bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microspore‐derived embryogenesis in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): subcellular rearrangements through development
Authors: Bárány Ivett , González‐Melendi Pablo , Fadón Begoña , Mitykó Judit , Risueño María C. , Testillano Pilar S. 
Published: August 2005

Background information. In vitro‐cultured microspores, after an appropriate stress treatment, can switch towards an embryogenic pathway. This process, known as microspore embryogenesis, is an important tool in plant breeding. Basic studies on this process in economically interesting crops, especially in recalcitrant plants, are very limited and the sequence of events is poorly understood. In situ studies are very convenient for an appropriate dissection of microspore embryogenesis, a process in which a mixture of different cell populations (induced and non‐induced) develop asynchronically.Results. In the present study, the occurrence of defined subcellular rearrangements has been investigated during early microspore embryogenesis in pepper, an horticultural crop of agronomic interest, in relation to proliferation and differentiation events. Haploid plants of Capsicum annuum L. (var. Yolo Wonder B) have been regenerated from in vitro anther cultures by a heat treatment at 35°C for 8 days. Morphogenesis of microspore‐derived embryos has been analysed, at both light and electron microscopy levels, using low‐temperature‐processed, well‐preserved specimens. The comparison with the normal gametophytic development revealed changes in cell organization after embryogenesis induction, and permitted the characterization of the time sequence of a set of structural events, not previously defined in pepper, related to the activation of proliferative activity and differentiation. These changes mainly affected the plastids, the vacuolar compartment, the cell wall and the nucleus. Further differentiation processes mimicked that of the zygotic development.Conclusions. The reported changes can be considered as markers of the microspore embryogenesis. They have increased the understanding of the mechanisms controlling the switch and progression of the microspore embryogenesis, which could help to improve its efficiency and to direct strategies, especially in agronomically interesting crops.
Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis does not alter the decrease in pre-capillary resistance in the human calf in response to small cumulative increases in venous congestion
Authors: Anderson Stephen I. , Brown Margaret D. 
Published: August 2005

The decrease in pre-capillary resistance in the human calf during gradual cumulative increases in venous congestion pressure has been proposed to represent vasodilator signalling between the venous and arterial microcirculations. The present study investigated whether prostaglandins are involved in this local flow regulation by measuring calf blood flow and microvascular filtration capacity using strain gauge plethysmography in young male subjects before (baseline) and after taking either ibuprofen, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis (1600 mg over 2 days), or placebo. At baseline, inflation of a thigh cuff to 50 mmHg in steps of 10 mmHg, each held for 5 min, did not decrease arterial inflow, confirming a reduction of pre-capillary resistance. Ibuprofen reduced resting calf blood flow by 35% (P&lt;0.001), but flow at a Pcuff (cuff pressure) of 50 mmHg was 97% of this value, i.e. pre-capillary resistance had decreased to the same extent as before inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Ibuprofen also reduced microvascular filtration capacity (2.98±1.20 compared with 3.71±0.89 ml·min−1·100 ml−1·mmHg−1×10−3; P&lt;0.05), probably due to a combination of reduced arterial inflow and lower venous pressure (8.5±5.2 compared with 12.6±2.8 mmHg; P&lt;0.05) that moderated capillary hydrostatic pressure to override direct effects of inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis on permeability. Placebo was without effect on any measurement. It is unlikely therefore that prostaglandin-mediated vasodilator signals, which have been demonstrated between paired veins and arteries, are important in local vasodilation in response to venous congestion.
ENHANCED RELEASE OF ENDOTHELIUM‐DERIVED HYPERPOLARIZING FACTOR IN SMALL CORONARY ARTERIES FROM RATS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
Authors: Ueda Atsunori , Ohyanagi Mitsumasa , Koida Satsuki , Iwasaki Tadaaki 
Published: August 2005

SUMMARY1. Previous studies have suggested that the production of nitric oxide (NO) is reduced in coronary vessels of animals with congestive heart failure (CHF). However, the response to endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in small coronary resistance arteries from CHF rats has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to determine whether flow‐induced dilation (FID) is altered in small coronary arteries from CHF rats and to characterize the role of EDHF in this process.2. Small coronary arteries (97 ± 6 µm) were isolated from control rats and from rats in which CHF was induced by left coronary artery ligation. The arteries were cannulated at 60 mmHg with flow. Changes in internal diameter were examined using videomicroscopy.3. There was no significant difference in FID in small coronary arteries between control and CHF rats (68 ± 6 vs 61 ± 4% (expressed as a percentage of maximal dilation induced by nitroprusside (%MaxDNP)), respectively). Flow‐induced dilation in control rat vessels showed greater attenuation by NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA) than vessels from CHF rats (%NO‐mediated FID 32 ± 5 vs 16 ± 3% (%MaxDNP), respectively). Pretreatment with indomethacin had no significant effect on FID in vessels from either rat group. Flow‐induced dilation was attenuated by KCl (40 mmol/L) to a greater degree in vessels from CHF rats in the presence of l‐NMMA and indomethacin compared with vessels from control rats (%EDHF‐mediated FID: 36 ± 4 vs 25 ± 5% (%MaxDNP), respectively). Flow‐induced dilation was abolished by removal of the endothelium and was significantly decreased in vessels from CHF rats in response to charybdotoxin plus apamin or tetrabutylamnmonium compared with control rat vessels. 17‐Octadecynoic acid had no significant effect on FID in vesselas from either control or CHF rats.4. In conclusion, the FID of small coronary arteries is mediated by K+ channels, including the KCa channels. Endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor‐mediated dilation may compensate for the loss of NO‐mediated dilation in CHF.
INHIBITION OF HUMAN CYP1A2 OXIDATION OF 5,6‐DIMETHYL‐XANTHENONE‐4‐ACETIC ACID BY ACRIDINES: A MOLECULAR MODELLING STUDY
Authors: Paxton James W , Kestell Philip , Chiang Daniel , Zhou Shufeng , Lewis David FV 
Published: August 2005

SUMMARY1. The aim of the present study was to investigate the structural requirements for the inhibition of 6‐methyl‐hydroxylation of the antitumour agent 5,6‐dimethyl‐xanthenone‐4‐acetic acid (DMXAA) by acridine analogues and use a CYP1A2 homology model to provide some insight into this interaction.2. Concentrations causing 50% inhibition (IC50) of the 6‐methylhydroxylation of DMXAA were determined in human liver microsomes in the presence of various acridines. Some of the acridines were also tested for their ability to inhibit the CYP1A2‐mediated 7‐ethoxyresorufin O‐de‐ethylation. The molecular modelling studies of human CYP1A2 used the crystal structure of rabbit CYP2C5 as a template based on protein sequence homology and an interactive docking procedure using a dynamic hydrogen bond feature.3. The in vitro IC50 studies for the inhibition of 6‐methylhydroxylation of DMXAA indicated: (i) the importance of the position of the carboxamide side‐chain on the acridine nucleus (and, to a lesser extent, its composition); (ii) the addition of hydroxyl groups to the 5‐, 6‐ and 7‐position of the acridine nucleus diminished the inhibitory potency; and (iii) amsacrine (acridine nucleus with methansulphonanilide side‐chain at the 9‐position) had no significant inhibitory effect. Similar structural trends were observed for the inhibition of O‐de‐ethylation of 7‐ethoxyresorufin by acridines, supporting the involvement of CYP1A2 in DMXAA 6‐methyl hydroxylation.4. The molecular modelling studies indicated: (i) both DMXAA and N‐[2‐(dimethylamino)‐ethyl]acridine‐4‐carboxamide (DACA) form two hydrogen bonds plus putative π–π stacking interactions with the CYP1A2‐binding domain, typical of CYP1A2 substrates and inhibitors; (ii) the DMXAA 6‐methyl group is 4.0 Å from the central iron atom of the heme moiety and ideal for oxidation; (iii) the known oxidation sites for DACA are orientated away from the heme iron, supporting the non‐involvement of CYP1A2; and (iv) amsacrine did not fit the putative CYP1A2 site owing to the steric hindrance of the bulky methanesulphonanilide side‐chain.5. These results suggest that docking studies with this homology model may be useful in the design of further acridine anticancer agents, in particular to identify agents that do not interact either as substrates or inhibitors with the CYP1A2‐binding domain.
ANTI‐OXIDANT MECHANISMS OF KOLAVIRON: STUDIES ON SERUM LIPOPROTEIN OXIDATION, METAL CHELATION AND OXIDATIVE MEMBRANE DAMAGE IN RATS
Authors: Farombi EO , Nwaokeafor IA 
Published: August 2005

SUMMARY1. In the present study, we have examined the ability of kolaviron, a natural biflavonoid from Garcinia kola seeds, to prevent the susceptibility of rat serum lipoprotein to undergo oxidative modification in vitro and ex vivo. In addition, its ability to chelate metal ions and mitigate iron/ascorbate‐induced damage to microsomal lipids was investigated.2. Lipoprotein resistance to copper‐induced oxidation was highly improved in rats treated with kolaviron (100 mg/kg) for 7 days, as demonstrated by a significant increase in lag time compared with control. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in area under the curve (AUC) and slope of propagation was observed in kolaviron‐treated rats compared with control. Conjugated dienes formed after 240 min of lipoprotein oxidation were markedly decreased in kolaviron‐treated rats compared with controls. Malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly reduced in the serum lipoproteins of kolaviron‐treated rats with an attendant significant increase in the total anti‐oxidant activity compared with control.3. In vitro, kolaviron (10–60 µmol/L) inhibited the Cu2+‐induced oxidation of rat serum lipoprotein in a concentration‐dependent manner. Kolaviron, at 20 and 60 µmol/L, produced 48 and 87% inhibition of oxidation of lipoprotein, respectively. Compared with control, kolaviron, at 10 and 20 µmol/L, resulted in 29 and 47% decreases in AUC, respectively. In addition, kolaviron (10 µmol/L) elicited a 53% increase in lag time, whereas 40 and 60 µmol/L kolaviron produced 38 and 88% decreases in slope, respectively.4. Kolaviron effectively prevented microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by iron/ascorbate in a concentration‐dependent manner. Kolaviron at the highest dose tested (90 µmol/L) had a significant chelating effect on Fe2+ (78%).5. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that kolaviron protects against the oxidation of lipoprotein, presumably by mechanisms involving metal chelation and anti‐oxidant activity, and, as such, may be of importance in relation to the development of atherosclerosis.
General practitioners’ and family physicians’ negative beliefs and attitudes towards discussing smoking cessation with patients: a systematic review
Authors: Vogt Florian , Hall Sue , Marteau Theresa M. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTObjective  To estimate the proportion of general practitioners (GPs) and family physicians (FPs) with negative beliefs and attitudes towards discussing smoking cessation with patients.Methods  A systematic review.Study selection  All studies published in English, in peer‐reviewed journals, which allowed the extraction of the proportion of GPs and FPs with negative beliefs and attitudes towards discussing smoking cessation.Data synthesis  Negative beliefs and attitudes were extracted and categorised. Proportions were synthesized giving greater weight to those obtained from studies with larger samples. Those assessed in two or more studies are reported.Results  Across 19 studies, eight negative beliefs and attitudes were identified. While the majority of GPs and FPs do not have negative beliefs and attitudes towards discussing smoking with their patients, a sizeable minority do. The most common negative beliefs were that such discussions were too time‐consuming (weighted proportion: 42%) and were ineffective (38%). Just over a quarter (22%) of physicians reported lacking confidence in their ability to discuss smoking with their patients, 18% felt such discussions were unpleasant, 16% lacked confidence in their knowledge, and relatively few considered discussing smoking outside of their professional duty (5%), or that this intruded upon patients’ privacy (5%), or that such discussion were inappropriate (3%).Conclusions  In addition to providing skills training, interventions designed to increase the implementation of smoking cessation interventions by primary care physicians may be more effective if they address a range of commonly held negative beliefs and attitudes towards discussing smoking cessation. These include beliefs and values that influence primary care physicians’ judgements about whether discussing smoking is an effective use of their time.
Allergenic reactivity of the melon profilin Cuc m 2 and its identification as major allergen
Authors: López‐Torrejón G. , Crespo J. F. , Sánchez‐Monge R. , Sánchez‐Jiménez M. , Alvarez J. , Rodriguez J. , Salcedo G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryBackground: Melon allergy is commonly associated with oral allergy syndrome (OAS) and with hypersensitivity to pollens and other plant foods. No melon allergen responsible for these clinical characteristics has yet been isolated, although profilin has been proposed as a potential target.Objective: To isolate natural and recombinant melon profilin, to evaluate its in vivo and in vitro reactivity, and to analyse its behaviour in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and heat treatments.Methods: A pool or individual sera from 23 patients, and an additional group of 10 patients, all of them with melon allergy, were analysed by in vitro and in vivo tests, respectively. Natural melon profilin (nCuc m 2) and its recombinant counterpart (rCuc m 2) were isolated by poly‐l‐proline affinity chromatography, and characterized by N‐terminal amino acid sequencing, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization analysis, DNA sequencing of cDNAs encoding rCuc m 2, and immunodetection with anti‐profilin antibodies. In vitro analysis included IgE immunodetection, specific IgE determination, ELISA‐inhibition assays, and histamine release (HR) tests. In vivo activity of nCuc m 2 was established by skin prick testing (SPT). The effect of SGF and heat treatment on rCuc m 2 was followed by immunodetection, ELISA inhibition, and HR assays.Results: Both purified forms of melon profilin were recognized by rabbit anti‐profilin antibodies and IgE of sera from allergic patients, and showed molecular sizes typical of the profilin family. nCuc m 2 had a blocked N‐terminus, whereas rCuc m 2 rendered the expected N‐terminal amino acid sequence, its full protein sequence being highly similar (98–71% identity) to those of profilins from plant foods and pollens. The natural allergen displayed a slightly higher IgE‐binding capacity than its recombinant counterpart. Specific IgE to nCuc m 2 and rCuc m 2 was found in 100% and 78% of the 23 individual sera analysed, respectively. nCuc m 2 evoked positive SPT responses in all (10/10) patients tested, and rCuc m 2 induced HR in two out of three sera assayed. SGF treatment readily inactivated rCuc m 2, as shown by its loss of recognition by anti‐profilin antibodies, lack of IgE binding, and inability to induce HR. In contrast, heat treatment did not affect the IgE‐binding capacity of rCuc m 2.Conclusions: Profilin is highly prevalent in melon‐allergic patients, and promptly inactivated by SGF, as expected for an allergen mainly linked to OAS.
Predictors of health‐related quality of life in hypertensive recipients following renal transplantation
Authors: Aasebø Willy , Midtvedt Karsten , Hartmann Anders , Stavem Knut 
Published: August 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) improves after renal transplantation. However, it is unclear which variables are the strongest determinants of HRQoL following renal transplantation. In this study, we wanted to assess whether antihypertensive medication, donor type, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐compatibility or other variables could predict HRQoL 6–12 months after transplantation.Methods:  The study was a follow up of 124 patients recruited to a single center, randomized, double‐blind clinical trial, comparing the effects of lisinopril and nifedipine in hypertensive renal transplant recipients. HRQoL was assessed with the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between potential predictors and the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scales of the SF‐36.Results:  Average scores 6–12 months after transplantation did not differ between patients randomized to lisinopril or nifedipine, or between cadaveric and living donor recipients on any of the eight SF‐36 scales, or the two summary scales. In multivariate analyses, recipient age (p = 0.01) and cold ischemia time >14.5 h (p = 0.04) were independent predictors of the PCS score. Recipient age (p = 0.05), 2–4 HLA‐AB mismatches (p = 0.05) and donor age (p = 0.03) were independent predictors of the MCS score.Conclusions:  There was no evidence of differences in HRQoL according to lisinopril or nifedipine, or living vs. cadaveric donor transplantation. HRQoL was significantly reduced with longer cold ischemia time and more than one HLA‐AB mismatches, after adjusting for age. These donor kidneys related issues need confirmation.
Behaviour Modelling: Its Record and Potential in Training and Development
Authors: Robertson Ivan T. 
Published: August 2005

SUMMARYBehaviour modelling training is an approach to training systems design which has a strong conceptual base in social learning theory (Bandura, 1977). In the mid 1970s, Goldstein and Sorcher produced a now well‐known book which described the application of behaviour‐modelling techniques to supervisory training. In the last 15 years or so the conceptual basis of behaviour modelling has progressed (Bandura, 1986) and there has been a steady stream of studies (see Decker and Nathan, 1985; Goldstein and Gessner, 1988) investigating the use and potential of the approach in organizational settings. The first half of this article provides an overview of the conceptual basis for behaviour modelling training and examines the extent to which behaviour modelling practice provides a valid operationalization of underlying theory. The remainder of the article is concerned with issues of evaluation and applicability. Research on the use of behaviour‐modelling techniques has shown consistently good reaction and learning data (i.e. trainees like the material and are able to learn from it). Evidence concerning the transfer of learning back to the job (i.e. behaviour change and organization impact) is much more equivocal. The available evidence is reviewed and used to produce an account of the record and potential of behaviour modelling training.
Mares admitted to a referral hospital for postpartum emergencies: 163 cases (1992–2002)
Authors: Dolente Brett A. , Sullivan Eileen K. , Boston Ray , Johnston Janet K. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjective:To identify and describe the physical, historical, and clinicopathologic characteristics of diseases requiring emergency treatment in postpartum mares, and to evaluate the utility of these characteristics in making an accurate diagnosis in these mares.Design:Retrospective study.Setting:University large animal hospital.Animals:One hundred and sixty‐three mares admitted for emergency treatment within 30 days following parturition between the years 1992 and 2002.Interventions:None.Measurements and main results:Information obtained from the medical records included age, breed, date of admission, sex of the foal from this parturition, time from parturition to admission, duration of clinical signs prior to admission, and any report of dystocia or normal attended delivery, physical examination and clinicopathologic findings and diagnosis. Urogenital hemorrhage and large colon volvulus were the most common diagnoses, comprising 16.6% and 15.9% of total cases, respectively. Older mares were more likely to have a diagnosis of urogenital hemorrhage than younger mares. Mares with urogenital hemorrhage had a median age of 13 years and were admitted to the hospital significantly closer to parturition than mares with other diagnoses. Anemia, hypoproteinemia, and hypofibrinogenemia were significantly associated with a diagnosis of urogenital hemorrhage and occurred in 32%, 36%, and 26% of the mares with urogenital hemorrhage, respectively. Dystocia was more commonly reported (70%) in mares with metritis. Leukopenia was more common (88%) in mares with uterine tears.Conclusions:Careful evaluation of clinicopathologic data can aid the emergency clinician in making a correct diagnosis in postpartum mares with emergent problems.
Does age acquired immunity confer selective protection to common serotypes of Campylobacter jejuni?
Authors: Miller Gordon , Dunn Geoff M , Reid Thomas MS , Ogden Iain D , Strachan Norval JC 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background

Campylobacter infection is a major cause of bacterial gastrointestinal disease. Exposure to Campylobacter is known to produce an immune response in humans that can prevent future symptomatic infections. Further, studies of the general population have shown that seroprevalence to Campylobacter increases with age.

Methods
A large collection of serotyped Campylobacter isolates, obtained from human clinical faecal samples, were analysed by comparing the ratio of uncommon to common serotypes by different age groups, using χ2 tests.

Results
We have identified that older age groups, as well as having generally lower incidence, are significantly less likely to be infected by the more common serotypes.

Conclusion
These results are indicative of acquired immunity, however, further studies are needed to rule out the confounding effects of the variations in exposure pathways experienced by different age groups.