bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐induced lipocalin is required for basal and acquired thermotolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: CHI WEN‐TZU , FUNG RAYMOND W. M. , LIU HSIANG‐CHIN , HSU CHING‐CHI , CHARNG YEE‐YUNG 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTPlant temperature‐induced lipocalins (TILs) have been shown to be responsive to heat stress (HS), but the nature of this response was unknown. In this study, a reverse genetic approach was taken to elucidate the role of Arabidopsis TIL1 (At5g58070) in thermotolerance. A T‐DNA knock‐out line of TIL1 (til1‐1) showed severe defects in basal (BT) and acquired thermotolerance (AT), which could be complemented by introducing the wild‐type gene. However, over‐expression of TIL1 did not significantly enhance thermotolerance in transgenic plants. TIL1 is peripherally associated with plasma membrane. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the heat shock response in til1‐1 seedlings was about the same as in the wild‐type plants except the expression of TIL1. The level of TIL1 did not affect the temperature threshold for heat shock protein induction. Ion leakage analysis revealed no significant difference in membrane stability between the wild‐type and til1‐1 seedlings. These results suggest that TIL1 is not involved in regulating membrane fluidity or stability. Nevertheless, the mutant plants were also more sensitive than the wild type to tert‐butyl hydroperoxide, a reagent that induces lipid peroxidation. Taken together, these data indicate that TIL1 is an essential component for thermotolerance and probably functions by acting against lipid peroxidation induced by severe HS.
Rootstock‐mediated changes in xylem ionic and hormonal status are correlated with delayed leaf senescence, and increased leaf area and crop productivity in salinized tomato
Authors: ALBACETE ALFONSO , MARTÍNEZ‐ANDÚJAR CRISTINA , GHANEM MICHEL EDMOND , ACOSTA MANUEL , SÁNCHEZ‐BRAVO JOSÉ , ASINS MARÍA J. , CUARTERO JESÚS , LUTTS STANLEY , DODD IAN C. , PÉREZ‐ALFOCEA FRANCISCO 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTTomato crop productivity under salinity can be improved by grafting cultivars onto salt‐tolerant wild relatives, thus mediating the supply of root‐derived ionic and hormonal factors that regulate leaf area and senescence. A tomato cultivar was grafted onto rootstocks from a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a Solanum lycopersicum × Solanum cheesmaniae cross and cultivated under moderate salinity (75 mm NaCl). Concentrations of Na+, K+ and several phytohormones [abscisic acid (ABA); the cytokinins (CKs) zeatin, Z; zeatin riboside, ZR; and the ethylene precursor 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC)] were analysed in leaf xylem sap in graft combinations of contrasting vigour. Scion leaf area correlated with photosystem II (PSII) efficiency (Fv/Fm) and determined fruit productivity. Xylem K+ (but not Na+), K+/Na+, the active CK Z, the ratio with its storage form Z/ZR and especially the ratio between CKs and ACC (Z/ACC and Z + ZR/ACC) were positively loaded into the first principal component (PC) determining both leaf growth and PSII efficiency. In contrast, the ratio ACC/ABA was negatively correlated with leaf biomass. Although the underlying physiological mechanisms by which rootstocks mediate leaf area or chlorophyll fluorescence (and thus influence tomato salt tolerance) seem complex, a putative potassium–CK interaction involved in regulating both processes merits further attention.
The fou2 mutation in the major vacuolar cation channel TPC1 confers tolerance to inhibitory luminal calcium
Authors: Beyhl Diana , Hörtensteiner Stefan , Martinoia Enrico , Farmer Edward E. , Fromm Jörg , Marten Irene , Hedrich Rainer 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe SV channel encoded by the TPC1 gene represents a Ca2+‐ and voltage‐dependent vacuolar cation channel. Point mutation D454N within TPC1, named fou2 for fatty acid oxygenation upregulated 2, results in increased synthesis of the stress hormone jasmonate. As wounding causes Ca2+ signals and cytosolic Ca2+ is required for SV channel function, we here studied the Ca2+‐dependent properties of this major vacuolar cation channel with Arabidopsis thaliana mesophyll vacuoles. In patch clamp measurements, wild‐type and fou2 SV channels did not exhibit differences in cytosolic Ca2+ sensitivity and Ca2+ impermeability. K+ fluxes through wild‐type TPC1 were reduced or even completely faded away when vacuolar Ca2+ reached the 0.1‐mm level. The fou2 protein under these conditions, however, remained active. Thus, D454N seems to be part of a luminal Ca2+ recognition site. Thereby the SV channel mutant gains tolerance towards elevated luminal Ca2+. A three‐fold higher vacuolar Ca/K ratio in the fou2 mutant relative to wild‐type plants seems to indicate that fou2 can accumulate higher levels of vacuolar Ca2+ before SV channel activity vanishes and K+ homeostasis is impaired. In response to wounding fou2 plants might thus elicit strong vacuole‐derived cytosolic Ca2+ signals resulting in overproduction of jasmonate.
Judging respiratory specimen acceptability for AFB microscopy: visual vs. microscopic screening
Authors: Khan Mishal S. , Dar Osman , Tahseen Sabira , Godfrey‐Faussett Peter 
Published: March 2009

SummaryObjectives  To investigate whether visual assessment or microscopic grading of the cellular composition of specimens is a better strategy to screen specimen quality for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis.Methods  About 2643 specimens were collected from TB suspects at the Federal TB centre in Pakistan. Specimens were classified as sputum or saliva visually and microscopically using the criteria proposed by McCarter and Robinson, Van Scoy, Geckler et al., Murray and Washington and Bartlett. The acid‐fast bacilli (AFB)‐positivity of specimens was also assessed.Results  Despite being the least ‘technical’ and time consuming, visual assessment rejected the lowest proportion of AFB‐positive specimens (0.3%). Most microscopic grading criteria, particularly those that considered the squamous epithelial cell count, rejected a large proportion of specimens (30–66%), of which a sizeable fraction contained AFB (6–12%).Conclusions  Our results indicate that visual assessment by trained technicians is more effective and suitable than microscopic grading for screening specimens for TB diagnosis. TB control resources could be better allocated to optimizing visual screening than investing in more ‘strict’ microscopic grading tools.
Increased CXCL‐13 levels in human African trypanosomiasis meningo‐encephalitis
Authors: Courtioux Bertrand , Pervieux Lynda , Vatunga Gedeao , Marin Benoit , Josenando Théophile , Jauberteau‐Marchan Marie‐Odile , Bouteille Bernard , Bisser Sylvie 
Published: March 2009

SummaryObjectives  To determine the role of the B‐cell attracting chemokine CXCL‐13, which may initiate B‐cell trafficking and IgM production in diagnosing HAT meningo‐encephalitis.Methods  We determined CXCL‐13 levels by ELISA on paired sera and CSF of 26 patients from Angola and of 16 controls (six endemic and ten non‐endemic). Results were compared to standard stage determination markers and IgM intrathecal synthesis.Results  CXCL‐13 levels in patients’ sera had a median value of 386.6 pg/ml and increased levels were associated with presence of trypanosomes in the CSF but not with other stage markers. CXCL‐13 levels in patients’ CSF had a median value of 80.9 pg/ml and increased levels were associated with all standard stage determination markers and IgM intrathecal synthesis.Conclusion  CXCL‐13 levels in CSF increased significantly during the course of HAT. Hence the value of CXCL‐13 for diagnosis, follow‐up or as a marker of disease severity should be tested in a well‐defined cohort study.
Long‐term study of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray in acute and maintenance therapy of nasal polyposis
Authors: Jankowski R. , Klossek J.‐M. , Attali V. , Coste A. , Serrano E. 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Topical steroids are first‐line medication to control nasal polyposis (NP), a disease with long‐term clinical course.Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray (FPANS) 200 μg twice a day (bd) after 1 month of treatment, and to compare FPANS 200 μg bd and FPANS 200 μg once a day (od) in maintenance and long‐term treatment.Methods:  Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 8‐month study with three treatment periods (1‐month acute period followed with 1‐month maintenance period and 6‐month follow‐up period) was carried out. Group 1 received FPANS 200 μg bd, during acute, maintenance and follow‐up periods, Group 2 received FPANS 200 μg bd during acute period and FPANS 200 μg od during maintenance and follow‐up periods, and Group 3 received placebo during acute and maintenance periods and FPANS 200 μg bd during follow‐up period. Endpoints were change from baseline in clinic peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), domiciliary evening PNIF, intensity of symptoms and polyposis grade.Results:  After acute period and maintenance periods, FPANS 200 μg bd was significantly more effective than placebo on all endpoints and more effective than FPANS 200 μg od after 1‐month maintenance period on clinic PNIF, evening PNIF, obstruction, percentage of days with no sense of smell and percentage of nights with no disturbances. The two doses were similar on other endpoints. After the 6‐month follow‐up period, there was no difference between the two doses of FPANS at all efficacy endpoints. The safety profile of FPANS did not highlight any new or unanticipated adverse events.Conclusion:  The study demonstrated the efficacy of FPANS 200 μg bd in acute treatment and FPANS 200 μg od as a sufficient dose to maintain a long‐term efficacy in the treatment for NP.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia over a 10‐year period: multidrug resistance and outcomes in transplant recipients
Authors: Johnson L.E. , D'Agata E.M.C. , Paterson D.L. , Clarke L. , Qureshi Z.A. , Potoski B.A. , Peleg A.Y. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract: Aim. Transplant recipients are at risk for hospital‐acquired infections (HAIs), including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Of all HAIs, bloodstream infection (BSI) remains one of the most life‐threatening.Methods. Over a 10‐year period, we studied 503 patients, including 149 transplant recipients, with pseudomonal BSI from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Trends in antimicrobial susceptibility, risk factors for multidrug resistance (MDR), and outcomes were compared between transplant and non‐transplant patients.Results. Resistance to all antibiotic classes was significantly greater in pseudomonal blood culture isolates from transplant compared with non‐transplant patients (P<0.001). Of isolates from transplant recipients (n=207), 43% were MDR, compared with 18% of isolates from non‐transplant patients (n=391) (odds ratio [OR] 3.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.34–5.14, P<0.001). Among all patients, independent risk factors for MDR P. aeruginosa BSI included previous transplantation (OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.51–3.76, P<0.001), hospital‐acquired BSI (OR 2.41; 95% CI 1.39–4.18, P=0.002), and prior intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.15–3.63, P=0.015). Mortality among transplant recipients was 42%, compared with 32% in non‐transplant patients (OR 1.55; 95% CI 0.87–2.76, P=0.108). For transplant recipients, onset of BSI in the ICU was the only independent predictor of mortality (OR 8.00; 95% CI 1.71–37.42, P=0.008).Conclusions. Transplant recipients are at greater risk of MDR P. aeruginosa BSI, with an appreciable mortality. Future management must concentrate on the implementation of effective preventative strategies.
Response of amino acid changes in Aphis gossypii (Glover) to elevated CO2 levels
Authors: Sun Y. C. , Jing B. B. , Ge F. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEffects of elevated CO2 levels on the amino acid constituents of cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover), fed on transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) (Bt) cotton [Cryl A(c)], grown in ambient and double‐ambient CO2 levels in closed‐dynamics CO2 chambers, were investigated. Lower amounts of amino acids were found in cotton phloem under elevated CO2 than under ambient CO2 levels. However, higher amounts of free amino acids were found in A. gossypii fed on elevated CO2‐grown cotton than those fed ambient CO2‐grown cotton, and the contents of amino acids in honeydew were not significantly affected by elevated CO2 levels. A larger amount of honeydew was produced by cotton aphids feeding on leaves under elevated CO2 treatment than those feeding on leaves under ambient CO2 treatment, which indicates that A. gossypii ingests more cotton phloem because of the higher C:N ratio of cotton phloem under elevated CO2 levels. Moreover, the amino acid composition was similar in bodies of aphids ingesting leaves under both CO2 treatments, except for two alkaline amino acids, lysine and arginine. This suggests that the nutritional constitution of the phloem sap was important for A. gossypii. Our data suggest that more phloem sap will be ingested by A. gossypii to satisfy its nutritional requirement and balance the break‐even point of amino acid in elevated CO2. Larger amounts of honeydew produced by A. gossypii under elevated CO2 will reduce the photosynthesis and result in the occurrence of some Entomophthora spp.
Effect of rearing strategy and gamma radiation on fecundity and fertility of codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Carpenter J. E. , Bloem S. , Taggart S. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a serious pest of pome fruit worldwide. In an effort to reduce the use of pesticides to control this pest, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is used or considered for use as a component of area‐wide integrated pest management programmes. Rearing codling moths through diapause has been shown to improve the competitiveness of sterile moths released in orchards, and provides management alternatives that would allow mass‐rearing facilities to increase their yearly production of sterile moths. Because radiosensitivity in insects can be influenced by numerous biological factors, laboratory tests were conducted to examine whether the response to increasing doses of radiation, as expressed in the fecundity and fertility of cohorts of moths, is similar for adult moths mass‐reared through diapause or through standard (non‐diapause) production protocols. Our data revealed that the effect of increasing doses of radiation on fecundity and fertility of codling moths reared through both rearing strategies was similar. In the case of fertility, this is a particularly important finding for the expanded application of codling moth SIT. If mass‐rearing facilities use year‐round diapause rearing, the dose required to treat the insects prior to release will be similar to that used when codling moths are reared through standard production protocols.
Downregulation of ubiquitin gene expression in the deltamethrin‐resistant diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.)
Authors: Luogen C. , Jianing X. , Jing X. , Ying W. , Zhongying L. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract Plutella xylostella (L.) has long been regarded as a very important universal pest of cruciferous crops. It is therefore important to understand its mechanisms of insecticide resistance. In our previous study, we obtained a differently expressed sequence with relatively high homology to the ubiquitin (UBI) gene as assessed via cDNA representational difference analysis (RDA). To further study this product, we cloned UBI open reading frame (ORF) sequences identified from both sexes of the deltamethrin‐resistant strain (DRF and DRM) and the deltamethrin‐sensitive strain (SF and SM) of P. xylostella. The deduced protein sequence of DRM was different from the other samples. The expression level was measured using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. The results of both analyses revealed the expression levels, in order from highest to lowest, to be in SF, SM, DRF and DRM. This indicates that the long‐term use of deltamethrin on P. xylostella results in decreased expression of the UBI gene.
Role of the VEGF 936 C/T polymorphism in diabetic microvascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: KIM HYE WON , KO GANG JEE , KANG YOUNG SUN , LEE MI HWA , SONG HYE KYOUNG , KIM HYOUNG KYU , CHA DAE RYONG 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARY:Aim:  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is important in the pathogenesis of diabetic microvascular complications and the genetic polymorphism of this gene may contribute to the development and progression of diabetic microvascular complications. In this study, we investigated whether a genetic polymorphism of VEGF is associated with diabetic complications.Methods:  A total of 398 type 2 diabetic patients and 526 healthy controls were enrolled. The study subjects were divided based on the state of nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. The VEGF 936 C/T polymorphism was evaluated using standard PCR techniques, and plasma and urinary levels of VEGF were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  There was no difference in VEGF genotype distribution between the control and diabetic patients based on the state of diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy. However, a higher frequency of the TT genotype was observed in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, plasma levels of VEGF were significantly higher in the TT genotype. However, urinary levels of VEGF did not show a significant relationship with the VEGF genotype. Urinary VEGF levels showed a significant relationship with urinary albumin excretion, proteinuria, serum creatinine level and creatinine clearance, as well as fasting blood glucose levels, postprandial 2 h glucose levels and C‐reactive protein.Conclusion:  Our study suggests that the 936 C/T polymorphism of the VEGF gene may be an important factor determining plasma VEGF levels and that its polymorphism is related with diabetic retinopathy. Urinary levels of VEGF are not associated with plasma VEGF levels and associated with the stage of diabetic nephropathy.
Blood pressure assessment in haemodialysis patients: Comparison between pre‐dialysis blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure measurement
Authors: FAGUGLI RICCARDO MARIA , RICCIARDI DANIELA , ROSSI DAVIDE , DE GAETANO ANDREA , TAGLIONI CHIARA 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYAim:  Hypertension is common in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Determining the most appropriate method of blood pressure (BP) measurement, representative of target organ damage, is still an issue. BP variations between pre‐ and post‐HD treatment, or between on‐dialysis day and off‐dialysis day, are common. The aim of this study was to examine the possible differences between pre‐HD office BP (OBP) levels, inter‐HD (iHD) or HD day 24 h ambulatory BP measurement (ABPM) with 48 h ABPM, where the latter was considered the gold standard.Methods:  163 HD patients were studied. BP was monitored consecutively for 48 h with a Takeda TM2421 device, then sub‐analysed into two periods of 24 h: HD and iHD day. An average of 12 sessions pre‐HD OBP measurements was determined.Results:  OBP significantly overestimates systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) when compared with 48 h ABPM. SBP and DBP are significantly higher on iHD day than on HD day: 141.2 ± 20.8 versus 137.9 ± 20.9, and 77.1 ± 11.1 versus 76.1 ± 10.9 (P < 0.01). No differences of SBP night/day ratio were reported between 48 h ABPM and iHD 24 h ABPM or HD 24 h ABPM. The highest correlations were reported between 48 h SBP/DBP with iHD or HD 24 h ABPM (r2 = 0.95, P < 0.001), while the lowest between 48 h SBP/DBP and OBP (r2 = 0.40, P < 0.01, r2 = 0.12, P < 0.01). The narrowest limits of agreement using the Bland and Altman test were reported between 48 h SBP or DBP and 24 h iHD or HD day ABPM. Considering 48 h ABPM, 80.5% of patients had BP higher than the norm, compared with 61.7% of patients in the case of OBP (χ2 = 13.28, P < 0.001). The sensibility for detecting hypertension for iHD day 24 h ABPM was 98.4%, with specificity of 90%. The sensibility of 24 h HD day ABPM was 90.3%, with specificity 96.6%. In the case of OBP, sensibility and specificity were considerably lower, that is, 72.6% and 83.3% respectively.Conclusion:  Significant differences are shown between OBP and 48 h ABPM in the recognition of a hypertensive state. OBP measurement has a lower sensibility and specificity than 24 h ABPM, which remains a valid alternative approach to 48 h ABPM in HD patients. Errors of OBP estimation should be taken into account, with possible negative impact on treatment strategies and epidemiology studies.
Association between metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease in the Korean population
Authors: CHANG IN HO , HAN JUNE HYUN , MYUNG SOON CHUL , KWAK KYUNG WON , KIM TAE‐HYOUNG , PARK SANG WOOK , CHOI NAK YOUNG , CHUNG WOO HYUN , AHN SEUNG HYUN 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYAim:  We performed a retrospective study to examine the association between the metabolic syndrome (MS) and risk for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods:  This cohort study included 60 921 healthy adults recruited from two health promotion centres. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, fasting glucose, lipid profile and serum creatinine were evaluated. The glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) using the abbreviated equation developed by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. CKD was defined as an eGFR of <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or the presence of proteinuria.Results:  The prevalence of MS and CKD was 19.0% and 7.2% respectively. Those with MS had a higher prevalence of CKD (11.0% vs 6.3%, P < 0.001) than those without MS. As the number of MS components increased, the prevalence of CKD increased and the eGFR decreased. The multiple linear analyses showed that each of the components of the MS was negatively correlated with the eGFR. Unadjusted and multivariate adjusted associations were identified between MS and CKD. Individuals with MS had a multivariate adjusted odds ratio of 1.680 (95% confidence interval, 0.566–1.801) for CKD compared with those without MS.Conclusion:  Our findings, which were obtained from a large Korean cohort, suggest that MS was associated with CKD.
Isolated lepromatous conjunctivo‐corneal granuloma in a cat from Italy
Authors: Lamagna Barbara , Paciello Orlando , Ragozzino Manuela , Papparella Serenella , Montagnaro Serena , Lamagna Francesco 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective  To describe a case of a conjunctivo‐corneal mass in a cat associated with acid‐fast bacilli.Methods  A 2‐year‐old female black European Short‐Hair cat, living outdoors in a suburban environment in Italy, was referred for evaluation of a nodular, vascularized mass of 2 weeks duration. The mass involved the dorsal bulbar conjunctiva at the temporal canthus of OS and invaded the sclera and cornea. Routine ophthalmic and systemic examination, serologic testing, cytology and histology of the mass were performed. Mycobacterium specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of variable regions 1, 2 and 3 of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was also performed.Results  Neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and giant cells with intracytoplasmic acid‐fast bacilli were seen on cytological examination. The histological examination confirmed the presence of a granulomatous lesion with acid‐fast bacilli within macrophages. Bacteriological culture of the material from the lesion was negative for Mycobacterium spp. Mycobacterium 16S rRNA gene specific PCR was positive.A diagnosis of feline leprosy was made. The owners refused any treatment, and 1 year later the lesion was still present.Conclusions  Veterinary ophthalmologists should be aware of conjunctivo‐corneal leproma as an unusual symptom of leprosy.