bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do carnivorous plants use volatiles for attracting prey insects?
Authors: Jürgens Andreas , El‐Sayed Ashraf M. , Suckling D. Max 
Published: September 2009

Summary 1. Scientists have been fascinated by carnivorous plants for centuries and they have thoroughly investigated how these plants can benefit from insect capture for example through increased growth, earlier flowering, and increased seed production. How prey is actually lured into the traps, however, is less well understood. Trapping prey may be achieved in a random way, for example by camouflaging the traps (hiding them in the surrounding vegetation), so that prey is trapped by accidental landing on the trap leaves or wind drift, or in the other extreme, trapping may involve mimicry of other attractive resources such as fruits or flowers by using specific visual or olfactory signals to attract a specific prey assemblage. 2. We investigated for the first time volatiles of the trapping leaves of carnivorous plant species by dynamic headspace methods. We present data on the venus flytrap Dionaea muscipula, the sundew Drosera binata, and the North American pitcher plants Sarracenia flava, Sarracenia leucophylla, Sarracenia minor, and Sarracenia purpurea. A large number of compounds and relatively high emission rates were found in three of the North American pitcher plants (S. flava, S. leucophylla, and S. minor) with compounds typically found in flowers or fruits. This suggests together with other features (e.g. colour, nectar production) that these traps are possibly flower or fruit mimics. The leaves of S. purpurea, Dionaea muscipula, and Drosera binata emitted much weaker scents with lower numbers of components, consisting mainly of volatiles typically emitted from green leaves. 3. We discuss whether or not the use of volatiles for attracting prey animals is linked with specific trapping mechanisms and whether carnivorous plants can be grouped into specialized ‘olfactory syndromes’.
Matrix metalloproteinases with gelatinolytic activity induced by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection
Authors: Nishikaku Angela Satie , Ribeiro Luciana Cristina , Molina Raphael Fagnani Sanchez , Albe Bernardo Paulo , Cunha Cláudia da Silva , Burger Eva 
Published: September 2009

SummaryMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) modulate extracellular matrix turnover, inflammation and immunity. We studied MMP‐9 and MMP‐2 in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis. At 15 and 120 days after infection (DAI) with virulent Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, MMP‐9 was positive by immunohistochemistry in multinucleated giant cells, in mononuclear cells with macrophage and lymphocyte morphologies and also in fungal cells in the lesions of susceptible and resistant mice. Using gelatin zymography, pro‐ and active MMP‐9 and active MMP‐2 were detected in all infected mice, but not in controls. Gelatinolytic activity was not observed in P. brasiliensis extracts. Semiquantitative analysis of gelatinolytic activities revealed weak or absent MMP‐2 and strong MMP‐9 activity in both mouse strains at 15 DAI, declining at 120 DAI. Avirulent P. brasiliensis‐infected mice had residual lesions with MMP‐9‐positive pseudoxantomatous macrophages, but no gelatinase activity at 120 DAI. Our findings demonstrate the induction of MMPs, particularly MMP‐9, in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis, suggesting a possible influence in the pattern of granulomas and in fungal dissemination.
Dose response and time course studies on superoxide dismutase as a urinary biomarker of carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatic injury in the Hanover Wistar rat
Authors: Smyth Rosemary , Munday Michael R. , York Malcolm J. , Clarke Christopher J. , Dare Theo , Turton John A. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that the enzyme copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD‐1) is increased in the urine of rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced hepatotoxicity. The present experiments aimed to investigate further the usefulness of urinary SOD‐1 as a non‐invasive biomarker of liver injury. Two investigations were carried out, a dose response study and a time course study. In the dose response study, rats were given a single dose of CCl4 at 0 (control), 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40 and 0.80 ml/kg and urine samples collected from 12 to 36 h postdosing. In the time course study, rats were dosed at 0.80 ml/kg CCl4 and urine sampled at 4, 12, 24 and 36 h postdosing. In both studies, the presence of SOD‐1 in the urine was confirmed by Western blotting with an SOD‐1 antibody. In the dose response study, serum SOD activity was elevated in all CCl4‐treated animals and urinary SOD‐1 activity was increased 2.2 times at the lowest dose (0.10 ml/kg) and 60.4 times at the highest CCl4 dose level (0.80 ml/kg). In the time course study, urinary SOD‐1 was first detected in samples collected from 4 to 12 h postdosing. We conclude that urinary SOD‐1 has potential as a sensitive non‐invasive biomarker of CCl4‐induced hepatocellular injury.
Irinotecan‐induced mucositis manifesting as diarrhoea corresponds with an amended intestinal flora and mucin profile
Authors: Stringer Andrea M. , Gibson Rachel J. , Bowen Joanne M. , Logan Richard M. , Ashton Kimberly , Yeoh Ann S.J. , Al‐Dasooqi Noor , Keefe Dorothy M.K. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryChemotherapy‐induced diarrhoea is a major oncological problem, caused by the cytotoxic effects of cancer chemotherapy. Irinotecan is linked with severe mucositis and diarrhoea, the mechanisms of which remain poorly understood. Bacterial β‐glucuronidase is thought to be involved in the metabolism of irinotecan, implicating the intestinal flora. Intestinal mucins may also be implicated in the development of chemotherapy‐induced diarrhoea. Rats were treated with 200 mg/kg of irinotecan and killed at 96, 120 and 144 h. The rats were monitored for diarrhoea. Pathology and immunohistochemical staining was performed. The samples were cultured and faecal DNA was analysed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Severe diarrhoea was observed from 72 to 96 h. A decrease in body mass was also observed after treatment. Significant changes in goblet cell numbers (both complete and cavitated cells) were observed in the small and large intestines. Changes in MUC gene expression were observed in the small intestine only. Modifications were observed to the intestinal flora profile, especially Escherichia coli, and an increase in the expression of β‐glucuronidase was detected. In conclusion, irinotecan‐induced diarrhoea may be caused by an increase in some β‐glucuronidase‐producing bacteria, especially E. coli, exacerbating the toxicity of active metabolites. Accelerated mucous secretion and mucin release may also contribute to the delayed onset of diarrhoea.
Femur bone repair in ovariectomized rats under the local action of alendronate, hydroxyapatite and the association of alendronate and hydroxyapatite
Authors: Canettieri Antonio Carlos Victor , Colombo Carlos Eduardo Dias , Chin Chung Man , Faig‐Leite Horácio 
Published: September 2009

SummaryAn evaluation was made of the local action of alendronate sodium (A), hydroxyapatite (HA) and the association of both substances (A + HA), in different molar concentrations, on the femur bone repair of ovariectomized rats. Ninety‐eight animals were divided into seven groups: control (C), starch (S), alendronate 1 mol (A1), alendronate 2 mols (A2), hydroxyapatite 1 mol (HA1), hydroxyapatite 2 mols (HA2) and the association of alendronate + hydroxyapatite (A + HA). Rats weighing about 250 g were ovariectomized and 2.5‐mm diameter bone defects were made on the left femur 30 days later. Each experimental group had defects filled with appropriate material, except for group C (control). The animals were killed 7 and 21 days after surgery. Histological, histomorphometric and statistical analyses of bone neoformation in the bone defect site were performed. From the histological standpoint, the major differences occurred after 21 days. All specimens in groups C, S, HA1 and HA2 presented linear closure of the bone defect, and most animals in groups A1, A2 and A + HA showed no bone neoformation in the central area of the defect. No statistically significant difference was found among the experimental groups after 7 days; after 21 days, group HA2 presented the highest amount of neoformed bone. There was no significant difference among groups A1, A2 and A + HA in the two study periods. It was concluded that alendronate, either isolated or in association with hydroxyapatite, had an adverse effect on bone repair in this experimental model. Moreover, the hydroxyapatite used here proved to be biocompatible and osteoconductive, with group HA2 showing the best results.
Analysing the role of endogenous matrix molecules in the development of osteoarthritis
Authors: Sofat Nidhi 
Published: September 2009

SummaryOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis worldwide. In this condition, damage to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage occurs, resulting in joint destruction. Factors mediating cartilage damage include mechanical injury, cytokine and superoxide release on a background of genetic susceptibility and obesity. Studies of arthritic cartilage show increased production of ECM molecules including type II collagen, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, fibronectin (FN) and fibromodulin. Recent reports suggest that ECM proteins may become endogenous catabolic factors during joint damage. Activation of pro‐inflammatory pathways by ECM proteins has led to their description as damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). The ECM proteins involved include fibromodulin, which activates the complement pathway and may promote the persistence of joint inflammation. Fragmentation of type II collagen, FN and hyaluronan reveals cryptic epitopes that stimulate proteolytic enzymes including matrix metalloproteinases and aggrecanases (ADAMTSs – a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs). Proteolytic fragments also stimulate the release of nitric oxide, chemokines and cytokines and activation of the MAP kinases. Reports are emerging that the receptors for the fragments described involve interaction with integrins and toll‐like receptors. In this review the contribution of endogenous ECM molecules to joint destruction will be discussed. A deeper understanding of the pathways stimulated by endogenous ligands could offer potential avenues for novel therapies in the future.
Otitis media in a mouse model for Down syndrome
Authors: Han Fengchan , Yu Heping , Zhang Jiangping , Tian Cong , Schmidt Cecilia , Nava Casey , Davisson Muriel T. , Zheng Qing Y. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe Ts65Dn mouse shares many phenotypic characteristics of human Down syndrome. Here, we report that otitis media, characterized by effusion in the middle ear and hearing loss, was prevalent in Ts65Dn mice. Of the 53 Ts65Dn mice tested, 81.1% had high auditory‐evoked brainstem response (ABR) thresholds for at least one of the stimulus frequencies (click, 8 kHz, 16 kHz and 32 kHz), in at least one ear. The ABR thresholds were variable and showed no tendency toward increase with age, from 2 to 7 months of age. Observation of pathology in mice, aged 3–4 months, revealed middle ear effusion in 11 of 15 Ts65Dn mice examined, but only in two of 11 wild‐type mice. The effusion in each mouse varied substantially in volume and inflammatory cell content. The middle ear mucosae were generally thickened and goblet cells were distributed with higher density in the epithelium of the middle ear cavity of Ts65Dn mice as compared with those of wild‐type controls. Bacteria of pathogenic importance to humans also were identified in the Ts65Dn mice. This is the first report of otitis media in the Ts65Dn mouse as a model characteristic of human Down syndrome.
Common genetic changes in leiomyosarcoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumour: implication for ataxia telangiectasia mutated involvement
Authors: Ul‐Hassan Aliya , Sisley Karen , Hughes David , Hammond David W. , Robinson Martin H. , Reed Malcolm W.R. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryGastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. Formerly GISTs were commonly classified histologically as leiomyosarcomas; however, they are now known to arise from the interstitial cells of Cajal. Majority of GISTs overexpress KIT and have characteristic mutations within the gene, which are the targets of drug treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant tumour of smooth muscle differentiation and falls into a group of sarcomas that show complex karyotypic changes with no consistent recurrent genetic abnormality. We have used comparative genomic hybridization in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization to determine genetic differences between the tumour types. We found leiomyosarcomas and GISTs share common regions of chromosomal 13q and 11q imbalance, in addition to more specific 1p and 8p losses in leiomyosarcoma and 15q and 22q losses in GISTs. More importantly, we have shown for the first time a deletion in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene locus with decreased/absent expression of ATM protein, and amplification in the region 13q21–q32 in both tumour types, suggesting both regions may play a role in leiomyosarcoma and GIST biology.
Testing the Metabolic Scaling Theory of tree growth
Authors: Coomes David A. , Allen Robert B. 
Published: September 2009

Summary 1.  Metabolic Scaling Theory (MST) predicts a ‘universal scaling law’ of tree growth. Proponents claim that MST has strong empirical support: the size‐dependent growth curves of 40 out of 45 species in a Costa Rican forest have scaling exponents indistinguishable from the MST prediction. 2.  Here, we show that the Costa Rican study has been misinterpreted. Using Standardized Major Axis (SMA) line‐fitting to estimate scaling exponents, we find that four out of five species represented by more than 100 stems have scaling exponents that deviate significantly from the MST prediction. On the other hand, sample sizes were too small to make strong inferences in the cases of 33 species represented by fewer than 50 stems. 3.
Recently, it has been argued that MST is useful for predicting average scaling exponents, even if individual species do not conform to the theory. We find that the mean scaling exponent of the Costa Rican trees is greater than predicted (across‐species mean = 0.44), and hypothesize that scaling exponents in natural forests will generally be greater than predicted, because the theory fails to model asymmetric competition for light. 4.
Synthesis. We highlight shortcomings in the interpretation of data used in support of a key MST prediction. We recommend that future research into biological scaling should compare the merits of alternative models rather than focusing attention on tests of a single theory.
Human influence lowers plant genetic diversity in communities with extinction debt
Authors: Helm Aveliina , Oja Tatjana , Saar Liina , Takkis Krista , Talve Tiina , Pärtel Meelis 
Published: September 2009

Summary 1.  Loss of plant species induced by adverse human influence and habitat fragmentation might be delayed due to a slow response to changed environmental conditions. This phenomenon is known as extinction debt, which can lead to the underestimation of actual threats to biodiversity. To adequately estimate the condition of recently fragmented plant communities and avoid future loss of species, good indicators of forthcoming extinctions are needed. 2.
We studied the behaviour of genetic diversity of a relatively common habitat specialist grass Briza media in fragmented calcareous grasslands in which the extinction debt has been previously documented. Species richness in this system is shown to be determined by historical landscape patterns and human population densities prevailing centuries ago. We hypothesize that genetic diversity in this grassland system is related to current landscape patterns and contemporary human impact since genetic diversity might react more quickly to environmental changes than species diversity. 3.  In contrast to species diversity, genetic diversity was indeed best described by current connectivity of grasslands. Additionally, genetic diversity was negatively related to current human population density, indicating an adverse effect of contemporary human settlements on studied species. The faster response of genetic diversity to changed environmental conditions compared to species richness was further supported by the absence of an expected correlation between species richness and genetic diversity. 4.  Human population density a century ago had a positive effect on genetic diversity. A similar effect has been demonstrated for species richness in these grasslands, indicating that traditional land use in the past has supported the development of both genetic and species diversity. 5.
Synthesis. Genetic diversity of Briza media in fragmented communities is reacting quickly to changes in landscape structure and anthropogenic pressure. Our results confirm that plant species can be prone to genetic deterioration due to habitat fragmentation and negative anthropogenic impact even if the decline in species richness has been delayed by extinction debt. Thus, a decrease of population genetic diversity in fragmented communities can be taken as the first indication of future species losses.
Plant–soil feedback induces shifts in biomass allocation in the invasive plant Chromolaena odorata
Authors: Te Beest Mariska , Stevens Nicola , Olff Han , Van Der Putten Wim H. 
Published: September 2009

Summary 1.  Soil communities and their interactions with plants may play a major role in determining the success of invasive species. However, rigorous investigations of this idea using cross‐continental comparisons, including native and invasive plant populations, are still scarce. 2.
We investigated if interactions with the soil community affect the growth and biomass allocation of the (sub)tropical invasive shrub Chromolaena odorata. We performed a cross‐continental comparison with both native and non‐native‐range soil and native and non‐native‐range plant populations in two glasshouse experiments. 3.  Results are interpreted in the light of three prominent hypotheses that explain the dominance of invasive plants in the non‐native range: the enemy release hypothesis, the evolution of increased competitive ability hypothesis and the accumulation of local pathogens hypothesis. 4.
Our results show that C. odorata performed significantly better when grown in soil pre‐cultured by a plant species other than C. odorata. Soil communities from the native and non‐native ranges did not differ in their effect on C. odorata performance. However, soil origin had a significant effect on plant allocation responses. 5.
Non‐native C. odorata plants increased relative allocation to stem biomass and height growth when confronted with soil communities from the non‐native range. This is a plastic response that may allow species to be more successful when competing for light. This response differed between native and non‐native‐range populations, suggesting that selection may have taken place during the process of invasion. Whether this plastic response to soil organisms will indeed select for increased competitive ability needs further study. 6.
The native grass Panicum maximum did not perform worse when grown in soil pre‐cultured by C. odorata. Therefore, our results did not support the accumulation of local pathogens hypothesis. 7.
Synthesis. Non‐native C. odorata did not show release from soil‐borne enemies compared to its native range. However, non‐native plants responded to soil biota from the non‐native range by enhanced allocation in stem biomass and height growth. This response can affect the competitive balance between native and invasive species. The evolutionary potential of this soil biota‐induced change in plant biomass allocation needs further study.
Maternal genetic correlations in the seed rain: effects of frugivore activity in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: García Cristina , Jordano Pedro , Arroyo Juan Miguel , Godoy José Antonio 
Published: September 2009

Summary1. A frugivore‐generated seed rain combines dispersed propagules from source trees located all over the landscape. By selecting deposition sites, frugivorous vertebrates set the maternal genetic correlations in the seed rain, i.e. how maternal progenies become distributed over the landscape relative to the source trees and other conspecifics. This aspect, however, remains virtually unexplored despite its central effect on the demographic and genetic structure in plant populations.2. We examined three components of maternal genetic correlations in the seed rain: the number of distinct contributing maternal trees (maternal richness), the genetic relatedness among contributing trees (maternal relatedness) and the probability that two seeds drawn from the same seed trap come from the same maternal tree (correlated maternity).3. We studied the maternal genetic correlations in a vertebrate‐generated seed rain of aPrunus mahalebpopulation located in a heterogeneous landscape (c.25 ha). Based on the multilocus genotypes provided by microsatellite markers, we identified the source tree of dispersed seeds sampled in seed traps and distributed among six microhabitat types.4. Seed traps showed a spatial aggregation of maternally related seeds that varied among microhabitats in relation to the frugivore foraging preferences, resulting in variable maternal correlations across the landscape. We found: (i) seed traps with high maternal richness and low genetic relatedness in sites dominated by high shrubs, frequently visited by most frugivore species; (ii) seed traps with low maternal richness, high relatedness and increased correlated maternity values resulting from recurrent dispersal from few isolated source trees to sites dominated by non‐fleshy fruited species; and (iii) seed traps under pine trees with high maternal richness and relatedness (but low correlated maternity) due to long‐distance dispersal events from several source trees growing closely to each other.5. Synthesis. Maternal progenies became distributed non‐randomly over the landscape, where trees with similar maternal neighbourhoods tended to disperse their progeny to similar microhabitats. This resulted in genetic limitation, i.e. the failure of maternal trees to reach all microhabitats, as well as the failure of the microhabitats to cast all maternal progenies. Both the genetic limitation and the spatial aggregation of maternal progenies, driven by frugivore activity, might pervasively determine recruitment and spatial genetic patterns in heterogeneous populations.