bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ agonists inhibit adipocyte expression of α1‐acid glycoprotein
Authors: Castriota Gino , Thompson G. Marie , Lin Ying , Scherer Philipp E. , Moller David E. , Berger Joel P. 
Published: December 2006

Abstractα1‐Acid glycoprotein (α1‐AGP) is an acute phase protein that can potentiate cytokine secretion by mononuclear cells and may induce thrombosis by stabilizing the inhibitory activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1. Thus, α1‐AGP may promote pathobiologies associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) including insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Here, we demonstrate that antidiabetic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists inhibited expression of 3T3‐L1 adipocyte α1‐AGP in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner via an apparent PPARγ‐mediated mechanism. As a result, synthesis and secretion of the glycoprotein was reduced. While PPARγ agonist regulation of genes with functional peroxisome proliferator response elements in their promoter such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase were unaffected when cellular protein synthesis was inhibited, downregulation of α1‐AGP mRNA was ablated thereby supporting the proposition that PPARγ activation inhibits α1‐AGP expression indirectly. These results suggest a potential novel adipocytic mechanism by which PPARγ agonists may ameliorate T2DM‐associated insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.
TheMi-9Gene fromSolanum arcanumConferring Heat-Stable Resistance to Root-Knot Nematodes Is a Homolog ofMi-1
Authors: Jablonska Barbara , Ammiraju Jetty S.S. , Bhattarai Kishor K. , Mantelin Sophie , de Ilarduya Oscar Martinez , Roberts Philip A. , Kaloshian Isgouhi 
Published: December 2006

AbstractResistance conferred by the Mi-1 gene from Solanum peruvianum is effective and widely used for limiting root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) yield loss in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), but the resistance is ineffective at soil temperatures above 28°C. Previously, we mapped the heat-stable resistance gene Mi-9 in Solanum arcanum accession LA2157 to the short arm of chromosome 6, in a genetic interval as Mi-1 and the Cladosporium fulvum resistance gene Cf2. We developed a fine map of the Mi-9 region by resistance and marker screening of an F2 population and derived F3 families from resistant LA2157 × susceptible LA392. Mi-1 intron 1 flanking primers were designed to amplify intron 1 and fingerprint Mi-1 homologs. Using these primers, we identified seven Mi-1 homologs in the mapping parents. Cf-2 and Mi-1 homologs were mapped on chromosome 6 using a subset of the F2. Cf-2 homologs did not segregate with Mi-9 resistance, but three Mi-1 homologs (RH1, RH2, and RH4) from LA2157 and one (SH1) from LA392 colocalized to the Mi-9 region. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that six Mi-1 homologs are expressed in LA2157 roots. We targeted transcripts of Mi-1 homologs for degradation with tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) rattle virus (TRV)-based virus-induced gene silencing using Agrobacterium infiltration with a TRV-Mi construct. In most LA2157 plants infiltrated with the TRV-Mi construct, Mi-9-meditated heat-stable root-knot nematode resistance was compromised at 32°C, indicating that the heat-stable resistance is mediated by a homolog of Mi-1.
Functional Diversification of Acyl-Coenzyme A Oxidases in Jasmonic Acid Biosynthesis and Action
Authors: Schilmiller Anthony L. , Koo Abraham J.K. , Howe Gregg A. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
The biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA) in plant peroxisomes requires the action of acyl-coenzyme A oxidase (ACX). Among the five expressed members (ACX1–5) of the ACX gene family in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), only ACX1 is known to serve a role in JA production. Here, we used transgenic promoter-reporter lines to show that ACX1 is highly expressed in mature and germinating pollen, stem epidermal cells, and other tissues in which jasmonate-signaled processes occur. Wound-induced JA accumulation was reduced in a mutant that is defective in ACX1 and was abolished in a mutant that is impaired in both ACX1 and its closely related paralog, ACX5. The severe JA deficiency in acx1/5 double mutants was accompanied by decreased resistance to the leaf-eating insect Trichoplusia ni. The double mutant also showed reduced pollen viability and fecundity. Treatment of acx1/5 plants with JA restored both protection against T. ni larvae and normal seed set. Unexpectedly, acx1/5 plants accumulated JA in response to infection by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Alternaria brassicicola. In contrast to mutants that are impaired in jasmonate perception or early steps of the JA biosynthetic pathway, acx1/5 plants maintained resistance to A. brassicicola infection. These results indicate that ACX1/5-mediated JA synthesis is essential for resistance to chewing insects and male reproductive function and further suggest that other ACX isozymes contribute to JA production in response to A. brassicicola challenge. Thus, different types of biotic stress may induce JA synthesis via distinct enzymatic routes.
Two Arabidopsis Threonine Aldolases Are Nonredundant and Compete with Threonine Deaminase for a Common Substrate Pool
Authors: Joshi Vijay , Laubengayer Karen M. , Schauer Nicolas , Fernie Alisdair R. , Jander Georg 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Amino acids are not only fundamental protein constituents but also serve as precursors for many essential plant metabolites. Although amino acid biosynthetic pathways in plants have been identified, pathway regulation, catabolism, and downstream metabolite partitioning remain relatively uninvestigated. Conversion of Thr to Gly and acetaldehyde by Thr aldolase (EC 4.1.2.5) was only recently shown to play a role in plant amino acid metabolism. Whereas one Arabidopsis thaliana Thr aldolase (THA1) is expressed primarily in seeds and seedlings, the other (THA2) is expressed in vascular tissue throughout the plant. Metabolite profiling of tha1 mutants identified a &gt;50-fold increase in the seed Thr content, a 50% decrease in seedling Gly content, and few other significant metabolic changes. By contrast, homozygous tha2 mutations cause a lethal albino phenotype. Rescue of tha2 mutants and tha1 tha2 double mutants by overproduction of feedback-insensitive Thr deaminase (OMR1) shows that Gly formation by THA1 and THA2 is not essential in Arabidopsis. Seed-specific expression of feedback-insensitive Thr deaminase in both tha1 and tha2 Thr aldolase mutants greatly increases seed Ile content, suggesting that these two Thr catabolic enzymes compete for a common substrate pool.
Rice XA21 Binding Protein 3 Is a Ubiquitin Ligase Required for Full Xa21-Mediated Disease Resistance
Authors: Wang Yong-Sheng , Pi Li-Ya , Chen Xiuhua , Chakrabarty Pranjib K. , Jiang Junda , De Leon Alfred Lopez , Liu Guo-Zhen , Li Liangcai , Benny Ulla , Oard James , Ronald Pamela C. , Song Wen-Yuan 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
XA21 is a receptor-like kinase protein in rice (Oryza sativa) that confers gene-for-gene resistance to specific races of the causal agent of bacterial blight disease, Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae. We identified XA21 binding protein 3 (XB3), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, as a substrate for the XA21 Ser and Thr kinase. The interaction between XB3 and the kinase domain of XA21 has been shown in yeast and in vitro, and the physical association between XB3 and XA21 in vivo has also been confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation assays. XB3 contains an ankyrin repeat domain and a RING finger motif that is sufficient for its interaction with the kinase domain of XA21 and for its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, respectively. Transgenic plants with reduced expression of the Xb3 gene are compromised in resistance to the avirulent race of X. oryzae pv oryzae. Furthermore, reduced levels of Xb3 lead to decreased levels of the XA21 protein. These results indicate that Xb3 is necessary for full accumulation of the XA21 protein and for Xa21-mediated resistance.
The Female Gametophyte and the Endosperm Control Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Seed Coat inArabidopsis
Authors: Ingouff Mathieu , Jullien Pauline E. , Berger Frédéric 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDouble fertilization of the female gametophyte produces the endosperm and the embryo enclosed in the maternal seed coat. Proper seed communication necessitates exchanges of signals between the zygotic and maternal components of the seed. However, the nature of these interactions remains largely unknown. We show that double fertilization of the Arabidopsis thaliana female gametophyte rapidly triggers sustained cell proliferation in the seed coat. Cell proliferation and differentiation of the seed coat occur in autonomous seeds produced in the absence of fertilization of the multicopy suppressor of ira1 (msi1) mutant. As msi1 autonomous seeds mostly contain autonomous endosperm, our results indicate that the developing endosperm is sufficient to enhance cell proliferation and differentiation in the seed coat. We analyze the effect of autonomous proliferation in the retinoblastoma-related1 (rbr1) female gametophyte on seed coat development. In contrast with msi1, supernumerary nuclei in rbr1 female gametophytes originate mainly from the endosperm precursor lineage but do not express an endosperm fate marker. In addition, defects of the rbr1 female gametophyte also reduce cell proliferation in the ovule integuments before fertilization and prevent further differentiation of the seed coat. Our data suggest that coordinated development of the seed components relies on interactions before fertilization between the female gametophyte and the surrounding maternal ovule integuments and after fertilization between the endosperm and the seed coat.
Variable levels of carry over on platelet counts ≤20 × 109/l with the Bayer Advia 120
Authors: MEHMOOD S. , HINCHLIFFE R. F. , CLARK S. J. , BELLAMY G. J. , DENNIS M. W. , WELCH J. C. , VORA A. J. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryAccurate platelet counts are essential for the safe management of severe thrombocytopenia (platelet counts ≤20 × 109/l). The effect of carry over on platelet counting in severe thrombocytopenia was investigated by performing counts before and after saline rinses on three Bayer Advia 120 automated blood counters. Counts were performed in both primary and manual closed tube system modes on two instruments and in manual open tube mode on a third. A total of 194 samples with platelet counts ≤20 × 109/l were studied. First counts were significantly higher in all groups. The magnitude of the difference varied both by analyser and counting mode. Carry over was minimal with one analyser in primary mode and second counts were on average only 5.5% lower; on a second analyser in manual closed tube system mode second counts were on average 37.7% lower. A first count of ≥10 × 109/l fell to <10 × 109/l on the second count in 35 of 145 samples (24.1%). In five such samples, all tested on one analyser, the second count was <50% of the value of the first count. Two of 49 (4.1%) first counts of <10 × 109/l increased to ≥10 × 109/l on repeat. These results show a variable and often potentially clinically important carry‐over effect on severely thrombocytopenic samples using the Advia 120.
Anoplophora species in Europe: infestations and management processes1
Authors: Hérard F. , Ciampitti M. , Maspero M. , Krehan H. , Benker U. , Boegel C. , Schrage R. , Bouhot‐Delduc L. , Bialooki P. 
Published: December 2006

By the end of summer 2005, four sites of infestation by Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) had been detected in three European countries: Austria in 2001, at Braunau am Inn; France in 2003, at Gien, and in 2004, at Sainte‐Anne‐sur‐Brivet; and Germany in 2004, at Neukirchen am Inn. Two sites of infestation by Anoplophora chinensis have been detected in two European countries: Italy in 2000, at Parabiago, and France in 2003, at Soyons. The history of the A. glabripennis and A. chinensis discoveries is presented, as well as the respective management responses (monitoring and destruction of the infested trees). By the end of summer 2005, the eradication was not yet fully achieved in any of the four A. glabripennis‐infested sites. In contrast, no new A. chinensis‐infested trees had been found at Soyons, France, since 2003. At Parabiago, Italy, monitoring is taking place: the A. chinensis infestation affects 16 municipalities over more than 60 km2. By summer 2005, destruction on a large scale of the infested trees had not yet taken place, but tree‐cutting of more than 1000 trees had been planned for winter 2005‐06. Given the current substantial extent of the A. chinensis infestation near Milan, and the density of the established A. chinensis populations, there is a high probability that the status of the pest in Italy will soon be raised from ‘introduced’ to ‘invasive’.
Kinetics of serum and local cytokine profile in experimental intravaginal trichomoniasis induced with Trichomonas vaginalis isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic women
Authors: MALLA N. , YADAV M. , GUPTA I. 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARY Trichomoniasis, the most common non‐viral sexually transmitted disease, is caused by infection with the protist Trichomonas vaginalis. The clinical spectrum varies from an asymptomatic to a severe symptomatic state. However, the exact factors leading to varied symptomatology have not been well elucidated. The role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of many microbial diseases has been reported. The present study reports the cytokine levels (IL‐2, IL‐4, IFN‐γ) on different days post infection (3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th d.p.i.) in serum and vaginal washes (VWs) of mice infected intravaginally with T. vaginalis isolates from 15 symptomatic and 15 asymptomatic women. Significantly higher production of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ was observed on the 3rd to 28th d.p.i., and IL‐4 on the 7th to 21st d.p.i., in infected as compared to uninfected mice. A significant increase in cytokine IL‐2 and IFN‐γ was observed on the 3rd to 28th d.p.i. in serum and VWs of mice infected with T. vaginalis isolates from asymptomatic as compared to symptomatic women. IL‐2 (P < 0·001) and IFN‐γ (P < 0·05) concentrations were significantly higher on the 14th d.p.i. in serum samples as compared to VWs of mice infected with T. vaginalis isolates from asymptomatic and symptomatic women, while no significant difference was observed in IL‐4 concentration between the two groups of mice. The study indicates the involvement of a Th‐1 (IL‐2 and IFN‐γ) like response in mice infected with isolates from asymptomatic women as compared to symptomatic women and suggests that Th‐1 type cytokines might be playing a role in maintaining low levels of infection.
Successful vaccination against Onchocerca ochengi infestation in cattle using live Onchocerca volvulus infective larvae
Authors: ACHUKWI M. D. , HARNETT W. , ENYONG P. , RENZ A. 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARY Epidemiological evidence has led to the hypothesis that the concurrent and predominant transmission of Onchocerca ochengi by Simulium damnosum s.l. in sub‐Saharan Africa could lead to the protection of humans against onchocerciasis caused by Onchocerca volvulus (zooprophylaxis). To gain support for this hypothesis, we investigated whether exposure to O. volvulus could protect cattle from O. ochengi. Gudali calves were vaccinated with live O. volvulus‐infective larvae and subsequently challenged with O. ochengi‐infective larvae whilst raised in a fly‐proof house. Post‐challenge adult parasite and microfilaria development, IgG1 and lgG2 subclass antibodies response to Ov10/Ov11 recombinant Onchocerca antigens, and peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferative responses to O. ochengi crude antigens were studied over a 1‐year period. The vaccinated‐challenged animals had 83–87% less adult O. ochengi parasites than non‐vaccinated‐challenged animals. IgG1 and lgG2 antibodies to Ov10/Ov11 recombinant Onchocerca antigens were invoked by non‐vaccinated‐challenged animals but not by most (80%) of the vaccinated‐challenged animals. These findings support the idea of cross‐protection (zooprophylaxis) due to inoculation of humans with O. ochengi‐infective larvae under natural transmission conditions in endemic areas.
Trypanosoma congolense infections: MHC class II‐restricted immune responses mediate either protection or disease, depending on IL‐10 function
Authors: SHI M. Q. , WEI G. J. , TABEL H. 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARY BALB/c mice are highly susceptible and C57BL/6 relatively resistant to Trypanosoma congolense infections. Here we show that relatively resistant wild‐type B6 mice infected with T. congolense survive significantly longer (> 200 days) than infected major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II‐deficient B6 mice (∼50 days). We also show that blocking of the interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) receptor induces early death of wild‐type B6 mice infected with T. congolense (∼10 days), but does not affect the survival of infected MHC class II‐deficient B6 mice. We conclude that MHC class II‐restricted immune responses mediate protection and, when IL‐10 function is impaired, MHC class II‐restricted immune responses mediate early mortality in otherwise resistant B6 mice. Thus, in T. congolense infections, MHC class II‐restricted immune responses mediate either protection or disease, depending on IL‐10 function.
Phosphorylcholine mimics the effects of ES‐62 on macrophages and dendritic cells
Authors: GOODRIDGE H. S. , McGUINESS S. , HOUSTON K. M. , EGAN C. A. , AL‐RIYAMI L. , ALCOCER M. J. C. , HARNETT M. M. , HARNETT W. 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARY Modulation of macrophage/dendritic cell (DC) cytokine production by the filarial nematode phosphorylcholine (PC)‐containing product, ES‐62, is mediated by Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 and signal transduction depends on the TLR adaptor MyD88. Intriguingly, comparison of TLR4 knock‐out (ko) mice with TLR4 mutant C3H/HeJ mice indicates that ES‐62 cytokine responses are not dependent on the Pro712 residue of TLR4, which is crucial for the response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Because other immunomodulatory effects of ES‐62 have been attributed to PC we have now investigated, using PC conjugated to ovalbumin (PC‐Ova), whether PC is responsible for the interaction of ES‐62 with TLR4. PC‐Ova mimicked the modulation of interleukin (IL)‐12 production by ES‐62 in a TLR4‐ and MyD88‐dependent manner and as with native ES‐62, PC‐Ova effects were not dependent on Pro712. Furthermore, both native ES‐62 and PC‐Ova suppressed Akt phosphorylation, whereas neither altered the activation of p38 or Erk MAP kinases. To rule out any role for the ES‐62 protein component, we tested a PC‐free recombinant ES‐62 (rES‐62) generated in the yeast Pichia pastoris. Surprisingly, rES‐62 also modulated IL‐12 production, but in a TLR4/MyD88‐independent manner. Furthermore, rES‐62 strongly activated both the p38 and Erk MAP kinases and Akt. However, recent biophysical analysis suggests there are differences in folding/shape between native and rES‐62 and hence data obtained with the latter should be treated with caution. Nevertheless, although our study indicates that PC is likely to be primarily responsible for the modulation of cytokine production observed with native ES‐62, an immunomodulatory role for the protein component cannot be ruled out.
Remifentanil‐induced mechanical responses and membrane potential changes in human umbilical arteries
Authors: Unlugenc H. , Emre M. , Demir C. , Guler T. , Kavak S. , Isik G. 
Published: December 2006

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristic features of the mechanical responses and membrane potential changes induced by remifentanil in human umbilical arteries (HUAs). The ionic mechanisms underlying the electrophysiological responses were pharmacologically assessed using two K+ channel blockers.Methods:  Thirty‐eight HUAs were obtained. Contraction–relaxation, membrane potential changes and electrical responses of the HUAs were recorded.Results:  Remifentanil produced concentration‐dependent relaxation in both endothelium‐intact and endothelium‐denuded HUA rings. Remifentanil produced a significantly greater relaxation response in intact than in denuded HUA rings. In endothelium‐intact rings, pre‐treatment with L‐nitroarginine [Nw‐NITRO‐L‐ARGININE (L‐NO‐ARG)] or indomethacin decreased the degree of remifentanil‐induced relaxation. Remifentanil (10−9–10−6 mol/l) produced a transient concentration‐dependent membrane hyperpolarization, which was not decreased by pre‐treatment with L‐NO‐ARG or indomethacin. It also produced a small concentration‐dependent hyperpolarization in the presence of charybdotoxin or tetraethylammonium.Conclusion:  In both endothelium‐intact and endothelium‐denuded HUAs, remifentanil induces concentration‐dependent vasorelaxation and simultaneously releases nitric oxide, prostaglandins and possibly an endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor. In addition, it produces hyperpolarization in a dose‐dependent manner. Hyperpolarization induced by remifentanil involves the activation of Ca2+‐dependent and Ca2+‐independent potassium channels regulated by intracellular Ca2+.
Effect of adding sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, to metformin on 24‐h glycaemic control and β‐cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Brazg R. , Xu L. , Dalla Man C. , Cobelli C. , Thomas K. , Stein P. P. 
Published: December 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, on 24‐h glucose control when added to the regimen of patients with type 2 diabetes who had inadequate glycaemic control on metformin therapy.Methods:  In a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, two‐period crossover study, patients with type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycaemic control on metformin monotherapy (i.e. on a stable dose of ≥1500 mg/day for ≥6 weeks prior to the screening visit and an haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥6.5% and <10% and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≤240 mg/dl) were recruited for participation. A total of 28 patients (baseline HbA1c range = 6.5–9.6%) receiving metformin were randomized into one of two treatment sequences: the addition of placebo for 4 weeks followed by the addition of sitagliptin 50 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) for 4 weeks, or vice versa. At the end of each treatment period, patients were domiciled for frequent blood sampling over 24 h. The primary endpoint was 24‐h weighted mean glucose (WMG) and secondary endpoints included change in FPG, mean of 7 daily self‐blood glucose measurements (MDG) and fructosamine. β‐cell function was assessed from glucose and C‐peptide concentrations were measured during the 5‐h period after a standard breakfast meal by using the C‐peptide minimal model.Results:  Despite a carryover effect from period 1 to period 2, the combined period 1 and period 2 results for glycaemic endpoints were statistically significant for sitagliptin relative to placebo when added to ongoing metformin therapy. To account for the carryover effect, the period 1 results were also compared between the groups. Following period 1, there were significant least‐squares (LS) mean reductions in 24‐h WMG of 32.8 mg/dl, significant LS mean reduction from baseline in MDG of 28 mg/dl, FPG of 20.3 mg/dl and fructosamine of 33.7 mmol/l in patients treated with sitagliptin relative to placebo (p < 0.05). When added to ongoing metformin therapy, parameters of β‐cell function were significantly improved with sitagliptin compared with placebo. No weight gain or increases in gastrointestinal adverse events or hypoglycaemia events were observed with sitagliptin relative to placebo during this study.Conclusions:  In this study, the addition of sitagliptin 50 mg b.i.d. to ongoing metformin therapy improved 24‐h glycaemic control and β‐cell function, and was generally well tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes.