bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES IN LICHENS
Authors: HONEGGER ROSMARIE 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe mycobiont‐photobiont interface in examples of selected orders of ascolichens with trebouxioid photobionts was investigated by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy. Between 150 and 530 algal cell halves per species were examined by SEM in order to calculate the predominant type of interaction. Simple wall‐to‐wall apposition predominated in the calicialean Chaenotheca chrysocephala (Turner ex Ach.) Th.Fr. Prominent intracellular haustoria were observed in the majority of photobiont cells of Lecanorales with crustose, non‐stratified thalli [Lecanora conizaeoides Nyl. ex Crombie, L. chlarotera Nyl. and Lecidella euphorea (Flörke) Hertel]. Three different types of intraparietal haustoria were distinguished in lichens with stratified thalli. Intraparietal haustoria of type 1, consisting of a tiny infection plug formed by a tightly adhering hypha within the largely cellulosic photobiont cell wall were predominant in crustose species with stratified thallus [Rhizocarpon geographicum (L.)DC, Pertusaria amara (Ach.)Nyl.], but this haustorial type represents also a developmental stage in intraparietal haustoria of types 2 and 3. In the placodioid Lecanora muralis (Schreber)Rabenh. and in the squamules of Cladonia caespiticia (Pers.)Flörke, intraparietal haustoria of type 2 were seen in the majority of photobiont cells, or in ±50% of cell halves, respectively. These can be recognized as an intracellular protrusion formed by a tightly adhering hypha, the tiny infection plug being ensheathed by the algal cell wall. Intraparietal haustoria of type 3, the most highly evolved haustorial type occurring in lichens, was predominant in foliose Parmeliaceae [P. acetabulum (Necker)Duby, P. tiliacea (Hoffm.)Ach., Cetrelia olivetorum (Nyl.)Culb & C. Culb., Cetraria islandica (L.)Ach.], and in the fruticose Anaptychia ciliaris (L.)Körber, Alectoria ochroleuca (Hoffm.)Massal., Teloschistes flavicans (Swartz)Norman and T. capensis (L. Fil.)Malme. When fully developed the haustorial complex in intraparietal haustoria of type 3 was characteristically stalked owing to growth processes of the haustorium‐forming hypha which forms a tiny infection plug within the cell wall of the photobiont. All types of intraparietal haustoria were established exclusively between juvenile, differentiating partners (growing hyphal tips and algal autospores with not yet fully developed cell walls). Intraparietal haustoria of types 2 and 3 are probably restricted to evolved lichens, but structures resembling intraparietal haustoria of type 1 have also been observed in other symbiotic systems such as ectomycorrhizas.
THE EPIPHYLLOUS ALGAL COLONIZATION OF ELODEA CANADENSIS MICHX.: COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT
Authors: PATERSON D. M. , WRIGHT S. J. L. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe initiation and development of the epiphyllous algal community on the aquatic macrophyte Elodea canadensis Michx. were described using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From initial discrete colonizing cells, a confluent matrix developed which included bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, mucilage and inorganic particles. The microtopography of the leaf surface affected'the initial colonization and influenced the growth of certain species. The tips, bases and edges of the leaves were the first areas to become colonized. As the age of the leaves increased, the density of the epiphyllon increased and the structure of the community changed. On young leaves, the Chlorophyta represented 80% of the community standing crop whilst on pre‐senescent leaves this proportion was reduced to 52%. The Bacillariophyta increased in proportional representation from 17% on young leaves to 47% on the older leaves.
THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE ON DARK RESPIRATION IN THE FOLIOSE LICHEN UMBILICARIA ANTARCTICA
Authors: HARRISSON P. M. , WALTON D. W. H. , ROTHERY P. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe dark respiration of field‐fresh thalli of Umbilicaria antarctica Frey et Lamb is reported for temperatures from −5.5 to 19°C, and water contents from saturation to dryness. Detailed analysis of the respiratory response with changing water content has suggested that Michaelis‐Menten kinetics appear to provide a useful model. Q10 values are used to indicate possible ice formation in the thallus and water loss characteristics are explained in terms of thallus anatomy. The ecological implications of this approach are discussed.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAS
Authors: DUDDRIDGE J. A. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryAn ultrastructural study was made of the interactions between Suillus grevillei (Klotzsch) Sing. and 11 species of ectomycorrhizal hosts in aseptic culture in the absence of glucose. No mycorrhizas were formed between S. grevillei and Betula pubescens Ehrh., Allocasuarina inophloia (F. Muell. & F. M. Bail.) L. Johnson, Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr., Picea abies (L.) Karst. Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. or Pinus nigra Arnold, although the fungus grew in the rhizosphere of some of these and in P. nigra it penetrated and killed adjacent epidermal cells. Mycorrhizas were formed with Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr., Larix decidua Mill, Pinus sylvestris L. and Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco. However, ultrastructural changes in the host‐fungus interface of associations with the latter two hosts suggest that in both cases the symbionts were not entirely compatible. The role of phenolic compounds in ectomycorrhizal compatibility and specificity is discussed.
THE ROLE OF PROTEINS IN THE NITROGEN NUTRITION OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL PLANTS
Authors: ABUZINADAH R. A. , READ D. J. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe ability of a range of commonly occurring ectomycorrhizal fungi to utilize peptides and proteins as sole sources of nitrogen at a range of pH levels was examined by determining patterns of growth and nitrogen uptake in liquid cultures. Differences in patterns of utilization of the nitrogenous substrates were found. Some of the fungi had little ability to grow on peptides or proteins but grew well on ammonium and were termed ‘non‐protein fungi’. Others grew vigorously on peptide and protein, severely depleting N contents of the growth media. These were termed ‘protein fungi’. An intermediate category was also recognized in which some growth occurred on protein at most of the pH levels though final yields were lower than those of the ‘protein fungi’.The implications of the results are discussed in relation to the ability of the fungi to sustain a saprotrophic or mycorrhizal habit in soils differing qualitatively in their nitrogen status.
THE ROLE OF PROTEINS IN THE NITROGEN NUTRITION OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL PLANTS
Authors: ABUZINADAH R. A. , FINLAY R. D. , READ D. J. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe ability of mycorrhizal (M) and non‐mycorrhizal (NM) plants of Pinus contorta (Dougl. ex Loud) to utilize protein as a nitrogen source was examined. Mycorrhizas were synthesized with the fungal symbionts Paxillus involutus, Rhizopogon roseolas, Suillus bovines and Pisolithus tinctorius. The plants were grown under aseptic conditions and provided with nitrogen in the form of either protein or ammonium.Dry weight yields of plants infected with P. involutus, R. roseolus and S. bovinus were significantly higher than those of NM plants when grown on protein as the N source. In these associations yields of M plants on protein were similar to those obtained on ammonium‐N. Non‐mycorrhizal plants had little ability to use protein N and the same was true of plants infected with P. tinctorius.Plants in those associations which provided a yield increase also contained larger quantities of N. Calculations show that in all these cases some of the increases of N content arise through utilization of protein.The implications of the results are discussed in relation to the nitrogen nutrition of the plant and to the pattern of N mobilization in soil. It is proposed that the ability of mycorrhizal associations to utilize protein N will lead not only to an increased supply of N to the plant but also to more effective competition with the decomposer population and to an overall tightening of the nitrogen cycle.
THE ROLE OF PROTEINS IN THE NITROGEN NUTRITION OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL PLANTS
Authors: ABUZINADAH R. A. , READ D. J. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe ability of four major species of trees of boreal forests,Betula pendula, Picea mariana, P. sitchensisandPitius contorta, to utilize protein as a sole nitrogen source was compared when the plants were grown in mycorrhizal association with the fungusHebeloma crustuliniformeand in the non‐mycorrhizal condition. When mycorrhizal, all species used protein N readily, producing vigorous shoots with nitrogen contents ranging from 5% in birch to around 3% in the conifers, and consuming up to 53% of the nitrogen provided in the culture vessels. In the absence of infection birch, black spruce and pine were completely unable to use protein as an N source and Sitka spruce had only a minimal ability to do so. It is suggested that early infection by fungi with proteolytic capability may be of particular importance for small seeded species germinating in soils of boreal and arctic regions where mineralization of nitrogen is inhibited by low temperatures.
DIFFERENTIAL SENSITIVITY OF DUCKWEEDS (LEMNACEAE) TO SULPHITE
Authors: TAKEMOTO B. K. , NOBLE R. D. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryFrond replication and some aspects of carbon assimilation were observed in three species of duckweed (Lemnaceae) grown at two levels of irradiance in the presence and absence of sulphite. The objectives were to examine the relationship between the inhibition of frond replication caused by sulphite, and changes in carbon assimilation, and the role of irradiance in modifying carbon assimilation and sensitivity to sulphite.Under low irradiance (40μ.mol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)), inhibition of frond replication by sulphite was most pronounced in Lemna gibba, producing a slower frond doubling time and reduced frond fresh weight. Spirodela oligorhiza exhibited a slower doubling time only, whereas neither parameter was affected in Lemna valdiviana. In all species, chlorophyll content increased in response to sulphite enrichment. Soluble protein levels increased when frond replication was significantly inhibited in L. gibba and S. oligorhiza. Photosynthesis and dark respiration rates were reduced in all species by 10 mM sulphite while ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase activity on a soluble protein basis was increased up to 11%. Reduced carbon assimilation may have contributed to decreased frond replication in L. gibba and S. oligorhiza.In all species, photosynthesis and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase activity were enhanced under high irradiance (200 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD). These physiological responses to elevated light appear to have contributed to faster rates of frond replication in all three species, and reduced sensitivity of frond replication to sulphite in L. gibba and S. oligorhiza. It is postulated that the stimulation of carbon assimilation under high irradiance is an important physiological response contributing to the modification by the photoenvironment of the sensitivity of duckweeds to sulphite.
STUDIES OF NITRATE REDUCTASE ACTIVITY AND IN VIVO NITRATE REDUCTION IN BARLEY LEAVES FOLLOWING INFECTION BY ERYSIPHE GRAMINIS HORDEI
Authors: MURRAY A. J. S. , AYRES P. G. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryEffects of mildew on nitrate reductase (NaR) in leaves of bailey were investigated throughout the second dark period and into the third photoperiod after inoculation using both in vivo and in vitro assays of the enzyme activity. Initially, infection depressed NaR activity, but as the dark period progressed the depression disappeared, only to reappear in the following photoperiod.An altered flux of nitrate from the roots was not responsible for decreased NaR activity, since infection stimulated this flux 2 d after inoculation. Similarly, a comparison of activities measured using an in vivo assay, with and without added nitrate, showed that the supply of the other substrate, NADH, was not limiting the rate of reduction.Although NaR activity was depressed during the second and third photoperiods, the rate of in vivo nitrate reduction, calculated from the difference between the flux of nitrate delivered to the leaves and the nitrate content of the leaves, was stimulated by infection over the initial 2 d after inoculation. Consequently, inferences made elsewhere which concern effects of mildew‐infection on nitrate metabolism, and which depend solely on measurements of NaR activity, may be unwarranted because even the infected plant contains an excess of active NaR.
THE RESPONSE OF SELECTED SALT‐TOLERANT AND NORMAL LINES OF FOUR GRASS SPECIES TO NaCl IN SAND CULTURE
Authors: ASHRAF M. , McNEILLY T. , BRADSHAW A. D. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryAfter 7 weeks' growth in varying NaCl concentrations in sand culture, dry matter production and tiller number were compared for the progenies of NaCl–tolerant selection lines and the Progenies of unselected control lines of Holcus lanatus L., Lolium perenne L., Dactylis glomerata L. and Festuca rubra L. The tolerant lines had been produced by selection at the seedling stage. In each species, selected lines produced significantly more dry matter and had greater tiller numbers than unselected material, particularly at high levels of NaCl. Shoot/root ratios differed significantly only in L. perenne, unselected material having a higher shoot/root ratio. These data confirm that for these four species, selection based upon differences in seedling root growth is a valid means of selecting for improved NaCl tolerance in adult plants, and that this tolerance does not lead to any reduced performance in the absence of NaCl.
THE RESPONSE TO NaCl AND IONIC CONTENT OF SELECTED SALT–TOLERANT AND NORMAL LINES OF THREE LEGUME FORAGE SPECIES IN SAND CULTURE
Authors: ASHRAF M. , McNEILLY T. , BRADSHAW A. D. 
Published: May 2006

SummarySelected NaCl‐tolerant lines of Trifolium alexandrinum L., Medicago sativa L., and Trifolium protease L. produced significantly greater dry matter than unselected control lines after 4 weeks of growth in sand culture with different NaCl concentrations.Tolerant lines of all three species generally contained less Na+ but more Cl− in their shoots than normal lines, although these differences were not statistically significant. Selected lines also contained less K+ in their shoots than unselected lines. Ca2+1 distribution was similar in T. allexandrinum and M. sativa but not in T. pratense, in which the tolerant line had significantly higher Ca2+ in the shoot than the unselected line.
THE RESPONSE OF SEEDS OF BROMUS STERILIS L. AND BROMUS MOLLIS L. TO WHITE LIGHT OF VARYING PHOTON FLUX DENSITY AND PHOTOPERIOD
Authors: ELLIS R. H. , HONG T. D. , ROBERTS E. H. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe germination response of seeds of Brnmus mollis L. and B. sterilis L. to white fluorescent light was studied over a wide range of photon flux densities and photoperiods. Photon doses below 3 × 10−3 mol m−8 d−1 had little effect on the percentage germination of either species, although in B. sterilis photon doses as low as 10−4 mol m−2 d−1 depressed the rate of germination. An increase in photon dose above 10−1 mol m−2 d−1 in B. mollis at 15 °CC, 3 × 10−3 mol m−2 d−1in B. sterilis at 15 °C, and 3 × 10−2 mol m−2 d−1 in B sterilis at 25 °C prevented the germination of an increasing number of seeds. The proportion of seeds which were inhibited showed a cumulative normal distribution with respect to the logarithm of photon dose. For a given photon dose, however, there was evidence that longer photoperiods were more inhibitory in both species: 24 h (continuous light) more than 8 h, and in fi sterilis 8 h more than 1 h. We conclude that the high irradiance reaction is the major cause of inhibition by white light in both species, but the sensitivity amongst the seeds within a population to photon dose varies by a factor of up to 105. Amendments to seed‐testing procedures for B mollis are suggested.
Radical vaginal trachelectomy as a fertility‐sparing procedure in women with early‐stage cervical cancer—cumulative pregnancy rate in a series of 123 women
Authors: Shepherd JH , Spencer C , Herod J , Ind TEJ 
Published: May 2006

Objective  To analyse the fertility rates, complications and recurrences in a group of women who have undergone radical vaginal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early‐stage cervical cancer.Design  An observational series.Setting  A Gynaecological Oncology Centre.Population  One hundred and twenty‐three consecutive women who underwent radical vaginal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early‐stage cervical cancer.Methods  Data were collected prospectively.Main outcome measures  Complications, recurrences, pregnancies and live births are presented as percentages of the total population. Fertility is presented as a 5‐year cumulative rate, with women attempting to conceive as the denominator.Results  A total of 123 women were followed up for an average of 45 months. Eleven (8.9%) had completion treatment (two radical hysterectomies and nine chemoradiotherapy) at the time of initial treatment. There were three recurrences (2.7%) among the women who did not have completion treatment and two (18.2%) in those who did. There were 6 perioperative and 26 postoperative complications. Sixty‐three women attempted pregnancy. There were 55 pregnancies in 26 women and 28 live births in 19. Three women had continuing pregnancies. The 5‐year cumulative pregnancy rate among women trying to conceive was 52.8%. All but two women were delivered by classical caesarean section and seven (25.0%) babies were born at 31 + 6 weeks or less.Conclusions  For selected women with early‐stage cervical cancer, radical vaginal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy are fertility‐sparing options, with a low incidence of recurrence and acceptable cumulative conception rates. Complications are few, although there is a high premature labour and miscarriage rate among pregnant women.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the ICIQ Vaginal Symptoms Questionnaire: the ICIQ‐VS
Authors: Price N , Jackson SR , Avery K , Brookes ST , Abrams P 
Published: May 2006

Objectives To develop and validate a self‐completion questionnaire for comprehensive assessment of the severity and impact of vaginal symptoms and related sexual matters, particularly those attributed to pelvic organ prolapse. To provide an instrument that can characterise the severity of these symptoms, measure their impact and evaluate treatment outcome.Design Prospective development of the content of the questionnaire and testing of its psychometric properties including validity.Setting Two hospital‐based urogynaecology clinics and one community general practice in the South of England.Population One hundred and forty‐one urogynaecology clinic attendees with varying degrees of pelvic organ prolapse and 77 randomly selected women registered with a general practice.Methods The questionnaire was developed through a literature review, consultation with clinicians and health scientists and structured interviews with patients. Content validity, construct validity, stability, internal consistency and sensitivity to change were examined by comparing the responses from the urogynaecology clinic with responses from the general community. Sensitivity to change was assessed using responses from women undergoing surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse before and 3 months after surgery. A final version of the questionnaire was obtained after factor analysis to assist item reduction and refinement of the scoring system.Main outcome measures Content validity, construct validity, stability (test–retest reliability), internal consistency and sensitivity to change.Results The questionnaire exhibited good validity, reliability and sensitivity to change. Excellent internal consistency was demonstrated for vaginal (Cronbach’s alpha 0.79) and sexual (Cronbach’s alpha 0.84) symptoms. Reliability was good. The questionnaire was able to identify changes in symptoms following surgical treatment. The final ICIQ‐VS questionnaire had 14 items and a simple scoring system.Conclusion The ICIQ‐VS self‐completion questionnaire meets the need for a robust instrument for assessing a range of vaginal and sexual symptoms, in particular those of pelvic organ prolapse. It will be of use in both routine clinical practice and epidemiological research, particularly when there is a need to assess the severity of these symptoms or the efficacy of treatment.
Toremifene for premenstrual mastalgia: a randomised, placebo‐controlled crossover study
Authors: Oksa S , Luukkaala T , Mäenpää J 
Published: May 2006

Objective  To investigate the efficacy of toremifene in the treatment of premenstrual mastalgia.Design  Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study.Setting  Three Finnish general practices from the districts of Satakunta Central Hospital and Tampere University Hospital.Population  A total of 62 women aged 25–45 years with premenstrual mastalgia during at least three previous menstrual cycles.Methods  Women were randomised to receive toremifene 20 mg daily or placebo from day 15 of the menstrual cycle until menstruation for three consecutive cycles. After a wash‐out cycle, the women were crossed over to receive placebo or toremifene for three additional cycles.Main outcome measures  Cyclic breast pain relief assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Quality‐of‐life scores assessed by a modified 36‐item Finnish Depression Scale, with a score ranging from 0 to 108. Acceptability of treatment.Results  About 32 women were randomised to receive toremifene first and 30 to receive placebo first. Twenty‐nine and 27 participants in the groups treated with toremifene first or placebo first completed the treatment, respectively. There were significant reductions in VAS scores in both groups after three treatment cycles. This was significantly greater in the toremifene‐treated group (VAS: 1.8 in the toremifene group and 3.7 in the placebo group, P= 0.004). Treatment effect between treatment cycles was significant (P= 0.001). Quality of life was similar during the toremifene and placebo cycles.Conclusion  This study demonstrates that the antiestrogenic compound, toremifene, is able to relieve premenstrual breast pain without major adverse effects. There was a 64% reduction in median pain scores in the toremifene‐treated cycles compared with a 26% reduction in placebo‐treated cycles.
Distinguishing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from fatty liver: serum‐free fatty acids, insulin resistance, and serum lipoproteins
Authors: Bookman Ian D. , Pham J. , Guindi M. , Heathcote E. J. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract: Objectives: The prognosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is determined by liver biopsy; steatohepatitis can be progressive whereas fatty liver is benign. Insulin resistance and increased hepatic‐free fatty acids are central to the pathophysiology of this disorder. Our objective was to assess whether serum‐free fatty acids, lipoproteins, and insulin resistance are increased in steatohepatitis compared with fatty liver and healthy controls, and thus may be potential noninvasive markers for liver disease severity.Methods: Fifteen subjects with biopsy proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, 15 with histological fatty liver, and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. Fasting serum glucose and insulin levels, serum‐free fatty acids, HDL, LDL, and cholesterol were collected from each subject. Insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis assessment model.Results: Insulin resistance, LDL, and cholesterol‐to‐HDL ratio values were significantly higher in steatohepatitis, whereas HDL was significantly lower compared with both fatty liver and controls. Free fatty acids were similar in all groups.Conclusions: Along with insulin resistance, serum LDL, and cholesterol‐to‐HDL ratio values increase with worsening severity of liver histology, and serum HDL values decline. Free fatty acids, however, do not vary between groups.