bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rubisco activase is a key regulator of non‐steady‐state photosynthesis at any leaf temperature and, to a lesser extent, of steady‐state photosynthesis at high temperature
Authors: Yamori Wataru , Masumoto Chisato , Fukayama Hiroshi , Makino Amane 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe role of Rubisco activase in steady‐state and non‐steady‐state photosynthesis was analyzed in wild‐type (Oryza sativa) and transgenic rice that expressed different amounts of Rubisco activase. Below 25°C, the Rubisco activation state and steady‐state photosynthesis were only affected when Rubisco activase was reduced by more than 70%. However, at 40°C, smaller reductions in Rubisco activase content were linked to a reduced Rubisco activation state and steady‐state photosynthesis. As a result, overexpression of maize Rubisco activase in rice did not lead to an increase of the Rubisco activation state, nor to an increase in photosynthetic rate below 25°C, but had a small stimulatory effect at 40°C. On the other hand, the rate at which photosynthesis approached the steady state following an increase in light intensity was rapid in Rubisco activase‐overexpressing plants, intermediate in the wild‐type, and slowest in antisense plants at any leaf temperature. In Rubisco activase‐overexpressing plants, Rubisco activation state at low light was maintained at higher levels than in the wild‐type. Thus, rapid regulation by Rubisco activase following an increase in light intensity and/or maintenance of a high Rubisco activation state at low light would result in a rapid increase in Rubisco activation state and photosynthetic rate following an increase in light intensity. It is concluded that Rubisco activase plays an important role in the regulation of non‐steady‐state photosynthesis at any leaf temperature and, to a lesser extent, of steady‐state photosynthesis at high temperature.
Arabidopsis VILLIN2 and VILLIN3 act redundantly in sclerenchyma development via bundling of actin filaments
Authors: Bao Chanchan , Wang Juan , Zhang Ruihui , Zhang Baocai , Zhang Hua , Zhou Yihua , Huang Shanjin 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe organization of the actin cytoskeleton has been implicated in sclerenchyma development. However, the molecular mechanisms linking the actin cytoskeleton to this process remain poorly understood. In particular, there have been no studies showing that direct genetic manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton affects sclerenchyma development. Villins belong to the villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily and are versatile actin‐modifying proteins. Several recent studies have implicated villins in tip growth of single cells, but how villins act in multicellular plant development remains largely unknown. Here, we found that two closely related villin isovariants from Arabidopsis, VLN2 and VLN3, act redundantly in sclerenchyma development. Detailed analysis of cross‐sections from inflorescence stems of vln2 vln3 double mutant plants revealed a reduction in stem size and in the number of vascular bundles; however, no defects in synthesis of the secondary cell wall were detected. Surprisingly, the vln2 vln3 double mutation did not affect cell elongation of inter‐fascicular fibers. Biochemical analyses showed that recombinant VLN2 was able to cap, sever and bundle actin filaments, similar to VLN3. Consistent with these biochemical activities, loss of function of VLN2 and VLN3 resulted in a decrease in the amount of F‐actin and actin bundles in plant cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that VLN2 and VLN3 act redundantly in sclerenchyma development via bundling of actin filaments.
CML9, an Arabidopsis calmodulin‐like protein, contributes to plant innate immunity through a flagellin‐dependent signalling pathway
Authors: Leba Louis‐Jérôme , Cheval Cécilia , Ortiz‐Martín Inmaculada , Ranty Benoit , Beuzón Carmen R. , Galaud Jean‐Philippe , Aldon Didier 
Published: May 2012

SummaryMany stimuli such as hormones and elicitors induce changes in intracellular calcium levels to integrate information and activate appropriate responses. The Ca2+signals are perceived by various Ca2+sensors, and calmodulin (CaM) is one of the best characterized in eukaryotes. Calmodulin‐like (CML) proteins extend the Ca2+toolkit in plants; they share sequence similarity with the ubiquitous and highly conserved CaM but their roles at physiological and molecular levels are largely unknown. Knowledge of the contribution of Ca2+decoding proteins to plant immunity is emerging, and we report here data onArabidopsis thaliana CML9, whose expression is rapidly induced by phytopathogenic bacteria, flagellin and salicylic acid. Using a reverse genetic approach, we present evidence that CML9 is involved in plant defence by modulating responses to bacterial strains ofPseudomonas syringae. Compared to wild‐type plants, the later responses normally observed upon flagellin application are altered in knockout mutants and over‐expressing transgenic lines. Collectively, using PAMP treatment andP. syringaestrains, we have established that CML9 participates in plant innate immunity.
Induction of Disease Defensive Enzymes in Response to Treatment with acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM) and Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf2 and Inoculation with Ralstonia solanacearum race 3, biovar 2 (phylotype II)
Authors: Abo‐Elyousr Kamal A. M. , Ibrahim Yasser E. , Balabel Naglaa M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractRalstonia solanacearum (Rs) race 3 biovar 2, the cause of bacterial wilt, is an economically important pathogen in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world. We investigated the induced defence responses against tomato bacterial wilt by the application of acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf2) alone or in combination. Seedling treatments of tomato plants with either Pf2 or ASM significantly reduced disease severity of bacterial wilt (58 and 56% disease reduction, respectively) of tomato plants. The highest disease reduction (72%) resulted from a combined application of both Pf2 and ASM. The application of ASM alone increased seedlings biomass relative to infected control with 64.3%. Changes in the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ß‐glucosidase (ß‐GL) and peroxidase (PO) in tomato after the application of ASM and Pf2 and inoculation with Rs were studied. Significant changes (P ≤ 0.05) in the activities of PPO, ß‐GL and PO were found. These results indicate that the future integrated disease management programmes against tomato bacterial wilt may be enhanced by including foliar sprays and soil drench of ASM and P. fluorescens. This is the first report of the use of both ASM and Pf2 to control the tomato bacterial wilt disease under field conditions.
Impaired renal response to portal infusion of hypertonic saline in adriamycin‐treated rats
Authors: Jirakulsomchok Dusit , Napawachirahat Supitcha , Kunbootsri Narupon , Suttitum Tunda , Wannanon Panakaporn , Wyss James Michael , Roysommuti Sanya 
Published: May 2012

Summary

The hepatorenal reflex plays an important role in water and salt homeostasis by matching renal excretion to gastrointestinal absorption. This homeostatic mechanism is impaired in nephrotic rats. The present study tested the hypothesis that, in nephrotic rats, the renal sodium excretion response to hypertonic saline infusion is impaired due to decreased sensitivity of the hepatoportal sodium‐sensing mechanism.
The present study was performed in control and adriamycin (ADR)‐induced nephrotic syndrome rats. After baseline data collection, urinary sodium (UNaV) and potassium (UKV) excretion responses were tested following continuous infusion of hypertonic NaCl solution (20 μL/min for 30 min) into either the femoral or mesenteric vein. A second series of experiments tested hepatic and renal nerve responses to continuous mesenteric vein infusion of hypertonic NaCl (10 μL/s for 30 s).
Compared with control rats, nephrotic rats displayed significantly lower baseline UNaV and UKV excretion. In control rats, mesenteric compared with femoral vein infusion of hypertonic NaCl produced a more rapid and greater increase in UNaV. In contrast, in nephrotic rats, femoral and mesenteric vein infusion caused similar increases in UNaV and the maximum increases in UNaV to either route of infusion were much lower in nephrotic than control rats. Furthermore, portal hypertonic saline infusion caused greater increases in hepatic nerve activity and greater decreases in renal nerve activity in control compared with nephrotic rats.
These data suggest that, in rats, adriamycin treatment decreases hepatoportal sodium‐sensing sensitivity, leading to marked impairment of hepatorenal reflex responses, potentially contributing to salt and water retention.
Do we have to stop anticoagulant and platelet‐inhibitor treatments during proctological surgery?
Authors: Pigot F. , Juguet F. , Bouchard D. , Castinel A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim  This prospective observation study evaluated the incidence of secondary bleeding after proctological surgery without interruption of oral anticoagulant or platelet‐inhibitor treatments.Method  The number of episodes of postoperative bleeding was identified prospectively from the day of surgery to the last follow‐up visit in consecutive patients operated on during 2010 in two units dedicated to proctology.Results  A total of 2513 procedures were performed in 2314 patients (1379 men), 46 ± 16 years of age. Secondary bleeding occurred after 115 (4.6%) procedures, no later than day 24 after surgery, requiring rehospitalization in 86% of cases and further surgery and/or transfusion in 36%. The highest frequency was noted after surgery for haemorrhoids (haemorrhoidopexy, 7.9%; haemorrhoidectomy, 6.2%) (P = NS and transanal excision of rectal tumours (6.5%). On multivariate analysis, the frequency was significantly increased by clopidogrel (15%) [relative risk (RR) = 10). In patients on oral anticoagulants, bleeding occurred in 23% (RR = 5.8) if the anticoagulants were not interrupted and in 57% (RR = 42) if the anticoagulants were discontinued and replaced with heparin.Conclusion  During proctological surgery the overall risk of postoperative bleeding is low, but it can occur up to 3 weeks after surgery and is often severe. Maintenance treatment with oral anticoagulants is the most important risk factor, aggravated by a change to heparin. Clopidogrel also significantly increases the bleeding risk.
Transgenic tobacco plants as production platform for biologically active human interleukin 2 and its fusion with proteinase inhibitors
Authors: Redkiewicz Patrycja , Więsyk Aneta , Góra‐Sochacka Anna , Sirko Agnieszka 
Published: May 2012

SummaryTransgenic plants offer a low‐cost approach for the production of pharmaceutically important and commercially valuable recombinant proteins. Our studies were focused on the plant‐based production of human interleukin 2 (hIL‐2) and its fusion with proteinase inhibitors, either SPI2 from Galleria mellonella or CMTI from Cucurbita maxima. Finally, five plant expression cassettes were obtained. Three of them contained the single cDNA encoding CMTI I, SPI2 and hIL‐2, respectively, while two of them contained the translational fusion, SPI2::hIL‐2 and CMTI::hIL‐2. In all cases, the transgenes were controlled by the RbcS1 promoter and terminator and the recombinant proteins were targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum. After tobacco transformation, five groups of transgenic plants were obtained and analysed. The level of recombinant proteins was estimated either by Western blot or by ELISA. The biological activity of plant‐produced hIL‐2 alone or in a fusion with SPI2 or CMTI was confirmed using the mammalian cells proliferation assay. The activities of proteinase inhibitors were confirmed in proteolysis assay using azocoll as a substrate. The usefulness of using proteinase inhibitor CMTI I in a fusion with hIL‐2 as a protective agent against trypsin digestion was demonstrated.
Correlation between anti‐interferon‐β binding and neutralizing antibodies in interferon‐β‐treated multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Jensen P. E. H. , Sellebjerg F. , Søndergaard H. B. , Sørensen P. S. 
Published: May 2012

Background and purposeMeasurements of binding antibodies (BAbs), neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and MX1 mRNA expression are used to analyse the immunological reactions in patients with MS treated with IFN‐β. The correlations between these are yet not fully understood.MethodsWe measured BAbs and NAbs to IFN‐β in 110 serum samples from 83 patients with MS treated with IFN‐β, and in a subgroup, antibody titre was compared with corresponding expressions of MX1 mRNA. The methods used were capture ELISA assay, luciferase reporter gene assay and mRNA RT‐PCR for MX1 gene expression.ResultsThere were significant correlations between binding, neutralizing and MX1 results. Cut‐off values are suggested for the definition of samples of BAbs and NAbs as negative, positive and grey zones. Naturally occurring groups of low and high antibody titres were identified by the correlation between BAbs and NAbs, probably as a result of an immunological maturation process of antibodies. The low‐titre group had lower correlations between BAbs and NAbs than the high‐titre group.ConclusionsHigh correlation is demonstrated between the results obtained by the three methods, and we suggest the possibility of using ELISA measurements of BAbs to identify patients with high titres of anti‐IFN‐β antibodies that block the biological response to IFN‐β. Ιn patients with low titres, we suggest to supplement ELISA with measurement of MX1 mRNA to establish whether the bioavailability of IFN‐β is preserved.
Lmx1a regulates dopamine transporter gene expression during ES cell differentiation and mouse embryonic development
Authors: Chung Sangmi , Kim Chun‐Hyung , Kim Kwang‐Soo 
Published: May 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 244–250.AbstractMidbrain dopaminergic neurons are implicated in various neurological and psychiatric diseases as well as drug addiction. Thus, the study of their generation and maintenance is pivotal to further our understanding of these disease‐underlying mechanisms and development of novel therapeutics. Here, using an embryonic stem cell in vitro differentiation system and mutant dreher mouse, we showed that Lmx1a, an early regulator of midbrain dopamine neural progenitor phenotype specification, is also involved in the regulation of midbrain dopaminergic maturation by regulating gene expression of the dopamine transporter. Forced expression of Lmx1a induced dopamine transporter expression precociously in immature dopaminergic neurons, accompanied by significant increase in specific dopamine uptake. Lmx1a binds to well‐conserved sequences in the dopamine transporter promoter region, and this binding sequence directs Lmx1a‐dependent activation of reporter gene expression. Furthermore, during mouse embryonic development, dopamine transporter was more severely affected by Lmx1a mutation compared to other dopamine markers such as tyrosine hydroxylase and dopa decarboxylase, again supporting the role of Lmx1a in midbrain dopaminergic maturation in vivo. Thus, this study demonstrates that dopamine transporter is a direct target of Lmx1a and emphasizes a novel role of Lmx1a as one of regulators of mature midbrain dopaminergic neurotransmitter phenotypes.
Blood markers of oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Skoumalová Alice , Hort Jakub 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAlzheimer′s disease (AD) represents a highly common form of dementia, but can be diagnosed in the earlier stages before dementia onset. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful therapeutic intervention. The introduction of new diagnostic biomarkers for AD is aimed at detecting underlying brain pathology. These biomarkers reflect structural or biochemical changes related to AD. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid has many drawbacks; therefore, the search for sensitive and specific blood markers is ongoing. Investigation is mainly focused on upstream processes, among which oxidative stress in the brain is of particular interest. Products of oxidative stress may diffuse into the blood and evaluating them can contribute to diagnosis of AD. However, results of blood oxidative stress markers are not consistent among various studies, as documented in this review. To find a specific biochemical marker for AD, we should concentrate on specific metabolic products formed in the brain. Specific fluorescent intermediates of brain lipid peroxidation may represent such candidates as the composition of brain phospholipids is unique. They are small lipophilic molecules and can diffuse into the blood stream, where they can then be detected. We propose that these fluorescent products are potential candidates for blood biomarkers of AD.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone contact sensitization: diverging trends in subgroups of IVDK patients in a period of 19 years
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Gefeller Olaf , Geier Johannes , Schnuch Axel 
Published: May 2012

Background. The preservative methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazo‐ linone (MI) is an important allergen, and has thus been subject to regulation in some areas of exposure, mainly in cosmetics.Objectives. To examine whether a decline in sensitization prevalence and intensity of elicitation (by the patch test) can be observed, either overall, or in certain subgroups defined by causative exposures.Methods. On the basis of long‐term contact allergy surveillance data collected by the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (www.ivkd.org), 1992–2010, in the course of 171 883 consultations, the time trend of (different grades of) positive patch test reactions to MCI/MI (0.01% aqua) was examined in an age‐stratified analysis.Results. The overall frequency of positive patch test reactions was 2.33% (95% confidence interval 2.26–2.4%). No significant overall trend of positive reactions or of the distribution of +, ++ and + + + reactions (p > 0.05) was observed, similarly to what was found for patients in whom cosmetics were recorded as causative exposure (p = 0.55). In contrast, in patients with occupational contact dermatitis who were < 40 years of age, a significant increase in prevalence, by 0.87 percentage points per decade, was identified (p = 0.018).Conclusions. Both applications of MCI/MI, cosmetic and industrial, should be the target of further preventive efforts.
Zoledronic acid suppresses mineralization through direct cytotoxicity and osteoblast differentiation inhibition
Authors: Patntirapong Somying , Singhatanadgit Weerachai , Chanruangvanit Chatvadee , Lavanrattanakul Kwankamol , Satravaha Yodhathai 
Published: May 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 713–720Background:  Zoledronic acid (ZA) is prescribed to treat various metabolic bone diseases. Despite its efficacy in preventing bone loss, ZA has been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw in several reports. However, a mechanism underlying this occurrence is still unclear.Objective:  This study was to investigate causative roles of ZA on osseous cellular activities of pre‐osteoblastic cell line MC3T3‐E1 (MC3T3) and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC).Methods:  Morphological analysis, RT‐PCR, annexin V/PI staining, together with mineralization, cell viability, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays were performed.Results:  Zoledronic acid treatment decreased bone nodule formation at all concentrations tested (0.01–100 μM). Cell morphologies of both cell types were altered from their normal appearances after the addition of ZA (≥5 μM), and cell viability was significantly inhibited at concentrations ≥0.1 μM for MC3T3 and at concentrations ≥10 μM for MSC. ZA (100 μM) induced apoptosis in MC3T3 and MSC. Furthermore, ALP activity from both cells was strongly reduced when exposed to ZA (≥1 μM for MC3T3 and ≥5 μM for MSC). ZA also down‐regulated Runx 2 and Col I mRNA expressions.Conclusion:  With this in vitro study, ZA mediated defective bone mineralization by directly disrupting osteoblast/osteoprogenitor cellular activities at several levels, that is, cell proliferation, osteoblast differentiation, and osteoblast function of both pre‐osteoblastic cells and MSC.
The effects of disclosure of sequential rhinomanometry scores on post‐septoplasty subjective scores of nasal obstruction: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Manestar D. , Braut T. , Kujundžić M. , Malvić G. , Velepič M. , Donadić Manestar I. , Matanić Lender D. , Starčević R. 
Published: May 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 176–180Objective:  We sought to evaluate the effects of awareness of rhinomanometric results on subjective sensation of nasal breathing in patients after septoplasty.Design:  Prospective randomised study.Setting:  Clinical Hospital Rijeka.Participants:  A study of 60 patients (45 M, 15 F) who underwent septoplasty was performed at the ENT Clinic, Clinical Hospital Rijeka. The patients were randomised into two groups; group A was shown their rhinomanometry scores at 3 months postoperatively, while group B remained unaware of their rhinomanometry results.Main outcome measure:  The assumption is that in the same settings patients aware of their rhinomanometric results have better performances of their Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and thereby a better quality of life (QOL) after septoplasty.Results:  The differences in rhinomanometric results and NOSE scale prior and after septoplasty were statistically significant (P < 0.001), all patients achieving better results after the operation. There was no statistically significant difference in resistance (F = 0.004; P = 0.948) and improvement of rhinomanometry results in postoperative measurements (F = 0.110; P = 0.896) between groups A and B. The symptoms measured by the NOSE scale were the same in both groups preoperatively and 1 month after septoplasty (F = 2.906; P = 0.094). Three months postoperatively in group A, the NOSE scale score was lower (M = 11.67; sd = 12.34) than in group B (M = 27.50; sd = 18.04).Conclusions:  The results suggest that disclosing information to patients about their post‐septoplasty rhinomanometry results may improve subjective nasal breathing, and thus improve their QOL.