bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative complex formation of the Ca2+‐regulated protein kinase CIPK1 controls abscisic acid‐dependent and independent stress responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: D'Angelo Cecilia , Weinl Stefan , Batistic Oliver , Pandey Girdhar K. , Cheong Yong Hwa , Schültke Stefanie , Albrecht Veronica , Ehlert Britta , Schulz Burkhard , Harter Klaus , Luan Sheng , Bock Ralph , Kudla Jörg 
Published: November 2006

SummaryIntracellular release of calcium ions belongs to the earliest events in cellular stress perception. The molecular mechanisms integrating signals from different environmental cues and translating them into an optimized response are largely unknown. We report here the functional characterization of CIPK1, a protein kinase interacting strongly with the calcium sensors CBL1 and CBL9. Comparison of the expression patterns indicates that the three proteins execute their functions in the same tissues. Physical interaction of CIPK1 with CBL1 and CBL9 targets the kinase to the plasma membrane. We show that, similarly to loss of CBL9 function, mutation of either CBL1 or CIPK1 renders plants hypersensitive to osmotic stress. Remarkably, in contrast to the cbl1 mutant and similarly to the cbl9 mutant, loss of CIPK1 function impairs abscisic acid (ABA) responsiveness. We therefore suggest that, by alternative complex formation with either CBL1 or CBL9, the kinase CIPK1 represents a convergence point for ABA‐dependent and ABA‐independent stress responses. Based on our genetic, physiological and protein–protein interaction data, we propose a general model for information processing in calcium‐regulated signalling networks.
AKRP and EMB506 are two ankyrin repeat proteins essential for plastid differentiation and plant development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Garcion C. , Guilleminot J. , Kroj T. , Parcy F. , Giraudat J. , Devic M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryEMB506 is a chloroplast protein essential for embryo development, the function of which is unknown. A two‐hybrid interaction screen was performed to provide insight into the role of EMB506. A single interacting partner, AKRP, was identified among a cDNA library from immature siliques. The AKR gene (Zhang et al., 1992, Plant Cell 4, 1575–1588) encodes a protein containing five ankyrin repeats, very similar to EMB506. Protein truncation series demonstrated that both proteins interact through their ankyrin domains. Using reverse genetics, we showed that loss of akr function resulted in an embryo‐defective (emb) phenotype indistinguishable from the emb506 phenotype. Transient expression of the signal peptide of AKRP fused to green fluorescent protein demonstrated the chloroplast localization of AKRP. The ABI3 promoter was used to express AKR in a seed‐specific manner in order to analyse the post‐embryonic effect of AKR loss of function in akr/akr seedlings. Homozygous fertile and viable akr/akr plants were obtained. These plants exhibited mild to severe defects in chloroplast and leaf cellular organization. We conclude that EMB506 and AKRP are involved in crucial and tightly controlled events in plastid differentiation linked to cell differentiation, morphogenesis and organogenesis during the plant life cycle.
Prion‐removal capacity of chromatographic and ethanol precipitation steps used in the production of albumin and immunoglobulins
Authors: Thyer J. , Unal A. , Thomas P. , Eaton B. , Bhashyam R. , Ortenburg J. , Uren E. , Middleton D. , Selleck P. , Maher D. 
Published: November 2006

Background and Objectives  Although there is no epidemiological evidence to suggest that classical Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) is transmitted through blood or blood products, the variant form (vCJD) has been implicated in transmission via packed red blood cells. The potential threat of the infectious agent contaminating plasma pools has led to manufacturing processes being examined for capacity to remove prions. The objective of these studies was to examine the prion‐removal potential of the chromatographic purification and ethanol precipitation steps used to fractionate immunoglobulins and albumin from human plasma.Materials and Methods  Western blot assay was used to examine the partitioning of proteinase K‐resistant scrapie prion protein (PrPsc) over DEAE Sepharose, CM Sepharose and Macro‐Prep High Q chromatographic columns, utilizing microsomal scrapie 263K spiked into each scaled down feedstream and assayed after each chromatographic step. In further studies, bioassay in C57 black mice was used and spikes of 10 000 g clarified brain homogenate of scrapie ME7 were added to feedstreams before sequences of scaled down chromatographic or Cohn fractionation process steps.Results  The microsomal spiking study with Western blot detection demonstrated substantial partitioning of PrPsc away from the target proteins in all ion exchange chromatographic steps examined. The log10 reduction factors (LRF) across DEAE Sepharose and CM Sepharose columns for albumin were ≥ 4.0 and ≥ 3.0 respectively. The reductions across DEAE Sepharose and Macro‐Prep High Q for intravenous immunoglobulin were 3.3 and ≥ 4.1 respectively. Bioassay demonstrated LRFs of ≥ 5.6 across the combination of DEAE Sepharose and CM Sepharose columns in the albumin process and ≥ 5.4 across the combination of DEAE Sepharose and Macro‐Prep High Q columns in the intravenous immunoglobulin process. Bioassay studies also demonstrated a LRF of ≥ 5.6 for immunoglobulin produced by Cohn fractionation.Conclusions  Using rodent‐adapted scrapie as a model, the studies indicated that ion exchange chromatography, as well as Cohn immunoglobulin fractionation have the potential to effectively reduce the load of TSE agents should they be present in plasma pools.Table of Contents  Ion exchange columns used for production of human albumin and immunoglobulins, as well as Cohn immunoglobulin fractionation, effectively reduce the load of TSE agents should they be present in plasma pools.
Beneficial effects of pentoxifylline on hepatic steatosis, fibrosis and necroinflammation in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Satapathy Sanjaya K , Sakhuja Puja , Malhotra Veena , Sharma Barjesh C , Sarin Shiv K 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim: Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is a logical approach to manage patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Pentoxifylline reduces TNF‐α and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in patients with NASH. The aim of the present paper was to study if pentoxifylline can improve histological injury in patients with NASH.Methods: Nine patients (mean age 31.6 ± 7.2 years) with histologically proven NASH and with persistently elevated ALT (>1.5 times) were given pentoxyfylline at a dosage of 400 mg t.i.d. for 12 months. Besides biochemical assessment, a repeat liver biopsy was performed and the degree of inflammation and fibrosis was compared.Results: After 12 months of therapy a significant reduction in ALT (111 ± 53 IU/Lvs45 ± 19 IU/L,P = 0.003) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (61 ± 27 IU/Lvs33 ± 12 IU/L,P = 0.005) levels was observed. Steatosis and lobular inflammation each reduced in 55% and six (67%) patients down‐staged on Brunt's staging (P = 0.009). Four out of six patients with baseline fibrosis had reduction in their fibrosis stage.Conclusions: Long‐term pentoxyfylline therapy effectively achieves sustained biochemical improvement. This correlates well with histological resolution of the disease.
Rabeprazole delays gastric emptying of a nutrient liquid
Authors: Sanaka Masaki , Anjiki Hajime , Yamamoto Takatsugu , Kuyama Yasushi 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:  It is generally considered that gastric acid suppression delays gastric emptying of solid meals because gastric hypoacidity impairs peptic digestion and antral triturition. Rabeprazole is one of the most potent acid suppressants. We conducted this cross‐over study to investigate if rabeprazole delays gastric emptying of liquid nutrients, for which peptic digestion is unnecessary.Methods:  On two randomized occasions, 13 healthy male volunteers underwent the 13C‐acetate breath test following ingestion of a 300 kcal‐liquid meal. On one occasion, they had received 20 mg rabeprazole for the preceding 2 days and 1 h before the test. On another, they took no pretreatment. Based on 4 h breath samples, the half 13CO2 excretion time (t1/2b) and the time of maximal excretion (tmax) were calculated as overall measures of gastric emptying. In addition, time profiles of gastric emptying were generated using the Wagner‐Nelson analytical method, which creates the gastric emptying curve as accurately as the scintigraphy.Results:  Rabeprazole significantly prolonged tmax but unchanged t1/2b. The gastric emptying profiles showed that rabeprazole evoked a segmental slowing of gastric emptying during 0.5–1.25 h of post‐meal ingestion.Conclusions:  Rabeprazole suppresses gastric emptying of a liquid nutrient 0.5 h after meal ingestion. We have speculated that: (i) rabeprazole delays gastric emptying via a mechanism other than acid‐pepsin maldigestion; and (ii) rabeprazole may intensify the post‐gastric feedback regulation system (>0.5 h of post‐meal).
Endoscopic balloon dilatation of intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease: Safe alternative to surgery
Authors: Ajlouni Yousef , Iser John H , Gibson Peter R 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD), a non‐surgical treatment option for intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease, appears to be applied infrequently, possibly due to the perceived risk of perforation and early recurrence. This study aimed to determine the outcomes of EBD by a single endoscopist using a defined technique.Methods:  The records of all patients with Crohn's disease in whom EBD was attempted over a 12‐year period were examined to determine the rate of technical success, complications and outcome. A stricture was defined as that which prevented passage of the 14 mm diameter colonoscope. Technical success was defined as the ability to traverse the stricture postdilatation. Patients were selected on the colonoscopic appearance of the stricture and dilatation was performed using through‐the‐endoscope balloons. Antibiotics were given during and for 7 days postdilatation.Results:  EBD was attempted on 83 strictures (31 anastomotic and 52 primary) in 37 patients (15 males) and was successful in 75 (90%) of 31 patients. A single dilatation only was required in 21 patients who had a median follow‐up of 20 months (range 6–122 months). Recurrent symptomatic stricture requiring dilatation (eight patients) or surgery (two patients) occurred 8 (1–112) months after the initial dilatation. The only complication occurred in one patient where an intra‐abdominal fistula and abscess were probably related to the dilatation.Conclusion:  EBD of intestinal strictures associated with Crohn's disease has a low complication rate and leads to prolonged clinical benefit. It should be considered as a real alternative to surgery.
Correlated evolution of self‐incompatibility and clonal reproduction inSolanum(Solanaceae)
Authors: Vallejo‐Marín Mario , O’Brien Heath E. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryIt has been suggested that clonality provides reproductive assurance in cross‐fertilizing species subject to pollen limitation, relieving one of the main selective pressures favoring the evolution of self‐fertilization. According to this hypothesis, cross‐fertilizing species subject to pollen limitation should often be clonal. Here, we investigated the association between clonality and a genetic mechanism enforcing outcrossing, self‐incompatibility, inSolanum(Solanaceae).We collected self‐incompatibility and clonality information on 87 species, and looked for an association between these two traits. To account for the contribution of shared evolutionary history to this association, we incorporated phylogenetic information from chloroplast (NADH dehydrogenase subunit F) sequence data.We found that self‐incompatibility is strongly associated with clonal reproduction: all self‐incompatible species reproduce clonally, while the absence of clonality is widespread among self‐compatible taxa. The observed correlation persists after taking into account shared phylogenetic history, assumptions about the evolutionary history of self‐incompatibility, uncertainty associated with phylogeny estimation, and associations with life history (annual/perennial).Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that clonality provides reproductive assurance, and suggest that the consequences of clonal growth in the evolution of plant reproductive strategies may be more significant than previously thought.
Spontaneous retroperitoneal and rectus muscle hemorrhage as a potentially lethal complication of cirrhosis
Authors: Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Richart John M. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Aims/Background: Cirrhosis may be complicated by bleeding from varices at sites of porto‐systemic anastomosis and may be exacerbated by coagulopathy.Methods: We describe two cases with decompensated cirrhosis who developed spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage, with rectus sheath hematoma additionally in one case.Results: The diagnosis was readily made by physical examination as both patients had Grey Turner's sign – ecchymosis of the flank. In addition, non‐contrast computed tomography was very useful in confirming the diagnosis. The hemorrhage in both patients was associated with the coagulopathy typical of liver disease. However, one patient had features of disseminated intravascular coagulation initially while the other developed this complication during the course of the illness. Both patients died despite vigorous efforts to correct the coagulopathy together with surgical exploration in one case and angiography in the other.Conclusions: We speculate that the hemorrhage may have originated from varices within the retroperitoneum and abdominal wall, as both patients had significant hypertension. This suggests that variceal decompression may be useful in the management of such cases in the future.
Serum levels of cytokeratin‐18 (tissue polypeptide‐specific antigen) in liver diseases
Authors: Gonzalez‐Quintela Arturo , Mallo Nieves , Mella Carmen , Campos Joaquín , Perez Luis‐Fernando , Lopez‐Rodriguez Raimundo , Tome Santiago , Otero Esteban 
Published: November 2006

Abstract: Objective: The tissue polypeptide‐specific antigen (TPS, cytokeratin‐18, a normal constituent of the hepatocyte cytoskeleton) is a standard tumour marker. This study aimed to evaluate serum TPS levels in patients with liver disease.Methods: Serum TPS was measured with a commercial immunoassay in 884 individuals (753 outpatients from a liver disease clinic, 131 patients admitted to the hospital with acute liver disease).Results: Abnormally high (>80 U/l) TPS levels were found in 57.7% (95% CI 54.0–61.3%) of outpatients with liver disease. Elevated TPS levels were observed for all liver diseases, including fatty liver, alcoholic disease, chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestasis, transplantation, and hepatocarcinoma. TPS levels correlated with liver markers, particularly serum AST. In addition, TPS levels correlated with Knodell's score in patients with chronic hepatitis. TPS was increased in one‐third of patients with normal liver enzyme values. Serum TPS levels decreased after specific therapy in patients with hepatitis C and autoimmune hepatitis. Abnormally high TPS levels were found in the vast majority of patients admitted to the hospital, with markedly high (>800 U/l) values being observed in 47.5% (95% CI 36.1–55.7%) of patients with alcoholic liver disease and in 80.8% (95% CI 60.0–92.7%) of patients with acute hepatitis.Conclusions: Serum TPS (cytokeratin‐18) is elevated in patients with non‐malignant liver diseases, particularly in those with prominent cytolysis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the use of TPS as a marker of liver disease.
Using Step Activity Monitoring to Characterize Ambulatory Activity in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Cavanaugh James T. , Coleman Kim L. , Gaines Jean M. , Laing Linda , Morey Miriam C. 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES: To explore the potential of using step activity monitoring to detect differences in ambulatory activity associated with advancing age and declining function in community‐dwelling seniors.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional pilot study.SETTING: General communities of Seattle, Washington; Catonsville, Maryland; and Durham, North Carolina.PARTICIPANTS: Thirty healthy younger adults, 28 healthy older adults, and 12 older adults reporting functional limitations.MEASUREMENTS: Ambulatory activity data were collected over 6 days with the StepWatch 3. Average daily values were calculated for number of steps, number of minutes of activity, number of activity bouts, variability of minute‐to‐minute activity, and randomness of minute‐to‐minute activity fluctuations.RESULTS: Healthy older adults engaged in fewer bouts of activity (P=.03) and displayed less‐variable activity (P=.02) than younger adults. Older adults reporting functional limitations not only engaged in fewer bouts of activity (P=.009) and less variable activity (P<.001) than younger adults, but also accumulated fewer total steps (P=.003) and minutes of activity (P=.008) and had less‐random minute‐to‐minute activity fluctuations (P=.02).CONCLUSION: Step activity monitoring data were useful for detecting differences in ambulatory activity according to age and functional limitation. Monitor‐based measures reflecting patterns of ambulatory activity show promise for use in studies of physical functioning.
Periodontal infection profiles in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Lalla Evanthia , Kaplan Selma , Chang Shu‐mei J. , Roth Georg A. , Celenti Romanita , Hinckley Karen , Greenberg Ellen , Papapanou Panos N. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: We investigated the levels of subgingival plaque bacteria and serum IgG responses in patients with type 1 diabetes and non‐diabetic controls of comparable periodontal status.Material and Methods: Fifty type 1 diabetes patients (mean duration 20.3 years, range 6–41) were age‐and gender‐matched with 50 non‐diabetic individuals with similar levels of periodontal disease. Full‐mouth clinical periodontal status was recorded, and eight plaque samples/person were collected and analysed by checkerboard hybridization with respect to 12 species. Homologous serum IgG titres were assessed by checkerboard immunoblotting. In a sub‐sample of pairs, serum cytokines and selected markers of cardiovascular risk were assessed using multiplex technology.Results: Among the investigated species, only levels of Eubacterium nodatum were found to be higher in diabetic patients, while none of the IgG titres differed between the groups, both before and after adjustments for microbial load. Patients with diabetes had significantly higher serum levels of soluble E‐selectin (p=0.04), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1; p=0.0008), adiponectin (p=0.01) and lower levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1; p=0.02).Conclusions: After controlling for the severity of periodontal disease, patients with type 1 diabetes and non‐diabetic controls showed comparable subgingival infection patterns and serum antibody responses.
Prevalence and risk variables for peri‐implant disease in Brazilian subjects
Authors: Ferreira S. D. , Silva G. L. M , Cortelli J. R. , Costa J. E. , Costa F. O. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of peri‐implant disease and analyse possible risk variables associated with peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis. The study group consisted of 212 partially edentulous subjects rehabilitated with osseointegrated implants.Material and Methods: The implants placed were examined clinically and radiographically to assess the peri‐implant status. The degree of association between peri‐implant disease and various independent variables was investigated using a multinomial regression analysis.Results: The prevalence of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis were 64.6% and 8.9%, respectively. In univariate modelling, healthy peri‐implant subjects presented lower plaque scores, less periodontal bleeding on probing, and less time elapsed since placement of supra‐structures. In multivariate analyses, the risk variables associated with increased odds for having peri‐implant disease included: gender, plaque scores, and periodontal bleeding on probing. Presence of periodontitis and diabetes were statistically associated with increased risk of peri‐implantitis. The only two factors, which did not contribute to the presence of the disease, were the time elapsed since placement of supra‐structures and the frequency of visits for maintenance care.Conclusion: Our data suggest that subjects with periodontitis, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene were more prone to develop peri‐implantitis.
Bone augmentation in rabbit calvariae: comparative study between Bio‐Oss® and a novel β‐TCP/DCPD granulate
Authors: Tamimi Faleh Mariño , Torres Jesús , Tresguerres Isabel , Clemente Celia , López‐Cabarcos Enrique , Blanco Luis Jerez 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim: In the present in vivo study, we compare the bone regeneration capacity of a novel brushite cement synthesized in our laboratory (DTG) with Bio‐Oss® using rabbits as an animal model.Methods: The study was performed in a group of 14 adult New Zealand rabbits using the bone conduction model. Two titanium cylinders were fixed into perforated slits made on the parietal cortical bone of each rabbit. One cylinder was left empty (negative control) and the other was filled with either Bio‐Oss® or brushite set‐cement granules (test cylinder). Four weeks after the intervention, the animals were sacrificed and biopsies were taken. The following parameters were analysed: bone tissue augmentation, bone mineral density and biomaterial resorption. The comparison of data between the different groups was performed using the Mann–Whitney test with a significance level of p<0.05.Results: The mean bone mineral density and augmented mineral tissue inside the test cylinders were similar but higher than those of negative controls. Material resorption and bone tissue augmentation were significantly higher in the defects treated with the brushite‐based set cement (p<0.05).Conclusions: Brushite cement granules were more resorbable and generated more bone tissue than Bio‐Oss® inside the titanium cylinders placed in the rabbit calvaria.
Primary flap closure combined with Emdogain® alone or Emdogain® and Cerasorb® in the treatment of intra‐bony defects
Authors: Bokan Ivan , Bill Josip S. , Schlagenhauf Ulrich 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: To compare clinical outcomes of three different modalities of treatment for deep intra‐bony defects.Material and methods: Fifty‐six patients were paralleled for clinical parameters and randomly assigned to treatment. They displayed one angular defect each with an intra‐bony component 3 mm, probing pocket depth (PPD) and probing attachment level (PAL) 7 mm, and plaque index (PI) <1. Nineteen defects were treated, respectively, with enamel matrix derivative (EMD)+tricalcium phosphate (TCP) or EMD alone and 18 defects with modified Widman flap (MWF). Primary flap closure was used in all three groups. PI, gingival index, bleeding on probing, PPD, PAL, and recession (REC) were measured before and 12 months after treatment.Results: Treatment with EMD alone yielded a 3.9±1.3 mm PPD decrease and a 3.7±1.0 mm PAL gain (p<0.001), whereas EMD+β‐TCP produced a 4.1±1.2 mm PPD reduction and a 4.0±1.0 mm PAL gain (p<0.001). These outcome parameters did not differ between the two groups. REC increased by 0.7±1.3 mm. After MWF treatment, attachment gain was 2.1±1.4 mm (p<0.001) and PPD reduction was 3.8±1.8 mm, whereas REC increased by 1.5±0.7 mm (p=0.042 versus EMD).Conclusion: Both EMD treatments showed similar clinical effects, with significant PAL gain and a significantly lower REC increase in comparison with MWF treatment.