bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diacylglycerol pyrophosphate is a second messenger of abscisic acid signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cells
Authors: Zalejski Christine , Zhang Zongshen , Quettier Anne‐Laure , Maldiney Régis , Bonnet Magda , Brault Mathias , Demandre Chantal , Miginiac Emile , Rona Jean‐Pierre , Sotta Bruno , Jeannette Emmanuelle 
Published: March 2005

SummaryIn plants, the importance of phospholipid signaling in responses to environmental stresses is becoming well documented. The involvement of phospholipids in abscisic acid (ABA) responses is also established. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the stimulation of phospholipase D (PLD) activity and plasma membrane anion currents by ABA were both required for RAB18 expression in Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cells. In this study, we show that the total lipids extracted from ABA‐treated cells mimic ABA in activating plasmalemma anion currents and induction of RAB18 expression. Moreover, ABA evokes within 5 min a transient 1.7‐fold increase in phosphatidic acid (PA) followed by a sevenfold increase in diacylglycerol pyrophosphate (DGPP) at 20 min. PA activated plasmalemma anion currents but was incapable of triggering RAB18 expression. By contrast, DGPP mimicked ABA on anion currents and was also able to stimulate RAB18 expression. Here we show the role of DGPP as phospholipid second messenger in ABA signaling.
Patterns of Dwarf expression and brassinosteroid accumulation in tomato reveal the importance of brassinosteroid synthesis during fruit development
Authors: Montoya Teresa , Nomura Takahito , Yokota Takao , Farrar Kerrie , Harrison Kate , Jones Jonathan G. D. , Kaneta Tsuyoshi , Kamiya Yuji , Szekeres Miklos , Bishop Gerard J. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryBrassinosteroids (BRs) are essential for many physiological functions in plants, however little is known concerning where and when they are synthesized. This is especially true during flower and fruit production. To address this we have used a promoter‐GUS reporter fusion and RT‐PCR to determine the relative expression levels of the tomato Dwarf (D) gene that encodes a BR C‐6 oxidase. In young seedlings GUS reporter activity was observed mainly in apical and root tissues undergoing expansion. In flowers GUS activity was observed in the pedicel joints and ovaries, whereas in fruits it was strongest during early seed development and was associated with the locular jelly and seeds. RT‐PCR analysis showed that tissue‐specific expression of Dwarf mRNA was consistent with that of the Dwarf:GUS fusion. In good correlation with the high local Dwarf activity, quantitative measurements of endogenous BRs indicated intense biosynthesis in developing tomato fruits, which were also found to contain high amounts of brassinolide. Grafting experiments showed the lack of BR transport indicating that BR action occurs at the site of synthesis.
Seroprevalence of dengue antibodies, annual incidence and risk factors among children in southern Vietnam
Authors: Thai Khoa T. D. , Binh Tran Quang , Giao Phan Trong , Phuong Hoang Lan , Hung Le Quoc , Nam Nguyen Van , Nga Tran Thanh , Groen Jan , Nagelkerke Nico , de Vries Peter J. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryDengue is highly endemic in southern Vietnam and all four serotypes of dengue virus have already been identified. To determine the age‐specific prevalence of dengue and associated risk factors, we conducted a serological study at two primary schools and assessed risk factors by analysing children's questionnaires and household surveys. Sera were collected from 961 primary schoolchildren in Binh Thuan Province and tested for the presence of dengue virus serum antibodies using an indirect immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The antibody prevalence of the total population was 65.7% (n = 631) which increased from 53.0 to 88.2% with age. The annual incidence of a first dengue infection, estimated by binary regression of the seroprevalence by age, was 11.7%. Interestingly, the prevalence of dengue IgG antibodies was significantly higher in children who confirmed using a pit latrine (RR 1.467, 95% CI: 1.245–1.730) and whose domestic environment contained discarded cans (RR 1.238, 95% CI: 1.042–1.470) and pigs (RR 1.228, 95% CI: 1.002–1.504). The epidemiology of dengue in southern Vietnam is stable with a constantly high annual incidence of first infections. Transmission occurs mainly peri‐domestically, which has important public health implications.
Changes in the geographical distribution of tuberculosis patients in Veracruz, Mexico, after reinforcement of a tuberculosis control programme
Authors: Jacobson Lara M. , de Lourdes Garcia‐Garcia Ma. , Hernandez‐Avila Juan Eugenio , Cano‐Arellano Bulmaro , Small Peter M. , Sifuentes‐Osornio Jose , Ponce‐de‐Leon Alfredo 
Published: March 2005

SummaryObjective  Geographical information systems are valuable tools for studying tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology, but have been underused for the evaluation of TB control programs. We aimed to compare the geographical distribution of TB before and after the five elements of directly observed therapy, short course (DOTS) were strengthened in a Health Jurisdiction in Mexico in response to recommendations made by the WHO Global Tuberculosis Program.Methods  All consenting persons detected by passive case finding between March 1995 and February 2000 who were confirmed to have acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) in sputum underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation. A TB ‘episode’ was defined as the period of time between bacteriological diagnosis and treatment discharge by the local control programme. Distances of TB episodes from the nearest urban centre were determined according to recent transmission and multidrug resistance (MDR).Results  During the first half of the study period, MDR episodes were located a median distance of 1.24 km from urban centres, which did not differ significantly from non‐MDR episodes (1.14 km, P = 0.56). In contrast, the median distance of MDR episodes increased 55% to 1.92 km during the second half, which placed them significantly further away out than non‐MDR episodes (1.08 km, P = 0.01). No changes in location were detected for recent transmission.Conclusion  While reinforcing the TB control programme reduced the incidence of MDR, the remaining episodes were located in poorer and more remote areas.
Familial cutaneous collagenoma: report of an affected family
Authors: Amato L. , Mei S. , Gallerani I. , Moretti S. , Cipollini E. M. , Palleschi G. M. , Fabbri P. 
Published: March 2005

A 44‐year‐old white woman was admitted to our hospital for the investigation of many roundish, pale‐colored, nodular lesions of different sizes, ranging from a few millimeters to some centimeters, symmetrically grouped on the shoulders (Fig. 1), trunk, upper limbs, and abdomen. The lesions first appeared at 20 years of age on the upper chest around the clavicular region, and thereafter gradually increased on the trunk and upper limbs; they were completely asymptomatic, appearing on normal skin without a previous history of inflammation and/or trauma. No scarring or atrophy was evident. The smaller lesions exhibited a miliaria‐like shape, being evident in particular on stretching of the skin; the larger ones showed a firm‐elastic density, no adhesion to surrounding tissue, and deep localization in the skin. No hypopigmented macules or sebaceous adenoma‐like lesions were present. Skin biopsy of a nodular lesion from the right shoulder revealed a normal epidermis and a dermis filled with bundles of dense and coarse collagen fibers (Fig. 2). Elastic fibers appeared thin and decreased in number under Verhoeff–van Gieson stain (Fig. 3). A diagnosis of cutaneous collagenoma was proposed. Routine laboratory investigations were within the normal range. Chest and skeleton (hands, pelvis, and long bones) X‐ray, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram showed no abnormality.Nodular papules localized on the right shoulderimageHistology of a lesion taken from the right shoulder. The picture demonstrates dense and coarse collagen bundles (hematoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification, × 200)imageElastic fibers are clearly diminished in number, thin, and fragmented (Verhoeff–van Gieson stain; original magnification, × 400)imageIn order to evaluate a possible familial cutaneous collagenoma, the 19‐year‐old son of the patient was also examined. He had a 3‐month history of numerous, asymptomatic, skin‐colored nodules, ranging from 0.5 to 2 cm, on the upper back. Skin biopsy of a nodular lesion showed the same features as observed in the mother's biopsy. Routine blood and serum tests and X‐ray examinations were within normal limits. Electrocardiogram revealed an early R‐wave transition, and echocardiogram showed a left ventricular dilation with thickened aorta; aortic steno‐insufficiency was diagnosed under cardiologic examination. The diagnosis of familial collagenoma was confirmed, and similar cutaneous lesions were found in the mother's grandmother and aunt.
Localization of haptoglobin in normal human skin and some skin diseases
Authors: Li Ping , Gao Xing‐Hua , Chen Hong‐Duo , Zhang Yaqin , Wang Yan , Wang He , Wang Yakun , Xie Yong 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackground  Haptoglobin (Hp) is an acute‐phase reactant, known to be produced mainly in the liver. Haptoglobin can also be detected in the cytoplasm of normal epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs), and can prevent their functional maturation. The synthesis of Hp in skin cells has not been well studied.Methods  We examined Hp expression at mRNA and protein levels by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in normal human skin and in the skin of patients with psoriasis, lichen planus, erythroderma, seborrheic keratosis, verruca vulgaris, basal cell carcinoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid.Results  (1) Haptoglobin mRNA was expressed in the epidermal keratinocytes (KCs), the epithelial cells of hair follicles, sebaceous glands and eccrine glands in normal skin and all dermatoses investigated. (2) Whereas compared with normal skin, the Hp mRNA in KCs of patients with psoriasis, lichen planus, erythroderma, seborrhoea keratosis and verruca vulgaris was significantly intensified, it was weaker in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid. (3) Haptoglobin protein only stained positively in some KCs of patients with psoriasis, lichen planus and erythroderma. (4) Although some but not all epidermal LCs were positively stained with anti‐Hp antibody in normal skin and in skin samples from all patients, the ratios of Hp‐positive LCs/total LCs were significantly higher in those diseases with intensified Hp mRNA in KCs.Conclusions  Skin is another extrahepatic organ where Hp can be synthesized by KCs. The expression of Hp mRNA in KCs and the Hp protein in both LCs and KCs appears to be correlated with the amount of inflammation, which might indicate that skin itself is involved in down‐regulating the local inflammatory reaction by KC‐synthesized Hp.
Pilot trial: Pioglitazone versus placebo in patients with plaque psoriasis (the P6)
Authors: Shafiq Nusrat , Malhotra Samir , Pandhi Promila , Gupta Monica , Kumar Bhushan , Sandhu Kanial 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackground  Disordered differentiation and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes with inflammation are the hallmarks of psoriasis. Ligand activation of peroxisome proliferator receptor‐γ (a class of nuclear receptors) by thiazolidinediones can normalize the histologic features of psoriasis.Method  In a 10‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study, 70 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis received one of the following treatments: pioglitazone 15 mg, pioglitazone 30 mg or placebo. Efficacy was evaluated by observing the change in the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) after 10 weeks of treatment.Results  There was a dose‐dependent improvement in psoriasis. Median PASI scores at the end of 10 weeks were significantly reduced in the pioglitazone treatment groups as compared to the placebo‐treated group. The psoriasis lesions cleared in more than 40% of patients treated with pioglitazone as compared to 12.5% of those with placebo. The percentage reduction in mean PASI scores was 21.6%, 41.1% and 47.5% in the placebo, pioglitazone 15 mg, and 30 mg groups, respectively. No serious adverse events were detected.Conclusion  This is the first report from a controlled trial demonstrating that pioglitazone could be considered as an efficacious and safe agent for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. The optimum dose and duration of pioglitazone therapy remain to be determined.
Survival of adult islet grafts from transgenic pigs with N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase‐III (GnT‐III) in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Komoda Hiroshi , Miyagawa Shuji , Omori Takeshi , Takahagi Yoichi , Murakami Hiroshi , Shigehisa Tamotsu , Ito Toshinori , Matsuda Hikaru , Shirakura Ryota 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Because of a severe shortage of human donor pancreases, pig islets are considered to be an attractive donor source. Our previous in vitro study revealed that adult pig islets have strong non‐Galα1‐3Galβ1‐4GlcNAc‐R (α‐Gal) antigenicity, including the Hanganutziu‐Deicher (H‐D) antigen, especially in N‐linked sugars. In this study, the issue of whether islets from N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase‐III (GnT‐III) transgenic pigs can prolong their survival in cynomolgus monkeys was examined.Methods:  Adult pig islets were isolated from transgenic pigs with GnT‐III and wild‐type genes. GnT‐III enzyme activity in pig islets was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antigenicity of the islets to human natural antibodies was examined by flow cytometry. Pig islets were transplanted under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic monkeys. After transplantation, blood samples were obtained and plasma insulin levels were monitored on a daily basis.Results:  While GnT‐III was barely expressed in wild‐type islets, it was expressed at high levels in islets from transgenic pigs, and xenoantigenicity was significantly reduced. There was a trend for islets isolated from GnT‐III‐transgenic pigs to survive longer than those from wild‐type pigs in cynomolgus monkeys (wild type: 1, 1, and 3 days; GnT‐III: 1, >3, 4 and 5 days). Humoral and histological studies indicated up‐regulated anti‐pig islet antibodies and a relatively high deposition in islet grafts from wild‐type pigs, respectively.Conclusion:  A reduction in xenoantigenicity by GnT‐III may have prolonged the survival of porcine islets, suggesting the importance of non‐α‐Gal and non‐H‐D antigens, as they relate to N‐linked sugars in the early rejection of porcine islets in the monkey. This approach may be useful in the clinical xenotransplantation of islets in the future.
Improved method for isolation of porcine neonatal pancreatic cell clusters
Authors: Valdés‐González Rafael A. , Silva‐Torres María L. , Ramírez‐González Briceyda , Terán Luis , Ormsby Christopher E. , Ayala‐Sumuano Jorge T. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  Based on the described methods for the isolation of neonatal pancreatic cell clusters (NPCCs), we have developed modifications in order to improve their quality, functionality, and process reproducibility in the isolation technique, for potential use in research. In addition, we indicate techniques for describing yield, functionality, viability and purity of the NPCCs.Methods:  Purity of the NPCCs was determined through dithizone staining and subjected to image analysis. Viability and apoptosis was measured through flow cytometry with propidium iodide and annexin, respectively. NPCC functionality was measured through a static glucose stimulation test.Results:  We developed a high‐yield reproducible technique that had 81 279.55 ± 18 257.05 IEQ/g of pancreas at 4 days of culture, with a 94% viability and an 88 ± 2.73% purity. Stimulation index from the glucose stimulation test was >10.Conclusion:  The technique allowed us to obtain NPCC with optimal viability, functionality, purity, and endurance for use in research.
The activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase in rejected skin xenografts is selectively inhibited by a factor produced by grafted cells
Authors: Holáň Vladimír , Pindjáková Jana , Zajícová Alena , Krulová Magdaléna , Železná Blanka , Matoušek Petr , Svoboda Petr 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Production of nitric oxide (NO) by graft infiltrating macrophages has been suggested as an important effector mechanism of allograft rejection. Expression of the gene for the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and the production of NO in rejected graft has been demonstrated in various models of allotransplantation. However, whether NO plays a role in rejection of skin xenografts has not been documented.Methods:  Explants of rejected skin allografts or xenografts (rat to mouse) were cultivated in vitro and the production of NO, interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10 and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) by graft infiltrating cells was determined by the Griess reaction or ELISA. Effects of supernatants from cultures of xenograft explants on the expression of gene for iNOS, accumulation of iNOS protein and NO production were determined by RT‐PCR or Western blots. Molecular mass of the factor with the suppressive activity was characterized by filtration on chromatography Sephacryl S‐200 Superfine column. In addition, the effects of 2‐amino‐5,6‐dihydro‐6‐methyl‐4H‐1,3‐thiazine (AMT), a selective iNOS inhibitor, on survival of skin xenografts were tested.Results:  While explants of rejected mouse skin allografts produced substantial amounts of NO, undetectable or only very low levels of NO were found in supernatants from cultured rat skin xenografts. Cocultivation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated mouse macrophages which produce high quantities of NO, with pieces of rejected xenografts, but not of syngeneic grafts, allografts or normal rat skin, completely inhibited production of NO. Production of IL‐6 and IL‐10 by LPS‐stimulated macrophages was not inhibited under the same conditions. The inhibition of NO production was mediated by a factor which was produced by rejected rat xenograft and which was eluted from chromatography Sephacryl S‐200 Superfine column in a fraction representing a molecular mass of 67 kDa. The factor did not inhibit the expression of the gene for iNOS, reduce the level of iNOS protein in stimulated macrophages, or function as a scavenger of NO. Rather, the factor inhibited the function of iNOS. The finding that NO does not play an important role during rejection of skin xenografts is supported by the observation that treatment of graft recipients with AMT, a specific iNOS inhibitor, did not enhance xenograft survival, while the same treatment resulted in prolongation of survival of skin allografts.Conclusion:  The results thus demonstrate that a 67‐kDa molecule produced by rejected rat skin xenografts selectively inhibits iNOS activity in graft infiltrating macrophages. We suggest that NO does not play a significant role in rejection of skin xenografts as it does in the case of allograft rejection.
Use of pigs for xenotransplantation: the speciesism by proxy syndrome
Authors: Ravelingien An 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Background: When questioning whether it is acceptable to use pigs as sources of xenografts, focus easily shifts to demonstrations that it is more acceptable to exploit pigs rather than primates. Both practical and ethical reasons against the use of primates do not stand when applied to the use of pigs. Consequently, use of pigs is held to be justified.Methods: In this paper, I examine the weaknesses that shelter within three ethical arguments commonly rehearsed in defense of choosing the pig as source animal: (a) that the use of pigs for human purposes is embedded in a long tradition; (b) that pigs are not an endangered species; and (c) that they do not share the cognitive and emotional capacities with humans to the same extent that primates do.Results: All of the arguments rest on presumptions that are themselves in need of further discussion or clarification.Conclusion: Other approaches are necessary in justifying use of pigs as sources of xenografts.
Porcine complement regulators protect aortic smooth muscle cells poorly against human complement‐induced lysis and proliferation: consequences for xenotransplantation
Authors: Capey Steven , Van Den Berg Carmen W. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Accelerated atherosclerosis after transplantation has been observed and is characterized by smooth muscle cell proliferation in the graft. Porcine cells are frequently used in models of atherosclerosis and porcine organs are considered for use in transplantation. Complement (C) activation is known to play a major role in rejection of xenografts and is also considered to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and function of membrane bound regulators of complement (CReg) on porcine aortic smooth muscle cells (PASMC).Methods:  The PASMC were assessed for expression of CReg and susceptibility to lysis by human C by flow‐cytometry. The effect of various cytokines on CReg expression and C‐susceptibility was investigated. The ability of human C to induce cell proliferation was assessed using the Alamar blue assay.Results:  The PASMC only express the CReg membrane cofactor protein (MCP) and CD59 on their cell surface. MCP expression was increased by interleukin (IL)‐4. In contrast to porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC), PASMC were found to be surprisingly sensitive to C‐mediated lysis, mainly due to a low level of expression of CD59. Human C‐induced proliferation of PASMC, which was dependent on complete membrane attack complex (MAC) formation.Conclusions:  Endogenously expressed CReg on PASMC poorly protect these cells to human C. Human C can induce proliferation of PASMC. In order to prevent accelerated atherosclerosis in porcine xenografts, increased levels of CReg not only have to be obtained on the endothelial cells but also on the smooth muscle cells.