bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clonal dynamics in western North American aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Authors: MOCK K. E. , ROWE C. A. , HOOTEN M. B. , DEWOODY J. , HIPKINS V. D. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractClonality is a common phenomenon in plants, allowing genets to persist asexually for much longer periods of time than ramets. The relative frequency of sexual vs. asexual reproduction determines long‐term dominance and persistence of clonal plants at the landscape scale. One of the most familiar and valued clonal plants in North America is aspen (Populus tremuloides). Previous researchers have suggested that aspen in xeric landscapes of the intermountain west represent genets of great chronological age, maintained via clonal expansion in the near absence of sexual reproduction. We synthesized microsatellite data from 1371 ramets in two large sampling grids in Utah. We found a surprisingly large number of distinct genets, some covering large spatial areas, but most represented by only one to a few individual ramets at a sampling scale of 50 m. In general, multi‐ramet genets were spatially cohesive, although some genets appear to be fragmented remnants of much larger clones. We conclude that recent sexual reproduction in these landscapes is a stronger contributor to standing genetic variation at the population level than the accumulation of somatic mutations, and that even some of the spatially large clones may not be as ancient as previously supposed. Further, a striking majority of the largest genets in both study areas had three alleles at one or more loci, suggesting triploidy or aneuploidy. These genets tended to be spatially clustered but not closely related. Together, these findings substantially advance our understanding of clonal dynamics in western North American aspen, and set the stage for a broad range of future studies.
Imaging T‐cell movement in the brain during experimental cerebral malaria
Authors: ORTOLANO F. , MAFFIA P. , DEVER G. , HUTCHISON S. , BENSON R. , MILLINGTON O. R. , DE SIMONI M. G. , BUSHELL T. J. , GARSIDE P. , CARSWELL H. V. , BREWER J. M. 
Published: December 2008

SUMMARY T‐cells are known to play a role in the pathology associated with experimental cerebral malaria, although it has not previously been possible to examine their behaviour in brain. Using multiphoton laser scanning microscopy, we have examined the migration and movement of these cells in brain tissue. We believe that this approach will help define host–parasite interactions and examine how intervening in these relationships affects the development of cerebral pathology.
BTB and TAZ domain scaffold proteins perform a crucial function in Arabidopsis development
Authors: Robert Hélène S. , Quint Ab , Brand Daan , Vivian‐Smith Adam , Offringa Remko 
Published: December 2008

SummaryIn Arabidopsis, bric‐a‐brac, tramtrack and broad (BTB) domain scaffold proteins form a family of 80 proteins that have involvement in various signaling pathways. The five members of the subfamily of BTB AND TAZ DOMAIN proteins (BT1–BT5) have a typical domain structure that is only observed in land plants. Here, we present a functional analysis of the BT family, of which at least four members are encoded by auxin‐responsive genes. BT1 is a short‐lived protein that is characteristically targeted for degradation by the 26S proteasome. Expression pattern, gene structure and sequence analyses indicate that BT1 and BT2 are closely related. They both localize to the nucleus and the cytosol, whereas the remaining BT proteins were determined as cytosolic proteins. Detailed molecular and phenotypic analysis of plants segregating for null mutations in the BT family revealed substantial redundancy among the BT members, and highlighted that BT proteins perform crucial roles in both male and female gametophyte development. BT2 seems to be the predominant gene in this process, in which it is functionally replaced by BT3 and BT1 through reciprocal transcription regulation. Compensational expression alters the steady‐state mRNA levels among the remaining BT family members when other BT members are lost, and this contributes towards functional redundancy. Our data provide a surprising example of functional redundancy among genes required during gametophyte development, something that could not be detected in the current screens for gametophyte mutants.
Highly specific gene silencing by artificial microRNAs in the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Molnar Attila , Bassett Andrew , Thuenemann Eva , Schwach Frank , Karkare Shantanu , Ossowski Stephan , Weigel Detlef , Baulcombe David 
Published: December 2008

SummaryMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs, 21 to 22 nucleotides long, with important regulatory roles. They are processed from longer RNA molecules with imperfectly matched foldback regions and they function in modulating the stability and translation of mRNA. Recently, we and others have demonstrated that the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, like diverse multicellular organisms, contains miRNAs. These RNAs resemble the miRNAs of land plants in that they direct site‐specific cleavage of target mRNA with miRNA‐complementary motifs and, presumably, act as regulatory molecules in growth and development. Utilizing these findings we have developed a novel artificial miRNA system based on ligation of DNA oligonucleotides that can be used for specific high‐throughput gene silencing in green algae.
Identification and Genomic Variability of Prune dwarf virus Variants Infecting Stone Fruit Trees in Turkey
Authors: Ulubaş Serçe Ç. , Ertunç F. , ÖZtürk A. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract Prune dwarf virus (PDV), a pathogen of stone fruit trees worldwide, shows a great variability in its biological, serological and molecular properties. The coat protein sequences of ten PDV variants from different stone fruit tree species in Turkey were determined. The sequence for each variant was 657 nucleotides in length. The phylogenetic analyses of the sequences of the Turkish variants and of additional sequences of other PDV variants from international databases indicate the existence of four groups of PDV variants: one contains cherry variants that differs in group specific conserved amino acids; a second contains one apricot and cherry variants, most members of the group being Turkish variants; a third contains mixed variants from cherry, peach, plum trees and an almond tree; and a fourth contains only variants from almond trees. Based on their hosts, we propose the nomenclature of these groups as cherry I, cherry II, mixed and almond groups, respectively.
Priapism Secondary to Perineal Abscess in a Dog – A Case Report
Authors: Martins‐Bessa A , Santos T , Machado J , Pinelas R , Pires MA , Payan‐Carreira R 
Published: December 2008

ContentsA 7‐year‐old intact male Boxer was referred to our services at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Trás‐os‐Montes and Alto Douro, suffering from a persistently erect penis (including thebulbus glandis) that had been exposed for several days. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations detected a 5.0 × 3.5 cm mass located dorso‐laterally to the urinary bladder. The microbial culture of the mass revealedStaphylococcusspp. At that time, we suspected the involvement of an abscess in the origin of the priapism. Medical and surgical treatments were promptly instituted, which allowed for penile withdrawal into the prepuce; however, the resolution of the penile erection was not accomplished in the following days and penile amputation was required. Histological evaluation of the excised penis revealed extensive infarction of the erectile tissue of thepars longaandbulbus glandis, and also of the blood vessels of the penis. Following penile amputation and antimicrobial therapy, the animal fully recovered. Ultimately, the animal died as a consequence of gastric torsion. At necropsy, some lesions compatible with a previous perforation of the intestinal wall were recorded. The data gathered from the anamnesis, the physical and imaging examinations, along with thepost‐mortemfindings, allowed us to conclude that in this clinical case the primary cause of priapism was a perineal abscess due to bowel perforation.
Growth inhibitory action of cranberry on Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Matsushima Masashi , Suzuki Takayoshi , Masui Aya , Kasai Kouichi , Kouchi Tomoko , Takagi Atsushi , Shirai Takayuki , Mine Tetsuya 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Cranberry is a fruit that originated in North America, and it has been used by Native Americans for bacterial infections. Recent studies have revealed it to be effective for preventing refractory urinary infections, while also suggesting that it plays a possible role in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).Methods:  The H. pylori strains used in the present study were NCTC11637 and 11638. Sugar and organic acid‐rich, and polyphenol‐rich fractions were obtained from cranberry juice concentrate by Amberlite XAD7HP‐column chromatography. The H. pylori growth inhibition was estimated by OD660 and titration in liquid culture, and by an agar dilution plate method. The shapes of the bacteria were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.Results:  Cranberry extract suppressed bacterial proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. In the comparison with other juices, polyphenol‐rich fruits (cranberries, blueberries, and red grapes) showed similar growth inhibitory activity, whereas polyphenol‐poor fruits (oranges, pineapples, apples, and white grapes) did not show any activity. The polyphenol‐rich fraction of cranberry maintained the H. pylori‐growth inhibitory activity. More bacteria in a coccoid form were observed after culture with cranberry.Conclusion:  Cranberry extract inhibited H. pylori proliferation and it is suggested that polyphenols are responsible for this action. The morphological analysis suggested that cranberry induces H. pylori to develop a coccoid form, thereby inhibiting its growth bacteriostatically. Further basic studies to clarify these mechanisms in combination with in vivo studies are needed.
Elevated adiponectin serum levels in patients with chronic alcohol abuse rapidly decline during alcohol withdrawal
Authors: Buechler Christa , Schäffler Andreas , Johann Monika , Neumeier Markus , Köhl Philip , Weiss Thomas , Wodarz Norbert , Kiefer Paul , Hellerbrand Claus 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Adiponectin is a circulating protein with hepatoprotective effects.Aims:  To study the relationship of excessive alcohol consumption and serum adiponectin levels (SAL).Patients and Methods:  The SAL were determined in (i) heavy drinkers without advanced liver damage during the course of alcohol withdrawal, (ii) patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, (iii) patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis, and (iv) healthy volunteers that consumed excessive amounts of alcohol for only a short period of time. Further, primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and adipocytes were incubated in vitro with alcohol or serum of patients.Results:  Patients with chronic alcohol consumption had significantly higher SAL than HCV‐patients with comparable degrees of liver damage. In alcoholics, but not in HCV patients, SAL positively correlated with serum levels of aminotransferases. Further, SAL correlated with the amount of alcohol consumption but declined during the course of alcohol abstinence. After short‐term excessive alcohol consumption SAL were not elevated in healthy individuals. Adiponectin mRNA was detectable in adipocytes but not in hepatocytes, and alcohol failed to induce adiponectin in both cell types. In contrast, serum of active drinkers induced adiponectin expression in adipocytes while serum from the same individuals collected after alcohol withdrawal had no effect.Conclusions:  Alcohol exhibits a specific effect on SAL that is dose and time dependent, and correlates with the degree of hepatic damage. Alcohol does not seem to affect adiponectin expression directly in adipocytes but potentially via mediators systemically released as a result of the chronic alcohol intake.
Effect of a lifestyle intervention in patients with abnormal liver enzymes and metabolic risk factors
Authors: St. George Alexis , Bauman Adrian , Johnston Amanda , Farrell Geoffrey , Chey Tien , George Jacob 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with insulin resistance is the most common cause of abnormal liver tests in clinical practice. To date, practical and effective strategies to improve the metabolic profile of this large group of patients have not been well characterised. We sought to assess the effect at 3 months of a behavior change‐based lifestyle intervention on the metabolic profile of patients characterised by elevated liver enzymes.Methods:  A total of 152 patients with elevated liver enzymes, central obesity and a range of metabolic risk factors were randomised to either a moderate‐ (6 sessions/10 weeks) or low‐intensity (3 sessions/4 weeks) lifestyle counselling intervention or control group.Results:  There was improvement in all metabolic risk factors in the moderate‐intensity group, versus a smaller number of changes in the low‐intensity intervention group and no change in any metabolic risk factors in control subjects. Reduction in liver enzymes was greatest in the moderate‐intensity intervention group and least in the control group. The likelihood of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in both the moderate and low‐intensity groups was reduced by over 70% compared to controls. The proportion of subjects achieving weight loss (≥ 2%) was significantly higher in the moderate‐intensity intervention group (66%) versus the low‐intensity intervention group (39%; P < 0.05) and controls (29%; P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Moderate and even low‐intensity lifestyle counselling interventions targeting improvement in physical activity and nutritional behaviors and modest weight loss are a practical and effective method for improving the health of patients with elevated liver enzymes and a range of metabolic risk factors.
Coronary calcification and its association with mortality in haemodialysis patients
Authors: FENSTERSEIFER DANIELE M , KAROHL CRISTINA , SCHVARTZMAN PAULO , COSTA CÉSAR AR , VERONESE FRANCISCO JV 
Published: December 2008

SUMMARYAim:  Coronary artery calcification (CAC) has been associated with higher mortality in chronic renal disease. The purpose of this study was to assess coronary artery calcium score (CaCs) in haemodialysis patients and to correlate calcium scores with clinical parameters and mortality.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 59 haemodialysis patients. CaCs was assessed by multidetector‐row computed tomography and stratified as: CaCs of less than 10 Agatston units (U), no calcification; CaCs of 10–400 U, mild‐to‐moderate; and CaCs of more than 400 U, severe calcification. The effects of age, haemodialysis duration and biochemical and inflammatory markers on CaCs logarithm were evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis. Cox regression analysis was used to measure the impact of CaCs of more than 400 on 2‐year mortality.Results:  Coronary calcifications were detected in 64.5% of patients, and the median of CaCs was 31.7 U (0–589.7) with a range of 0–5790.0 U. Twenty‐one (35.5%) patients had mild‐to‐moderate and 17 (29%) severe CaCs. Patients with severe CaCs were older and showed a higher prevalence of ischaemic heart disease and a higher body mass index (P = 0.04). A trend towards higher C‐reactive protein levels was found in patients with severe CaCs. Advanced age was the only variable that influenced CaCs logarithm independently. The effect of severe CaCs on 2‐year mortality did not persist after adjustment for other covariates.Conclusion:  Coronary calcification was highly prevalent in these uraemic patients on chronic haemodialysis. A correlation was evidenced between CaCs and advanced age, but severity of the CAC score did not have an impact on 2‐year mortality of this cohort.
Is there a Place for Conservative Surgery in the Treatment of Renal Carcinoma?
Authors: Van POPPEL H. , CLAES H. , WILLEMEN P. , OYEN R. , BAERT L. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Since 1981, 31 patients have undergone conservative surgery for malignant renal tumours and have been followed up for at least 2 years. The techniques included enucleation or resection (wedge resection or partial nephrectomy).In 10 patients the indications for kidney‐sparing surgery were absolute, while in the remainder the conservative surgical approach was a deliberate choice. The tumours varied in diameter from 1.3 to 12 cm and no metastases were detected on pre‐operative screening.One patient died post‐operatively from myocardial infarction. In the remaining 30 there were no local recurrences. Two patients died from skeletal metastases (1 with bilateral malignancy) and 2 underwent surgery in the post‐operative period for haemorrhagic complications.The efficacy of conservative surgery in the local control of renal cancer is an argument in favour of its wider use.
Dilatation of the Prostatic Urethra with 35 mm Balloon
Authors: McLOUGHLIN J. , KEANE P. F. , JAGER R. , GILL K. P. , MACHANN L. , WILLIAMS GORDON 
Published: December 2008

Summary— A series of 54 men, 25 with acute urinary retention and 29 with cystometrically proven bladder outflow obstruction (BOO), underwent dilatation of the prostatic urethra using a 35 mm fixed diameter, low compliance balloon. In 42 patients this was performed under cystoscopic guidance and in 12 patients under fluoroscopic control.Three months following dilatation, 13/27 patients (48%) with BOO who returned for review were rendered unobstructed and 19/27 (70%) were symptomatically improved. By 6 months only 3 remained unobstructed but 15 remained symptomatically improved. Nine months after dilatation 14 patients retained symptomatic improvement but only 2 remained unobstructed. Of the 25 patients treated for acute retention only 6 voided spontaneously, 1 of these relapsing into retention at 2 months and another at 4 months. No patient was rendered unobstructed but 2 patients (who declined prostatectomy) noted an improvement in their obstructive symptoms at both 3 and 6 months. No patient developed retrograde ejaculation following dilatation.Balloon dilatation to 35 mm has no role in acute urinary retention but may have a role in younger men with BOO who wish to avoid prostatectomy and the risk of retrograde ejaculation. In these patients careful follow‐up is required.
Urological Manifestations of HIV‐related Disease
Authors: GREEN S. T. , NATHWANI D. , GOLDBERG D. J. , PATERSON P. J. , KENNEDY D. H. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— A wide variety of pathologies afflicting the genitourinary tract can be displayed by patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), including both infective and neoplastic conditions. Treatment can often be offered for such conditions using a combination of therapeutic approaches. These conditions should be looked for specifically in patients with HIV infection as treatment may improve their quality of life. A case is presented of a testicular seminoma (appearing in association with an intracranial mass and Kaposi's sarcoma) in a male patient with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); he made a good response to orchiectomy and radiotherapy for his seminoma.A short review is also given of the range of HIV‐associated genitourinary pathologies which have been described to date.
Inhibition by Sodium‐potassium Citrate (CG‐120) of Calcium Oxalate Crystal Growth on to Kidney Stone Fragments Obtained from Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Authors: SUZUKI K. , TSUGAWA R. , RYALL ROSEMARY L. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Retention of fragments within the kidney after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) continues to be a major shortcoming of this form of stone treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of sodium‐potassium citrate to inhibit calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and growth on to stone fragments remaining after ESWL. The continuous flow crystallisation technique was adapted to induce calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and growth on to the surface of fragmented kidney stones and the inhibitory effect of sodium‐potassium citrate was assessed by scanning electron microscopy and by determining the relative increase in crystalline mass at final concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 mmol/l.Sodium‐potassium citrate significantly inhibited the deposition of new crystalline calcium oxalate in a dose‐dependent manner above 2 mmol/l; these findings were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.It was concluded that sodium‐potassium citrate may provide an effective means of preventing the formation of new kidney stones by the deposition of calcium oxalate on to residual stone fragments resulting from ESWL and that the technique used is an efficient means of testing the efficacy of therapeutic agents to prevent stone recurrence in patients treated with ESWL.
Ambulatory Monitoring and Electronic Measurement of Urinary Leakage in the Diagnosis of Detrusor Instability and Incontinence
Authors: WEBB R. J. , RAMSDEN P. D. , NEAL D. E. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— The ability of conventional artificial filling urodynamic studies (CMG) and ambulatory monitoring during natural bladder filling (AM) to detect phasic detrusor activity (detrusor instability) and incontinence was studied in 52 patients suspected on clinical grounds of having bladder dysfunction, but in whom a CMG had not provided an adequate explanation of their symptoms. Detrusor instability (DI) was found on AM in 31 patients who were not unstable on conventional CMG using the criteria of the International Continence Society: DI was diagnosed on filling in 20 patients and on provocation in a further 11. Incontinence was demonstrated by electronic nappy testing in 23 patients: 13 had urge incontinence due to DI, 7 had genuine stress incontinence alone and 3 had both genuine stress incontinence and detrusor instability.Thus DI was diagnosed significantly more frequently by AM than by CMG. Ambulatory monitoring was more sensitive in the diagnosis of instability and incontinence and it may prove to be a valuable aid in the diagnosis of bladder dysfunction not detected during conventional cystometry.
Problems in the Surgical Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: NURSE DIANE E. , PARRY J. R. W. , MUNDY A. R. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Two series of patients with histologically proven interstitial cystitis that was unresponsive to hydrostatic bladder distension and intravesical chemotherapy with dimethyl sulfoxide have been studied. In the first series 24 patients were treated by subtotal cystectomy and substitution cystoplasty without further consideration; 8 of these 24 patients had persistent frequency due to active disease in the remaining trigone and/or urethra and in 2 cases this was severe.Because of this experience the second group of patients had routine biopsy of the trigone and assessment of urethral sensation as part of the initial assessment. In those in whom the trigone was unaffected, treatment was unchanged. If the trigone was affected, total cystourethrectomy was performed with substitution cystourethroplasty unless the patient chose or was advised to avoid surgery altogether or to have a simpler option such as conduit or continent urinary diversion.Trigonal biopsies should be part of the routine assessment of all patients being considered for surgery, since residual active disease is a major cause of dissatisfaction after subtotal cystectomy and substitution cystoplasty.