bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a Glucosyltransferase Enzyme Involved in the Formation of Kaempferol and Quercetin Sophorosides in Crocus sativus
Authors: Trapero Almudena , Ahrazem Oussama , Rubio-Moraga Angela , Jimeno Maria Luisa , Gómez Maria Dolores , Gómez-Gómez Lourdes 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
UGT707B1 is a new glucosyltransferase isolated from saffron (Crocus sativus) that localizes to the cytoplasm and the nucleus of stigma and tepal cells. UGT707B1 transcripts were detected in the stigma tissue of all the Crocus species analyzed, but expression analysis of UGT707B1 in tepals revealed its absence in certain species. The analysis of the glucosylated flavonoids present in Crocus tepals reveals the presence of two major flavonoid compounds in saffron: kaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)-β-d-glucopyranoside and quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-2)-β-d-glucopyranoside, both of which were absent from the tepals of those Crocus species that did not express UGT707B1. Transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants constitutively expressing UGT707B1 under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter have been constructed and their phenotype analyzed. The transgenic lines displayed a number of changes that resembled those described previously in lines where flavonoid levels had been altered. The plants showed hyponastic leaves, a reduced number of trichomes, thicker stems, and flowering delay. Levels of flavonoids measured in extracts of the transgenic plants showed changes in the composition of flavonols when compared with wild-type plants. The major differences were observed in the extracts from stems and flowers, with an increase in 3-sophoroside flavonol glucosides. Furthermore, a new compound not detected in ecotype Columbia wild-type plants was detected in all the tissues and identified as kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-rhamnoside. These data reveal the involvement of UGT707B1 in the biosynthesis of flavonol-3-O-sophorosides and how significant changes in flavonoid homeostasis can be caused by the overproduction of a flavonoid-conjugating enzyme.
Effect of Arabinogalactan Proteins from the Root Caps of Pea and Brassica napus on Aphanomyces euteiches Zoospore Chemotaxis and Germination
Authors: Cannesan Marc Antoine , Durand Caroline , Burel Carole , Gangneux Christophe , Lerouge Patrice , Ishii Tadashi , Laval Karine , Follet-Gueye Marie-Laure , Driouich Azeddine , Vicré-Gibouin Maïté 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Root tips of many plant species release a number of border, or border-like, cells that are thought to play a major role in the protection of root meristem. However, little is currently known on the structure and function of the cell wall components of such root cells. Here, we investigate the sugar composition of the cell wall of the root cap in two species: pea (Pisum sativum), which makes border cells, and Brassica napus, which makes border-like cells. We find that the cell walls are highly enriched in arabinose and galactose, two major residues of arabinogalactan proteins. We confirm the presence of arabinogalactan protein epitopes on root cap cell walls using immunofluorescence microscopy. We then focused on these proteoglycans by analyzing their carbohydrate moieties, linkages, and electrophoretic characteristics. The data reveal (1) significant structural differences between B. napus and pea root cap arabinogalactan proteins and (2) a cross-link between these proteoglycans and pectic polysaccharides. Finally, we assessed the impact of root cap arabinogalactan proteins on the behavior of zoospores of Aphanomyces euteiches, an oomycetous pathogen of pea roots. We find that although the arabinogalactan proteins of both species induce encystment and prevent germination, the effects of both species are similar. However, the arabinogalactan protein fraction from pea attracts zoospores far more effectively than that from B. napus. This suggests that root arabinogalactan proteins are involved in the control of early infection of roots and highlights a novel role for these proteoglycans in root-microbe interactions.
An A/ENTH Domain-Containing Protein Functions as an Adaptor for Clathrin-Coated Vesicles on the Growing Cell Plate in Arabidopsis Root Cells
Authors: Song Kyungyoung , Jang Mihue , Kim Soo Youn , Lee Goeun , Lee Gil-Je , Kim Dae Heon , Lee Yongjik , Cho Wonhwa , Hwang Inhwan 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Cytokinesis is the process of partitioning the cytoplasm of a dividing cell, thereby completing mitosis. Cytokinesis in the plant cell is achieved by the formation of a new cell wall between daughter nuclei using components carried in Golgi-derived vesicles that accumulate at the midplane of the phragmoplast and fuse to form the cell plate. Proteins that play major roles in the development of the cell plate in plant cells are not well defined. Here, we report that an AP180 amino-terminal homology/epsin amino-terminal homology domain-containing protein from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is involved in clathrin-coated vesicle formation from the cell plate. Arabidopsis Epsin-like Clathrin Adaptor1 (AtECA1; At2g01600) and its homologous proteins AtECA2 and AtECA4 localize to the growing cell plate in cells undergoing cytokinesis and also to the plasma membrane and endosomes in nondividing cells. AtECA1 (At2g01600) does not localize to nascent cell plates but localizes at higher levels to expanding cell plates even after the cell plate fuses with the parental plasma membrane. The temporal and spatial localization patterns of AtECA1 overlap most closely with those of the clathrin light chain. In vitro protein interaction assays revealed that AtECA1 binds to the clathrin H chain via its carboxyl-terminal domain. These results suggest that these AP180 amino-terminal homology/epsin amino-terminal homology domain-containing proteins, AtECA1, AtECA2, and AtECA4, may function as adaptors of clathrin-coated vesicles budding from the cell plate.
Randomised clinical trial: simvastatin as adjuvant therapy improves significantly the Helicobacter pylori eradication rate ‐ a placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Nseir W. , Diab H. , Mahamid M. , Abu‐Elheja O. , Samara M. , Abid A. , Mograbi J. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori with standard treatments are decreasing worldwide.AimTo determine whether adding simvastatin as adjuvant to triple regimen in patients with H. pylori infection will improve the eradication rate.MethodsWe conducted a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomised clinical trial comparing a 7‐day, triple eradication regimen consisting of two antibiotics (clarithromycin 500 mg and amoxicillin 1 g, all twice per day) plus a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole 20 mg twice daily) supplemented with simvastatin 20 mg (CAO + S) or a comparable placebo (CAO + P). Both the simvastatin and the placebo were taken orally twice daily for 1 week in 113 patients with H. pylori infection. The presence of H. pylori was determined by positive rapid urease test and histology. Eradication was confirmed by 13C‐urea breath test at least 1 month after treatment. Adverse effects were assessed by questionnaire.ResultsA total of 113 patients underwent randomisation. Intention‐to‐treat analysis (ITT; n = 113) eradication rates were: CAO + S (86%; 95% CI: 78–92%), CAO + P (69%; 95% CI: 64–74%). Per protocol analysis (PP; n = 108) eradication rates were: CAO + S (91%; 95% CI: 84–94%), CAO + P (72%; 95% CI: 65–78%). Eradication rates were higher with CAO + S than CAO + P in PP and ITT (P = 0.03, P = 0.04 respectively). No differences were demonstrated between the two groups concerning compliance or adverse effects.ConclusionIn this randomised clinical trial simvastatin as adjuvant to standard therapy improves significantly the H. pylori eradication rate.
Applying critical social work in direct practice with families
Authors: Weiss‐Gal Idit , Levin Lia , Krumer‐Nevo Michal 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper seeks to further discourse concerning the implications of critical social work for direct practice with families and children. It presents and discusses a hypothetical example of how a social worker in a social care agency in Israel can incorporate critical social work notions into an official social work report. The paper begins by presenting key concepts in critical social work, their manifestations in practice and their implications for official social work reports. It then presents a mock report informed by critical social work ideas and discusses its structure and contents. The mock report provides an example of how abstract notions central to critical social work can be actualized. The paper thus offers practitioners the opportunity for a richer discourse on the contribution of critical social work to direct practice with families and children.
CD34+ megakaryocytes (≥30%) are associated with megaloblastic anaemia and non‐acute myeloid neoplasia
Authors: Insuasti‐Beltran Giovanni , Steidler Nichole L , Kang Huining , Reichard Kaaren K 
Published: May 2012

Insuasti‐Beltran G, Steidler N L, Kang H & Reichard K K  (2012) Histopathology 61, 694–701CD34+ megakaryocytes (≥30%) are associated with megaloblastic anaemia and non‐acute myeloid neoplasiaAims:  To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of CD34 staining of megakaryocytes (MKs), in order to distinguish non‐neoplastic and neoplastic bone marrows (BMs).Methods and results:  Three hundred BMs (120 non‐neoplastic and 180 neoplastic) were evaluated for percentage and intensity of CD34 staining of MKs. The selected non‐neoplastic cases included anaemia, autoimmune conditions, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and staging BMs. The neoplastic cases included myelodysplastic syndromes and/or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS, MPN, MDS/MPN). Eight per cent of non‐neoplastic (9/120) cases and 13% of neoplastic (24/180) cases showed ≥30% CD34+ MKs, and these were essentially restricted to cases of megaloblastic anaemia (MBA) and non‐acute myeloid neoplasms. The finding of ≥30% CD34+ MKs did not distinguish between categories of non‐acute myeloid neoplasms. MDS cases with ≥30% CD34+ MKs had lower platelet counts than cases with <30% (P = 0.03).Conclusions:  In complex BM cases, the presence of ≥30% CD34+ MKs constitutes a potentially useful diagnostic tool with which to distinguish non‐acute myeloid neoplasms and MBA from non‐MBA reactive conditions, for minimal additional cost.
Molecular ecology and adaptation of visual photopigments in craniates
Authors: DAVIES WAYNE I. L. , COLLIN SHAUN P. , HUNT DAVID M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn craniates, opsin‐based photopigments expressed in the eye encode molecular ‘light sensors’ that constitute the initial protein in photoreception and the activation of the phototransduction cascade. Since the cloning and sequencing of the first vertebrate opsin gene (bovine rod opsin) nearly 30 years ago (Ovchinnikov Yu 1982, FEBS Letters, 148, 179–191; Hargrave et al. 1983, Biophysics of Structure & Mechanism, 9, 235–244; Nathans & Hogness 1983, Cell, 34, 807–814), it is now well established that variation in the subtypes and spectral properties of the visual pigments that mediate colour and dim‐light vision is a prevalent mechanism for the molecular adaptation to diverse light environments. In this review, we discuss the origins and spectral tuning of photopigments that first arose in the agnathans to sample light within the ancient aquatic landscape of the Early Cambrian, detailing the molecular changes that subsequently occurred in each of the opsin classes independently within the main branches of extant jawed gnathostomes. Specifically, we discuss the adaptive changes that have occurred in the photoreceptors of craniates as they met the ecological challenges to survive in quite differing photic niches, including brightly lit aquatic surroundings; the deep sea; the transition to and from land; diurnal, crepuscular and nocturnal environments; and light‐restricted fossorial settings. The review ends with a discussion of the limitations inherent to the ‘nocturnal‐bottleneck’ hypothesis relevant to the evolution of the mammalian visual system and a proposition that transition through a ‘mesopic‐bottleneck’ may be a more appropriate model.
Concentration‐dependent mechanisms of cell penetration and killing by the de novo designed antifungal hexapeptide PAF26
Authors: Muñoz Alberto , Marcos Jose F. , Read Nick D. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryRecent evidence indicates that antimicrobial peptides can kill microbes in more complex ways than just by membrane permeabilization. In this study, the mechanism of internalization of the de novo designed cationic hexapeptide PAF26 has been characterized in detail using Neurospora crassa. Live‐cell imaging of fluorescently labelled PAF26, organelle probes and mutants indicate that the peptide is endocytically internalized at low fungicidal concentrations (2.0–5 µM). At these concentrations, PAF26 initially accumulated in vacuoles that expanded, and then was actively transported into the cytoplasm, which coincided with cell death. Deletion mutants of the endocytic proteins RVS‐161, RVS‐167 and RAB‐5 exhibited reduced rates of PAF26 internalization and fungicidal activity. Pharmacological experiments with live‐cell probes showed that PAF26 internalization and antifungal action at low fungicidal concentrations was energy‐dependent, primarily actin‐mediated, and disrupted intracellular calcium homeostasis. PAF26 antifungal activity at low concentrations was shown to rely on its endocytic internalization. PAF26 also induced plasma membrane depolarization which, however, was independent of peptide internalization and killing of fungal cells. At high fungicidal concentrations (20 µM), PAF26 internalization was energy‐independent, suggesting the involvement of passive peptide translocation. Our results provide new mechanistic insights into the mode‐of‐action of small cationic antimicrobial peptides that should facilitate improvements in their design.
Validation of a nested error component model to estimate damage caused by corn rootworm larvae
Authors: Tinsley N. A. , Estes R. E. , Gray M. E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe corn rootworm complex (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) constitutes a significant threat to maize production in the United States, and more recently, in Europe. We conducted an analysis of readily available field trial data to validate an existing damage function for corn rootworm larvae. We used a nested error component model with unbalanced panel data to describe the relationship between yield loss and root injury caused by these insects. These data were collected by personnel with the Insect Management and Insecticide Evaluation Programme (Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois) and represent 19 location‐years. To our knowledge, this is the largest data set used to estimate a damage function for corn rootworm larvae. Unlike many experiments examining the relationship between root injury and yield loss caused by corn rootworm larvae, the data set used for our analysis includes many Bt maize hybrids. Our model suggests that for each node of roots injured by corn rootworm larvae, a yield loss of approximately 15% can be expected. Statistically significant variance components included an effect of location and experimental error. We speculate that variation in weather across experimental sites was the principal factor contributing to the significant effect of location. The substantial experimental error observed for our model highlights the limitations of utilizing a multi‐year, geographically diverse damage function for predicting yield loss because of root injury on a small scale. We discuss major factors contributing to the variance components estimated by our model and suggest techniques for improving future analyses of the damage function for corn rootworm larvae.
Improvement in imidazolinone resistance in Cicer species by induced mutation
Authors: Toker Cengiz , Canci Huseyin , Inci Nisa E. , Ceylan Fatma O. 
Published: May 2012

With 1 figure and 1 tableAbstractYield of the cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) can be doubled when the sowing time is shifted from spring to autumn in the Mediterranean region; however, weeds are one of the most important and unsolved problems in autumn‐sown or irrigated chickpea. To solve weed problem, improvement in herbicide resistance has given priority for effective weed management by the farmers. This study deals with the selection of resistance to imidazolinone (IMI) using induced mutagenesis in three Cicer species including five ‘macrosperma’ (ILC 8617, CA 2969, Sierra, Mexican white and Spanish), four ‘microsperma’ (ICC 552, ICC 4951, ICC 4958 and ICC 6119) chickpeas as well as three accessions of annual wild species, one accession of C. bijugum K.H. Rech. and two accessions of C. reticulatum Ladiz., in the field and pot experiments. At the first time, one highly IMI‐resistant mutant of C. reticulatum was isolated after active ingredient of IMI on proposed dose was applied with increasing 10 times in field and 20 times in pot experiments. Bottleneck because of weeds on autumn‐sown and irrigated chickpea will be solved using the new gene in plant breeding programmes.
Unilateral Seminoma in a Dromedary Camel
Authors: Ali A , Ahmed AF , Mehana EE , El‐Tookhy O , Al‐Hawas A 
Published: May 2012

ContentsA 10‐year‐old, clinically healthy, male dromedary camel had presented a history of progressive unilateral testicular enlargement over the past 5 years. The animal had mated with 32 females during that period; all had conceived. The sex ratio of his offspring was one male to 31 females. Ultrasound examination of the right testicle revealed a diffusely heterogeneous parenchyma with no identifiable normal testicular tissue. The enlarged testicle was surgically removed. Macroscopically, the testicle had a glistening pink surface and contained multiple soft, bulging nodules. Histopathologically, a well‐differentiated, diffuse seminoma was diagnosed. In conclusion, this study describes the fertility, sex ratio, clinical findings and ultrasonographic imaging in a male dromedary camel affected with unilateral testicular seminoma.
Anal skin tags: removal made simple
Authors: Spanos C. P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim  Anal skin tags are a common finding. They are found in one‐third of patients with bening anal disorders. We describe a simple method of anal skin tag removal during stapled anopexy. This involves utilizing the circular anal dilator provided with the stapling kit.Method  Skin tags are brought through the perforations of the circular anal dilator of the stapling kit. The skin tags are removed by cautery.Results  Minimal pain has been noticed in patients under going this procedure.Conclusion  Anal skin tags can be removed in a simple manner using components provided with the stapling kit. We decribe a simple method of anal skin tag removal during stapled anopexy. This involves utilizing the circular anal dilator provided with the stapling kit.
Dapagliflozin has no effect on markers of bone formation and resorption or bone mineral density in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus on metformin
Authors: Ljunggren Ö. , Bolinder J. , Johansson L. , Wilding J. , Langkilde A. M. , Sjöström C. D. , Sugg J. , Parikh S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAimsDapagliflozin, a selective sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, reduces hyperglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by increasing urinary glucose excretion. Owing to its mechanism of action, dapagliflozin could potentially affect the renal tubular transportation of bone minerals. Therefore, markers of bone formation and resorption and bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated in patients with T2DM after 50 weeks of dapagliflozin treatment.MethodsThis international, multi‐centre, randomized, parallel‐group, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00855166) enrolled patients with T2DM (women 55–75 years and men 30–75 years; HbA1c 6.5–8.5%; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; body weight ≤ 120 kg) whose T2DM was inadequately controlled on metformin. One hundred and eighty‐two patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive dapagliflozin 10 mg/day or placebo added to open‐label metformin for a 24‐week double‐blind treatment period followed by a 78‐week site‐ and patient‐blinded extension period. At week 50, serum markers of bone formation (procollagen type 1 N‐terminal propeptide; P1NP) and resorption (C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptides of type I collagen; CTX), bone mineral density (BMD) as assessed by standardized Dual‐Energy X‐ray Absorptiometry (DXA) measurements and adverse events of fracture were evaluated as safety objectives.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐five patients (90.7%) completed the first 50 weeks. Compared with placebo, no significant changes from baseline in P1NP, CTX or BMD were identified over 50 weeks of dapagliflozin treatment, with no significant treatment‐by‐gender interactions. No fractures were reported.ConclusionsDapagliflozin had no effect on markers of bone formation and resorption or BMD after 50 weeks of treatment in both male and post‐menopausal female patients whose T2DM was inadequately controlled on metformin.
Obesity and pulmonary disease: unanswered questions
Authors: Santamaria F. , Montella S. , Pietrobelli A. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryObesity is associated with risk of pulmonary disease, and adversely affects lung function. The parallel increase in obesity and asthma suggests the two conditions are linked; indeed, they can worsen each other. Obesity and inadequate asthma control are associated with poor quality of life, and place a high economic burden on public health. Although the obesity–lung interaction is a major issue for basic research and clinical studies, various questions remain unanswered. Do intrauterine and early life factors impact on the development of obesity and lung disease? If so, can this be prevented? Asthma is generally more severe in obese subjects, but is adiposity a driver of a new asthma phenotype that features greater morbidity and mortality, worse control and decreased response to medications? Obese individuals have small lung volumes, hence their airway calibre is reduced and airway resistance is increased. What puzzles physicians is whether peripheral airways undergo remodelling, which would increase bronchoconstriction. Obese asthmatics respond suboptimally to anti‐inflammatory treatment, which raises the question: ‘what drug for what patient?’ Life expectancy is decreased in obesity and in chronic pulmonary disorders, but does obesity protect against or trigger chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? The time has come to find answers to these questions.
Citizens' attitudes towards economic insecurity and government after the 2007 financial tsunami: A Hong Kong and Taiwan comparison
Authors: Wang Kate Yeong‐Tsyr , Wong Chack‐Kie , Tang Kwong‐Leung 
Published: May 2012

Wang KY‐T, Wong C‐k, Tang K‐L. Citizens' attitudes towards economic insecurity and government after the 2007 financial tsunami: A Hong Kong and Taiwan comparisonThe purpose of this study was to investigate people's attitudes to economic insecurity and government in Hong Kong and Taiwan after the financial tsunami of 2007. Random sampling telephone surveys were conducted in July 2009. These are the main conclusions: First, the most vulnerable groups hurt by the financial crisis were low‐income families and people who had lost their job or were afraid of losing it. This implies that the old policy issue of social stratification and the emerging policy issue of employment insecurity coexisted during the financial crisis. Second, personal experiences of economic insecurity had an influence on people's perceptions of the severity of the economic crisis at the societal level. Third, citizens had ambivalent feelings about public interventions during the crisis. Fourth, there were both convergence and divergence between Hong Kong and Taiwan with regard to attitudes to particular issues. The policy implications of these findings are discussed in the final section of this article.