bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type III secretion system 1 genes in Vibrio parahaemolyticus are positively regulated by ExsA and negatively regulated by ExsD
Authors: Zhou Xiaohui , Shah Devendra H. , Konkel Michael E. , Call Douglas R. 
Published: June 2008

Summary Vibrio parahaemolyticus harbours two distinct type III secretion systems (T3SS1 and T3SS2). A subset of 10 T3SS1 genes are transcribed when V. parahaemolyticus is grown in tissue culture medium [Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)], while transcription of these genes (except exsD) is minimal upon growth in Luria–Bertani‐Salt (LB‐S). Transcription of T3SS1 genes and cytotoxicity towards HeLa cells was prevented by deletion of exsA while complementation with exsA restored these traits. Overexpression of ExsA in the wild‐type strain, NY‐4, activated the transcription of T3SS1 genes when bacteria were grown in LB‐S. Thus, ExsA is necessary and sufficient to induce the transcription of T3SS1 genes. Deletion of the exsD permitted the transcription of T3SS1 genes when bacteria were grown in the LB‐S medium and complementation with the wild‐type exsD gene‐blocked transcription of T3SS1 genes. Overexpression of ExsD in NY‐4 prevented the transcription of T3SS1 gene when bacteria were grown in DMEM. A gel mobility shift assay demonstrated that purified ExsA protein binds a novel motif in the upstream region of vp1668 and vp1687, indicating that ExsA interacts directly with the promoter sequences of T3SS1 genes. ExsA positively regulates the expression and secretion of Vp1656 while ExsD negatively regulates the expression and secretion of Vp1656.
Smooth muscle phenotypic plasticity in mechanical obstruction of the small intestine
Authors: Macdonald J. A. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract  Chronic, partial obstruction of the small intestine can dramatically alter peristaltic contractile properties. Morphological studies have revealed hypertrophy of the circular smooth muscle cells in the constricted part of the intestine. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Chen et al. show that hyperplasia and hypertrophy of intestinal smooth muscle cells occur at distinct times in response to partial obstruction of the ileum. Furthermore, the first evidence is provided to link intestinal smooth muscle remodelling during mechanical obstruction with changes in serum response factor and two of its co‐regulating factors, myocardin and Elk‐1.
An unusual presentation of canine distemper virus infection in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Zehnder Ashley M. , Hawkins Michelle G. , Koski Marilyn A. , Luff Jennifer A. , Benak Jaromir , Lowenstine Linda J. , White Stephen D. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA 4.5‐year‐old, male castrated ferret was examined with a 27‐day history of severe pruritus, generalized erythema and scaling. Skin scrapings and a trichogram were negative for mites and dermatophyte organisms. A fungal culture of hair samples was negative. The ferret was treated presumptively for scabies and secondary bacterial and yeast infection with selamectin, enrofloxacin, fluconazole, diphenhydramine and a miconazole–chlorhexidine shampoo. The ferret showed mild improvement in clinical signs over the subsequent 3 weeks, but was inappetent and required supportive feeding and subcutaneous fluids by the owner. The ferret was then examined on an emergency basis at the end of 3 weeks (53 days following initial signs of illness) for severe blood loss from a haematoma over the interscapular region, hypotension and shock. The owners elected euthanasia due to a poor prognosis and deteriorating condition. On post‐mortem examination intraepithelial canine distemper viral inclusions were identified systemically, and abundant canine distemper virus antigen was identified with immunohistochemical staining. It is important to note the prolonged course of disease along with the absence of respiratory and neurological signs because this differs from the classic presentation of canine distemper virus infection in ferrets. Canine distemper virus should remain a clinical suspicion for ferrets with skin lesions that do not respond to appropriate therapy, even in animals that were previously vaccinated.
A population‐based epidemiologic analysis of deaths from anaphylaxis in Florida
Authors: Simon M. R. , Mulla Z. D. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Previous US population‐based epidemiologic studies of anaphylactic deaths have been limited by small populations and/or few deaths. The objective of this study was to determine the 10‐year incidence of death from anaphylaxis in Florida and its descriptive epidemiology.Methods:  Patients who died from anaphylaxis from 1996 to 2005 were identified from ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 codes on death certificates statewide. Age, race and gender‐specific anaphylactic death rates were calculated.Results:  There were 89 deaths among Florida residents. The individuals with autopsy confirmed diagnoses, and those with clinical diagnoses only, did not differ with regard to race, anaphylactic triggers or the clinical variables of lung and heart disease. Annual death rate for anaphylaxis in Florida was 5.02/10 000 000. The relative risk of death from anaphylaxis was 14.09 for individuals ≥65 years old (P = 0.0000002) and 6.38 for individuals 35–64 years old (P = 0.0019) compared with those who were 5–14 years of age. Deaths among Florida residents that occurred in emergency rooms or outpatient settings were 2.11 times as likely to be anaphylactic deaths than deaths that occurred in inpatient settings (P = 0.0026). The ratios of anaphylactic deaths to total deaths in March and April and in July and August were greater than the ratios for the other bimonthly periods (P = 0.02).Conclusion:  Death from anaphylaxis in Florida was more likely to occur in older individuals, in an emergency department, and in the months of March and April and July and August.
Human papillomavirus as a risk factor in oral carcinogenesis: a study using in situ hybridization with signal amplification
Authors: Acay R. , Rezende N. , Fontes A. , Aburad A. , Nunes F. , Sousa S. 
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  It is still controversial whether human papillomavirus (HPV) can be considered a risk factor in oral carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to detect HPV DNA in 50 cases diagnosed as oral leukoplakias, with different degrees of epithelial dysplasia, and as oral squamous cell carcinomas, using in situ hybridization with signal amplification (CSA‐ISH).Methods:  HPV DNA was assessed in paraffin sections using CSA‐ISH with a wide‐spectrum biotinylated DNA probe. In HPV‐positive cases, genotyping with specific probes to HPV types 6/11, 16/18 and 31/33 was performed.Results:  The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 24%, markedly higher than that found in the control group. Results showed a discrete proportional relationship in the indices found in leukoplakia with no dysplasia, leukoplakia with dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma, but this was not statistically significant. When separating the group of leukoplakia by degrees of dysplasia, this relation of proportion was not observed. In genotyping, HPV types 16/18 were the most prevalent, and types 6/11 were only found in groups of mild or no dysplasia.Conclusion:  The results suggest that HPV is not likely to play a role in the progression of malignant transformation in oral lesions. Nevertheless, the increased prevalence of HPV infection compared to normal oral mucosa and the fact that high‐risk HPV types were the most frequently identified do not allow the exclusion of HPV as a risk factor in oral carcinogenesis.
Profiling of inflammatory cytokines produced by gingival fibroblasts after human cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Botero J. E. , Contreras A. , Parra B. 
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of inflammatory cytokines that are produced after in vitro infection of gingival fibroblasts with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV).Materials and methods:  Gingival fibroblasts were infected with the Towne strain of HCMV and the cytokine profile in the supernatant was studied using a human inflammation antibody array. Expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction for interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was also analyzed in infected gingival fibroblasts and gingival specimens from subjects with and without periodontitis according to HCMV detection. HCMV was determined in subgingival samples by nested polymerase chain reaction.Results:  Gingival fibroblasts produced mainly IL‐1α, IL‐12p40, IL‐12p70, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β after HCMV infection. Expression of mRNA for IL‐1β and TNF‐α was increased after HCMV infection. Production of IL‐1β and TNF‐α was increased in HCMV‐positive periodontitis specimens. In addition, infected gingival fibroblasts produced more IL‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, macrophage inflammatory proteins 1α, and 1β over time postinfection in comparison to baseline. The lowest production of all cytokines studied corresponded to IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐13, and interferon‐γ. A decreasing production pattern was observed for granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, IL‐7, and IL‐17 while IL‐11 and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor were increased at 72 h postinfection.Conclusions:  HCMV infection in gingival fibroblasts upregulated the production of proinflammatory‐related cytokines and chemokines. The expression of IL‐1β and TNF‐α was increased both in vitro and in specimens from HCMV‐positive subjects with periodontitis. The overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines as a result of viral infection should be considered an important pathogenic mechanism linking HCMV to periodontitis in vivo.
Differential expression of Toll‐like receptors in chronic hyperplastic candidosis
Authors: Ali A. , Natah S. , Konttinen Y. 
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  The first step in the host defense against oral candidosis is the recognition of Candida albicans through a set of germ‐encoded pathogen recognition receptors, e.g. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). In man, 10 types of such receptors have been identified so far, of which only TLR2, TLR4, and TLR6 have been linked to mediating candidal ligands, e.g. zymosan.Methods:  Biopsies from patients with chronic hyperplastic candidosis (n = 5), leukoplakia (n = 5), and healthy mucosa (n = 5) were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies to the TLRs (TLR1 to TLR9) to distinguish and compare the staining patterns of the epithelial layer in the three categories of tissues.Results:  On analysis, the epithelium of all tissues was divided into three layers: basal, middle, and superficial. Two of the five chronic hyperplastic candidosis sections showed high numbers of hyphae compared to yeasts, which paralleled a decrease in the expression of TLR2 and an increase in the staining intensity of TLR4. Leukoplakia and healthy tissue sections demonstrated stronger immunostaining of TLRs, except TLR9 which showed weaker staining in some sections of the former, and in the basal layers of some sections of the latter.Discussion:  This study supports the concept of negative regulation of TLRs that are either ligand‐bound (e.g. in chronic hyperplastic candidosis), or not stimulated (in healthy tissue). It also augments the opinion that C. albicans, through its hyphae rather than blastospore, may utilize TLRs, i.e. TLR2, to evade the immune system of the host. Leukoplakia seems to be more immunologically alert, which reduces the chances of worsening the already‐diseased tissue.
The joint effects of kin, multilevel selection and indirect genetic effects on response to genetic selection
Authors: BIJMA P. , WADE M. J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractKin and levels‐of‐selection models are common approaches for modelling social evolution. Indirect genetic effect (IGE) models represent a different approach, specifying social effects on trait values rather than fitness. We investigate the joint effect of relatedness, multilevel selection and IGEs on response to selection. We present a measure for the degree of multilevel selection, which is the natural partner of relatedness in expressions for response. Response depends on both relatedness and the degree of multilevel selection, rather than only one or the other factor. Moreover, response is symmetric in relatedness and the degree of multilevel selection, indicating that both factors have exactly the same effect. Without IGEs, the key parameter is the product of relatedness and the degree of multilevel selection. With IGEs, however, multilevel selection without relatedness can explain evolution of social traits. Thus, next to relatedness and multilevel selection, IGEs are a key element in the genetical theory of social evolution.
Setting‐up tension in the style of Marantaceae
Authors: Pischtschan E. , Claßen‐Bockhoff R. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe Marantaceae stand out from other plant families through their unique style movement which is combined with a highly derived form of secondary pollen presentation. Although known for a long time, the mechanism underlying the movement is not yet understood. In this paper, we report an investigation into the biomechanical principles of this movement. For the first time we experimentally confirm that, in Maranta noctiflora, longitudinal growth of the maturing style within the ‘straitjacket’ of the hooded staminode involves both arresting of the style before tripping and building up of potential for the movement. The longer the style grows in relation to the enclosing hooded staminode, the more does its capacity for curling increase. We distinguish between the basic tension that a growing style builds up normally, even when the hooded staminode is removed beforehand, and the induced tension which comes about only under the pressure of a too short hooded staminode and which enables the movement. The results of our investigations are discussed in relation to previous interpretations, ranging from biomechanical to electrophysiological mechanisms.
Effect of steady torque twisting on the orientation of cortical microtubules in the epidermis of the sunflower hypocotyl
Authors: Elsner J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractOrientation of cortical microtubules (cMTs) is suggested to be affected by mechanical stress existing in cell walls. However, in mutants exhibiting helical (chiral) growth, there is a correlation between orientation of cMTs in outer tissues and helical growth direction. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of a chiral mechanical stimulation on cMTs. For this purpose, the orientation of cMTs was investigated in hypocotyls subjected to either a right‐ or a left‐handed twist, resulting from a steady torque. cMTs were visualised in fixed material using the immunofluorescence method. The cMTs in untouched control hypocotyls were mostly transverse with respect to the cell long axis. In immobilised, but not twisted control hypocotyls, the transverse orientation was also most frequent, while applied twisting resulted in a change in cMT orientation from transverse to oblique. The data provide additional evidence that changes in tissue stress can be reorganized by cortical microtubules.
Nectar sugar composition and concentration in relation to pollination syndromes in Bromeliaceae
Authors: Krömer T. , Kessler M. , Lohaus G. , Schmidt‐Lebuhn A. N. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA first comprehensive dataset of nectar sugar composition and concentration in Bromeliaceae is presented, covering 111 species belonging to all three subfamilies. Based on this dataset, we examined the relationship between nectar traits and pollination syndromes in the family. Sugars in samples were assayed by high pressure liquid chromatography. All sampled species were grouped into three broad categories (trochilophilous, chiropterophilous, or lepidopterophilous) according to their main pollination mode. Significant differences between the different pollination syndromes were found in nectar sugar composition as well as concentration. For a total of four genera (Guzmania, Pitcairnia, Tillandsia and Vriesea), a comparison of nectar composition showed significant differences between trochilophilous and chiropterophilous species. Data presented here indicate that the characteristics of nectar in Bromeliaceae are predominantly determined by putative adaptations of nectar sugars to preferences of the pollinators rather than by phylogenetic relations.
Pollination ecology of Disterigma stereophyllum (Ericaceae) in south‐western Colombia
Authors: Navarro L. , Guitián P. , Ayensa G. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSeveral authors have recently expressed doubts that the ‘pollination syndromes’ as usually expressed are an adequate description of correlated suites of floral characters, or that they adequately describe evolutionary or ecological associations of plants with pollinators. Disterigma stereophyllum is a neotropical Ericaceae with floral characteristics intermediate between the ‘entomophilous’ syndrome and the ‘ornithophilous’ syndrome: the corolla is short, white and urceolate, but flowers produce large amounts of dilute nectar. We studied the pollination ecology of this species in south‐western Colombia, and found it to be pollinated almost exclusively by hummingbirds at our study site. Two hummingbird species were responsible for about 75 of visits. Despite the fact that nectar standing crop remained more or less constant throughout the day, visit frequencies were highest in the morning and declined throughout the day. Pollinator efficiency, measured as the number of pollen grains deposited on a virgin stigma by each visitor after one visit, did not differ among the species of hummingbirds, but was lower for a nectar‐robbing bird, Diglossa albilatera. This species does not contact the surface of the stigma during nectar robbing, but can produce some self‐pollination indirectly because it shakes branches vigorously while piercing the flower. These findings indicate a need for further studies of neotropical Ericaceae in order to elucidate whether floral visitors of species like D. stereophyllum fluctuate through time or space, and whether floral characteristics reflect a compromise between such different visitors, or a transitional stage between pollination syndromes, or some other possibility.
Progress in understanding of ginsenoside biosynthesis
Authors: Liang Y. , Zhao S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractGinseng is an economically important medicinal plant. The major bioactive ingredients of ginseng are ginsenosides, which are triterpene saponins. Because of difficulties in ginseng cultivation and the low productivity of ginseng cell and tissue culture, it has become important to improve ginsenoside levels by using metabolic engineering based on the biosynthetic pathway of ginsenosides. During the last decade, substantial advances have been made in biosynthesis of ginsenosides. This review is concerned with recent developments in our understanding of the biosynthesis of ginsenosides.
Reproductive output of invasive versus native plants
Authors: Mason Robert A. B. , Cooke Julia , Moles Angela T. , Leishman Michelle R. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Propagule size and output are critical for the ability of a plant species to colonize new environments. If invasive species have a greater reproductive output than native species (via more and/or larger seeds), then they will have a greater dispersal and establishment ability. Previous comparisons within plant genera, families or environments have conflicted over the differences in reproductive traits between native and invasive species. We went beyond a genus‐, family‐ or habitat‐specific approach and analysed data for plant reproductive traits from the global literature, to investigate whether: (1) seed mass and production differ between the original and introduced ranges of invasive species; (2) seed mass and production differ between invasives and natives; and (3) invasives produce more seeds per unit seed mass than natives.Location  Global.Methods  We combined an existing data set of native plant reproductive data with a new data compilation for invasive species. We used t‐tests to compare original and introduced range populations, two‐way ANOVAs to compare natives and invasives, and an ANCOVA to examine the relationship between seed mass and production for natives and invasives. The ANCOVA was performed again incorporating phylogenetically independent contrasts to overcome any phylogenetic bias in the data sets.Results  Neither seed mass nor seed production of invasive species differed between their introduced and original ranges. We found no significant difference in seed mass between invasives and natives after growth form had been accounted for. Seed production was greater for invasive species overall and within herb and woody growth forms. For a given seed mass, invasive species produced 6.7‐fold (all species), 6.9‐fold (herbs only) and 26.1‐fold (woody species only) more seeds per individual per year than native species. The phylogenetic ANCOVA verified that this trend did not appear to be influenced by phylogenetic bias within either data set.Main conclusions  This study provides the first global examination of both seed mass and production traits in native and invasive species. Invasive species express a strategy of greater seed production both overall and per unit seed mass compared with natives. The consequent increased likelihood of establishment from long‐distance seed dispersal may significantly contribute to the invasiveness of many exotic species.
Obesity and the Mediterranean diet: a systematic review of observational and intervention studies
Authors: Buckland G. , Bach A. , Serra‐Majem L. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryWorld Health Organization projections estimate that worldwide approximately one‐third of adults are overweight and one‐tenth are obese. There is accumulating research into the Mediterranean diet and whether it could prevent or treat obesity. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to systematically review and analyse the epidemiological evidence on the Mediterranean diet and overweight/obesity. We identified 21 epidemiological studies that explored the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and weight. These included seven cross‐sectional, three cohort and 11 intervention studies. Of these, 13 studies reported that Mediterranean diet adherence was significantly related to less overweight/obesity or more weight loss. Eight studies found no evidence of this association. Exploring the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and overweight/obesity is complex, and there are important methodological differences and limitations in the studies that make it difficult to compare results. Although the results are inconsistent, the evidence points towards a possible role of the Mediterranean diet in preventing overweight/obesity, and physiological mechanisms can explain this protective effect. Despite this, more research is needed to substantiate this association. Epidemiological studies should use a consistent universal definition of the Mediterranean diet, and address common methodological limitations to strengthen the quality of research in this area.