bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A rapid wound signal activates the systemic synthesis of bioactive jasmonates in Arabidopsis
Authors: Koo Abraham J.K. , Gao Xiaoli , Daniel Jones A. , Howe Gregg A. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryJasmonic acid (JA) and its biologically active derivatives (bioactive JAs) perform a critical role in regulating plant responses to wound stress. The perception of bioactive JAs by the F‐box protein COI1 triggers the SCFCOI1/ubiquitin‐dependent degradation of JASMONATE ZIM‐DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins that repress the expression of JA‐response genes. JA is required for many wound‐inducible systemic defense responses, but little is known about the role of the hormone in long‐distance signal relay between damaged and undamaged leaves. Here, we show that the wounding of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves results in the rapid (<5 min) accumulation of jasmonoyl‐l‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile), the bioactive form of JA, in leaves distal to the wound site. The rapid systemic increase in JA‐Ile preceded the onset of early transcriptional responses, and was associated with JAZ degradation. Wound‐induced systemic production of JA‐Ile required the JA biosynthetic enzyme 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid (OPDA) reductase 3 (OPR3) in undamaged responding leaves, but not in wounded leaves, and was largely dependent on the JA‐conjugating enzyme JAR1. Interestingly, the wound‐induced synthesis of JA/JA‐Ile in systemic leaves was correlated with a rapid decline in OPDA levels. These results are consistent with a model in which a rapidly transmitted wound signal triggers the systemic synthesis of JA, which, upon conversion to JA‐Ile, activates the expression of early response genes by the SCFCOI1/JAZ pathway.
Performance of Agricultural Systems under Contrasting Growing Season Conditions in South‐western Quebec
Authors: Almaraz J. J. , Mabood F. , Zhou X. , Strachan I. , Ma B. , Smith D. L. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractClimate change will alter temperature and rainfall patterns over North American agricultural regions and there will be a need to adapt crop production systems to the altered conditions. A set of field experiments were conducted in south‐western Quebec, Canada, with soybean (Glycine max L.), corn (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) × sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense Piper) hybrid and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) under two tillage and three nitrogen fertility regimes, to study their performance in three successive growing seasons (2001–2003), two of them with unusually warm and dry conditions. The annual crops were established in two tillage systems: conventional and no‐till (NT). All crops except soybean were fertilized with three levels of nitrogen: corn – 0, 90 and 180 kg N ha−1, sorghum‐sudangrass – 0, 75 and 150 kg N ha−1, switchgrass – 0, 30 and 60 kg N ha−1. The 2001 and 2002 seasons were hotter and drier than the 2003 season, which was the most favourable for crop growth. The capacity of the crops to yield in dry seasons was as follow: switchgrass > sorghum‐sudangrass > corn > soybean. The corn and sorghum‐sudangrass responses to nitrogen fertilizer were low in 2001 due to the combined effect of dry growing season and coarse soil texture. Soybean did not perform well under NT. Corn yielded better at the highest nitrogen fertilizer rate under NT when the early season was warmer than the normal. Our results show that switchgrass and sorghum‐sudangrass could be an option in south‐western Quebec if the frequency of hot and dry seasons increase in the future, because of climate change.
Cryotop Vitrification of Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) In Vitro Matured Oocytes: Effects of Cryoprotectant Concentrations and Warming Procedures
Authors: Attanasio L , Boccia L , Vajta G , Kuwayama M , Campanile G , Zicarelli L , Neglia G , Gasparrini B 
Published: May 2009

ContentsThe aim of the work was to evaluate the in vitro developmental competence of in vitro‐matured buffalo oocytes after Cryotop vitrification (CTV) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). To optimize parameters, two cryoprotectant (CP) concentrations and two warming–dilution procedures were applied. Oocytes were vitrified in 16.5% ethylene glycol (EG), 16.5% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and 0.5 m sucrose in Groups A and C, and in higher CP concentrations (20% EG, 20% DMSO and 0.5 m sucrose) in Groups B and D. Warming was performed in 1.25 m sucrose for 1 min, then in 0.62, 0.42 and 0.31 m sucrose, 30 s each (Groups A and B), or in 0.25 m sucrose for 1 min and in 0.15 m sucrose for 5 min (Groups C and D). After warming, the oocytes were fertilized and cultured in vitro. Survival rate post‐warming was lower in Group D (83.6%) than in Groups A and B (92.4 and 92.8%, respectively), while intermediate values were found in Group C (85.7%). Survival rates at 24 h decreased in Groups C and D (52.0% and 50%, respectively) and remained high in Groups A and B (84.0% and 85.6%, respectively), thus indicating that the dilution of CP after warming is critical for buffalo oocyte cryopreservation. Similar differences were also observed in cleavage rates (42.7%, 55.3%, 28.4% and 36.3% for Groups A, B, C and D, respectively) whereas no differences in blastocyst rates were found among groups (6.4%, 7.8%, 5.9% and 6.9% for Groups A, B, C and D, respectively). Blastocyst production after IVF of vitrified oocytes proves the feasibility of CTV in buffalo species.
Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in nonviral‐related liver diseases
Authors: Fan Jian‐Gao , Farrell Geoffrey C ,   the Asia‐Pacific Working Party for Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published: May 2009

AbstractAlthough chronic infection with hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus are the most important risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, other causes of cirrhosis can also lead to HCC. Given the high prevalence of alcoholism and the worldwide obesity epidemic, the relevant importance of nonviral liver disease‐related HCC is expected to increase in the future. Some evidence supports mechanistic interactions between host or environmental factors and chronic viral hepatitis in the development of HCC. For example, food‐ and water‐borne carcinogens have contributed to unusually high rates of HCC in parts of China and sub‐Saharan Africa. With some of these conditions, appropriate public health measures to reduce the population's exposure to known etiologic agents, or early therapeutic intervention for ‘at‐risk’ individuals before development of cirrhosis (e.g. hereditary hemochromatosis) can prevent HCC. Community‐based programs to discourage and deal with excessive alcohol intake, to promote tobacco smoking awareness, to avoid exposure to aflatoxin and other food toxins, and measures to reduce the pandemic of obesity and diabetes are vital for effective interruption of the rising tide of HCC from nonviral liver disease.
Coagulation dynamics and platelet functions in obstructive jaundiced patients
Authors: Çakır Tebessüm , Cingi Asım , Yeğen Cumhur 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground:  All of the body systems are affected by increased levels of bilirubin. The aim of this study is to investigate the function of platelets and clotting dynamics in patients with obstructive jaundice.Methods:  Liver function tests, serum CRP, PT, PTT and hemogram were measured in 23 patients with obstructive jaundice. Thromboelastography (TEG) was done for the evaluation of coagulation dynamics, while platelet function assay (PFA 100) was used to evaluate platelet functions. Blood samples were obtained at two occasions, before the drainage and 3 weeks after the relief of the obstruction.Results:  Hypercoagulation was detected in 80% of patients. Maximum strength, elasticity, coagulation indices of the clot were correlated with increased concentrations of direct bilirubin. Although maximum strength of coagulum usually represents increased activity of platelet function, membrane closure times with PFA 100 were found to be prolonged in 30% of patients, reduced values were determined in 17% of patients. No demonstrable effect on coagulation parameters and platelet function were detected after drainage procedures regardless of modality.Conclusions:  Even though there is a general assumption about the increased bleeding tendency in obstructive jaundiced patients, we could not demonstrate reduced clotting activity by measuring with either PFA or TEG. On the contrary we observed tendency for hypercoagulation independent of increased prothrombin times. The most probable cause of this effect is the increased activity of fibrin polymers on platelet membrane.
Revision of the genusChalcasthenesArrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Oryctoderini) from the Solomon Islands
Authors: Jameson Mary Liz , Ratcliffe Brett C 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe genusChalcasthenesArrow (Dynastinae: Oryctoderini), a scarab beetle genus endemic to the Solomon Islands, is reviewed. Based on examination of type specimens, the genusStrehliaFrey (Rutelinae: Rutelini: Parastasiina) is a new junior synonym ofChalcasthenes. The historical classification of these genera (either in the subfamily Dynastinae or Rutelinae) and character‐based criteria for assigning the taxa to the Dynastinae are provided. We discuss character states that support the monophyly of members of the genusChalcasthenes,comment on the distribution and biogeography of species in the genus and provide a key to species. The genus includes four species:Chalcasthenes divinusEndrödi,Chalcasthenes pulcherArrow,Chalcasthenes squamigerusFreynew combinationandChalcasthenes styracocerosJameson and Ratcliffe n. sp. Species hypotheses are corroborated based on evidence from Pleistocene geological reconstructions of the Solomon Islands, geographic variation of bird species in the region and development in scarab beetles.
Periodontal therapy for pregnant women and cases of low birthweight: An intervention study
Authors: Cruz Simone S. , Costa Maria da Conceição N. , Gomes‐Filho Isaac S. , Barreto Maurício L. , Dos Santos Carlos Antônio S.T. , Martins Ângela Guimarães , Passos Johelle de S. , De Freitas Camila Oliveira T. , Sampaio Fábio P. , Cerqueira Eneida de M.M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground:  Over the past decade, strong evidence for an association between maternal periodontitis and low birthweight has started to appear. However, few intervention studies have been proposed for investigating this hypothesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether periodontal therapy among pregnant women would reduce the incidence of low birthweight.Methods:  A nonrandomized intervention study was performed, with two control groups. The sample comprised 339 pregnant women: 141 in the experimental group (treated for periodontitis), 145 in control group 1 (without periodontitis) and 53 in control group 2 (with untreated periodontitis). The experimental group received periodontal treatment throughout pregnancy, whereas control group 1 was only monitored over the same period. After delivery, birthweight information on the newborns was obtained. The analysis procedures consisted of stratified analysis followed by logistic regression.Results:  The frequency of low birthweight among the women with treated periodontitis was 9.22%, while it was 13.10% in the group without periodontal disease. However, the difference was not statistically significant (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.36–1.45). The occurrence of this outcome in the group with untreated periodontitis (24.53%) was greater than in the other two groups.Conclusion:  This suggests that periodontal therapy is a protective factor for birthweight.
Split‐shot sinker facilitates seton treatment of anal fistulae
Authors: Awad M. L. , Sell H. W. , Stahlfeld K. R. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjective  The cutting seton is an inexpensive and effective method of treating high complex perianal fistulae. Following placement of the seton, advancement through the external sphincter muscles requires progressive tightening of the seton. The requirement for maintaining the appropriate tension and onset of perianal pressure necrosis are problems frequently encountered using this technique.Method  Using a 3‐0 polypropylene suture, a red‐rubber catheter, and a nontoxic tin split‐shot sinker, we minimized or eliminated these problems.Results  We initially used this technique in one patient with satisfactory results.Conclusion  This technique is technically easy, safe, inexpensive, and efficient, and we are using it in all patients with high perianal fistulae who require a seton.
Spontaneous changes in tumour cell dissemination to bone marrow in colorectal cancer
Authors: Buxhofer‐Ausch V. , Ausch C. , Kitzweger E. , Mollik M. , Reiner‐Concin A. , Ogris E. , Stampfl M. , Hamilton G. , Schiessel R. , Hinterberger W. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAim  The study aimed to evaluate the incidence of disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) in bone marrow (BM) preoperatively and during follow up and to correlate these with established risk factors in patients with colorectal cancer.Method  We prospectively studied BM in 57 patients using the anti‐cytokeratin antibody A45‐B/B3.Results  The overall detection rate of DTCs was 23% with a similar detection rate through all stages of the disease. No significant association was found between the presence of DTCs and clinicopathological parameters. After a median follow up of 35.4 months, no differences were found in relapse and overall survival between patients with and without DTC preoperatively. In 31 of 45 patients with local disease, we performed a follow‐up BM examination after 1 year. In 26% of the patients, the BM status had changed as compared with the preoperative finding.Conclusion  This is the first study to report the follow up of DTC in BM in colorectal cancer using the A45‐B/B3 antibody. The presence of tumour cells in the preoperative BM had no impact on outcome. The BM status had changed after 12 months in a quarter of patients.
Immunopathogenesis of psoriasis: focus on natural killer T cells
Authors: Peternel S , Kaštelan M 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPsoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease triggered by dysregulated immune response and characterized by hyperproliferation and altered differentiation of keratinocytes. Formation of psoriatic lesions is thought to be elicited by the complex cellular and cytokine network arising from the pathogenic interactions between keratinocytes and components of innate and acquired immune system. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a heterogenous T‐cell lineage that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases including psoriasis. Due to the numerous functions of NKT cells that link innate and adaptive immunity, their role in psoriasis is complex and still elusive. We summarize the currently available literature data on this issue and discuss the possible role of NKT cells in the immunopathogenesis of this autoimmune disease.
P2X7 and P2Y13 purinergic receptors mediate intracellular calcium responses to BzATP in rat cerebellar astrocytes
Authors: Carrasquero Luz María G. , Delicado Esmerilda G. , Bustillo Diego , Gutiérrez‐Martín Yolanda , Artalejo Antonio R. , Miras‐Portugal Ma Teresa 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPrevious work has established the presence of functional P2X7 subunits in rat cerebellar astrocytes, which after stimulation with 3′‐O‐(4‐benzoyl)benzoyl ATP (BzATP) evoked morphological changes that were not reproduced by any other nucleotide. To further characterize the receptor(s) and signaling mechanisms involved in the action of BzATP, we have employed fura‐2 microfluorometry and the patch‐clamp technique. BzATP elicited intracellular calcium responses that typically exhibited two components: the first one was transient and metabotropic in nature – sensitive to phospholipase C inhibition and pertussis toxin treatment –, whereas the second one was sustained and depended on the presence of extracellular calcium. The ionotropic nature of this latter component was corroborated by measurements of Mn2+ entry and macroscopic non‐selective cation currents evoked by either BzATP (100 μM) or ATP (1 mM). The two components of the calcium response to BzATP differed in their pharmacological sensitivity. The metabotropic component was partially sensitive to pyridoxalphosphate‐5′‐phosphate‐6‐azo‐(‐2‐chloro‐5‐nitrophenyl)‐2,4‐disulfonate, a selective antagonist of P2Y13 receptors, while the ionotropic component was modulated by external magnesium and markedly reduced by brilliant blue G and 3‐(5‐(2,3‐dichlorophenyl)‐1H‐tetrazol‐1‐yl)methyl pyridine (A438079), thus implying the involvement of P2X7 purinergic receptors. It is concluded that P2Y13 and P2X7 purinergic receptors are functionally expressed in rat cerebellar astrocytes and mediate the increase in intracellular calcium elicited by BzATP in these cells.
The amyloid hypothesis for Alzheimer’s disease: a critical reappraisal
Authors: Hardy John 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe amyloid hypothesis has been the basis for most work on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Recent clinical trials based on this hypothesis have been inconclusive. In this article I review the current status of the hypothesis and suggest that a major scientific need is to understand the normal function of amyloid‐β precursor protein (APP) and think how this may relate to the cell death in the disease process.
Nitric oxide‐cGMP signaling regulates axonal elongation during optic nerve regeneration in the goldfish in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Koriyama Yoshiki , Yasuda Rie , Homma Keiko , Mawatari Kazuhiro , Nagashima Mikiko , Sugitani Kayo , Matsukawa Toru , Kato Satoru 
Published: May 2009

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) signaling results in both neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects in CNS and PNS neurons, respectively, after nerve lesioning. We investigated the role of NO signaling on optic nerve regeneration in the goldfish (Carassius auratus). NADPH diaphorase staining revealed that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was up‐regulated primarily in the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) 5–40 days after axotomy. Levels of neuronal NOS (nNOS) mRNA and protein also increased in the RGCs alone during this period. This period (5–40 days) overlapped with the process of axonal elongation during regeneration of the goldfish optic nerve. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of NO signaling molecules upon neurite outgrowth from adult goldfish axotomized RGCs in culture. NO donors and dibutyryl cGMP increased neurite outgrowth dose‐dependently. In contrast, a nNOS inhibitor and small interfering RNA, specific for the nNOS gene, suppressed neurite outgrowth from the injured RGCs. Intra‐ocular dibutyryl cGMP promoted the axonal regeneration from injured RGCs in vivo. None of these molecules had an effect on cell death/survival in this culture system. This is the first report showing that NO‐cGMP signaling pathway through nNOS activation is involved in neuroregeneration in fish CNS neurons after nerve lesioning.
Granulite facies thermal aureoles and metastable amphibolite facies assemblages adjacent to the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss in southwest Fiordland, New Zealand
Authors: ALLIBONE A. H. , MILAN L. A. , DACZKO N. R. , TURNBULL I. M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn southwest New Zealand, a suite of felsic diorite intrusions known as the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss (WFO) were emplaced into the mid to deep crust and partially recrystallized to high‐P (12 kbar) granulite facies assemblages. This study focuses on the southern most pluton within the WFO suite (Malaspina Pluton) between Doubtful and Dusky sounds. New mapping shows intrusive contacts between the Malaspina Pluton and adjacent Palaeozoic metasedimentary country rocks with a thermal aureole ∼200–1000 m wide adjacent to the Malaspina Pluton in the surrounding rocks. Thermobarometry on assemblages in the aureole indicates that the Malaspina Pluton intruded the adjacent amphibolite facies rocks while they were at depths of 10–14 kbar. Similar P–T conditions are recorded in high‐P granulite facies assemblages developed locally throughout the Malaspina Pluton. Palaeozoic rocks more than ∼200–1000 m from the Malaspina Pluton retain medium‐P mid‐amphibolite facies assemblages, despite having been subjected to pressures of 10–14 kbar for > 5 Myr. These observations contradict previous interpretations of the WFO Malaspina Pluton as the lower plate of a metamorphic core complex, everywhere separated from the metasedimentary rocks by a regional‐scale extensional shear zone (Doubtful Sound Shear Zone). Slow reaction kinetics, lack of available H2O, lack of widespread penetrative deformation, and cooling of the Malaspina Pluton thermal anomaly within c. 3–4 Myr likely prevented recrystallization of mid amphibolite facies assemblages outside the thermal aureole. If not for the evidence within the thermal aureole, there would be little to suggest that gneissic rocks which underlie several 100 km2 of southwest New Zealand had experienced metamorphic pressures of 10–14 kbar. Similar high‐P metamorphic events may therefore be more common than presently recognized.
IDENTIFICATION AND TOXICITY OF ALEXANDRIUM TAMARENSE (DINOPHYCEAE) IN SCOTTISH WATERS1
Authors: Collins C. , Graham J. , Brown L. , Bresnan E. , Lacaze J.‐P. , Turrell E. A. 
Published: May 2009

Contamination of shellfish with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins produced by Alexandrium species poses a potential threat to the sustainability of the Scottish aquaculture industry. Routine LM analysis of water samples from around the Scottish coast has previously identified Alexandrium (Dinophyceae) as a regular part of the spring and summer phytoplankton communities in Scottish coastal waters. In this study, Alexandrium tamarense (M. Lebour) Balech isolated from sediment and water samples was established in laboratory culture. Species identification of these isolates was confirmed using thecal plate dissections and by molecular characterization based on their LSU and, in some cases, ITS rDNA sequence. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of two ribotypes of A. tamarense: Group I (North American ribotype) and Group III (Western European ribotype). Assessment of PSP toxin production using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC–MS/MS) showed that A. tamarense Group I produced a complex array of toxins (∼2,000 fg STX equivalents · cell−1) with the major toxins being C2, neosaxitoxin (NEO), saxitoxin (STX), gonyautoxin‐4 (GTX‐4), and GTX‐3, while A. tamarense Group III did not produce toxins. Historically, it was considered that all Alexandrium species occurring in Scottish waters produce potent PSP toxins. This study has highlighted the presence of both PSP toxin‐producing and benign species of A. tamarense and questions the ecological significance of this finding.