bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FHY3 promotes shoot branching and stress tolerance in Arabidopsis in an AXR1‐dependent manner
Authors: Stirnberg Petra , Zhao Shuqing , Williamson Lisa , Ward Sally , Leyser Ottoline 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe transposase‐related transcription factor FAR‐RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL3 (FHY3) promotes seedling de‐etiolation in far‐red light, which is perceived by phytochrome A (phyA). In this role, FHY3 indirectly mediates the nuclear import of light‐activated phyA, which triggers downstream transcriptional responses. Here, we present genetic evidence for additional roles of FHY3 in plant development and growth. New fhy3 alleles were isolated as suppressors of max2‐1 (more axillary branching2‐1), a strigolactone‐insensitive mutant characterised by highly branched shoots. Branching suppression by fhy3, in both wild‐type and max2‐1 backgrounds, resulted from inhibition of axillary bud outgrowth. Additional roles in axillary meristem initiation were revealed in the revoluta (rev) fhy3 double mutant, with fhy3 enhancing rev mutant defects in axillary shoot meristem formation, as well as in floral meristem maintenance. fhy3 also affected embryonic and floral patterning with low penetrance, and displayed oxidative stress‐related phenotypes of retarded leaf growth and of cell death. The fhy3 phenotypes of axillary bud outgrowth suppression and of stress‐induced leaf growth retardation both required the AUXIN‐RESISTANT1 gene, and are independent of phyA. Consistent with the recent discovery that FHY3 regulates many Arabidopsis promoters, our results suggest much wider roles for FHY3 in growth and development, either in concert with, or beyond, light signalling.
Employing a Monte Carlo algorithm in expectation maximization restricted maximum likelihood estimation of the linear mixed model
Authors: Matilainen K. , Mäntysaari E.A. , Lidauer M.H. , Strandén I. , Thompson R. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryMultiple‐trait and random regression models have multiplied the number of equations needed for the estimation of variance components. To avoid inversion or decomposition of a large coefficient matrix, we propose estimation of variance components by Monte Carlo expectation maximization restricted maximum likelihood (MC EM REML) for multiple‐trait linear mixed models. Implementation is based on full‐model sampling for calculating the prediction error variances required for EM REML. Performance of the analytical and the MC EM REML algorithm was compared using a simulated and a field data set. For field data, results from both algorithms corresponded well even with one MC sample within an MC EM REML round. The magnitude of the standard errors of estimated prediction error variances depended on the formula used to calculate them and on the MC sample size within an MC EM REML round. Sampling variation in MC EM REML did not impair the convergence behaviour of the solutions compared with analytical EM REML analysis. A convergence criterion that takes into account the sampling variation was developed to monitor convergence for the MC EM REML algorithm. For the field data set, MC EM REML proved far superior to analytical EM REML both in computing time and in memory need.
Progress Towards a Real‐time PCR Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis and Pepino mosaic virus in Tomato Seed
Authors: Johnson Kameka L. , Walcott Ron R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractQuarantined phytopathogens such as Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis can be introduced into tomato transplant houses and fields on infested seed and thereby cause significant economic losses. Hence, specific and sensitive seed health assays are required to exclude these organisms. Currently, separate assays must be conducted on seed samples for each pathogen, making the process time‐consuming and expensive. One approach to improve the efficiency of seed health testing is multiplex real‐time PCR; however, PCR can be inhibited by compounds co‐extracted from seed tissues with nucleic acids. To address this concern, we explored the use of magnetic capture hybridization (MCH) to concentrate and purify target nucleic acids prior to real‐time PCR. The combination of MCH with multiplex real‐time PCR resulted in a 102–103‐fold increase in detection sensitivity for both pathogens compared to DNA extraction and direct multiplex real‐time PCR. The detection threshold observed for the MCH multiplex real‐time PCR assay was a combination of 105C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis CFU/ml plus a 10−4‐fold dilution of total RNA extracted from PepMV‐infected tomato leaf tissue. These observations provide proof for the concept that MCH can facilitate the simultaneous detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis and PepMV by multiplex real‐time PCR.
Effects of tides and weather on sedimentation of iron‐oxyhydroxides in a shallow‐marine hydrothermal environment at Nagahama Bay, Satsuma Iwo‐Jima Island, Kagoshima, southwest Japan
Authors: KIYOKAWA SHOICHI , NINOMIYA TOMOMI , NAGATA TOMOAKI , OGURI KAZUMASA , ITO TAKASHI , IKEHARA MINORU , YAMAGUCHI KOSEI E. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractNagahama Bay of Satsuma Iwo‐Jima Island, southwest Japan, is an excellent place for studying sedimentation of iron‐oxyhydroxides by shallow‐marine low‐temperature hydrothermal activity. Its fishing port has a narrow entrance that limits exchange of seawater between the bay and open ocean, allowing the accumulation of fine‐grained precipitates of iron‐bearing materials (Fe‐oxyhydroxides) on the seafloor. The fishing port is usually filled with orange‐ to brown‐colored Fe‐rich water, and deposits >1.5 m thick Fe‐rich sediments. To elucidate the movement and depositional processes of the Fe‐rich precipitates in the bay, we conducted continuous profiling of turbidity throughout the tidal cycle and monitoring of surface water. The results showed that clear seawater entered the bay during the rising tide, and turbid colored water flowed into the ocean during the ebb tide. Neap tide was found to be an optimal condition for sedimentation of Fe‐oxyhydroxides due to weak tidal currents. Storms and heavy rains were also found to have influenced precipitation of Fe‐oxyhydroxides. Storm waves disturbed the bottom sediments, resulting in increased turbidity and rapid re‐deposition of Fe‐oxyhydroxides with an upward‐fining sequence. Heavy rain carried Fe‐oxyhydroxides originally accumulated in nearby beach sands to the bay. Our findings provide information on optimal conditions for the accumulation of Fe‐rich sediments in shallow‐marine hydrothermal settings.
Comparative genomics of methylated amine utilization by marine Roseobacter clade bacteria and development of functional gene markers (tmm, gmaS)
Authors: Chen Yin 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe marine Roseobacter clade bacteria comprise up to 20% of the microbial community in coastal surface seawater. Marine Roseobacter clade bacteria are known to catalyse some important biogeochemical transformations in marine carbon and sulfur cycles. Using a comparative genomic approach, this study revealed that many marine Roseobacter clade bacteria have the genetic potential to utilize methylated amines (MAs) as alternative nitrogen sources. These MAs represent a significant pool of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen in the marine environment. The marine Roseobacter clade bacterial genomes also encode full sets of genes providing them with the potential to generate energy from complete oxidation of the methyl groups of MAs. Representative species of the marine Roseobacter clade were tested and their abilities to use MAs are directly linked to the presence in their genomes of genes encoding key enzymes involved in MA metabolism, including trimethylamine monooxygenase (tmm) and gamma‐glutamylmethylamide synthetase (gmaS). These two genes were chosen as functional markers for detecting MA‐utilizing marine Roseobacter clade bacteria in the environment. PCR primers targeting these two genes were designed and used successfully to retrieve corresponding gene sequences from MA‐utilizing isolates of the marine Roseobacter clade, as well as directly from DNA extracted from surface seawater obtained from Station L4 off the coast of Plymouth, UK. Taken together, the results suggest that MAs may serve as important nitrogen and possibly energy sources for marine Roseobacter clade bacteria, which helps to explain their global success in the marine environment.
Rupatadine 10 mg in the treatment of immediate mosquito‐bite allergy
Authors: Karppinen A. , Brummer‐Korvenkontio H. , Reunala T. , Izquierdo I. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground  People frequently experience wealing and delayed papules from mosquito bites. Wealing is mediated by antisaliva IgE antibodies and histamine.Rupatadine is a new antihistamine effective in allergic rhinitis and urticaria, but the effect on mosquito‐bite allergy is not known.Objective  To determine the effectiveness of rupatadine in inmediate mosquito‐bite allergy‐confirmed adult patients.Methods  A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study was performed with rupatadine 10 mg and matched placebo in 30 mosquito‐bite‐sensitive adults. The mean age was 37 years and the subjects had suffered from harmful mosquito bites for a mean of 15 years. Either rupatadine or placebo was taken at 08:00 am for 4 days, followed by a 5 day wash out period and then alternative treatment was given for 4 days. On day 3, in both drug periods the subjects received two Aedes aegypti mosquito‐bites on the forearm. The size of lesions and intensity of pruritus [visual analogue scale (VAS)] were measured after 15 min bite reaction.Results  Twenty‐six subjects were analysed for efficacy. The size of the 15 min bite reaction under placebo was of 106 mm2 and under rupatadine, of 55 mm2. This is a significant decrease (48%; P = 0.0003). The accompanying pruritus decreased from 60 (VAS; median) under placebo to 47.5 under rupatadine, which also is a significant (P = 0.019) difference. There was no significant (P = 0.263) difference in adverse events under rupatadine and placebo.Conclusion  The present placebo‐controlled study in mosquito‐bite‐sensitive adults shows that rupatadine 10 mg prophylactically given is an effective treatment for the mosquito‐bite wealing and skin pruritus.
Cutaneous side effects of inhibitors of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signalling pathway and their management
Authors: Manousaridis I. , Mavridou S. , Goerdt S. , Leverkus M. , Utikal J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMutations in genes encoding for proteins along the RAS‐RAF‐MEK‐ERK pathway have been detected in a variety of tumor entities, including malignant melanoma, thyroid, colonic and ovarian carcinomas, and some sarcomas. Thus, a number of inhibitors of this pathway have been developed, whose antitumor potential is currently being assessed in different clinical trials. Up to now one drug of this category (vemurafenib) has been approved by the FDA and the European Commission for late‐stage melanoma. Although these new targeted anticancer therapies are generally considered to be safe and well tolerated, certain toxicities have been attributed to them, with cutaneous side effects being perhaps the most frequent amongst them. Based on results of clinical trials and on case series, a distinct profile of cutaneous toxicity has been observed, which is similar to that of EGFR and multikinase inhibitors. As exanthema, palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, hyperkeratosis, xerosis, pruritus, photosensitivity, and paronychia, can be controlled in most cases with common conservative modalities, special attention should be given to the early detection of epithelial skin tumors (mainly keratoakanthomas) that can be induced during therapy with these agents. This report reviews all current published data on cutaneous side effects of RAS‐RAF‐MEK‐ERK pathway inhibitors, and attempts to provide the clinician with clear hints for their management.
Venous malformations treated with dual wavelength 595 and 1064 nm laser system
Authors: Alcántara‐González J. , Boixeda P. , Pérez‐García B. , Truchuelo‐Díez M.T. , González‐Muñoz P. , Jaén‐Olasolo P. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground & objective  Venous malformations (VM) represent a localized error in the embryological development of the venous branch of the circulation. The management of VM is complex and challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of combined sequential pulsed dye laser (PDL)‐Nd:YAG laser in patients with cutaneous or mucosal VM.Methods  Thirty patients (age from 8 to 65 years) with cutaneous or mucosal VM treated with dual wavelength PDL‐Nd:YAG laser were retrospectively analyzed. Laser parameters were 10 mm spot size with 10 ms pulse and 8–10 J/cm2 of PDL, followed with a second delay by Nd:YAG with 15 or 20 ms at 35–70 J/cm2; or 7 mm spot size with 10 ms pulse and 5–10.5 J/cm2 of PDL, followed with a second delay by Nd:YAG with 15 or 20 ms at 50–100 J/cm2. Laser sessions were repeated approximately every 2–6 months. Air cooling was applied during treatment.Three dermatologists evaluated treatment effectiveness by means of photographs of the patients before and after laser treatment (scale from 0 to 4). Differences in the degree of clinical improvement between patients with cutaneous or mucosal VM were also assessed. Adverse events were registered. Patient satisfaction was also assessed in 19 cases (scale from 0 to 10).Results  Mean global improvement was rated as 3.37. Mean improvement in patients with cutaneous VM was 3.35 and 3.38 in patients with mucosal VM. No significant difference between both groups was observed (P = 0.53). Long‐lasting side effects included partial epilation of the eyelashes in one patient, ulceration in two patients and permanent scarring in three patients. Mean patient satisfaction was 8.55.Conclusions  Our study concludes that dual wavelength PDL‐Nd:YAG laser was effective for treatment of the superficial component of cutaneous and mucosal VM.
Morphology of basal cell carcinoma in high definition optical coherence tomography: en‐face and slice imaging mode, and comparison with histology
Authors: Maier T. , Braun‐Falco M. , Hinz T. , Schmid‐Wendtner M.H. , Ruzicka T. , Berking C. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground  Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows real‐time, in vivo examination of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A new high definition OCT with high lateral and axial resolution in a horizontal (en‐face) and vertical (slice) imaging mode offers additional information in the diagnosis of BCC and may potentially replace invasive diagnostic biopsies.Objectives  To define the characteristic morphologic features of BCC by using high definition optical coherence tomography (HD‐OCT) compared to conventional histology.Methods  A total of 22 BCCs were examined preoperatively by HD‐OCT in the en‐face and slice imaging mode and characteristic features were evaluated in comparison to the histopathological findings.Results  The following features were found in the en‐face mode of HD‐OCT: lobulated nodules (20/22), peripheral rimming (17/22), epidermal disarray (21/22), dilated vessels (11/22) and variably refractile stroma (19/22). In the slice imaging mode the following characteristics were found: grey/dark oval structures (18/22), peripheral rimming (13/22), destruction of layering (22/22), dilated vessels (7/22) and peritumoural bright stroma (11/22). In the en‐face mode the lobulated structure of the BCC was more distinct than in the slice mode compared to histology.Conclusion  HD‐OCT with a horizontal and vertical imaging mode offers additional information in the diagnosis of BCC compared to conventional OCT imaging and enhances the feasibility of non‐invasive diagnostics of BCC.
A multidisciplinary approach to solving computer related vision problems
Authors: Long Jennifer , Helland Magne 
Published: April 2012

Citation information: Long J & Helland M. A multidisciplinary approach to solving computer related vision problems. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 429–435. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00911.xAbstractPurpose:  This paper proposes a multidisciplinary approach to solving computer related vision issues by including optometry as a part of the problem‐solving team.Recent findings:  Computer workstation design is increasing in complexity. There are at least ten different professions who contribute to workstation design or who provide advice to improve worker comfort, safety and efficiency. Optometrists have a role identifying and solving computer‐related vision issues and in prescribing appropriate optical devices. However, it is possible that advice given by optometrists to improve visual comfort may conflict with other requirements and demands within the workplace. A multidisciplinary approach has been advocated for solving computer related vision issues. There are opportunities for optometrists to collaborate with ergonomists, who coordinate information from physical, cognitive and organisational disciplines to enact holistic solutions to problems. This paper proposes a model of collaboration and examples of successful partnerships at a number of professional levels including individual relationships between optometrists and ergonomists when they have mutual clients/patients, in undergraduate and postgraduate education and in research. There is also scope for dialogue between optometry and ergonomics professional associations.Summary:  A multidisciplinary approach offers the opportunity to solve vision related computer issues in a cohesive, rather than fragmented way. Further exploration is required to understand the barriers to these professional relationships.
Distinct endothelial pathways underlie sexual dimorphism in vascular auto‐regulation
Authors: Chan Melissa V , Bubb Kristen J , Noyce Alastair , Villar Inmaculada C , Duchene Johan , Hobbs Adrian J , Scotland Ramona S , Ahluwalia Amrita 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pre‐menopausal females have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease compared with age‐matched males, implying differences in the mechanisms and pathways regulating vasoactivity. In small arteries, myogenic tone (constriction in response to raised intraluminal pressure) is a major determinant of vascular resistance. Endothelium‐derived dilators, particularly NO, tonically moderate myogenic tone and, because the endothelium is an important target for female sex hormones, we investigated whether NO‐mediated moderation of myogenic tone differed between the sexes.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Pressure–diameter or relaxation concentration–response curves to the NO donor spermine‐NO or soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation (BAY41‐2272) were constructed before and following drug intervention in murine mesenteric resistance arteries. Hypotensive responses to activators of the NO‐sGC pathway were determined. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used for expression analysis.KEY RESULTS NO synthase inhibition enhanced myogenic tone of arteries of both sexes while block of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) enhanced responses in arteries of females only. Spermine‐NO concentration‐dependently relaxed mesenteric arteries isolated from either sex. However, while inhibition of sGC activity attenuated responses of arteries from male mice only, endothelial denudation attenuated responses of arteries from females only. BAY41‐2272 and spermine‐NO‐induced vasodilatation and hypotension were greater in males than in females.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NO moderated myogenic tone in arteries of male mice by a sGC‐dependent pathway while EDHF was the predominant endothelial regulator in arteries of females. This is a potentially important sexual dimorphism in NO‐mediated reactivity and further implicates EDHF as the predominant endothelial vasodilator in female resistance arteries.
Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in gynaecology: Feasibility and operative outcomes
Authors: Behnia‐Willison Fariba , Foroughinia Leila , Sina Maryam , McChesney Phil 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundSingle incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) represents the latest advancement in minimally invasive surgery, combining the benefits of conventional laparoscopic surgery, such as less pain and faster recovery, with improved cosmesis. Although the successful use of this technique is well reported in general surgery and urology, there is a lack of studies on SILS in gynaecology.AimsTo evaluate the feasibility, safety, cosmesis and outcome of SILS in gynaecology.MethodsA prospective case series analysis of 105 women scheduled to undergo surgery by SILS from August 2010 to November 2011. Intra‐operative data such as operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, additional ports and hospital stay were collected. Post‐operative pain and cosmetic outcomes (scar size) were also recorded.ResultsOut of 105 women, SILS was performed for 84 (60 excisions of endometriosis, 13 divisions of adhesions, five hysterectomies, two mesh sacrohysteropexies and four ovarian cystectomies). SILS was not undertaken for 21 women because of a number of factors, including the lack of required equipment (eg bariatric scope, SILS port, roticulating instruments and diathermy leads). Four women required insertion of additional ports because of surgical difficulties. One intra‐operative (uterine perforation) and seven post‐operative complications (six wound infections and one vault haematoma) occurred. Mean operation times were as follows: mesh sacrohysteropexy – 60 min, excision of endometriosis – 55 min, hysterectomy – 150 min, laparoscopic division of adhesions – 62 min and ovarian cystectomy – 40 min.ConclusionsOur experience shows that SILS is a feasible and safe technique for the surgical management of various gynaecological conditions. Satisfaction is high because of improved cosmesis and reduced analgesic requirements post‐operatively.
Dilator‐Assisted Banding for Managing Complications Associated with Excessive Hemodialysis Access Flow
Authors: Wang Shouwen , Almehmi Ammar , Packer Jeffrey 
Published: May 2012

AbstractExcessive hemodialysis access flow can be associated with serious complications, such as ischemic steal syndrome and heart failure. Among the therapeutic approaches, endoluminal balloon‐guided banding has the advantage of being minimally invasive. However, it requires fluoroscopic guidance. We here report a simpler approach, Dilator‐assisted Banding (DAB), in which over‐the‐wire vascular dilators of known diameters are used as endoluminal‐guides to achieve precision banding with or without fluoroscopic guidance. The dilators used are 10, 12, and 14 French, corresponding to 3.3, 4.0, and 4.7 mm in diameter, respectively. Of the seven treated patients with ischemic steal syndrome, three were males, mean age was 67.7 ± 16.3 years, five were diabetics, all were hypertensive, five had fistulas, and two had grafts. Mean age of hemodialysis accesses was 17.2 ± 18.4 months. Three patients had banding without fluoroscopic guidance, including two performed during fistula vein superficialization and basilic vein transposition. With follow‐up of 2–12 months, all hemodialysis accesses remained functional. Six patients had complete resolution and one reported marked improvement of ischemic symptoms. In summary, DAB is a simple, effective, and economical flow‐reduction alternative for managing ischemic steal syndrome and potentially other complications associated with excessive access flows. In addition, it can be safely performed without fluoroscopic guidance.