bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current trends in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Culham Louise 
Published: February 2006

Background:  Patients with wet age‐related macular disease (AMD) and subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) may be offered photodynamic therapy (PDT). Currently, Visudyne (Verteporfin) is the only photosensitizer approved by the FDA and randomized trials have shown that treatment can prevent severe vision loss. Combination therapy with Visudyne PDT and intravitreal triamcinolone may be additionally beneficial. In an effort to develop a more effective therapy, we have undertaken studies in primates and in patients with advanced AMD using a new photosensitizer, talaporfin sodium. Following dose‐ranging work in the normal primate retina, a study in humans investigated the safety and effectiveness of this drug.Methods:  Eleven patients with vision of <6/60 and persistent leakage from CNV were recruited. Following talaporfin sodium injection of 0.5 mg kg−1 bodyweight, a light dose of between 24 and 48 J cm−2 was given with a 664 nm laser. Fluorescein angiography and visual acuity (VA) were performed before and after therapy. Adverse events were recorded. Follow‐up was for 14 days, but informal review was longer (in some cases ≥ 40 weeks).Results:  All patients showed evidence of decreased leakage from CNV. No re‐opening of closed choroidal vessels was observed during extended follow‐up. At the last follow‐up, VA was stable in seven patients, improved in three and decreased in one (using >0.1 logMAR). Three adverse events were reported; two related to photosensitivity of the skin and one patient had closure of a branch retinal vein.Conclusion:  Talaporfin sodium PDT showed extended closure of CNVs and therefore has potential for treating exudative AMD and other choroidal vascular anomalies.
The creation of longitudinal cracks in shrinking soils to enhance seedling emergence. Part I. The effect of soil structure
Authors: Taki O. , Godwin R. J. , Leeds‐Harrison P. B. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractStand establishment in crusting soils is one of the most critical stages in the production of crops with delicate seedlings. This becomes more difficult in hard‐setting soils of arid lands where dispersion of aggregates due to irrigation results in the formation of a hard layer as the soil dries from the surface downwards and impedes seedling emergence. However, seeds planted near to natural cracks manage to emerge through them. The aim of this study was to improve seedling emergence of irrigated crops in arid and semi‐arid conditions by devising methods to create longitudinal cracks in the vicinity of the seed rows during the subsequent drying phase. Laboratory experiments were conducted in soil boxes containing air‐dried clay soils to investigate the influence of different mechanical effects on the cracking pattern after flooding. Promising results were achieved by compacting a 7–15‐mm wide strip along the seed row. Monitoring the effect of compaction on water release characteristics and tensile strength of soil revealed that the greater water loss of the surrounding non‐compacted soil caused a suction gradient towards the points of lower water content resulting in movement of water and particles towards the drier zones. The compacted soil with a greater tensile strength did not permit the flow of water and particles to the loose soil and a discontinuity occurred. A field experiment in central Iran proved the feasibility of the technique in a semi‐arid area. This was achieved by lightly compacting a narrow strip of soil by applying 17–35 kg on a 22‐mm wide, 558‐mm diameter wheel covered by a layer of flexible rubber which ran over the pre‐compacted soil.
Long‐term effects of recommended management practices on soil carbon changes and sequestration in north‐eastern Italy
Authors: Morari F. , Lugato E. , Berti A. , Giardini L. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractManagement practices can have significant implications for both soil quality and carbon (C) sequestration potential in agricultural soils. Data from two long‐term trials (one at field scale and the other at lysimeter scale), underway in north‐eastern Italy, were used to evaluate the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and estimate the impact of recommended management practices (RMPs) on soil carbon sequestration. Potential SOC sequestration was calculated as the differences between the change in SOC of treatments differing only for the specified RMP for a period of at least 25 years. The trials compared the following situations: (a) improved crop rotations versus monoculture; (b) grass versus improved crop rotations; (c) residue incorporation versus residue removal; (d) high versus low rates of inorganic fertilizers; (e) integrated nutrient management/organic manures versus inorganic fertilizers. At the lysimeter scale, some of these treatments were evaluated in different soils. A general decrease in SOC (1.1 t C ha−1 year−1) was observed after the introduction of intensive soil tillage, evidencing both the worsening of soil quality and the contribution towards global CO2emissions. Initial SOC content was maintained only in permanent grassland, complex rotations and/or with the use of large quantities of livestock manure. SOC sequestration reached a maximum rate of 0.4 t C ha−1 year−1comparing permanent grassland with an improved crop rotation. Crop residue incorporation and rates of inorganic fertilizer had less effect on SOC sequestration (0.10 and 0.038 t C ha−1 year−1, respectively). The lysimeter experiment highlighted also the interaction between RMPs and soil type. Peaty soil tended to be a source of C independent of the amount and quality of C input, whereas a proper choice of tillage practices and organic manures enhanced SOC sequestration in a sandy soil. The most promising RMPs in the Veneto region are, therefore, conversion to grassland and use of organic manures. Although some of these RMPs are already supported by the Veneto Region Rural Development Plan, their more intensive and widespread implementation requires additional incentives to become economically feasible.
The transferability of Australian pedotransfer functions for predicting water retention characteristics of French soils
Authors: Cresswell H. P. , Coquet Y. , Bruand A. , McKenzie N. J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA French data set was used to evaluate how well two widely used analytical functions describe measured soil water characteristic (SWC) data. Both the van Genuchten (sigmoidal) and Campbell (power‐law) equations gave good descriptions of the data (mean R2 of 98.1 and 97.1% respectively). Methods of predicting SWC data were also evaluated. When a power‐law equation was parameterised using just two measured SWC points and bulk density (the ‘two‐point’ method), a very good SWC prediction was obtained for the French data (mean R2 of 94.8%). An empirical equation for prediction of the SWC was also assessed using the French data set. This method was developed using multiple regression analysis from Australian soil data and requires soil texture and bulk density as input. The predictions (mean R2 of 85.2%) lacked accuracy and precision in comparison with the two‐point method but the empirical approach uses more readily available input data. The accuracy of prediction from both methods was similar to that observed previously for Australian data sets. The empirical approach developed from Australian soil data has reasonable applicability to French soils. The approach of assuming a power‐law model and empirically predicting slope and air entry potential is shown to have merit. A strategy for achieving adequate coverage of soil hydraulic property data for France is suggested incorporating hydraulic prediction methods such as those evaluated here.
Hairy Root and Its Application in Plant Genetic Engineering
Authors: Hu Zhi‐Bi , Du Min 
Published: February 2006

Abstract Agrobacterium rhizogenes Conn. causes hairy root disease in plants. Hairy root‐infected A. rhizogenes is characterized by a high growth rate and genetic stability. Hairy root cultures have been proven to be an efficient means of producing secondary metabolites that are normally biosynthesized in roots of differentiated plants. Furthermore, a transgenic root system offers tremendous potential for introducing additional genes along with the Ri plasmid, especially with modified genes, into medicinal plant cells with A. rhizogenes vector systems. The cultures have turned out to be a valuable tool with which to study the biochemical properties and the gene expression profile of metabolic pathways. Moreover, the cultures can be used to elucidate the intermediates and key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The present article discusses various applications of hairy root cultures in plant genetic engineering and potential problems associated with them.(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
Positive Interactions: Crucial Organizers in a Plant Community
Authors: Cheng Dong‐Liang , Wang Gen‐Xuan , Chen Bao‐Ming , Wei Xiao‐Ping 
Published: February 2006

AbstractFor more than a century, ecologists have concentrated on competition as a crucial process for community organization. However, more recent experimental investigations have uncovered the striking influence of positive interactions on the organization of plant communities. Complex combinations of competition and positive interactions operating simultaneously among plant species seem to be widespread in nature. In the present paper, we reviewed the mechanism and ecological importance of positive interactions in plant communities, emphasizing the certainties and uncertainties that have made it an attractive area of research. Positive interactions, or facilitation, occur when one species enhances the survival, growth, or richness of another. The importance of facilitation in plant organization increases with abiotic stress and the relative importance of competition decreases. Only by combining plant interactions and the many fields of biology can we fully understand how and when the positive interactions occur.(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin Han)
Plants of Leptostrobus Heer (Czekanowskiales) from the Early Cretaceous and Late Triassic of China, with Discussion of the Genus
Authors: Liu Xiu‐Qun , Li Cheng‐Sen , Wang Yu‐Fei 
Published: February 2006

AbstractInvestigation of the Mesozoic seed plant Leptostrobus Heer from the Yangcaogou Formation of the Late Triassic and the Yixian Formation of the Early Cretaceous, Liaoning Province, China, provides new insight into its general morphology and geographical distribution. The materials of L. cancer from the Yixian Formation described herein are later than all the past findings of this species and add to the record of L. cancer during the Early Cretaceous. Based on well‐preserved specimens, the specific diagnosis is slightly emended and the reconstruction of L. cancer is perfected. The materials from the Yangcaogou Formation of the Late Triassic are placed in L. sphaericus. In addition, we review the history of investigation of the genus Leptostrobus since its establishment in 1876 and discuss the main characteristics of each species.(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin Han)
Identification and Preliminary Analysis of Several Centromere‐associated Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Clones from a Diploid Wheat Library
Authors: Liu Zhao , Yue Wei , Dong Yu‐Shen , Zhang Xue‐Yong 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAlthough the centromeres of some plants have been investigated previously, our knowledge of the wheat centromere is still very limited. To understand the structure and function of the wheat centromere, we used two centromeric repeats (RCS1 and CCS1‐5ab) to obtain some centromere‐associated bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones in 32 RCS1‐related BAC clones that had been screened out from a diploid wheat (Triticum boeoticum Boiss.; 2n=2x=14) BAC library. Southern hybridization results indicated that, of the 32 candidates, there were 28 RCS1‐positive clones. Based on gel blot patterns, the frequency of RCS1 was approximately one copy every 69.4 kb in these 28 RCS1‐positive BAC clones. More bands were detected when the same filter was probed with CCS1‐5ab. Furthermore, the CCS1 bands covered all the bands detected by RCS1, which suggests that some CCS1 repeats were distributed together with RCS1. The frequency of CCS1 families was once every 35.8 kb, nearly twice that of RCS1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis indicated that the five BAC clones containing RCS1 and CCS1 sequences all detected signals at the centromeric regions in hexaploid wheat, but the signal intensities on the A‐genome chromosomes were stronger than those on the B‐ and/or D‐genome chromosomes. The FISH analysis among nine Triticeae cereals indicated that there were A‐genome‐specific (or rich) sequences dispersing on chromosome arms in the BAC clone TbBAC5. In addition, at the interphase cells, the centromeres of diploid species usually clustered at one pole and formed a ring‐like allocation in the period before metaphase.(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
A survey of female nursing students’ knowledge, health beliefs, perceptions of risk, and risk behaviors regarding human papillomavirus and cervical cancer
Authors: Denny‐Smith T. , Bairan A. , Page M. C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of the study was to assess knowledge of, perceived susceptibility to, perceived seriousness of, and risk behaviors regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer among female nursing students.Data sources: A 40‐item survey of HPV and cervical cancer was distributed to a convenience sample of 240 female nursing students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program.Conclusions: Female nursing students participate in high‐risk sexual behaviors and have a fairly low knowledge level, low perceived susceptibility, and low perceived seriousness regarding HPV and cervical cancer. Knowledge and perceived susceptibility were positively related to number of sexual partners. This may indicate that the women who engage in riskier behavior are more knowledgeable about HPV and their risk of contracting the disease.Implications for practice: Results indicate that all practitioners involved in the care of women should educate them about HPV and its relationship to cervical cancer. Education should include the need to use condoms to prevent HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Syphilis: An old enemy still lurks
Authors: Ferguson L. A. , Varnado J. W. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose: To review the problem of increasing cases of syphilis as a communicable disease and to review different presentations of syphilis and to discuss treatment guidelines.Data sources: Extensive review of worldwide scientific literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of syphilis.Conclusions: Syphilis is an infectious sexually transmitted disease, which may have devastating consequences. Previously declining rates have led to complacency in prevention and diagnosis. Primary prevention includes education regarding safer sexual practices. Secondary prevention includes early identification via screening and treatment.Implications for practice: Syphilis is a contagious disease that has devastating consequences if not diagnosed and treated. Providers should keep ever vigilant in its identification. Specifically, it should be considered when evaluating all symptom‐less dermatological lesions.
Neuroendocrine Immune Features of Pediatric Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: CHIKANZA I. C. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) are the most common autoimmune rheumatic diseases in children associated with high levels of autoantibodies and immune reactivity. JRA and JSLE are more common in girls. Disease activity is worse in the morning, improves during the daytime and worsens at night suggesting that neuroendocrine immune mechanisms are involved in disease pathophysiology. Adult patients with RA and SLE have excessive levels of prolactin (PL) while cortisol (CS) production is down‐regulated for the degree of ongoing inflammation. PL has potent proinflammatory properties.Normal to low levels of cortisol have been observed in children with active JRA despite the high serum levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α, which activate the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis (HPA). The CS levels are in fact subnormal because inflammatory stress activates the HPA. Normal serum PL levels were seen in children with JRA, most of whom were not active with higher levels in those with active ANA + ve JRA complicated by uveitis. A trend toward high PL levels was seen in 33 children with JSLE. High serum PL levels are seen in patients with active juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) only.Growth retardation is a feature of JRA. Patients with JRA have low to normal levels of growth hormone (GH) and low levels of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1). IGF‐1 mediates the effects of GH. The observation of low IGF‐1 in JRA raises the therapeutic possibility with IGF‐1. Overall, high levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are found in children with JSLE while the levels in JRA tend to be normal. Testosterone levels are low in patients with JRA. No significant differences in estrogen levels have been found between patients with JRA and those with JSLE and matched controls. There is evidence that the autonomic nervous function is defective in patients with JRA.
Melatonin Influences Interleukin‐12 and Nitric Oxide Production by Primary Cultures of Rheumatoid Synovial Macrophages and THP‐1 Cellsa
Authors: CUTOLO MAURIZIO , VILLAGGIO BARBARA , CANDIDO FEDERICA , VALENTI SANDRA , GIUSTI MASSIMO , FELLI LAMBERTO , SULLI ALBERTO , ACCARDO SILVANO 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: Because some of the clinical symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovitis, such as joint morning stiffness and gelling, might be related to the effects exerted by the diurnal rhythmicity of the neurohormone melatonin (MLT) on synovial immune cell activation, we decided to evaluate the influence of MLT on the production of IL‐12 and nitric oxide (NO) on primary cultures of RA synovial macrophages. Synovial macrophages were also prestimulated with lipopolysaccaride (LPS). Results were compared with those obtained on cultured human myeloid monocytic cells (THP‐1). A significant increase in IL‐12 (p= 0.01) was found in media of MLT‐stimulated synovial macrophages versus RMPI‐treated synovial macrophage controls. Interestingly, a significant decrease of IL‐12 (p < 0.0001) was observed in media of synovial macrophages previously activated with LPS and then treated with MLT, when compared to synovial macrophages treated with LPS alone. A significant increase in NO levels (p= 0.01) was found in MLT‐stimulated synovial macrophages versus RMPI‐treated synovial macrophage controls. Interestingly, a nonsignificant increase of NO levels was observed in media of synovial macrophages previously activated with LPS and then treated with MLT, when compared to synovial macrophages treated with LPS alone. Finally, a significant increase in IL‐12 (p= 0.03) and NO (p= 0.002) concentrations was observed in media of MLT‐stimulated THP‐1 cells versus RMPI‐treated controls.Our results therefore show that MLT induces IL‐12 secretion and NO production by unstimulated cultured RA synovial macrophages and human monocytic myeloid THP‐1 cells. The unexpected and opposite effects on IL‐12 and NO production in RA synovial macrophages treated with LPS may be related to dose‐dependent mechanisms exerted by MLT or to altered cell priming in RA macrophages; these are matters of our further research.This study strongly supports the role of MLT in immune response modulation and in particular suggests a close relationship between diurnal rhythmicity of neuroendocrine pathways, cytokine and reactive oxygen intermediate production by monocyte/macrophages, and synovial arthritis symptomatology, at least in RA.
Androgens and Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Role in the Pathogenesis?
Authors: GILTAY ERIK J. , van SCHAARDENBURG DIRKJAN , GOOREN LOUIS J. G. , POPP‐SNIJDERS CORRIE , DIJKMANS BEN A. C. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: The frequency and severity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) show a male preponderance, and androgenic steroids have been implicated in its etiology. Some reports have indicated that serum androgen levels are slightly elevated relative to estrogen levels in patients with AS as compared to controls.In more recent studies, however, serum testosterone, 17β‐estradiol, and androstenedione levels did not significantly differ between AS patients and controls. Moreover, testosterone levels measured directly in serum can be spuriously elevated, especially in patients using phenylbutazone. Elevated serum levels of the adrenal steroids 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate have been found in patients with AS. These elevations might be explained by partial 11β‐ or 21‐hydroxylase deficiencies, but may also be secondary to an enhanced stress response. In vitro studies as well as studies in animals and humans indicate that DHEA enhanced, and 17β‐estradiol and progesterone inhibit, the cell‐mediated immune response, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of AS. Oral estrogen therapy in female patients and human chorionic gonadotrophin injections in male patients with AS, increased the 17β‐estradiol/testosterone ratio and resulted in a moderate clinical improvement.In conclusion, serum testosterone levels are not elevated in patients with AS. Therefore testosterone probably has no role in the perpetuation of long‐standing AS and provides no basis for antiandrogenic treatment. Cross‐sectional case‐control studies, however, cannot clearly distinguish etiological factors from secondary disease effects, especially when blood sampling occurs many years after the onset of AS. Consequently, the role of sex steroids in the pathogenesis is still insufficiently elucidated.
Insulin Signaling and Action in Fat Cells: Associations with Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: SMITH ULF , AXELSEN METTE , CARVALHO EUGENIA , ELIASSON BJÖRN , JANSSON PER‐ANDERS , WESSLAU CHRISTIAN 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT: Adipose tissue only accounts for a relatively small proportion (<10%) of the peripheral glucose utilization in response to insulin. However, the fat cells may still play an important role in insulin resistance and Syndrome X through, for instance, its endocrine functions (production of leptin, TNFα, PAI‐1, etc.) and involvement in lipid metabolism (FFA release and hydrolysis of triglycerides). The fat cells are also highly sensitive to insulin and may thus be used to elucidate molecular mechanisms for insulin resistance in man. Examinations of the intracellular signaling mechanisms for insulin in fat cells from individuals with Type 2 diabetes revealed markedly lower insulin‐stimulated PI3‐kinase activity. This was due to a pronounced reduction in the cellular expression of the docking protein, IRS 1, whereas expression of IRS 2 was normal. However, IRS 2‐associated PI3‐kinase activity was only approximately one‐third of that found to be associated with IRS 1 in normal cells.Downstream activation and serine phosphorylation of PKB/Akt by insulin were also markedly reduced in Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the dose‐response curve for this effect of insulin was similar to that for glucose transport in both normal and Type 2 diabetic cells. Thus, these data show that both PI3‐kinase and PKB activation by insulin are markedly reduced in Type 2 diabetes. We also examined whether an attenuated activation of PI3‐kinase by insulin can be seen in non‐diabetic insulin‐resistant states. Approximately 30% of healthy subjects with at least two first‐degree relatives with Type 2 diabetes exhibited perturbations in IRS‐1 expression and signaling. These individuals were characterized by insulin resistance as well as other markers of Syndrome X. Thus, impaired IRS‐1 expression and downstream signaling events in fat cells in response to insulin are associated with insulin resistance and Syndrome X.