bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The plant WNK gene family and regulation of flowering time in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Y. , Liu K. , Liao H. , Zhuang C. , Ma H. , Yan X. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe WNK (with no lysine kinase) protein kinase gene family may be involved in regulating ion homeostasis and other physiological processes in mammals. WNK‐like genes have also been identified in plants, including nine in Arabidopsis, designated AtWNK1–AtWNK9. However, it is not clear if there are further plant WNK genes, and what the evolutionary relationships are among these genes, nor if these genes have functions other than their roles in regulating circadian rhythms and vacuolar H+‐ATPase. In the present study, we found a tenth Arabidopsis WNK gene, designated AtWNK10. Further phylogenetic analysis of Arabidopsis and rice WNK genes suggests that the most recent common ancestor of monocots and eudicots had 4–8 WNK genes, and that the WNK gene family has experienced duplication events and possible gene losses. Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR revealed that all Arabidopsis WNK genes except AtWNK6 are expressed in organs from the seedling to the flowering plant. T‐DNA knockout mutations in the AtWNK2, AtWNK5 and AtWNK8 genes in different phylogenetic clades caused early flowering. In contrast, a T‐DNA knockout wnk1 mutant had a much delayed flowering time. In addition, the transcript levels of several genes in the photoperiod pathway for flowering, such as ELF4, TOC1, CO and FT, were altered in atwnk mutants. Taken together, our results suggest that the Arabidopsis WNK gene family regulates flowering time by modulating the photoperiod pathway.
Evidence for nickel/proton antiport activity at the tonoplast of the hyperaccumulator plant Alyssum lesbiacum
Authors: Ingle R. A. , Fricker M. D. , Smith J. A. C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe mechanism of nickel uptake into vacuoles isolated from leaf tissue of Alyssum lesbiacum was investigated to help understand the ability of this species to hyperaccumulate Ni. An imaging system was designed to monitor Ni uptake by single vacuoles using the metal‐sensitive fluorescent dye, Newport Green. Nickel uptake into isolated vacuoles from leaf tissue of A. lesbiacum was enhanced by the presence of Mg/ATP, presumably via energisation of the vacuolar H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase). This ATP‐stimulated Ni uptake was abolished by bafilomycin (a diagnostic inhibitor of the V‐ATPase) and by dissipation of the transmembrane pH difference with an uncoupler. These observations are consistent with Ni2+/nH+ antiport activity at the tonoplast driven by a proton electrochemical gradient established by the V‐ATPase, which would provide a mechanism for secondary active transport of Ni2+ into the vacuole. This study provides insights into the molecular basis of Ni tolerance in Alyssum, and may aid in the identification of genes involved in Ni hyperaccumulation.
Morphology of the digestive tract and feeding habits of Loricaria lentiginosa Isbrücker, 1979 in a Brazilian reservoir
Authors: Salvador‐Jr L. F. , Salvador G. N. , Santos G. B. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe present study describes some aspects of the morphology of the digestive tract and the feeding patterns of Loricaria lentiginosa. Sixty‐three specimens with gut contents were captured quarterly from November 2001 to August 2002 in Porto Colômbia reservoir, Rio Grande basin, southeastern Brazil. The species has bicuspid teeth inserted in the lips, unicuspid teeth in the dentary bone and pharyngeal teeth, besides having short, numerous and slightly separated gill rakers. The stomach is rudimentary and the intestine is relatively short (Intestinal Quotient = 1.32 ± 0.15). Molluscs, especially bivalves, represented the most important item on the diet of this species, followed by organic matter. The characteristics of the digestive tract as well as the dietary pattern, suggest that L. lentiginosa is able to explore bottom food resources, being classified as benthophagous with a tendency to malacophagy, and utilizing organic matter as an associated or additional food resource. Loricariidae species are able to use not only algae, sediment and detritus, but also plant and invertebrate items.
Organization and mode of secretion of the granular prismatic microstructure of Entodesma navicula (Bivalvia: Mollusca)
Authors: Harper Elizabeth M. , Checa Antonio G. , Rodríguez‐Navarro Alejandro B. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe term homogeneous has been applied to molluscan microstructures that lack a readily discernible microstructure and as a result, it has become rather a ‘dustbin’ term, covering a multitude of unrelated finely crystalline textures. Here we investigate in detail the outer ‘homogeneous’ layer of the lyonsiid bivalve Entodesma navicula. The apparently equigranular crystals (up to 10 µm) are, in fact, short prisms which grow in a dense organic matrix with their c‐axes and fibre axes coincident, perpendicular to the growth surface. These prisms are distinct from the aragonitic prisms grown by other bivalves in both their morphology and their mode of growth and so we propose the term granular prismatic microstructure. The organic content of granular prisms (7.4%) is the highest yet recorded for any molluscan microstructure and it is apparent that the short prisms have grown within a gel‐filled space. Although this high organic content is likely to make the microstructure metabolically expensive to produce, it has the benefit of making the valves very flexible. This may be advantageous in the intertidal zone inhabited by E. navicula by allowing a tight seal between the valves.
Sensory biology of Phalangida harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones): a review, with new morphological data on 18 species
Authors: Willemart Rodrigo H. , Farine Jean‐Pierre , Gnaspini Pedro 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPhalangida includes three of the four suborders of Opiliones (Arachnida): Eupnoi, Dyspnoi and Laniatores. We review the literature on the sensory structures and capabilities of Phalangida, provide new morphological data for 18 species and discuss the 11 sensory structures that have been described in the group. Based on the published data encompassing both behaviour and morphology, three conclusions are apparent: (1) species of Phalangida appear to have limited abilities to detect stimuli at a distance; (2) close range olfaction probably helps to find foods with strong odours, but (3) they appear to be highly dependent on contact chemoreception to detect live prey, predators and mates. We also highlight the fact that legs I in the three suborders and pedipalps in Dyspnoi and Eupnoi are very important sensory appendages, thus legs II should not be called the ‘sensory appendages’ of harvestmen. In conclusion, we highlight the fact that the sensory capabilities, diet, prey capturing and handling ability, and foraging behaviour of species of Phalangida seem to be different from those of most other arachnids. Finally, we suggest future directions for studies in the field of the sensory system of the group.
Motor changes during sertraline treatment in depressed patients with Parkinson’s disease*
Authors: Kulisevsky J. , Pagonabarraga J. , Pascual‐Sedano B. , Gironell A. , García‐Sánchez C. , Martínez‐Corral M. 
Published: July 2008

Background:  Pharmacological interventions to treat depressive symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are limited. Whether selective serotonine re‐uptake inhibitors increase parkinsonism or have clinically significant interactions with antiparkinsonian drugs is unresolved.Purpose:  We used a naturalistic approach to prospectively investigate the long‐term effects on motor status of adding sertraline in a large sample of community‐dwelling PD patients with depressive symptoms.Methods:  Main outcome measure was the motor part of the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) at baseline and at 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month follow‐up. Secondary measures were the change in antiparkinsonian drugs expressed as total levodopa equivalent dose and the scores of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Of the 374 patients included, 310 (82%) completed the study.Results:  Treatment with sertraline (mean dose 66.0 ± 29.8 mg) resulted in improvement in all UPDRS domains along with a significant decrease of the HADS scores. A modest but significant increase of the total dose of levodopa, without significant change of total levodopa equivalent dose, was observed. Almost 8% of patients discontinued medication for adverse events, mainly related to the gastrointestinal system.Conclusions:  Although worsening of tremor was observed in some patients, active management of depression with sertraline appears to have a positive impact on parkinsonism.
Higher severity of frontal periventricular white matter and basal ganglia hyperintensities in first‐ever lacunar stroke with multiple silent lacunes
Authors: Grau‐Olivares M. , Arboix A. , Bartrés‐Faz D. , Junqué C. 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:  We investigated whether patients with a lacunar infarct (LI) syndrome exhibiting unique LI or multiple LI on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations differed in terms of topography and severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) ratings.Methods:  Forty consecutive patients with a first‐ever acute LI, who presented a lacunar syndrome according to Miller–Fisher’s classification were recruited and were classified into a group presenting isolated LI on MRI (n = 17) or multiple LI (n = 23).Results:  Despite equivalent demographic, clinical and cognitive characteristics, patients with multiple LI had increased ratings of WMH in frontal, occipital and subcortical regions. No significant correlations could be evidenced between the number of LI and WMH ratings.Conclusions:  Present findings provide support to previous hypothesis considering single and multiple LI MRI presentations of lacunar infarct patients as distinct entities.
Aseptic meningitis and encephalitis because of herpesviruses and enteroviruses in an immunocompetent adult population
Authors: Frantzidou F. , Kamaria F. , Dumaidi K. , Skoura L. , Antoniadis A. , Papa A. 
Published: July 2008

Background and aim:  Human herpesviruses (HHVs) and enteroviruses (EVs) are the major causative agents of CNS viral infections. The aim of the study was to identify the etiology and determine the frequency of aseptic meningitis and encephalitis due to HHVs and EVs in an immunocompetent adult population.Methods:  Eighty‐one patients (ages ≥15) with aseptic meningitis or encephalitis treated in the Infectious Diseases Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece, during 2003–2006, were included in the study. Polymerase chain reaction for detection of herpes‐ and enterovirus genome direct in cerebrospinal fluid samples was performed.Results:  Based on clinical and laboratory data, 36/81 patients had meningitis and 45/81 had encephalitis. Etiology was defined in 11 patients (31%) with aseptic meningitis. EVs were the major causative agents (8/36, 22%), followed by varicella zoster virus (2/36, 5%) and herpes simplex virus‐2 (HSV‐2) (1/36, 3%). Etiology was identified in 8 of 45 (18%) patients with encephalitis, EV (4/45, 9%) and HSV‐1 (4/45, 9%) being the most common pathogens.Conclusion:  Enteroviruses are the most common cause of adult aseptic meningitis and together with HSV‐1 the main causes of encephalitis.
Body mass index does not change before Parkinson’s disease onset
Authors: Ragonese P. , D’Amelio M. , Callari G. , Di Benedetto N. , Palmeri B. , Mazzola M. A. , Terruso V. , Salemi G. , Savettieri G. , Aridon P. 
Published: July 2008

Background and purpose:  Previous studies on the association between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and body mass index (BMI) have reported conflicting results. We investigated the relationship between PD and BMI by a case–control study.Methods:  PD patients were randomly matched to healthy individuals by sex and age. BMI distribution in cases has been compared with BMI of controls and odd ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were calculated.Results:  We included 318 PD patients and 318 controls. We observed no association between PD and BMI. BMI distribution in cases and controls was similar also when we adjusted for diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and the time elapsed between PD onset and the interview (OR = 0.99; CI = 0.94–1.03; P = 0.51).Conclusions:  These results did not confirm the previously reported association between PD and BMI. Population characteristics and methodological issues may partially account for the differences observed between the present study and the others.
Pemphigus
Authors: Ioannides D , Lazaridou E , Rigopoulos D 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPemphigus refers to a group of potentially life‐threatening autoimmune diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, characterized by the formation of blisters and erosions of the skin. An autoimmune process, directed against keratinocyte desmosomal cadherins, interferes with the adhesive function of these molecules. This results in the separation of keratinocytes and clinical manifestation of blistering. Differences in the particular antigens targeted by the antibodies and in the distribution of these antigens in the different regions of the body and in the separate layers of the epidermis result in different clinical manifestations of the disease. Diagnosis of pemphigus is based on three independent groups of criteria: clinical features (flaccid blisters and erosions on skin and oral mucosa), histologic findings (epidermal acantholysis) and immunological tests (circulating and skin‐fixed antibodies against keratinocyte surface antigens). The principle aim of treatment is to reduce inflammatory response and autoantibody production, thereby achieving disease remission. Systemic corticosteroids are still the most useful drugs in the treatment of pemphigus and continue to be the mainstay of therapy for this disease. Adjuvant drugs, such as immunosuppressants, are commonly used in combination, in order to increase efficacy and have a steroid‐sparing effect, thereby allowing reduced maintenance doses and less side effects of systemic corticosteroids. Other options include intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. However, more research is needed to develop treatments with the least possible toxicity.
The prevalence of melanocytic naevi among schoolchildren in South Hungary
Authors: Csoma Z , Erdei Z , Bartusek D , Dosa‐Racz E , Dobozy A , Kemeny L , Olah J 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground  Malignant melanoma is an increasing public health problem worldwide; accordingly, identification of the constitutional and environmental factors which contribute to the development of the disease, and hence identification of the individuals at high risk of melanoma, is an indispensable step in all primary prevention efforts.Objectives  This paper aims to assess the prevalence of different pigmented lesions among schoolchildren and to investigate their relationship with phenotypic pigmentary characteristics, sun exposure and other factors.Patients/methods  A cross‐sectional study was performed in two secondary schools in Szeged, Hungary. A total of 1320 schoolchildren, aged 14 to 18 years, underwent a whole‐body skin examination. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on phenotypic, sun exposure and other variables.Results  One to 10 common melanocytic naevi were found in 27% of the participants, and the naevus numbers were in the range of 10–100 in 67%; 5.4% of them had more than 100 common melanocytic naevi. The prevalence of clinically atypical naevi was 24.3%. Statistically significant associations were found between the number of pigmented lesions and gender, hair colour, eye colour, skin phototype, a history of severe painful sunburns and a family history of a large number of melanocytic naevi.Conclusion  Our study population displayed a markedly high prevalence of clinically atypical melanocytic naevi. Moreover, a considerable proportion of the investigated individuals had multiple common melanocytic naevi. Since the presence of a large number of melanocytic naevi is a strong predictor for future melanoma development, health educational programmes on melanoma prevention should be aimed at young age groups.
Histone deacetylase 6 interacts with the microtubule‐associated protein tau
Authors: Ding Huiping , Dolan Philip J. , Johnson Gail V. W. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractHistone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a unique cytoplasmic deacetylase, likely plays a role in neurodegeneration by coordinating cell responses to abnormal protein aggregation. Here, we provide in vitro and in vivo evidence that HDAC6 interacts with tau, a microtubule‐associated protein that forms neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer’s disease. This interaction is mediated by the microtubule‐binding domain on tau and the Ser/Glu tetradecapeptide domain on HDAC6. Treatment with tubacin, a selective inhibitor of tubulin deacetylation activity of HDAC6, did not disrupt HDAC6–tau interaction. Nonetheless tubacin treatment attenuated site‐specific tau phosphorylation, as did shRNA‐mediated knockdown of HDAC6. Proteasome inhibition potentiated HDAC6–tau interactions and facilitated the concentration and co‐localization of HDAC6 and tau in a perinuclear aggresome‐like compartment, independent of HDAC6 tubulin deacetylase activity. Furthermore, we observed that in Alzheimer’s disease brains the protein level of HDAC6 was significantly increased. These findings establish HDAC6 as a tau‐interacting protein and as a potential modulator of tau phosphorylation and accumulation.
A phase advance of the light‐dark cycle stimulates production of BDNF, but not of other neurotrophins, in the adult rat cerebral cortex: association with the activation of CREB
Authors: Katoh‐Semba Ritsuko , Tsuzuki Masako , Miyazaki Noriko , Matsuda Motoko , Nakagawa Chiaki , Ichisaka Satoshi , Sudo Kaori , Kitajima Satoko , Hamatake Michiko , Hata Yoshio , Nagata Koh‐ichi 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCircadian variation in the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) indicates that BDNF is involved in the regulation of diurnal rhythms in a variety of biological processes. However, it is still unclear which brain regions alter their BDNF levels in response to external light input. Therefore, in selected brain regions of adult male rats, we investigated diurnal variation, as well as the effects of a single eight‐hour phase advance of the light‐dark cycle, on the levels of BDNF and of other neurotrophins. The cerebellum, hippocampus and cerebral cortex containing visual cortex (VCX) showed diurnal variation in BDNF protein levels and the VCX also in NT‐3 levels. In the VCX and the region containing the entorhinal cortex and amygdala (ECX), BDNF protein levels were increased 12 h after the phase advance, while BDNF mRNA levels were increased significantly in the VCX and slightly in the ECX after 4 h. After one week, however, BDNF protein levels were reduced in eight brain regions out of 13 examined. BDNF levels in the ECX and VCX were significantly different between light rearing and dark rearing, while a hypothyroid status did not produce an effect. Cyclic AMP responsive element‐binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor for BDNF, was greatly activated by the phase advance in the ECX and VCX, suggesting the existence of CREB‐mediated pathways of BDNF synthesis that are responsive to external light input.
JAK/STAT3 pathway is activated in spinal cord microglia after peripheral nerve injury and contributes to neuropathic pain development in rat
Authors: Dominguez Elisa , Rivat Cyril , Pommier Blandine , Mauborgne Annie , Pohl Michel 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPeripheral nerve lesion leads to the production of interleukin 6 (IL‐6)‐related neuropoietic cytokines involved in nerve protection and regeneration. This family of cytokines mainly signal through the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway that is locally activated in injured nerves. IL‐6 is also involved in pain that frequently arises from peripheral nerve lesion. We investigated the possible activation of this major IL‐6 signaling system in the spinal cord after peripheral nerve injury and its role in neuropathic pain. Ligation of L5–L6 spinal nerves (SNL) evoked an accumulation of active, phosphorylated form of STAT3 in microglial cells of dorsal spinal cord mostly in projection areas of injured nerves. SNL resulted also in a massive induction of IL‐6 mRNA expression in dorsal root ganglia and increased concentration of IL‐6 in dorsal spinal cord. Intrathecal injection of anti‐rat IL‐6 antibodies prevented the SNL‐induced accumulation of phospho‐STAT3 in the spinal cord. STAT3 pathway blockade with Janus kinase 2 inhibitor AG490 attenuated both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in SNL rats. These data show that in response to SNL injury Janus kinase/STAT3 system is activated mainly through IL‐6 signaling in spinal microglia and that this transduction pathway participates in development of pain associated with nerve alteration.
Prg1 is regulated by the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor Math2
Authors: Yamada Misa , Shida Yoshiko , Takahashi Kou , Tanioka Toshihiro , Nakano Yasuko , Tobe Takashi , Yamada Mitsuhiko 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMath2 (NEX‐1/NeuroD6) is a member of the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor family and is involved in neuronal differentiation and maturation. In this study, we identified the genes targeted by Math2 using DNA microarrays and cultured rat cortical cells transfected with Math2. Of the genes regulated by Math2, we focused on plasticity‐related gene 1 (Prg1). Prg1 expression induced by Math2 was confirmed in cultured rat cortical cells and PC12 cells analyzed by real‐time quantitative PCR. In the promoter region of rat Prg1, we identified four E‐boxes [designated −E1 to −E4 (CANNTG)] recognized by the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we found that Math2 directly bound to at least one of these E‐boxes. The Prg1 reporter assay showed that −E1 was critical for the regulation of Math2‐mediated Prg1 expression. Investigation of the functional roles of Math2 and Prg1 in PC12 cells revealed that 72 h after transfection with either Math2 or Prg1, neurite length and number were significantly induced. Co‐transfection with Prg1‐siRNA completely inhibited Math2‐mediated morphological changes. Our results suggest that Math2 directly regulates Prg1 expression and that the Math2–Prg1 cascade plays an important role in neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.
ETHICS BEYOND BORDERS: HOW HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EXPERIENCE ETHICS IN HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND DEVELOPMENT WORK
Authors: HUNT MATTHEW R. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTHealth professionals are involved in humanitarian assistance and development work in many regions of the world. They participate in primary health care, immunization campaigns, clinic‐ and hospital‐based care, rehabilitation and feeding programs. In the course of this work, clinicians are frequently exposed to complex ethical issues. This paper examines how health workers experience ethics in the course of humanitarian assistance and development work. A qualitative study was conducted to consider this question. Five core themes emerged from the data, including: tension between respecting local customs and imposing values; obstacles to providing adequate care; differing understandings of health and illness; questions of identity for health workers; and issues of trust and distrust. Recommendations are made for organizational strategies that could help aid agencies support and equip their staff as they respond to ethical issues.