bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of nitrergic neurotransmission to mouse corpus cavernosum in the absence of neurturin is accompanied by increased response to acetylcholine
Authors: Nangle Matthew R , Keast Janet R 
Published: May 2006

The neurotrophic factor, neurturin (NTN), plays an important role in parasympathetic neural development. In the penis, parasympathetic nitrergic/cholinergic nerves mediate the erectile response. However, despite reduced parasympathetic penile innervation in mice lacking the NTN receptor, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor family receptorα(GFRα)2, they are capable of erection and reproduction.Our aim was to assess neural regulation of erectile tissues from mice lacking NTN. Responses of cavernosal smooth muscle were studiedin vitro, monitoring agonist‐ and nerve‐evoked changes in tension.Frequency‐dependent nerve‐evoked relaxations in the presence of guanethidine were markedly reduced in the mutant mice compared to wild types (19 vs 72% of phenylephrine pre‐contraction). Atropine reduced the amplitude in wild‐type mice to 61%, but abolished relaxations in knockout mice. In wild‐type and knockout animals, nitric oxide synthase inhibition abolished neurogenic relaxations.In NTN knockout animals, EC50values for nitric oxide‐dependent relaxations to acetylcholine and muscarine were increased approximately 0.5 log units. In contrast, contractions to electrical stimulation or phenylephrine, and relaxations to bradykinin or the nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside, were unaltered.Immunohistochemistry confirmed that nerves immunoreactive for nitric oxide synthase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide were substantially reduced in cavernosum of NTN knockout mice.Parallel immunohistochemical and pharmacological studies in GFRα2 knockout animals showed the same changes from their wild types as the NTN knockout animals.The data demonstrate that NTN is essential for normal development of penile erection‐inducing nerves and that its absence leads to increased responsiveness to muscarinic agonists, possibly as a compensatory mechanism.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)148, 423–433. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706760
Differentially expressed genes related to symbiotic association in a supernodulating soybean mutant and its wild‐type
Authors: LESTARI PUJI , VAN KYUJUNG , KIM MOON YOUNG , HWANG CHEOL HO , LEE BYUN‐WOO , LEE SUK‐HA 
Published: May 2006

SUMMARYTo understand the molecular basis of symbiotic association, a cDNA‐AFLP technique was used to identify differentially expressed transcripts between a supernodulating soybean mutant, SS2‐2, and its wild‐type, Sinpaldalkong 2. As sources of cDNA‐AFLP templates, trifoliates of 2‐week‐old plants were collected 1 week after Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation. A total of 147 bands out of 4000 amplicons were recognized as differentially expressed fragments, with 40 transcript‐derived fragments (TDFs) in SS2‐2 and 65 TDFs in Sinpaldalkong 2. Qualitative and quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR assays suggested that the expression patterns of genes in both genotypes were clearly differentiated. TDFs homologous to nodulin (65S2) and a putative senescence‐associated protein (9S1) were up‐regulated in SS2‐2, whereas Sinpaldalkong 2 showed up‐regulation of a receptor‐like kinase (48sin1) and a kinase‐like protein (17sin1). This indicates that different genes may be involved in regulation of the symbiotic programme that distinguishes SS2‐2 from its wild‐type. A TDF showing a change in a single base from A (Sinpaldalkong 2) to T (SS2‐2) in this study was identified as a Glycine max nodule autoregulation receptor‐like protein kinase precursor, previously identified by map‐based cloning. These results demonstrate that cDNA‐AFLP is a powerful technique to detect interesting genes without prior assumptions about the nature of the genes. The differentially expressed genes between Sinpaldalkong 2 and SS2‐2 suggest that different signal transduction pathways for symbiosis may be involved in the two soybean genotypes.
Selection for increased cyproconazole tolerance in Mycosphaerella graminicola through local adaptation and in response to host resistance
Authors: ZHAN J. , STEFANATO F. L. , MCDONALD B. A. 
Published: May 2006

SUMMARYSterol demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) represent one of the largest groups of systemic fungicides that have been used to control agriculturally important fungal pathogens. Knowledge regarding the evolution of fungicide resistance in agricultural ecosystems is fragmentary and a better understanding of the processes driving the development of DMI resistance in populations of fungal pathogens is needed by plant pathologists and the agrochemical industry. We considered some of these processes using approaches based on molecular population and quantitative genetics. Five Mycosphaerella graminicola populations sampled from unsprayed wheat fields on four continents were assayed for eight restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers and their level of tolerance to cyproconazole. DMI fungicides such as cyproconazole inhibit the enzyme eburicol 14‐α‐demethylase. The gene encoding this target, CYP51, was sequenced for all isolates. We found unimodal, continuous variations in cyproconazole tolerance among the M. graminicola isolates sampled from individual fields, consistent with a polygenic mode of inheritance. We also found that population differentiation for cyproconazole tolerance (QST) among the five M. graminicola populations was significantly higher than the corresponding population differentiation for neutral RFLP markers (GST), suggesting that selection for cyproconazole tolerance in the Swiss population has already led to local adaptation that can be seen even in an unsprayed population. The Swiss population displayed the highest level of tolerance to cyproconazole, in addition to a lower than expected quantitative variation in fungicide tolerance and a skewed distribution, indicating that selection had increased the overall tolerance of this population. Further analysis with DNA sequencing showed that the population from Switzerland was dominated by isolates with several point mutations and a 6‐bp deletion in CYP51. This deletion and one of the point mutations were previously related to increased resistance in field isolates. The fungal population from Oregon sampled from an unsprayed resistant host cultivar displayed the same gene diversity in RFLP loci but higher cyproconazole tolerance and quantitative variation in tolerance than the fungal population from the same field sampled from an unsprayed susceptible host cultivar.
Endothelial dysfunction in Buerger's disease and its relation to markers of inflammation
Authors: Joras M. , Poredoš P. , Fras Z. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground  Buerger's disease (BD) is a segmental occlusive vascular disease. The aim of this study was to detect functional changes in brachial artery and asymptomatic morphological changes in extra‐cranial carotid arteries not affected by the disease process and to assess markers of inflammation and endothelial damage.Materials and methods  Fourteen patients in the remission phase of BD and the same number of age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included in the study. The capability of endothelium‐dependent (flow‐mediated) and endothelium‐independent dilation of the brachial artery and intima‐media thickness of the carotid arteries were measured using high‐resolution ultrasound. Laboratory parameters of endogenous fibrinolytic activity, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were also measured.Results  Patients with BD had a diminished capability of endothelium‐dependent vasodilation and higher levels of some circulating markers of inflammation, such as leukocytes, C‐reactive protein, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and E‐selectin. Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 levels were related to some of the inflammatory markers (sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, α2‐globulins and fibrinogen), while E‐selectin was correlated with decreased endogenous blood fibrinolytic activity. Endothelium‐dependent vasodilation was in negative correlation with the relative share of neutrophil granulocytes. There were no significant differences in intima‐media thickness between patients with BD and controls.Conclusions  Our study has expressed generalized functional arterial disorder in patients with BD not accompanied by any measurable morphological changes of the carotid arterial wall. Functional deterioration of brachial artery could be related to increased levels of various inflammatory markers – the process which is most probably the basic pathogenetic mechanism of the disease.
Surfactant protein D in human lung diseases
Authors: Hartl D. , Griese M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe lung is continuously exposed to inhaled pollutants, microbes and allergens. Therefore, the pulmonary immune system has to defend against harmful pathogens, while an inappropriate inflammatory response to harmless particles must be avoided. In the bronchoalveolar space this critical balance is maintained by innate immune proteins, termed surfactant proteins. Among these, surfactant protein D (SP‐D) plays a central role in the pulmonary host defence and the modulation of allergic responses. Several human lung diseases are characterized by decreased levels of bronchoalveolar SP‐D. Thus, recombinant SP‐D has been proposed as a therapeutical option for cystic fibrosis, neonatal lung disease and smoking‐induced emphysema. Furthermore, SP‐D serum levels can be used as disease activity markers for interstitial lung diseases. This review illustrates the emerging role of SP‐D translated from in vitro studies to human lung diseases.
Microbial community changes during humification of 14C‐labelled maize straw in heat‐treated and native Orthic Luvisol
Authors: Liebich J. , Vereecken H. , Burauel P. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe microbial communities in agricultural soils are responsible for nutrient cycling and thus for maintaining soil fertility. However, there is still a considerable lack of knowledge on anthropogenic impacts on soils, their microflora, and the associated nutrient cycles. In this microcosm study, microorganisms involved in the conversion of crop residues were investigated by means of classical microbiological and molecular methods such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplified 16S rRNA genes. 14C‐labelled maize straw was humified by the naturally occurring microflora in native and in ashed soils, from which organic carbon was removed by heating at 600°C. The humic acids synthesized in the microcosms served as indicators of the humification process and were analysed by 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Ashed, autoclaved and native soil exhibited similar microbial and physicochemical dynamics after inoculation with a soil suspension. Bacterial counts and DGGE analyses showed that in the first few weeks a small number of rapidly growing r‐strategists were principally responsible for the conversion of maize straw. As the incubation continued, the bacterial diversity increased as well as the fungal biomass. 13C‐NMR spectroscopy of 26‐week old soil extracts revealed that structures typical of humic substances also evolved from the plant material.
Observing decision‐making in the general practice consultation: who makes which decisions?
Authors: Ford Sarah , Schofield Theo , Hope Tony 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective To investigate opportunities for, and types of decision making in the general practice (primary care) consultation, and examine differences in skills of those doctors who are successful at meeting their patients’ preferences and those who are less successful.Design Observation study of doctor–patient consultations in general practice.Participants Patients attending for routine appointments in 12 general practice surgeries across Oxfordshire.Methods A total of 212 doctor–patient consultations were video‐recorded. The patients involved completed a questionnaire to elicit their perceptions of how decisions were made. The video‐taped recordings were coded with a new instrument, the Evidence Based Patient Choice Instrument (EBPCI), to classify the number and type of decision‐making opportunities arising during each consultation. A total of 149 recordings were coded using the Oxbridge Rating Scale to assess the doctors’ consultation styles.Results There was a range of decision‐making opportunities in addition to those involving medical treatment. With the exception of ‘fitness for work’, decisions were generally ‘doctor led’. There was only moderate agreement between patient perceptions of their level of involvement in decision making and the objective ratings using the EBPCI. There was wide variation in the ability of doctors to meet their patients’ preferences for involvement.Conclusions There are many decisions made in primary care consultations, in addition to those about medical treatments, in which patients could be involved to a greater extent than they currently are. Some doctors are significantly better than others at meeting different patients’ preferences for their decision‐making role. Patients’ perceptions of shared decision making appears to be influenced by the doctors’ general consultation skills.
‘Nothing fit me’: nationwide consultations with young women with breast cancer
Authors: Gould Judy , Grassau Pamela , Manthorne Jackie , Gray Ross E. , Fitch Margaret I. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective  There exists little research about the experience of breast cancer for young women in Canada. To address this gap, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) and the Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative undertook a research project to explore the information and support experiences, needs and recommendations of geographically diverse Canadian young women with breast cancer.Setting and participants  We consulted with 65 young women in 10 focus groups held across Canada. All women had been diagnosed with breast cancer at, or before, 45 years of age. During the consultations the women were asked to discuss their information and support experiences and needs, as well as resource recommendations related to their diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.Main results  The overarching theme, ‘Nothing Fit Me’, revealed that accessed information, support and programmes/services did not ‘fit’ or match the women's age or life stage. When we asked for their recommendations the young women suggested that information and support match their age and life stage and that health‐care providers create and implement several topical workshops concerning, for example, sexuality, lymphedema and reconstruction.Conclusion  The findings will be used by the CBCN as a general platform from which to conduct further research and/or action strategies. The CBCN will also implement the recommendations from this groundbreaking work as this network formulates a national strategy for young women with breast cancer.
Dombrock gene analysis in Brazilian people reveals novel alleles
Authors: Baleotti W. , Rios M. , Reid M. E. , Hashmi G. , Fabron A. , Pellegrino J. , Castilho L. 
Published: May 2006

Background and Objectives  The Doa and Dob polymorphisms are associated with three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exon 2 of the DO gene: 378C/T, 624T/C and 793A/G for the DOA and DOB alleles, respectively. The SNPs 350C/T (JO allele) and 323G/T (HY allele) are associated with the Jo(a–) and Hy‐negative phenotypes. Recently, two new DO alleles [DOB‐SH (378C, 624C, 793G) and DOA‐HA (378T, 624T, 793A)] were identified using microarray technology. Although the molecular background of Dombrock alleles is well defined, no studies have been conducted in the Brazilian population.Materials and Methods  We employed polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP)‐based assays and a microarray assay to determine the frequency of the DO alleles (DOA, DOB, HY1, HY2 and JO) in Brazilians. We tested DNA of 288 Brazilians from three different ethnic groups by PCR‐RFLP to determine the 793A/G (DOA/DOB), 323G/T (HY), 350C/T (JO) and 898C/G (HY1/HY2) SNPs. We also tested DNA from 162 blood donors by using the HEA Beadchip™ assay to determine the 378C/T, 624T/C, 793A/G (DOA/DOB), 350C/T (JO allele) and 323G/T (HY) SNPs.Results  Two novel allele combinations were found in our samples: the DOB allele (793G and 323G) associated with 898G (DOB‐WL); and an allele carrying the nucleotides 378C, 624C, 793A and 323G (DOA‐SH). We also found the DOB‐SH and DOA‐HA.alleles recently reported.Conclusions  Our data demonstrate high heterogeneity of DO alleles in the Brazilian population. Our study also highlights the importance of testing a cohort of different populations to determine DO haplotypes and of establishing reliable genotyping tests for predicting Doa/Dob status.
Stratum adiposum, A Special Structure of the African Catfish Skin (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822)
Authors: Guerra R. R. , Santos N. P. , Cecarelli P. , Mangetti A. J. , Silva J. R. M. C. , Hernandez‐Blazquez F. J. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe skin histology of Clarias gariepinus, a scaleless teleost from south central Africa, is described. The African catfish epidermis is composed of epithelial cells representing 62.3% of volumetric density (Vv), club cells (Vv = 25.7%), mucous cells (Vv = 10.5%) and melanocytes (Vv = 1.4%). Its thickness amounts to approximately 240 μm. The dermis is distinguished by two well differentiated layers, the stratum adiposum, containing prominent amounts of adipose tissue, which forms large, oblong compartments circumscribed by dense connective tissue, and the stratum compactum, which is rich in compacted collagen fibres. Compared with other catfish species the dermis thickness is considerably thicker ranging from 1.3 to 2.3 mm. The function of this type of skin is discussed.
Negative influence of delayed surgery on survival after preoperative radiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Supiot S. , Bennouna J. , Rio E. , Meurette G. , Bardet E. , Buecher B. , Dravet F. , Le Neel J.‐C. , Douillard J.‐Y. , Mahé M.‐A. , Lehur P.‐A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjective  In Europe, until recently the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer was preoperative radiotherapy (RT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence on survival of intervals between diagnosis and treatment.Patients and methods  The influence on survival of intervals between diagnosis and surgery (Dg‐Surg), diagnosis and initiation of RT (Dg‐Rad), and completion of RT and surgery (Rad‐Surg) was evaluated in a retrospective series of patients treated with preoperative RT. Between 1991 and 1998, 102 patients received treatment with preoperative RT without concomitant chemotherapy at the René Gauducheau Cancer Center. Patients generally received 45 Gy (80%) in 25 fractions over 35 days for T2–T3–T4 N0–N1 M0 rectal adenocarcinoma located mainly (62.7%) in the lower third of the rectum (≤ 5 cm from anal margin). Thirty‐five pN1 patients were treated with postoperative chemotherapy. Differences between survival were assessed by the log‐rank test, and prognostic factors by the Cox test.Results  Median time was 14.7 weeks for Dg‐Surg, 4.6 weeks for Dg‐Rad and 5.1 weeks for Rad‐Surg. Median follow‐up from diagnosis was 57.4 months. Five‐year local relapse‐free survival was 83.9%, metastasis‐free survival 64% and overall survival 60.8%. No factor was predictive of tumour response to RT. Log‐rank and multivariate analysis showed that overall survival was significantly influenced by lower‐third tumours, pT, pN and Dg‐Surg (poorer survival when ≥ 16 weeks: OR = 2.59, P = 0.005). Metastasis‐free survival correlated significantly with Dg‐Surg (≥ 16 weeks: OR = 2.05, P = 0.05).Conclusion  An interval of more than 16 weeks between diagnosis and surgery may reduce overall survival of patients treated with preoperative RT for locally advanced rectal cancer. Surgery should be performed shortly after completion of RT for patients with no possibility of sphincter preservation, or a minimal risk of morbidity from an abdominoperineal excision.
Long‐term effects of exenatide therapy over 82 weeks on glycaemic control and weight in over‐weight metformin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ratner R. E. , Maggs D. , Nielsen L. L. , Stonehouse A. H. , Poon T. , Zhang B. , Bicsak T. A. , Brodows R. G. , Kim D. D. 
Published: May 2006

Aim:  The ability of the incretin mimetic exenatide to improve glycaemic control and reduce body weight was assessed over 82 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes failing to achieve glycaemic control with maximally effective doses of metformin.Methods:  In this interim 82‐week analysis, 150 (total cohort) of an eligible population of 183 patients opted to continue exenatide treatment in an uncontrolled open‐label extension of a 30‐week double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Of these, 92 patients (completer cohort) achieved 82 weeks of exenatide therapy. Patients continued metformin throughout the study.Results:  At the end of the placebo‐controlled trial, exenatide resulted in an haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction from baseline of −1.0 ± 0.1% (mean ± SE) (exenatide treatment arms), with durable HbA1c reductions after 82 weeks of −1.3 ± 0.1%. The percent of patients who achieved HbA1c≤7% at weeks 30 and 82 was 46 and 59% respectively. After 30 weeks, exenatide caused a reduction in weight from baseline of −3.0 ± 0.6 kg, with a progressive reduction in weight of −5.3 ± 0.8 kg after 82 weeks. In addition, exenatide treatment produced clinically significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors after 82 weeks. The most frequent adverse event after 30 and 82 weeks of exenatide was nausea, which was generally of mild‐or‐moderate intensity. It decreased in incidence after initiation in the controlled trial and the uncontrolled open‐label extension. Hypoglycaemia was rare, with no severe events.Conclusion:  Exenatide was generally well tolerated, producing a durable reduction in HbA1c and a progressive reduction in weight over 82 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes failing to achieve glycaemic control with metformin.