bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer‐vision analysis of seedling responses to light and gravity
Authors: Miller Nathan D. , Parks Brian M. , Spalding Edgar P. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryMeasuring the effects of mutation, natural variation or treatment on the development of plant form is often complicated by the shapes, dynamics or small size of the organismal structures under study. This limits accuracy and throughput of measurement and thereby limits progress toward understanding the underlying gene networks and signaling systems. A computer‐vision platform based on electronic image capture and shape‐analysis algorithms was developed as an alternative to the mostly manual methods of measuring seedling development currently in use. The spatial and temporal resolution of the method is in the range of microns and minutes, respectively. The algorithm simultaneously quantifies apical hook opening and inhibition of hypocotyl elongation during photomorphogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. It can determine when and where gravitropic curvature develops along the root axis in A. thaliana and Medicago truncatula seedlings. Novel features of gravitropic curvature development were discovered as a result of the high resolution. The computer‐vision algorithms developed and demonstrated here could be used to study mutant phenotypes in detail, to form the basis of a high‐throughput screening platform, or to quantify natural variation in a population of plants.
Armadillo repeat‐containing kinesins and a NIMA‐related kinase are required for epidermal‐cell morphogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sakai Tatsuya , Honing Hannie van der , Nishioka Miki , Uehara Yukiko , Takahashi Mihoko , Fujisawa Noriko , Saji Kensuke , Seki Motoaki , Shinozaki Kazuo , Jones Mark A. , Smirnoff Nicholas , Okada Kiyotaka , Wasteneys Geoffrey O. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe involvement of kinesin motor proteins in both cell‐tip growth and cell‐shape determination has been well characterized in various organisms. However, the functions of kinesins during cell morphogenesis in higher plants remain largely unknown. In the current study, we demonstrate that an armadillo repeat‐containing kinesin‐related protein, ARMADILLO REPEAT KINESIN1 (ARK1), is involved in root‐hair morphogenesis. Microtubule polymers are more abundant in ark1 null allele root hairs, but analysis shows that these extra microtubules are concentrated in the endoplasm, and not in the cortical array, suggesting that ARK1 regulates tip growth by limiting the assembly and distribution of endoplasmic microtubules. The ARK1 gene has two homologues in the Arabidopsis genome, ARK2 and ARK3, and our results show that ARK2 is involved in root‐cell morphogenesis. We further reveal that a NIMA‐related protein kinase, NEK6, binds to the ARK family proteins and has pleiotropic effects on epidermal‐cell morphogenesis, suggesting that NEK6 is involved in cell morphogenesis in Arabidopsis via microtubule functions associated with these armadillo repeat‐containing kinesins. We discuss the function of NIMA‐related protein kinases and armadillo repeat‐containing kinesins in the cell morphogenesis of eukaryotes.
Low X/Y divergence in four pairs of papaya sex‐linked genes
Authors: Yu Qingyi , Hou Shaobin , Feltus F. Alex , Jones Meghan R. , Murray Jan E. , Veatch Olivia , Lemke Cornelia , Saw Jimmy H. , Moore Richard C. , Thimmapuram Jyothi , Liu Lei , Moore Paul H. , Alam Maqsudul , Jiang Jiming , Paterson Andrew H. , Ming Ray 
Published: September 2007

SummarySex chromosomes in flowering plants, in contrast to those in animals, evolved relatively recently and only a few are heteromorphic. The homomorphic sex chromosomes of papaya show features of incipient sex chromosome evolution. We investigated the features of paired X‐ and Y‐specific bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), and estimated the time of divergence in four pairs of sex‐linked genes. We report the results of a comparative analysis of long contiguous genomic DNA sequences between the X and hermaphrodite Y (Yh) chromosomes. Numerous chromosomal rearrangements were detected in the male‐specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY), including inversions, deletions, insertions, duplications and translocations, showing the dynamic evolutionary process on the MSY after recombination ceased. DNA sequence expansion was documented in the two regions of the MSY, demonstrating that the cytologically homomorphic sex chromosomes are heteromorphic at the molecular level. Analysis of sequence divergence between four X and Yh gene pairs resulted in a estimated age of divergence of between 0.5 and 2.2 million years, supporting a recent origin of the papaya sex chromosomes. Our findings indicate that sex chromosomes did not evolve at the family level in Caricaceae, and reinforce the theory that sex chromosomes evolve at the species level in some lineages.
Comparative study of the hydration of the stratum corneum between four ethnic groups: influence of age
Authors: Diridollou Stéphane , De Rigal Jean , Querleux Bernard , Leroy Frédéric , Holloway Barbosa Victoria 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground  Several recent overviews have reported that significant work remains to be performed to understand and quantify the ethnic differences in skin properties.In this way, we have carried out a set of in vivo biophysical experiments on the skin of American women from different ethnic populations living in the same environment. Inter‐ and intraethnic skin micro relief results were already published, skin hydration differences are now reported here.Methods  The skin water content was evaluated taking advantage of the new skin capacitance imaging technique which allows to study stratum corneum hydration without suffering of the influence of the skin micro‐relief and hair on the measurement.Three hundred and eleven American women from four ethnic groups were enrolled in this study. The investigation was performed during the summer season of 2004 on the major relatively distinct ethnic groups of Chicago, which is to say: African American, Chinese, Caucasian and Mexican.The hydration of the skin was investigated on the dorsal and ventral forearm sites as a function of ethnicity and age.Results  Skin dryness is higher on sun exposed sites for lighter skin tones, such as in Chinese and Caucasian women, than on sites that are primarily out of the sun; while, no skin dryness differences are seen on either site for African American and Mexican women whose skin is darker.The skin dryness does not change as a function of ethnicity for the younger group for either the ventral and dorsal site of the forearm. With age, however, the dryness of the skin is higher for African American and Caucasian women than for the two other ethnic groups, with a higher percentage increase in Caucasian women.Conclusions  This study has revealed that the hydration of the skin is different according to ethnicity and that the age effects are influenced by ethnicity, suggesting anatomical or physiological property differences in ethnic skin.This study has also pointed out that the SkinChip® seems to be a convenient and fast way to investigate both the micro relief as previously published and the dryness of the skin on a large number of subjects, and in this way will be very useful to improve our knowledge about skin of people from different ethnic groups and helping to develop specific products that are customized to all these populations.
Epidemiologic, clinical, and therapeutic features of acne in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Kane Assane , Niang Suzanne Oumou , Diagne Awa Cisse , Ly Fatimata , Ndiaye Bassirou 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground  Acne, a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of the pilosebaceous follicle, is very widespread worldwide, affecting 75–80% of adolescents, with an impact on their quality of life. The etiologic factors are not always the same, and the treatments proposed are not always well tolerated in black individuals.Aims  To determine how acne affects the black population in Dakar, Senegal, and to assess the results of and tolerance to treatment.Methods  This was a prospective study conducted on a sample of patients who attended consultations for acne in our dermatology department between December 2002 and March 2003, and who agreed to take part in the study (informed consent was obtained). An anonymous questionnaire was used as a support.Results  Ninety‐three patients were included in the study, with a hospital frequency of 5.3% and an average age of onset of acne of 25.58 years. In 75% of cases, the acne sufferers were young women, 76.3% of whom were single. Acne was of the superficial inflammatory type in 76.3%, retentional in 67.7%, and nodulocystic in 12.9% (Some patients who have acne vulgaris may have pustules, papules and nodules or cystic lesions so the percentages add up to 100). Signs of hyperandrogeny were observed in 19.1%, with hirsutism in 93.8%. Artificial depigmentation was noted in 38.7%. Stress was found in 89.2% and a depressive state in 3.4%. Solar exposure aggravated the lesions in 52.7%. In terms of therapy, only 1.1% received oral retinoids. An improvement was noted in 67.2%, and resistance was observed in 7.3%.Discussion  In Dakar, Senegal, patients with acne consult later than elsewhere. The majority of cases are women, contrary to certain other studies. The inflammatory forms predominate in adult women. The most frequent location is on the face. An evolution to pigmentary disorders is found in 67.7%. Predisposing factors include the use of depigmenting cosmetic products and sun exposure. Local treatment, such as benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids, which promote melanoderma in black skin, is widely used. The exorbitant cost of oral retinoids considerably limits their use in Senegal.Conclusion  Acne, an adolescent pathology, is increasingly being observed in adults using depigmenting cosmetics. The multiple clinical forms are dominated by inflammatory acne. The many relapses and cost of treatment have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of patients.
Lack of dehydroepiandrosterone in type I and II hereditary angioedema and role of danazol in steroid hormone conversion
Authors: Thon V. , Härle P. , Schölmerich J. , Kuklinek P. , Lokaj J. , Straub R. H. 
Published: October 2007

Background:  Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is successfully treated with danazol, a therapeutic steroid compound. To investigate hormones of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis in patients with HAE with and without danazol.Methods:  We included 16 patients with type I HAE, nine patients with type II HAE, and 16 healthy subjects. Serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), free testosterone, and 17β‐oestradiol were measured.Results:  Serum levels of ACTH were markedly decreased in patients with type II HAE compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). Serum cortisol was similar between groups but danazol treatment decreased cortisol levels, particularly in women (P = 0.019). Serum levels of DHEA were significantly decreased in all patients with type I and II HAE compared to controls (P < 0.05), which was only partly dependent on prior danazol therapy as patients without danazol had also decreased serum levels of DHEA (P < 0.05). Furthermore, free testosterone serum levels were markedly increased in patients under danazol (P < 0.005) and the ratio of 17β‐oestradiol/free testosterone was significantly decreased in these patients (P < 0.005).Conclusions:  This study demonstrated decreased DHEA in patients with type I and II HAE independent of danazol therapy, which was particularly evident in women. It also demonstrates that danazol induced a marked up‐regulation of free testosterone in relation to precursors and downstream 17β‐oestradiol. In HAE, there seems to be a primary lack of the adrenal androgen DHEA.
The common allergens in the Churg–Strauss syndrome
Authors: Bottero P. , Bonini M. , Vecchio F. , Grittini A. , Patruno G. M. , Colombo B. , Sinico R. A. 
Published: October 2007

Background: The asthmatic‐prodromal phase of Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) is usually considered allergic, but data about the involved allergens are scarce. The aim of our work was to examine the prevalence of allergy in a group of CSS patients and in two control groups of persistent asthmatic subjects selected for eosinophilia >10% [first control group patients (CGP1)] and eosinophils <6% [second control group patients (CGP2)].Methods: The respiratory symptoms, and the results of prick test and/or RAST for the common allergens, performed before the vasculitic phase in 51 CSS, were retrospectively evaluated and compared with those of 46 CGP1 and 50 CGP2.Results: 31.4% of CSS vs 67.4% of CGP1 (P = 0.0004) and vs 58.0% CGP2 (P = 0.007) were allergic. The number of subjects with seasonal allergies was lower in CSS vs CGP1 (P = 0.0069) and vs CGP2 (P = 0.0002). The number of perennial allergies was significantly higher in CSS than in both control groups (CSS vs CGP1, P = 0.0108; CSS vs CGP2, P = 0.0079). The subjects allergic to Dermatophagoides were prevalent in CSS vs CGP1 (P = 0.0045) but not vs CGP2.Conclusions: The evidence of allergy, considered as the demonstration of specific IgE consistent with the clinical history, is present in less than one‐third of CSS and the higher prevalence of seasonal allergies in the controls disagrees with persistent asthma. Allergy may be only one of several mechanisms triggering exacerbation of asthma or supporting chronic airway inflammation as in asthma in general. Alternatively, unidentified allergens may play a role.
Allergen induced gene expression of airway epithelial cells shows a possible role for TNF‐α
Authors: Vroling A. B. , Duinsbergen D. , Fokkens W. J. , Van Drunen C. M. 
Published: October 2007

Background:  Epithelium is more than a physical barrier for pathogens and allergens, as it is also capable of producing mediators in response to these environmental factors. Some of these mediators have an immuno‐modulatory function, suggesting that epithelium is an active component of the immune response. Here, we fully characterize the expression profile of airway epithelial cells in response to house dust mite (HDM) allergen.Methods:  H292 cells were exposed to HDM extract for 24 h, RNA and supernatant was used for microarray analysis and multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively.Results:  A total of 38 500 genes, 813 were differentially expressed by more than twofold and 116 even more than fivefold. Interestingly, among the most up‐regulated genes, a large number are involved in cell‐to‐cell communication. These include chemokines (CCL‐8 and −20, CXCL‐1, −2 and −3), cytokines (IL‐1α, ‐6 and ‐11), anti‐inflammatory factors [PTX‐3, interleukin (IL)‐13Rα, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐αIP3], and factors that are involved in repair of the mucosal tissue (LOXL‐2, NID‐2, HBEGF, MUC‐5AC and MUC‐5B). Pathway analysis showed that a number of these genes are transcriptionally regulated by TNF‐α, which we could detect by quantitative polymerase chain reaction at earlier time points after HDM exposure. In addition, we could detect increased protein levels for TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL8, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, granulocyte colony stimulating factor and interferon (IFN)‐γ using ELISA.Conclusion:  Our data show that a broad range of mediators produced upon allergen exposure by these mediators’ epithelial cells can participate in the immune response via recruitment and activation of cells of the immune system.
Selection on phenotypic plasticity of morphological traits in response to flooding and competition in the clonal shore plant Ranunculus reptans
Authors: VAN KLEUNEN M. , LENSSEN J. P. M. , FISCHER M. , DE KROON H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAdaptive evolution of phenotypic plasticity requires that plastic genotypes have the highest global fitness. We studied selection by spatial heterogeneity of interspecific competition and flooding, and by temporal heterogeneity of flooding on morphological plasticity of 52 genotypes of the clonal shore plant Ranunculus reptans. Competition reduced clone size, rosette size, leaf length and stolon internode thickness. Flooding had similar effects and reduced competition. Differences in selection between environments imply potential for either local adaptation or for indirect evolution of phenotypic plasticity. We also detected direct selection for plastic reductions in internode length in response to flooding and for a plastic increase in internode length in response to competition. Plastic responses of some morphological traits to flooding were in line with selection thereon, suggesting that they indeed are adaptive and might have evolved in response to direct selection on plasticity.
Within and between generation phenotypic plasticity in trichome density ofMimulus guttatus
Authors: HOLESKI L. M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractMimulus guttatus(yellow monkeyflower) frequently produce glandular trichomes, a trait that may resist herbivory. Constitutive production of trichomes is variable both within and among populations ofM. guttatusand most of this variation is genetic. This study demonstrates that damage on early leaves can induce increased trichome production on later leaves, a plastic response that is likely adaptive. Moreover, this study shows that this induction can be maternally transmitted, increasing trichome density in progeny before they experience herbivory. This transgenerational response must involve a yet undescribed epigenetic mechanism. These experiments also show genetic variation among plants in the capacity for bothwithinandbetweenplant generation induction. Despite the clear evolutionary importance of variation in constitutive and induced herbivory‐resistance traits, few other studies have noted genetic variation in both within a plant species.
Measuring information processing in a client with extreme agitation following traumatic brain injury using the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform System of Task Analysis
Authors: Nott Melissa T. , Chapparo Christine 
Published: September 2007

Background/Aims: Agitation following traumatic brain injury is characterised by a heightened state of activity with disorganised information processing that interferes with learning and achieving functional goals. This study aimed to identify information processing problems during task performance of a severely agitated adult using the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform (PRPP) System of Task Analysis. Second, this study aimed to examine the sensitivity of the PRPP System to changes in task performance over a short period of rehabilitation, and third, to evaluate the guidance provided by the PRPP in directing intervention.Methods: A case study research design was employed. The PRPP System of Task Analysis was used to assess changes in task embedded information processing capacity during occupational therapy intervention with a severely agitated adult in a rehabilitation context. Performance is assessed on three selected tasks over a one‐month period.Results: Information processing difficulties during task performance can be clearly identified when observing a severely agitated adult following a traumatic brain injury. Processing skills involving attention, sensory processing and planning were most affected at this stage of rehabilitation. These processing difficulties are linked to established descriptions of agitated behaviour. Fluctuations in performance across three tasks of differing processing complexity were evident, leading to hypothesised relationships between task complexity, environment and novelty with information processing errors. Changes in specific information processing capacity over time were evident based on repeated measures using the PRPP System of Task Analysis. This lends preliminary support for its utility as an outcome measure, and raises hypotheses about the type of therapy required to enhance information processing in people with severe agitation.Conclusions: The PRPP System is sensitive to information processing changes in severely agitated adults when used to reassess performance over short intervals and can provide direct guidance to occupational therapy intervention to improve task embedded information processing by categorising errors under four stages of an information processing model: Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform.
Adjustment to residential care: The experience of newly admitted residents to hostel accommodation in Australia
Authors: Marshall Esther , Mackenzie Lynette 
Published: September 2007

Background/aim:  As the population ages, an increased number of older people are entering residential care. Moving into residential care is a challenging adjustment for older people, yet little is documented about the nature of this adjustment from the perspective of new residents. Methods:  A qualitative study was undertaken using interviews conducted with 11 hostel residents. Inductive content analysis techniques were used to gain an in‐depth understanding of the processes and perceptions that influenced adjustment to hostel living for participants. Results:  Four themes emerged from the data: (i) accepting the decision, (ii) the importance of home, (iii) fitting in, and (iv) freedom to do the normal things in life. Engagement in meaningful occupations was vital to positive adjustment. Conclusions:  Occupational therapy is well placed to facilitate the process of adjustment to residential care and take a more active role within the hostel system.
INHIBITION OF THE RENIN–ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM ATTENUATES THE DEVELOPMENT OF LIVER FIBROSIS AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RATS
Authors: El‐Demerdash Ebtehal , Salam Omar M Abdel , El‐Batran Seham A , Abdallah Heba MI , Shaffie Nermeen M 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARY

The present study was designed to investigate the potential antifibrotic and anti‐oxidant effects of lisinopril, fosinopril and losartan in an experimental rat model of liver injury using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).
First, the potential hepatoprotective dose of each drug was screened against CCl4‐induced acute hepatotoxicity. Then, we chose the minimum hepatoprotective dose of each drug to further investigate the mechanisms involved in the hepatoprotection using a chronic model of hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4.
Liver function was assessed in addition to histopathological examination. Furthermore, oxidative stress markers (reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxides levels) and markers of fibrosis (hydroxyproline content and liver fibrosis area) were assessed.
It was found that treatment of animals with different drugs concomitantly with CCl4 significantly counteracted the changes in liver function induced by CCl4 (except fosinopril). In addition, the drugs ameliorated the histopathological changes induced by CCl4. All drugs significantly counteracted lipid peroxidation and GSH depletion (except fosinopril) compared with the CCl4‐intoxicated group. Moreover, the drugs studied significantly reduced liver hydroxyproline levels and the area of fibrosis compared with the CCl4‐intoxicated group.
In conclusion, the present study provides evidence for the hepatoprotective effect of lisinopril, fosinopril and losartan. Both lisinopril and losartan was found to have better hepatoprotective potential than fosinopril against CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity. These hepatoprotective effects can be explained on the basis of anti‐oxidant and antifibrotic mechanisms, mainly enhancement of GSH and reduction of lipid peroxidation and fibrosis.