bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TheArabidopsisSOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE1 Protein Complex Includes BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE1
Authors: Karlova Rumyana , Boeren Sjef , Russinova Eugenia , Aker José , Vervoort Jacques , de Vries Sacco 
Published: February 2006

AbstractArabidopsis thaliana SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE1 (SERK1) is a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLK) involved in the acquisition of embryogenic competence and in male sporogenesis. To determine the composition of the SERK1 signaling complex in vivo, we generated plants expressing the SERK1 protein fused to cyan fluorescent protein under SERK1 promoter control. The membrane receptor complex was immunoprecipitated from seedlings, and the coimmunoprecipitating proteins were identified using liquid chromatography/matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight/mass spectrometry of the trypsin-released peptides. This approach identified two other LRR-RLKs, the BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE1 (BRI1) receptor and its coreceptor, the SERK3 or BRI1-ASSOCIATED KINASE1 protein. In addition, KINASE-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE, CDC48A, and 14-3-3ν were found. Finally, the MADS box transcription factor AGAMOUS-LIKE15 and an uncharacterized zinc finger protein, a member of the CONSTANS family, were identified as part of the SERK1 complex. Using blue native gel electrophoresis, we show that SERK1 and SERK3 are part of BRI1-containing multiple protein complexes with relative masses between 300 and 500 kD. The SERK1 mutant allele serk1-1 enhances the phenotype of the weak BRI1 allele bri1-119. Collectively, these results suggest that apart from SERK3, SERK1 is also involved in the brassinolide signaling pathway.
SUGAR-DEPENDENT1Encodes a Patatin Domain Triacylglycerol Lipase That Initiates Storage Oil Breakdown in GerminatingArabidopsisSeeds
Authors: Eastmond Peter J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTriacylglycerol hydrolysis (lipolysis) plays a pivotal role in the life cycle of many plants by providing the carbon skeletons and energy that drive postgerminative growth. Despite the physiological importance of this process, the molecular mechanism is unknown. Here, a genetic screen has been used to identify Arabidopsis thaliana mutants that exhibit a postgerminative growth arrest phenotype, which can be rescued by providing sugar. Seventeen sugar-dependent (sdp) mutants were isolated, and six represent new loci. Triacylglycerol hydrolase assays showed that sdp1, sdp2, and sdp3 seedlings are deficient specifically in the lipase activity that is associated with purified oil bodies. Map-based cloning of SDP1 revealed that it encodes a protein with a patatin-like acyl-hydrolase domain. SDP1 shares this domain with yeast triacylglycerol lipase 3 and human adipose triglyceride lipase. In vitro assays confirmed that recombinant SDP1 hydrolyzes triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols but not monoacylglycerols, phospholipids, galactolipids, or cholesterol esters. SDP1 is expressed predominantly in developing seeds, and a SDP1–green fluorescent protein fusion was shown to associate with the oil body surface in vivo. These data shed light on the mechanism of lipolysis in plants and establish that a central component is evolutionarily conserved among eukaryotes.
Review article: intragastric and oesophageal pH monitoring in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: KATZ P. O. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryTreatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease with acid suppressive therapy is based on the principle that effective control of intragastric pH (a marker of acid control) leads to healing of erosive oesophagitis and relief of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease‐associated symptoms.Most patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease can be managed successfully with current antisecretory therapy. In difficult‐to‐treat patients, oesophageal pH monitoring is a useful technique to assess pH control and to investigate the association of reflux with refractory symptoms.Intragastric pH monitoring allows direct assessment of acid suppression achieved with an agent, and is the most useful for head‐to‐head comparisons of antisecretory therapies, evaluating variability in individual gastric pH response, assessing dose timing and food effect, and determining alternate dosing strategies; as such, it is useful in the research laboratory, and may be useful clinically to guide clinicians in dose titration and in evaluating the effect of switching agents.This article reviews these and other uses of these tests in an effort to explore the question of how to optimally use oesophageal pH monitoring and gastric pH monitoring in patient management.
Review article: physiologic and clinical effects of proton pump inhibitors on non‐acidic and acidic gastro‐oesophageal reflux
Authors: MINER P. B. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe control of oesophageal acid exposure through gastric acid inhibition, as the basis for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment, arose from the apparent pH dependency of erosive oesophagitis and relationship to GERD symptoms.The current perception is that reflux disease is an entirely acid‐mediated condition, and antisecretory therapies, particularly proton pump inhibitors, are the treatment of choice for patients with erosive and non‐erosive reflux disease. A positive patient response to an empiric trial of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, or the ‘PPI test’, is commonly suggested as a method of GERD diagnosis.Recent studies have modified our understanding of the relationship between oesophageal acid exposure and GERD pathology, manifestations and symptoms. Whereas the use of PPIs to reduce oesophageal acid exposure in patients with erosions is associated with increased healing rates, non‐erosive reflux disease patients are less likely to have an abnormal oesophageal pH profile. Patterns of oesophageal acid exposure, particularly nocturnal oesophageal acid exposure, have been linked to increased disease severity. Non‐acidic reflux and the effect of PPIs on this parameter, including bile reflux and the toxicity of bile acids, may also be an important factor in GERD.This article explores some of these assumptions, practices and relationships, including: the association between oesophageal acid exposure and erosive and non‐erosive gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease; the effect of PPIs on oesophageal acid exposure in erosive oesophagitis patients; the influence of nocturnal acid secretion in GERD and the use of PPIs to control this parameter; the relevance of the PPI test for reflux disease diagnosis; and PPI influence on non‐acidic reflux.
Comparison of conventional and polymerase chain reaction diagnostic techniques for leishmaniasis in the endemic region of Adana, Turkey
Authors: Culha Gulnaz , Uzun Soner , Ozcan Kadri , Memisoglu Hamdi R. , Chang Kwang‐Poo 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground  Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has long been reported in the Cukurova region. We have compared the sensitivity of the conventional methods of diagnosis by microscopy and cultivation of lesion aspirates against polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of parasite‐specific DNA from these samples.Methods  The samples (n = 25) were obtained from patients clinically diagnosed with CL at the regional dermatology clinic. Aliquots of the samples were stained with Giemsa for microscopy and cultured in Novy‐Nicolle‐McNeal (NNN) blood agar for promastigote growth. The remainder were subjected to DNA extraction for PCR amplification of the conserved region of kinetoplast minicircle DNA. PCR products of the expected size (120 bp) were observed after agarose gel electrophoresis, followed by staining with ethidium bromide.Results  The positive rates from 25 samples were 44%, 68%, and 100% for cultivation, microscopy, and PCR, respectively.Conclusions  The PCR method used appears to be the most sensitive for the diagnosis of CL in this region.
Acute cognitive dysfunction after hip fracture: frequency and risk factors in an optimized, multimodal, rehabilitation program
Authors: Bitsch M. S. , Foss N. B. , Kristensen B. B. , Kehlet H. 
Published: February 2006

Background:  Patients undergoing hip fracture surgery often experience acute post‐operative cognitive dysfunction (APOCD). The pathogenesis of APOCD is probably multifactorial, and no single intervention has been successful in its prevention. No studies have investigated the incidence of APOCD after hip fracture surgery in an optimized, multimodal, peri‐operative rehabilitation regimen.Methods:  One hundred unselected hip fracture patients treated in a well‐defined, optimized, multimodal, peri‐operative rehabilitation regimen were included. Patients were tested upon admission and on the second, fourth and seventh post‐operative days with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score.Results:  Thirty‐two per cent of patients developed a significant post‐operative cognitive decline, which was associated with several pre‐fracture patient characteristics, including age and cognitive function, but also the number of peri‐operative transfusions. The development of APOCD was also associated with impaired post‐operative rehabilitation and an increased length of stay. APOCD was associated with the development of a major medical complication in 35% of all patients. In 65% of patients developing APOCD without a concomitant medical complication, the only risk factors were cognitive level and regular anti‐psychotic treatment.Conclusion:  On the basis of current evidence, APOCD is prevalent amongst hip fracture patients despite multimodal intervention; future research should therefore focus on defining subgroups of hip fracture patients amenable to specific prophylactic or interventional measures against APOCD.
Neuropathic pain is enhanced in δ‐opioid receptor knockout mice
Authors: Nadal Xavier , Baños Josep‐Eladi , Kieffer Brigitte L. , Maldonado Rafael 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe have evaluated the possible involvement of δ‐opioid receptor (DOR) in the development and expression of neuropathic pain. For this purpose, partial ligation of the sciatic nerve was performed in DOR knockout mice and wild‐type littermates. The development of mechanical and thermal allodynia, as well as thermal hyperalgesia was evaluated by using the von Frey filament model, the cold‐plate test and the plantar test, respectively. In wild‐type and DOR knockout mice, sciatic nerve injury led to a neuropathic pain syndrome revealed in these nociceptive behavioural tests. However, the development of mechanical and thermal allodynia, and thermal hyperalgesia was significantly enhanced in DOR knockout mice. These results reveal the involvement of DOR in the control of neuropathic pain and suggest a new potential therapeutic use of DOR agonists.
Localization of a vocal pattern generator in the pontine brainstem of the squirrel monkey
Authors: Hage Steffen R. , Jürgens Uwe 
Published: February 2006

AbstractVery little is known about the coordination of muscles involved in mammalian vocalization at the level of single neurons. In the present study, a telemetric single‐unit recording technique was used to explore the ventrolateral pontine brainstem for vocalization‐correlated activity in the squirrel monkey during vocal communication. We found a discrete area in the reticular formation just above the superior olivary complex showing vocalization‐correlated activity. These neurons showed an increase in neuronal activity exclusively just before and during vocalization; none of them was active during mastication, swallowing or quiet respiration. Furthermore, the neuronal activity of these neurons reflected acoustic features, such as call duration or syllable structure of frequency‐modulated vocalization, directly. Based on these findings and previously reported anatomical data, we propose that this area serves as a vocal pattern generator for frequency‐modulated call types.
Erythropoietin reduces Schwann cell TNF‐α, Wallerian degeneration and pain‐related behaviors after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Campana W. Marie , Li Xiaoqing , Shubayev Veronica I. , Angert Mila , Cai Karen , Myers Robert R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractChronic sciatic nerve constriction injury (CCI) induces Wallerian degeneration and exaggerated pain‐like behaviors. These effects are mediated in large part by pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). In this study, we demonstrate that systemically administered recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) facilitates recovery from chronic neuropathic pain associated with CCI in rats. Because TNF‐α has been implicated in the development of pain‐related behaviors, we measured TNF‐α mRNA at the nerve injury site. Systemically or locally administered rhEpo decreased TNF‐α mRNA, compared with that observed in untreated animals. RhEpo also significantly (P < 0.05) decreased axonal degeneration. Immunohistochemistry of CCI nerve showed abundant TNF‐α in Schwann cells, axoplasm and macrophages. In rhEpo‐treated animals, TNF‐α immunopositivity was decreased selectively in Schwann cells. These results suggest a model in which rhEpo counteracts the effects of TNF‐α in CCI by blocking expression of TNF‐α in Schwann cells. To further test this model, we studied primary Schwann cell cultures. RhEpo inhibited TNF‐α expression in response to lipopolysaccharide, supporting the conclusions of our in vivo CCI experiments. In addition, rhEpo directly counteracted Schwann cell death induced by exogenously added TNF‐αin vitro. These results indicated that rhEpo regulates TNF‐α by multiple mechanisms; rhEpo regulates TNF‐α mRNA expression by Schwann cells but also may directly counteract TNF‐α signaling pathways that lead to injury, chronic pain and/or death.
Recruitment of native parasitoids by an exotic leaf miner,Cameraria ohridella: host‐parasitoid synchronization and influence of the environment
Authors: Girardoz Sandrine , Kenis Marc , Quicke Donald L. J. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract The horse‐chestnut leaf miner,Cameraria ohridella,is a moth of unknown origin that has recently invaded Europe and severely defoliates the European horse‐chestnut, an important ornamental tree.Several indigenous parasitoids have colonized this new host, but parasitism remains low. One of the hypotheses suggested to explain the low parasitism is that candidate parasitoids emerge too early in spring to attack the first host generation and, thus, need early‐occurring leaf miners as alternate hosts. This hypothesis was tested by observing the synchronization between the phenology of the moth and that of its main parasitoids, and by comparing parasitism rates and parasitoid richness in different environments with various levels of biological diversity.In spring, the bulk of the parasitoids emerge at least 5 weeks before the occurrence of the first suitable larvae ofC. ohridellawhereas most parasitoid adults reared outdoors die within 5 weeks after emergence.Parasitism rates and parasitoid richness do not increase with biological diversity, suggesting that most parasitoids attacking the first generation ofC. ohridellado not come from alternate hosts. Parasitism does not increase later in the year in the subsequent generations, when host‐parasitoid synchronization becomes less critical.We conclude that, although the spring emergence of parasitoids is not synchronized with the phenology ofC. ohridella, the parasitoids attacking the first generation are probably old or late‐emerging adults of the overwintering generation. The lack of synchronization is probably not the only reason for the poor recruitment of native parasitoids byC. ohridella.
Carry over effects of the entomopathogen Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. Kurstaki on Choristoneura fumiferana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) progeny under various stressful environmental conditions
Authors: Bauce Éric , Carisey Nathalie , Dupont Alain 
Published: February 2006

Abstract

In the present study, we documented the lethal and sublethal effects of the entomopathogen Btk on spruce budworm and its progeny under various environmental conditions. We hypothesized that aerial spray of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Btk) could affect the biological performance of the surviving spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) populations and their progenies and that Btk sublethal effects could be widened by other types of stress (i.e. temperature conditions and changes in food suitability from year to year).
The results from a 3‐year field experiment indicated that Btk treatments decreased the fitness of the surviving larvae whatever the prevailing temperature and nutritional conditions.
The detrimental Btk effects on the parental generation carried over to the offspring. The percent of egg hatch and first‐instar survival were negatively affected by Btk whatever other stress spruce budworm parents underwent.
The present study also highlighted the fact that the effects of temperature and nutritional stress suffered by the parents could carry over to the next generation. Balsam fir flowering, which provided larvae with pollen rich in nitrogen, favoured both the parental generation and the fitness of their offspring. Spruce budworm mothers allocated to their progenies large amounts of energy reserves (triglycerides and glycogen) that greatly enhanced the survival of the early stages.
Egg hatch and the survival of first‐instar larval progeny were drastically affected when their parents had reduced larval growth as a result of exposure to cool temperatures that had desynchronized insect and bud phenology.
Budworm mothers submitted to negative impacts of previous defoliation allocated low amounts of energy reserves to their progeny. This lack of energy associated with unfavourable temperature conditions (i.e. high temperatures in late summer and in early fall and an extended cool period in spring) drastically reduced survival of diapausing second‐instar larvae.
These results highlight the importance of considering the various sources of stress when attempting to evaluate the impact of a control agent on an insect pest population and its progenies.
Validation of Three‐Dimensional Cardiac Image Integration: Use of Integrated CT Image into Electroanatomic Mapping System to Perform Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: KISTLER PETER M. , EARLEY MARK J. , HARRIS STUART , ABRAMS DOMINIC , ELLIS STEPHEN , SPORTON SIMON C. , SCHILLING RICHARD J. 
Published: February 2006

Introduction: Accurate visualization of the complex left atrial (LA) anatomy and the location of an ablation catheter within the chamber is important in the success and safety of ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). We describe the integration of CT into an electroanatomic mapping (EAM) system and its validation in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF. Methods and Results: Thirty patients (59.2 ± 8 years, 25 M) with paroxysmal (12) and persistent (18) AF underwent ablation using CT image integration into an electroanatomic mapping system. CT registration using the pulmonary veins as markers (landmark) was achieved with an error of 6.4 ± 2.8 mm with repeat registration required in two patients. Registration of the CT by best fit to a electroanatomic geometry (surface) was achieved with an error of 2.3 ± 0.4 mm. There was no significant difference in the regional LA registration error at superior (1.7 ± 0.7 mm), inferior (2.2 ± 1.4 mm), septal (1.7 ± 0.8 mm), and lateral (1.7 ± 0.7 mm, P = 0.13) sites. Cardiac rhythm at the time of CT did not have a significant effect on total or regional surface registration accuracy (mean total 2.5 ± 0.3 in AF patients vs 2.3 ± 0.5 in SR patients, P = 0.22). The integrated CT was used to guide the encirclement of the pulmonary veins (PV) in pairs with electrical isolation achieved by maintaining ablation along the ablation line in 58 of 60 PV pairs. Postprocedural PV angiography did not demonstrate significant stenosis. Conclusion: CT image integration into an EAM system was successfully performed in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF. With a greater appreciation of the complex and variable nature of the PV and LA anatomy this new technology may improve the efficacy and safety of the procedure.
Wind‐aerated lagoons for sustainable treatment of wastewaters from small communities
Authors: Horan N. J. , Salih A. , Walkinshaw T. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBiological treatment processes that utilise wind‐aerated lagoons have proved popular for small communities because of their negligible sludge production. Scottish Water has recently constructed one such system, known as the Aero‐Fac (North Dakota, USA), and this paper reports on an intensive 12‐month study designed to both monitor the lagoon performance and establish the key design parameters. Over the monitoring period the final effluent complied with both Scottish Environmental Protection Agency discharge consents and Scottish Water performance guarantees for biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids, which averaged 9 and 28 mg/L, respectively. The lagoons showed an accelerated growth of algae during the summer months, but this did not adversely affect the final effluent suspended solids. The lagoons also achieved a faecal coliform removal of around 3.4 log and an average effluent ammonia of 7.6 mg/L. However, the ammonia removal was seasonal with a better performance in the summer months, which probably reflects take‐up by the growing algal population over this period. No sludge was wasted from the lagoon over the monitoring period yet it accumulated only sparingly in the lagoons, mainly around the inlet of the primary lagoon. The estimated per capita sludge accumulation rate was 0.0047 m3/person/year. The total capital costs of the scheme were £1.65 million, and of this the lagoon cost was £840 000. The capital costs of £420 per capita make this more expensive than other, similar options, but plant operating costs are significantly reduced.
Comparison of Virus Transcription during Lytic Infection of the Oka Parental and Vaccine Strains of Varicella-Zoster Virus
Authors: Cohrs Randall J. , Gilden Donald H. , Gomi Yasuyuki , Yamanishi Koichi , Cohen Jeffrey I. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT

The
attenuated Oka vaccine (V-Oka) strain of varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
effectively reduces disease produced by primary infection and virus
reactivation. V-Oka was developed by propagation of the Oka parental
(P-Oka) strain of VZV in guinea pig and human embryo fibroblasts.
Complete DNA sequencing of both viruses has revealed 63 sites that
differ between P-Oka and V-Oka, 37 of which are located within 21
unique open reading frames (ORFs). Of the ORFs that differ, ORF 62
contains the greatest number (10) of mutated sites. ORF 62 encodes IE
62, the major immediate-early transactivator of virus genes, and is
essential for lytic virus replication. To determine whether a
disproportionate number of mutations in ORF 62 might account for virus
attenuation, we compared the global pattern of V-Oka gene expression to
that of P-Oka. Transcription of ORFs 62, 65, 66, and 67 was suppressed,
whereas ORF 41 was elevated in V-Oka-infected cells compared to
P-Oka-infected cells (
P
< 0.01; z test). Suppression
of ORF 62, 65, and 66 transcription was confirmed by quantitative dot
blot and Western blot analyses. Transient-transfection assays to
determine whether mutations within V-Oka-derived IE 62 affected its
ability to transactivate VZV gene promoters revealed similar IE 62
transactivation of VZV gene 20, 21, 28, 29, 65, and 66 promoters in
both P-Oka and V-Oka. Together, our results indicate that mutations in
V-Oka IE 62 alone are unlikely to account for vaccine virus
attenuation.