bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Crown Gall Caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens on Euphorbia esula/virgata in Europe
Authors: Caesar A. J. , Lartey R. T. 
Published: November 2008

Hypertrophy and hyperplasia resembling crown galls were found on roots of Euphorbia esula/virgata at a single site in east-central Hungary in 2005. E. esula/virgata, known as leafy spurge in North America, is an invasive species causing substantial economic losses to the value of grazing lands in the Northern Great Plains of the United States and is the target of biological control. E. esula/virgata is widely distributed throughout Eurasia and is found on ditch banks, along roadsides, and in other noncultivated areas in its native range. Large galls on roots resembling crown gall were first noted in 1992 on plants collected for phylogenetic studies from three locations in east-central Hungary. One of these sites was relocated during a 2005 survey and galls were collected from infected plants. Galls were diced and incubated overnight in tubes containing 3 ml of sterile water at room temperature (20 to 25°C). The supernatant was streaked onto plates of potato dextrose agar (PDA), medium 1A, medium 2E, and Roy/Sasser medium. After 7 days, colonies were picked and streaked and subsequently purified on PDA. Of 104 isolates used to inoculate three sunflower plants each (by puncturing roots just below the soil line with a sterile dissecting needle holding a drop of fluid matrix containing bacterial cells), 35 caused galls. Thirty-three isolates were randomly selected from the 104 and used to inoculate three tomato plants each at the soil line. Seventeen caused galls, including two isolates that did not cause galls on sunflower. Finally, none of 20 randomly selected isolates caused galls on kalanchoe plants (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana). Three isolates, which formed the largest galls on sunflower, were used to inoculate five plants of E. esula/virgata growing in a 1:1:1 (peat/sand/Bozeman silt loam) potting mix. The tests were repeated. Galls were visible on inoculated plants within 6 weeks. Diagnostic biochemical tests done prior to and after reisolation indicated that the causal agent was Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which differed from A. rhizogenes in the production of alkali from litmus milk, a positive reaction for the ferric ammonium citrate and 3-ketolactose tests, and negative reactions for tests to detect the production of acid from erythritol and alkali from malonic, l-tartaric, and mucic acid. The three isolates of A. tumefaciens from E. esula/virgata had identical sequences and clustered most closely (99.8 to 99.9% similarity) with five isolates of A. tumefaciens from Tibet and Japan on the basis of cluster analysis using 16S rRNA sequences. Crown gall of E. esula/virgata has also been found in Montana and western North Dakota, and isolates were identified as A. tumefaciens biovars 1 and 2 (1) (the latter is now known as A. rhizogenes). To our knowledge, this the first report of crown gall on E. esula/virgata in Europe. Reference: (1) A. J. Caesar. Plant Dis. 78:796, 1994.
Experience of maintenance infliximab therapy for refractory ulcerative colitis from six centres in England
Authors: RUSSO E. A. , HARRIS A. W. , CAMPBELL S. , LINDSAY J. , HART A. , AREBI N. , MILESTONE A. , TSAI H. H. , WALTERS J. , CARPANI M. , WESTABY D. , THILLAINAYAGAM A. , BANSI D. , GHOSH S. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBackground  Infliximab is used for treatment of Crohn’s disease and, following the Active Ulcerative Colitis Trials (ACT) 1 and 2, it has been used as rescue and maintenance therapy in moderate and severe ulcerative colitis (UC).Aim  To report on English experience with maintenance infliximab in terms of response and colectomy rates and side‐effect profile in UC.Methods  A retrospective audit conducted by using a web‐based questionnaire filled in by 12 gastroenterologists from six English centres.Results  Of the 38 patients receiving induction with infliximab, 28 (73.6%) maintained an ongoing response (8‐weekly infusions 5 mg/kg) for a mean duration of 16.8 months (range 4–59), with 21 (55.3%) being in remission. Three of 38 patients (7.9%) who also responded had a secondary loss of response after an average of 10 months (range 8–13); seven of 38 patients (18.4%) showed no response. The colectomy rate was seven of 38 (18.4%, five non‐responders and two with secondary loss of response). Adverse effects occurred in five patients (13.2%). Two discontinued infliximab (alopecia, invasive breast cancer). The three less‐severe adverse effects were acute and delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions and one persistent otitis media.Conclusion  Our experience suggests acceptable response rates, colectomy rates and side‐effect profile of maintenance therapy with infliximab in moderate and severe UC.
The effect of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position on acute cerebral blood flow–carbon dioxide reactivity under sevoflurane anaesthesia
Authors: Choi S. H. , Lee S. J. , Rha K. H. , Shin S. K. , Oh Y. J. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThis study compared cerebral blood flow–carbon dioxide (CBF–CO2) reactivities in the supine and modest Trendelenburg position under pnemoperitoneum during sevoflurane anaesthesia. After induction of anaesthesia in 25 patients, mechanical ventilation was adjusted to increase Paco2 from 4.7 (T1) to 6.0 kPa (T2) in the supine position, and the change in jugular bulb oxygen saturation was measured as an index of CBF. Then, after establishment of pneumoperitoneum and 30° Trendelenburg position, the CO2 step and measurement of CBF were repeated. The CBF–CO2 reactivity was 7.5 (3.3) %.kPa−1 (% change in jugular bulb oxygen saturation per unit change in Paco2) in the supine position and 6.8 (2.3) %.kPa−1 in the 30° Trendelenburg‐pneumoperitoneum condition (p = 0.086). We conclude that CBF–CO2 reactivity is unchanged by the modest Trendelenburg position under pneumoperitoneum during sevoflurane anaesthesia.
A mutation in NFκB interacting protein 1 causes cardiomyopathy and woolly haircoat syndrome of Poll Hereford cattle
Authors: Simpson M. A. , Cook R. W. , Solanki P. , Patton M. A. , Dennis J. A. , Crosby A. H. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryCardiomyopathy and woolly haircoat syndrome (CWH) of Poll Hereford cattle is a lethal, autosomal recessive disorder. Cardiac and haircoat changes are congenital, neonatal ocular keratitis develops in some cases and death usually occurs within the first 12 weeks of life. We undertook a homozygosity mapping approach to identify the chromosomal location of the causative gene. Seven candidate genes were examined for homozygosity in affected animals: desmoplakin and junction plakoglobin (both previously implicated in human cardiocutaneous syndromes), desmocollin 2, desmoglein 2, plakophilin 2, nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB1) and NFκB interacting protein 1 (PPP1R13L, also known as NKIP1). Homozygosity in 13 affected animals was observed at the PPP1R13L locus, located on bovine chromosome 18. Subsequent sequence analysis revealed a 7‐bp duplication (c.956_962dup7) in exon 6 of this 13‐exon gene. This frameshift variant is predicted to result in the substitution of three amino acids and the introduction of a premature stop codon at position 325 of the protein product (p.Ser322GlnfsX4). PPP1R13L interacts with NFκB, a family of structurally related transcription factors that regulate genes controlling inflammation, immune responses and cell proliferation and survival. CWH represents a large‐animal model for cardiocutaneous disorders caused by a mutation in the PPP1R13L gene. The identification of this bovine mutation also indicates that PPP1R13L and other genes affecting NFκB activity may be candidate genes in the study of human cardiovascular disease.
Strongly increased levels of fibrinogen elastase degradation products in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: De Lau Lonneke M. L. , Cheung Elim Y. L. , Kluft Cornelis , Leebeek Frank W. G. , Meijer Piet , Laterveer Ria , Dippel Diederik W. J. , De Maat Moniek P. M. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryIschemic stroke is associated with leucocyte activation. Activated leucocytes release elastase, an enzyme that can degrade fibrinogen. Fibrinogen elastase degradation products (FgEDP) may serve as a specific marker of elastase proteolytic activity. In a case‐control study of 111 ischemic stroke patients and 119 controls, significantly higher FgEDP levels were observed in cases than in controls, both in the acute phase and in the convalescent phase. Results were only slightly affected by adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, C‐reactive protein and fibrinogen. Our findings suggest that FgEDP might be involved in the pathogenesis of stroke.
Dasatinib inhibits the proliferation and function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Fei Fei , Yu Yingzhe , Schmitt Anita , Rojewski Markus Thomas , Chen Baoan , Götz Marlies , Döhner Hartmut , Bunjes Donald , Schmitt Michael 
Published: November 2008

SummaryCD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) can influence various immune responses. Little is known about the effects of the Abl/Src kinase inhibitor dasatinib on Tregs which regulate anti‐tumor/leukaemia immune responses. The present study demonstrated that dasatinib inhibited proliferation of Tregs and CD4+CD25− T cells in a dose‐dependent manner, which was associated with the decreased production of corresponding cytokines. Treatment of Tregs with dasatinib inhibited the suppressive capacity of Tregs. The mechanisms of this inhibition included arrest of cells in the G0/G1 phase of cell cycle, down‐regulation of the transcription factor forkhead box P3, glucocorticoid‐induced tumour necrosis factor receptor and the cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4 as well as inhibition of signaling events through Src and nuclear factor κB. Dasatinib showed an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and function of both Tregs and CD4+CD25− T cells at therapeutically relevant concentrations of the drug. Clinical administration of dasatinib might influence not only the graft‐versus‐leukaemia effect but also the graft‐versus‐host‐disease in patients receiving dasatinib after allogeneic stem cell transplantation and/or donor lymphocytes infusion as the function of both Tregs and effector T cells are hampered in a similar way by dasatinib.
Cytotoxicity of endodontic materials over 6‐weeks ex vivo
Authors: Brackett M. G. , Marshall A. , Lockwood P. E. , Lewis J. B. , Messer R. L. W. , Bouillaguet S. , Wataha J. C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim  To test the hypothesis that extending the time of a traditional ex vivo cytotoxicity test helps to identify trends in the behaviour of root core materials and sealers, which could ultimately aid in predicting their clinical safety and performance.Methodology  Endodontic sealers and core specimens were initially tested in direct contact with L929 fibroblasts for 72 h. Cell response was estimated by measuring cellular succinate dehydrogenase activity relative to Teflon controls. Cytotoxicity (% of more active cells) was reassessed after 1, 3, 4 and 6 weeks, with the specimens stored in a physiologically balanced salt‐solution between tests.Results  Distinct trends in cytotoxicity among both core materials and sealers were observed over the 6‐week test. Four of the six sealers and two of the three core materials showed cell viabilities of <30% of Teflon after 6 weeks (>70% cytotoxicity).Conclusions  The current results suggest that some endodontic materials have an elevated biological risk for extended intervals.
The effectiveness of targeted feeding assistance to improve the nutritional intake of elderly dysphagic patients in hospital
Authors: Wright L. , Cotter D. , Hickson M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground  Dysphagic older patients are prescribed texture modified food or fluids as treatment. The present study aimed to determine whether targeted feeding assistance using trained volunteers increased oral intake in elderly dysphagic patients.Method  Individualized feeding assistance was given to patients who were diagnosed with dysphagia by a speech and language therapist. Data were collected between 08.00 h and 16.00 h and compared with previously collected data from dysphagic patients who received no targeted feeding assistance.Results  The group with targeted assistance (n = 16) had higher intakes of energy and protein from both meals and supplements combined compared to the controls (n = 30); mean difference = 2327 kJ (554 kcal) (95% CI = 1294–3360 kJ; P < 0.001) and 28 g protein (95% CI = 13–41 g; P = 0.01). The assisted group ate more from meals only; mean difference = 1336 kJ (318 kcal) (95% Cl = 517–2155 kJ; P = 0.002) and 6 g of protein (95% Cl = 2–26 g; P = 0.02); and from nutritional supplements only, median difference = 1205 kJ (287 kcal) (95% CI = 613–1273 kJ; P = 0.0002) and 15 g protein (95% CI 6.9–15 g; P < 0.0001).Conclusion  Nutritional intake can be improved by targeted feeding assistance in hospitalized elderly dysphagic patients on texture modified diets.
Microenvironmental influences in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: the role of antigen stimulation
Authors: Ghia P. , Chiorazzi N. , Stamatopoulos K. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract.Several studies suggest that immune‐mediated pathways are important in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The in vivo accumulation of leukaemic lymphocytes is facilitated by interactions of CLL cells with other cells and soluble factors that probably occur more often within the microenvironment through classical receptor–ligand interactions. These include CD40L–CD40 and chemokine–chemokine receptor interactions as well as B cell receptor (BCR) engagement by (auto)antigens. Indeed, the categorizations of CLL patients based on immunoglobulin heavy variable (IGHV) gene mutations and structure of the clone’s BCR suggest that CLL patient outcome could be a reflection of ongoing BCR signalling in the context of other co‐signals.
Tocopherol deficiency in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants leads to accelerated senescence
Authors: ABBASI ALI‐REZA , SAUR ALEXANDRA , HENNIG PETER , TSCHIERSCH HENNING , HAJIREZAEI MOHAMMAD , HOFIUS DANIEL , SONNEWALD UWE , VOLL LARS M. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT α‐Tocopherol constitutes the major lipophilic antioxidant in thylakoid membranes, which cooperates with the soluble antioxidant system to alleviate oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) during oxygenic photosynthesis. Tocopherol accumulates during leaf senescence, indicating the necessity for increased redox buffer capacity in senescent leaves, and tocopherol deficiency has been shown to restrict sugar export from source leaves by inducing callose plugging in the vasculature. We have generated tocopherol‐deficient tobacco plants that contain as few as 1% of wild‐type (WT) tocopherol in leaves by silencing homogentisate phytyltransferase (HPT). Employing HPT : RNAi plants, we have assessed the importance of tocopherol during leaf senescence and for sugar export.Irrespective of whorl position, the content of free sugars and starch was lower in HPT : RNAi leaves than in WT during the vegetative phase, and no accumulation of callose or a reduction in sugar exudation compared to WT was evident. Based on our observations, we discuss lipid peroxidation as a potential modulator of tocopherol‐mediated signalling.Furthermore, senescence was accelerated in lower leaves of HPT transgenics, as indicated by elevated GS1 and reduced rbcS transcript amounts. Oxidative stress was increased in virescent lower source leaves, suggesting that the lack of tocopherol triggers premature senescence.
The effect of crop, cultivation and seed addition for birds on surface weed seed densities in arable crops during winter
Authors: HOLLAND J M , SMITH B M , SOUTHWAY S E , BIRKETT T C , AEBISCHER N J 
Published: November 2008

SummaryWeed seeds present an agronomic threat, but are also an important food resource for wildlife in winter. Weed seed densities on the soil surface in winter were examined from 1999 to 2002 in 105 fields on three different farms in UK. The effect of the preceding crop, cultivation, position within the field and the application of seed for birds (bird seed) on surface seed abundance and species composition was tested. Six or fewer species comprised c. 80% of the weed seeds. By January of each study year, the densities of seeds important for farmland birds (key seeds) were 73% or 87% lower compared with early winter on two of the farms, but were stable on the third where seeds were incorporated through cultivation. At the edge and mid‐field, seed densities only exceeded 400 m−2 in 17%, 10% and 12% of fields for total, key and dicotyledonous seeds respectively. The preceding crop only affected seed densities at one site; stubbles of winter barley had fewer seeds compared with winter wheat or spring barley. Seed densities varied between the edge and mid‐field, but trends were inconsistent between sites. The density of the larger seeds (Atriplex patula, Viola arvensis, Polygonum aviculare and Chenopodium album) were reduced in fields receiving bird seed. The objectives of weed control and conservation may not be mutually exclusive because seed return was most reduced where the ground remained uncultivated through the winter, yet this also provided the best foraging opportunities for surface feeding seed predators.
Phomopsis cirsii: a potential biocontrol agent of Cirsium arvense
Authors: LETH V , NETLAND J , ANDREASEN C 
Published: November 2008

Summary Cirsium arvense is a noxious perennial weed which has become an increasing problem in north European countries. Biological control by natural antagonists is of increasing interest to supplement mechanical and chemical control. Several attempts to use fungi such as Alternaria cirsinoxia, Puccinia punctiformis and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum as biocontrol agents have been initiated. No mycoherbicides against C. arvense have been developed and the search for aggressive pathogens continues. In a Danish survey, several fungi were isolated from C. arvense. Four are new records in Denmark: the white rust fungus Pustula andropogonis, the leaf spot fungi Ramularia cirsii, Septoria cirsii and Phomopsis cirsii. Our study shows that P. cirsii is pathogenic to C. arvense, causing stem canker and die back, and that it may have potential as a mycoherbicide against its host. Growth characteristics of P. cirsii on artificial media are described, as well as a scale measuring severity of visible symptoms of P. cirsii on C. arvense. The taxonomic characteristics of Phomopsis spp. are compared and discussed in relation to other records of Phomopsis spp. found on Cirsium spp. and C. arvense.
Two new HLA‐C alleles: Cw*0222 and Cw*0434
Authors: Johnson J. , Street J. , Hammond L. , Iley C. , Darke C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHLA‐Cw*0222 differs from Cw*020202 by three nucleotides at codons 114, 116 and 127, while HLA‐Cw*0434 differs from Cw*0408 by two nucleotides at codons 152 and 156.
How Reliable are the Methods for Estimating Repertoire Size?
Authors: Botero Carlos A. , Mudge Andrew E. , Koltz Amanda M. , Hochachka Wesley M. , Vehrencamp Sandra L. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractQuantifying signal repertoire size is a critical first step towards understanding the evolution of signal complexity. However, counting signal types can be so complicated and time consuming when repertoire size is large, that this trait is often estimated rather than measured directly. We studied how three common methods for repertoire size quantification (i.e., simple enumeration, curve‐fitting and capture‐recapture analysis) are affected by sample size and presentation style using simulated repertoires of known sizes. As expected, estimation error decreased with increasing sample size and varied among presentation styles. More surprisingly, for all but one of the presentation styles studied, curve‐fitting and capture–recapture analysis yielded errors of similar or greater magnitude than the errors researchers would make by simply assuming that the number of types in an incomplete sample is the true repertoire size. Our results also indicate that studies based on incomplete samples are likely to yield incorrect ranking of individuals and spurious correlations with other parameters regardless of the technique of choice. Finally, we argue that biological receivers face similar difficulties in quantifying repertoire size than human observers and we explore some of the biological implications of this hypothesis.
Reliable computing in estimation of variance components
Authors: Misztal I. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe purpose of this study is to present guidelines in selection of statistical and computing algorithms for variance components estimation when computing involves software packages. For this purpose two major methods are to be considered: residual maximal likelihood (REML) and Bayesian via Gibbs sampling. Expectation‐Maximization (EM) REML is regarded as a very stable algorithm that is able to converge when covariance matrices are close to singular, however it is slow. However, convergence problems can occur with random regression models, especially if the starting values are much lower than those at convergence. Average Information (AI) REML is much faster for common problems but it relies on heuristics for convergence, and it may be very slow or even diverge for complex models. REML algorithms for general models become unstable with larger number of traits. REML by canonical transformation is stable in such cases but can support only a limited class of models. In general, REML algorithms are difficult to program. Bayesian methods via Gibbs sampling are much easier to program than REML, especially for complex models, and they can support much larger datasets; however, the termination criterion can be hard to determine, and the quality of estimates depends on a number of details. Computing speed varies with computing optimizations, with which some large data sets and complex models can be supported in a reasonable time; however, optimizations increase complexity of programming and restrict the types of models applicable. Several examples from past research are discussed to illustrate the fact that different problems required different methods.
Does the Microbial Flora in the Ejaculate Affect the Freezeability of Stallion Sperm?
Authors: Ortega‐Ferrusola C , González‐Fernández L , Muriel A , Macías‐García B , Rodríguez‐Martínez H , Tapia JA , Alonso JM , Peña FJ 
Published: November 2008

ContentsIn an attempt to evaluate the possible relationship between the microbial flora in the stallion ejaculate and its ability to freeze, three ejaculates from five stallions were frozen using a standard protocol. Before freezing, an aliquot was removed for bacteriological analysis. Bacterial growth was observed in all the ejaculates studied. The isolated microorganisms were: Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. (in all the stallions), β‐haemolytic Streptococcus (in stallions 3 and 4), Corynebacterium spp. (in stallions 1, 3–5), Rhodococcus spp. (in stallion number 2), Pseudomonas spp. (in stallion number 1) and Klebsiella spp. (in stallions 1, 3 and 5). The presence and richness of Klebsiella and β‐haemolytic Streptococcus in the ejaculate were related to two sperm variables post‐thaw, namely the proportion of dead spermatozoa (ethidium+ cells; r = 0.55, p < 0.05) and the amplitude of lateral displacement of the sperm head (ALH, μm; r = −0.56, p < 0.05), respectively. The degree of growth of Corynebacterium spp. in the ejaculate was positively correlated with the percentage of spermatozoa showing high caspase activity post‐thaw (r = 0.62, p < 0.05). The presence and number of colonies of β‐haemolytic Streptococcus were negatively correlated (r = −0.55, p < 0.05) with low sperm caspase activity. It is concluded that the microbial flora of the equine ejaculate may be responsible for some of the sublethal damage experimented by the spermatozoa during cryopreservation.