bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the sucrose synthase gene family in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bieniawska Zuzanna , Paul Barratt D. H. , Garlick Andrew P. , Thole Vera , Kruger Nicholas J. , Martin Cathie , Zrenner Rita , Smith Alison M. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe properties and expression patterns of the six isoforms of sucrose synthase in Arabidopsis are described, and their functions are explored through analysis of T‐DNA insertion mutants. The isoforms have generally similar kinetic properties. Although there is variation in sensitivity to substrate inhibition by fructose this is unlikely to be of major physiological significance. No two isoforms have the same spatial and temporal expression patterns. Some are highly expressed in specific locations, whereas others are more generally expressed. More than one isoform is expressed in all organs examined. Mutant plants lacking individual isoforms have no obvious growth phenotypes, and are not significantly different from wild‐type plants in starch, sugar and cellulose content, seed weight or seed composition under the growth conditions employed. Double mutants lacking the pairs of similar isoforms sus2 and sus3, and sus5 and sus6, are also not significantly different in these respects from wild‐type plants. These results are surprising in the light of the marked phenotypes observed when individual isoforms are eliminated in crop plants including pea, maize, potato and cotton. A sus1/sus4 double mutant grows normally in well‐aerated conditions, but shows marked growth retardation and accumulation of sugars when roots are subjected to hypoxia. The sucrose synthase activity in roots of this mutant is 3% or less of wild‐type activity. Thus under well‐aerated conditions sucrose mobilization in the root can proceed almost entirely via invertases without obvious detriment to the plant, but under hypoxia there is a specific requirement for sucrose synthase activity.
Cuticular defects lead to full immunity to a major plant pathogen
Authors: Chassot Céline , Nawrath Christiane , Métraux Jean‐Pierre 
Published: January 2007

SummaryIn addition to its role as a barrier, the cuticle is also a source of signals perceived by invading fungi. Cuticular breakdown products have been shown previously to be potent inducers of cutinase or developmental processes in fungal pathogens. Here the question was addressed as to whether plants themselves can perceive modifications of the cuticle. This was studied using Arabidopsis thaliana plants with altered cuticular structure. The expression of a cell wall‐targeted fungal cutinase in A. thaliana was found to provide total immunity to Botrytis cinerea. The response observed in such cutinase‐expressing plants is independent of signal transduction pathways involving salicylic acid, ethylene or jasmonic acid. It is accompanied by the release of a fungitoxic activity and increased expression of members of the lipid transfer protein, peroxidase and protein inhibitor gene families that provide resistance when overexpressed in wild‐type plants. The same experiments were made in the bodyguard (bdg) mutant of A. thaliana. This mutant exhibits cuticular defects and remained free of symptoms after inoculation with B. cinerea. The expression of resistance was accompanied by the release of a fungitoxic activity and increased expression of the same genes as observed in cutinase‐expressing plants. Structural defects of the cuticle can thus be converted into an effective multi‐factorial defence, and reveal a hitherto hidden aspect of the innate immune response of plants.
Change in pancreatic B‐cell function (HOMA‐B) varies in different populations with similar genetic backgrounds but different environments
Authors: Heald A. H. , Anderson S. G. , Patel J. , Rudenski A. , Vyas A. , Yates A. , Hughes E. , Prabharakan D. , Reddy S. , Durrington P. , Gibson J. M. , Bhatnagar D. , Cruickshank J. K. , Laing I. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective  To determine whether pancreatic B‐cell function varies in different populations with similar genetic backgrounds but different environments.Research design/methods  We compared a specific migrant Gujarati community in the UK (n = 205) with people still resident in the same villages of origin in Gujarat, India (n = 246). Pancreatic B‐cell function (HOMA‐B) was determined and the influence of age, migration and other factors was explored.Results  As anticipated, there was an age‐related decline in log(HOMA‐B) in both groups. However, the age‐related fall in log(HOMA‐B) was more pronounced in the UK than in Gujarat (normalized β−0.29 vs. −0.14, P for difference = 0.03). The decline of HOMA‐B with age persisted after adjustment for body mass index (UK β = −0.31; Gujarat β = −0.16, P = 0.015, P < 0.001). There was no significant change in insulin sensitivity (HOMA‐S) with age at either site, although insulin sensitivity was lower in the UK. Fasting non‐estrified fatty acid (NEFA) levels rose with age in the UK but not in Gujarat (P = 0.003 for difference in gradients). In multiple linear regression analysis, lower log(HOMA‐B) was independently associated with higher fasting log(NEFA) levels; normalized β = −0.24, P < 0.001, age; β = −0.16, P = 0.005, higher log(insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1); β = −0.19, P = 0.007 and lower body mass index; β = 0.26, P = 0.001. This model accounted for 25% of the variability in HOMA‐B.Conclusions  HOMA‐B as a measure of B‐cell function declines more rapidly with age in the migrant UK group than in Gujarat. This may be a direct consequence of chronically higher NEFA exposure in the UK group.
Prevalence of autoimmune diseases in islet transplant candidates with severe hypoglycaemia and glycaemic lability: previously undiagnosed coeliac and autoimmune thyroid disease is identified by screening
Authors: Walter M. , McDonald C. G. , Paty B. W. , Shapiro A. M. J. , Ryan E. A. , Senior P. A. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAims  Autoimmune diseases such as Addison's or coeliac disease can contribute to hypoglycaemia or malabsorption and are more common in Type 1 diabetes (T1DM). This brief report describes the prevalence of known and newly detected autoimmune disease in clinical islet transplant candidates with longstanding T1DM and severe hypoglycaemia and/or glycaemic lability who are routinely screened for coexisting autoimmune disease.Methods  One hundred and twenty‐four C‐peptide negative T1DM subjects [77 (62%) female, mean age 44 ± 9 years, diabetes duration 28 ± 11 years, body mass index 24.9 ± 3.5 kg/m2] with indications for clinical islet transplantation at the University of Alberta were screened for autoimmune disease by history and measurement of anti‐transglutaminase antibodies (positive > 10 U/ml), 09.00 h cortisol (followed by adrenocorticotrophic hormone‐stimulation if < 495 nmol/l) and thyroid‐stimulating hormone to determine the prevalence of coeliac disease, Addison's disease and autoimmune thyroid disease, respectively.Results  Forty per cent of subjects had one or more coexisting autoimmune disease. The prevalence of autoimmune disease was 35%, coeliac disease 8% and Addison's disease 1.6%. In 11 individuals (9%), one or more autoimmune disease were newly detected (seven coeliac disease and five thyroid disease). Seven of 10 cases of coeliac disease were newly detected. A gluten‐free diet in individuals with newly diagnosed coeliac disease reduced gastrointestinal symptoms, but indications for clinical islet cell transplantation persisted.Conclusions  Coexisting autoimmune disease is common in candidates for clinical islet cell transplantation. Screening in this group identified a substantial number of previously unrecognized cases. Clinicians should consider the presence of autoimmune disease even in the absence of classical symptoms.
Prognostic role of B‐type natriuretic peptide in patients with diabetes and acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Aspromonte N. , Feola M. , Milli M. , Scardovi A. B. , Coletta C. , Carbonieri E. , Giovinazzo P. , Di Giacomo T. , Barro S. , Rosso G. L. , Ceci V. , Milani L. , Valle R. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  Several studies have reported the prognostic value of natriuretic peptides, but their predictive value in patients with diabetes mellitus is unknown. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that measurement of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in ambulatory patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and diabetes can predict the occurrence of cardiovascular events at 6‐month follow‐up.Methods  We enrolled 145 consecutive patient with diabetes [age 72 ± 9 years, hypertension (21%), ischaemic heart disease (52%), atrial fibrillation (22%), preserved left ventricular function (29%)] seen in the outpatient heart failure clinic after an acute episode of cardiac failure.Results  The median (25th/75th interquartile range) BNP concentrations at discharge were 186 (75–348) pg/ml. At 6‐month clinical follow‐up 10/145 (7%) subjects had died and 31/145 (21%) had been readmitted because of cardiac decompensation. BNP values of 200 and 500 pg/ml were found to have the best compromise between sensitivity (88 and 46%, respectively) and specificity (71 and 89%, respectively) for predicting events at 6 months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified only two parameters as predictors of events: serum creatinine [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.3; P = 0.02], and BNP plasma level BNP cut‐off values (HR = 3.8; P = 0.03 for 201–499 pg/ml and HR = 7.7; P = 0.001 for ≥ 500 pg/ml).Conclusion  These results suggest that BNP and serum creatinine are strong predictors of clinical events in patients with diabetes and CHF. In these patients, clinical outcome might be stratified by plasma BNP levels.
Mechanisms of protective effects induced by blockade of the renin–angiotensin system: novel role of the pancreatic islet angiotensin‐generating system in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Leung P. S. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractLarge clinical trials have shown that inhibition of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) can delay and/or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in high‐risk individuals, such as those with hypertension or chronic heart failure. Moreover, a meta‐analysis of these randomized clinical studies concluded that the mean weighted relative risk of development of T2DM was reduced by 25% in those patients treated with angiotensin II receptor blockers or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors. In spite of these firm clinical data, the mechanistic pathways mediating the protective activity of RAS blockade have yet to be resolved. Of particular interest is the recently identified local pancreatic RAS and, perhaps more importantly, the finding that it is up‐regulated in animal models of T2DM. This putative local RAS may regulate pancreatic islet blood flow, oxygen tension, and islet (pro)insulin biosynthesis. It might also mediate the generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby causing oxidative stress‐induced pancreatic β‐cell apoptosis and fibrosis. Moreover, findings that RAS blockade improved β‐cell secretory function and cell mass in experimental animal models of Type 2 diabetes indicate that inhibition of RAS activation may play a pivotal role in protecting islet cell function, and furthermore may prevent the development of overt T2DM. Such data supporting the involvement of the local pancreatic RAS in islet function, as well as a causal relationship between RAS activation and T2DM, and RAS induced β‐cell dysfunction, mandate further investigation into the role of RAS in the pathogenesis of the progressive islet impairment observed in patients with T2DM.
Loan Loss Provisions by Banks in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore
Authors: Eng Li Li , Nabar Sandeep 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis paper studies loan loss disclosures by banks in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore for the period 1993 through 2000. We find that unexpected loan loss provisions are positively related to bank stock returns and future cash flows. This indicates that Asian bank managers increase loan loss provisions to signal favorable cash flow prospects, and bank investors bid bank stock prices up when unexpected provisions are positive. These results are consistent with those obtained by Wahlen (1994) for US banks. We also examine the impact of the Asian financial crisis of 1997 on the loan loss variables. The results indicate that the association between the unexpected loan loss provisions and bank stock returns and future cash flows was significantly lower in the crisis years, relative to the non‐crisis period. Evidently, discretionary loan loss provisions had no signaling value during the crisis. This suggests that macroeconomic uncertainty influenced the strategic behavior of Asian bank managers and investors.
A comparison of direct vs. self‐report measures for assessing height, weight and body mass index: a systematic review
Authors: Gorber S. Connor , Tremblay M. , Moher D. , Gorber B. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryObesity is a rapidly increasing public health problem, with surveillance most often based on self‐reported values of height and weight. We conducted a systematic review to determine what empirical evidence exists regarding the agreement between objective (measured) and subjective (reported) measures in assessing height, weight and body mass index (BMI). Five electronic databases were searched to identify observational and experimental studies on adult populations over the age of 18. Searching identified 64 citations that met the eligibility criteria and examined the relationship between self‐reported and directly measured height or weight. Overall, the data show trends of under‐reporting for weight and BMI and over‐reporting for height, although the degree of the trend varies for men and women and the characteristics of the population being examined. Standard deviations were large indicating that there is a great deal of individual variability in reporting of results. Combining the results quantitatively was not possible because of the poor reporting of outcomes of interest. Accurate estimation of these variables is important as data from population studies such as those included in this review are often used to generate regional and national estimates of overweight and obesity and are in turn used by decision makers to allocate resources and set priorities in health.
Polymorphisms in adiponectin receptor genes ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 and insulin resistance
Authors: Crimmins N. A. , Martin L. J. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryAdiponectin plays an important role in insulin sensitivity via adiponectin receptor 1 and 2 signalling. To date, six genetic association studies have examined the role of polymorphisms in the adiponectin receptor 1 and 2 genes (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. These studies are summarized in this review along with unpublished data from the authors. In addition, these polymorphism studies are used to illustrate some of the potential pitfalls and reasons for poor reproducibility of findings in genetic association studies.
A test of the efficacy of whole‐genome amplification on DNA obtained from low‐yield samples
Authors: GUNN MELISSA R. , HARTNUP KATIE , BOUTIN STAN , SLATE JON , COLTMAN DAVID W. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractConservation and population genetic studies are sometimes hampered by insufficient quantities of high quality DNA. One potential way to overcome this problem is through the use of whole genome amplification (WGA) kits. We performed rolling circle WGA on DNA obtained from matched hair and tissue samples of North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). Following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at four microsatellite loci, we compared genotyping success for DNA from different source tissues, both pre‐ and post‐WGA. Genotypes obtained with tissue were robust, whether or not DNA had been subjected to WGA. DNA extracted from hair produced results that were largely concordant with matched tissue samples, although amplification success was reduced and some allelic dropout was observed. WGA of hair samples resulted in a low genotyping success rate and an unacceptably high rate of allelic dropout and genotyping error. The problem was not rectified by conducting PCR of WGA hair samples in triplicate. Therefore, we conclude that WGA is only an effective method of enhancing template DNA quantity when the initial sample is from high‐yield material.
Renal hemodynamic and diuretic effects of low‐dosage dopamine in anesthetized cats
Authors: Wohl James S. , Schwartz Dean D. , Flournoy W. Shannon , Clark Terrence P. , Wright James C. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the effects of low‐dosage (3 μg/kg/min) dopamine on urine output, renal blood flow, creatinine clearance, sodium excretion, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in healthy anesthetized cats.Design:Controlled experimental study.Setting:University experimental laboratory.Animals:Twelve random‐bred 2–4‐year‐old cats.Interventions:Anesthesia, laparotomy for renal artery blood flow measurement, and arterial and venous catheterization.Measurements:Heart rate (HR), MAP, renal blood flow, urine output, sodium excretion, fractional sodium excretion, and creatinine clearance.Main results:No significant difference in urine output, sodium excretion, HR, or creatinine clearance occurred in cats receiving low‐dosage dopamine. A transient decrease in the mean arterial blood pressure occurred in cats receiving dopamine.Conclusions:Low‐dosage dopamine cannot be expected to induce diuresis in healthy cats. Low‐dosage dopamine may cause vasodilation in non‐renal vascular beds.
Suspected relative adrenal insufficiency in a critically ill cat
Authors: Durkan Samuel , De Laforcade Armelle , Rozanski Elizabeth , Rush John E. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective:To describe a case of likely relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) in a cat with critical illness.Case summary:A cat recovering from polytrauma developed hypotension unresponsive to intravenous fluid support and vasopressor therapy. An adrenocorticotropin hormone stimulation test documented insufficient adrenal function. Treatment with exogenous low‐dose glucocorticoids in addition to standard therapies resulted in rapid hemodynamic and clinical improvement. The cat ultimately recovered and was weaned from supplemental glucocorticoids.New or unique information provided:This is the first report of changes consistent with acquired RAI in a cat with critical illness.
Pyometra with inguinal herniation of the left uterine horn and omentum in a Beagle dog
Authors: Byers Christopher G. , Williams Jarod E. , Saylor David K. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective: To describe a unique case of pyometra with inguinal herniation of the left uterine horn and omentum.Case summary: A 7‐year‐old, 19 kg, intact female Beagle dog presented for surgical treatment of presumptive pyometra and biopsy of a caudal abdominal mass in the left inguinal mammary gland region. Ventral midline celiotomy was performed, and a distended, fluid‐filled uterus with passage of the distal aspect of the left uterine horn through the left vaginal process into the inguinal canal was identified. The patient recovered uneventfully following ovariohysterectomy and left inguinal herniorrhaphy.New or unique information provided: This is the first documented report of inguinal herniation of a uterine horn associated with a pyometra.
A rodenticide exposed and bleeding Beagle dog with hereditary factor VII deficiency
Authors: Daly Meredith L. , Giger Urs 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective: To report a complex presentation of an acquired and hereditary coagulopathy in a dog.Case summary: A 5‐year‐old spayed female Beagle presented for lethargy, anorexia, cough, and stiff gait, and was diagnosed with a spontaneous hemothorax. The patient recovered from this bleeding episode suspected to be secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication, but was subsequently diagnosed with factor VII (FVII) deficiency, a hereditary coagulopathy. Diagnostic approach and management of FVII deficiency is described.New or unique information provided: This paper describes an unusual presentation of an inherited hemostatic disorder. Utilization of available screening and diagnostic tools, and appropriate interpretation of test results facilitate identification and management of this inherited coagulopathy.
Phosphorus and phosphate metabolism in veterinary patients
Authors: Schropp Diana M. , Kovacic Jan 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjective: To review phosphorus and phosphate metabolism and the importance of phosphate abnormalities in veterinary patients.Data sources: A review of recent human and veterinary medical literature.Human data synthesis: There is a significant amount of original research on human patients with phosphate abnormalities. Hypophosphatemia has been studied in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), head trauma, refeeding syndrome, hypothermia and in ventilator patients that fail to wean. Hyperphosphatemia has been studied in patients with renal failure and malignancy. Phosphate levels have also been evaluated for prognostic value in sepsis and acute liver failure.Veterinary data synthesis: Although animal models were used in early experimental research, fewer studies have been published on the effects of phosphate abnormalities in veterinary patients. Hypophosphatemia has been studied in animals with DKA, with refeeding syndrome and with hyperparathyroidism. Hyperphosphatemia has been studied in animals with renal failure and with secondary hypoparathyroidism.Conclusion: Phosphorus and phosphate are important in many biological functions. This paper is a review of their role in normal metabolism and the clinical importance of phosphate imbalances for our emergency and critical care patients.
Therapeutic management of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation
Authors: Teixeira Rosângela , Godinho Menezes Érica , Schiano Thomas D. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractRecurrent hepatitis C ranges from minimal damage to cirrhosis developing in a few months or years in a substantial proportion of transplant recipients. Different virus, host and donor factors are involved in the pathogenesis of recurrence, but many are poorly understood. Therapeutic strategies can be utilized in the pre‐, peri‐ or posttransplantation setting. Antiviral therapy using interferon and ribavirin and modifying immunosuppression are the main strategies to prevent progression disease. The efficacy of interferon and ribavirin is limited and side effects, reduction/withdrawal are frequent. Current sustained virological response rates are approximately 28%. An optimal immunosupppression regimen has not been established. The choice of calcineurin inhibitors has not clearly been shown to affect histological hepatitis C virus (HCV) but higher cumulative exposure to corticosteroids to treat acute rejection is associated with more severe recurrence. The manner in which the doses of immunosuppression are modified has more influence on HCV recurrence than the use of a specific drug per se. Debate about the influence of immunosuppressive regimens on HCV recurrence is ongoing. Potential antifibrotic therapy and new agents targeting HCV infection and replication are emerging and are anticipated to be added to our armentarium in battling recurrent HCV post‐LT.