bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of Arabidopsis acyl‐CoA‐binding protein ACBP2 enhances drought tolerance
Authors: DU ZHI‐YAN , CHEN MO‐XIAN , CHEN QIN‐FANG , XIAO SHI , CHYE MEE‐LEN 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTArabidopsis thaliana acyl‐CoA‐binding protein 2 (ACBP2) is a stress‐responsive protein that is also important in embryogenesis. Here, we assign a role for ACBP2 in abscisic acid (ABA) signalling during seed germination, seedling development and the drought response. ACBP2 was induced by ABA and drought, and transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing ACBP2 (ACBP2‐OXs) showed increased sensitivity to ABA treatment during germination and seedling development. ACBP2‐OXs also displayed improved drought tolerance and ABA‐mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in guard cells, thereby promoting stomatal closure, reducing water loss and enhancing drought tolerance. In contrast, acbp2 mutant plants showed decreased sensitivity to ABA in root development and were more sensitive to drought stress. RNA analyses revealed that ACBP2 overexpression up‐regulated the expression of Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homolog D (AtrbohD) and AtrbohF, two NAD(P)H oxidases essential for ABA‐mediated ROS production, whereas the expression of Hypersensitive to ABA1 (HAB1), an important negative regulator in ABA signalling, was down‐regulated. In addition, transgenic plants expressing ACBP2pro:GUS showed beta‐glucuronidase (GUS) staining in guard cells, confirming a role for ACBP2 at the stomata. These observations support a positive role for ACBP2 in promoting ABA signalling in germination, seedling development and the drought response.
Laser microdissection of grapevine leaf phloem infected by stolbur reveals site‐specific gene responses associated to sucrose transport and metabolism
Authors: SANTI SIMONETTA , GRISAN SIMONE , PIERASCO ALESSANDRO , DE MARCO FEDERICA , MUSETTI RITA 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBois Noir is an emergent disease of grapevine that has been associated to a phytoplasma belonging to the XII‐A stolbur group. In plants, phytoplasmas have been found mainly in phloem sieve elements, from where they spread moving through the pores of plates, accumulating especially in source leaves. To examine the expression of grapevine genes involved in sucrose transport and metabolism, phloem tissue, including sieve element/companion cell complexes and some parenchyma cells, was isolated from healthy and infected leaves by means of laser microdissection pressure catapulting (LMPC). Site‐specific expression analysis dramatically increased sensitivity, allowing us to identify specific process components almost completely masked in whole‐leaf analysis. Our findings showed decreased phloem loading through inhibition of sucrose transport and increased sucrose cleavage activity, which are metabolic changes strongly suggesting the establishment of a phytoplasma‐induced switch from carbohydrate source to sink. The analysis focused at the infection site also showed a differential regulation and specificity of two pathogenesis‐related thaumatin‐like genes (TL4 and TL5) of the PR‐5 family.
Karst subsidence as a control on the accumulation and preservation of aeolian deposits: A Pleistocene example from a proglacial outwash setting, Ebro Basin, Spain
Authors: LUZÓN ARÁNZAZU , RODRÍGUEZ‐LÓPEZ JUAN PEDRO , PÉREZ ANTONIO , SORIANO MARÍA ASUNCIÓN , GIL HÉCTOR , POCOVÍ ANDRÉS 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMeltwater flows emanating from the Pyrenees during the Pleistocene constructed a braided outwash plain in the Ebro Basin and led to the karstification of the Neogene gypsum bedrock. Synsedimentary evaporite dissolution locally increased subsidence rates and generated dolines and collapses that enabled the accumulation and preservation of outwash gravels and associated windblown deposits that were protected from erosion by later meltwater flows. In these localized depocentres, maximum rates of wind deceleration resulted from airflow expansion, enabling the accumulation of cross‐stratified sets of aeolian strata climbing at steep angles and thereby preserving up to 5 m thick sets. The outwash plain was characterized by longitudinal and transverse fluvial gravel bars, channels and windblown facies organized into aeolian sand sheets, transverse and complex aeolian dunes, and loess accumulations. Flat‐lying aeolian deposits merge laterally to partly deformed aeolian deposits encased in dolines and collapses. Synsedimentary evaporite dissolution caused gravels and aeolian sand deposits to subside, such that formerly near‐horizontal strata became inclined and generated multiple internal angular unconformities. During episodes when the wind was undersaturated with respect to its potential sand transporting capacity, deflation occurred over the outwash plain and coarse‐grained lags with ventifacts developed. Subsequent high‐energy flows episodically reached the aeolian dune field, leading to dune destruction and the generation of hyperconcentrated flow deposits composed in part of reworked aeolian sands. Lacustrine deposits in the distal part of the outwash plain preserve rhythmically laminated lutites and associated Gilbert‐type gravel deltas, which developed when fluvial streams reached proglacial lakes. This study documents the first evidence of an extensive Pleistocene proglacial aeolian dune field located in the Ebro Basin (41˙50° N), south of what has hitherto been considered to be the southern boundary of Pleistocene aeolian deposits in Europe. A non‐conventional mechanism (evaporite karst‐related subsidence) for the preservation of aeolian sands in the stratigraphic record is proposed.
A novel splice mutation in the ATP2C1 gene in a woman with concomitant psoriasis vulgaris and disseminated Hailey–Hailey disease
Authors: Chao Sheau‐Chiou , Lee Julia Yu‐Yun , Wu Meng‐Chi , Hsu Mark Ming‐Long 
Published: July 2012

AbstractConcurrent psoriasis vulgaris and Hailey–Hailey disease is very rare. The clinical and pathologic findings of widespread Hailey–Hailey disease in a 48‐year‐old woman with pre‐existing generalized psoriasis vulgaris were described. In our patient, the vesicular eruption of Hailey–Hailey disease was obscured clinically by the psoriatic lesions. The diagnosis of both diseases was confirmed pathologically. The patient had a total of five skin biopsies performed over the neck, flank area, back, pubic area, and a finger. Acantholytic dyskeratosis, changes suggestive of Hailey–Hailey disease, were found in four specimens, psoriasis in two specimens, and both diseases in one specimen. The diagnosis of Hailey–Hailey disease was further confirmed by detecting a novel splice mutation (832G>A) in the ATP2C1 gene. Our case illustrated that diagnosis of disseminated Hailey–Hailey disease may easily be missed in a patient with a pre‐existing generalized pruritic eruption, such as psoriasis. The appearance of eczematous vesicular eruption or eroded intertrigo‐like lesions in a patient with pre‐existing generalized eruption should raise a suspicion of Hailey–Hailey disease.
Efficacy of mesotherapy in facial rejuvenation: a histological and immunohistochemical evaluation
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , El‐Ammawi Tarek S. , Moawad Osama , El‐Fakahany Hasan , Medhat Walid , Mahoney Mỹ G. , Uitto Jouni 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  Mesotherapy, commonly known as “biorejuvenation” or “biorevitalization”, is a technique used to rejuvenate the skin by means of a transdermal injection of a multivitamin solution and natural plant extracts that are thought to improve the signs of skin aging.Objectives  This prospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of mesotherapy applied to periorbital wrinkles and to quantitatively evaluate histological changes in the skin occurring in response to the same treatment.Methods  Six volunteers with Fitzpatrick skin types III or IV and Glogau class I–III wrinkles were subjected to a three‐month course of mesotherapy injections in the periocular area (six sessions administered at two‐week intervals). Standard photographs and skin biopsies were obtained from the treatment area at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at three months post‐treatment. Quantitative evaluation of collagen types I, III, and VII, newly synthesized collagen, total elastin, and tropoelastin was performed using a computerized morphometric analysis.Results  The clinical evaluation of volunteers at baseline, end of treatment, and three months post‐treatment revealed no significant differences. Histological and immunostaining analysis of collagen types I, III, and VII, newly synthesized collagen, total elastin, and tropoelastin showed no statistically significant changes (P > 0.05) after mesotherapy injection.Conclusions  The present study indicates that mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation does not result in statistically significant histological changes or clinical improvement.
Clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of erythema multiforme: a review for the practicing dermatologist
Authors: Sokumbi Olayemi , Wetter David A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractErythema multiforme (EM) is an uncommon, immune‐mediated disorder that presents with cutaneous or mucosal lesions or both. In herpes simplex virus (HSV)–associated EM, the findings are thought to result from cell‐mediated immune reaction against viral antigen‐positive cells that contain the HSV DNA polymerase gene (pol ). The target lesion, with concentric zones of color change, represents the characteristic cutaneous finding seen in this disorder. Although EM can be induced by various factors, HSV infection continues to be the most common inciting factor. Histopathologic testing and other laboratory investigations may be used to confirm the diagnosis of EM and to differentiate it from other clinical imitators. Imitators of EM include urticaria, Stevens‐Johnson syndrome, fixed drug eruption, bullous pemphigoid, paraneoplastic pemphigus, Sweet's syndrome, Rowell's syndrome, polymorphus light eruption, and cutaneous small‐vessel vasculitis. Because disease severity and mucosal involvement differ among patients, treatment should be tailored to each patient, with careful consideration of treatment risk vs benefit. Mild cutaneous involvement of EM can be managed primarily with a goal of achieving symptomatic improvement; however, patients with HSV‐associated recurrent EM and idiopathic recurrent EM require treatment with antiviral prophylaxis. Inpatient hospitalization may be required for patients with severe mucosal involvement that causes poor oral intake and subsequent fluid and electrolyte imbalance. With this review, we strive to provide guidance to the practicing dermatologist in the evaluation and treatment of a patient with EM.
Gross Anatomy of the Female Genital Organs of the Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus, Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: Pérez W. , Vazquez N. , Ungerfeld R. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryTo describe the macroscopic anatomy of the genital organs of the female pampas deer (
Ozotoceros bezoarticus), organs from animals dead in a captive breeding station were dissected. A total of twenty females, 17 adults and 10 pre‐puberal approximately 1 year old were studied by gross dissection. The ovaries of adult females without corpora lutea weighed 0.22 ± 0.02 g on the right and 0.20 ± 0.01 g on the left and accounted for 0.03 ± 0.01% of body weight. All corpora lutea (n = 6) were found in the right ovary, but in cases where there was no corpus luteum present, the right ovary tended to be heavier than the left (P = 0.1). The absence of ovarian bursa, intercornual ligament and suburethral diverticle is peculiar to this deer species. Only 6 convex caruncles were found in the uterine horns, which differ from the more of 100 present in domestic ruminants. Four regular folds that were observed in the cervix of the uterus should not be an obstacle to the passage of a transcervical catheter, allowing intrauterine artificial insemination. The close relationship between the ovarian artery and vein stood up could be associated with the passage of the uterine luteolytic factor from the vein to the ovarian artery, avoiding its systemic way, as happens in domestic ruminants. While the plan of organization was similar, there are some differences with the descriptions of other ruminants. Our results may be very useful as it provides with information that may be considered for the development of female reproductive biotechnologies.
Low Genetic Diversity of the Coat Protein Gene among Blueberry Red Ringspot Virus Isolates
Authors: Kalinowska Elżbieta , Paduch‐Cichal Elżbieta , Chodorska Maria 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBlueberry red ringspot virus (BRRSV) isolates have been investigated for genetic diversity. Nucleotide sequences of the coat protein (CP) gene of 19 isolates from Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia and the United States were analysed. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence identity were 92–100% and 89–100%, respectively. Estimations of the distribution of synonymous and non‐synonymous changes indicated negative selection within the analysed CP gene and confirmed the genetic stability of the virus. At a capsid protein level, our results revealed BRRSV to be distinct from other, recombination‐prone pararetroviruses.
Cultural and Aggressiveness Variability of Cercospora coffeicola
Authors: Souza André G. C. , Maffia Luiz A. , Mizubuti Eduardo S. G. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAlthough brown eye spot of coffee, caused by Cerco‐spora coffeicola, is important for coffee production in Brazil, there is a general lack of knowledge regarding the disease. In this study, we evaluated the variability of both the cultural and aggressiveness traits of 60 isolates from coffee plants grown under conventional and organic systems in three regions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Variability among the isolates was detected with regard to all of the traits and was unrelated to an effect of either the region or cropping system. Mycelial growth, cercosporin production and sporulation were assessed in the laboratory. Of the 60 isolates, 27 did not sporulate at 25°C; the mycelial growth of all of the isolates and cercosporin production by 18 of the isolates linearly increased as the temperature rose from 18 to 26°C. We inoculated six selected isolates on plants of two coffee cultivars (‘Catuaí Vermelho IAC44’ and ‘Catucaí Vermelho 785‐15’) and evaluated the incubation period (IP), latent period (LP) and disease severity. All three of these traits were affected by temperature postinoculation and KCl amendment. The significant correlations were as follows: IP and LP in both cultivars; severity and leaf fall in both cultivars; and cercosporin production in vitro and severity values in ‘Catucaí Vermelho 785‐15’. In conclusion, we found that (i) C. coffeicola is highly variable for both cultural and aggressiveness traits; (ii) laboratory and glasshouse experiments were suitable to assess the pathogen variability; (iii) research protocols should account for the effect of environmental factors, such as temperature and KCl, on the traits evaluated; and (iv) these protocols should include the assessment of the IP instead of the LP, as both are correlated, and the IP is easier to evaluate.
Comparison of gene expression profiles in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea) under strong artificial selection
Authors: Chen Xiaoping , Hong Yanbin , Zhang Erhua , Liu Haiyan , Zhou Guiyuan , Li Shaoxiong , Zhu Fanghe , Guo Baozhu , Yu Jiujiang , Liang Xuanqiang 
Published: July 2012

With 9 figures and 1 tableAbstractOver the past five decades, cultivated peanut in China has been subjected to strong artificial selection in breeding programmes. To investigate the impact of artificial selection on expression diversity, we compared gene expression profiles in pod and leaf of five widespread cultivars in Southern China. In terms of tissues, hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that expression data of pod and leaf generated different dendrograms owing to artificial selection.K‐means analysis also showed that there were 16 gene expression patterns in leaf, while only eight in pod. In considering cultivars, a cultivar specificity index (τ) was employed to characterize expression patterns, which suggested that genes having 0.15 < τ < 0.85 constituted >80% of all expression patterns. Additionally, the diversity of gene expression in pod among cultivars of the ‘YY7’ pedigree decreased from 23.8% to 3.9%. Taken together, nucleotide polymorphisms in regulatory elements owing to artificial selection led to low‐expression polymorphisms in both tissues and cultivars, contributed to the narrow genetic diversity and might be a driving force behind the breeding of cultivated peanut.
Predicting malignancy in mediastinal lymph nodes by endobronchial ultrasound: A new ultrasound scoring system
Authors: SCHMID‐BINDERT GERALD , JIANG HONGBIN , KÄHLER GEORG , SAUR JOACHIM , HENZLER THOMAS , WANG HAO , REN SHENGXIANG , ZHOU CAICUN , PILZ LOTHAR R. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is now widely used in patients with resectable non‐small‐cell lung cancer to sample mediastinal lymph nodes (LN) for preoperative staging. The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively the utility of six ultrasound criteria to predict malignancy in mediastinal LN.Methods:  EBUS was performed in patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy irrespective of the underlying disease. The following criteria were expected to predict malignancy: short axis >1 cm, heterogeneous pattern, round shape, distinct margin, absence of a central hilar structure and high blood flow in a LN. A sum score prediction model for malignancy was built. If more than two criteria were present, LN was classified as high risk for malignancy. Moreover, interrater variability of two blinded investigators was evaluated.Results:  Two hundred eighty‐one LN in 145 patients were analysed. Forty‐four percent of LN were found malignant, 10% revealed sarcoidosis, and 10% revealed tuberculosis. Interobserver agreement was very good. Positive predictive value was best for heterogeneity (73%), with a negative predictive value of more than 80%. The sum score resulted in an odds ratio of 15.5 if more than two criteria were positive (P < 0.00001).Conclusions:  The assessment of ultrasound criteria during routine EBUS examinations is feasible and reproducible with very good interrater agreement. If less than three of the described criteria are present, a LN has a very low chance of being malignant. The best single criterion to predict malignancy is heterogeneity. The introduction of the sum score of ultrasound criteria could potentially increase diagnostic accuracy.
Bone‐anchored sling using the Mini Quick Anchor Plus and polypropylene mesh to treat post‐radical prostatectomy incontinence: Early experience
Authors: Suzuki Yasutomo , Saito Yuka , Ogushi Satoko , Kimura Go , Kondo Yukihiro 
Published: July 2012

AbstractHerein we describe our experience with a bone‐anchored sling using a suture anchor and polypropylene mesh for the treatment of post‐radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence. Eight patients with urinary incontinence as a result of intrinsic sphincter deficiency after radical prostatectomy were included in the analysis. The procedure involved piercing the pubic bone with a bone drill, inserting the suture anchor and fixing a soft or rigid polypropylene mesh to press firmly on the bulbar urethra. Urinary incontinence was significantly improved according to changes in the daily number of pads used at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively in comparison with preoperatively. However, no meaningful improvement at 6 months postoperatively was seen with the soft mesh. Complications included perineal pain in four cases, but pain control was achieved using non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. The bone‐anchored sling with a suture anchor and polypropylene mesh appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of post‐radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence. Soft mesh appears inappropriate as material for the bone‐anchored sling because of the progressive likelihood of worsened urinary incontinence.
Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor upregulation on retinal gene expression in the Kimba mouse
Authors: Binz Nicolette , Ali Rahman Ireni S , Chinnery Holly R , McKeone Richard , Simpson Ken M , Speed Terence P , Lai Chooi‐May , Rakoczy P Elizabeth 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:  The Kimba mouse carries a human vascular endothelial growth factor transgene causing retinal neovascularisation similar to that seen in diabetic retinopathy. Here, we examine the relationship between differential gene expression induced by vascular endothelial growth factor overexpression and the architectural changes that occur in the retinae of these mice.Methods:  Retinal gene expression changes in juvenile and adult Kimba mice were assayed by microarray and compared with age‐matched wild‐type littermates. Transcription of selected genes was validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Protein translation was determined using immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  Semaphorin 3C was upregulated, and nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group 3, member 3 (Nr2e3) was downregulated in juvenile Kimba mice. Betacellulin and endothelin 2 were upregulated in adults. Semaphorin 3C colocalized with glial fibrillary acidic protein in Müller cells of Kimba retinae at greater signal intensities than in wild type. Endothelin 2 colocalised to Müller cell end feet and extended into the outer limiting membrane. Endothelin receptor type B staining was most pronounced in the inner nuclear layer, the region containing Müller cell somata.Conclusions:  An early spike in vascular endothelial growth factor induced significant long‐term retinal neovascularisation associated with changes to the retinal ganglion, photoreceptor and Müller cells. Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor led to dysregulation of photoreceptor metabolism through differential expression of Nr2e3, endothelin 2, betacellulin and semaphorin 3C. Alterations in the expression of these genes may therefore play key roles in the pathological mechanisms that result from retinal neovascularisation.
Diagnosis and interventions for central serous chorioretinopathy: review and update
Authors: Quin Godfrey , Liew Gerald , Ho I‐Van , Gillies Mark , Fraser‐Bell Samantha 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMost acute cases of central serous chorioretinopathy resolve spontaneously with minimal visual impairment. The small percentage of eyes developing chronic or recurrent disease that do warrant treatment is often difficult to control. Emergent investigations and treatments have added to the established options available to manage these cases. Optical coherence tomography has proved valuable for both imaging subtle fundoscopic findings and monitoring disease progression. Fluorescein angiography aids identification of pigment epithelial leaks and targets the use of argon laser treatment if outside the fovea. Fluorescein angiography also assists differentiation from other choroidal pathologies such as choroidal neovascularization and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Where the diagnosis is uncertain, indocyanine green angiography can demonstrate classic midphase hyperpermeability. This is also useful to guide the application of photodynamic therapy. Newer treatments such as intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor are as yet unproven.