bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different preparation methods of biological samples for FIB milling and SEM investigation
Authors: LEŠER V. , DROBNE D. , PIPAN Ž. , MILANI M. , TATTI F. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryWhen a new approach in microscopy is introduced, broad interest is attracted only when the sample preparation procedure is elaborated and the results compared with the outcome of the existing methods. In the work presented here we tested different preparation procedures for focused ion beam (FIB) milling and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of biological samples. The digestive gland epithelium of a terrestrial crustacean was prepared in a parallel for FIB/SEM and transmission electron microscope (TEM). All samples were aldehyde‐fixed but followed by different further preparation steps. The results demonstrate that the FIB/SEM samples prepared for conventional scanning electron microscopy (dried) is suited for characterization of those intracellular morphological features, which have membranous/lamellar appearance and structures with composition of different density as the rest of the cell. The FIB/SEM of dried samples did not allow unambiguous recognition of cellular organelles. However, cellular organelles can be recognized by FIB/SEM when samples are embedded in plastic as for TEM and imaged by backscattered electrons. The best results in terms of topographical contrast on FIB milled dried samples were obtained when samples were aldehyde‐fixed and conductively stained with the OTOTO method (osmium tetroxide/thiocarbohydrazide/osmium tetroxide/thiocarbohydrazide/osmium tetroxide). In the work presented here we provide evidence that FIB/SEM enables both, detailed recognition of cell ultrastructure, when samples are plastic embedded as for TEM or investigation of sample surface morphology and subcellular composition, when samples are dried as for conventional SEM.
Regulation of COP1 nuclear localization by the COP9 signalosome via direct interaction with CSN1
Authors: Wang Xiping , Li Wenjun , Piqueras Raquel , Cao Kaiming , Deng Xing Wang , Wei Ning 
Published: January 2009

SummaryCOP1 and COP9 signalosome (CSN) are key regulators of plant light responses and development. Deficiency in either COP1 or CSN causes a constitutive photomorphogenic phenotype. Through coordinated actions of nuclear‐ and cytoplasmic‐localization signals, COP1 can respond to light signals by differentially partitions between nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. Previous genetic analysis in Arabidopsis indicated that the nuclear localization of COP1 requires CSN, an eight‐subunit heteromeric complex. However the mechanism underlying the functional relationship between COP1 and CSN is unknown. We report here that COP1 weakly associates with CSN in vivo. Furthermore, we report on the direct interaction involving the coiled‐coil domain of COP1 and the N‐terminal domain of the CSN1 subunit. In onion epidermal cells, expression of CSN1 can stimulate nuclear localization of GUS‐COP1, and the N‐terminal domain of CSN1 is necessary and sufficient for this function. Moreover, CSN1‐induced COP1 nuclear localization requires the nuclear‐localization sequences of COP1, as well as its coiled‐coil domain, which contains both the cytoplasmic localization sequences and the CSN1 interacting domain. We also provide genetic evidence that the CSN1 N‐terminal domain is specifically required for COP1 nuclear localization in Arabidopsis hypocotyl cells. This study advances our understanding of COP1 localization, and the molecular interactions between COP1 and CSN.
Rapid analysis of poplar lignin monomer composition by a streamlined thioacidolysis procedure and near‐infrared reflectance‐based prediction modeling
Authors: Robinson Andrew R. , Mansfield Shawn D. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryDetermination of the physico‐chemical attributes of plant cell walls, such as lignin content and composition, is of paramount importance in germplasm screening and for evaluating the results of plant breeding and genetic engineering. There are escalating needs for analyses to be robust, reproducible, accurate, and efficient. We have recently modified an established protocol for discrimination of lignin monomers, thioacidolysis, with the goal of increasing sample throughput while maintaining accuracy and reducing equipment load and consumption of reagents. Numerous methodological changes related to volume scaling, selection of the processing vessel, and sample handling were addressed. The revised protocol permitted rapid processing of some 50 or more samples per person per day. A direct comparison between methods using hybrid poplar (Populus alba × tremula) wood samples, resulted in quantities of p‐hydroxyphenyl (H), guaiacyl (G), and syringyl (S) lignin monomers that were equivalent to those derived from the original protocol. The revised methodology was then applied to quickly generate phenotypic trait data from 267 hybrid poplar trees (including wild type and eight C4H::F5H transgenic lines), for the development of a near‐infrared‐based model for predicting the proportion of lignin monomers across a broad phenotypic range of S:G. The resulting partial least squares regression model performed well under full cross‐validation, giving strong, linear relationships between actual and predicted monomer proportions, and very high predictive accuracy for the predominant G and S monomers. This research brings considerable refinement to the thioacidolysis procedure, and establishes a method for rapidly and accurately quantifying cell‐wall lignin composition that could effectively be employed in routine phenotypic screening platforms.
Respiratory virus induction of alpha‐, beta‐ and lambda‐interferons in bronchial epithelial cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Khaitov M. R. , Laza‐Stanca V. , Edwards M. R. , Walton R. P. , Rohde G. , Contoli M. , Papi A. , Stanciu L. A. , Kotenko S. V. , Johnston S. L. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Respiratory viruses, predominantly rhinoviruses are the major cause of asthma exacerbations. Impaired production of interferon‐β in rhinovirus infected bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) and of the newly discovered interferon‐λs in both BECs and bronchoalveolar lavage cells, is implicated in asthma exacerbation pathogenesis. Thus replacement of deficient interferon is a candidate new therapy for asthma exacerbations. Rhinoviruses and other respiratory viruses infect both BECs and macrophages, but their relative capacities for α‐, β‐ and λ‐interferon production are unknown.Methods:  To provide guidance regarding which interferon type is the best candidate for development for treatment/prevention of asthma exacerbations we investigated respiratory virus induction of α‐, β‐ and λ‐interferons in BECs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by reverse transferase‐polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  Rhinovirus infection of BEAS‐2B BECs induced interferon‐α mRNA expression transiently at 8 h and interferon‐β later at 24 h while induction of interferon‐λ was strongly induced at both time points. At 24 h, interferon‐α protein was not detected, interferon‐β was weakly induced while interferon‐λ was strongly induced. Similar patterns of mRNA induction were observed in primary BECs, in response to both rhinovirus and influenza A virus infection, though protein levels were below assay detection limits. In PBMCs interferon‐α, interferon‐β and interferon‐λ mRNAs were all strongly induced by rhinovirus at both 8 and 24 h and proteins were induced: interferon‐α>‐β>‐λ. Thus respiratory viruses induced expression of α‐, β‐ and λ‐interferons in BECs and PBMCs. In PBMCs interferon‐α>‐β>‐λ while in BECs, interferon‐λ>‐β>‐α.Conclusions:  We conclude that interferon‐λs are likely the principal interferons produced during innate responses to respiratory viruses in BECs and interferon‐αs in PBMCs, while interferon‐β is produced by both cell types.
Inhibition of allergic responses by CD40 gene silencing
Authors: Suzuki M. , Zheng X. , Zhang X. , Ichim T. E. , Sun H. , Kubo N. , Beduhn M. , Shunnar A. , Garcia B. , Min W.‐P. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Gene silencing using small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a potent method of specifically knocking down molecular targets. Small interfering RNA is therapeutically promising, however, treatment of allergic diseases with siRNA has not been explored in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate therapeutic effects of CD40 siRNA on inhibition of allergic responses.Methods:  Mice sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and alum were treated with CD40 siRNA, scrambled siRNA, or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) alone, and then challenged intranasally with OVA.Results:  A significant reduction in nasal allergic symptoms was observed in the CD40 siRNA treated OVA‐allergic mice compared to the controls of scrambled siRNA and PBS alone, which is correlated with the decrease of local eosinophil accumulation. CD40 siRNA treatment knocked down CD40 expression on dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo and impaired their antigen presenting function. Treatment with CD40 siRNA resulted in inhibition of OVA‐specific T cell response and decrease of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), IL‐5, and interferon‐γ production from T cells stimulated with OVA. Administration of CD40 siRNA also suppressed CD40 expression on B cells, resulting in down‐regulation of OVA‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), IgG1, and IgG2a levels. Additionally, increased regulatory T cells were observed in the CD40 siRNA treated mice.Conclusions:  The present study demonstrates a novel therapeutic use for siRNA in allergy. CD40 siRNA attenuated allergy through inhibition of DC and B cell functions and generation of regulatory T (Treg) cells.
A quantitative genetic analysis of intermediate asthma phenotypes
Authors: Thomsen S. F. , Ferreira M. A. R. , Kyvik K. O. , Fenger M. , Backer V. 
Published: January 2009

Aim:  To study the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the correlation between exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), airway responsiveness, airway obstruction, and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE).Methods:  Within a sampling frame of 21 162 twin subjects, 20–49 years of age, from the Danish Twin Registry, a total of 575 subjects (256 intact pairs and 63 single twins) who either themselves and/or their co‐twins reported a history of asthma at a nationwide questionnaire survey, were clinically examined. Traits were measured using standard techniques. Latent factor models were fitted to the observed data using maximum likelihood methods.Results:  Additive genetic factors explained 67% of the variation in FeNO, 43% in airway responsiveness, 22% in airway obstruction, and 81% in serum total IgE. In general, traits had genetically and environmentally distinct variance structures. The most substantial genetic similarity was observed between FeNO and serum total IgE, genetic correlation (ρA) = 0.37, whereas the strongest environmental resemblance was observed between airway responsiveness and airway obstruction, specific environmental correlation (ρE) = −0.46, and between FeNO and airway responsiveness, ρE = 0.34.Conclusions:  Asthma is a complex disease characterized by a set of etiologically heterogeneous biomarkers, which likely constitute diverse targets of intervention.
Chronic urticaria: a patient survey on quality‐of‐life, treatment usage and doctor–patient relation
Authors: Maurer M. , Ortonne J ‐P. , Zuberbier T. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder characterized by recurrent spontaneous outbreaks of itchy wheals and/or angioedema. It has been shown to have substantial impact on patient quality‐of‐life, but little else is known about patient perspectives on CU and its treatment.Methods:  An internet survey was conducted with 321 randomly selected, representative adults in Germany and France who were diagnosed with CU. The survey included the Skindex‐29 questionnaire on quality‐of‐life and questions about treatment usage and patients’ relation to their physician. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of quality‐of‐life, use of prescription medication and various aspects of the doctor–patient relation.Results:  The survey confirmed that CU has substantial impact on quality‐of‐life, with median Skindex scores of 68 for symptoms, 50 for functioning and 53 for emotions. Only two in three respondents were taking prescription medication for their CU. Older respondents, French respondents and fully employed respondents were significantly (P < 0.01) more likely to be taking prescription medication. Only three in five respondents under a physician’s care reported that their physician had discussed the emotional impact of CU on them. Patients whose physicians had discussed this emotional impact were significantly (P < 0.001) more satisfied with treatment and more trusting of their physician.Conclusions:  CU has a heavy impact on quality‐of‐life. Physicians need to be aware that many patients are not taking second generation anti‐histamines and counsel them better on this point. Physicians should also discuss the emotional impact of CU with patients, because it improves their satisfaction and trust.
Sensitization, asthma and allergic disease in young soccer players
Authors: Ventura M. T. , Cannone A. , Sinesi D. , Buquicchio R. , Carbonara M. , Di Leo E. , Bonini M. , Dagnello M. , Bonini S. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of allergic disease in young soccer players compared to age‐matched students and to evaluate if this prevalence changes as the intensity of training increases.Methods:  A modified ECRHS questionnaire was administered to 194 soccer players divided by age as Beginners (8–11 years), Juniors (12–16 years) and Under 21 (17–20 years) to evaluate the prevalence of allergic diseases and symptoms as well as drug consumption. Subjects with a positive personal history of allergic diseases underwent skin prick and/or patch tests. Age‐matched students (n = 136) were used as a control group.Results:  The prevalence of allergic diseases was 34.5% in soccer players and 31.6% in control subjects (n.s.). Skin sensitization to inhalant allergens was detected in 14.4% of symptomatic soccer players and in 19.2% of control students (n.s.). Patch tests were positive in 35.7% of soccer players and 23.0% of controls with allergic dermatitis (n.s.). The prevalence of allergic diseases did not significantly change in relation to the intensity of training. Although the relative prevalence of sensitization to perennial allergens and asthma was less frequent in soccer players than in controls, and the occurrence of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction was similar in the two groups, soccer players used twice as many anti‐allergic and anti‐asthmatic drugs as control students.Conclusions:  An increasingly intensive training programme is not associated with greater risk of allergic disease in soccer players. Therapy regimens of allergic athletes and exercisers should be monitored more closely to guarantee adequate treatment yet avoid inappropriate drug use and doping practices.
Genetic structure of coastal and inland populations of the annual halophyteSuaeda maritima(L.)dumort.in Central Europe, inferred from amplified fragment length polymorphism markers
Authors: Prinz K. , Weising K. , Hensen I. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractNaturally occurring inland salt habitats are highly threatened due to increasing fragmentation and area reduction, while the surroundings of former potash mining dumps have experienced a massive invasion by halophytes over the last 20 years. We reconstructed colonisation patterns of these purely anthropogenic inland salt sites using molecular markers in the obligate halophyteSuaeda maritima(L.)dumort.(Chenopodiaceae), a typical plant in such areas. In the present study, 120 individual plants from 40 coastal and inland populations in Central Europe were subjected to AFLP analysis with nine primer combinations. A total of 243 AFLP band positions were scored as presence/absence characters. Genetic diversity values were not significantly different in populations from natural and anthropogenic inland salt sites as compared to coastal habitats. Results from principal coordinate analysis, neighbour‐joining analysis and analysis of molecular variance (amova) all indicated that most of the genetic variation is preserved within populations, while genetic differentiation among populations is comparatively low. We conclude thatS. maritimahas repeatedly and independently colonised the surroundings of former potash mining dumps in Central Germany. However, the absence of founder effects and the lack of phylogeographic structure prevented us from identifying putative donor populations.
Evaluation of the waxy endosperm trait in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum)*
Authors: Graybosch R. A. , Baltensperger D. D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe entire USDA‐ARS maintained collection of 650 accessions of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) was evaluated for the presence of accessions with waxy (amylose‐free) endosperm starch. Six accessions, five of which derived from mainland China, were identified. Segregation ratios for waxy endosperm were evaluated in F2 and F3 populations derived from crosses between two waxy accessions, PI 436625 (Lung Shu 16) and PI 436626 (Lung Shu 18), and several wild‐type accessions. The waxy trait was found to be under the control of duplicate recessive alleles at two loci, herein designated wx‐1 and wx‐2. Wild‐type alleles at these loci were designated Wx‐1 and Wx‐2. Iodine‐binding revealed a mean grain‐starch amylose concentration of 3.5% in waxy lines and 25.3% in wild‐type proso. Expression of the granule‐bound starch synthase (waxy protein) in waxy lines was reduced to approximately one‐tenth that of wild‐type accessions. The waxy accessions identified now are available for the introgression of this trait into breeding lines adapted to the Great Plains of North America.
In vitro induction of hexaploid plants from triploid hybrids of Pennisetum purpureum and Pennisetum glaucum
Authors: Campos J. M. S. , Davide L. C. , Salgado C. C. , Santos F. C. , Costa P. N. , Silva P. S. , Alves C. C. S. , Viccini L. F. , Pereira A. V. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis study describes an efficient in vitro method using colchicine‐treated triploid seedlings of Napiergrass and Pearl millet hybrids to produce hexaploid hybrids and their subsequent identification with flow cytometry. It also describes chromosome count and stomatal morphology and their use to ploidy analysis. Four‐hundred and eighty triploid seeds, representing 12 different hybrids were sterilized and transferred to MS media to induce chromosome doubling. Surviving plants were analysed by flow cytometry. From six triploid (control) and hexaploid plants, the stomata sizes and frequency were analysed. Chromosome count was performed only in the plants identified as hexaploid. Seventeen plants were identified as hexaploid by flow cytometry analysis. Further confirmation of the hexaploid condition was performed with stomatal morphology (stomatal frequency reduction and stomatal length increase) and chromosome count (2n = 6x = 42). Chromosome doubling has numerous applications in Pennisetum breeding. It can be used to restore the fertility of interspecific hybrids and to improve seed size.
QTL mapping and marker‐assisted selection for Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat: a review
Authors: Buerstmayr H. , Ban T. , Anderson J. A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractDuring the past decade, numerous studies have been published on molecular mapping of Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance in wheat. We summarize the relevant findings from 52 quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping studies, nine research articles on marker‐assisted selection and seven on marker‐assisted germplasm evaluation. QTL for FHB resistance were found on all wheat chromosomes except chromosome 7D. Some QTL were found in several independent mapping studies indicating that such QTL are stable and therefore useful in breeding programmes. We summarize and update current knowledge on the genetics of FHB resistance in wheat resulting from QTL mapping investigations and review and suggest FHB breeding strategies based on the available information and DNA markers.
Clinically diagnosed glomus vagale tumour treated with external beam radiotherapy: A review of the published reports
Authors: Evans JM , Collins M 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe aim of the study was to present a case of clinically diagnosed glomus vagale in a 42‐year‐old Aboriginal woman treated with external beam radiotherapy and to carry out a review of the published work. The details of presentation, diagnosis, treatment and follow up of the patient are discussed. A review of the published work was carry out using MEDLINE database with respect to aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and expected outcomes. Glomus vagale tumours are a subtype of paragangliomas of the head and neck derived from extra‐adrenal paraganglia of the autonomic nervous system. They are typically slow‐growing, benign masses that are often asymptomatic and rarely show signs of hypersecretion. Treatment options include embolization, surgical excision, radiotherapy or surveillance. Radiotherapy is often used for extensive lesions where surgery is considered prohibitively morbid. Following treatment relapse rates are low with the most patients achieving long‐term control. Our patient presented with an extensive lesion compressing the wall of the carotid artery and invading the jugular fossa to involve the clivus. Surgery was offered; however, the patient opted for external beam radiotherapy. A dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions was delivered with 6‐MV photons employing a CT‐planned, wedge pair technique. Glomus vagale tumours are rare and should be managed in a multidisciplinary head and neck clinic with both surgical and radiation oncology opinions offered. The toxicities and outcomes of both methods should be discussed.
Benign cardiac tumours: Cardiac CT and MRI imaging appearances
Authors: Salanitri J , Lisle D , Rigsby C , Slaughter R , Edelman R 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPrimary benign cardiac tumours are rarely found in clinical practice and are generally evaluated with echocardiography. However, with the increasing usage of helical multislice CT, the initial detection and evaluation of these masses may be made by the radiologist during routine daily practice for other indications. The echocardiographic, CT and cardiac MRI appearances of various benign cardiac tumours and masses are described and illustrated in this review.
Differential diagnosis of T2 hyperintense spinal cord lesions: Part A
Authors: Bou‐Haidar P , Peduto AJ , Karunaratne N 
Published: January 2009

SummaryHyperintense spinal cord signal on T2‐weighted images is seen in a wide‐ranging variety of spinal cord processes including; simple MR artefacts, congenital anomalies and most disease categories. Characterization of the abnormal areas of T2 signal as well as their appearance on other MR imaging sequences, when combined with clinical context and laboratory investigations, will often allow a unique diagnosis, or at least aid in narrowing the differential diagnosis. A wide range of instructive cases is discussed here with review of the published reports focusing on pertinent MR features to aid in diagnosis.