bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Stress-ResponsiveCIPKGenes in Rice for Stress Tolerance Improvement
Authors: Xiang Yong , Huang Yuemin , Xiong Lizhong 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPlants respond to adverse environments by initiating a series of signaling processes that often involves diverse protein kinases, including calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs). In this study, putative CIPK genes (OsCIPK01–OsCIPK30) in the rice (Oryza sativa) genome were surveyed for their transcriptional responses to various abiotic stresses. The results showed that 20 OsCIPK genes were differentially induced by at least one of the stresses, including drought, salinity, cold, polyethylene glycol, and abscisic acid treatment. Most of the genes induced by drought or salt stress were also induced by abscisic acid treatment but not by cold. A few CIPK genes containing none of the reported stress-responsive cis-elements in their promoter regions were also induced by multiple stresses. To prove that some of these stress-responsive OsCIPK genes are potentially useful for stress-tolerance improvement, three CIPK genes (OsCIPK03, OsCIPK12, and OsCIPK15) were overexpressed in japonica rice ‘Zhonghua 11’. Transgenic plants overexpressing the transgenes OsCIPK03, OsCIPK12, and OsCIPK15 showed significantly improved tolerance to cold, drought, and salt stress, respectively. Under cold and drought stresses, OsCIPK03- and OsCIPK12-overexpressing transgenic plants accumulated significantly higher contents of proline and soluble sugars than the wild type. Putative proline synthetase and transporter genes had significantly higher expression level in the transgenic plants than in the wild type. The differentially induced expression of OsCIPK genes by different stresses and the examples of improved stress tolerance of the OsCIPK transgenic rice suggest that rice CIPK genes have diverse roles in different stress responses and some of them may possess potential usefulness in stress-tolerance improvement of rice.
Structure and Function of a Mitochondrial Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein Are Revealed by Desiccation
Authors: Tolleter Dimitri , Jaquinod Michel , Mangavel Cécile , Passirani Catherine , Saulnier Patrick , Manon Stephen , Teyssier Emeline , Payet Nicole , Avelange-Macherel Marie-Hélène , Macherel David 
Published: May 2007

AbstractFew organisms are able to withstand desiccation stress; however, desiccation tolerance is widespread among plant seeds. Survival without water relies on an array of mechanisms, including the accumulation of stress proteins such as the late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins. These hydrophilic proteins are prominent in plant seeds but also found in desiccation-tolerant organisms. In spite of many theories and observations, LEA protein function remains unclear. Here, we show that LEAM, a mitochondrial LEA protein expressed in seeds, is a natively unfolded protein, which reversibly folds into α-helices upon desiccation. Structural modeling revealed an analogy with class A amphipathic helices of apolipoproteins that coat low-density lipoprotein particles in mammals. LEAM appears spontaneously modified by deamidation and oxidation of several residues that contribute to its structural features. LEAM interacts with membranes in the dry state and protects liposomes subjected to drying. The overall results provide strong evidence that LEAM protects the inner mitochondrial membrane during desiccation. According to sequence analyses of several homologous proteins from various desiccation-tolerant organisms, a similar protection mechanism likely acts with other types of cellular membranes.
Analysis of mtDNA sequences shows Japanese native chickens have multiple origins
Authors: Oka T. , Ino Y. , Nomura K. , Kawashima S. , Kuwayama T. , Hanada H. , Amano T. , Takada M. , Takahata N. , Hayashi Y. , Akishinonomiya F. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryIn this study, we analysed the mitochondrial DNA D‐loop region of Japanese native chickens to clarify their phylogenetic relationships, possible maternal origin and routes of introduction into Japan. Seven haplogroups (Types A–G) were identified. Types A–C were observed in Jidori, Shokoku and related breeds. However, Type C was absent in Shokoku, which was introduced from China, while most Indonesian native chickens were included in the Type C haplogroup. Types D–G were observed in Shamo and related breeds. Type E had a close genetic relationship with Chinese native chickens. Our results indicate that some breeds were not introduced into Japan as suggested in conventional literature, based on low nucleotide diversity of certain chicken breeds. Sequences originating from China and Korea could be clearly distinguished from those originating from Southeast Asia. In each group, domestic chickens were divided into the Jidori‐Shokoku and Shamo groups. These results indicate that Chinese and Korean chickens were derived from Southeast Asia. Following the domestication of red junglefowl, a non‐game type chicken was developed, and it spread to China. A game type chicken was developed in each area. Both non‐game and game chickens formed the foundation of Japanese native chickens.
Differential gene expression of aldolase C (ALDOC) and hypoxic adaptation in chickens
Authors: Wang C. F. , Yuan C. Z. , Wang S. H. , Zhang H. , Hu X. X. , Zhang L. , Wu C. , Li N. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryTwo sequence variants of the aldolase C (ALDOC) gene were discovered based on comparison of the sequences from an altiplano chicken breed (Tibetan chicken) and two lowland breeds (White Leghorn and ShouGuang). Gel‐shift results indicated that one of these variants, L25375:c.310‐258G>A, was able to bind hypoxia‐induced factor‐l (HIF1A), therefore, functioning as a hypoxia response element (HRE). The combined activity of the HRE and HIF1A could increase under the influence of a hypoxic stimulus. Hypoxia leads to increased death rates of chicken embryos, while the L25375:c.310‐258G>A described herein is prevalent in healthy embryos grown under hypoxic conditions. Fluorescence quantitative real‐time PCR results revealed that HIF1A upregulated the transcript level of the glycolytic enzyme ALDOC in the brain and skeletal muscle of animals subjected to hypoxia. Thus, a large amount of ATP is produced by increased glycolysis, allowing the organism to meet energy metabolism demands. As such, we believe this sequence variant is an adaptation to external anoxic environment.
Leukaemia‐related gene expression in bone marrow cells from patients with the preleukaemic disorder Shwachman–Diamond syndrome
Authors: Rujkijyanont Piya , Beyene Joseph , Wei Kuiru , Khan Fahad , Dror Yigal 
Published: May 2007

SummaryShwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS) is an inherited bone marrow failure disorder with cytopenia and a high propensity for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and leukaemia, particularly acute myeloid leukaemia. The mechanism of leukaemogenesis in SDS is unknown. In accordance to the multi‐hit theory of carcinogenesis, it is likely that several molecular and cellular hits occur before MDS/leukaemia become apparent. This study used oligonucleotide microarray to identify gene expression patterns, which were shown to be associated with leukaemogenesis, in marrow mononuclear cells of nine SDS patients without overt transformation compared to healthy controls. Among 154 known leukaemia‐related genes, several oncogenes were found to be upregulated, including LARG, TAL1 and MLL, and of several tumour suppressor genes were downregulated, including DLEU1, RUNX1, FANCD2 and DKC1. Real time polymerase chain reaction confirmed statistically higher expression of LARG and TAL1 in SDS marrows. We conclude that SDS marrow mononuclear cells exhibit abnormal gene expression patterns, which might result in continuous stimulation favouring evolution or progression of malignant clones. Additional molecular and cytogenetic events are probably necessary for the malignant process to be irreversible and complete.
Advances in the understanding of susceptibility to treatment‐related acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Seedhouse Claire , Russell Nigel 
Published: May 2007

SummaryTreatment‐related acute myeloid leukaemia (t‐AML) is a devastating complication following exposure to the cytotoxic and genotoxic agents used to treat a primary malignancy. Whilst the incidence of t‐AML is rising, it still only occurs in a minority of patients who have received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment and hence it is important to identify factors that may confer susceptibility to the development of the condition. This paper reviews the literature and discusses the advances and limitations in our understanding of susceptibility factors to t‐AML. In particular, it concentrates upon genetic polymorphisms in detoxification genes and in genes belonging to the major DNA repair pathways. This review also considers more novel susceptibility factors, such as those proposed to determine stem cell number. Increased understanding of t‐AML susceptibility may enable steps to be taken to prevent its development and increase the effectiveness of treatment of the disease.
High serum levels of B‐lymphocyte stimulator are associated with clinical–pathological features and outcome in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Tecchio C. , Nadali G. , Scapini P. , Bonetto C. , Visco C. , Tamassia N. , Vassilakopoulos T. P. , Pangalis G. A. , Calzetti F. , Nardelli B. , Roschke V. , Gottardi M. , Zampieri F. , Gherlinzoni F. , Facchetti F. , Pizzolo G. , Cassatella M. A. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryB‐lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) acts as survival factor for B lymphocytes. As Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg (HRS) cells express receptors through which BLyS promotes their growth and chemotherapy resistance, we investgated whether this molecule was increased in sera from patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and whether it correlates with clinical‐pathological features and outcomes. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure soluble BLyS (sBLyS) in sera from 87 patients and 33 donors; higher levels were detected in patients (mean ± standard error 4493·9 ± 264·9 pg/ml vs. 2687·0 ± 200·9 pg/ml; P < 0·0001). Levels above the median value (4242·0 pg/ml) were associated with age ≥45 years (P = 0·042), advanced stages of disease (P = 0·005), systemic symptoms (P = 0·014) and extranodal involvement (P = 0·009). Five‐year failure‐free survival (FFS) of patients with sBLyS below or equal to median levels was 88·6% as compared to 65·1% of those with levels above the median (P = 0·009). Statistical analyses confirmed the prognostic significance of sBLyS (P = 0·046). When patients were analysed according to variables associated with high levels, sBLyS showed an independent predictive power in terms of FFS. Our findings support the involvement of BLyS in cHL pathogenesis. The association between high serum levels and an inferior FFS indicates that sBLyS is a possible prognostic predictor with a potential significance as a therapeutic target.
Responses of larval dragonflies to conspecific and heterospecific predator cues
Authors: FERRIS GAVIN , RUDOLF VOLKER H. W. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract 1. In cannibalistic populations, smaller individuals are subject to predation by larger conspecifics, and small individuals commonly alter their behaviour in response to cannibals. Little is known, however, about the underlying cues that trigger such responses and how the behavioural responses to conspecific cannibals differ from heterospecific predators.2. This study tests which cues are used for the detection of conspecific predators in the larva of the dragonfly Plathemis lydia and how the behavioural response to cannibals differed from the response to heterospecific predators.3. Individuals were exposed to chemical cues, visual cues, and a combination of both cues from conspecifics as well as no predator and heterospecific predator controls during which their activity and feeding rates were observed.4. Individuals increased their activity, spatial movement and feeding behaviour in response to either visual or chemical cues from conspecific predators, which was opposite to responses displayed with cues from heterospecific predators. Interestingly, the responses to visual and chemical cues from conspecifics combined were weaker than to either cue in isolation and similar to the no cue control.5. The results clearly indicate that individuals are able to use chemical and visual cues to detect even very subtle differences in phenotype of conspecific predators.6. The opposite response in behaviour when exposed to conspecific cannibals vs. heterospecific predators suggests that the presence of cannibals will increase the mortality risk of small individuals due to heterospecific predation. This risk‐enhancement is likely to have important consequences for the dynamics of predator–prey interactions.
Achieving high sexual size dimorphism in insects: females add instars
Authors: ESPERK TOOMAS , TAMMARU TOOMAS , NYLIN SÖREN , TEDER TIIT 
Published: May 2007

Abstract 1. In arthropods, the evolution of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) may be constrained by a physiological limit on growth within each particular larval instar. A high SSD could, however, be attained if the larvae of the larger sex pass through a higher number of larval instars.2. Based on a survey of published case studies, the present review shows that sex‐related difference in the number of instars is a widespread phenomenon among insects. In the great majority of species with a sexually dimorphic instar number, females develop through a higher number of instars than males.3. Female‐biased sexual dimorphism in final sizes in species with sexually dimorphic instar number was found to considerably exceed a previously estimated median value of SSD for insects in general. This suggests a causal connection between high female‐biased SSD, and additional instars in females. Adding an extra instar to larval development allows an insect to increase its adult size at the expense of prolonged larval development.4. As in the case of additional instars, SSD is fully formed late in ontogeny, larval growth schedules and imaginal sizes can be optimised independently. No conflict between selective pressures operating in juvenile and adult stages is therefore expected.5. In most species considered, the number of instars also varied within the sexes. Phenotypic plasticity in instar number may thus be a precondition for a sexual difference in instar number to evolve.
Competition trade‐offs in the organisation of a Mediterranean ant assemblage
Authors: SANTINI GIACOMO , TUCCI LORENZO , OTTONETTI LORENZO , FRIZZI FILIPPO 
Published: May 2007

Abstract 1. The organisation of an ant assemblage inhabiting an olive orchard in central Italy was analysed and patterns of dominance among ant species were described in order to assess (i) the relationship between thermal dependency and degree of behavioural dominance, and (ii) the relationship between dominance and discovery ability.2. Activity patterns of the most abundant species on trees were examined in a sample of 120 trees during spring and summer. The degree of behavioural dominance and the ability of different species to discover new food sources were assessed using tuna baiting on a subset of 80 trees.3. Different ant species showed contrasting patterns of activity. Some species (such as Lasius lasioides, Camponotus lateralis, and Camponotus piceus) were most active during the warmer part of the day, while others restricted their activity to the cooler hours (Camponotus aethiops and Plagiolepis pygmaea). Some species (such as Crematogaster scutellaris) were active irrespective of the time of day.4. No clear relationship was observed between temperature of maximal activity and degree of behavioural dominance. There was, however, a positive relationship between behavioural dominance and thermal range of activity. A positive relationship between dominance and ability to find resources, with the most behaviourally dominant and aggressive species being most efficient in finding food items, was also observed.5. The results support the idea that the temperature–dominance relationship is much more complex in Mediterranean‐type habitats than in other ecosystems. Of particular interest is the positive dominance–discovery relationship. This finding contrasts with previous investigations, which reported a negative relationship between dominance and discovery ability and suggested that this pattern plays a role in promoting the coexistence of species in ant communities.
ADMA correlates with portal pressure in patients with compensated cirrhosis
Authors: Vizzutti F. , Romanelli R. G. , Arena U. , Rega L. , Brogi M. , Calabresi C. , Masini E. , Tarquini R. , Zipoli M. , Boddi V. , Marra F. , Laffi G. , Pinzani M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground  Chronic liver diseases are frequently complicated by portal hypertension, an important component of which is the increased intrahepatic vascular resistance, in part related to endothelial dysfunction. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase, is an established mediator and marker of endothelial dysfunction. We therefore investigated the possible implication of ADMA in chronic liver diseases‐induced portal hypertension.Materials and methods  We studied 39 consecutive patients with compensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) related chronic liver diseases. All patients underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement, and simultaneous blood sampling from the hepatic vein and the pulmonary artery, for ADMA and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) plasma level determinations.Results  A positive correlation between HVPG and ADMA concentrations in hepatic veins (ADMA‐h) was found (r = 0·77, P < 0·0001). Moreover, a negative correlation between HVPG and NOx concentrations in the hepatic veins (NO‐h) (r = −0·50, P = 0·005), and between ADMA‐h and NO‐h was observed (r = −0·40, P = 0·02). ADMA concentrations in pulmonary artery (ADMA‐p) (0·55 ± 0·13 µmol L−1) were significantly higher than in hepatic veins (0·47 ± 0·09 µmol L−1) (P < 0·0001).Conclusions  These results suggest that ADMA may play a pathophysiological role in portal hypertension by contributing to the relative intrahepatic NO deficiency typical of endothelial dysfunction.
Tolerization of an established αB‐crystallin‐reactive T‐cell response by intravenous antigen
Authors: Verbeek Richard , Van Der Mark Koen , Wawrousek Eric F. , Plomp Arianne C. , Van Noort Johannes M. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryTolerance induction to prevent activation of a naïve T‐cell repertoire has been well documented in rodents and can be readily achieved by intravenous, oral or intranasal administration of antigen in the absence of adjuvants. In autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) the presence of an established memory/effector T‐cell repertoire against self‐antigens is likely to be more relevant than the potential reactivity of naive T cells. Methods to eliminate such an established T‐cell response are less well understood. In this study, we explored the effectiveness of intravenous soluble antigen to eliminate a pre‐existing T‐cell response against αB‐crystallin, a candidate autoantigen in MS. We used mice that are deficient for the target antigen. This condition allowed for a vigourous T‐cell and antibody response to develop upon immunization, and eliminated all possible endogenous mechanisms of tolerance for αB‐crystallin that are found in normal rodents. When applied 3 weeks after priming with αB‐crystallin, intravenous administration of soluble antigen almost completely abrogated the established T‐cell response in a dose‐dependent manner as evidenced by T‐cell non‐responsiveness in tolerized animals to a re‐challenge with antigen in complete Freund's adjuvant. Evaluating delayed‐type hypersensitivity responses after tolerance induction revealed that the tolerizing effect was achieved within 24 hr. Furthermore, the tolerizing effect was found to be antigen‐specific and long lasting. In contrast, serum antibody levels were markedly increased. Our data clarify that in the absence of any natural form of immune regulation, antigen‐specific memory/effector T cells can be effectively silenced by intravenous antigen.
Measuring individualized nursing care: assessment of reliability and validity of three scales
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Schmidt Lee A. , Radwin Laurel 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Title. Measuring individualized nursing care: assessment of reliability and validity of three scales Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to assess the reliability and convergent validity of three measures of nursing care individualization.Background.  Individualized care is a key element of nursing care quality, yet little is known about the extent to which it is implemented, its effects, and the factors that help or hinder nurses in giving individualized care. Therefore reliable and valid instruments are needed to measure individualized nursing care.Method.  A cross‐sectional correlational survey design was used. The purposive sample consisted of 861 patients from six hospitals in Finland (response rate 82%). Data were collected in 2004. The Individualized Care Scale was administered simultaneously with translated versions of the Schmidt's Perceptions of Nursing Care Survey and the Oncology Patients’ Perceptions of the Quality of Nursing Care Scale. Internal consistency reliability and convergent validity were assessed for each scale.Findings.  Evidence for convergent validity was identified between the Individualized Care Scale (part A/B), the Individualization subscale (r = 0·64 with Part A, r = 0·66 with part B) and the Seeing the Individual Patient subscale (r = 0·68 with part A, r = 0·71 with part B). Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0·97 for the Individualized Care Scale, 0·82 for Seeing the Individual Patient and 0·87 for the Individualization subscale.Conclusion.  Data provided preliminary evidence for the convergent validity of the individualized care scales, as well as acceptable internal consistency reliability for each scale. These scales represent useful measures for assessing patients’ perceptions of the individualization of nursing care received.
Caring for older people with dementia in residential care: nursing students’ experiences
Authors: Robinson Andrew , Cubit Katrina 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTitle. Caring for older people with dementia in residential care: nursing students’ experiencesAim. This paper is a report of selected findings from two projects aimed at improving nursing students’ experiences of caring for older people in elder care settings.Background. With a growing number of older people the prevalence of dementia is rapidly increasing, such that it is now a primary reason for admission to residential care. This has implications for the preparation and support of nursing students on clinical placements as people with dementia represent a key focus of their nursing activities.Method. Two projects were conducted in Tasmania between 2001 and 2005, involving 87 second year Bachelor of Nursing students who participated in 3‐week clinical placements in eight residential elder care facilities. During the placements, students and their mentors participated in a series of weekly focus group discussions to explore their experiences of caring for residents with dementia. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted.Findings. Staff in the facilities struggled to support students effectively and often failed to recognize that students found residents’ behaviour disturbing. Despite having some theoretical understanding of dementia, students reported being unsure of how to respond to residents and often felt scared and intimidated.Conclusion. Better preparation and support are needed for students on placements involving residents with dementia. Feasible strategies for more effective support include increased curriculum content about caring for people with dementia, and improved collaboration between university schools of nursing and settings for care of older people.