bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The phospholipase A2 inhibitor, aristolochic acid, disrupts cortical microtubule arrays and root growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gardiner J. , Andreeva Z. , Barton D. , Ritchie A. , Overall R. , Marc J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe role of phospholipase A2 in Arabidopsis root growth and microtubule organisation was investigated using a specific inhibitor, aristolochic acid. At 0.5–1.5 μm concentrations, this inhibitor reduced root elongation and caused radial swelling of the root tip. The normally transverse cortical microtubules in root tip cells became progressively more disorganised with increasing concentrations of the inhibitor. Microtubule disorganisation also occurred in leaf epidermal cells of Allium porrum. We propose that phospholipase A2 is involved in microtubule organisation and anisotropic growth in a manner similar to that reported previously for phospholipase D, thus broadening the significance of phospholipid signalling in microtubule organisation in plants.
Perianth organization and intra‐specific floral variability
Authors: Herrera J. , Arista M. , Ortiz P. L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFloral symmetry and fusion of perianth parts are factors that contribute to fine‐tune the match between flowers and their animal pollination vectors. In the present study, we investigated whether the possession of a sympetalous (fused) corolla and bilateral symmetry of flowers translate into decreased intra‐specific variability as a result of natural stabilizing selection exerted by pollinators. Average size of the corolla and intra‐specific variability were determined in two sets of southern Spanish entomophilous plant species. In the first set, taxa were paired by family to control for the effect of phylogeny (phylogenetically independent contrasts), whereas in the second set species were selected at random. Flower size data from a previous study (with different species) were also used to test the hypothesis that petal fusion contributes to decrease intra‐specific variability. In the phylogenetically independent contrasts, floral symmetry was a significant correlate of intra‐specific variation, with bilaterally symmetrical flowers showing more constancy than radially symmetrical flowers (i.e. unsophisticated from a functional perspective). As regards petal fusion, species with fused petals were on average more constant than choripetalous species, but the difference was not statistically significant. The reanalysis of data from a previous study yielded largely similar results, with a distinct effect of symmetry on variability, but no effect of petal fusion. The randomly‐chosen species sample, on the other hand, failed to reveal any significant effect of either symmetry or petal fusion on intra‐specific variation. The problem of low‐statistical power in this kind of analysis, and the difficulty of testing an evolutionary hypothesis that involves phenotypic traits with a high degree of morphological correlation is discussed.
Changes in the redox status of chickpea roots in response to infection by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris: apoplastic antioxidant enzyme activities and expression of oxidative stress‐related genes
Authors: García‐Limones C. , Dorado G. , Navas‐Cortés J. A. , Jiménez‐Díaz R. M. , Tena M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractActivity levels of oxidative stress‐related enzymes in the root apoplast during the interaction of WR315 (resistant) and JG62 (susceptible) chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) with the highly virulent race 5 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris were compared. Because this fungus develops asymptomatic infections in the chickpea root cortex in both susceptible and resistant plants, but only intrudes into the root xylem in the susceptible variety, the interactions were compared at three specific stages during disease development in JG62: (i) before symptom development (10 days after inoculation); (ii) at the time of appearance of the first disease symptoms (15–17 days after inoculation) and (iii) when all plants had developed disease symptoms (20–22 days after inoculation). Diamine oxidase (DAO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), guaiacol‐dependent peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), but not catalase (CAT), were found in the apoplast of chickpea roots. In terms of APX activity, infection by the pathogen caused a different response in the incompatible compared to the compatible plant. In the case of GR, SOD and DAO activities, the pathogen caused the same response, but it developed earlier (i.e. GR and SOD) or to higher levels (i.e. DAO) in the incompatible interaction. Expression of apx, cat, sod, lipoxygenase (lox) and actin genes was also analysed in infected roots. Infection by F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris race 5 only caused a significant change in the root expression of lox and actin genes. This up‐regulation was earlier (lox) or higher (actin) in the incompatible than in the compatible interaction. Thus, changes in oxidative metabolism differ in compatible and incompatible interactions in Fusarium wilt of chickpea.
Growth and photosynthetic responses to zinc stress of an invasive cordgrass, Spartina densiflora
Authors: Mateos‐Naranjo E. , Redondo‐Gómez S. , Cambrollé J. , Luque T. , Figueroa M. E. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Spartina densiflora Brongn. is found in coastal marshes of southwest Spain, growing over sediments containing 100–4800 ppm Zn. A glasshouse experiment was designed to investigate the effect of Zn from 0 to 100 mmol·l−1 on the growth and photosynthetic apparatus of S. densiflora, by measuring relative growth rate, leaf elongation rate, number of tillers, height of tillers, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, gas exchange and photosynthetic pigment concentrations. We also determined total ash, Zn, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus concentrations, and the C/N ratio. At 100 mmol·l−1 Zn, S. densiflora showed a 48% biomass reduction after 1 month of treatment. Long‐term effects of Zn on growth of S. densiflora consisted mainly of variations in net photosynthesis. Modification of the Zn/Mg ratio was linked to a strong decrease in RuBP carboxylase (Zn was favoured in local competition with Mg, so that the affinity of RuBisCO for CO2 decreased), oxygenase activity of RuBisCO acting as a substitute for the photosynthetic function. Also, Zn had a marked overall effect on the photochemical (PSII) apparatus and the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments. However, the results indicate that S. densiflora is capable of tolerating very high and continued exposure to Zn, as this species lowers the translocation of Zn from the nutrient solution to roots and controls Zn ion transport into leaves. Therefore, S. densiflora could be useful in the phytostabilization of soils.
Changes in Frost Resistance of Wheat Young Ears with Development During Jointing Stage
Authors: Zhong X. , Mei X. , Li Y. , Yoshida H. , Zhao P. , Wang X. , Han L. , Hu X. , Huang S. , Huang J. , Sun Z. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDuring the jointing stage, the frost resistance of young ears (FRYE) was tested each day for the main stem, and also for the first, second and third tillers of the wheat cultivars Jinmai 47 and Jing 411. At the same time, the developmental progression of young ears (DPYE) of the same four shoots was also recorded each day. In the shoots of both cultivars, FRYE decreased as development advanced through the jointing stage. FRYE dropped off particularly sharply at the point when the anther connective tissue formation phase (ACFP) started. Shoots developing later, though with lower levels of soluble sugar, tended to suffer less from frost injury than those developing earlier. Frost resistance of 12 cultivars (six early‐ and six late‐maturing) was evaluated at ACFP. The results indicate that only one cultivar (Xin 11) is frost resistant, with no significant differences appearing among the other 11 cultivars. The results suggest that DPYE is an important factor affecting FRYE. Evaluation of frost resistance of wheat cultivars should thus be performed at the same phase to obtain a true measure of frost resistance. The early ACFP phase is suggested as being the most appropriate one for frost resistance evaluation.
Exploring the Role of Calcium to Improve Chilling Tolerance in Hybrid Maize
Authors: Farooq M. , Aziz T. , Basra S. M. A. , Wahid A. , Khaliq A. , Cheema M. A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAbiotic stresses, including chilling, impede the plant growth and development mainly by oxidative damage. In this study, seed priming with CaCl2 was employed to reduce the damage caused by chilling stress in hybrid maize. Maize hybrid (Hycorn 8288) seeds were soaked in 50, 100 and 150 mg l−1 (ppm) aerated solution of CaCl2 for 24 h and dried. Treated and untreated seeds were sown at 27 °C (optimal temperature) and 15 °C (chilling stress) under controlled conditions. Seed priming with CaCl2 significantly reduced the chilling damage and improved the germination rate, root and shoot length, and seedling fresh and dry weights. Activities of antioxidants, including catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase, were also improved. Soluble sugars and α‐amylase concentrations determined as general metabolic indicators of stress were also increased by seed priming with CaCl2. Priming also improved the performance of maize at optimal temperature. Maintenance of tissue water contents, reduction in membrane leakage and increase in antioxidant activities, and carbohydrate metabolism seemed to induce chilling tolerance by CaCl2. Seed priming with 100 mg l−1 CaCl2 was the optimal concentration in improving the performance of hybrid maize both under optimal and stress conditions.
Posaconazole for paediatric patients: status of development and future perspectives
Authors: Groll Andreas H. , Lehrnbecher Thomas 
Published: July 2008

SummaryPosaconazole is a novel oral antifungal triazole with potent and broad‐spectrum antifungal activity, favourable pharmacokinetic properties and a limited spectrum of adverse events. The compound has documented clinical efficacy in the settings of oropharyngeal candidiasis, refractory aspergillosis, fusariosis, zygomycosis, and as antifungal prophylaxis in high‐risk patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia or graft‐vs.‐host disease. Whereas, posaconazole is approved for use in adults, however, the appropriate dosage and the safety of the compound have not been systematically investigated in paediatric age groups. This paper reviews the relevant pharmacological characteristics of posaconazole, the published data on its use in paediatric patients without therapeutic alternative and perspectives for the clinical development in paediatric patients at risk for invasive fungal infections.
Invasive candidiasis in the ICU: evidence based and on the edge of evidence
Authors: Hollenbach Eike 
Published: July 2008

SummaryInvasive candidiasis is a common nosocomial infection among critically ill patients, constitutes an important cause of sepsis, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has created evidence‐based guidelines for the management of invasive candidiasis. However, several new antifungal agents with excellent activity against Candida spp. and favourable safety profiles have been introduced successfully in the clinical setting since the IDSA guidelines were published in late 2003. Further, the role of antifungals is not entirely clear in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Therefore, this article discusses daily problems in the prophylaxis and treatment of invasive candidasis in interdisciplinary ICUs.
Antifungal treatment strategies in high risk patients
Authors: Rüping Maria J. G. T. , Vehreschild Jörg J. , Cornely Oliver A. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryWe discuss different strategies for the treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in high risk patients with a focus on patients experiencing profound and prolonged neutropenia, comprising those with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) during remission induction chemotherapy and on patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Among these patients, invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most frequently observed form of IFI, as opposed to high risk intensive care unit (ICU) patients in whom an increased incidence of invasive candidiasis (IC) can be observed. In both groups, initiation of early treatment has a profound impact on mortality rates, but adequate diagnostic tools are lacking. These circumstances have led to the parallel use of different treatment strategies, e.g. prophylaxis, empiric, pre‐emptive and targeted treatment of IFI. The optimum treatment strategies for these severe infections are a matter of extensive research and discussion. A review of major clinical trials on the issue reveals that comparisons between different treatment strategies cannot be made. Considering the complexity of the issue, we advocate an eclectic treatment approach that reduces morbidity and mortality from IFI without compromising tolerability. In allogeneic HSCT recipients, patients receiving induction chemotherapy for AML or MDS and those under immunosuppressive medication for graft vs. host disease after allogeneic HSCT, we recommend prophylaxis with posaconazole. For empiric treatment of persistently febrile neutropenic patients, we opt for caspofungin as first and liposomal amphotericin B deoxycholate (L‐AmB) as second line choice. If the diagnosis of IA can be established, voriconazole should be favoured over the alternative, liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AmB). While high risk ICU patients benefit from fluconazole prophylaxis for IC, the choice of an optimal agent for targeted therapy depends largely on the neutrophil count. In non‐neutropenic patients, we recommend an echinocandin as the first line treatment option. Patients with susceptible Candida spp. may be switched to fluconazole. Caspofungin or micafungin might be preferred to anidulafungin in the neutropenic patient. L‐AmB is a valuable second line treatment option for both groups of patients.
Monitoring 6‐thioguanine nucleotide concentrations in Japanese patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Andoh Akira , Tsujikawa Tomoyuki , Ban Hiromitsu , Hashimoto Takayoshi , Bamba Shigeki , Ogawa Atsuhiro , Sasaki Masaya , Saito Yasuharu , Fujiyama Yoshihide 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  There have been no reports on 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (6‐TGN) concentrations in Japanese patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing azathioprine (AZA) or 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) therapy. The aim of this study was to assess 6‐TGN concentrations in Japanese IBD patients.Methods:  Eighty‐three patients with Crohn's disease (n = 42) and ulcerative colitis (n = 41) were enrolled. In 69 patients, AZA was prescribed at 50 mg/day, and seven patients were given 75 (n = 5) or 100 mg/day (n = 2). 6‐MP was administered at 30 mg/day (n = 7). The 6‐TGN concentrations were then assayed by high‐performance liquid chromatography.Results:  The mean 6‐TGN concentrations of the entire study population (n = 83) were 277.9 ± 179.8 pmol/8 × 108 red blood cells (RBC). The mean 6‐TGN concentrations in those patients with active disease (n = 38) and those in remission (n = 45) were 232.9 ± 159.7(mean ± SD) and 342.8 ± 184.6 pmol/8 × 108 RBC, respectively (P < 0.05). The odds ratio of being in remission and having a 6‐TGN value >235 pmol/8 × 108 RBC was 2.6 (95% CI 1.05–6.2). A significant inverse correlation was found between the white blood cell (WBC) counts and 6‐TGN concentrations (r = −0.301, P < 0.05, n = 83); the mean WBC counts of the active patients (6780 ± 2412) were significantly higher than the patients in clinical remission (5468 ± 1920, P < 0.05). Three patients with severe leukopenia and 10 patients with high 6‐TGN concentrations had no thiopurine S‐methyl transferase mutations.Conclusion:  The 6‐TGN concentrations in Japanese patients with IBD on low‐dose AZA and 6‐MP therapy were comparable to those reported from Western countries. The monitoring of 6‐TGN concentrations may be helpful for developing a therapeutic strategy for Japanese IBD patients.
Low‐level mechanical strain induces extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 activation in alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: HU Xiaobo , CHENG Deyun , ZHANG Youyi , JIANG Fei , YANG Dongmei , DING Yu 
Published: July 2008

Background and objective:  The pattern and the degree of mechanical stimuli may determine cellular responses, but little is known about how low magnitude stimuli are converted into biochemical signals in alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). The aim of this study was to explore whether extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) are activated by low‐level strain in A549 cells and how mechanical factors affect ERK1/2 phosphorylation.Methods:  A549 cells (an AEC line) were exposed to cyclic tensile strain via a four‐point bending system, with strains of different magnitude (437, 874, 1748, 3496 µstrain), duration (5, 15, 30, 60, 120 min) and frequency (0.5, 1 Hz). Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 proteins was assessed by western blot.Results:  Maximal ERK1/2 phosphorylation occurred in the 874 µstrain group (a 2.25‐fold increase, P < 0.01). In this group, the peak response occurred after 30 min of exposure and slowly decreased to baseline after 90 min. Static strain did not produce a statistically significant increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas a frequency of 0.5 Hz produced a 4.56‐fold increase compared with the control (P < 0.05). A 10.87‐fold increase in response with frequency of 1 Hz was found.Conclusion:  Low‐level strain activates ERK1/2 in A549 cells. ERK1/2 may be the key signalling molecules mediating strain‐induced cellular responses.
Management and outcome of bilateral testicular germ cell tumors: A 25‐year single center experience
Authors: Klatte Tobias , de Martino Michela , Arensmeier Knut , Reiher Frank , Allhoff Ernst P , Klatte Detlef 
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To analyze risk factors, management, histology, and outcome of bilateral testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) based on a 25‐year single center experience.Methods:  Out of 612 patients treated for TGCT between 1982 and 2007, 17 (3%) were found to have bilateral disease. Data of these patients were reviewed and analyzed.Results:  Eleven patients (65%) were identified with metachronous and 6 (35%) with synchronous bilateral TGCT. One patient had a cryptorchism in childhood. Patients with metachronous bilateral disease presented at lower stages than those with synchronous bilateral disease (stage I: 82% vs 33%, P = 0.02). In metachronous bilateral TGCT, the interval between the tumors ranged from 4 months to 25 years with a median of 47 months. The risk of developing a TGCT in the contralateral testicle was 26‐fold higher than the a‐priori risk for a healthy individual to develop TGCT. Overall, 74% of the bilateral tumors were seminomas and >50% of the patients had similar histology on both sides. After a median follow up of 121 months for patients with synchronous and 95 months for patients with metachronous bilateral TGCT, all patients were alive with no evidence of disease.Conclusions:  Most bilateral TGCT develop metachronously and are seminomas. Although patients with synchronous bilateral disease present at higher stages, both synchronous and metachronous bilateral TGCT carry a similar, excellent prognosis. Patients with unilateral TGCT require careful long‐term monitoring of the remaining testicle due to a 26‐fold increased risk of contralateral disease and a potentially long risk interval of up to 25 years.
Change of sexual function after midurethral sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Kim Duk Yoon , Choi Jae Duck 
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To compare sexual function in women before and after the midurethral sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Methods:  A total of 75 women undergoing surgery for SUI between September 2005 and September 2006 were recruited for this study. Those who completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively were included in the analysis. The FSFI is a validated, 19‐item questionnaire, which assesses six domains of sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.Results:  Data were analyzed for 47 patients. Overall sexual function after the midurethral sling procedure was not significantly different. There were no significant differences in overall sexual function or any of the individual FSFI domain scores between patients with and without concomitant posterior colporrhaphy. There were no significant differences in sexual function between the transobturator and the retropubic surgical routes.Conclusions:  There is no significant change in overall sexual function in women undergoing the midurethral sling procedure. Posterior colporrhaphy and operative methods do not affect overall sexual function.
Malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and adrenomedullin levels in patients with primary dysmenorrhea
Authors: Dikensoy Ebru , Balat Ozcan , Pençe Sadrettin , Balat Ayse , Çekmen Mustafa , Yurekli Muhuttin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim:  The aim of the study was to examine whether there was a relationship between primary dysmenorrhea and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and adrenomedullin (AM) in young women.Methods:  Sixty female subjects without serious medical problems, aged between 20 and 34, who had regular menses for at least six previous cycles, were involved. Blood samples were obtained from each patient on the first and the 21st days of her menstrual cycles. Pelvic examination and ultrasound were performed to determine any organic cause for dysmenorrhea in each patient. The subjects were divided into two groups. The study group consisted of 30 subjects with primary dysmenorrhea, and the control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects.Results:  No statistically significant difference was observed in comparison of the following variables between the groups: age, parity and body mass index. The serum levels of MDA, NO, and AM were significantly higher on the first day compared to those on the 21st day in the study group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of MDA, NO, and AM were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group both on the first and the 21st days of the menstrual cycles (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the serum levels of MDA, NO, and AM increase in subjects with primary dysmenorrhea, suggesting the possibility that lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress play a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of primary dysmenorrhea.