bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral immunotherapy against a pollen allergy using a seed‐based peptide vaccine
Authors: Takagi Hidenori , Saito Saburo , Yang Lijun , Nagasaka Seiji , Nishizawa Naoko , Takaiwa Fumio 
Published: August 2005

SummaryPeptide immunotherapy using dominant T‐cell epitopes is safer and more effective than conventional immunotherapy for the treatment of immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated allergic diseases. When allergenic T‐cell epitope peptides are expressed in the edible part of transgenic plants, successful mucosal immune tolerance to these allergens may be attainable by the consumption of these plants. In this study, we generated transgenic rice seed that accumulated high concentrations (about 60 µg per grain) of polypeptide consisting of seven dominant human T‐cell epitopes derived from the Japanese cedar pollen allergens, Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, in the endosperm. Oral administration of these transgenic rice seeds to B10.S mice before or after they were immunized with Cry j 1 holoprotein reduced not only their T‐cell proliferative response to Cry j 1, but also their serum IgE levels, proving the efficacy of oral immunotherapy for the treatment of pollinosis.
Matrix attachment regions and regulated transcription increase and stabilize transgene expression
Authors: Abranches Rita , Shultz Randall W. , Thompson William F. , Allen George C. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTransgene silencing has been shown to be associated with strong promoters, but it is not known whether the propensity for silencing is caused by the level of transcription, or some other property of the promoter. If transcriptional activity fosters silencing, then transgenes with inducible promoters may be less susceptible to silencing. To test this idea, a doxycycline‐inducible luciferase transgene was transformed into an NT1 tobacco suspension culture cell line that constitutively expressed the tetracycline repressor. The inducible luciferase gene was flanked by tobacco Rb7 matrix attachment regions (MAR) or spacer control sequences in order to test the effects of MARs in conjunction with regulated transcription. Transformed lines were grown under continuous doxycycline (CI), or delayed doxycycline induction (DI) conditions. Delayed induction resulted in higher luciferase expression initially, but continued growth in the presence of doxycycline resulted in a reduction of expression to levels similar to those found in continuously induced lines. In both DI and CI treatments, the Rb7 MAR significantly reduced the percentage of silenced lines and increased transgene expression levels. These data demonstrate that active transcription increases silencing, especially in the absence of the Rb7 MAR. Importantly, the Rb7 MAR lines showed higher expression levels under both CI and DI conditions and avoided silencing that may occur in the absence of active transcription such as what would be expected as a result of condensed chromatin spreading.
Molecular genetics of fructan metabolism in perennial ryegrass
Authors: Chalmers Jaye , Lidgett Angela , Cummings Nicholas , Cao Yingying , Forster John , Spangenberg German 
Published: August 2005

SummaryFructans are the main storage carbohydrates of temperate grasses, sustaining regrowth immediately after defoliation, as well as contributing to the nutritive value of feed. Fructan metabolism is based on the substrate sucrose and involves fructosyltransferases (FTs) for biosynthesis and fructan exohydrolases (FEHs) for degradation. Sucrose is also utilized by invertases (INVs), which hydrolyse it into its constituent monosaccharides for use in metabolism. The isolation, molecular characterization, functional analysis, and phylogenetic relationships of genes encoding FTs, FEHs, and INVs from temperate grasses are reviewed, with an emphasis on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The roles these enzymes play in fructan accumulation and remobilization, and future biotechnological applications in molecular plant breeding are discussed.
Genetic predisposition – understanding underlying mechanisms of onychomycosis
Authors: Faergemann J , Correia O , Nowicki R , Ro B‐I 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTBackground  There are numerous factors that predispose to onychomycosis including genetic predisposition, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, vascular disease and psoriasis.Objectives  The aims of this workshop were to discuss current knowledge of genetic risk factors and the approaches that should be used to investigate underlying mechanisms.Results  The high prevalence of onychomycosis within certain families was initially attributed to intrafamilial transmission. However, the low prevalence of infection in people marrying into infected families together with the high prevalence among their offspring suggested a genetic basis.The state‐of‐the‐art pedigree study by Zaias et al. suggested that Trichophyton rubrum infection shows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. A consensus was reached that epidemiological and genetic studies are required to investigate this issue further.For epidemiological studies, families in which two or three generations are infected with T. rubrum should be selected. Patients with T. rubrum on different body sites should be included, and the presence of associated diseases or other common features in these individuals should be investigated to identify trigger factors.Conclusion  Genetic studies should explore the mode of inheritance of onychomycosis and look for the disease gene(s). Serum samples from patients and age–sex matched controls must be analysed centrally.The results of these studies will make it possible to develop therapeutic, preventive and prophylatic measures and to provide patients and their families with information.
Heterogeneity of dimer excision in young and senescent human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Boyle Jennifer , Kill Ian R. , Parris Christopher N. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryWe have examined the relationship between nucleotide excision of the main UV‐induced photoproduct, the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer andin vitrocellular senescence. Anin situsemiquantitative immunocytochemical assay has demonstrated that, following a UV‐C dose of 15 J m−2, young human dermal fibroblasts maintained in a high level of serum are more efficient than senescent fibroblasts in the removal of dimers. However, in G0‐arrested cultures (serum‐starved), young fibroblasts are compromised in their ability to remove dimers and are significantly less efficient than senescent cells in this process. Supplementation of the culture medium with 0.1 mmdeoxyribonucleosides enhances the removal of dimers in both young and senescent fibroblasts in proliferating or serum‐starved cells. These data indicate that overall there is a modest but significant reduction in nucleotide excision of dimer photoproducts in cells as they agein vitro. In addition, G0‐arrested young cells exhibit reduced removal of dimers, although this can be complemented by deoxyribonucleoside addition. In addition, thisin situassay has revealed heterogeneity in both susceptibility to UV‐C‐induced damage and excision. Overall, we provide evidence of reduced UV‐induced damage excision in senescent compared with young fibroblasts, and demonstrate modulation of these processes in young and senescent cells under specific growth conditions.
Parasympathetic versus sympathetic control of the cardiovascular system in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Javorka Michal , Javorkova Jana , Tonhajzerova Ingrid , Javorka Kamil 
Published: August 2005

SummaryAutonomic neuropathy and cardiovascular dysregulation are common complications of the diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that cardiovascular regulation is abnormal in young patients with type 1 DM. Patients with type 1 DM (17, 10 females, 7 males) aged 12·9–31·5 years (mean ± SEM: 22·4 ± 1·0 years) were investigated. The mean duration of DM was 12·4 ± 1·2 years. The control group consisted of 17 healthy probands matched for sex and age. The length of R–R intervals was measured using telemetric system (VariaCardio TF4; Sima Media) where ECG signal (sampling frequency 1000 Hz) from thoracic belt was transferred into PC for further analysis. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored beat‐to‐beat using volume–clamp method by Finapres 2300 (Ohmeda). Spectral power in HF band of HRV (HRV–HF) was taken as an index of parasympathetic control and spectral power in LF band of systolic BPV (BPV–LF) as an index of sympathetic control. In young patients with type 1 DM significant reduction of spectral power in HF band of the heart rate variability was found, whereas no significant difference between DM group and control group was observed in spectral power in LF band of blood pressure variability. In conclusion, we found impaired parasympathetic control of heart rate in young patients with type 1 DM. No differences in blood vessels sympathetic control were detected using spectral analysis of BPV. We suggest that abnormalities in cardiac parasympathetic regulation precede impairment of blood vessels sympathetic control in young diabetics.
Lack of acute cardioprotective effect from preischaemic erythropoietin administration in a porcine coronary occlusion model
Authors: Kristensen Jens , Maeng Michael , Rehling Michael , Berg Jette S. , Mortensen Ulrik M. , Nielsen Søren S. , Nielsen Torsten T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryBackground:  Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) has been proposed to possess important tissue protective, apart from haematopoietic, effects. Cardioprotective effects have thus been reported in rodents exposed to myocardial ischaemia. Pathways common to the mediation of ischaemic preconditioning may be involved. Before clinical testing such possible cardioprotective effects needs assessment in an experimental large animal model with closer similarity to human ischaemic pathophysiology.Methods:  A control group and two rhEPO groups were studied. EPO1 pigs were given EPO corresponding to the early window and EPO2 pigs to the early and late window of ischaemic preconditioning in a closed chest, catheter‐based, porcine coronary occlusion model (45 min of occlusion of the left anterior descending artery). Infarct size as a proportion of the ischaemic area (IS/AAR) was measured in vivo by myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and postmortem by a histochemical procedure (at 150 min of reperfusion).Results:  IS/AAR did not differ significantly between control (C), EPO1 and EPO2 groups, neither measured by MPI (mean ± SD for C: 0·87 ± 0·13; EPO1: 0·92 ± 0·08; EPO2: 0·87 ± 0·11), nor histochemically (mean ± SD for C: 0·64 ± 0·20; EPO1: 0·75 ± 0·17; EPO2: 0·80 ± 0·07). In the EPO2 group mean arterial pulmonary pressure and dP/dtmax were increased compared with control group.Conclusion:  Despite promising results from studies in rodents, rhEPO did not reduce infarct size measured after 2·5 h of reperfusion in our porcine model.
Planning for Restoration: A Decision Analysis Approach to Prioritization
Authors: Cipollini Kendra A. , Maruyama Aimee L. , Zimmerman Christopher L. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract Ecological restoration often relies on the use of expert opinion to make management decisions in the face of uncertainty. The quantification of expert opinion can be difficult, especially when more than one expert is consulted and experts are not in agreement. Decision analysis can provide a framework to systematically deconstruct a complex problem and provide greater objectivity to restoration decisions. We utilized decision analysis techniques to identify restoration objectives and to quantify expert opinions to prioritize restoration activities at 112 prairie openings in the Edge of Appalachia Preserve in southern Ohio, U.S.A. We first created an objectives hierarchy to model how decision‐makers decide which prairies to manage. We then determined how to measure each component of the hierarchy and sampled all prairies for percent woody cover, geology, indicator species index (an index of plant species richness), slope, aspect, and distance to nearest prairie. We modeled seven different experts’ preferences for managing prairies with varying values for each of these ecological measures. We then interviewed the same decision‐makers to determine relative weights for each component of the objectives hierarchy using trade‐off analysis. By combining the weights, preference relationships, and sampling data, we were able to rank each prairie and management unit based on its management priority. Experts had similar preferences except for the measure of distance to nearest prairie. We found that decision‐makers gave different weights to each of the different components of the hierarchy. Generally, experts weighted percent woody cover, indicator species index, and geology more highly than slope, aspect, and distance to nearest prairie. Despite these differences, priorities for management, once all factors were weighted and combined, were similar.
“How Local Is Local?”—A Review of Practical and Conceptual Issues in the Genetics of Restoration
Authors: McKay John K. , Christian Caroline E. , Harrison Susan , Rice Kevin J. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract In plant conservation, restoration (the augmentation or reestablishment of an extinct population or community) is a valuable tool to mitigate the loss of habitat. However, restoration efforts can result in the introduction of novel genes and genotypes into populations when plant materials used are not of local origin. This movement is potentially important because many plant species are subdivided into populations that are adapted to local environmental conditions. Here we focus on genetic concerns arising from ongoing restoration efforts, where often little is known about “How local is local?” (i.e., the geographic or environmental scale over which plant species are adapted). We review the major issues regarding gene flow and local adaptation in the restoration of natural plant populations. Finally, we offer some practical, commonsense guidelines for the consideration of genetic structure when restoring natural plant populations.
Patterns of Plant Species Diversity in Remnant and Restored Tallgrass Prairies
Authors: Polley H. Wayne , Derner Justin D. , Wilsey Brian J. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract To restore diversity of native vegetation, we must understand factors responsible for diversity in targeted communities. These factors operate at different spatial scales and may affect the number and relative abundances of species differently. We measured diversity of plant species and functional groups of species in replicated plots within paired restored and remnant (relic) tallgrass prairies at three locations in central Texas, U.S.A. To determine the contributions of species abundances and of spatial patterns of diversity to differences between prairie types, we separated diversity into richness and evenness (relative biomass) and into within‐plot (α), among‐plot (β), and prairie (γ) components. Species diversity was greater in remnant than in restored prairies at all spatial scales. At the γ scale, both species richness and species evenness were greater in remnants because of greater spatial variation in species composition. At the α scale, remnants were more diverse because of greater richness alone. Mean α richness correlated positively with the size of the species pool in restored prairies only, implying that in remnants, α richness was influenced more by colonization dynamics than by the number of species available for colonization. Plots in remnant prairies contained more functional groups and fewer species per group than did plots in restored prairies, suggesting that resource partitioning was greater in relic prairies. Our results are consistent with the interpretation that local ecological processes, like resource partitioning and limitations on seed dispersal, contribute to the greater diversity of remnant than restored prairies in central Texas. Restoration practices that limit abundances of competitive dominants, increase the number of species in seed mixtures, and increase the proximity of plants of different functional groups thus may be required to better simulate the plant diversity of tallgrass prairies.
Restoration of Araucaria Forest: The Role of Perches, Pioneer Vegetation, and Soil Fertility
Authors: Zanini Lessandra , Ganade Gislene 
Published: August 2005

Abstract The Araucaria forest is Brazil's highly threatened subtropical forest ecosystem that has been disappearing in recent decades. Restoration programs involving this forest type are scarce, and there is a lack of scientific information on how ecological processes such as competition, facilitation, and seed dispersal influence natural forest restoration. This work aims to investigate how use of perches to attract seed dispersers and the influence of pioneer vegetation and soil fertilization could affect the colonization of woody species in a degraded area. An experiment was conducted in an abandoned field where the natural establishment of seeds and seedlings of woody species was monitored under factorial combinations of the following treatments: (1) pioneer vegetation (presence and absence); (2) soil fertility (addition of NPK and control); and (3) perches (presence and absence). Seed and seedling abundance, seed and seedling species richness, and seedling mortality were recorded monthly during 12 months. Seed abundance and species richness were significantly greater in places with perches than in control plots. These results were consistent over the year and more pronounced when the surrounding forest produced a higher amount of fruit. Species richness and abundance of seedlings were significantly greater in places with perches than in control plots, and in places with vegetation than without. Soil fertility did not influence seedling establishment. Facilitation and seed dispersal are important factors affecting the colonization of woody species in this subtropical area. Nutrient availability neither regulates the facilitation process nor influences species replacement during the early stages of Araucaria forest succession.
Replacing Sources with Sinks: When Do Populations Go Down the Drain?
Authors: Keagy Jason C. , Schreiber Sebastian J. , Cristol Daniel A. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract We investigate the scenario in which some amount of higher quality habitat is destroyed and is then replaced by some undetermined amount of lower quality habitat. We examined how much low‐quality habitat would need to be created to maintain the equilibrium population abundance in the entire geographic area. Using a source–sink model, we find that (1) the number of hectares of created habitat per hectare of destroyed habitat must equal the ratio of the high‐quality habitat's productivity to the low‐quality habitat's productivity, however, (2) if the created habitat is a sink, then there is a threshold fraction of destroyed high‐quality habitat below which the initial population abundance cannot be maintained through the creation of habitat. We illustrate these results using data on Red‐winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) in two different regions where high‐quality habitat is being replaced by or converted into lower quality habitat.
Restoring Fire to Long‐UnburnedPinus palustrisEcosystems: Novel Fire Effects and Consequences for Long‐Unburned Ecosystems
Authors: Varner J. Morgan , Gordon Doria R. , Putz Francis E. , Hiers J. Kevin 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBiologically rich savannas and woodlands dominated byPinus palustrisonce dominated the southeastern U.S. landscape. With European settlement, fire suppression, and landscape fragmentation, this ecosystem has been reduced in area by 97%. Half of remnant forests are not burned with sufficient frequency, leading to declines in plant and animal species richness. For these fire‐suppressed ecosystems a major regional conservation goal has been ecological restoration, primarily through the reinitiation of historic fire regimes. Unfortunately, fire reintroduction in long‐unburned Longleaf pine stands can have novel, undesirable effects. We review case studies of Longleaf pine ecosystem restoration, highlighting novel fire behavior, patterns of tree mortality, and unintended outcomes resulting from reintroduction of fire. Many of these pineland restoration efforts have resulted in excessive overstory pine mortality (often >50%) and produced substantial quantities of noxious smoke. The most compelling mechanisms of high tree mortality after reintroduction of fire are related to smoldering combustion of surface layers of organic matter (duff) around the bases of old pines. Development of effective methods to reduce fuels and competing vegetation while encouraging native vegetation is a restoration challenge common to fire‐prone ecosystems worldwide that will require understanding of the responses of altered ecosystems to the resumption of historically natural disturbances.
Effects of Sowing Treatment and Landscape Position on Establishment of the Perennial Tussock Grass Themeda triandra (Poaceae) in Degraded Eucalyptus Woodlands in Southeastern Australia
Authors: Cole Ian , Lunt Ian D. , Koen Terry 
Published: August 2005

Abstract Grassy woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus species such as E. albens Benth., E. melliodora A. Cunn. ex Schauer, and E. microcarpa Maiden are poorly conserved in Australia, owing to widespread agricultural development. Understorey restoration is vitally important to enhance degraded remnants but no reliable techniques are available to restore herbaceous understorey species over large areas. Reestablishment of dominant native grasses such as Kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra Forssk.) is particularly important. This study compared Themeda establishment using a variety of sowing techniques across a range of landscape positions in degraded woodlands in central New South Wales. Four localities were sampled at three landscape positions (upper, mid‐, and lower slopes). Existing vegetative cover was sprayed with herbicide and removed by mowing. A randomized block experiment was established at each site with five replicates of five seedbed treatments: all four factorial combinations of soil disturbance (disturbed, nondisturbed) and weed control (atrazine, nonatrazine), plus topsoil scalping followed by soil disturbance. After 117 days, all plots were subject to a common herbicide (atrazine) treatment to control weeds. Themeda establishment was not significantly affected by landscape position, despite significant differences in the cover of exotic species among landscape positions. The scalped/disturbed treatment resulted in significantly better establishment at 400 days (18% or 3.9 plants/m2) than the control (8% or 1.8 plants/m2). All other treatments did not differ significantly from the control suggesting that seedbed treatments are not critical to successful Themeda establishment. These results suggest that Themeda swards can be reestablished in degraded woodlands relatively simply. The similarity in outcomes across all landscape positions suggests that general recommendations for “best‐bet” establishment methods may prove robust under a wide range of environmental and seasonal conditions.