bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient interleukin‐18 GCG haplotype associates with improved survival and decreased transplant‐related mortality after unrelated‐donor bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Cardoso Sandra M. P. , DeFor Todd E. , Tilley Louise A. , Bidwell Jeffrey L. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , MacMillan Margaret L. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryInterleukin‐18 (IL‐18), a proinflammatory cytokine, is elevated in patients with acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD). IL‐18 induces Th1 differentiation and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte function, both of which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of aGVHD. However, recent studies have shown that neutralization of IL‐18 by antibodies leads to an increased risk of aGVHD‐related mortality while administration of IL‐18 significantly improved survival. We have genotyped a cohort of 157 patient/donor pairs undergoing unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for three polymorphisms recently identified in the promoter of the IL‐18 gene: G‐137C, C‐607A and G‐656T. Usingphasesoftware, three main haplotypes were reconstructed: GCG, CAT and GAT. We found no association between the occurrence of aGVHD and patient/donor haplotypes. The presence of the GCG haplotype in patients was associated with significantly decreased risk of transplant‐related mortality at 100 d (23% in patients with GCG vs. 48% in patients without GCG,P < 0·01) and at 1 year (36% vs. 65%,P < 0·01). The presence of the GCG haplotype in patients was also associated with improved survival (57% vs. 32%,P < 0·01). Cox regression analysis showed that the presence of the GCG haplotype was associated with a twofold increased probability of survival. These data suggest that the IL‐18 promoter GCG haplotype may influence survival after unrelated donor BMT without altering the risk of aGVHD.
Unrelated cord blood transplantation after myeloablative conditioning in patients over the age of 45 years
Authors: Ooi Jun , Iseki Tohru , Takahashi Satoshi , Tomonari Akira , Takasugi Kashiya , Uchiyama Michihiro , Konuma Takaaki , Futami Muneyoshi , Nomura Akiko , Nakayama Shin , Soda Yasushi , Ohno Nobuhiro , Nagamura Fumitaka , Uchimaru Kaoru , Tojo Arinobu , Tani Kenzaburo , Asano Shigetaka 
Published: August 2004

SummaryWe report the results of unrelated cord blood transplantation (CBT) after myeloablative conditioning in 21 patients over the age of 45 years. Among the patients the median age was 48 years (range, 45–53 years), the median weight was 58·6 kg (range, 43·6–76·2 kg) and the median number of cryopreserved nucleated cells was 2·45 × 107/kg (range, 1·63–3·71 × 107/kg). Nineteen patients had myeloid reconstitution and the median time to more than 0·5 × 109/l absolute neutrophil count was 22 d. A self‐sustained platelet count more than 50 × 109/l was achieved in 17 patients at a median time of 49 d. Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) above grade II occurred in 7 of 19 evaluable patients and chronic GVHD occurred in 14 of 16 evaluable patients. Among 14 chronic GVHD patients, in seven patients the disease was extensive. Fifteen patients were alive and free of disease at between 217 and 1798 d after transplantation. With a median follow‐up of 847 d, the probability of disease‐free survival at 2 years was 71·4%. These results suggest that patients over 45 years of age without suitable related or unrelated bone marrow donors should be considered as candidates for CBT.
Geographical zonation in the Neotropics of tree species characteristic of the Paraguay‐Paraná Basin
Authors: Spichiger Rodolphe , Calenge Clément , Bise Bastian 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAim  This paper uses data from the literature (monographs and taxonomic reviews) to investigate the geographical zonation in South America of 32 common tree species encountered in Paraguay. The actual spatial distribution of the species is then used to provide clues on the plant communities present in the past, and especially during the Wisconsinan age (Last major ice age: 80,000–10,000 bp). The floristic relatedness between the Paraguayan flora and the neighbouring floras is also investigated.Methods  The main vegetation patterns were highlighted using a Discriminant Analysis of the Eigenvectors of Neighbourhood Operator to emphasize the geographical zonation in South America of 32 tree species predominant in the Paraguay‐Paraná Basin.Results  Three main vegetation patterns were emphasized: the Chaco, the Paraná‐São Francisco gradient and the Peri‐Amazonian gradient. The Chaco is well defined. The Peri‐Amazonian gradient is characterized by a continuous change in species from the Colombian pole towards the São Francisco pole. The São Francisco gradient shows a continuous change from the São Francisco pole towards the Paraná pole. Some of the species are monocentric (related to only one dispersal centre), whereas others are polycentric (distributed in several poles).Main conclusions  The Chaquean xeromorphic forests are considered as a climax, with a stable composition resulting of the saline soil conditions. The Chaco acts as an edaphic barrier to many species, although the migration of some non‐Chaquean species is made possible by the net of gallery‐forests and low montane forests between the Río Paraguay and the Andean Piedmont. The Cerrado and the Chaco can be considered as a barrier limiting the expansion of the Paranean forest. This latter formation is a semi‐deciduous forest made of a mix of monocentric and polycentric elements. The numerous species found both in Colombia and in Paraná indicate that bridges exist, or have existed, between these two poles. The persistence in the Paraguay‐Paraná Basin of a moist forest made of the Paranean assemblages highlighted in this study confirms the hypothesis of moister and cooler phases than today.
Diversity and biogeography of vascular epiphytes in Western Amazonia, Yasuní, Ecuador
Authors: Kreft Holger , Köster Nils , Küper Wolfgang , Nieder Jürgen , Barthlott Wilhelm 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAim  Although vascular epiphytes are important components of species richness and complexity of Neotropical forests, vascular epiphytes are under‐represented in large scale biogeographical analyses. We studied the diversity, biogeography and floristic relationships of the epiphytic flora of the Yasuní region (Western Amazonia) in a Neotropical context, with special emphasis on the influence of the Andean flora on floristic composition and diversity of surrounding lowland forests.Location  Western Amazonian lowland rainforest, Tiputini Biodiversity Station (0°38′ S 76°09′ W, 230 m a.s.l., 650 ha), Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.Methods  We compared the vascular epiphyte flora of Yasuní with 16 published Neotropical epiphyte inventories. Secondly, based on a floristic database with records of more than 70,000 specimens of vascular epiphytes from the Neotropics the elevational composition of eight selected inventories was analysed in detail.Results  The vascular epiphyte flora of Yasuní is characterized by a very high species richness (313 spp.). A moderate portion of species is endemic to the Upper Napo region (c. 10%). However, this figure is much higher than previous analyses primarily based on woody species suggested. Geographical ranges of these species match with a proposed Pleistocene forest refuge. Compared with Northern and Central Amazonian sites, Western Amazonian epiphyte communities are characterized by a higher portion of montane and submontane species. Species richness of vascular epiphytes at the sites was correlated with the amount of rainfall, which is negatively correlated with the number of dry months.Main conclusion  Recent and historic patterns of rainfall are the driving forces behind diversity and floristic composition of vascular epiphytes in Western Amazonia: high annual rainfall in combination with low seasonality provides suitable conditions to harbour high species richness. The proximity to the Andes, the most important centre of speciation for most Neotropical epiphytic taxa, in combination with the climatic setting has allowed a continuous supply of species richness to the region. At least for epiphytes, the borderline between the Andean and Amazonian flora is much hazier than previously thought. Moreover, the comparatively moist climate in Western Amazonia during the Pleistocene has probably led to fewer extinctions and/or more speciation than in more affected surrounding lowlands.
Large‐scale diversity patterns of vascular epiphytes in Neotropical montane rain forests
Authors: Küper W. , Kreft H. , Nieder J. , Köster N. , Barthlott W. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAim  Epiphytes contribute up to 30% to the number of vascular plant species in certain global biodiversity hotspots, e.g. the Ecuadorian Andes. However, their large scale diversity patterns are still discussed on the base of results from a few, local epiphyte inventories. Consequently, explanatory models on epiphyte diversity concentrate on the impact of local climate on small scale epiphyte species richness. Our aim was to analyse large scale elevational patterns of epiphyte diversity integrating data from different geographic scales.Location  Tropical America, with special emphasis on the Ecuadorian Andes.Methods  Our study is based on two data sources. First, we analysed the elevational patterns of epiphyte diversity based on the Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Ecuador and the Libro Rojo de las Plantas Endèmicas del Ecuador. Secondly, the floristic turnover between the epiphyte inventories of seven montane and four lowland study sites in the Neotropics was analysed.Results  The floristic turnover between Neotropical montane epiphyte floras is higher than the one between lowland epiphyte floras. Montane study sites located only a few kilometres apart from each other show considerable differences in their epiphyte species inventories. Irrespectively of their similar dispersal mode, the floristic turnover is much higher for orchids than for Pteridophyta. The Orchidaceae are the species richest group in all of the examined 11 Neotropical epiphyte floras. At the larger scale of the Ecuadorian Flora, c. 50% of the species in the elevational zone with maximum epiphyte diversity (between 1000 and 1500 m) are orchids. Elevational patterns of epiphyte diversity strongly reflect patterns of Orchidaceae.Main conclusions  Our results support the observation of a ‘mid‐elevation bulge’ of epiphyte diversity by Gentry and Dodson. It has been frequently shown that the high humidity in mid‐elevations is suitable to maintan a high epiphyte species richness. Our findings show that in addition, large scale epiphyte diversity in montane rain forest is increased by the high floristic turnover at local and regional scale. Based on the importance of Orchidaceae for epiphyte diversity, we discuss that speciation processes corresponding to the highly diverse environment are a driving force for endemism, floristic heterogeneity and consequently for large scale epiphyte species richness in montane forests.
Forest progression modes in littoral Congo, Central Atlantic Africa
Authors: Favier Charly , De Namur Christian , Dubois Marc‐Antoine 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAim  To understand the persistence of a forest–savanna mosaic in places where rainfall data suggest that forest take‐over should take place. To study the various modes of forest encroachment, and the role of human activities to hamper it.Location  Data were collected on several forest–savanna ecotones in the coastal region of the Republic of Congo. The sites were chosen to illustrate the differing principal modes of forest expansion, corresponding to different levels of anthropic pressure.Methods  The study sites were situated on five transects perpendicular to the ecotone (total sampled area: 1.7 ha) and 10 forest clumps in savanna (with diameters from 3 to 20 m). Along the transects botanical identification, diameter measurement and cartography were performed, while leaf area index was measured at a high resolution (every metre) along two of them. Collected data were analysed using a continuous quantification approach, which is much more useful than classical quadrat analysis. Time calibration of progression rates was performed using a simple model of the growth of the characteristic pioneer species, Aucoumea klaineana.Results  The two main different modes are reflected in different successional patterns. The edge diffusion is slow (its rate is evaluated to c. 1 m year−1) and is characterized by a progressive increase in large‐diameter tree density and shade‐tolerant tree density away from the ecotone. Conversely, savanna to forest phase transition by coalescence of clumps exhibits high tree density remnants distributed in established forest. The composition of these remnants is compatible with that of the forest clumps in savannas.Main conclusions  Three functional groups of pioneer trees are distinguished: some occupy the edge (edge pioneer), others establish clumps of forest in savanna (clump pioneers) and the longer‐living A. klaineana ensures the transition to ‘mature’ forest. The two different observed patterns (linear edge progression and clump coalescence) can be understood with the use of a model of forest–savanna dynamics, ‘FORSAT’. The two control parameters are the annual rainfall and the frequency of man‐made fires in each savanna. In particular, an increase in the fire frequency can lead to a shift from the coalescence regime to the edge progression one.
The Holocene spread of Picea abies (L.) Karst. in Fennoscandia and adjacent areas
Authors: Giesecke Thomas , Bennett K. D. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAim  The Holocene spread of Picea abies in Fennoscandia is well established from many sites and thus provides an opportunity for detailed study of the dynamics of tree spread and population expansion. Early‐ and mid‐Holocene macrofossil evidence for presence of P. abies in Fennoscandia has questioned traditional interpretations of the timing and direction of its spread. This paper aims to determine when, from where and by which pathways P. abies spread into Fennoscandia. Understanding the character and dynamics of this spread may give insight into the general understanding of Holocene tree spread.Location  The north‐western distribution of P. abies in Europe, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, north‐western Russia, parts of Byelorussia and Poland.Methods  Holocene pollen diagrams with independent dating control were collected from this region. The timing of the onset of the continuous curve, the timing of the rise of the curve, the first appearance of frequencies of 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%, as well as timing and the maximum amount of P. abies pollen, was obtained from these pollen diagrams. A GIS analysis was used to display the data and interpolate ages over the area under investigation.Results  Maps are presented showing a clear ESE to WNW trend in the spread of P. abies for all characters interpolated. The timing of the rise of the curve was difficult to use as sites east of the Baltic have slowly rising P. abies frequencies while the western sites often show a rapid rise.Main conclusions  The spread of P. abies in Fennoscandia and adjacent areas can be separated into two phases: (i) A rapid early Holocene spread out of Byelorussia and northern Russia at low population density giving rise to small outpost populations, possibly as far west as the Scandes Mountains. (ii) A mid‐ to late Holocene front‐like spread at high population densities moving from east to west into the Baltic Republics and Finland, into northern Scandinavia and then moving south and west towards its present‐day distributional limits.
A small, cysteine‐rich protein secreted by Fusarium oxysporum during colonization of xylem vessels is required for I‐3‐mediated resistance in tomato
Authors: Rep Martijn , Van Der Does H. Charlotte , Meijer Michiel , Van Wijk Ringo , Houterman Petra M. , Dekker Henk L. , De Koster Chris G. , Cornelissen Ben J. C. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryA 12 kDa cysteine‐rich protein is secreted by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici during colonization of tomato xylem vessels. Peptide sequences obtained with mass spectrometry allowed identification of the coding sequence. The gene encodes a 32 kDa protein, designated Six1 for secreted in xylem 1. The central part of Six1 corresponds to the 12 kDa protein found in xylem sap of infected plants. A mutant that had gained virulence on a tomato line with the I‐3 resistance gene was found to have lost the SIX1 gene along with neighbouring sequences. Transformation of this mutant with SIX1 restored avirulence on the I‐3 line. Conversely, deletion of the SIX1 gene in a wild‐type strain results in breaking of I‐3‐mediated resistance. These results suggest that I‐3‐mediated resistance is based on recognition of Six1 secreted in xylem vessels.
Regulatory roles for the homeodomain and C2H2 zinc finger regions of Cryptococcus neoformans Ste12αp
Authors: Chang Yun C. , L. C. Wright  , Tscharke R. L. , Sorrell T. C. , Wilson C. F. , Kwon‐Chung K. J. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryThe STE12α gene of Cryptococcus neoformans encodes a protein containing both homeodomain and zinc finger regions. As homeodomains and zinc finger regions are important domains for the function of many transcription factors, we used site‐specific mutagenesis to delineate the roles of these two domains. The homeodomain and zinc finger regions are each important for the function of Ste12αp. DNA binding ability, mating frequency, and haploid fruiting capability were reduced in strains with mutations in the homeodomain, whereas virulence and capsule size in the mouse brain were increased. In contrast, mutations in the zinc fingers region resulted in decreased virulence, reduced capsule size in the mouse brain and decreased gene expression of capsule associated genes. In addition, phospholipase activity was increased in the zinc finger mutants. Taken together, most of the phenotypes previously observed in the ste12α deletion strains were reproduced in these two types of mutants. However, unlike mutations in the homeodomain/zinc finger region, complete deletion of STE12α caused a severe reduction in virulence and a decrease in phospholipase activity. These data suggest that region(s) other than the homeodomain and zinc finger regions of Ste12αp contribute to the variable influences on the different phenotypes observed in C. neoformans.
Methionine sulphoxide reductase is an important antioxidant enzyme in the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Alamuri Praveen , Maier Robert J. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryThe ability of Helicobacter pylori to colonize the stomach requires that it combat oxidative stress responses imposed by the host. The role of methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr), a methionine repair enzyme, in H. pylori stress resistance was evaluated by a mutant analysis approach. An msr mutant strain lacked immunologically detectable sulphoxide reductase protein and also showed no enzyme activity when provided with oxidized methionines as substrates. The mutant strain showed diminished growth compared to the parent strain in the presence of chemical oxidants, and showed rapid viability loss when exposed to oxidizing conditions. The stress resistance and enzyme activity could be recovered by complementing the mutant with a functional copy of the msr gene. Upon fractionation of parent strain and the complemented mutant cells into membranes and cytoplasmic proteins, most of the immunologically detectable Msr was localized to the membrane, and this fraction contained all of the Msr activity. Qualitative detection of the whole cell protein pattern using 2,4‐dinitro phenyl hydrazine (DNPH) showed a far greater number of oxidized protein species in the mutant than in the parent strain when the cells were subjected to oxygen, peroxide or s‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) induced stress. Importantly, no oxidized proteins were discerned in either strain upon incubation in anaerobic conditions. A mutant strain that synthesized a truncated Msr (corresponding to the MsrA domain) was slightly more resistant to oxidative stress than the msr strain. Mouse colonization studies showed Msr is an important colonization factor, especially for effective longer‐term (14 and 21 days) colonization. Complementation of the mutant msr strain by chromosomal insertion of a functional gene restored mouse colonization ability.
Htd2p/Yhr067p is a yeast 3‐hydroxyacyl‐ACP dehydratase essential for mitochondrial function and morphology
Authors: Kastaniotis Alexander J. , Autio Kaija J. , Sormunen Raija T. , Hiltunen J. Kalervo 
Published: August 2004

SummaryAmong the recently recognized aspects of mitochondrial functions, in yeast as well as humans, is their ability to synthesize fatty acids in a malonyl‐CoA dependent manner. We describe here the identification of the 3‐hydroxyacyl‐ACP dehydratase involved in mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis. A colony‐colour‐sectoring screen was applied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a search for mutants that, when grown on a non‐fermentable carbon source, were unable to lose a plasmid that carried a chimeric construct coding for mitochondrially localized bacterial analogue. Our mutants, which are respiratory deficient, lack cytochromes and display abnormal mitochondrial morphology,  were  found  to  have  a lesion in the yeast YHR067w/RMD12 gene. The Yhr067p is predicted to be a member of the thioesterase/thioester dehydratase‐isomerase superfamily enzymes. Hydratase 2 activity in mitochondrial extracts from cells overexpressing YHR067w was increased. These overexpressing cells also display a striking mitochondrial enlargement phenotype. We conclude that YHR067w encodes a novel mitochondrial 3‐hydroxyacyl‐thioester dehydratase 2 and suggest renaming it HTD2. The mitochondrial phenotypes of the null and overexpression mutants suggest a crucial role of YHR067w in maintenance of mitochondrial respiratory competence and morphology in yeast.