bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outbreak of exogenous Cushing's syndrome due to unlicensed medications
Authors: Azizi Fereidoun , Jahed Adel , Hedayati Mehdi , Lankarani Mahnaz , Bejestani Hadi Shahrad , Esfahanian Fatemeh , Beyraghi Nargues , Noroozi Alireza , Kobarfard Farzad 
Published: May 2008

SummaryObjective  Despite the widespread medical use of glucocorticoids, reports of factitious administration of these hormones have been uncommon. We herein report an outbreak of Cushing's syndrome in Tehran among the addicts using Tamgesic (a brand of Buprenorphine) to help them through the narcotic withdrawal stage, without knowledge of the glucocorticoid content of the black‐market drug.Design and measurements  Case histories of 19 patients with a final diagnosis of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome were reviewed. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC–Mass) method was used to evaluate glucocorticoid existence in the brand. High performance liquid chromatography was used to determine plasma dexamethasone level.Results  No buprenorphine was present in the vials. Each Tamgesic vial contained 0·4 mg of Dexamethasone disodium phosphate; Heroin was also found in them. The duration of injection abuse and the total dexamethasone intake was 4·5 (1–18) months and 2·6 (0·8–8) mg/day, respectively. Median plasma dexamethasone concentration was 5·8 nmol/l, with a range of 5–8·7. Physical findings of the cases were not different from those of the classic endogenous Cushing's syndrome but their serum cortisol and urinary free cortisol were suppressed. Severe life‐threatening complications were demonstrated in five cases.Conclusion  Surreptitious use of steroids resulting in Cushing's syndrome may be more common in opium addicts; a high degree of suspicion is needed to uncover this disorder. Whenever facing a cushingoid appearance in addicts, the possibility of using black market drugs with corticosteroid contents should be kept in mind.
Down‐regulation of MyoD gene expression in rat diaphragm muscle with heart failure
Authors: Lopes Francis da Silva , Carvalho Robson Francisco , Campos Gerson Eduardo Rocha , Sugizaki Mario Matheus , Padovani Carlos Roberto , Nogueira Célia Regina , Cicogna Antonio Carlos , Pai‐Silva Maeli Dal 
Published: May 2008

SummaryDiaphragm myopathy has been described in patients with heart failure (HF), with alterations in myosin heavy chains (MHC) expression. The pathways that regulate MHC expression during HF have not been described, and myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) may be involved. The purpose of this investigation was to determine MRF mRNA expression levels in the diaphragm. Diaphragm muscle from both HF and control Wistar rats was studied when overt HF had developed, 22 days after monocrotaline administration. MyoD, myogenin and MRF4 gene expression were determined by RT‐PCR and MHC isoforms by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Heart failure animals presented decreased MHC IIa/IIx protein isoform and MyoD gene expression, without altering MHC I, IIb, myogenin and MRF4. Our results show that in HF, MyoD is selectively down‐regulated, which might be associated with alterations in MHC IIa/IIx content. These changes are likely to contribute to the diaphragm myopathy caused by HF.
Reproductive protein evolution within and between species: maintenance of divergent ZP3 alleles in Peromyscus
Authors: TURNER LESLIE M. , HOEKSTRA HOPI E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn a variety of animal taxa, proteins involved in reproduction evolve more rapidly than nonreproductive proteins. Most studies of reproductive protein evolution, however, focus on divergence between species, and little is known about differentiation among populations within a species. Here we investigate the molecular population genetics of the protein ZP3 within two Peromyscus species. ZP3 is an egg coat protein involved in primary binding of egg and sperm and is essential for fertilization. We find that amino acid polymorphism in the sperm‐combining region of ZP3 is high relative to silent polymorphism in both species of Peromyscus. In addition, while there is geographical structure at a mitochondrial gene (Cytb), a nuclear gene (Lcat) and eight microsatellite loci, we find no evidence for geographical structure at Zp3 in Peromyscus truei. These patterns are consistent with the maintenance of ZP3 alleles by balancing selection, possibly due to sexual conflict or pathogen resistance. However, we do not find evidence that reinforcement promotes ZP3 diversification; allelic variation in P. truei is similar among populations, including populations allopatric and sympatric with sibling species. In fact, most alleles are present in all populations sampled across P. truei's range. While additional data are needed to identify the precise evolutionary forces responsible for sequence variation in ZP3, our results suggest that in Peromyscus, selection to maintain divergent alleles within species contributes to the pattern of rapid amino acid substitution observed among species.
Genetic spatial structure in a butterfly metapopulation correlates better with past than present demographic structure
Authors: ORSINI L. , CORANDER J. , ALASENTIE A. , HANSKI I 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia) has been studied in the Åland Islands in Finland since 1991, where it occurs as a classic metapopulation in a large network of 4000 dry meadows. Much ecological work has been conducted on this species, but population genetic studies have been hampered by paucity of suitable genetic markers. Here, using single nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellites developed for the Glanville fritillary, we examine the correspondence between the demographic and genetic spatial structures. Given the dynamic nature of the metapopulation, the current genetic spatial structure may bear a signal of past changes in population sizes and past patterns of gene flow rather than reflect the current demographic structure or landscape structure. We analyse this question with demographic data for 10 years, using the Rand index to assess the similarity between the genetic, demographic, and landscape spatial structures. Our results show that the current genetic spatial structure is better explained by the past rather than by the current demographic spatial structure or by the spatial configuration of the habitat in the landscape. Furthermore, current genetic diversity is significantly explained by past metapopulation sizes. The time lag between major demographic events and change in the genetic spatial structure and diversity has implications for the study of spatial dynamics.
New Biomarkers in an Acute Model of Live Escherichia coli‐induced Sepsis in Pigs
Authors: Castellheim A. , Thorgersen E. B. , Hellerud B. C. , Pharo A. , Johansen H. T. , Brosstad F. , Gaustad P. , Brun H. , Fosse E. , Tønnessen T. I. , Nielsen E. W. , Mollnes T. E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe developed a live Escherichia coli model of acute sepsis in pigs with emphasize on biomarkers reflecting the early inflammatory response of sepsis. Healthy pigs, 25–35 kg, were challenged intravenously (IV) (n = 12) or intrapulmonary (n = 6) with live E. coli and observed for 3 and 5 h respectively. Control pigs received culture medium (n = 6 + 3). Haemodynamic parameters and a broad panel of inflammatory mediators were measured. The dose of bacteria was carefully titrated to obtain a condition resembling the early phase of human septic shock. The IV group displayed a pro‐inflammatory response [significant increase in tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8] and an early anti‐inflammatory response (significant increase in IL‐10). For the first time, we demonstrate a significant increase in IL‐12 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP) early in pig sepsis. Coagulation was activated (significant increase in thrombin–antithrombin complexes) and there was a significant decrease in the serum proteins suggesting capillary leakage. Haemodynamic parameters reflected a septic condition with significant decrease in systemic blood pressure, increases in heart rate, pulmonary artery pressure and base deficit. None of these changes was observed in the control group. Interleukin‐1β and vascular endothelial growth factor increased in both groups. Nitric oxide measurements suggested an initial pulmonary vascular endothelial inflammatory response. The intrapulmonary group, which did not resemble septic condition, showed a substantial increase in MMP‐9. In this porcine model of sepsis, IL‐12 and MMP‐9 were detected for the first time. These biomarkers may have an impact in the understanding and future treatment of sepsis.
Mechanical Transmission of Soil‐borne Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus
Authors: Friedt W. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLeaves of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cv. Gerbel were mechanically sap‐inoculated with Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus (BaYMV). Different additives to the inoculation fluid were tested. Whereas the dilution of plant sap by water alone resulted in an infection rate of 43%, the addition of sodium sulphite (80 %) and potassium phosphate‐buffer (89%) increased the proportion of infected plants substantially. Infectivity was further increased by repeated inoculation, when sodium sulphite yielded 96 % and potassium phosphate 100% of infection. The usefulness of the technique in further research and application is discussed.
The Hypersensitive Reaction in Tobacco Leaf Tissue infiltrated with Pseudomonas pisi 5. Inhibition of RNA Synthesis in Mesophyll Cells
Authors: Al‐Issa A. N. , Sigee D. C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe synthesis of mesophyll cell RNA in tobacco leaf tissue infiltrated with the incompatible bacterium Pseudomonas pisi was investigated by light and electron microscope autoradiography of H3‐uridine uptake.Interpretation of the light microscope quantitative data was complicated by the oscillation in levels of cytoplasmic RNA synthesis that resulted from the physical process of fluid infiltration (seen in the control tissue). Direct comparison with the control showed that the presence of bacteria resulted in a rapid decrease in the synthesis of host cell RNA. This effect was clear within the first 1½h (induction period) of the hypersensitive reaction, where it was particularly marked in the cytoplasm of palisade cells. Electron microscope autoradiography showed that the presence of bacteria did not cause complete cessation of RNA synthesis in mitochondria and chloroplasts.The early inhibition of RNA synthesis preceeded fine structural (degenerative) change, and should be regarded as one of the primary events associated with the induction of host cell necrosis.
Changes in Respiration of Seedling Roots Inoculated with Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Cahill D. , Weste Gretna 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAn increase in rate of respiration was recorded for intact roots of seven native Australian species 16 h after inoculation with Phytophthora cinnamomi. By 24 h the magnitude of the increase ranged from 2—159% above that of the uninoculated controls and was evidently not related to host susceptibility. A time sequence study of lesion extension and the associated increased respiration rates for both susceptible and tolerant eucalypts demonstrated a difference in response. The rate of respiration in the tolerant species increased 2 % and only at the site of inoculation, whereas in the susceptible species the respiration rate increased in a wave which began at the inoculation site and continued along the root with the advancing fungal invasion. Respiration rate only increased in regions of the root actually inhabited by the pathogen.The fungal contribution to the total respiration of infected roots was less than 1 % and was determined by measuring respiration of inoculated killed roots.Respiration rates were measured in the presence of potassium cyanide (KCN) and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM). Both KCN‐sensitive and SHAM‐sensitive respiration occurred in normal uninfected E. marginate seedlings. A large proportion of the increase in total respiration rate of infected seedlings compared with uninoculated controls was due to the alternate, SHAM‐sensitive pathway. The physiological implications of these results are discussed.
Natural Occurrence of Helenium Virus S in Impatiens holstii
Authors: Koenig R. , Lesemann D.‐E. , Lockhart B. , Betzold J. A. , Weidemann H. L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSamples of commercially grown Impatiens holstii from several sources in Minnesota contained a carlavirus which serologically was closely related, if not identical with Helenium virus S described earlier in Germany. The two viruses have similar experimental host ranges and caused similar cytopathogenic effects. After mechanical transmission the Impatiens isolate produced less severe symptoms in Impatiens than the Helenium isolate. Only the latter isolate was transmitted by Myzus persicae in the non‐persistent manner.
Antimicrobial Activity of Leaf Extracts of Polyalthia longifolia
Authors: Annapurna Y. , Mitra Sakti , Iyengar D. S. , Rao S. Nagabushan , Bhalerao U. T. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLeaf extracts of P. longifolia with different solvents of increasing polarity were tested against some pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The nature of the active compound is briefly discussed in view of the observed activity in methanol extracts.
Effect of Bacillus subtilis on Growth and Protection of Onion against White Rot
Authors: Utkhede R. S. , Rahe J. E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe effect of isolates of Bacillus subtilis applied as seed treatments on plant growth and white rot on three onion cultivars was studied for two seasons on muck soil of Fraser valley of British Columbia. The isolates of B. subtilis provided significant season‐long protection against onion white rot on all three cultivars. The most effective isolate (BACT 2) protected the onion cultivar Autumn spice against onion white rot in both years. plant height, number of leaves per plant, and bulb weight were not affected by treating seeds with the Bacillus isolates. Bulb neck diameter of the cultivar Autumn Spice was significantly reduced by two isolates in both seasons.
Dispersal of Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides Spores from Infected Wheat Straw
Authors: Fitt B. D. L. , Bainbridge A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractEvidence from spore samples collected amongst infected straw spread on fallow ground supported the conclusion that spores of Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides are dispersed mostly by rainsplash. Most spores travelled a short distance in the larger ballistic splash droplets, although some may have travelled further in smaller airborne droplets.Weekly spore counts from microscope slides under rainshields, a funnel and an impinger, evaluated as samplers for spores of P. herpotrichoides, showed a similar seasonal pattern. The funnel, as the largest sampler, generally collected most spores, but the impinger collected more spores per unit area of sampling surface. Slides sometimes collected spores when none was recovered from other samplers. Young wheat plants, exposed with the samplers and changed weekly, subsequently developed eyespot symptoms for most of the season.
The Particle Length of an Isolate of Apple Chlorotic Leafspot Virus from Prunus domestica
Authors: Thomas B. J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe modal length of an isolate of apple chlorotic leafspot virus (CLSV) from Prunus domestica was determined by serologically specific electron microscopy. Particles adsorbed from leaf sap extracts (modal length c. 825 nm) were longer than those adsorbed from purified virus preparations (modal length c. 795 nm). Particles of a CLSV isolate from apple, however, had a modal length of only c. 700 nm.
Wirkung von Virushemmstoffen auf die Infektion von Tabakprotoplasten mit dem Tabakmosaik‐Virus
Authors: von Sydow B. , Hein A. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract Effects of virus inhibitors on the infection of tobacco protoplasts with tobacco mosaic virus Yeast extract inhibits the infection of Nicotiana glutinosa plants with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), whereas in N. sandérae yeast extract is not effective. This phenomena was compared with the effect of yeast extract on protoplasts, and on the infection of protoplasts of both tobacco species with TMV. Additionally, skim milk and ribonuclease were included in the experiments as further inhibitors of early stages of virus infection. It was examined whether these inhibitors damage non‐inoculated protoplasts (a), and whether they affect virus infections in protoplasts as they do in cells of intact plants (b).To investigate protoplast damage by the inhibitors, conductivity measurements of protoplast suspensions containing inhibitors, and the ability of protoplasts for cell wall regeneration after treatment with the inhibitors, were used. Inhibitor concentrations which prevent virus infections in plants did not damage the protoplasts.The inhibitor effect on the course of infection was investigated by protoplast treatments before, during and after inoculation with TMV, and by addition of the substances to the culture medium. Measurements of virus content in protoplasts after cultivation revealed different results for the three inhibitors, however, there was no difference in the response of protoplasts from the two tobacco species to yeast extract. It is concluded that there are principal differences between the inhibition of plant and protoplast infections. Therefore, it is unlikely that protoplasts are a useful system for the mode of action studies on inhibitors of early stages of virus infection in plants.
Cytopathology of Shoot Apical Meristem of Hop Plants Infected with Hop Stunt Viroid11)
Authors: Momma T. , Takahashi T. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractShoot apical meristems of hop plants infected with hop stunt viroid (HSV) were examined for cytopathic changes. No measurable changes in ultrastructure were found in shoot tip 0.2 mm long bearing apical dome and two pairs of the primordia, whereas in the 3rd leaf primordium cell walls were undulate and/or frequently were irregular in thickness. These cell wall abnormalities were not observed in comparable shoot tips of the uninoculated hop plants or HSV‐free hop plants obtained by meristem tip culture.
Role of Energy in Pathogenic Variability of Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Mohanty C. R. , Gangopadhyay S. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract Pyricularia oryzae Cav. reacts differently to different varieties. IB race group attacked Zenith for three consecutive years for both rabi and kharif seasons under artificial inoculation condition. Three different isolates were obtained in IB race which differed in their pathogenicity giving a constant susceptible reaction to Zenith. The difference in energy potential of three isolates of P. oryzae was tested biochemically. Total sugar, protein and protein patterns were studied following modern methods. W isolate contained maximum amount of total sugar (18.3 μg/g), total protein (23.8 μg/g albumin equivalent) and seven distinct protein bands on polyacrylamide disc electrophoretic gel which was directly correlated with maximum infection value. So it was concluded that the aggressiveness of P. oryzae depends on its energy potentiality in terms of total protein and protein patterns.
Interactions of Cowpea Mosaic Virus with Cowpea Protoplasts1)
Authors: Smith A. G. , Durand D. P. , Hill J. H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe capability of cowpea mosaic virus to attach to and infect protoplasts of immune, hypersensitive, and susceptible cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) lines was examined by inoculating protoplasts with either purified virus or radioiodinated purified virus 125I‐CPMV. Systems were used in which plants were immune and protoplasts susceptible, plants were immune and protoplasts resistant, and plants and protoplasts were susceptible to CPMV. No differences were observed in the attachment of 125I‐CPMV to resistant and susceptible protoplasts. Polycations, proteins, or virus particles were added to the inoculation medium to neutralize potential nonspecific interactions between cells and virus particles. The various additives induced quantitative differences in binding of virus particles to protoplasts.
Structural Aspects of the Parasitism of Sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary by Coniothyrium minitans Campb.
Authors: Phillips A. J. L. , Price K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum inoculated with pycnidiospores of Coniothyrium minitans were studied by means of light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The hyperparasite penetrated the walls of the rind cells by means of physical pressure and destroyed the cell contents. Penetration of medullary hyphae was by enzymic lysis and physical pressure; there was evidence to suggest that the hyperparasite may coil around the host cells before inserting infection hyphae.
Reactions of Soybean Leaves to Pseudomonas spp.
Authors: ÉRsek T. , Hevesi Mária 
Published: May 2008

AbstractComparative tests on the reactions of soybean cultivars to races of Pseudomonas glycinea were done. It was found that reaction denoted, on the basis of visible symptoms, intermediate between fully resistant and susceptible ones, was in accordance with, microscopic features observed as well as with phytoalexin content measured. The pattern of single cell death and the accumulated glyceollin level resembled rather the resistant than the susceptible plant response. Despite the delayed and weak resistant, hypersensitive‐like response of soybean leaves to infection, the bacteria multiplied in the intermediate combination similarly as in a compatible one. The strain of P. syringae isolated from, but non‐pathogenic to foxtail millet, initiated no hypersensitive reaction (HR), i. e. neither tissue necrosis nor glyceollin accumulation.However, this strain, unlike saprophytes, multiplied like the HR‐inducing strain of P. syringae from apricot: after a short increase it ceased to multiply by 48 h.These results suggested that some resistance mechanism unrelated to HR may account for resistance of soybean leaves to pseudomonads.
Characterisation of an Apparently Novel Soluble Protein Fraction found in Pathogen and Osmotically‐stressed Cucumber Cotyledons
Authors: Wagih E. E. , Raftopoulos A. E. , Archer S. A. , Coutts R. H. A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCotyledons of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Ashley) were used to study the alterations that occur in the soluble protein fraction following either tobacco necrosis virus‐elicited necrosis or a period of mannitol‐induced osmotic‐stress. One apparently novel fraction (termed γ) was induced in the soluble protein fraction after necrosis or osmotic stress and was identified by disc‐PAGE and gel staining. Smaller amounts of the γ fraction were present in apparently healthy tissue adjacent to necrotic halves of cotyledons (AH tissue), but were absent from any other leaves on these plants. The γ fraction is probably representative of at least three different proteins, two of which are constituents of control tissue (a glycoprotein and possibly one or two RNAse isozymes) while the third is a protein of unknown nature, present as the bulk of the γ fraction and possibly synthesized de novo.Following the radio‐active labelling of AH tissue it would appear that an increased protein synthesis, which is sensitive to the effects of translational inhibitors may result in the production of the γ fraction, but this is speculative. The major component of the γ fraction gave a single band on SDS PAGE, with an Mr of ca. 22,000 and focussed to a single band at pl 4,1 on IEF. While it is thought the bulk of the novel portion of the γ fraction is represented in these gel systems increased amounts of the constitutive glycoprotein component should be taken into consideration.Soluble extracts of protoplasts isolated from AH tissue retained only constitutional RNAse isozyme(s), and were totally devoid of the rest of the γ fraction. This result suggests that the other component(s) of the γ fraction is (are) subcellularly located in the plasmodesmata, between the cell wall and plasma membrane or non‐covalently attached to either.