bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects on Lignin Structure of Overexpression of Ferulate 5-Hydroxylase in Hybrid Poplar1
Authors: Stewart Jaclyn J. , Akiyama Takuya , Chapple Clint , Ralph John , Mansfield Shawn D. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPoplar (Populus tremula × alba) lignins with exceedingly high syringyl monomer levels are produced by overexpression of the ferulate 5-hydroxylase (F5H) gene driven by a cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) promoter. Compositional data derived from both standard degradative methods and NMR analyses of the entire lignin component (as well as isolated lignin fraction) indicated that the C4H∷F5H transgenic's lignin was comprised of as much as 97.5% syringyl units (derived from sinapyl alcohol), the remainder being guaiacyl units (derived from coniferyl alcohol); the syringyl level in the wild-type control was 68%. The resultant transgenic lignins are more linear and display a lower degree of polymerization. Although the crucial β-ether content is similar, the distribution of other interunit linkages in the lignin polymer is markedly different, with higher resinol (β-β) and spirodienone (β-1) contents, but with virtually no phenylcoumarans (β-5, which can only be formed from guaiacyl units). p-Hydroxybenzoates, acylating the γ-positions of lignin side chains, were reduced by &gt;50%, suggesting consequent impacts on related pathways. A model depicting the putative structure of the transgenic lignin resulting from the overexpression of F5H is presented. The altered structural features in the transgenic lignin polymer, as revealed here, support the contention that there are significant opportunities to improve biomass utilization by exploiting the malleability of plant lignification processes.
Reactive Oxygen Species Are Involved in Brassinosteroid-Induced Stress Tolerance in Cucumber
Authors: Xia Xiao-Jian , Wang Yan-Jie , Zhou Yan-Hong , Tao Yuan , Mao Wei-Hua , Shi Kai , Asami Tadao , Chen Zhixiang , Yu Jing-Quan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBrassinosteroids (BRs) induce plant tolerance to a wide spectrum of stresses. To study how BR induces stress tolerance, we manipulated the BR levels in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) through a chemical genetics approach and found that BR levels were positively correlated with the tolerance to photo-oxidative and cold stresses and resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus. We also showed that BR treatment enhanced NADPH oxidase activity and elevated H2O2 levels in apoplast. H2O2 levels were elevated as early as 3 h and returned to basal levels 3 d after BR treatment. BR-induced H2O2 accumulation was accompanied by increased tolerance to oxidative stress. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase and chemical scavenging of H2O2 reduced BR-induced oxidative and cold tolerance and defense gene expression. BR treatment induced expression of both regulatory genes, such as RBOH, MAPK1, and MAPK3, and genes involved in defense and antioxidant responses. These results strongly suggest that elevated H2O2 levels resulting from enhanced NADPH oxidase activity are involved in the BR-induced stress tolerance.
Auxin-Responsive Genes AIR12 Code for a New Family of Plasma Membrane b-Type Cytochromes Specific to Flowering Plants
Authors: Preger Valeria , Tango Nunzio , Marchand Christophe , Lemaire Stéphane D. , Carbonera Donatella , Di Valentin Marilena , Costa Alex , Pupillo Paolo , Trost Paolo 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
We report here on the identification of the major plasma membrane (PM) ascorbate-reducible b-type cytochrome of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and soybean (Glycine max) hypocotyls as orthologs of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AIR12 (for auxin induced in root cultures). Soybean AIR12, which is glycosylated and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored to the external side of the PM in vivo, was expressed in Pichia pastoris in a recombinant form, lacking the glycosylphosphatidylinositol modification signal and purified from the culture medium. Recombinant AIR12 is a soluble protein predicted to fold into a β-sandwich domain and belonging to the DOMON (for dopamine β-monooxygenase N terminus) domain superfamily. It is shown to be a b-type cytochrome with a symmetrical α-band at 561 nm, fully reduced by ascorbate, and fully oxidized by monodehydroascorbate radical. AIR12 is a high-potential cytochrome b showing a wide bimodal dependence from the redox potential between +80 mV and +300 mV. Optical absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis indicate that AIR12 binds a single, highly axial low-spin heme, likely coordinated by methionine-91 and histidine-76, which are strongly conserved in AIR12 sequences. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that the auxin-responsive genes AIR12 represent a new family of PM b-type cytochromes specific to flowering plants. Circumstantial evidence suggests that AIR12 may interact with other redox partners within the PM to constitute a redox link between cytoplasm and apoplast.
Two Cys or Not Two Cys? That Is the Question; Alternative Oxidase in the Thermogenic Plant Sacred Lotus
Authors: Grant Nicole , Onda Yoshihiko , Kakizaki Yusuke , Ito Kikukatsu , Watling Jennifer , Robinson Sharon 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) regulates temperature in its floral chamber to 32°C to 35°C across ambient temperatures of 8°C to 40°C with heating achieved through high alternative pathway fluxes. In most alternative oxidase (AOX) isoforms, two cysteine residues, Cys1 and Cys2, are highly conserved and play a role in posttranslational regulation of AOX. Further control occurs via interaction of reduced Cys1 with α-keto acids, such as pyruvate. Here, we report on the in vitro regulation of AOX isolated from thermogenic receptacle tissues of sacred lotus. AOX protein was mostly present in the reduced form, and only a small fraction could be oxidized with diamide. Cyanide-resistant respiration in isolated mitochondria was stimulated 4-fold by succinate but not pyruvate or glyoxylate. Insensitivity of the alternative pathway of respiration to pyruvate and the inability of AOX protein to be oxidized by diamide suggested that AOX in these tissues may lack Cys1. Subsequently, we isolated two novel cDNAs for AOX from thermogenic tissues of sacred lotus, designated as NnAOX1a and NnAOX1b. Deduced amino acid sequences of both confirmed that Cys1 had been replaced by serine; however, Cys2 was present. This contrasts with AOXs from thermogenic Aroids, which contain both Cys1 and Cys2. An additional cysteine was present at position 193 in NnAOX1b. The significance of the sequence data for regulation of the AOX protein in thermogenic sacred lotus is discussed and compared with AOXs from other thermogenic and nonthermogenic species.
Has the introduction of brown trout altered disease patterns in native New Zealand fish?
Authors: KELLY D. W. , PATERSON R. A. , TOWNSEND C. R. , POULIN R. , TOMPKINS D. M. 
Published: April 2009

Summary1. It is well recognised that non‐indigenous species (NIS) can affect native communities via the ‘spillover’ of introduced parasites. However, two other potentially important processes, the ‘spillback’ of native parasites from a competent NIS host, where the latter acts as a reservoir leading to amplified infection in native hosts, and the ‘dilution’ of parasitism by a NIS host acting as a sink for native parasites, have either not been tested or largely overlooked.2. We surveyed the helminth parasite fauna of native New Zealand fish in Otago streams that varied in the abundance of introduced brown troutSalmo trutta, to look for evidence of spillback and/or dilution. Spillover is not an issue in this system, with trout introduced as parasite‐free eggs.3. Seven native parasite species were present across 12 sites; significant inverse relationships with an index of trout abundance (i.e. dilution) were documented for three species infecting the native upland bullyGobiomorphus breviceps, and one species infecting the native roundhead galaxiasGalaxias anomalus.4. An inverse relationship between bully energy status and infection intensity of one parasite species suggests that parasite dilution could have positive effects on bully populations. Our failure to detect similar relationships for the other parasites does not preclude the possibility that dilution is beneficial to native fish, since parasites may have subtle or unmeasured impacts.5. The parasite dilution patterns reported are compelling in that they occurred across several native host and parasite species; as such they have important implications for invasion ecology, providing an interesting contrast to the largely negative impacts reported for NIS. Mechanisms potentially responsible for the patterns observed are discussed.
Age‐related gestation length adjustment in a large iteroparous mammal at northern latitude
Authors: Mysterud Atle , Røed Knut H. , Holand Øystein , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Nieminen Mauri 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThere is considerable interest in patterns of age‐dependent reproductive effort and reproductive timing of large iteroparous mammals living in strongly seasonal environments. Due to lack of data on both timing of mating and birth, there is generally little insight into whether variation in gestation length play a role for life‐history patterns observed for large mammals at northern latitudes.Based on data on both timing of mating and birth of 88 female reindeer (and paternity confirmed with DNA fingerprinting), we explore the view that adjustment of gestation length plays a role in the reproductive tactic.Observed gestation lengths of reindeer varied between 211 and 229 days (mean of 221 days). Consistent with a dynamic view of gestation length, variation could be predicted from life‐history traits. Gestation length was longer for male than female offspring, which is expected in polygynous species where males benefit more from extra allocation of maternal resources. Gestation length increased with maternal age both due to direct effects and indirect effects linked to earlier mating of older, heavier females. Early mating females increased gestation length. A relatively small effect of female age on birth mass operated through variation in gestation length.Our analysis supports the view that adjustment of gestation length is a part of the reproductive tactic of large mammals in northern environments.
The effects of mowing and agricultural landscape management on population movements of the common quail
Authors: Rodríguez‐Teijeiro José Domingo , Sardà‐Palomera Francesc , Nadal Jesús , Ferrer Xavier , Ponz Carolina , Puigcerver Manel 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim  Information on the movements of bird populations in extensive landscapes is needed to assess environmental effects and conservation strategies over appropriate temporal and spatial scales. The common quail (Coturnix coturnix) is a game bird that breeds mainly in dense cereal crops. These crops cover huge areas of the Iberian Peninsula. The aim of this work is to relate cereal mowing, which causes rapid and massive habitat loss for the common quail, to population movements of the species during its breeding season.Location  Spain, southern Europe.Methods  We used ring recoveries to analyse, using circular statistics, the orientation of movements by male common quails in the northern half of Spain. Forward stepwise multiple regressions were applied to correlate (1) the Julian day of cereal harvesting at 770 locations with the respective latitude, longitude and elevation, and (2) the number of hunted birds with hunting pressure, breeding densities and mean mowing date by province. Finally, data concerning the number of quails hunted at the end of the breeding season were compared by province and year using two‐way ANOVA.Results  Our results show that during the breeding season in the northern half of Spain, male quails orient their movements towards higher areas, and mainly to the northern Castilian Plateau. These are the areas of Spain where cereals are harvested latest. Moreover, records show that the number of quails hunted is significantly higher in these areas than in other areas of the country, independently of hunting pressure and breeding densities, and it is extremely high in the northern Castilian Plateau.Main conclusions  Cereal mowing combined with some Spanish geographical characteristics acts as a funnel, forcing quail populations to concentrate in certain areas of Spain at the end of the breeding season. This implies that the number of quails hunted in these areas may be high, and that they therefore constitute priority conservation areas.
The European Prader–Willi Syndrome Clinical Research Database: an aid in the investigation of a rare genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder
Authors: Holland A. , Whittington J. , Cohen O. , Curfs L. , Delahaye F. , Dudley O. , Horsthemke B. , Lindgren A.‐C. , Nourissier C. , Sharma N. , Vogels A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground  Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex phenotype that changes with age. The rarity of the syndrome and the need to control for different variables such as genetic sub‐type, age and gender limits clinical studies of sufficient size in any one country. A clinical research database has been established to structure data collection and to enable multinational investigations into the development of children and adults with PWS.Methods  As part of a joint basic science and clinical study of PWS funded through Framework 6 of the European Union (EU), an expert multidisciplinary group was established that included clinicians involved in PWS research and clinical practice, expert database software developers, and representatives from two national PWS Associations. This group identified the key issues that required resolution and the data fields necessary for a comprehensive database to support PWS research.Results  The database consists of six ‘index’ entry points and branching panels and sub‐panels and over 1200 data ‘fields’. It is Internet‐based and designed to support multi‐site clinical research in PWS. An algorithm ensures that participant data are anonymous. Access to data is controlled in a manner that is compatible with EU and national laws. The database determines the assessments to be used to collect data thereby enabling the combining of data from different groups under specifically agreed conditions. The data collected at any one time will be determined by individual research groups, who retain control of the data. Over time the database will accumulate data on participants with PWS that will support future research by avoiding the need for repeat data collection of fixed data and it will also enable longitudinal studies and treatment trials.Conclusion  The development of the database has proved to be complex with various administrative and ethical issues to be addressed. At an early stage, it was important to clarify the exact function of the database. It was agreed that it was primarily to support grant‐funded research rather than clinical practice. The most complex issues that had to be addressed were concerned with data ownership and establishing the rules for data entry, retrieval and sharing that are compatible with data protection laws, and which are likely to be acceptable to participants and their families and to individual research groups.
Community management of intellectual disabilities in Pakistan: a mixed methods study
Authors: Mirza I. , Tareen A. , Davidson L. L. , Rahman A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground  Pakistan has one of the highest reported rates of childhood intellectual disabilities (ID) in the world. Prevalence estimates vary from 19.1/1000 for serious ID to 65/1000 for mild ID.Methods  We surveyed carers of persons with ID (n = 100) using quantitative and qualitative instruments. We conducted in‐depth interviews of carers (n = 16) and key primary health providers (n = 10). We also carried out focus groups (n = 7). Data were triangulated and interpreted in light of peer reviewed literature.Results  There was a delay of 2.92 (95% CI 1.9 to 3.94) to 4.17 (95% CI 2.34 to 6.01) years between detection and seeking of care. Parental stress associated with caring for these children was high (mean Self‐Reporting Questionnaire score 8.4; 95% CI 6.80 to 9.91). Home management consisted mainly of physical containment. Stigma associated with ID contributed to decreased opportunity for these children and families to participate in community activities. There was a lack of knowledge about causation and effective interventions for ID.Conclusions  Our findings suggest that there is significant delay in detection of ID especially in rural setting where more than 70% of population of Pakistan resides. This missed opportunity for rehabilitation in early formative years is a cause of significant distress for the caregivers who rarely receive valid information about course, prognosis and what remedial action to take. There is a need to develop feasible, cost‐effective, community level interventions, which can be integrated into existing healthcare systems.
Role of two nutritional hepatic markers (insulin‐like growth factor 1 and transthyretin) in the clinical assessment and follow‐up of acute intermittent porphyria patients
Authors: Delaby C. , To‐Figueras J. , Deybach J. C. , Casamitjana R , Puy H. , Herrero C. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract.Objective.  Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is caused by a deficiency of hydroxymethylbilane synthase. Clinical manifestations are abdominal pain and neurovisceral symptoms, accompanied by overproduction of heme‐precursors in the liver, which frequently remains long‐lasting in AIP patients. We tested the hypothesis that this condition may be associated with alterations of hepatic proteins known to be either increased or decreased in serum according to diverse pathological conditions including malnutrition, inflammation or liver disease.Design.  Serum proteins were analyzed in 26 biochemically active AIP patients that were classified according to the EPI (European Porphyria Initiative) guidelines as follows: (i) patients who presented a single acute attack having remained so far free of clinical symptoms; (ii) patients who present recurrent attacks or chronic symptoms associated with exacerbations of AIP.Results.  Most of the serum proteins were within normal limits, however insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) was decreased in 53.8% of AIP patients (z‐score = −2.86 ± 0.37) and transthyretin (prealbumin) was found significantly decreased in 38.5% of them. The IGF‐1 z‐score was lower in group B versus group A patients (−2.66 vs. −1.43; P = 0.024). The coincident decrease of both IGF‐1 and transthyretin was associated with worsening of the clinical condition.Conclusions.  This first study in humans suggests that the clinical expression AIP is associated with a state of under‐nutrition and/or with hepatic inflammation due to the sustained accumulation of heme‐precursors. We propose the use of both IGF‐1 and transthyretin as biomarkers of disease morbidity/severity for the clinical follow‐up of AIP patients.
Serum amyloid A is independently associated with metabolic risk factors but not with early atherosclerosis: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: Jylhävä J. , Haarala A. , Eklund C. , Pertovaara M. , Kähönen M. , Hutri‐Kähönen N. , Levula M. , Lehtimäki T. , Huupponen R. , Jula A. , Juonala M. , Viikari J. , Raitakari O. , Hurme M. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract.Background.  Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a sensitive marker of inflammation and its elevation has been implicated in obesity and in cardiovascular disease, yet data on its regulation in young adults or on its role in early atherosclerosis is scarce. We investigated which factors explain the variation in SAA and analysed whether SAA could be associated with preclinical atherosclerosis.Methods.  Serum amyloid A levels were measured in participants of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (n = 2280, n = 1254 women, n = 1026 men). Correlates and determinants of SAA were analysed and the effect of SAA on subclinical atherosclerosis, measured as intima‐media thickness (IMT) and carotid artery compliance, was evaluated with risk‐factor adjusted models.Results.  Serum amyloid A correlated directly and independently of BMI with C‐reactive protein (CRP), waist circumference and leptin in both sexes, with total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and ApolipoproteinA1 (ApoA1) in women and with triglycerides, insulin levels and insulin resistance in men. Use of combined oral contraceptives and intrauterine device was also associated with SAA levels. Determinants for SAA included CRP, leptin and ApoA1 in women, and CRP, leptin and HDL cholesterol in men. SAA levels correlated with carotid compliance in both sexes and with IMT in men, yet SAA had no independent effect on IMT or carotid compliance in multivariable analysis.Conclusions.  Serum amyloid A was associated with several metabolic risk factors but was not an independent predictor of IMT or carotid artery compliance. Further longitudinal studies will show whether SAA holds a prognostic value as a risk marker, analogously to CRP.
Natural killer cell‐based immunotherapy in cancer: current insights and future prospects
Authors: Sutlu T. , Alici E. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract.As our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing natural killer (NK) cell activity increases, their potential in cancer immunotherapy is growing increasingly prominent. This review analyses the currently available preclinical and clinical data regarding NK cell‐based immunotherapeutic approaches in cancer starting from a historical background and an overview of molecular mechanisms taking part in NK cell responses. The status of NK cells in cancer patients, currently investigated clinical applications such as in vivo modulation of NK cell activity, ex vivo purification/expansion and adoptive transfer as well as future possibilities such as genetic modifications are discussed in detail.
Kidney function and discrimination of cardiovascular risk in middle‐aged men
Authors: Soveri I. , Ärnlöv J. , Berglund L. , Lind L. , Fellström B. , Sundström J. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract.Objective.  To define the optimal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) cut off for discriminating the risk of myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death.Design.  Prospective longitudinal observational study.Setting.  A community‐based cohort.Participants.  A total of 2176 nondiabetic 50‐year‐old men without cardiovascular disease.Methods.  The men were followed until age 70. GFR was estimated at baseline using the Cockcroft–Gault formula. The optimal GFR cut‐off points for discriminating risk of a fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death were defined as the GFR levels maximizing integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).Main outcome measures.  Fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death.Results.  During follow‐up, 264 men experienced a fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, and 218 died of cardiovascular disease. The IDI‐defined optimal GFR cut offs in this study were 98 mL min−1 for discriminating myocardial infarction risk and 92 mL min−1 for discriminating risk of cardiovascular death. In Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for established risk factors, the myocardial infarction risk was substantially higher in men with GFR below versus above 98 mL min−1 [hazard ratio (HR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–2.3, P < 0.001], and the risk of cardiovascular death was doubled in men with GFR below versus above 92 mL min−1 (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5–3.0, P < 0.001).Conclusion.  The GFR cut‐off point for optimal discrimination of cardiovascular risk in the general population may be higher than previously suggested.