bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for the expression of transient receptor potential proteins in guinea pig airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: ONG Hwei L. , BRERETON Helen M. , HARLAND M. Lyn , BARRITT Greg J. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  The present study investigates the expression of transient receptor potential (TRPC) proteins in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells in order to determine whether these proteins may be candidate molecular counterparts of plasma membrane Ca2+‐permeable channels involved in the contraction of ASM.Methods:  Expression of TRPC mRNA was detected using specific primers and RT‐PCR. Expression of the TRPC1, TRPC3 and TRPC6 proteins was detected using antibodies in immunoprecipitation and Western blot.Results:  Guinea pig ASM cells exhibited thapsigargin‐ and acetylcholine‐initiated Ca2+ inflow but none by 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycerol. mRNA encoding each of the TRPC1 to TRPC6 proteins was detected in ASM cells. mRNA encoding TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4 and TRPC6 was detected in ASM cells at a concentration approximately equivalent to that in guinea pig brain. mRNA encoding TRPC2 and TRPC5 was more abundant in ASM cells than in brain. The TRPC1 protein, but not the TRPC3 or TRPC6 proteins, was detected in extracts of ASM cells, while all three proteins were detected in brain.Conclusion:  The results provide evidence for a low level of expression of the TRPC1 to TRPC6 proteins in ASM cells. These proteins may function as store‐operated Ca2+ and/or second messenger‐activated non‐selective cation channels in ASM cells.
Genetic analysis of flowering time for eight natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) in Japan with special regard to the genes, FRI and FLC
Authors: Shibaike Hiroyuki , Ishiguri Yoshio , Kawano Shoichi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTo understand the genetic basis of flowering time for eight natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. in Japan, we conducted growth experiments with and without chilling treatments, and crossing experiments of plants from Japanese populations with two well‐characterized flowering time ecotypes (Col and Ler). In order to clarify the associations between flowering time and genotype in the regions around the genes, FRI and FLC, microsatellite analysis was also conducted. Mean time to flowering for the eight Japanese populations varied from 20 to 110 days, and was longer than that for Col and Ler. Their days to flowering were shortened significantly by chilling treatment. The days to flowering of the F1 progeny and the frequency distribution of the days to flowering in F2 progeny indicated that the flowering behavior of the Japanese A. thaliana were controlled mainly by digenic interactions between the FRI and FLC loci. Moreover, microsatellite analysis of F3 progeny resulting from the representative crosses revealed that the eight Japanese A. thaliana populations could be classified into at least two groups according to their genotype at the FRI and FLC loci.
Phylogenetic placement of the enigmatic Western Australian genus Emblingia based on rbcL sequences
Authors: Chandler Gregory T. , Bayer Randall J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAssignment of the enigmatic Australian genus Emblingia to a particular family or order has been difficult. Informative morphological characters have not as yet been found to place Emblingia conclusively into a family, though it does share a number of attributes with the Capparaceae and Resedaceae. As a result, in the past it has been put in various families (Capparaceae, Sapindaceae, Goodeniaceae and Polygalaceae), representing a number of orders, as well as in its own family, the Emblingiaceae. The current molecular study, using rbcL, shows strong support for the placement of Emblingia within the Brassicales, and possibly sister to the Resedaceae. Further morphological and molecular studies within the Brassicales are needed before finalizing the familial placement of this genus. At this time, we consider treatment of Emblingia as a monotypic family, Emblingiaceae, within the order Brassicales the most satisfactory solution.
Adaptive traits regulating dormancy and germination of invasive species
Authors: Martinez‐Ghersa Maria A. , Ghersa Claudio M. , Benech‐Arnold Roberto L. , Donough Rafael Mac , Sanchez Rodolfo A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWeed invasion in cropland can be estimated by measuring specific constancy (Number of fields of occurence/Number of fields surveyed). Since the beginning of this century, many floristic surveys have been carried out in fields with similar soil types in the Pampas of Argentina. Thus, weed species with high constancy in maize or wheat crops over more than 60 years could be identified. Convergence among species of any trait having a selective advantage in the cropping environment would be expected. However, no evidence of such convergence was found in seed bank persistence or in dormancy and germination characteristics of summer or winter annuals selected as model species: Amaranthus retroflexus, Datura ferox, Echinochloa crus‐galli, Tagetes minuta, Avena fatua, Galinsoga parviflora. On the other hand, changes in dormancy and germination traits were recorded in seeds of E. crus‐galli and A. fatua in different agricultural systems, suggesting an adaptive value for invasion of human disturbed habitats. We used a simulation approach to investigate the importance of ecophysiologic seed phenotypes for the invasion of plants into specific human disturbed habitats. Results of the simulations showed that rainfall pattern and soil type interactions changed relative fitness of the tested phenotypes.
Neighborhood effects and genetic structure in a clonal grass: The role of the spatial structure of the environment
Authors: Herben Tomáš , Hara Toshihiko , Hadincová Věra , Krahulec František , Pecháčková Sylvie , Skálová Hana , Suzuki Jun‐Ichirou 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA dominant plant of temperate nutrient‐poor grasslands, Festuca rubra, has been used as a model species to assess biotic effects of fine‐scale environmental heterogeneity in the field and its genetic differentiation in response to this variation. Using experimental data, it is shown that this heterogeneity is partly due to interspecific variation in competitive abilities in the ‘matrix’ plants. Festuca rubra possesses remarkable intraspecific differentiation in its parameters of spatial spreading and competitive performance, and in their plasticity under cultured conditions. This morphological plastic response to the environment is weaker in the field. This indicates that in the field individuals use only a fraction of the full potential range of plasticity to respond to variation in competitive environments. A random amplified polymorphic DNA study has shown that populations of F. rubra consist of a high number of coexisting genets. The genet size distribution is strongly skewed, indicating high early stage mortality and lower larger genet mortality. There should be continuous seedling regeneration in order to maintain this genetic structure. The data presented here display major features that distinguish clonal expansion from vertical competition. These are: (i) absence of integration over the whole plant; (ii) potentially unlimited size; (iii) large and unpredictable environmental variation experienced by different parts of the genet; and (iv) absence of a size‐determined competition outcome at the genet level, and thus higher potential for species‐specific effects.
Interclonal differences, plasticity and trade‐offs of life history traits of Cyperus esculentus in relation to water availability
Authors: LI BO , SHIBUYA TOMOKO , YOGO YASUHIRO , HARA TOSHIHIKO , YOKOZAWA MASAYUKI 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Cyperus esculentus is an exotic clonal (or pseudoannual) weed in Japan,
and its range is steadily increasing. To investigate its interclonal variation and
phenotypic plasticity in response to water availability, five clones of C. esculentus,
collected from different sites in Japan, were grown singly in pots placed outdoors
under dry and wet conditions. All the traits examined showed considerable variation
among the five clones. However, two clones from Tochigi were similar to each other;
thus, they might have originated from the same founder population. The clone from
Ibaraki was quite different from the others. Therefore, it is suggested that the
Japanese populations of C. esculentus might have resulted from multiple introductions
of genotypes from geographically separated and, hence, genetically differentiated,
source populations. All the clones also showed considerable plasticity in response
to water availability. Clones with a larger ramet number had a greater plasticity,
whereas tuber size was invariant across water treatments. Highly plastic traits had
generally low interclonal variation in plasticity. All the clones had high productivity
and produced more ramets and tubers under wet conditions than under dry conditions.
Moreover, water availability could partially regulate the mode of its reproduction;
wet conditions favored tuber production (vegetative propagation) while dry conditions
favored sexual reproduction. A number of trade‐offs occurred between the traits of
clonal growth, storage and sexual reproduction, indicating that allocation among
the competing functions/organs is mutually exclusive in plants. The results obtained
here suggest that C. esculentus is more likely to invade wet habitats than dry habitats.
Analysis of IgG subclasses in chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Wakiguchi Hiroshi , Hisakawa Hiroaki , Hosokawa Takatoshi , Kubota Haruo , Kurashige Takanobu 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Although elevated serum levels of immunoglobulins are frequently observed in patients with chronic active Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, there have been no reports concerning levels of IgG subclasses.
Methods
: Serum levels of IgG subclasses were measured by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 30 children with severe chronic active EBV infection.
Results
: Serum levels of IgG1 were elevated in most patients, except for one who showed an abnormally low level of IgG1 and progressive hypogammaglobulinemia. Serum levels of IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 in the patients were comparable to those in control children, while abnormally low levels of IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 were observed in six, three and four cases, respectively.
Conclusion
: Although not always susceptible to bacterial infections, low levels of IgG2 were frequently observed in patients with chronic active EBV infection and elevated IgG1 is responsible for the increase of serum IgG in these patients.
Nasal mupirocin treatment of pharynx‐colonized methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Preliminary study with 10 carrier infants
Authors: Hayakawa Takahiro , Hayashidera Tadashi , Katsura Sachiko , Yoneda Kozo , Kusunoki Takashi 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Nosocomial methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in infants has become a serious concern and a new means of preventing the transmission of MRSA in the community needs to be considered.
Methods
: We performed nasal mupirocin treatment on 10 infants who were MRSA‐positive either in the nose or the pharynx and evaluated the effect of mupirocin on the eradication of MRSA.
Results
: Eradication of MRSA from the nose was successful in two cases and eradication from the pharynx in six (66.6%) of nine cases. The number of treatments required to achieve eradication varied; within three courses for nose carriers and from one to seven courses for pharynx carriers. Eradication was unsuccessful even after five to seven treatments in three pharynx‐limited carriers.
Conclusions
: These data suggest that the effect of nasal mupirocin treatment on pharynx‐colonized MRSA is limited and that repetitive treatment is necessary in some cases. However, in view of the possibility of preferential pharyngeal colonization of Staphylococcus aureus in infancy, nasal mupirocin treatment deserves further evaluation for eradication not only of nose‐ but also of pharynx‐colonized MRSA.
Kinetics of palmitic acid transport in insulin‐dependent diabetic pregnancies: In vitro study
Authors: Nandakumaran Moorkath , Makhseed Ma’Asoumah , Al‐Rayyes Samer , Al‐Yatama Majda , Devarajan Lakshminarayanan 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Backgound: The paucity of data relating to transport kinetics of free fatty acids (FFA) in pregnant diabetic women prompted the undertaking of the present study.
Methods
: Transport kinetics of a model FFA, palmitic acid, have been investigated in Type I diabetic pregnancies, using in vitro perfusion of isolated placental lobules. National Cancer Tissue Culture medium diluted with Earle’s buffered salt solution was used as the perfusate and control placental lobules were perfused for comparison.
Results
: In five Type I diabetic women, the palmitic acid transport fraction (TF) averaged 5.6~0.42% of injected maternal bolus dose, representing 11.8~2.1% that of tritiated water used as reference. In control perfusions (n=5), the palmitic acid TF represented 10.2~1.3% of tritiated water TF. Differential transport rates of palmitic acid for 10, 25, 50, 75 and 90% of efflux in fetal veins differed significantly from the corresponding values for tritiated water in both study and control series. However, palmitic acid transport rates for the various efflux fractions in the two series were not significantly different. For kinetic parameters, such as area under the curve, clearance, elimination constant, time for maximum response, absorption rate and elimination rate, the values for palmitic acid in the diabetic and control series also did not differ significantly.
Conclusion
: Transport kinetics of palmitic acid in Type I human diabetic pregnancies in in vitro conditions do not differ significantly from those observed in normal pregnancies.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Tsukahara Hirokazu , Hiraoka Masahiro , Saito Masakazu , Nishida Kouich , Kobata Ritsuyo , Tsuchida Shinya , Toyooka Michiyo , Kimura Hideki , Gejyo Fumitake 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: A genetic aberration in the 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene (677 C to T substitution) has been shown to result in reduced enzyme activity. The hypothesis tested in the present study was that a higher proportion of Kawasaki disease (KD) patients with coronary artery lesions (CAL) would have the T677 allele compared with patients without CAL and healthy subjects.
Methods
: Genotypes for MTHFR were determined in 75 KD patients (male : female ratio 52:23) and 238 healthy subjects (male : female ratio, 110:128) by the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method.
Results
: The results indicated that female KD patients had a significantly higher frequency of the TT genotype compared with female control subjects. In the female population, the frequency of the TT genotype in patients with initial coronary aneurysm was significantly lower than in patients without this manifestation. Analysis of the data for the male population showed that the frequency of the TT genotype in KD patients developing coronary stenosis, occlusion or myocardial infarction was higher than that in those without these manifestations, although the difference was statistically insignificant.
Conclusions
: The TT genotype may protect female KD patients against initial aneurysm formation and predispose male KD patients to severe coronary complications. Further large‐scale studies may be required to confirm the contribution of homocysteine in the coronary sequelae of KD.
Formation of propentdyopents and biliverdin, oxidized metabolites of bilirubin, in infants receiving oxygen therapy
Authors: Kunikata Tetsuya , Itoh Susumu , Ozaki Takashi , Kondo Masatoshi , Isobe Kenichi , Onishi Shoju 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Bilirubin has antioxidative effects. When bilirubin reacts with reactive oxygen species, oxidized metabolites of bilirubin are formed, such as biliverdin and propentdyopents. A decrease in serum bilirubin concentration and an increase in serum and urinary oxidized metabolites of bilirubin may indicate the protective action of bilirubin against reactive oxygen species.
Methods
: In the in vitro study, we measured the oxidative products of bilirubin formed through the action of O2– by the xanthine–xanthine oxidase system, either as free bilirubin or bilirubin‐human serum albumin complex. In the clinical investigation, serum concentrations of (ZZ)‐bilirubin (4Z, 15Z‐bilirubin), the subfraction and biliverdin, and urinary propentdyopent absorption, were measured in blood and urine samples, respectively, collected from 30 5‐day‐old neonates with birth weights of 1500–3624 g who had been hospitalized at the Ehime Prefectural Hospital and who had not undergone phototherapy.
Results
: In the in vitro study, a significant formation of propentdyopents was observed in aqueous solution. A statistically significant correlation was found between serum (ZZ)‐bilirubin concentration and serum biliverdin concentration (r=0.82, P<0.0001), but not between serum (ZZ)‐bilirubin concentration and urinary propentdyopent absorption. Serum (ZZ)‐ and serum (ZE)‐bilirubin and biliverdin concentrations, and urinary propentdyopent absorption were compared between the groups with and without oxygen therapy. No significant differences were found in serum (ZZ)‐bilirubin, serum (ZE)‐bilirubin and biliverdin concentration, urinary propentdyopent absorption, serum biliverdin/serum (ZZ)‐bilirubin, or urinary propentdyopent absorption/serum (ZZ)‐bilirubin. Neither a decrease in serum bilirubin concentration nor an increase in serum biliverdin concentration and urinary propentdyopent absorption after oxygen therapy were demonstrated in the present study.
Conclusions
: In the in vitro study, we demonstrated for the first time that propentdyopents were produced from (ZZ)‐bilirubin by the xanthine–xanthine oxidase system but biliverdin was not. In the in vivo study, serum biliverdin concentration and urinary propentdyopent absorption seem to have a different relationship to serum (ZZ)‐bilirubin concentration in sick and early neonates.
Hypercalciuria in children with febrile convulsions
Authors: Papadimitriou Anastasios , Nicolaidou Polyxeni , Garoufi Anastasia , Georgouli Helen 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether idiopathic hypercalciuria may be implicated in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsions.
Methods
: We studied 38 children (22 boys) with febrile convulsions (mean (±SD) age 3.25±1.09 years) and 45 healthy children (28 boys) of similar age who served as controls. Twenty‐four hour urine calcium and phosphate, as well as serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations were determined.
Results
: Hypercalciuria (urine Ca >4.0 mg/kg bodyweight per 24 h) was found in nine children with febrile convulsions (23.7%) and in three controls (6.7%). Hypercalciuric children excreted significantly more phosphate in their urine (37.0±11.6 mg/kg bodyweight per 24 h) than normocalciuric children (18.7±8.7 mg/kg bodyweight per 24 h) and controls (20.2±7.6 mg/kg bodyweight per 24 h). They also had higher serum intact PTH concentrations (49.87±15.36 pg/mL) than normocalciuric (35.39±15.67 pg/mL) and control children (28.21±14.00 pg/mL). According to the calcium‐loading test, eight of nine children with hypercalciuria had the renal type of the disorder. Furthermore, hypercalciuric children had significantly more convulsive episodes (2.77±1.98) than normocalciuric children (1.86±1.24).
Conclusions
: Our results suggest that renal hypercalciuria may be implicated in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsions.
Toxocara seroprevalence and childhood asthma among Malaysian children
Authors: Chan Patrick Wk , Anuar Abdullah Khairul , Fong Mun Y , Debruyne Jessie A , Ibrahim Jamaiah 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: The larva of Toxocara spp., a common animal roundworm, may infect non‐compatible hosts, causing a profound immunological reaction with marked eosinophil and IgE responses, not unlike in atopy. In this study, we determined the seroprevalence of Toxocara exposure in 66 asthmatic and 58 non‐asthmatic children.
Methods
: Exposure to Toxocara was determined by examining the serum samples of the children for specific IgG antibodies to L2 Toxocara larvae, using a commercially available diagnostic kit.
Results
: There was no significant difference in the mean age, sex, social class, residence type and presence of domestic pets at home between the two children groups. Children with bronchial asthma were observed to have higher Toxocara seropositivity than that of the non‐asthmatic controls (21.2 vs 8.6%, P=0.047).
Conclusion
: The observed relationship between exposure to Toxocara infection and bronchial asthma in Malaysian children warrants further evaluation. An understanding of any possible contribution to the pathogenesis of childhood asthma provides a potential avenue for prevention.
Balloon dilatation and stent implantation for vascular stenosis
Authors: Nakanishi Toshio 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Backgound
: Previous results show that the success rate of balloon angioplasty for pulmonary artery stenosis is low. Mortality and morbidity are significant in balloon angioplasty for coarctation of the aorta.
Methods
: A review of the experience of balloon angioplasty for pulmonary artery stenosis and coarctation of the aorta at our institution was performed. A review of scientific reports of balloon angioplasty for these lesions was investigated.
Results
: Review of our results indicates that balloon angioplasty for pulmonary artery stenosis can be performed with a high success rate (80–90%), (i) by performing it at an appropriate time, (ii) by using high‐pressure balloons, (iii) by using stents, and (iv) by using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Major complications occurred in 3% at our institution in balloon angioplasty for pulmonary artery stenosis. Incomplete dilation has been noted in 10–25% of patients of coarctation of the aorta. Aortic aneurysm has been reported in 2–7% of patients. Re‐stenosis and/or hypertension also occur. The re‐stenosis rate may be decreased if the aorta is dilated until signs of intimal tear are observed. Systemic hypertension may be noted in the long term after balloon angioplasty of coarctation of the aorta, even in patients with fairly good anatomical repair. The mechanisms for hypertension are not clear, but residual stenosis, even mild, may result in upper body hypertension.
Conclusions
: Although there are significant limitations in the procedures, balloon angioplasty is effective in the management of pulmonary artery stenosis and coarctation of the aorta.