bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clock‐dependent and independent transcriptional control of the two isoforms from the mouse Rorγgene
Authors: Mongrain Valérie , Ruan Xuan , Dardente Hugues , Fortier Erin E. , Cermakian Nicolas 
Published: December 2008

Accumulating evidence indicate that molecular mechanisms generating circadian rhythms display some degree of tissue‐specificity. More specifically, distinct patterns of expression for nuclear receptors of the ROR family indicate that the transcriptional control of the clock gene Bmal1 differs among tissues. This study aims to investigate the expression of Rorγisoforms (Rorγ and Rorγt) and characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying their tissue‐specific expression. The expression of Rorγ isoforms was assessed in mouse liver, muscle, thymus and testis throughout 24 h using quantitative RT‐PCR. Although the expression of Rorγ was rhythmic in the liver and thymus, it was constitutively expressed in muscle and testis. In contrast, the expression of Rorγt was constitutive in all four tissues. Furthermore, rhythmic expression of Rorγ was impaired in Clock mutant mice whereas the mutation had no effect on Rorγt expression. In line with these findings, luciferase assays revealed that transcription of the Rorγ promoter is clock‐controlled whereas that of Rorγt promoter is essentially clock‐independent. Our results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that lead to differential expression of Rorγ and Rorγt and are suggestive of a framework that might account for tissue‐specific circadian regulation.
The removal of woody encroachment restores biophysical gradients in Midwestern oak savannas
Authors: Brudvig Lars A. , Asbjornsen Heidi 
Published: December 2008

SummarySavannas throughout the world are characterized by spatial gradients of resources created by scattered overstorey trees. These gradients are important for maintenance of understorey biodiversity; however, they may be disrupted by woody encroachment, resulting in alterations to understorey vegetation. Little is known about the status of understorey gradients in encroached savannas, or whether they redevelop during restoration and if so, by what mechanism.We used a large‐scale restoration experiment with Midwestern oak savannas (USA) to address these issues. We established understorey transects radiating from overstoreyQuercus albaL. trees to inter‐canopy gaps in four control and four restoration treatment sites. Along each transect, we sampled understorey vegetation over three field seasons and we recorded physical factors in the final year of study.Restoration produced a strong relationship between visible sky (e.g. light penetrating to the understorey) and distance from overstorey trees, while none existed in control sites. Restored sites had greater variability in soil moisture due to higher levels immediately after rain at all distances from trees, coupled with greater drying rates, particularly at farther distances from overstorey trees. With restoration, a positive relationship between cover by understorey vegetation and distance from overstorey trees developed and strengthened over time, whereas no relationship existed in control sites. Cover by each of the major functional groups, forbs, graminoids, and woody species, contributed to this pattern. Furthermore, after restoration, species richness increased with distance from overstorey trees in the final year of study.Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) showed that common understorey species were correlated with gradients of canopy cover and soil moisture, which were associated with restoration plots, and gradients of soil texture and N, which were associated with both restoration and control plots. Furthermore, restoration strengthened correlations between NMS plot scores and distance from overstorey trees.Synthesis and applications.Re‐establishing overstorey structure was an important step during restoration of the oak savannas in this study. While encroached savannas contained a homogenized understorey, restored sites contained understorey patterning typical of intact savannas. The timeframe for re‐establishment – within years of restoration, after decades of degradation – demonstrates high resiliency and suggests restorability of other highly degraded sites; however, we recognize the importance of prescribed fire for maintaining open savanna structure and, probably, promoting further understorey pattern development.
Mid‐Holocene decline in African buffalos inferred from Bayesian coalescent‐based analyses of microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA
Authors: HELLER R. , LORENZEN E. D. , OKELLO J. B. A. , MASEMBE C. , SIEGISMUND H. R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractGenetic studies concerned with the demographic history of wildlife species can help elucidate the role of climate change and other forces such as human activity in shaping patterns of divergence and distribution. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) declined dramatically during the rinderpest pandemic in the late 1800s, but little is known about the earlier demographic history of the species. We analysed genetic variation at 17 microsatellite loci and a 302‐bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region to infer past demographic changes in buffalo populations from East Africa. Two Bayesian coalescent‐based methods as well as traditional bottleneck tests were applied to infer detailed dynamics in buffalo demographic history. No clear genetic signature of population declines related to the rinderpest pandemic could be detected. However, Bayesian coalescent modelling detected a strong signal of African buffalo population declines in the order of 75–98%, starting in the mid‐Holocene (approximately 3–7000 years ago). The signature of decline was remarkably consistent using two different coalescent‐based methods and two types of molecular markers. Exploratory analyses involving various prior assumptions did not seriously affect the magnitude or timing of the inferred population decline. Climate data show that tropical Africa experienced a pronounced transition to a drier climate approximately 4500 years ago, concurrent with the buffalo decline. We therefore propose that the mid‐Holocene aridification of East Africa caused a major decline in the effective population size of the buffalo, a species reliant on moist savannah habitat for its existence.
Population genetic structure in Atlantic and Pacific Ocean common murres (Uria aalge): natural replicate tests of post‐Pleistocene evolution
Authors: MORRIS‐POCOCK J. A. , TAYLOR S. A. , BIRT T. P. , DAMUS M. , PIATT J. F. , WARHEIT K. I. , FRIESEN V. L. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractUnderstanding the factors that influence population differentiation in temperate taxa can be difficult because the signatures of both historic and contemporary demographics are often reflected in population genetic patterns. Fortunately, analyses based on coalescent theory can help untangle the relative influence of these historic and contemporary factors. Common murres (Uria aalge) are vagile seabirds that breed in the boreal and low arctic waters of the Northern Hemisphere. Previous analyses revealed that Atlantic and Pacific populations are genetically distinct; however, less is known about population genetic structure within ocean basins. We employed the mitochondrial control region, four microsatellite loci and four intron loci to investigate population genetic structure throughout the range of common murres. As in previous studies, we found that Atlantic and Pacific populations diverged during the Pleistocene and do not currently exchange migrants. Therefore, Atlantic and Pacific murre populations can be used as natural replicates to test mechanisms of population differentiation. While we found little population genetic structure within the Pacific, we detected significant east–west structuring among Atlantic colonies. The degree that population genetic structure reflected contemporary population demographics also differed between ocean basins. Specifically, while the low levels of population differentiation in the Pacific are at least partially due to high levels of contemporary gene flow, the east–west structuring of populations within the Atlantic appears to be the result of historic fragmentation of populations rather than restricted contemporary gene flow. The contrasting results in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans highlight the necessity of carefully considering multilocus nonequilibrium population genetic approaches when reconstructing the demographic history of temperate Northern Hemisphere taxa.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Changes in the Phytophthora infestans Population in Taiwan – 1991 to 2006
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hua , Wang Tien‐Chen , Black Lowell , Sheu Zong‐Mng , Perez Frances , Deahl Kenneth 
Published: December 2008

AbstractLate blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is one of the most destructive diseases of tomato in Taiwan. A total of 655 isolates of P. infestans, including 29 isolates from potato, was collected from major tomato and potato production areas of Taiwan during 1991 to 2006. Isolates were characterized for their pathogenicity, mating type, in vitro metalaxyl sensitivity and molecular genotype (including allozyme pattern, mitochondrial genomic haplotype and DNA fingerprint) to monitor population changes in P. infestans. The population of P. infestans in Taiwan underwent a dramatic genetic shift in the 1997–1998 cool growing season. Isolates collected from tomato before 1997 were aggressive to tomato but not potato; most isolates obtained after 1998, were aggressive to both hosts. Metalaxyl sensitivity of isolates changed from sensitive/intermediate before 1997 to resistant since 1998. Similarly, the isolates obtained before 1997 were all US‐1 clonal lineage (including variants US‐1.1, US‐1.2, US‐1.3 and US‐1.4). During the 1997–1998 cool growing season, the US‐11 clonal lineage and the TW‐1 genotype appeared, possibly introduced on imported table potatoes. The US‐11 lineage spread rapidly and since 1999 has almost completely displaced the old population in Taiwan. Mating type determined by pairing with A1 and A2 reference isolages of P. parasitica, showed all isolates were of the A1 mating type, suggesting that the A2 mating type had not become established in Taiwan. The increasing percentage (up to 42.3% in 2006) of the US‐11 variants (including US‐11.l, US‐11.2, US‐11.3 and US‐11.4) implied that genomic diversity of the pathogen is changing quickly. Therefore, it is important to continuously monitor the population changes of P. infestans and develop an integrated management strategy for this disease.
Molecular Characterization of a Genomic Fragment Containing Pi‐kh Gene from the Genomic Library of Indica Rice Line Tetep
Authors: Madhav Maganti S. , Plaha Parikshit , Singh Nagendra K. , Sharma Tilak R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIdentification of full length genes along with upstream regulatory elements is important to understand its expression. Here, we report preparation of high titre genomic library and identification of a genomic clone containing Pi‐kh gene with its complete upstream and downstream sequences from the rice blast resistant line Tetep. Structural analysis of protein revealed that Pi‐kh has a central nucleotide binding site domain, leucine‐rich repeats domain and a unique zinc‐finger domain. Comparative analysis of Pi‐kh protein sequence showed 64% and 45% similarity with the protein sequences of rice blast resistance genes Pi‐b and Pi‐ta, respectively.
Antagonism and Action Mechanism of Antifungal Metabolites from Streptomyces rimosus MY02
Authors: Liu Qiu , Yu Jicheng , Yan Jianfang , Qi Xiaohui , Liu Changjian , Jin Hua 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe genus of Streptomyces, a saprophytic Gram‐positive bacterium, has properties, which make them useful as pharmaceutical and biocontrol agents. A streptomyces strain MY02 from soil samples showed significant antagonism against 14 plant pathogenic fungi including Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumarinum. Antifungal metabolite(s) SN06 from the culture of the strain MY02 were extracted with n‐butanol and purified by silica gel column chromatography. The minimum concentration of SN06 inhibiting any visible fungal growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumarinum is 12.5 μg/ml by twofold serial dilutions method. The mycelia of F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumarinum treated with SN06 were observed under the normal optics microscope. The results showed that some cells of hyphae began to dilate and formed some strings of beads. The cytoplasm oozed out of the cells with the culture time and so most of the cells became empty. The hyphae broke into many segments and then collapsed after 48 h. After inoculated in potato dextrose medium for 48 h, the filtrate of mycelia treated with 1% NaCl containing 12.5 μg/ml SN06 was scanned using ultraviolet spectrophotometer and absorption peak at 260 nm showed that the mycelia cell membrane of F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumarinum was broken and that nucleic acid oozed out of the cell.
Effect of salvia miltiorrhizae on apoptosis and NF‐κB p65 expression in the liver of rats with severe acute pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice
Authors: Zhang Xiping , Chen Li , Zhang Jie , Tian Hua , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhou Yifeng , Wang Zhiwei , Wang Keyi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective:  To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of salvia miltiorrhizae in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) or obstructive jaundice (OJ).Methods:  SAP rat models were prepared and randomly divided into the model control group and treated group. The sham‐operated group was also set. At 3 h, 6 h and 12 h after operation, the mortality rate, the pathological changes in the liver, the contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum, the expression levels of Bax and NF‐κB p65 proteins in the liver, and the apoptosis index of hepatic cells in SAP rats in each group were observed. On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after operation, the above parameters and the contents of TBILI (total billirubin), DBILI (direct bilirubin) and r‐GT (r‐glutamyl transpeptidase) in serum in OJ rats were observed.Results:  The contents of serum ALT (at 6 h and 12 h after operation) and AST (at 3 h and 12 h after operation) as well as the staining intensity of NF‐κB p65 protein (at 12 h after operation) in the liver of SAP rats in the treated group were significantly lower than those in model control group (all P < 0.01). The pathological severity scores (on 21 d and 28 d after operation) in the liver, the contents of serum ALT (on 14 d and 21 d after operation), AST (on 21 d after operation), TBILI (on 21 d and 28 d after operation), DBILI (on 28 d after operation) and r‐GT (on 21 d after operation), and the apoptosis index of hepatic cells in OJ rats in treated group were significantly lower than those in model control group (all P < 0.05). The positive rates of Bax protein (on 28 d after operation) in treated group was significantly lower than model control group (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Salvia miltiorrhizae is able to improve the liver function of SAP or OJ rats, suppress the expression of NF‐κB p65 protein in the liver of SAP rats, and inhibit apoptosis in OJ rats, thereby showing some protective effects on the liver of SAP or OJ rats.
Effect of Abdominal Straining on Urinary Flow Rate in Normal Males
Authors: MEFFAN P. J. , NACEY J. N. , DELAHUNT B. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— The measurement of urinary flow rate by uroflowmetry and its relationship to voided volume and age have been extensively studied. It is well recognised that some men void with abdominal straining, but any effect of this on the urinary flow rate is usually not taken into account in urological practice.The aim of this study was to determine whether abdominal straining had any significant influence on the urinary flow rate. Three male volunteers performed multiple voidings either with or without abdominal straining. Statistical transformation of the data and the use of co‐variant analysis allowed a comparison between “normal” or passive voiding and voiding with abdominal straining. The results showed that abdominal straining caused a significant improvement in both the average and maximum urinary flow rate. If the effect of abdominal straining is not taken into account during the interpretation of uroflowmetry results, incorrect conclusions may be made which could influence subsequent management. It is suggested that the method of voiding should be standardised by instructing patients, if possible, to avoid abdominal straining during uroflowmetry assessment.
Transferrin Receptor Activity as a Marker in Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: BAşAR I. , AYHAN A. , BiRCAN K. , ERGEN A. , TAşAR ¸. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— An immunohistochemical staining method was used to study transferrin receptors (TFR) in bladder tissue from 10 patients with benign conditions and 33 with bladder cancer. All patients with bladder cancer were followed up by cystoscopy at intervals of 3 months (mean follow‐up period 11 months). The relationship between TFR activity and recurrence rates was investigated.It was not possible to demonstrate TFR in normal bladder mucosa except for the proliferating cells of the basal layer. TFR activity in malignant tissue correlated well with the histological grade and pathological stage of the tumour. Patients with low grade superficial tumours showing TFR activity had a higher recurrence rate than those with no TFR activity.It was concluded that TFR activity in low grade superficial bladder tumours is a useful marker for predicting the recurrence rate.
Systemic Chemotherapy for Urothelial Cancer in Patients with Ureteric Obstruction
Authors: MACNEIL H. F. , HALL R. R. , NEAL D. E. , ROBERTS J. T. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— The aims of this study were to document the toxicity of systemic chemotherapy and response rates in patients with ureteric obstruction caused by urothelial cancer.The study group included 91 patients who received cisplatin and methotrexate; 36 (40%) had upper tract dilatation, 9 of whom had drainage by stenting or nephrostomy and 55 (60%) had normal upper tracts. The response rate was documented in 65 patients (71%) who had measurable primary or metastatic disease.No significant differences were found between the dilated/drained group, the dilated/undrained group and the normal group in biochemical measurements of renal function during or after the courses of chemotherapy. Serious haematological toxicity occurred in 10% (10/104 cycles) of the dilated/undrained group and in 6% (12/200 cycles) of the normal group. The complete response rate in the dilated group was 15% compared with 41% in the normal group.No increased chemotherapy toxicity was observed in patients with upper tract dilatation and a significant complete response rate was found in patients with upper tract dilatation without renal impairment.
Should Urologists wear Spectacles for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate?
Authors: DAVIES J. H. , HARRISON G. S. M. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Contamination of the eyes by irrigation fluid during transurethral resection (TUR) of the prostate was assessed by measuring droplet splashes on to spectacles worn by 2 surgeons. During 30 consecutive operations, droplet splash contamination occurred during every procedure. The number of splashes increased with time.The use of spectacles during TUR will reduce the risks of eye contamination from droplet splashes and therefore the possibility of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus from infected patients.Based on a Poster Demonstration at the 46th Annual Meeting of the British Association of Urological Surgeons in Scarborough, July 1990
Haemangioma of the Urinary Tract: Review of the Literature
Authors: JAHN H. , NISSEN H.M. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryGeneral featuresHaemangiomas are benign vascular tumours. They can regress spontaneously as a result of fibrosclerosis, suggesting a conservative approach wherever possible. Asymptomatic haemangiomas do not require treatment.Renal haemangioma. In all, 198 cases have been reported. The lesion is usually solitary and unilateral and occurs most often in the pyramid, and in the mucosa or subepithelial tissue of the pelvis. In some cases a tentative diagnosis of haemangioma has been made by means of selective renal angiography and pre‐ or per‐operative renoscopy. Partial nephrectomy is recommended in cases of minor haemangioma.Ureteric haemangioma. Six cases have been described. When haemangioma is suspected a conservative operation is recommended.Bladder haemangioma. A total of 106 cases have been reported. Many of the tumours had the characteristics of an iceberg, with considerable extravesical extension making endoscopic management less suitable because of the possibility of massive haemorrhage or recurrence. Consequently, many authors prefer local excision. In the case of endoscopic treatment the patient should be prepared for open surgery.Urethral haemangioma. Twenty cases have been described. The lesions often extend further than is immediately apparent. Endoscopic management is recommended for small lesions and, in the case of more extensive lesions, open exploration is advised followed by appropriate urethral reconstruction.
Stage I Seminoma of the Testis. Adjuvant Radiotherapy or Surveillance?
Authors: ALLHOFF E. P. , LIEDKE SUSANNE , DE RIESE W. , STIEF C. , SCHNEIDER B. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Lately the role of radiotherapy in stage I seminoma of the testis has been questioned by some authors who reported on a “surveillance” strategy for these patients. Since 1980, 124 patients with seminoma of the testis have been referred to this institution; 97 of 116 patients analysed presented with stage I disease and 10 of these had elevated levels of βHCG.A total of 64 patients were given radiotherapy after orchiectomy and 33 entered a surveillance protocol. After a median follow‐up of 48 months, 3 patients in the surveillance group relapsed after 5, 13 and 49 months and 2 of the irradiated patients did so after 25 and 33 months. Elevation of βHCG was not significant because none of these patients showed progression.A low rate of progression and excellent survival are associated with standard treatment (orchiectomy and radiotherapy) and good results have been achieved with chemotherapy in cases of relapse. A surveillance policy is not recommended in stage I seminoma because of its slower growth compared with non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCT), the absence of a specific tumour marker, the 10% risk of occult metastases and the 3‐fold higher progression rate compared with irradiated patients. We suggest the use of a reduced dosage and radiation field.
Surgery Following Chemotherapy for Metastatic Testicular Teratoma
Authors: WHILLIS D. , COLEMAN R. E. , LESSELLS A. M. , HARGREAVE T. B. , CORNBLEET M. A. , HOWARD G. C.W. 
Published: December 2008

Summary Twenty patients with metastatic testicular teratoma underwent surgery for residual disease after chemotherapy. Twelve patients in whom complete excision of all residual masses was possible are alive with no evidence of disease. Four patients have died of malignant teratoma, 2 have active malignant disease and 2 have inoperable residual cystic disease.Patients with malignant teratoma intermediate (MTI) primary testis tumours, and those with bulky abdominal disease at presentation, are more likely to have residual masses requiring excision. Completeness of excision appears to be the most important predictor of disease‐free survival.