and disagreement (44%) made decision making difficult. Discussion with colleagues (41%), ‘honesty and time with parents’ (28%) and planning or ‘stage managing’ talking with parents (38%) were well used strategies to deal with this. New consultants find responsibility and decision making the biggest change from being a registrar.Conclusions  We can learn much from the experiences of consultants around the time of a child's death. Their approach during resuscitation and withdrawal or withholding life sustaining treatment describes many strategies that have been developed to ease the often complex decision‐making process. Although consultants have built up personal support networks and individual coping strategies many recognize that these are not all encompassing and some harbour unresolved feelings of grief. Enabling health professionals to genuinely care, ‘giving oneself totally yet preserving oneself totally’ remains a challenge.
Stress in parents of children with cerebral palsy: what sources of stress are we talking about?
Authors: Ketelaar M. , Volman M. J. M. , Gorter J. W. , Vermeer A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground  Parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience high levels of stress. Little is known however on the different sources of stress parents experience. The purpose of the present study was to explore the relation between aspects of parental distress in the parenting role and the child's limitations in functional skills and the child's behavioural difficulties, in parents of children with CP.Methods  A cross‐sectional study among 42 parents of ambulatory children with CP (age 3–8 years; GMFCS levels I–III) was performed, using the Parenting Stress Index (PSI), the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS).Results  Regression analysis revealed that the PEDI Functional Skills and VABS Maladaptive behaviour scores explained 27% of the total variance in the PSI Parent domain total stress score. Maladaptive behaviour did significantly contribute to parental stress scores for the Parent domain subscales Attachment, Relationship with spouse, Depression, and, in particular, Sense of competence.Conclusions  Parents' functioning can be affected by behavioural aspects of the child with CP, and sense of competence could be an important variable in this relation. This emphasizes the importance of the development of specific interventions that support the family as a whole.
Anti‐cardiolipin antibodies in autoimmune thyroid diseases
Authors: Paggl A. , Caccavo D. , Ferri G. M. , di Prima M. A. , Amoroso A. , Vaccaro F. , Bonomo L. , Afeitra A. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryOBJECTIVE In recent years anti‐phospholipid antibodies have gained much attention since they are frequently associated with thrombosis, recurrent abortion, and thrombocytopenia. Besides disease‐specific autoantibodies, other autoantibodies reactive with both organ and non‐organ specific autoantigens have been found in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the presence and significance of anti‐phospholipid antibodies in untreated patients with different forms of autoimmune thyroid diseases.PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty‐one patients (26 females, five males; mean age 42.5 years) affected by different autoimmune thyroid diseases were studied. Fourteen patients were affected by Graves' disease, eight by silent thyroiditis, five by Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Four patients with Graves' disease in remission were also evaluated. Anti‐cardiolipin antibodies were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. In five Graves' disease patients anti‐cardiolipin antibodies were evaluated before and after 3 months of therapy with methimazole.RESULTS Seventeen out of 31 patients were positive for IgG and/or IgM anti‐cardiolipin antibodies, the highest levels occurring in three Graves' disease patients with severe thyrotoxicosis. In four of five Graves' patients evaluated before and after methimazole therapy, anti‐cardiolipin antibodies decreased following treatment.None of the patients with increased IgG and/or IgM anti‐cardiolipin antibodies showed clinical manifestations of the anti‐phospholipid syndrome during our observation which ranged from 1 to 5 years.CONCLUSIONS Our results showed an increased incidence of anti‐cardiolipin antibodies in patients affected by autoimmune thyroid diseases. However, these autoantibodies seem merely to represent a non‐specific marker of immune dysregulation.
The effect of growth hormone replacement therapy in hypopituitary adults on calcium and bone metabolism*
Authors: Beshyah Salem A. , Thomas Elizabeth , Kyd Patricia , Sharp Patrick , Fairney Angela , Johnston Desmond G. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryOBJECTIVE The importance of growth hormone (GH) for normal skeletal growth in childhood and adolescence is well established but much less is known about its action on the adult skeleton. We therefore wished to investigate the effects of replacement treatment with blosynthetic human GH in hypopituitary adults on aspects of calcium homeostatis, bone metabolism and bone mineral mass.PATIENTS Forty hypopituitary adults (21 females and 19 males; aged 19–67 years).DESIGN A prospective randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial lasting for 6 months.PROTOCOL Following baseline assessments, GH was given in a daily dose of 0·02–0·05 IU/kg body weight subcutaneously (or a placebo (P)) at bedtime. Patients were reviewed at 1, 3 and 6 months.MEASUREMENTS Plasma calcium, phosphate and total plasma alkaline phosphatase were measured at 0, 1, 3 and 6 months. Serum insulin like growth factor I (IGF‐I), osteocalcin, procollagen 1 carboxyterminal peptide (P1CP) and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level, 24‐hour urinary calcium and creatinine excretion were all measured at 0 and 6 months. Bone mineral density of total body and lumbar spine was also measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry at 0 and 6 months in 12 patients on GH and 14 on placebo.RESULTS Thirty‐eight patients completed the study (18 on GH, 20 on placebo). Serum IGF‐I Increased significantly on GH treatment (mean ± SD) (GH: 276 ± 197 vs P: 88 ± 50 μg/l, P < 0 0001 at 6 months). Plasma calcium increased slightly but significantly in the GH‐treated group (2·23 ± 0·11–2·29 ± 0·11 mmol/l, P<0·05). At the end of the study, plasma calcium was however similar on GH and placebo (GH, 2·29 ± 0·11; P, 2·26 ± 0·09 mmol/l). Plasma phosphate increased on GH (GH: 1·02±0·23–1·32±0·19; P: 0·99±0·16–0·96±0·12 mmol/l over the 6 months of treatment, P<0·001). There was no significant change in the urinary calcium excretion on GH therapy. Plasma total alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and P1CP were significantly higher on GH than P at 6 months (alkaline phosphatase: GH: 104±32 vs P: 69±32 U/I, P<0·01, osteocalcin: GH: 17·2±8·0 vs P: 5·3±3·2 μg/l, P<0·001 and P1CP: GH: 207 ± 152 vs P: 93±31 μg/l, P<0·01). There was no difference in the intact parathyroid hormone level (GH: 31 ± 14 vs P:31 ± 15 ng/l, NS). No significant change was observed in bone mass after 6 months of GH treatment, either in total body bone mineral content or in the lumbar spine.CONCLUSION In this large study, GH replacement in hypopituitary adults for 6 months increased bone turnover but did not affect bone mineral content. Longer‐term studies are required to assess further any effect on bone mass.
Cardiovascular and renal effects of growth hormone*
Authors: Caidahl K. , Edén S. , Bengtsson B.‐Å. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryOBJECTIVE With the advent of recombinant human GH (rhGH), it has become possible in controlled clinical studies to explore the effects of GH replacement in adults with GH deficiency. The objective of this study was to determine cardiovascular and renal effects of GH replacement in adults with GH deficiency.PATIENTS We studied ten patients (one woman and nine men), mean age 47 years, with GH deficiency.DESIGN The patients were given s.c. rhGH (Humatrope, Ell Lilly) 0·5 U/kg/week or placebo in a 6‐month double blind cross‐over study. Cardiac and renal function was measured before drug administration (baseline), before cross‐over (i.e. after 6 months), and before termination of drug administration (after another 6 months). Analysis of variance was used to compare measurements during GH replacement with baseline and placebo measurements. One patient was excluded because of atrial fibrillation.MEASUREMENTS Main outcome measures were glomerular filtration rate and Doppler‐echocardiographic estimates of cardiac function and structure. Computerized exercise electrocardiogram, spirometry, and blood samples for analyses of plasma hormones were also obtained.RESULTS Left ventricular function was maintained during GH replacement. However, left ventricular mass increased from 211 to 249 g (P<0·05) mainly due to increased left ventricular dimension since wall thicknesses did not increase. The left atrium increased from 38 to 41 mm (P<0·05), possibly because stroke volume increased from 92 to 118 ml (P<0·0001) and cardiac output increased from 5·29 to 7·58 l/min (P<0·05). Total peripheral resistance decreased from 18·9 to 12·4 mmHg min/l (P<0·05), and diastolic blood pressure from 79 to 72 mmHg (P<0·05). Heart rate at rest increased from 58 to 70 beats/min. Systolic blood pressure at rest was unchanged, as was systolic blood pressure during dynamic exercise. GH replacement did not cause ST‐abnormalities. Serum creatinine decreased from 91·4 to 85·3 μmol/l (P<0·05) and glomerular filtration rate increased from 89·6 to 99·8 ml/min (P<0·01).CONCLUSIONS Thus, GH replacement has favourable cardiovascular and renal effects including increase of stroke volume and glomerular filtration rate with reduction of peripheral resistance.
The impact of cutting, liming and fertilizing on characteristics of abandoned upland meadows in the Czech Republic
Authors: Hájek J. , Poláková S. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe responses of three upland grassland phytocoenoses to three different management treatments were studied in Southern Bohemia. The sites were at an advanced successional stage, with all three being meadows abandoned since World War II: (i) Molinion, (ii) degraded Calthion with dominant Carex brizoides and (iii) plant community with the dominant species Calamagrostis villosa. Three different treatments (cutting, liming and fertilizing) were applied to the three grassland types, and their effects on the diversity, plant cover and biomass production were investigated over a 3‐year period. Analyses showed significant differences between meadow types in time as well as response to treatments. Independent of the treatments, the biomass production and Shannon index increased significantly in all meadows by varying degrees during the investigation period, whereas the cover decreased slightly in the case of the Carex community and the Molinion and remained unchanged in the case of the Calamagrostis community. Changes in the ground cover (as percentage) in response to management treatments varied between the meadow types. Limed and fertilized plots of the Molinion and Calamagrostis communities had higher percentage cover values compared to the control, but the cover of the C. brizoides community was not affected. In contrast, cut plots of the Molinion had slightly reduced cover. The changes in biomass and species diversity showed no significant correlation with the types of treatment used.
1981 International Year of Disabled Persons
Authors: Lucas Elizabeth 
Published: September 2010

In 1976, the United Nations declared 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). The objectives of full participation and equality for disabled people have been reflected in Australia in the national media campaign theme of ‘Break Down the Barriers.’So far the year has created an awareness of disabled people and their needs never before seen in Australia. The positive commitment to action and spirit of co‐operation established by the efforts of Commonwealth, State and Territory, regional and local IYDP organising groups in conjuction with non‐government organisations, professional groups, private enterprise and the community, should ensure that the benefits of the year persist long after IYDP is over.The central principle of IYDP is the involvement of disabled people. To participate as full and equal members of society requires a fundamental attitude change on the part of decision makers and the community.It is estimated in the western world, that 10 per cent of the population has a major physical, emotional or intellectual disability, (it is much greater in developing countries) which significantly restricts the ability and opportunity to participate in everyday life.This article comments upon the historical development of ‘disability’, highlighting the need for this International Year of Disabled Persons.
NEW INSIGHTS INTO β‐ADRENOCEPTORS IN SMOOTH MUSCLE: DISTRIBUTION OF RECEPTOR SUBTYPES and MOLECULAR MECHANISMS TRIGGERING MUSCLE RELAXATION
Authors: Tanaka Yoshio , Horinouchi Takahiro , Koike Katsuo 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY1. The β‐adrenoceptor is currently classified into β1, β2and β3subtypes and all three subtypes are expressed in smooth muscle. Each β‐adrenoceptor subtype exhibits tissue‐specific distribution patterns, which may be a determinant controlling the mechanical functions of corresponding smooth muscle. Airway and uterine smooth muscles abundantly express the β2‐adrenoceptor, the physiological significance of which is established as a fundamental regulator of the mechanical activities of these muscles. Recent pharmacomechanical and molecular approaches have revealed roles for the β3‐adrenoceptor in the gastrointestinal tract and urinary bladder smooth muscle.2. The β‐adrenoceptor is a Gs‐protein‐coupled receptor and its activation elevates smooth muscle cAMP. A substantial role for a cAMP‐dependent mechanism(s) is generally believed to be the key trigger for eliciting β‐adrenoceptor‐mediated relaxation of smooth muscle. Downstream effectors activated via a cAMP‐dependent mechanism(s) include plasma membrane K+channels, such as the large‐conductance, Ca2+‐activated K+(MaxiK) channel.3. β‐Adrenoceptor‐mediated relaxant mechanisms also include cAMP‐independent signalling pathways. This view is supported by numerous pharmacological and electrophysiological lines of evidence. In airway smooth muscle, direct activation of the MaxiK channel by Gsα is a mechanism by which stimulation of β2‐adrenoceptors elicits muscle relaxation independently of the elevation of cAMP.4. The cAMP‐independent mechanism(s) is also substantial in β3‐adrenoceptor‐mediated relaxation of gastrointestinal tract smooth muscle. However, in the case of the β3‐adrenoceptor, a delayed rectified K+channel rather than the MaxiK channel seems to mediate, in part, cAMP‐independent relaxant mechanisms.5. In the present article, we review the distribution of β‐adrenoceptor subtypes in smooth muscle tissues and discuss the molecular mechanisms by which each subtype elicits muscle relaxation, focusing on the roles of cAMP and plasma membrane K+channels.
CARDIOTOXIN III INDUCES APOPTOSIS IN K562 CELLS THROUGH A MITOCHONDRIAL‐MEDIATED PATHWAY
Authors: Yang Sheng‐Huei , Chien Ching‐Ming , Lu Mei‐Chin , Lu Yu‐Jhang , Wu Zchong‐Zcho , Lin Shinne‐Ren 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY1. Cardiotoxin (CTX) III is a basic polypeptide with 60 amino acid residues isolated from Naja naja atra venom. This is the first report on the mechanism of the anticancer effect of CTX III on human leukaemia K562 cells.2. Cardiotoxin III was found to inhibit the growth of K562 cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 1.7 μg/mL, and displayed several features of apoptosis, including apoptotic body formation, an increase in the sub‐G1 population, DNA fragmentation and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage.3. Investigation of the mechanism of CTX III‐induced apoptosis revealed that treatment of K562 cells with CTX III resulted in the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release from mitochondria into the cytosol and activation of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 and the subsequent cleavage of the caspase‐3 substrate PARP; however, CTX III did not generate reactive oxygen species (ROS).4. Taken together, the results indicate that CTX III induces apoptosis in K562 cells through an ROS‐independent mitochondrial dysfunction pathway.