bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral blood CD27+ IgG+ B cells rapidly proliferate and differentiate into immunoglobulin‐secreting cells after exposure to low CD154 interaction
Authors: Fecteau Jessie F. , Roy Annie , Néron Sonia 
Published: November 2008

Summary In vitro CD40 stimulation of human B cells isolated from lymphoid organs is dominated by memory B cells undergoing faster proliferation and higher differentiation than naive B cells. In contrast, we previously reported that blood memory B cells mainly differentiate into immunoglobulin‐secreting cells in response to CD40 stimulation. However, variations in CD40–CD154 interaction are now recognized to influence B‐cell fate. In this study, we have compared the in vitro response of blood CD27− and CD27− IgG− to CD27+ and CD27+ IgG+ B cells following low‐density exposure to CD154 in the presence of a mixture of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐4 and IL‐10. The evolution of these cell populations was monitored during initiation and following long‐term stimulation. Over a 5‐day period, CD27+ B cells underwent differentiation into immunoglobulin‐secreting cells more readily than CD27− cells, and CD27+ IgG+ B cells gave rise to a near homogeneous population of CD19+ CD27++ CD38+ IgGlo cells capable of high immunoglobulin G (IgG) secretion. During the same period, CD27− IgG− B cells partially became CD19++ CD27− CD38− IgG++ cells but showed no IgG secretion. Long‐term stimulation revealed that CD27+ IgG+ B cells retained a high expansion capacity and could maintain their momentum towards differentiation over naive B cells. In addition, long‐term stimulation was driving CD27− IgG− and total CD19+ B cells to evolve into similar CD27+ and CD27− subsets, suggesting naive homeostatic proliferation. Overall, these results tend to reconcile memory B cells from blood and lymphoid organs regarding their preferential differentiation capacity compared to naive cells, and further suggest that circulating memory IgG+ cells may be intrinsically prone to rapid activation upon appropriate stimulation.
Genetic integrity of sympatric hybridising plant species: the case ofOrchis italicaandO. anthropophora
Authors: Pellegrino G. , Bellusci F. , Musacchio A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPlant species diversification entails the action of reproductive barriers, which are severely challenged when related species grow in contact and form hybrid progeny.Orchis italicaandO. anthropophoraare two related orchid species that produce a known hybrid form,O. xbivonae. Here, we analysed a hybrid zone of these two orchids using molecular analysis and experimental crosses. As molecular tools, we employed both real‐time PCR and PCR amplification of nuclear markers to evaluate the occurrence of backcross recombination. With these approaches, we demonstrated that all examined hybrids belong to the F1generation. Chloroplast DNA analysis showed thatO. anthropophorawas the maternal species of most of hybrid specimens and that cytoplasmic introgression was lacking in both parental species. Pollination experiments showed that the two orchid species were strictly out‐crossing, although self‐compatible, and have comparable levels of reproductive fitness in all crossing treatments. Conversely, hybrids demonstrated low reproductive success in all intra‐ and back‐crossing treatments. The absence of any backcross generations and plastid introgression suggest thatO. xbivonaedoes not represent a bridge to gene flow betweenO. italicaandO. anthropophora.Indeed, the low hybrid fitness testifies to the effectiveness of late post‐zygotic barriers occurring between the parental species.
Phylogenetic and transcriptional analysis of a strictosidine synthase‐like gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals involvement in plant defence responses
Authors: Sohani M. M. , Schenk P. M. , Schultz C. J. , Schmidt O. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractProtein domains with similarity to plant strictosidine synthase‐like (SSL) sequences have been uncovered in the genomes of all multicellular organisms sequenced so far and are known to play a role in animal immune responses. Among several distinct groups of Arabidopsis thaliana SSL sequences, four genes (AtSSL4–AtSSL7) arranged in tandem on chromosome 3 show more similarity to SSL genes from Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans than to other Arabidopsis SSL genes. To examine whether any of the four AtSSL genes are immune‐inducible, we analysed the expression of each of the four AtSSL genes after exposure to microbial pathogens, wounding and plant defence elicitors using real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR, Northern blot hybridisation and Western blot analysis with antibodies raised against recombinant AtSSL proteins. While the AtSSL4 gene was constitutively expressed and not significantly induced by any treatment, the other three AtSSL genes were induced to various degrees by plant defence signalling compounds, such as salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate and ethylene, as well as by wounding and exposure to the plant pathogens Alternaria brassicicola and cucumber mosaic virus. Our data demonstrate that the four SSL‐coding genes are regulated individually, suggesting specific roles in basal (SSL4) and inducible (SSL5‐7) plant defence mechanisms.
Variation in gametophyte dominance in populations of Chondrus verrucosus (Gigartinaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Bellgrove Alecia , Aoki Masakazu N. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYWe describe the abundance, including spatial and temporal variability, of phases of the isomorphic Chondrus verrucosus Mikami from Japan. Chondrus verrucosus occurred in a dense (∼90% cover) and temporally stable bed on a small, isolated rocky outcrop (Oyakoiwa) in Shizuoka Prefecture. Small vegetative fronds were always much more abundant than large vegetative and fertile fronds over the spring to late summer periods in 1999 and 2000. Over the same period, fertile carposporophytic fronds were generally more abundant than fertile tetrasporophytic fronds, and fertile male fronds appeared infrequently at low densities. Using the resorcinol‐acetal test, we determined the proportion of gametophytes and tetrasporophytes in three populations of C. verrucosus: Oyakoiwa and Noroshi (Shizuoka) in the summers of 1999 and 2000 and Kamehana Point (Miyagi) in autumn 2000. All populations had a significantly higher proportion of gametophytes than tetrasporophytes in both years, although gametophytic proportions were lower at Noroshi (∼70%) than at Oyakoiwa (∼80%) and Kamehana Point (∼97%). However, examination of all isolated individuals sampled on Noroshi showed equal proportions of each phase in 1999, but gametophyte dominance (74%) in 2000. Differences in dispersal and spore production between phases are discussed as mechanisms potentially contributing to variation in gametophyte dominance.
Arteries of the scrotum: a microvascular study and its application to urethral reconstruction with scrotal flaps
Authors: Carrera Anna , Gil‐Vernet Alfredo , Forcada Pau , Morro Rosa , Llusa Manuel , Arango Octavio 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo study scrotal microvascularization and apply the findings to the design of reliable skin flaps for reconstructive surgery of complex urethral or panurethral stenoses.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn 15 cryopreserved male cadavers, scrotal skin vascularization was explored using macro‐ and microdissections, and the scrotal sac made transparent using the Spalteholtz method. A meticulous descriptive analysis of the arterial network was conducted out in all cases to evaluate the number, distribution and anastomosis of the cutaneous arteries of the scrotum.RESULTSScrotal skin is irrigated by two main vascular systems, through the inferior external pudendal arteries and the perineal arteries, which branch into multiple scrotal arteries. These arteries are distributed in three cutaneous territories, two lateral and one central, which are widely inter‐anastomosed. Each lateral territory receives an inferior external pudendal artery which accesses at the midpoint of the scrotal root and fans out to cover the entire corresponding hemiscrotum. The central cutaneous territory is vascularized through the branches of two main scrotal arteries which are a continuation of the perineal arteries and which access via the posterior face, running deeply on both sides of the septum.CONCLUSIONSThe special anatomical distribution of scrotal branches stemming from perineal arteries enables the construction of adequate reliable longitudinal median island scrotal flaps for the reconstructive surgery of panurethral stenosis, as profuse axial vascularization is ensured.
Ecological niche modelling as a technique for assessing threats and setting conservation priorities for Asian slow lorises (Primates: Nycticebus)
Authors: Thorn J. S. , Nijman V. , Smith D. , Nekaris K. A. I. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Data on geographical ranges are essential when defining the conservation status of a species, and in evaluating levels of human disturbance. Where locality data are deficient, presence‐only ecological niche modelling (ENM) can provide insights into a species’ potential distribution, and can aid in conservation planning. Presence‐only ENM is especially important for rare, cryptic and nocturnal species, where absence is difficult to define. Here we applied ENM to carry out an anthropogenic risk assessment and set conservation priorities for three threatened species of Asian slow loris (Primates: Nycticebus).Location  Borneo, Java and Sumatra, Southeast Asia.Methods  Distribution models were built using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) ENM. We input 20 environmental variables comprising temperature, precipitation and altitude, along with species locality data. We clipped predicted distributions to forest cover and altitudinal data to generate remnant distributions. These were then applied to protected area (PA) and human land‐use data, using specific criteria to define low‐, medium‐ or high‐risk areas. These data were analysed to pinpoint priority study sites, suitable reintroduction zones and protected area extensions.Results  A jackknife validation method indicated highly significant models for all three species with small sample sizes (n = 10 to 23 occurrences). The distribution models represented high habitat suitability within each species’ geographical range. High‐risk areas were most prevalent for the Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) on Java, with the highest proportion of low‐risk areas for the Bornean slow loris (N. menagensis) on Borneo. Eighteen PA extensions and 23 priority survey sites were identified across the study region.Main conclusions  Discriminating areas of high habitat suitability lays the foundations for planning field studies and conservation initiatives. This study highlights potential reintroduction zones that will minimize anthropogenic threats to animals that are released. These data reiterate the conclusion of previous research, showing MaxEnt is a viable technique for modelling species distributions with small sample sizes.
Three‐dimensional analyses of ultrasonic scaler oscillations
Authors: Lea Simon C. , Felver Bernhard , Landini Gabriel , Walmsley A. Damien 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground: It is stated that the oscillation patterns of dental ultrasonic scalers are dependent upon whether the instrument is of a magnetostrictive or piezoelectric design. These patterns are then linked to differences in root surface debridement in vitro.Material and Methods: Piezoelectric (A, P) and magnetostrictive (Slimline, TFI‐3) ultrasonic scalers (three of each) were evaluated, loaded (100 g/200 g) and unloaded with a 3D laser vibrometer. Loads were applied to the probe tips via teeth mounted in a load‐measuring device.Results: Elliptical motion was demonstrated for all probes under loaded and unloaded conditions. Loading flattened the elliptical motion along the length of the probe. Unloaded, Slimline tip 1 was significantly different to tips 2 and 3 (p<0.0001). There were no differences between the A‐tips (p>0.207). All TFI‐3 tips were different to each other (p<0.0001). P‐tips 1 and 2 were different to each other (p=0.046). Loaded, Slimline tips were different to each other (p<0.001). There were no differences between the P probes (p>0.867). Generator power increased all Slimline and P tip vibrations (p<0.0001).Conclusions: Probe oscillation patterns are independent of ultrasound production mechanism and are dependent upon probe shape and generator power. Loaded probes oscillated with an elliptical pattern.
IL‐6−174 genotype associated with the extent of periodontal disease in type 1 diabetic subjects
Authors: Raunio Taina , Knuuttila Matti , Hiltunen Liisa , Karttunen Riitta , Vainio Olli , Tervonen Tellervo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic polymorphism in certain cytokine and receptor molecule genes and diabetic status associate with the extent of periodontal disease in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM).Material and Methods: Eighty patients with type 1 DM participated. Visible plaque, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PD) and attachment level (AL) were examined clinically and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were used to assess the glycemic control of DM. CD‐14, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐10, IL‐1α, IL‐1β and TLR‐4 gene polymorphisms were studied using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: The 3‐year HbA1c was good (<7.5%) in 16%, acceptable (7.5–8.5%) in 36% and poor (>8.5%) in 48% of the subjects. IL‐6−174 genotype and 3‐year GHbA1c associated significantly with BOP and PD4 mm, subjects with the GG genotype of the IL‐6−174 exhibiting more severe periodontal disease than those with the GC/CC genotype. After stratification by IL‐6 genotype, associations between the extent of periodontal disease and 3‐year HbA1c levels remained significant in subjects carrying the GC/CC but not the GG genotype.Conclusions: In addition to the HbA1c level, the IL‐6−174 genotype is a significant susceptibility factor for periodontal disease among type 1 diabetics.
Proteolytic inactivation of tissue factor pathway inhibitor by bacterial omptins
Authors: Yun Thomas H. , Cott Jessica E. , Tapping Richard I. , Slauch James M. , Morrissey James H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe immune response to infection includes activation of the blood clotting system, leading to extravascular fibrin deposition to limit the spread of invasive microorganisms. Some bacteria have evolved mechanisms to counteract this host response. Pla, a member of the omptin family of Gram-negative bacterial proteases, promotes the invasiveness of the plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, by activating plasminogen to plasmin to digest fibrin. We now show that the endogenous anticoagulant tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is also highly sensitive to proteolysis by Pla and its orthologs OmpT in Escherichia coli and PgtE in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Using gene deletions, we demonstrate that bacterial inactivation of TFPI requires omptin expression. TFPI inactivation is mediated by proteolysis since Western blot analysis showed that TFPI cleavage correlated with loss of anticoagulant function in clotting assays. Rates of TFPI inactivation were much higher than rates of plasminogen activation, indicating that TFPI is a better substrate for omptins. We hypothesize that TFPI has evolved sensitivity to proteolytic inactivation by bacterial omptins to potentiate procoagulant responses to bacterial infection. This may contribute to the hemostatic imbalance in disseminated intravascular coagulation and other coagulopathies accompanying severe sepsis.
Linking gene regulation and the exo-metabolome: A comparative transcriptomics approach to identify genes that impact on the production of volatile aroma compounds in yeast
Authors: Rossouw Debra , Næs Tormod , Bauer Florian F 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground'Omics' tools provide novel opportunities for system-wide analysis of complex cellular functions. Secondary metabolism is an example of a complex network of biochemical pathways, which, although well mapped from a biochemical point of view, is not well understood with regards to its physiological roles and genetic and biochemical regulation. Many of the metabolites produced by this network such as higher alcohols and esters are significant aroma impact compounds in fermentation products, and different yeast strains are known to produce highly divergent aroma profiles. Here, we investigated whether we can predict the impact of specific genes of known or unknown function on this metabolic network by combining whole transcriptome and partial exo-metabolome analysis.ResultsFor this purpose, the gene expression levels of five different industrial wine yeast strains that produce divergent aroma profiles were established at three different time points of alcoholic fermentation in synthetic wine must. A matrix of gene expression data was generated and integrated with the concentrations of volatile aroma compounds measured at the same time points. This relatively unbiased approach to the study of volatile aroma compounds enabled us to identify candidate genes for aroma profile modification. Five of these genes, namelyYMR210W,BAT1,AAD10,AAD14andACS1were selected for overexpression in commercial wine yeast, VIN13. Analysis of the data show a statistically significant correlation between the changes in the exo-metabome of the overexpressing strains and the changes that were predicted based on the unbiased alignment of transcriptomic and exo-metabolomic data.ConclusionThe data suggest that a comparative transcriptomics and metabolomics approach can be used to identify the metabolic impacts of the expression of individual genes in complex systems, and the amenability of transcriptomic data to direct applications of biotechnological relevance.
Important prognostic factors for the long-term survival of lung cancer subjects in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Tai-An , Chen Ping-Ho , Wu Pei-Fen , Wang Tsu-Nai , Chang Po-Ya , Ko Albert Min-Shan , Huang Ming-Shyan , Ko Ying-Chin 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
This study used a large-scale cancer database in determination of prognostic factors for the survival of lung cancer subjects in Taiwan.

Methods
Total of 24,910 subjects diagnosed with lung cancer was analysed. Survival estimates by Kaplan-Meier methods. Cox proportional-hazards model estimated the death risk (hazard ratio (HR)) for various prognostic factors.

Results
The prognostic indicators associated with a higher risk of lung cancer deaths are male gender (males versus females; HR = 1.07, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.03–1.11), males diagnosed in later periods (shown in 1991–1994 versus 1987–1990; HR = 1.13), older age at diagnosis, large cell carcinoma (LCC)/small cell carcinoma (SCC), and supportive care therapy over chemotherapy. The overall 5-year survival rate for lung cancer death was significantly poorer for males (21.3%) than females (23.6%). Subjects with squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) and treatment by surgical resection alone had better prognosis. We find surgical resections to markedly increase 5-year survival rate from LCC, decreased risk of death from LCC, and no improved survival from SCC.

Conclusion
Gender and clinical characteristics (i.e. diagnostic period, diagnostic age, histological type and treatment modality) play important roles in determining lung cancer survival.
Improvement in health-related quality of life in osteoporosis patients treated with teriparatide
Authors: Lau Arthur N , Ali Sammy H , Sawka Anna M , Thabane Lehana , Papaioannou Alexandra , Gafni Amiram , Adachi Jonathan D 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Individuals with osteoporosis and recent vertebral fractures suffer from pain and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL). To determine whether patients with osteoporosis treated with teriparatide experienced improvement in HRQL and pain symptoms after several months of therapy.

Methods
We retrospectively studied a sample of osteoporosis patients treated with teriparatide in a Canadian rheumatology practice. We included patients that received teriparatide therapy with baseline and follow-up Mini-Osteoporosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) data. Follow-up data was measured at three or six months. We used a paired Student's t-test to compare baseline and follow-up measurements for each of the questionnaire's ten questions (five domains). Statistical analysis was also repeated to only include patients who suffered a prior vertebral fracture.

Results
57 patients were included in the study, including 47 women. The mean age was 63.8 years (standard deviation 12.1 years). About sixty five percent (37/57) had previously sustained one or more osteoporotic fractures and about 38.6% (22/57) had suffered a prior vertebral fracture. About 44% (25/57) of individuals were taking one or more types of pain medications regularly prior to starting therapy. At follow-up, significant improvements were observed in the OQLQ domains of pain symptoms. This was seen when all patients on teriparatide were included, and also when only patients with prior vertebral fractures were included. There was also an improvement in emotional functioning, relating to fear of falling at 3 months follow-up (p = 0.019). Respondents also reported improvement in the domain of activities of daily living, relating to vacuuming at 6 months follow-up (p = 0.036), and an improvement in the leisure domain, relating to ease of traveling in the prior vertebral fracture population at 3 months follow-up (p = 0.012). However, there was no significant improvement observed in the domains of physical functioning. Participants also reported a decrease in need for pain medications, with 26% (15/57) requiring analgesics at the time of follow-up.

Conclusion
Teriparatide use may be associated with improvements in HRQL in osteoporosis patients, in particular alleviation of pain symptoms. These results were especially evident in patients with a history of vertebral fractures. These findings should be confirmed in larger prospective studies with a suitable control group.