bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of the Histone Acetyltransferase AtHAC1 in the Regulation of Flowering Time via Repression ofFLOWERING LOCUS Cin Arabidopsis
Authors: Deng WeiWei , Liu ChunYan , Pei YanXi , Deng Xian , Niu LiFang , Cao XiaoFeng 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHistone acetylation is an important posttranslational modification correlated with gene activation. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the histone acetyltransferase AtHAC1 is homologous to animal p300/CREB (cAMP-responsive element-binding protein)-binding proteins, which are the main histone acetyltransferases participating in many physiological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The functions of p300/CREB-binding proteins in animals are well characterized, whereas little is known about the roles of AtHAC1 in developmental control in Arabidopsis. Lesions in AtHAC1 caused pleiotropic developmental defects, including delayed flowering, a shortened primary root, and partially reduced fertility. Analysis of the molecular basis of late flowering in hac1 mutants showed that the hac1 plants respond normally to day length, gibberellic acid treatment, and vernalization. Furthermore, the expression level of the flowering repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is increased in hac1 mutants, indicating that the late-flowering phenotype of hac1 mutants is mediated by FLC. Since histone acetylation is usually associated with the activation of gene expression, histone modifications of FLC chromatin are not affected by mutations in HAC1 and expression levels of all known autonomous pathway genes are unchanged in hac1 plants, we propose that HAC1 affects flowering time by epigenetic modification of factors upstream of FLC.
Histone Deacetylases and ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 Are Involved in the Establishment of Polarity in Leaves ofArabidopsis
Authors: Ueno Yoshihisa , Ishikawa Takaaki , Watanabe Keiro , Terakura Shinji , Iwakawa Hidekazu , Okada Kiyotaka , Machida Chiyoko , Machida Yasunori 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe show that two Arabidopsis thaliana genes for histone deacetylases (HDACs), HDT1/HD2A and HDT2/HD2B, are required to establish leaf polarity in the presence of mutant ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2) or AS1. Treatment of as1 or as2 plants with inhibitors of HDACs resulted in abaxialized filamentous leaves and aberrant distribution of microRNA165 and/or microRNA166 (miR165/166) in leaves. Knockdown mutations of these two HDACs by RNA interference resulted in phenotypes like those observed in the as2 background. Nuclear localization of overproduced AS2 resulted in decreased levels of mature miR165/166 in leaves. This abnormality was abolished by HDAC inhibitors, suggesting that HDACs are required for AS2 action. A loss-of-function mutation in HASTY, encoding a positive regulator of miRNA levels, and a gain-of-function mutation in PHABULOSA, encoding a determinant of adaxialization, suppressed the generation of abaxialized filamentous leaves by inhibition of HDACs in the as1 or as2 background. AS2 and AS1 were colocalized in subnuclear bodies adjacent to the nucleolus where HDT1/HD2A and HDT2/HD2B were also found. Our results suggest that these HDACs and both AS2 and AS1 act independently to control levels and/or patterns of miR165/166 distribution and the development of adaxial-abaxial leaf polarity and that there may be interactions between HDACs and AS2 (AS1) in the generation of those miRNAs.
Dominant-Negative Modification Reveals the Regulatory Function of the Multimeric Cysteine Synthase Protein Complex in Transgenic Tobacco
Authors: Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCys synthesis in plants constitutes the entry of reduced sulfur from assimilatory sulfate reduction into metabolism. The catalyzing enzymes serine acetyltransferase (SAT) and O-acetylserine (OAS) thiol lyase (OAS-TL) reversibly form the heterooligomeric Cys synthase complex (CSC). Dominant-negative mutation of the CSC showed the crucial function for the regulation of Cys biosynthesis in vivo. An Arabidopsis thaliana SAT was overexpressed in the cytosol of transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants in either enzymatically active or inactive forms that were both shown to interact efficiently with endogenous tobacco OAS-TL proteins. Active SAT expression resulted in a 40-fold increase in SAT activity and strong increases in the reaction intermediate OAS as well as Cys, glutathione, Met, and total sulfur contents. However, inactive SAT expression produced much greater enhancing effects, including 30-fold increased Cys levels, attributable, apparently, to the competition of inactive transgenic SAT with endogenous tobacco SAT for binding to OAS-TL. Expression levels of tobacco SAT and OAS-TL remained unaffected. Flux control coefficients suggested that the accumulation of OAS and Cys in both types of transgenic plants was accomplished by different mechanisms. These data provide evidence that the CSC and its subcellular compartmentation play a crucial role in the control of Cys biosynthesis, a unique function for a plant metabolic protein complex.
Cannabis and schizophrenia: model projections of the impact of the rise in cannabis use on historical and future trends in schizophrenia in England and Wales
Authors: Hickman Matthew , Vickerman Peter , Macleod John , Kirkbride James , Jones Peter B. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTAims  To estimate long‐term trends in cannabis use and projections of schizophrenia assuming a causal relation between cannabis use and schizophrenia.Methods  Trends in cannabis use were estimated from a national survey, 2003; and incidence of schizophrenia was derived from surveys in three English cities, 1997–99. A difference equation cohort model was fitted against estimates of schizophrenia incidence, trends in cannabis exposure and assumptions on association between cannabis and schizophrenia. The model projects trends in schizophrenia incidence, prevalence and attributable fraction of cannabis induced schizophrenia.Results  Between 1970 and 2002 cannabis exposure increased: incidence by fourfold; period prevalence by 10‐fold; and use among under 18‐year‐olds by 18‐fold. In 1997–99 incidence and prevalence of schizophrenia were 17 per 100 000 and 0.63% among men and 7.3 per 100 000 and 0.23% among women, respectively. If cannabis use causes schizophrenia, earlier increases in cannabis use would lead to increases in overall schizophrenia incidence and prevalence of 29% and 12% among men between 1990 and 2010. By 2010 model projections which assume an association between schizophrenia and light and heavy users suggest that approximately one‐quarter of new schizophrenia cases could be due to cannabis, whereas if the association is twofold and confined to heavy cannabis users, then approximately 10% of schizophrenia cases may be due to cannabis.Conclusions  If cannabis use causes schizophrenia, and assuming other causes are unchanged, then relatively substantial increases in both prevalence and incidence of schizophrenia should be apparent by 2010. More accurate data on cannabis consumption and future monitoring of schizophrenia are critical.
Transcriptional responses to exposure to the brassicaceous defence metabolites camalexin and allyl‐isothiocyanate in the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola
Authors: SELLAM ADNANE , DONGO ANITA , GUILLEMETTE THOMAS , HUDHOMME PIÉTRICK , SIMONEAU PHILIPPE 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY Alternaria brassicicola is the causative agent of black spot disease of Brassicaceae belonging to the genera Brassica and Raphanus. During host infection, A. brassicicola is exposed to high levels of antimicrobial defence compounds such as indolic phytoalexins and glucosinolate breakdown products. To investigate the transcriptomic response of A. brassicicola when challenged with brassicaceous defence metabolites, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was performed to generate two cDNA libraries from germinated conidia treated either with allyl isothiocyanate (Al‐ITC) or with camalexin. Following exposure to Al‐ITC, A. brassicicola displayed a response similar to that experienced during oxidative stress. Indeed, a substantial subset of differentially expressed genes was related to cell protection against oxidative damage. Treatment of A. brassicicola conidia with the phytoalexin camalexin appeared to activate a compensatory mechanism to preserve cell membrane integrity and, among the camalexin‐elicited genes, several were involved in sterol and sphingolipid biosynthesis. The transcriptomic analysis suggested that protection against the two tested compounds also involved mechanisms aimed at limiting their intracellular accumulation, such as melanin biosynthesis (in the case of camalexin exposure only) and drug efflux. From the Al‐ITC and the camalexin differentially expressed genes identified here, 25 were selected to perform time‐course studies during interactions with brassicaceous hosts. In planta, up‐regulation of all the selected genes was observed during infection of Raphanus sativus whereas only a subset were over‐expressed during the incompatible interaction with Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia.
Traditional treatment of malaria in Mbarara District, western Uganda
Authors: Katuura E. , Waako P. , Ogwal‐Okeng J. , Bukenya‐Ziraba R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn ethnobotanical survey on traditional treatment of malaria was carried out in Mbarara District, western Uganda, a malaria‐endemic area. From this study, traditional healers understood malaria symptoms. Malaria was reported to be the most common condition treated by traditional healers in this area. Plants were the single most important source of natural products used for malaria treatment. Most of the plants used in malaria treatment belong to the family Asteraceae. The most commonly used plant parts were the leaves. Water was the most common solvent and the oral route was the most commonly used. From this study there are a number of plants in Mbarara district that can be used as sources of herbal remedies for malaria. A number of these plants can be incorporated in the national primary healthcare package after scientific studies on safety and efficacy are done.
An investigation into Fusarium spp. associated with coffee and banana plants as potential pathogens of robusta coffee
Authors: Serani S. , Taligoola H. K. , Hakiza G. J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractStudies were conducted on fungi isolated from coffee trees affected by Fusarium xylarioides (Heim & Saccas) Steyaert to establish their pathogenicity and identify possible alternate hosts. Coffee and banana plant samples were collected from individual coffee farmers from the coffee growing districts of Mukono, Mpigi, Mubende, Kabarole and Kibaale. The studies were aimed at isolating the type of Fusarium species affecting coffee trees, identifying and characterizing them. Various Fusarium species were found associated with robusta coffee berries, stems and roots. These included Fusarium xylarioides, F. stilboides Wollen‐webber & Reiking, F. solani (Mart.) Saccas, F. lateritium Nees, F.semitectum Berk & Rav, F. oxysporum Schlecht, F. moniliforme Sheldon and F. acuminatum Ell. & Ev. Also recovered from banana roots and pseudo‐stem were F. xylarioides, F. oxysporum, F. solani, F. acuminatum and F. moniliforme. Fusarium xylarioides, F. oxysporum and F. solani were isolated most frequently from roots followed by stems and rarely on berries. Both F. stilboides and F. lateritium were next in abundance and were isolated mostly from berries. In culture, F. xylarioides isolates showed two types of colonies: one was soft, slimy and smooth, while the other was wrinkled. The two F. xylarioides isolates were not compatible. The five commonly isolated Fusarium species from robusta coffee produced symptoms on inoculated robusta coffee clones but F. xylarioides isolates induced the more severe symptoms, killing the greatest number of shoots.
Ecological, environmental and socioeconomic aspects of the Lake Victoria's introduced Nile perch fishery in relation to the native fisheries and the species culture potential: lessons to learn
Authors: Balirwa John S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractInland fishery ecosystems in Africa are characterized by patterns of overexploitation, environmental degradation and exotic species introductions. Ecological complexity and diversity of aquatic habitats dictate that fishes in general are not evenly distributed in a water body. However, fisheries management regimes tend to ignore this basic principle, assume generalized conditions in a water body, and focus more on ‘desired’ objectives such as maximizing catch. The result is to disregard fish habitat boundaries and anthropogenic influences from the catchment that influence fish production. Overexploitation and environmental degradation disrupt sustainable socioeconomic benefits from the fisheries, create uncertainty among investors, but leave some managers calling for more information with the expectation that the fisheries will recover with time. Open access to the fisheries and full control of fishing effort remain challenges for managers. Exotic species introductions and fish farming can increase production, but such interventions require firm commitment to sound ecological principles and strict enforcement of recommended conservation and co‐management measures in capture fisheries. The general tendency to downplay fishing effort issues, other ecosystem values and functions or rely on temperate fisheries models until a new cycle of overexploitation emerges, characterizes many management patterns in inland fisheries. Aquaculture is not an option to challenges in capture fisheries management. Aquaculture should be developed to increase fish production but even this practice may have negative environmental impacts depending on practice and scale. Decades of information on Lake Victoria fisheries trends and aquaculture development did not stop the collapse of native fisheries. The successfully introduced Nile perch (Lates niloticus) has shown signs of overexploitation and aquaculture has again been considered as the option. By reviewing significant trends associated with Nile perch and its feasibility in aquaculture this paper uses Lake Victoria to illustrate ‘special interest management’ targeting selected species of fish rather than the fisheries.
Awake fibrecapnic intubation in head and neck cancer patients with difficult airways: new findings and refinements to the technique*
Authors: Huitink J. M. , Balm A. J. M. , Keijzer C. , Buitelaar D. R. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryRecently, we described an adaptation of awake fibreoptic intubation that we call awake fibrecapnic intubation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and risk of complications with this novel technique in a consecutive case series of head and neck cancer patients known to have difficult airways. We prospectively studied 40 consecutive intubations in head and neck cancer patients prior to a diagnostic or surgical procedure. Following topical anaesthesia, a flexible bronchoscope was introduced into the pharynx; spontaneous respiration was maintained in all patients. A special suction catheter was advanced into the airway through the suction channel of the bronchoscope for carbon dioxide measurements. When four capnograms were obtained, the bronchoscope was railroaded over the catheter and a tracheal tube was placed. All adverse events and complications were recorded. There were no complications associated with the technique. The median (range) time to intubation was 3 min (1.5–15 min). All patients were intubated successfully, 39 (98%) of them using awake fibrecapnic intubation. There was one patient with severe tumour bleeding and acute airway obstruction caused by advancement of the tube over the bronchoscope. This was not considered to be a complication of the fibrecapnic technique. Awake fibrecapnic intubation is a safe and valuable technique in head and neck cancer patients with a difficult airway.
Cost evaluation in the intensive care units of Trinidad applying the cost‐blocks method – an international comparison*
Authors: Hariharan S. , Chen D. , Merritt‐Charles L. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThis study evaluated the costs of intensive care in Trinidad applying the cost‐blocks method. Data regarding demographics, severity of illness, therapeutic interventions and length of stay were prospectively recorded for 111 patients admitted to four intensive care units during a 3‐month period. Annual costs, cost per admission, cost per patient‐day and cost per therapeutic intervention score point were derived. The cost‐block for staff, especially medical staff, was the largest proportion of the expenditure. Process of care and outcome were comparable, whereas costs were lower than the developed countries. The median cost per intensive care unit bed per year and cost per patient per day in Trinidad were £133 117 and £366, respectively, in comparison with £265 163 and £904 in the UK. The cost‐blocks method is a useful framework for evaluating the costs of intensive care and for comparing costs between countries.
Carisoprodol use and abuse in Norway. A pharmacoepidemiological study
Authors: Bramness Jørgen G. , Furu Kari , Engeland Anders , Skurtveit Svetlana 
Published: February 2007

What is already known about this subject• Carisoprodol was developed to create a drug with less abuse potential than meprobamate.• Case reports have established carisoprodol as a drug of abuse, but no systematic studies have been published about the extent of abuse.What this study adds• A large number of patients used more carisoprodol than recommended.• High use of carisoprodol was associated with high use of benzodiazepines and opiates.• Compared with other medicinal drugs, carisoprodol showed many prescription database signals of being a potential drug of abuse.AimCarisoprodol was developed to create a drug with less potential for abuse than meprobamate. However, case reports have established carisoprodol as a drug of abuse. This paper explores the extent of potential abuse of this drug in Norway.MethodsThe Norwegian Prescription Database contains information on prescription drugs dispensed to individuals in Norway. Patients can be followed over time. High levels of carisoprodol use could indicate use for pleasurable effects or development of tolerance. Concomitant use of other potential drugs of abuse was also studied. We studied drug‐seeking behaviour by looking at patients who received carisoprodol from many different pharmacies and doctors or from high‐prescribing doctors. Carisoprodol was compared with a series of other medicinal drugs with or without known potential for abuse.ResultsSome 53 889 Norwegian women (2.4%) and 29 824 men (1.3%) ≥18 years old received carisoprodol at least once in 2004. Prescribing of carisoprodol was skewed. As many as 32% of the patients received more than 15 defined daily doses (DDDs) of carisoprodol and >11 000 patients (15%) received ≥75 DDDs in 2004. High users of carisoprodol also received more benzodiazepines and opioids. Few patients used three or more doctors for prescriptions, but carisoprodol‐abusing patients more often received their prescription from high‐prescribing doctors.ConclusionsCarisoprodol was widely used and the skewedness in use indicated that it is a potential drug of abuse. A large number of patients used more carisoprodol than recommended in the guidelines. The high level of use and abuse of carisoprodol should be of concern in Norway.
Cardiovascular toxicity due to venlafaxine poisoning in adults: a review of 235 consecutive cases
Authors: Howell C. , Wilson A. D. , Waring W. S. 
Published: February 2007

What is already known about this subject• Recent concerns about lack of cardiovascular safety have led to restrictions in the use of venlafaxine in the UK.• Venlafaxine may predispose to arrhythmia in high‐risk individuals.What this study adds• Venlafaxine ingestion gave rise to sympathomimetic cardiovascular features and QTc prolongation in previously healthy young adults.• These findings suggest plausible mechanisms by which venlafaxine might predispose to arrhythmia, and require further consideration.AimsVenlafaxine may increase the risk of arrhythmia in certain patients. We sought to characterize the cardiovascular effects of venlafaxine overdose in adults.MethodsA retrospective casenote review of patients admitted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh between January 2000 and June 2006. Haemodynamic and electrocardiographic data were examined in the whole group and a subset that ingested venlafaxine alone.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty‐five patients (65 men) with median (interquartile range) age 34 years (27–43 years) had ingested venlafaxine 1500 mg (919–2800 mg). Tachycardia (40.0%), high blood pressure (28.4%) and mydriasis (36.6%) were common. Corrected QT >450 ms occurred in seven men (11.1%) and 17 women (10.5%) and transient arrhythmia in three patients. There was a positive correlation between stated quantity of venlafaxine ingested and heart rate [ρ = 0.195, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.054, 0.328] and QTc (ρ = 0.314, 95% CI 0.089, 0.509).ConclusionsVenlafaxine overdose is associated with sympathomimetic cardiovascular effects and prolonged QTc, irrespective of coingested drugs. These mechanisms might pose an increased risk of arrhythmia and require further exploration.
Filter selection for five color flow cytometric analysis with a single laser
Authors: BRAUN R. K. , RUDNICKI M. A. , SEKALY R. P. , FILION L. G. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryFlow cytometry has evolved from single‐ and two‐color analysis to the current use of 11–16 colors. The relatively bright excitation spectra of most fluorochromes have made color compensation a challenge especially when performed manually. We describe how by choosing filters with narrower bandwidths results in the color compensation values between FITC, PE, PE‐TxR (ECD), PE‐Cy5, and PE‐Cy7 that range from 0 % to 50% depending on the combination of fluorochromes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stained with α‐CD4‐FITC, α‐CD27‐PE, α‐CD62L‐ECD, α‐CD45RA‐PE‐Cy5 and α‐CD3‐PE‐Cy7. The samples were acquired on a MO Flo. The initial (first) and second filter sets for our experiments consisted of 530/30 or 519/20 for FITC, 580/30 or 575/20for PE, 630/30 or 630/22 for PE‐TxR (ECD), 670/30 or 675/20 for PE‐Cy5 and 740LP or 780/40 for PE‐Cy7. Nonstained cells were used to adjust the threshold values of detection for each photo multiplier tube (PMT) for each filter set. The mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of each fluorochrome was not reduced to any great extent by either filter set. However, the compensation value between PE and PE‐TxR (ECD) with the first filter selection ranged from 84% to 89% and with the second set of filters it was 25–36%. In addition, the compensation between PE‐TxR (ECD) and PE‐Cy5 were reduced to 30.2% from 44.2% with the second filter set. The reduction of filter bandwidths that results in minimizing spectral overlaps without lost of signal provides a method by which discrimination of signals between PE containing fluorochromes can be achieved.