bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of an Arabidopsis RING‐H2 gene, XERICO, confers drought tolerance through increased abscisic acid biosynthesis
Authors: Ko Jae‐Heung , Yang Seung H. , Han Kyung‐Hwan 
Published: June 2006

SummaryRING (really interesting new gene) zinc‐finger proteins have important regulatory roles in the development of a variety of organisms. The XERICO gene encodes a small protein (162 amino acids) with an N‐terminal trans‐membrane domain and a RING‐H2 zinc‐finger motif located at the C‐terminus. In silico gene‐expression analysis indicated that XERICO is induced by salt and osmotic stress. Compared with wild‐type (WT) Arabidopsis plants, transgenic plants overexpressing XERICO (35S::XERICO) exhibited hypersensitivity to salt and osmotic stress and exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) during germination and early seedling growth. When subjected to a drought treatment, transcriptional upregulation of a key ABA‐biosynthesis gene, AtNCED3, was much faster and stronger in 35S::XERICO plants compared with WT plants. Further, upregulation of XERICO substantially increased cellular ABA levels. The adult 35S::XERICO plants, in contrast to early seedling growth, showed a marked increase in their tolerance to drought stress. Yeast two‐hybrid screening indicated that XERICO interacts with an E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme (AtUBC8) and ASK1‐interacting F‐box protein (AtTLP9), which is involved in the ABA‐signaling pathway. Affymetrix GeneChip array analysis showed that the expressions of many of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of plant hormones (e.g. ethylene, brassinosteroid, gibberellic acid) were significantly changed in the 35S::XERICO plants. These results suggest that the homeostasis of various plant hormones might be altered in 35S::XERICO plants, possibly by overaccumulation of ABA.
GAMYB controls different sets of genes and is differentially regulated by microRNA in aleurone cells and anthers
Authors: Tsuji Hiroyuki , Aya Koichiro , Ueguchi‐Tanaka Miyako , Shimada Yukihisa , Nakazono Mikio , Watanabe Ryosuke , Nishizawa Naoko K. , Gomi Kenji , Shimada Asako , Kitano Hidemi , Ashikari Motoyuki , Matsuoka Makoto 
Published: June 2006

SummaryGAMYB is a component of gibberellin (GA) signaling in cereal aleurone cells, and has an important role in flower development. However, it is unclear how GAMYB function is regulated. We examined the involvement of a microRNA, miR159, in the regulation of GAMYB expression in cereal aleurone cells and flower development. In aleurone cells, no miR159 expression was observed with or without GA treatment, suggesting that miR159 is not involved in the regulation of GAMYB and GAMYB‐like genes in this tissue. miR159 was expressed in tissues other than aleurone, and miR159 over‐expressors showed similar but more severe phenotypes than the gamyb mutant. GAMYB and GAMYB‐like genes are co‐expressed with miR159 in anthers, and the mRNA levels for GAMYB and GAMYB‐like genes are negatively correlated with miR159 levels during anther development. Thus, OsGAMYB and OsGAMYB‐like genes are regulated by miR159 in flowers. A microarray analysis revealed that OsGAMYB and its upstream regulator SLR1 are involved in the regulation of almost all GA‐mediated gene expression in rice aleurone cells. Moreover, different sets of genes are regulated by GAMYB in aleurone cells and anthers. GAMYB binds directly to promoter regions of its target genes in anthers as well as aleurone cells. Based on these observations, we suggest that the regulation of GAMYB expression and GAMYB function are different in aleurone cells and flowers in rice.
Adaptive radiation in African weakly electric fish (Teleostei: Mormyridae:Campylomormyrus): a combined molecular and morphological approach
Authors: FEULNER P. G. D. , KIRSCHBAUM F. , MAMONEKENE V. , KETMAIER V. , TIEDEMANN R. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe combined multiple molecular markers and geometric morphometrics to revise the current taxonomy and to build a phylogenetic hypothesis for the African weakly electric fish genusCampylomormyrus. Genetic data (2039 bp DNA sequence of mitochondrial cytochromeband nuclear S7 genes) on 106 specimens support the existence of at least six species occurring in sympatry. We were able to further confirm these species by microsatellite analysis at 16 unlinked nuclear loci and landmark‐based morphometrics. We assigned them to nominal taxa by comparisons to type specimens of allCampylomormyrusspecies recognized so far. Additionally, we showed that the shape of the elongated trunk‐like snout is the major source of morphological differentiation among them. This finding suggests that the radiation of this speciose genus might have been driven by adaptation to different food sources.
Semantic Differences in Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi)Alarm Calls: A Reflection of Genetic or Cultural Variants?
Authors: Fichtel Claudia , Van Schaik Carel P. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this study, we compared the usage of alarm calls and anti‐predator strategies between a captive and a wild lemur population. The wild lemur population was studied earlier in Western Madagascar (Fichtel & Kappeler 2002). The captive population was studied in outdoor enclosures of the Duke University Primate Center. Alarm calls and anti‐predator behavior were elicited by conducting experiments with both vocal and visual dummies. We scored the subjects’ immediate behavioral responses, including alarm calls, from video recordings made during the experiments. In principle, both populations have a mixed alarm call system with functionally referential alarm calls for aerial predators and general alarm calls for terrestrial and aerial predators and for situations associated with high arousal, such as group encounters. Although wild and captive sifakas exhibit the same alarm call system and use the same alarm call types, we discovered striking differences in the usage and perception of some of the alarm calls. We argue that these differences indicate either an evolutionary drift in the meaning of these calls or reflect cultural variation. The latter possibility is consistent with our understanding of the ontogeny of call usage and comprehension.
The Effect of Predator Hunger on Chemically Mediated Antipredator Responses and Survival in the Wolf Spider Pardosa milvina (Araneae: Lycosidae)
Authors: Bell Ryan D. , Rypstra Ann L. , Persons Matthew H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe wolf spider Pardosa milvina exhibits effective antipredator behavior (reduced movement) in the presence of silk and excreta from a larger co‐occurring predatory wolf spider Hogna helluo. As the quantity and quality of the silk and excreta may vary with the hunger state of the predator, we tested if chemical cues from a hungry vs. satiated H. helluo affected the activity level and survival of P. milvina. Pardosa milvina response was measured on substrates containing chemical cues from (1) a satiated H. helluo, (2) a H. helluo that had been withheld food for 2 wk, (3) cues from adult domestic crickets (Acheta domesticus), or (4) a blank test substrate (20 replicates/treatment). Pardosa milvina activity level was recorded on each substrate over a 30‐min period using video‐tracking equipment (Videomex‐I®; Columbus Instruments, Columbus, OH, USA). We then measured P. milvina survival in the presence of hungry or satiated H. helluo on cues from a hungry H. helluo, satiated H. helluo, or a blank control (2 × 3 design). Pardosa milvina significantly reduced activity in the presence of H. helluo cues and showed significantly less activity in the presence of cues from a hungry H. helluo compared with a satiated one. Cue type and predator hunger state significantly affected P. milvina survival in the presence of live predators. However, cues from hungry vs. satiated H. helluo resulted in no difference in P. milvina survival. Pardosa milvina can discriminate between hungry vs. satiated predators based on silk and excreta cues alone, but differences in behavior as a result of this discrimination did not translate into increased survival in the presence of a live predator.
GENE EXPRESSION OF STRETCH‐ACTIVATED CHANNELS AND MECHANOELECTRIC FEEDBACK IN THE HEART
Authors: Kelly D , Mackenzie L , Hunter P , Smaill B , Saint DA 
Published: June 2006

SUMMARY

Mechanoelectric feedback (MEF) in the heart is the process by which mechanical forces on the myocardium can change its electrical properties. Mechanoelectric feedback has been demonstrated in many animal models, ranging from isolated cells, through isolated hearts to whole animals. In humans, MEF has been demonstrated directly in both the atria and the ventricles. It seems likely that MEF provides either the trigger or the substrate for some types of clinically important arrhythmias.
Mechanoelectric feedback may arise because of the presence of stretch‐sensitive (or mechano‐sensitive) ion channels in the cell membrane of the cardiac myocytes. Two types have been demonstrated: (i) a non‐specific cation channel (stretch‐activated channel (SAC); conductance of approximately 25 pS); and (ii) a potassium channel with a conductance of approximately 100 pS. The gene coding for the SAC has not yet been identified. The gene for the potassium channel is likely to be TREK, a member of the tandem pore potassium channel gene family. We have recorded stretch‐sensitive potassium channels in rat isolated myocytes that have the properties of TREK channels expressed in heterologous systems.
It has been shown that TREK mRNA is expressed heterogeneously in the rat ventricular wall, with 17‐fold more expression in endocardial compared with epicardial cells. This difference is reflected in the TREK currents recorded from endocardial and epicardial cells using whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques, although the difference in current density was less pronounced (approximately threefold). Consistent with this, we show here that when the ventricle is stretched by inflation of an intraventricular balloon in a Langendorff perfused rat isolated heart, action potential shortening was more pronounced in the endocardium (30% shortening at 40 mmHg) compared with that in the epicardium (10% shortening at the same pressure).
Computer models of the mechanics of the (pig) heart show pronounced spatial variations in strain in the myocardium with large transmural differences (in the left ventricle in particular) and also large differences between the base and apex of the ventricle.
The importance of MEF and the non‐homogeneous gene expression and strain distribution for arrhythmias is discussed.
ANTI‐INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI‐NOCICEPTIVE ACTIVITY OF RISEDRONATE IN EXPERIMENTAL PAIN MODELS IN RATS AND MICE
Authors: Carvalho Aline P , Bezerra Mirna M , Girão Virgínia CC , Cunha Fernando Q , Rocha Francisco AC 
Published: June 2006

SUMMARY

The antinociceptive effect of risedronate in experimental pain models in rats and mice was investigated in the present study.
Rats received zymosan intra‐articularly (i.art.) into the right knee joint and the nociceptive response was assessed using the articular incapacitation test. Joint washouts were used for determining cell influx, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and leukotriene (LT) B4 levels.
Mice received either zymosan (1 mg) or acetic acid (0.6%) i.p. and the nociceptive response was measured as the number of writhings between 0 and 30 min after the stimuli. Control animals received i.p. injections of saline.
Groups were pretreated with risedronate (5–500 µg/kg, s.c.) and compared with vehicle (saline)‐treated (NT) animals. One group of rats was cotreated with the µ‐opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (2 mg/kg, s.c.) prior to risedronate, followed by 1 mg zymosan i.art.
Risedronate, at 100 and 500 µg/kg, significantly and dose‐dependently inhibited the nociceptive response in the writhings test (P < 0.05), inhibiting responses to acetic acid by 65.4 and 49.2%, respectively, and to zymosan by 72.9 and 71.9%, respectively.
Pretreatment with risedronate also significantly (P < 0.05) and dose‐dependently inhibited the articular incapacitation in zymosan‐arthritis.
Risedronate, at 50 µg/kg, significantly inhibited TNF‐α release as compared with the NT group (39.4 ± 9.8 vs 145.6 ± 43.3 pg/mL TNF‐α, respectively).
Risedronate, at 50 and 100 µg/kg, significantly inhibited LTB4 release into the joints compared with the NT group (2883.1 ± 73.2, 1911.5 ± 205.3 and 4709.9 ± 237.2 pg/mL, respectively). These effects of risedronate were associated with a significant reduction in the inflammatory cell infiltration.
Cotreatment with risedronate and naloxone did not reverse the antinociceptive effects of risedronate in zymosan‐arthritis.
This is the first demonstration that risedronate displays intrinsic antihypernociceptive activity. This effect is associated with reduced cell infiltration and inhibition of TNF‐α and LTB4 release and is not linked to an endogenous opioid‐release mechanism.
ARTERIAL BAROREFLEX IS NOT INVOLVED IN SALT PREFERENCE IN RATS
Authors: Gu Xiao‐Wen , Xie He‐Hui , Wang Jin , Shen Fu‐Ming , Su Ding‐Feng 
Published: June 2006

SUMMARY

One unusual and interesting feature of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) is their salt preference. This behaviour is known to be independent of blood pressure.
Arterial baroreflex (ABR) function is impaired in SHR. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the relationship between ABR function and salt preference in rats.
Twenty‐seven SHR, aged 11 months, were used. Blood pressure and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) were determined in conscious, freely moving SHR after the measurement of salt preference. It was found that BRS did not relate to the salt preference in these rats.
Another group of normotensive Sprague‐Dawley rats, aged 10 weeks, underwent either sinoaortic denervation (SAD) or sham operation. Salt preference was determined before and 4 weeks after SAD. Sinoaortic denervation did not alter salt preference in normotensive rats.
It is concluded that ABR function does not influence the salt preference in rats.
ANTIVIRAL EFFECTS OF SAIKOSAPONINS ON HUMAN CORONAVIRUS 229E IN VITRO
Authors: Cheng Pei‐Win , Ng Lean‐Teik , Chiang Lien‐Chai , Lin Chun‐Ching 
Published: June 2006

SUMMARY

Saikosaponins represent a group of oleanane derivatives, usually as glucosides, that are found in a number of plant families. Saikosaponins isolated from medicinal plants such as Bupleurum spp., Heteromorpha spp. and Scrophularia scorodonia have been reported to possess various biological activities, specifically antihepatitis, antinephritis, antihepatoma, anti‐inflammation, immunomodulation and antibacterial effects.
The aim of the present study was to examine the anticoronaviral activity of saikosaponins (A, B2, C and D) and their mode of action. Using the 2,3‐bis[2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl]‐5‐[(phenylamino) carbonyl‐2H‐tetrazolium hydroxide] (XTT) assay, results showed that all saikosaponins tested demonstrated antiviral activity at concentrations of 0.25–25 µmol/L, with the strongest activity being noted for saikosaponin B2 (IC50 = 1.7 ± 0.1 µmol/L). Interestingly, both saikosaponins A (50% cellular cytotoxicity (CC50) concentration = 228.1 ± 3.8 µmol/L; selectivity index (SI) = 26.6) and B2 (CC50 = 383.3 ± 0.2 µmol/L; SI = 221.9) exhibited no cytotoxic effects on target cells at concentrations that achieved antiviral activity. In the time‐of‐addition studies, saikosaponin B2, at 6 µmol/L, significantly inhibited human coronavirus 229E infection following its addition at various time pre‐infection (−4 to −1 h), coinfection (0 h) and post‐infection (1–4 h). Furthermore, saikosaponin B2 also showed an inhibitory effect on viral attachment and penetration.
The present results indicate that saikosaponin B2 has potent anticoronaviral activity and that its mode of action possibly involves interference in the early stage of viral replication, such as absorption and penetration of the virus.
THERAPEUTIC ANGIOGENESIS BY INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION OF FIBRIN PARTICLES INTO ISCHAEMIC HINDLIMBS
Authors: Fan Chun‐Ling , Gao Ping‐Jin , Gu Yuan‐Jun , Tang Xiao‐Feng , Liu Jian‐Jun , Wei Jian , Inoue Kazutomo , Zhu Ding‐Liang 
Published: June 2006

SUMMARY

Fibrin gel has been used as a carrier of angiogenic molecules to promote neovascularization in animal models of limb ischaemia. However, little is known about the effects of fibrin itself under such pathological conditions. Accordingly, the present study tested the efficacy of fibrin in a rabbit model of acute hindlimb ischaemia.
Unilateral ischaemia was induced by resection of the left femoral artery. Seven days after surgery, fibrin particles (FP), which were free of fibrinogen, thrombin and vascular endothelial growth factor, were injected directly into the ischaemic thigh muscles. Twenty‐four rabbits were divided into four groups, namely a control group receiving phosphate‐buffered saline and three FP‐treated groups receiving 5, 10 or 20 mg FP.
Collateral vessel development and limb perfusion were assessed by angiography, measuring the calf blood pressure ratio (BPR), thermographic scanning and the histological determination of capillary density.
At day 35 post‐surgery, the treatment with 5 mg FP produced an augmentation of collateral vessel development (P < 0.01), increased numbers of capillaries (P < 0.05) and improved perfusion manifested by a higher blood flow (P < 0.01) and calf BPR (P < 0.05) compared with controls. Treatment with 10 and 20 mg FP had similar effects to those observed with 5 mg FP.
The present study reveals that FP promotes angiogenesis in a rabbit model of hindlimb ischaemia, thus providing a feasible approach to therapeutic angiogenesis in ischaemic diseases.
EFFECT OF LOW‐VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON ANGIOGENIC GROWTH FACTORS IN ISCHAEMIC RAT SKELETAL MUSCLE
Authors: Nagasaka Makoto , Kohzuki Masahiro , Fujii Toru , Kanno Shinichi , Kawamura Takayuki , Onodera Hiroshi , Itoyama Yasuto , Ichie Masayoshi , Sato Yasufumi 
Published: June 2006

SUMMARY

Low‐voltage electrical stimulation (LVES) in skeletal muscle at a level far below the threshold of muscle contraction has been reported to promote local angiogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the promotion of local angiogenesis by LVES has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we evaluated whether angiogenic factors, such as vascular endotherial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), as well as other disadvantageous factors, such as inflammation (interleukin (IL)‐6) and hypoxia (hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α), contribute to the local angiogenesis produced by LVES.
We completely excised bilateral femoral arteries of male Sprague‐Dawley rats. After the operation, electrodes were implanted onto the centre of the fascia of the bilateral tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, tunnelled subcutaneously and exteriorized at the level of the scapulae. The right TA muscles of rats were stimulated continuously at a stimulus frequency of 50 Hz, with a 0.1 V stimulus strength and no interval, for 5 days. The left TA muscles served as controls.
We found that both VEGF and HGF protein were significantly increased by LVES in stimulated muscles compared with control. The VEGF level of the LVES group was 89.10 ± 17.19 ng/g, whereas that of the control group was 65.07 ± 12.88 ng/g, as determined by ELISA (P < 0.05). The HGF level of the LVES and control groups was 8.52 ± 1.96 and 5.80 ± 2.14 ng/g, respectively (P < 0.05). In contrast, there was no difference in FGF, IL‐6 and HIF‐1α between the LVES and control groups.
These results suggest that LVES in a hindlimb ischaemia model of rats increases not only VEGF, but also HGF, production, which may be the main mechanism responsible for the angiogenesis produced by LVES.
Life‐threatening sepsis following treatment for haemorrhoids: a systematic review
Authors: McCloud J. M. , Jameson J. S. , Scott A. N. D. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIntroduction  Haemorrhoids are a common complaint with estimates suggesting a prevalence of 4% of the adult population. Treatments such as rubber band ligation (RBL), sclerotherapy and excisional surgery have been in use for many years, and recently stapled haemorrhoidopexy, or procedure for prolapsing haemorrhoids (PPH) has gained acceptance. However, there have been consistent reports of severe sepsis, including a number of deaths. The purpose of this review was to assess the scale of the problem, and identify any predisposing factors, common presenting features, and treatment options in those who suffer these complications.Results  Twenty‐nine papers were identified, reporting 38 patients. Of these, 17 had undergone RBL, three had sclerotherapy, one had cryotherapy, 10 had excisional surgery and seven had PPH. Ten died as a result of their sepsis. The cases included 16 with perineal sepsis, seven with retroperitoneal gas and oedema, and six with liver abscesses. Common presenting features were urinary difficulties, fever, severe pain, septic shock and leucocytosis. Most were managed by means of surgery, although a minority survived having received conservative therapy. With the exception of two patients (one of whom was human immunodeficiency virus positive and the other had a drug‐induced agranulocytosis) all were well prior to surgery.Conclusions  Although extremely uncommon, severe sepsis does occur post‐treatment for haemorrhoids and all surgeons who treat such patients should be aware of the potential complications and alert to their presenting features. Early presentation without evidence of tissue necrosis may be managed conservatively, although most cases are managed by means of surgery.
Gastrointestinal manifestations of chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Huang A. , Abbasakoor F. , Vaizey C. J. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjective  Chronic granulomatous disease is a rare clinical entity characterized by recurrent infective and inflammatory complications. Patients are usually assigned to specialist centres, but nonspecialist clinicians may be required to treat these patients in the emergency setting. This review serves as a management guide to those clinicians who are faced with patients presenting with gastrointestinal manifestations of chronic granulomatous disease.Methods  This review is based on a literature search (Medline and NLM PubMed) with manual cross‐referencing of all articles related to gastrointestinal chronic granulomatous disease.Results  Gastrointestinal tract involvement is present in most affected patients. Clinical presentation can mimic common surgical complications such as colitis, perianal sepsis, gastric outlet obstruction and liver abscess. A history of recurrent infections during childhood is common. Management involves haematological, microbiological, endoscopic and radiological investigations. Treatment modalities include early aggressive empirical antimicrobial therapy for sepsis, immunomodulation for inflammatory complications and surgical drainage of abscesses.Conclusion  Early involvement of a centre with immunological expertise combined with aggressive management of complications significantly improves morbidity and mortality from this rare condition.
Memory‐Conserving Bounding Volume Hierarchies with Coherent Raytracing
Authors: Mahovsky J. , Wyvill B. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract Bounding volume hierarchies (BVHs) are a popular method for speeding up raytracing, but they can consume a large amount of memory for complex scenes. We investigate a hierarchical scheme for encoding BVHs that reduces the BVH storage requirements by 63%–75%. The computational overhead of the scheme can be reduced to negligible levels by shooting bundles of rays through the BVH (coherent raytracing). This gives the speed of a coherency‐based raytracer combined with substantial memory savings.