bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VfCPK1, a gene encoding calcium‐dependent protein kinase from Vicia faba, is induced by drought and abscisic acid
Authors: LIU GUANSHAN , CHEN JIA , WANG XUECHEN 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTCalcium, one of the most ubiquitous second messengers, has been shown to be involved in a wide variety of responses in plants. Calcium‐dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) (EC 2.7.1.37) are the predominant Ca2+‐regulated serine/threonine protein kinase in plants and play an important role in plant calcium signal transduction. CDPKs are encoded by a large multigene family in many plants, which has been showed so far; however, the precise role of each specific CDPK is still largely unknown. A novel CDPK gene designated as VfCPK1 was cloned from epidermal peels of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) leaves using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE)‐PCR technique and its expression was studied in detail. The VfCPK1 cDNA is 1783 bp long and contains an open reading frame of 1482 bp encoding 493 amino acids. VfCPK1 contains all conserved regions found in CDPKs and shows a high level of sequence similarity to many other plant CDPKs. VfCPK1 was highly expressed in leaves, especially in leaf epidermal peels of broad bean in mRNA and protein levels. Expressions of VfCPK1 at both the mRNA and protein levels were increased in leaves treated with abscisic acid or subjected to drought stress. Potential roles of VfCPK1 in epidermal peels are discussed.The nucleotide sequence data reported here were deposited in the GenBank database under accession number AY753552.
Changes in starch and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate levels and auxin transport are interrelated in graviresponding oat (Avena sativa) shoots
Authors: YUN HYE SUP , JOO SE‐HWAN , KAUFMAN PETER B. , KIM TAE‐WUK , KIRAKOSYAN ARA , PHILOSOPH‐HADAS SONIA , KIM SEONG‐KI , CHANG SOO CHUL 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to unravel a mechanism for the gravitropic curvature response in oat (Avena sativa) shoot pulvini. For this purpose, we examined the downward movement of starch‐filled chloroplast gravisensors, differential changes in inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) levels, transport of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and gravitropic curvature. Upon gravistimulation, the ratio for IAA levels in lower halves versus those in upper halves (L/U) increased from 1.0 at 0 h and reached a maximum value of 1.45 at 8 h. When shoots were grown in the dark for 10 d, to deplete starch in the chloroplast, the gravity‐induced L/U of IAA was reduced to 1.0. N‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) and 2,3,5‐triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), both auxin transport inhibitors, significantly reduced the amount of gravitropic curvature and gravity‐induced lateral IAA transport, but did not reduce the gravity‐induced late change in the L/U ratio of IP3 levels. U73122, a specific phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, decreased gravity‐induced curvature. Because U73122 reduced the ratio of L/U of IAA imposed by gravistimulation, it is clear that IAA transport is correlated with changes in IP3 levels upon gravistimulation. These results indicate that gravistimulation‐induced differential lateral IAA transport may result from the onset of graviperception in the chloroplast gravisensors coupled with gravity‐induced asymmetric changes in IP3 levels in oat shoot pulvini.
Viable Mycoplasma mycoides ssp. mycoides Small Colony‐Mediated Depression of the Bovine Cell Responsiveness to the Mitogen Concanavalin A
Authors: Dedieu L. , Balcer‐Rodrigues V. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract Mycoplasma mycoides ssp. mycoides biotype Small Colony (MmmSC) is the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), which is still a major tropical cattle disease. Development of an efficient vaccine requires an understanding of the immunopathology of CBPP as MmmSC presents a strong ability to escape the host immune response. The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of MmmSC can modulate the immune response induced by the mitogen Concanavalin A (ConA) on bovine immune cells [peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and lymph node (LN) cells]. Comparative analysis of the immunomodulating properties of viable versus heat‐killed MmmSC on ConA‐stimulated immune cells revealed that while heat‐killed MmmSC had no effect, viable MmmSC strongly depressed, in a concentration‐dependent manner, the ConA mitogenic activity (blastogenesis and interferon‐γ production). Both B‐cell and T‐cell activation were affected with the highest impact on the CD4 T cells. The phenotypic analysis showed that the ConA‐induced proliferation of CD25+ cells was strongly reduced when co‐exposed to viable MmmSC, confirming that events associated with ConA‐induced cell activation were suppressed by the pathogen. This study thus demonstrated that viable MmmSC is able to inhibit the polyclonal mitogenic activity of the ConA on bovine PBMC and LN cells. This finding strongly suggests that the persistence of viable MmmSC may also thus inhibit the bovine immune response directed towards inactivated MmmSC, whether dead or in the form of antigens, also present during infection. This study confirmed that MmmSC has evolved an efficient mechanism to prevent its elimination from the host.
Involvement of Innate Immunity in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Hepatitis C in Children
Authors: Wisniewska‐Ligier M. , Wozniakowska‐Gesicka T. , Glowacka E. , Lewkowicz P. , Banasik M. , Tchorzewski H. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess the role of selected elements of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C in children. The study comprised 20 children with chronic hepatitis C (group 1), nine healthy hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositive children (group 2) and 18 healthy children (control group). We evaluated the expression of Toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 on peripheral blood neutrophils, and generation of interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophils. The performed tests demonstrated higher expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on stimulated neutrophils and of TLR4 on non‐stimulated neutrophils in group 1 in comparison to HCV seropositive children and controls. In group 1, the expression of TLR2 after granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GCSF) stimulation showed positive correlation with alanine aminotransferase and asparate aminotransferase activities, while the expression of TLR2 without stimulation and of TLR4 after GCSF stimulation also correlated with necrosis. IL‐12 generation by lipopolysachcharide‐stimulated neutrophils was higher in group 1 versus controls. In group 1, maximum chemiluminescence (CL) without pre‐activation, both spontaneous and after formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylanine and phorbol‐myristate‐acetate (PMA) stimulation, was significantly lower than in the controls. CL after tumour necrosis factor‐α pre‐activation and PMA stimulation was still lower than in the controls, however, after opsonized zymosane stimulation it was significantly higher than in the controls. Our studies suggest the involvement of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C in children. Neutrophils demonstrate increased expression of TLR2 and TLR4 (correlating with the features of hepatocytic damage and intensification of necrosis), inhibition of oxygen metabolism, and after TNF‐α pre‐activation higher ability to produce ROS.
Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia – response to pulsed dye laser
Authors: Sharma Vinod K. , Khandpur Sujay 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia (UNT) is a unique vascular dermatosis of ambiguous etiology. The therapeutic role of pulsed dye laser in this condition, especially in individuals with skin types III and IV, has not been elucidated completely. The aim of this study was to assess the response to flash‐lamp pulsed dye laser of UNT in Indian patients.Methods  A detailed analysis of nine confirmed cases of UNT patients was undertaken to determine the possible etiologic association of this disease. Six cases were treated with pulsed dye laser in combination with cryogen cooling using the following parameters: spot size, 7 mm; fluence, 5–7.5 J/cm2; wavelength, 585 nm; pulse duration, 450 µs. The procedure was repeated every 4–6 weeks and the response was assessed both clinically and photographically before each session.Results  The cases had a mean age of presentation of 20.6 years with an age of onset varying from 2.5 to 23 years. The lesions were located on the head and neck region in four patients, upper limb in four, and lower limb in one. No significant etiologic association could be established. Of the six cases treated with pulsed dye laser, a moderate response (26–50% lightening) was achieved in all cases after a mean of 2.33 sessions, a good response (51–75% lightening) was observed in four patients after 3.25 sessions, and an excellent response (> 75% lightening) was found in three patients after 3.66 sessions. Mild and reversible pigmentary alterations occurred in five cases, with mild textural change in one case. There was no scarring. No recurrence was observed.Conclusion  Pulsed dye laser is a useful modality for treating UNT in Indian patients. Reversible pigmentary changes are the major side‐effects.
Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome: A multisystem disorder possibly resulting from a pathogenic gene for vascular and tissue overgrowth
Authors: Kihiczak George G. , Meine Jon G. , Schwartz Robert A. , Janniger Camila K. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractKlippel–Trenaunay syndrome is characterized by a triad of varicose veins, cutaneous capillary malformation, and hypertrophy of bone and soft tissue. Appropriate evaluation and treatment of children displaying features of the disease may minimize morbidity. The clinical appearance, etiology, genetics, diagnostics, and treatment of Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome are herein explored.
An evaluation of automated blood collection mixers
Authors: Van Der Meer P. F. , Pietersz R. N. 
Published: August 2006

Background and Objectives  We investigated the mixing capacity of two whole blood (WB) collection mixers.Materials and Methods  WB was simulated by using a 25% glycerol solution warmed to 35 °C. Citrate–phosphate–dextrose (CPD) anticoagulant of a collection system was stained with toluidine blue, and simulated WB was added at 30, 60 or 90 ml/min, respectively (n = 3 per flow speed). The optical density (OD) of 10‐ml fractions was measured, and results are expressed as percentage of a well‐mixed ‘100%‐sample’.Results  CompoGuard showed adequate mixing at all three flow speeds (average ODs 96–103%). HemoLight showed good mixing at 60 and 90 ml/min (ODs from 97 to 101%). At 30 ml/min, mixing appeared suboptimal, but still conformed to our requirements with ODs from 96% to 104%.Conclusion  Both mixers give sufficient mixing of whole blood with anticoagulant.
EPLERENONE PREVENTS ADVERSE CARDIAC REMODELLING INDUCED BY PRESSURE OVERLOAD IN ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE‐NULL MICE
Authors: Franco Veronica , Chen Yiu‐Fai , Feng Ji A , Li Peng , Wang Dajun , Hasan Erum , Oparil Suzanne , Perry Gilbert J 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)‐null mice (Nppa‐/‐) exhibit cardiac hypertrophy at baseline and adverse cardiac remodelling in response to transverse aortic constriction (TAC)‐induced pressure overload stress. Previous studies have suggested that natriuretic peptides could potentially oppose mineralocorticoid signalling at several levels, including suppression of adrenal aldosterone production, inhibition of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation or suppression of MR‐mediated production of pro‐inflammatory factors. Thus, we hypothesized that the MR blocker eplerenone would prevent the exaggerated left ventricular (LV) remodelling/fibrosis and dysfunction after TAC in Nppa‐/‐.
In the present study, Nppa‐/‐ and wild‐type Nppa+/+ mice fed eplerenone‐ or vehicle (oatmeal)‐supplemented chow since weaning were subjected to TAC or sham operation. The daily dose of eplerenone administered was approximately 200 mg/kg. At 1 week after TAC, LV size and function were evaluated by echocardiogram and LV cross‐sections were stained with picrosirius red for collagen volume measurement. Total RNA was extracted from the LV for real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis of osteopontin.
Eplerenone had no effect on baseline hypertrophy observed in sham‐operated Nppa‐/‐ compared with Nppa+/+ mice. Eplerenone attenuated the TAC‐induced increase in LV weight in both genotypes and completely prevented LV dilation, systolic dysfunction and interstitial collagen deposition seen in Nppa‐/‐ mice after TAC. However, serum aldosterone levels were lower in Nppa‐/‐ compared with Nppa+/+ wild types. No interaction between eplerenone and genotype in osteopontin mRNA levels was observed.
Eplerenone prevents adverse cardiac remodelling related to pressure overload in ANP‐deficient mice, mainly due to an antifibrotic effect. The mechanism whereby ANP deficiency leads to excess hypertrophy, fibrosis and early failure following TAC is increased profibrotic signals resulting from excess or unopposed MR activation, rather than increased levels of aldosterone.
MECHANISMS UNDERLYING BIOCHANIN A‐INDUCED RELAXATION OF THE AORTA DIFFER BETWEEN NORMOTENSIVE AND HYPERTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Wang Hui‐Ping , Gao Qin , Mei Ru‐Huan , Zhao Meng‐Hui , Lu Yuan , Li Xu‐Yun , Bruce Iain C , Xia Qiang 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY

The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism underlying biochanin A‐induced relaxation of the aorta in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
The tension in isolated ring preparations of thoracic aortas from normotensive (Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats) and SHR at 5 and 10 weeks of age was measured isometrically.
Biochanin A (10‐7 to 10‐4 mol/L) induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation in aortic rings from both strains at the age of 5 and 10 weeks and the relaxation was greater in rings from 10‐week‐old SHR compared with age‐matched WKY rats. The vasorelaxation induced by biochanin A was significantly reduced by denudation of the endothelium in aortic rings from SHR, but not WKY rats. Treatment with either indomethacin, a cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor, or Nw‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, had little effect on the relaxation induced by biochanin A in aortic rings from either strain. Glibenclamide, a selective inhibitor of ATP‐sensitive potassium channels, significantly attenuated the relaxation induced by biochanin A in aortic rings from both strains, although the extent of reduction was greater in WKY rats than SHR. Conversely, treatment with 4‐aminopyridine, a selective inhibitor of voltage‐dependent potassium channels, or tetraethylammonium, an inhibitor of calcium‐activated potassium channels, significantly reduced the vasorelaxation induced by biochanin A in rings from SHR but not WKY rats.
The greater vasorelaxation produced by biochanin A in aortic rings from 10‐week‐old SHR is endothelium dependent. Different mechanisms underlie the relaxant effects of biochanin A in aorta from SHR and WKY rats. The mechanisms of biochanin A‐induced vasorelaxation in thoracic aortas from both normotensive and hypertensive rats involve ATP‐sensitive potassium channels and, in addition, in rings from the hypertensive strain at 10 weeks of age, an endothelium‐derived activation of smooth muscle cell potassium channels contributes to the vasorelaxation observed.
EFFECTS OF INDIVIDUAL GINSENOSIDES, GINKGOLIDES AND FLAVONOIDS ON CYP2C19 AND CYP2D6 ACTIVITY IN HUMAN LIVER MICROSOMES
Authors: He Nu , Xie Hong‐Guang , Collins Xavier , Edeki Timi , Yan Zhengyin 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY

The effects of four individual ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc and Rd), two ginkgolides (A and B) and one flavonoid (quercetin) on CYP2C19‐dependent S‐mephenytoin 4¢‐hydroxylation and CYP2D6‐mediated bufuralol 1¢‐hydroxylation were evaluated in human liver microsomes.
Increasing concentrations of each test compound were added to microsomal incubation mixtures containing a well‐characterized marker substrate (S‐mephenytoin for CYP2C19 or bufuralol for CYP2D6) to determine their IC50 values (compound concentration yielding 50% inhibition of a marker enzyme activity), which were estimated by graphical inspection.
For CYP2C19, the IC50 values were 46, 46 and 62 mmol/L for ginsenoside Rd, quercetin and ginsenoside Rb2, respectively, whereas only ginsenoside Rd had an IC50 value of 57 mmol/L for CYP2D6.
The data suggest that the tested compounds are not likely to inhibit the metabolism of the concurrent use of a given drug whose primary route of elimination is through CYP2C19 or CYP2D6.
JWA IS REQUIRED FOR THE ANTIPROLIFERATIVE AND PRO‐APOPTOTIC EFFECTS OF ALL‐TRANS RETINOIC ACID IN HELA CELLS
Authors: Mao Wen‐Ge , Liu Zu‐Long , Chen Rui , Li Ai‐Ping , Zhou Jian‐Wei 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY

All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is known to inhibit cellular proliferation and induce differentiation and apoptosis. It usually activates gene expression by binding to a nuclear receptor that interacts with retinoic acid‐response elements (RARE) and then activates the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signal pathway. JWA, a newly identified ATRA‐responsive gene, has recently been proposed as an important molecule for cellular differentiation induced by some chemicals, including ATRA.
To investigate the possible involvement of JWA in the inhibition of cellular proliferation and induction of apoptosis by ATRA, HeLa cells were stably transfected with sense or antisense JWA to establish cell lines that overexpressed or were deficient in JWA; ATRA (0.05–10 mmol/L) was used to induce cellular differentiation and apoptosis.
Western blot analysis revealed that ATRA caused increased expression of JWA in HeLa cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, accompanied by activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation. However, ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by ATRA was inhibited in JWA‐deficient HeLa cells. In JWA‐overexpressing HeLa cells, ATRA showed more significant antiproliferative effects and induced more apoptosis.
The reporter gene assay showed that ATRA (5 mmol/L) enhanced the transcriptional activity of JWA by interacting with its promoter in the region from ‐194 to +107 bp (P < 0.01). Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the JWA promoter did not contain RARE, but did contain two CCAAT boxes in this fragment spanning ‐194 to +107 bp, which may be responsive to the ATRA‐activated nuclear transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBP) or interacting proteins. Therefore, ATRA‐inhibited cellular proliferation and ‐induced apoptosis in HeLa cells may be dependent on JWA transactivation via its C/EBP‐binding motifs.
These data indicate that the inhibition of proliferation and the induction of apoptosis by ATRA are dependent on JWA expression in HeLa cells. The findings may represent a novel mechanism by which the effects of ATRA in regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis are mediated, at least in part, by JWA expression.
EFFECTS OF TEA AND TEA FLAVONOIDS ON ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION AND BLOOD PRESSURE: A BRIEF REVIEW
Authors: Hodgson JM 
Published: August 2006

SUMMARY

The consumption of tea worldwide is second only to water. Thus, any physiological effects of tea could have a significant impact on population health.
Tea is the major contributor to total flavonoid intake in many populations. Flavonoids in tea have been shown to have a range of activities and effects that could contribute to improved health. Tea intake and the intake of flavonoids found in tea have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in several cross‐sectional and prospective population studies. A variety of possible mechanisms have been investigated. The focus of the present review is on the mounting evidence that tea flavonoids can improve endothelial function and lower blood pressure.
In vitro studies using isolated vessels have shown that tea flavonoids possess vasodilator activity. Results of human intervention trials have shown that increased flavonoid intake from tea, as well as other dietary sources, can improve endothelial function. Emerging data also suggest that the degree of benefit may be related to flavonoid metabolism.
The effects of tea flavonoids on blood pressure are less consistent. Results of animal studies and population studies are consistent with a blood pressure‐lowering effect of tea. However, short‐term intervention trials, mainly in normotensive individuals, have not demonstrated any blood pressure reduction with tea.
Overall, the available data suggest that the effects of tea flavonoids on endothelial function and, perhaps, blood pressure may be responsible, at least in part, for any benefits of drinking tea on the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Rating of CCl4‐induced rat liver fibrosis by blood serum glycomics
Authors: Desmyter Liesbeth , Fan Ye‐Dong , Praet Marleen , Jaworski Tomasz , Vervecken Wouter , De Hemptinne Bernard , Contreras Roland , Chen Cuiying 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground:  Non‐invasive staging of human liver fibrosis is a desirable objective that remains under extensive evaluation. Animal model systems are often used for studying human liver disease and screening antifibrotic compounds. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential use of serum N‐glycan profiles to evaluate liver fibrosis in a rat model.Methods:  Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis were induced in rats by oral administration of CCl4. Liver injury was assessed biochemically (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] activity, aspartate aminotransferase [AST] activity and total bilirubin) and histologically. The N‐glycan profile (GlycoTest) was performed using DNA sequencer‐assisted–fluorophore‐assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis technology. In parallel, the effect of cotreatment with antifibrotic interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) was studied.Results:  The biopsy scoring system showed that CCl4 induced early fibrosis (F < 1–2) in rats after 3 weeks of treatment, and cirrhosis (F4) after 12 weeks. Significant increases in ALT activity, AST activity and total bilirubin levels were detected only after 12 weeks of CCl4 treatment. GlycoTest showed three glycans were significantly altered in the CCl4‐goup. Peak 3 started at week 6, at an early stage in fibrosis development (F < 1–2), whereas peaks 4 and 5 occurred at week 9, at which time mild liver fibrosis (F = 1–2) had developed. The changes in the CCl4‐IFN‐γ group were intermediate between the CCl4‐ and the control groups.Conclusion:  The GlycoTest is much more sensitive than biochemical tests for evaluating liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in the rat model. The test can also be used as a non‐invasive marker for screening and monitoring the antifibrotic activity of potential therapeutic compounds.