bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon and nitrogen elemental and isotopic patterns in macrofungal sporocarps and trees in semiarid forests of the south‐western USA
Authors: HART S. C. , GEHRING C. A. , SELMANTS P. C. , DECKERT R. J. 
Published: December 2005

Summary

Previous studies in humid forests have shown that the 13C and 15N isotopic composition differs between ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and saprotrophic (SAP) fungi, and that this ECM–SAP ‘divide’ may provide a useful tool for evaluating fungal trophic status.
We evaluated whether this method could delineate the trophic status of fungi in two semiarid, temperate forests of the south‐western USA. This technique could be particularly valuable in arid regions where the functional roles of fungi can be difficult to assess because of infrequent sporocarp production.
Our data were consistent with the existence of an ECM–SAP divide, although δ13C values were more useful than δ15N values in separating trophic status. Saprotrophic fungi consistently had higher δ13C values than their presumed substrates; however, the degree of 15N enrichment in SAP sporocarps was highly variable. Comparison of 11 sporocarp species common to both sites showed that δ15N values were higher in one of the forests, even though the δ15N values of foliage from common understorey and overstorey trees were similar between forests.
We conclude that assessment of the isotopic compositions of fungal sporocarps and their substrates is helpful for elucidating ecological relationships in semiarid forests.
Oral, more than transdermal, oestrogen therapy lowers asymmetric dimethylarginine in healthy postmenopausal women: a randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: VERHOEVEN M. O. , HEMELAAR M. , MOOREN M. J. VAN DER , KENEMANS P. , TEERLINK T. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract.Objective.  To compare the effects of oral and transdermal hormone therapy (HT) on asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, in postmenopausal women.Design.  In a multicentre, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study, 152 hysterectomized healthy women were randomized to receive daily transdermal 17β‐oestradiol (tE2, n = 33), or oral micronized 17β‐oestradiol either unopposed (oE2, n = 37), or continuous combined with gestodene (oE2 + G, n = 33), or placebo (n = 49) for 13, 28‐day treatment cycles. Plasma concentrations of ADMA, arginine and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were measured at baseline and in treatment cycles 4 and 13 with a high‐performance liquid chromatography method.Results.  After 13 cycles all active treatment groups showed a significant reduction in ADMA compared with placebo: tE2, −4.0% (95% CI: −7.5 to −0.6%); oE2, −7.7% (95% CI: −10.9 to −4.4%) and oE2 + G, −7.5% (95% CI: −10.8 to −4.3%). ancova showed a significantly larger reduction in the oral groups compared with the transdermal group (tE2 vs. oE2 and tE2 vs. oE2 + G, both P < 0.01). Oral, but not transdermal treatment, significantly reduced arginine compared with placebo. All active treatments reduced SDMA; however, this was only statistically significant in the oE2 group.Conclusion.  Reduction of ADMA was more pronounced after oral than after tE2 administration. Adding gestodene to oral 17β‐oestradiol did not alter the reduction of ADMA. The clinical implications of these findings remain uncertain; however, the decrease of ADMA by 17β‐oestradiol could be a key phenomenon in the modulation of nitric oxide synthesis by postmenopausal HT.
The DnaK chaperone machinery converts the native FlhD2C2 hetero‐tetramer into a functional transcriptional regulator of flagellar regulon expression in Salmonella
Authors: Takaya Akiko , Matsui Mari , Tomoyasu Toshifumi , Kaya Michihiro , Yamamoto Tomoko 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe DnaK chaperone binds non‐specifically to many unfolded polypeptides and also binds selectively to specific substrates. Although its involvement in targeting the unfolded polypeptides to assist proper folding is well documented, less is known about its role in targeting the folded polypeptides. We demonstrate that DnaK regulates the expression of the Salmonella flagellar regulon by modulating the FlhD and FlhC proteins, which function as master regulators at the apex of a transcription hierarchy comprising three classes of genes. FlhD and FlhC form an FlhD2C2 complex that activates σ70 promoter of class 2 genes. In ΔdnaK cells, FlhD and FlhC proteins seemed to be assembled into hetero‐tetrameric FlhD2C2 but the complex was not fully active in class 2 gene transcription, suggesting that the DnaK chaperone is involved in activating native FlhD2C2 complex into a regulator of flagellar regulon expression. This is the first time that involvement of the DnaK chaperone machinery in activating folded oligomerized proteins has been demonstrated.
Investigation of recombinant Schistosoma japonicum paramyosin fragments for immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy in mice
Authors: ZHANG D. M. , PAN W. Q. , QIAN L. , DUKE M. , SHEN L. H. , MCMANUS D. P. 
Published: December 2005

SUMMARYSchistosoma japonicum paramyosin, a 97 kDa myofibrillar protein, is a recognized vaccine candidate against schistosomiasis. To improve its expression and to identify protective epitopic regions on paramyosin, the published Chinese Schistosoma japonicum paramyosin cDNA sequence was redesigned using Pichia codon usage and divided into four overlapping fragments (fragments 1, 2, 3, 4) of 747, 651, 669 and 678 bp, respectively. These gene fragments were synthesized and expressed in Pichia pastoris (fragments 2 and 3) or E. coli (fragments 1 and 4). The recombinant proteins were produced at high level and purified using a two‐step process involving Ni‐NTA affinity chromatography and gel filtration. BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously three times at 2‐week‐intervals with the purified proteins formulated in adjuvant Quil A. The protein fragments were highly immunogenic, inducing high, though variable, ELISA antibody titres, and each was shown to resemble native paramyosin in terms of its recognition by the anti‐fragment antibodies in Western blotting. The immunized mice were subjected to cercarial challenge 2 weeks after the final injection and promising protective efficacy in terms of significant reductions in worm burdens, worm‐pair numbers and liver eggs in the vaccinated mice resulted. There was no apparent correlation between the antibody titres generated and protective efficacy, as all fragments produced effective but similar levels of protection.
Transmission‐reducing immunity is inversely related to age in Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriers
Authors: DRAKELEY C. J. , BOUSEMA J. T. , AKIM N. I. J. , TEELEN K. , ROEFFEN W. , LENSEN A. H. , BOLMER M. , ELING W. , SAUERWEIN R. W. 
Published: December 2005

SUMMARY Immunity to the sexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum is induced during natural infections and can significantly reduce the transmission of parasites to mosquitoes (transmission reducing activity; TRA) but little is known about how these responses develop with increasing age/exposure to malaria. Routinely TRA is measured in the standard membrane feeding assay (SMFA). Sera were collected from a total of 199 gametocyte carriers (median age 4 years, quartiles 2 and 9 years) near Ifakara, Tanzania; 128 samples were tested in the SMFA and generated TRA data classified as a reduction of > 50% and > 90% of transmission. TRA of > 50% was highest in young children (aged 1–2) with a significant decline with age (χ2 trend = 5·79, P = 0·016) and in logistic regression was associated with prevalence of antibodies to both Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 (OR 4·03, P = 0·011 and OR 2·43 P = 0·059, respectively). A TRA of > 90% reduction in transmission was not age related but was associated with antibodies to Pfs48/45 (OR 2·36, P = 0·055). Our data confirm that antibodies are an important component of naturally induced TRA. However, whilst a similar but small proportion of individuals at all ages have TRA > 90%, the gradual deterioration of TRA > 50% with age suggests decreased antibody concentration or affinity. This may be due to decreased exposure to gametocytes, probably as a result of increased asexual and/or gametocyte specific immunity.
Arabidopsis Aux/IAA genes are involved in brassinosteroid‐mediated growth responses in a manner dependent on organ type
Authors: Nakamura Ayako , Nakajima Naoko , Goda Hideki , Shimada Yukihisa , Hayashi Ken‐ichiro , Nozaki Hiroshi , Asami Tadao , Yoshida Shigeo , Fujioka Shozo 
Published: December 2005

SummaryWe examined whether auxin/indole‐3‐acetic acid (Aux/IAA) proteins, which are key players in auxin‐signal transduction, are involved in brassinosteroid (BR) responses. iaa7/axr2‐1 and iaa17/axr3‐3 mutants showed aberrant BR sensitivity and aberrant BR‐induced gene expression in an organ‐dependent manner. Two auxin inhibitors were tested in terms of BR responses. Yokonolide B inhibited BR responses, whereas p‐chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid did not inhibit BR responses. DNA microarray analysis revealed that 108 genes were up‐regulated, while only eight genes were down‐regulated in iaa7. Among the genes that were up‐ or down‐regulated in axr2, 22% were brassinolide ‐inducible genes, 20% were auxin‐inducible genes, and the majority were sensitive neither to BR nor to auxin. An inhibitor of BR biosynthesis, brassinazole, inhibited auxin induction of the DR5‐GUS gene, which consists of a synthetic auxin‐response element, a minimum promoter, and a β‐glucuronidase. These results suggest that Aux/IAA proteins function in auxin‐ and BR‐signaling pathways, and that IAA proteins function as the signaling components modulating BR sensitivity in a manner dependent on organ type.
Preoperative autologous blood donation for bone marrow harvests: Are we wasting donors' time and blood?
Authors: Mijovic A. , Britten C. , Regan F. , Harrison J. 
Published: December 2005

summary.  Predeposit autologous blood donation (PAD) is frequently offered to bone marrow donors, but its cost‐effectiveness is dubious. We assessed the impact of PAD and bone marrow donation on transfusion requirements; and the use of donated blood units in a retrospective study of 61 bone marrow donors.The mean haemoglobin (Hb) concentration fell from 12·9 to 11·8 g dL−1 in women who predonated one unit and from 13·2 to 10·9 g dL−1 in those who predonated two units. In men who donated two units of blood, the Hb concentration decreased to 12·9 g dL−1. Bone marrow harvest led to a further decline in Hb concentration by 2·3 g dL−1 in women and by 2·4 g dL−1 in men.The postharvest Hb fell to ≤9·0 g dL−1 in 39% of female and in 6% of the male donors; all but one of them had predonated blood.The utilization rate of autologous units was 45·6%, with 55% of women and 24% of men receiving autologous blood. In females, 59% of transfused autologous units were given with the donor's Hb of ≥ 9·0 g dL−1; overtransfusion was even more apparent in men: 71% units were given with a Hb ≥ 10·0 g dL−1.PAD in bone marrow donors is associated with high wastage and increases the likelihood of requiring a transfusion. We recommend that PAD should not be routinely offered to bone marrow donors.
Weak D type 2 is the most prevalent weak D type in Portugal
Authors: Araújo F. , Rodrigues M.‐J. , Monteiro F. , Chabert T. , Tavares G. , Sousa G. , Storry J. , Guimarães J.‐E. 
Published: December 2005

summary.  The weak D phenotype is the most common D variant, with a frequency of 0·2–1% in Caucasian individuals. There are several weak D types, with different frequencies in European countries, which may pose serologic problems and have the potential for alloimmunization.Samples from Portuguese individuals were tested for RhD by two or three distinct monoclonal and oligoclonal antisera, in direct agglutination tests. When discrepant results were observed, samples were tested with panels of monoclonal anti‐D by LISS‐indirect antigobulin test. Cases that reacted weakly with IgM but positive with IgG anti‐D were analysed by PCR‐sequence‐specific primers and real‐time PCR.Ninety‐nine samples were referred after being characterized as weak D. This genotype was recognized, with a preponderance of weak D type 2 (63·6%) over type 1 (16·2%) and 3 (14·1%).The high incidence of weak D type 2 in our population is in marked contrast to studies performed in other European populations and might be due to our sample selection criteria or ethnic variation. There are advantages in genotyping serologically depressed D samples to avoid the waste of D‐negative RBC units and the use of immunoglobulin in pregnant women, who have no risk of alloimmunization.
Histology, Immunohistochemistry and Ultrastructure of the Tonsil of the Soft Palate of the Horse
Authors: Kumar P. , Timoney J. F. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe tonsil of the soft palate was an oval, flat structure located centro‐rostrally on the oral surface of the soft palate. Its stratified squamous non‐keratinized epithelium was perforated by holes or small crypts the deeper parts of which were loosely spongiform inter‐digitated with lymphoid tissue. These unusual features have not previously been reported in tonsils of any species. Crypts and reticulated epithelium as found in the lingual and palatine tonsils were not observed. Lectins showed varying affinities for specific layers of the epithelium. M cells were not observed. A few Langerhans cells were distributed among surface epithelial cells. Lymphoid tissue was arranged loosely and in isolated lymphoid follicles in the subepithelial lamina propria mucosae. Although IgA+ cells and macrophages were proportionately more numerous the amount of lymphoid tissue was much less than in the lingual and palatine tonsils. Most of the follicular germinal centres lacked a darkly stained corona. CD4 positive were more numerous than CD8+ lymphocytes and were distributed in the parafollicular and inter‐follicular areas. Large clusters of mucus acini positive for glycogen, acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides separated lymphoid tissue from deeply placed striated muscle. Only a few high endothelial venules were observed in the parafollicular and inter‐follicular areas. These had relatively few vesiculo vacuolar or other organelles in their high endothelial cells and few lymphocytes attaching to their walls.
Histology and Histochemistry of the Pharyngeal Cavity and Oesophagus of the Silverside Odontesthes bonariensis (Cuvier and Valenciennes)
Authors: Diaz A. O. , Escalante A. H. , García A. M. , Goldemberg A. L. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe histology of the pharyngeal cavity and oesophagus of the freshwater ‘silverside’Odontesthes bonariensis (Cuvier and Valenciennes) and the characteristics of their mucous cells were investigated. The histological characterization of its digestive wall revealed that the mucosa is thrown with longitudinal folds. The epithelium covering the folds was stratified with abundant mucous cells and gustative corpuscles, which are lacking in the oesophagus. The muscularis mucosa was absent. The submucosa presented the compactum stratum. The muscularis was organized in longitudinal and circular layers of muscular striated fibres. The serosa with a flat epithelium was located only in the oesophagus. Using histochemical procedures including methods for localization and characterization of glycoproteins (GPs), no differences were detected between the mucous cells contents of the pharyngeal cavity and those of the oesophagus. The mucous cells showed a weak periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) positive reaction in their content. The reactions for the differential analysis of sialic acids from GPs are feeble for periodic acid–Schiff at low temperature and low pH (PA*S) and KOH/PA*S and strong for periodic acid/borohydride/KOH/PAS (PA/Bh/KOH/PAS) and KOH/PA*/Bh/PAS revealing the scarce presence of C7 or C9 substituted and non‐substituted sialic acids and the abundance of C7, C8 substituted sialic acids, O‐acyl sugars and neutral sugars respectively. The results suggest that the pharyngeal cavity with the gustative corpuscles would induce the gastric secretion whereas the oesophagus is mainly involved in the transport of the food bolus to the stomach with the aid of abundant secretion of mucus. GPs secreted on the surface of the mucous cells, likely related to environmental conditions, would be involved in the lubrication, protection against abrasion and inhibition of microorganism proliferation.
The Image of Exocytosis during Neutrophils and Macrophages Phagocytic Activities in Inflammation of Mammary Gland Triggered by Experimental Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Authors: Rysanek D. , Sladek Z. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe experiments were carried out in five clinically normal virgin heifers. Before the experimental infection and at 24, 48, 72 and 168 h after the infection, respective mammary glands were rinsed with phosphate buffered saline. Neutrophils as well as macrophages underwent a classic exocytosis accompanied by translocation of lysosomal granules. The granules filled the protuberances of the plasmalemma and after the protuberances separated from the cell, they entered the extracellular space in the shape of round bodies of different sizes. After exocytosis, neutrophils displayed a smaller nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, a greater chromatin density of the nucleus, and an overall smaller size. Macrophages phagocytosed bacteria and/or neutrophils with and without signs of apoptosis (early and late apoptotic respectively) and neutrophils after exocytosis. Macrophages underwent cytolysis that was accompanied by extrusion of granules, phagosomes and phagolysosomes containing phagocytosed bacteria or neutrophils. Confluences were formed in which the process of digestion continued. Apoptosis of neutrophils gradually appeared and intensified in resolution of inflammation. The macrophages contributed to the inactivation of bacterial noxa as well as of histotoxic contents of neutrophils. Nevertheless, macrophages often underwent cytolysis at the site of inflammation.
Normovolaemia defined by central blood volume and venous oxygen saturation
Authors: Secher Niels H , Van Lieshout Johannes J 
Published: December 2005

SUMMARY1. The intravenous administration of fluid and blood has to balance the danger of unexpected death in response to a reduction of central blood volume (CBV) against that of developing pulmonary and/or peripheral oedema.2. The initial cardiovascular response to haemorrhage is similar to that developed in response to standing. In the upright position, adults are subjected to a reduction of CBV of approximately 0.5 L and can therefore tolerate a blood loss of approximately 1 L when supine.3. However, volume administration directed by cardiovascular variables is seldom precise, even with integration of the bradycardia and hypotension developed when CBV decreases by approximately 30%. Immediate intervention is needed because such a reduction in CBV raises the lower limit of cerebral autoregulation to approximately 80 mmHg compared with the commonly considered value of approximately 60 mmHg with an associated risk of developing brain ischaemia and irreversible shock.4. Alternatively, the volume load can be monitored both directly and accurately by means of thoracic electrical admittance. A functional definition of normovolaemia may be the filling of the heart that ensures cardiac output and oxygen delivery. From that perspective, supine humans are normovolaemic in that a maximal venous oxygen saturation (Svo2) is established.5. Conversely, Svo2 decreases in the upright position and, with a blood loss of approximately 100 mL, Svo2 is reduced by 1%. It is suggested that, in supine humans and guided by Svo2, normovolaemia may be established to an accuracy of approximately 100 mL and that its adequacy is controlled by recording cerebral oxygenation.
Effects of BW245C, a prostaglandin dp receptor agonist, on systemic and regional haemodynamics in the anaesthetized rat
Authors: Koch Kristin A , Wessale Jerry L , Moreland Robert , Reinhart Glenn A , Cox Bryan F 
Published: December 2005

SUMMARY1. Prostaglandin D (DP) receptor agonists have been shown to induce hypotension in rat models, possibly via peripheral vasodilation. However, it is not known which tissues and organs are most responsive.2. In the present study, BW245C, a DP receptor‐selective agonist, was administered to Inactin (Sigma, St Louis, MO, USA)‐anaesthetized rats. Animals received three serial i.v. infusions (17 min each) of either BW245C (escalating doses of 0.3, 3 and 30 μg/kg; n = 6) or vehicle (6% ethanol in normal saline; n = 6). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate were monitored continuously and regional blood flow was determined by the radionuclide‐labelled microsphere method at baseline and at the end of each infusion.3. It was found that BW245C dose‐dependently reduced MAP; blood flow increased in forelimb skeletal muscle and skin, resulting in decreases in the regional vascular resistance (RVR) of skeletal muscle to −6 ± 13, −53 ± 11 and −68 ± 6% of baseline following 0.3, 3 and 30 μg/kg BW245C, respectively (P < 0.05 vs vehicle treatment for the two higher doses), and skin to −29 ± 8, −55 ± 8 (P < 0.05) and −30 ± 16% of baseline, respectively. Relative to vehicle, blood flow and RVR for brain, heart, lung, liver, stomach and kidney were not significantly affected by BW245C.4. These results demonstrate that the hypotension resulting from DP receptor activation in the rat is mediated primarily through vasodilation of arterioles of skeletal muscle independent of changes in blood flow to vital organs.
Involvement of brain thromboxane A2 in hypotension induced by haemorrhage in rats
Authors: Yalcin Murat , Cavun Sinan , Yilmaz M Sertac , Cengiz Fahrunisa , Savci Vahide 
Published: December 2005

SUMMARY1. In the present study, we aimed to determine the involvement of brain thromboxane A2 (TXA2) in blood pressure decreases evoked by acute and/or graded haemorrhage in rats.2. Sprague‐Dawley rats were used throughout the study. Acute haemorrhage was achieved by withdrawing a total volume of 2.1 and 2.5 mL blood/100 g bodyweight over a period of 10 min. A microdialysis study was performed in a hypothalamic area to measure extracellular TXA2 levels. Graded haemorrhage was conducted successively by withdrawing carotid arterial blood (0.55 mL/100 g bodyweight) over a 10 s period four times (S1–S4) at 5 min intervals. Furegrelate (125, 250 and 500 µg), a TXA2 synthase inhibitor, was injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) 60 min before acute or graded haemorrhage was initiated. U‐46619 (0.5, 1 and 2 µg, i.c.v.), a synthetic TXA2 analogue, was administered 5 min before acute haemorrhage (2.1 mL/100 g bodyweight).3. Acute haemorrhage produced a severe and long‐lasting decrease in blood pressure and had a tendency to increase heart rate. Both haemorrhage protocols (2.1 or 2.5 mL/100 g) generated similar approximate twofold increases in extracellular hypothalamic TXA2 levels. Intracerebroventricular furegrelate (250 µg) pretreatment completely blocked the TXA2 increases induced by acute haemorrhage. Furegrelate administration (100, 250 and 500 µg, i.c.v.) attenuated the fall in arterial pressure evoked by acute haemorrhage and caused significant increases in heart rate at all doses injected.4. Graded haemorrhage progressively lowered arterial pressure and increased plasma vasopressin and adrenaline levels in the last period. Furegrelate‐injected rats were greatly resistant to the hypotensive effect of haemorrhage for all degrees of blood removed. Plasma adrenaline and vasopressin levels were significantly elevated in furegrelate‐pretreated rats compared with the saline‐treated group during S2–S3 and S4, respectively. U‐46619 administration caused small but statistically significant decreases in arterial pressure induced by haemorrhage.4. The results show that acute hypotensive haemorrhage increases extracellular hypothalamic TXA2 levels. The increase in brain endogenous TXA2 levels involves a decrease in blood pressure evoked by haemorrhage because the blockade of TXA2 synthesis by furegrelate pretreatment attenuated the haemorrhagic hypotension. Increases in plasma adrenaline and vasopressin levels may mediate this effect.