bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propranolol treatment for severe infantile hemangiomas: a single‐centre 3‐year experience
Authors: Georgountzou Anastasia , Karavitakis Emmanouil , Klimentopoulou Alexandra , Xaidara Athina , Kakourou Talia 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of propranolol as single‐agent treatment in patients with problematic, proliferative‐phase, infantile hemangiomas (IHs).Methods:  Oral propranolol was administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day to 28 children. Cardiologic evaluation was performed before treatment initiation. Hemodynamic variables and blood glucose levels were monitored during the first 24 h of treatment, while the children were hospitalized. Clinical response and tolerance were assessed every month, along with photographic documentation. Macroscopic regression was considered the reduction >90% in the size of the IHs.Results:  Effects on colour and growth were observed within the first month in all cases. Twenty‐four patients completed treatment after a mean duration of 7.56 months, and their hemangiomas were successfully regressed. Propranolol was administered again, with satisfactory results, in three patients (12.5%) because of hemangioma regrowth. Satisfactory response is noticeable in ongoing cases. Episodes of hypotension were noted in four patients. There were no treatment interruptions because of side effects.Conclusions:  Propranolol, as first‐line treatment, yielded excellent results with very good clinical tolerance and also seems to be effective in relapses. The optimal duration of the treatment remains to be defined by long‐term observation.
Stability of the reproductive variables and fetal malformations from control animals and animals treated with thalidomide in Kbl:JW rabbits over two decades
Authors: Kawamura Yoshinori , Matsumoto Kiyoshi , Sato Keiichiro 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe retrospectively analyzed the reproductive variables and the spontaneous malformations in the historical control data from the embryo‐fetal development studies conducted in our laboratories with Kbl:JW rabbits over two decades (1990–2010) and fetal malformations induced by thalidomide in 1988, 1995 and 2007. These analyses in the control animals revealed that the reproductive variables in dams, total frequencies and profile of external, visceral and skeletal abnormalities and/or variations in the fetuses were stable over two decades. In addition, the characteristics of the malformations induced by thalidomide were reproducible at the three time points. Therefore, it is concluded that Kbl:JW rabbit is one of the useful rabbit strains to evaluate the effects of test substances on embryo‐fetal development, especially in view of the chronological stability of spontaneous or drug‐induced malformations in the fetuses.
In vitro evaluation of gene expression changes for gonadotropin‐releasing hormone 1, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2, in response to bisphenol A treatment
Authors: Warita Katsuhiko , Mitsuhashi Tomoko , Ohta Ken‐ichi , Suzuki Shingo , Hoshi Nobuhiko , Miki Takanori , Takeuchi Yoshiki 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe evaluated the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on embryonic mouse hypothalamic cells. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) indicated that gonadotropin‐releasing hormone 1 (Gnrh1) expression in 0.02–20 μM BPA‐treated cells did not differ from that in control cells but decreased significantly in 200 μM BPA‐treated cells. The mRNA level for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), which participates in GNRH1 secretory system development, decreased significantly in 200 μM BPA‐treated cells, but that for neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2 (Ntrk2), did not change. This indicates that Gnrh1 gene expression in mice fetuses is not affected by exposure to <20 μM BPA and that the adverse effects of BPA on the BDNF‐NTRK2 neurotrophin system are induced by decrease in the mRNA level of the ligand, not of its receptor.
Identification of Differentially Senescing Mutants of Wheat and Impacts on Yield, Biomass and Nitrogen PartitioningF
Authors: Derkx Adinda P. , Orford Simon , Griffiths Simon , Foulkes M. John , Hawkesford Malcolm J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIncreasing photosynthetic capacity by extending canopy longevity during grain filling using slow senescing stay‐green genotypes is a possible means to improve yield in wheat. Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutated wheat lines (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Paragon) were screened for fast and slow canopy senescence to investigate the impact on yield and nitrogen partitioning. Stay‐green and fast‐senescing lines with similar anthesis dates were characterised in detail. Delayed senescence was only apparent at higher nitrogen supply with low nitrogen supply enhancing the rate of senescence in all lines. In the stay‐green line 3 (SG3), on a whole plant basis, tiller and seed number increased whilst thousand grain weight (TGW) decreased; although a greater N uptake was observed in the main tiller, yield was not affected. In fast‐senescing line 2 (FS2), yield decreased, principally as a result of decreased TGW. Analysis of N‐partitioning in the main stem indicated that although the slow‐senescing line had lower biomass and consequently less nitrogen in all plant parts, the proportion of biomass and nitrogen in the flag leaf was greater at anthesis compared to the other lines; this contributed to the grain N and yield of the slow‐senescing line at maturity in both the main tiller and in the whole plant. A field trial confirmed senescence patterns of the two lines, and the negative impact on yield for FS2 and a positive impact for SG3 at low N only. The lack of increased yield in the slow‐senescing line was likely due to decreased biomass and additionally a possible sink limitation.
Moth diversity in three biofuel crops and native prairie in Illinois
Authors: Harrison Terry , Berenbaum May R. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe expanding demand for biofuel feedstock may lead to large‐scale conscription of land for monoculture production of biofuel crops with concomitant substantial negative impacts on biodiversity. We compared moth diversity in light‐trap samples from corn, miscanthus, switchgrass and native prairie, to determine whether there is an observable relationship between plant species diversity and moth abundance and diversity. Moth alpha diversity was highest in prairie and was higher in switchgrass than in the other two biofuel crops. Beta diversity generally was low among the biofuel crops, and prairie shared lower beta diversity with switchgrass than with corn or miscanthus. Analysis of variance showed no significant differences in moth abundance per species among treatments. The alpha and beta diversity index findings are consistent with those of other studies on arthropods in biofuel crops and provide evidence to suggest that large‐scale conversion of acreage to biofuel crops may have substantial negative effects on arthropod biodiversity both within the cropping systems and in the surrounding landscape.
Detection of airborne genetically modified maize pollen by real‐time PCR
Authors: FOLLONI SILVIA , KAGKLI DAFNI‐MARIA , RAJCEVIC BOJAN , GUIMARÃES NILSON C. C. , VAN DROOGENBROECK BART , VALICENTE FERNANDO H. , VAN den EEDE GUY , VAN den BULCKE MARC 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops has raised numerous concerns in the European Union and other parts of the world about their environmental and economic impact. Especially outcrossing of genetically modified organisms (GMO) was from the beginning a critical issue as airborne pollen has been considered an important way of GMO dispersal. Here, we investigate the use of airborne pollen sampling combined with microscopic analysis and molecular PCR analysis as an approach to monitor GM maize cultivations in a specific area. Field trial experiments in the European Union and South America demonstrated the applicability of the approach under different climate conditions, in rural and semi‐urban environment, even at very low levels of airborne pollen. The study documents in detail the sampling of GM pollen, sample DNA extraction and real‐time PCR analysis. Our results suggest that this ‘GM pollen monitoring by bioaerosol sampling and PCR screening’ approach might represent an useful aid in the surveillance of GM‐free areas, centres of origin and natural reserves.
Erythrocytic Pyruvate Kinase Mutations Causing Hemolytic Anemia, Osteosclerosis, and Secondary Hemochromatosis in Dogs
Authors: Inal Gultekin G. , Raj K. , Foureman P. , Lehman S. , Manhart K. , Abdulmalik O. , Giger U. 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundErythrocytic pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency, first documented inBasenjis, is the most common inherited erythroenzymopathy in dogs.ObjectivesTo report 3 new breed‐specificPK‐LRgene mutations and a retrospective survey ofPKmutations in a small and selected group ofBeagles andWestHighlandWhite Terriers (WHWT).AnimalsLabrador Retrievers (2 siblings, 5 unrelated), Pugs (2 siblings, 1 unrelated), Beagles (39 anemic, 29 other), WHWTs (22 anemic, 226 nonanemic), Cairn Terrier (n = 1).MethodsExons of thePK‐LRgene were sequenced from genomicDNAof young dogs (<2 years) with persistent highly regenerative hemolytic anemia.ResultsA nonsense mutation (c.799C>T) resulting in a premature stop codon was identified in anemic Labrador Retriever siblings that had osteosclerosis, high serum ferritin concentrations, and severe hepatic secondary hemochromatosis. AnemicPug andBeagle revealed 2 different missense mutations (c.848T>C, c.994G>A, respectively) resulting in intolerable amino acid changes to protein structure and enzyme function. Breed‐specific mutation tests were developed. Among the biased group of 248WHWTs, 9% and 35% were homozygous (affected) and heterozygous, respectively, for the previously described mutation (mutant allele frequency 0.26). APK‐deficientCairnTerrier had the same insertion mutation as the affectedWHWTs. Of the selected group of 68Beagles, 35% werePK‐deficient and 3% were carriers (0.37).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceErythrocyticPKdeficiency is caused by different mutations in different dog breeds and causes chronic severe hemolytic anemia, hemosiderosis, and secondary hemochromatosis because of chronic hemolysis and, an as yet unexplained osteosclerosis. The newly developed breed‐specific mutation assays simplify the diagnosis ofPKdeficiency.
Correlation of the Abundance of Betaproteobacteria on Mineral Surfaces with Mineral Weathering in Forest Soils
Authors: Lepleux C. , Turpault M. P. , Oger P. , Frey-Klett P. , Uroz S. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Pyrosequencing-based analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a significant correlation between apatite dissolution and the abundance of betaproteobacteria on apatite surfaces, suggesting a role for the bacteria belonging to this phylum in mineral weathering. Notably, the cultivation-dependent approach demonstrated that the most efficient mineral-weathering bacteria belonged to the betaproteobacterial genus
Burhkolderia
.
Enhancing the Promiscuous Phosphotriesterase Activity of a Thermostable Lactonase (GkaP) for the Efficient Degradation of Organophosphate Pesticides
Authors: Zhang Yu , An Jiao , Ye Wei , Yang Guangyu , Qian Zhi-Gang , Chen Hai-Feng , Cui Li , Feng Yan 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

The phosphotriesterase-like lactonase (PLL) enzymes in the amidohydrolase superfamily hydrolyze various lactones and exhibit latent phosphotriesterase activities. These enzymes serve as attractive templates for
in vitro
evolution of neurotoxic organophosphates (OPs) with hydrolytic capabilities that can be used as bioremediation tools. Here, a thermostable PLL from
Geobacillus kaustophilus
HTA426 (GkaP) was targeted for joint laboratory evolution with the aim of enhancing its catalytic efficiency against OP pesticides. By a combination of site saturation mutagenesis and whole-gene error-prone PCR approaches, several improved variants were isolated. The most active variant, 26A8C, accumulated eight amino acid substitutions and demonstrated a 232-fold improvement over the wild-type enzyme in reactivity (
k
cat
/

K
m

) for the OP pesticide
ethyl
-paraoxon. Concomitantly, this variant showed a 767-fold decrease in lactonase activity with δ-decanolactone, imparting a specificity switch of 1.8 × 10
5
-fold. 26A8C also exhibited high hydrolytic activities (19- to 497-fold) for several OP pesticides, including parathion, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos. Analysis of the mutagenesis sites on the GkaP structure revealed that most mutations are located in loop 8, which determines substrate specificity in the amidohydrolase superfamily. Molecular dynamics simulation shed light on why 26A8C lost its native lactonase activity and improved the promiscuous phosphotriesterase activity. These results permit us to obtain further insights into the divergent evolution of promiscuous enzymes and suggest that laboratory evolution of GkaP may lead to potential biological solutions for the efficient decontamination of neurotoxic OP compounds.
Dissolved Organic Carbon Influences Microbial Community Composition and Diversity in Managed Aquifer Recharge Systems
Authors: Li Dong , Sharp Jonathan O. , Saikaly Pascal E. , Ali Shahjahan , Alidina Mazahirali , Alarawi Mohammed S. , Keller Stephanie , Hoppe-Jones Christiane , Drewes Jï¿½rg E. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

This study explores microbial community structure in managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems across both laboratory and field scales. Two field sites, the Taif River (Taif, Saudi Arabia) and South Platte River (Colorado), were selected as geographically distinct MAR systems. Samples derived from unsaturated riverbed, saturated-shallow-infiltration (depth, 1 to 2 cm), and intermediate-infiltration (depth, 10 to 50 cm) zones were collected. Complementary laboratory-scale sediment columns representing low (0.6 mg/liter) and moderate (5 mg/liter) dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were used to further query the influence of DOC and depth on microbial assemblages. Microbial density was positively correlated with the DOC concentration, while diversity was negatively correlated at both the laboratory and field scales. Microbial communities derived from analogous sampling zones in each river were not phylogenetically significantly different on phylum, class, genus, and species levels, as determined by 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, suggesting that geography and season exerted less sway than aqueous geochemical properties. When field-scale communities derived from the Taif and South Platte River sediments were grouped together, principal coordinate analysis revealed distinct clusters with regard to the three sample zones (unsaturated, shallow, and intermediate saturated) and, further, with respect to DOC concentration. An analogous trend as a function of depth and corresponding DOC loss was observed in column studies. Canonical correspondence analysis suggests that microbial classes
Betaproteobacteria
and
Gammaproteobacteria
are positively correlated with DOC concentration. Our combined analyses at both the laboratory and field scales suggest that DOC may exert a strong influence on microbial community composition and diversity in MAR saturated zones.
Association of Nucleotide Polymorphisms within the O-Antigen Gene Cluster of Escherichia coli O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145 with Serogroups and Genetic Subtypes
Authors: Norman Keri N. , Strockbine Nancy A. , Bono James L. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTShiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) strains are important food-borne pathogens capable of causing hemolytic-uremic syndrome. STEC O157:H7 strains cause the majority of severe disease in the United States; however, there is a growing concern for the amount and severity of illness attributable to non-O157 STEC. Recently, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published the intent to regulate the presence of STEC belonging to serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145 in nonintact beef products. To ensure the effective control of these bacteria, sensitive and specific tests for their detection will be needed. In this study, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the O-antigen gene cluster that could be used to detect STEC strains of the above-described serogroups. Using comparative DNA sequence analysis, we identified 22 potentially informative SNPs among 164 STEC and non-STEC strains of the above-described serogroups and designed matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) assays to test the STEC allele frequencies in an independent panel of bacterial strains. We found at least one SNP that was specific to each serogroup and also differentiated between STEC and non-STEC strains. Differences in the DNA sequence of the O-antigen gene cluster corresponded well with differences in the virulence gene profiles and provided evidence of different lineages for STEC and non-STEC strains. The SNPs discovered in this study can be used to develop tests that will not only accurately identify O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145 strains but also predict whether strains detected in the above-described serogroups contain Shiga toxin-encoding genes.
Genetic and Symbiotic Diversity of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Isolated from Agricultural Soils in the Western Amazon by Using Cowpea as the Trap Plant
Authors: Azarias Guimarães Amanda , Duque Jaramillo Paula Marcela , Simão Abrahão Nóbrega Rafaela , Florentino Ligiane Aparecida , Barroso Silva Karina , de Souza Moreira Fatima Maria 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Cowpea is a legume of great agronomic importance that establishes symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. However, little is known about the genetic and symbiotic diversity of these bacteria in distinct ecosystems. Our study evaluated the genetic diversity and symbiotic efficiencies of 119 bacterial strains isolated from agriculture soils in the western Amazon using cowpea as a trap plant. These strains were clustered into 11 cultural groups according to growth rate and pH. The 57 nonnodulating strains were predominantly fast growing and acidifying, indicating a high incidence of endophytic strains in the nodules. The other 62 strains, authenticated as nodulating bacteria, exhibited various symbiotic efficiencies, with 68% of strains promoting a significant increase in shoot dry matter of cowpea compared with the control with no inoculation and low levels of mineral nitrogen. Fifty genotypes with 70% similarity and 21 genotypes with 30% similarity were obtained through repetitive DNA sequence (BOX element)-based PCR (BOX-PCR) clustering. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of strains representative of BOX-PCR clusters showed a predominance of bacteria from the genus
Bradyrhizobium
but with high species diversity.
Rhizobium
,
Burkholderia
, and
Achromobacter
species were also identified. These results support observations of cowpea promiscuity and demonstrate the high symbiotic and genetic diversity of rhizobia species in areas under cultivation in the western Amazon.
Roles of Host Species, Geographic Separation, and Isolation in the Seroprevalence of Jamestown Canyon and Snowshoe Hare Viruses in Newfoundland
Authors: Goff Gregory , Whitney Hugh , Drebot Michael A. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

California serogroup viruses, including Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) and snowshoe hare virus (SSHV), are mosquito-borne members of the
Bunyaviridae
family and are endemic across North America. These arboviruses are potential pathogens which occasionally cause neuroinvasive disease in humans and livestock. A neutralization assay was used to document JCV and SSHV seroprevalence using blood collected from a variety of domestic and wildlife host species. These species were sampled in an island setting, Newfoundland, which contains diverse ecoregions, ecological landscapes, and habitats. Seroprevalence rates for each virus differed significantly among host species and within certain species across different geographic areas. JCV was significantly associated with large mammals, and SSHV was significantly associated with snowshoe hares. Seroprevalence rates in the 5 species of animals tested for prior exposure to JCV ranged from 0% in snowshoe hares to 64% in horses. Seroprevalence rates for SSHV ranged from less than 1% in bovines to 55% in all snowshoe hares. The seroprevalence of SSHV differed significantly (
P
< 0.05) among hares occupying the discrete habitats of watersheds separated by 14 to 35 km. Cattle on farms in boreal forest landscapes displayed significantly higher JCV seroprevalence (
P
< 0.001) than those on farms located in seacoast landscapes. Lifelong geographic isolation of cattle to insular Newfoundland was associated with significantly lower JCV seroprevalence (
P
< 0.01) than that for cattle which had lived off-island.
Regional Variation in Lytic and Lysogenic Viral Infection in the Southern Ocean and Its Contribution to Biogeochemical Cycling
Authors: Evans Claire , Brussaard Corina P. D. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Lytic and lysogenic viral infection was investigated throughout the Southern Ocean at sites spanning the sub-Antarctic zone, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, and an Antarctic continental sea. Higher lytic virus activity was recorded in the more productive sub-Antarctic zone than in the iron-limited waters of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current during two transects. Reduced lytic viral activity in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current was combined with a shift toward lysogenic infection, probably resulting from the lower concentration of potential prokaryotic hosts. Superimposed on this variation, lytic viral production was lower in a transect completed in the Drake Passage in autumn (1.8 × 10
8
to 1.5 × 10
9
liter
−1
day
−1
) than over the Greenwich Meridian during summer (5.1 × 10
8
to 2.0 × 10
10
cells liter
−1
day
−1
), indicating that viral activity is linked to the overall seasonal fluctuations in biotic activity. Interestingly, while prokaryotic abundance was lowest in the coastal Weddell Sea, levels of bacterial and lytic viral production (4.3 × 10
8
to 1.7 × 10
10
cells liter
−1
day
−1
) in this area were similar to those of the other zones. This may explain the weak relationship between the distribution of prokaryotes and chlorophyll in the Weddell Sea, as a high turnover of prokaryotic biomass may have been stimulated by the availability of substrates in the form of viral lysate. With estimated carbon and iron releases of 0.02 to 7.5 μg liter
−1
day
−1
and 1.5 to 175.7 pg liter
−1
day
−1
, respectively, viral activity in the Southern Ocean is shown to be a major contributor to satisfying the elemental requirements of microbes, notably prokaryotes in the Weddell Sea and phytoplankton in the sub-Antarctic zone.