bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveys for asymptomatic persistence of Sphaeropsis sapinea on or in stems of red pine seedlings from seven Great Lakes region nurseries
Authors: Stanosz G. R. , Smith D. R. , Albers J. S. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryThe fungus Sphaeropsis sapinea persists on or in stems of asymptomatic red pine (Pinus resinosa) nursery seedlings, and proliferates to cause collar rot and mortality after planting. In the spring of 2002, seven nurseries were surveyed to determine the potential range in frequency of asymptomatic persistence: three operated by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), two by Minnesota DNR, one by Michigan DNR, and one by USDA Forest Service (in Michigan). At each nursery five groups of 20 asymptomatic red pine seedlings were collected near an inoculum source (red pine windbreak), if present, and five groups of 20 asymptomatic seedlings were collected away from such a source (1400 seedlings total). A segment of the lower stem/root collar from each seedling was surface disinfested and incubated on tannic acid agar. Transfers were made from resulting colonies and the pathogen identified from pycnidia and conidia produced in culture. The pathogen was identified from asymptomatic seedlings collected in all Wisconsin and Minnesota nurseries, but was never detected from seedlings from the Michigan DNR or USDA Forest Service nurseries. Frequencies of detection were greater (as high as 88%) from asymptomatic seedlings near red pine windbreaks including diseased trees than from seedlings distant from such windbreaks. A subset of isolates from asymptomatic seedlings was characterized using inter‐simple sequence repeat–polymerase chain reaction analysis. Most isolates were the A group of S. sapinea, but B group isolates (recently named Diplodia scrobiculata) were also obtained from one nursery. One Minnesota nursery was more extensively sampled in 2003, with 17–44 groups of five asymptomatic red pine seedlings collected in four separate fields (525 seedlings total). The mean frequency of detection of the pathogen in these four fields ranged from 40 to 71%. Persistence of S. sapinea on or in asymptomatic seedlings continues to be problematic, not only because of the potential for subsequent seedling mortality, but also as a means by which a pathogen may be widely distributed.
Differentiating the two closely related species, Phellinus weirii and P. sulphurascens
Authors: Lim Y. W. , Yeung Y. C. A. , Sturrock R. , Leal I. , Breuil C. 
Published: July 2005

Summary Phellinus weirii s.l., an aggressive root rot pathogen, causes extensive wood losses and lowers the productivity of western red cedar (WRC, Thuja plicata), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and other conifers. This fungus has been recognized as a cedar form (P. weirii s.s.) and a non‐cedar form (P. sulphurascens). Differentiating the two species is difficult because their fruiting bodies and cultural morphologies are very similar. However, differences in growth rate and colony morphology were observed when they were grown on malt extract agar with WRC feeder strips. In addition, different restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns were obtained using (i) the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region cut with the restriction enzyme RsaI, and (ii) the partial large subunit ribosomal DNA region cut with AgeI and NciI. Furthermore, a new specific primer set was designed from the ITS region of P. weirii s.s. and was used to differentiate it from P. sulphurascens and other decay fungi that are frequently found in coniferous trees. These species‐specific primers will facilitate the detection of P. weirii in standing trees well before visible signs of infection are apparent.
Multi‐seasonal field release and spermatization trials of transgenic hypovirulent strains of Cryphonectria parasitica containing cDNA copies of hypovirus CHV1‐EP713
Authors: Root C. , Balbalian C. , Bierman R. , Geletka L. M. , Anagnostakis S. , Double M. , MacDonald W. , Nuss D. L. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryThree indigenous field strains of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica collected in 1996 from a test site in the Meshomasic State Forest, Connecticut, USA, were engineered to contain a chromosomally integrated full‐length infectious cDNA copy of the severe, virulence‐attenuating hypovirus CHV1‐EP713. These transgenic hypovirulent strains were introduced into the test site after it had been clear‐cut, as sprayed conidia in multiple applications over 4 years, beginning in 1997. Evidence was obtained for cytoplasmic transmission of cDNA‐derived hypovirus RNA and for recovery of transgenic strains from canker tissue of the spray‐treated trees. However, there was no indication of spread of transgenic strains or cDNA‐derived viral RNA to the control plot or outside the treatment plot. A single transgenic C. parasitica isolate was identified from a total of 156 isolates recovered from 1330 insects representing five insect orders. Only 2.6% of the 1082 C. parasitica bark isolates recovered during the course of this study were vegetatively compatible with the untransformed input strains. Transgenic ascospore progeny were produced by 40% of the perithecia collected in 1999 and by only 7.3% of the perithecia collected in 2000. A concurrent field release study performed in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia in 1998 and 1999 with transgenic hypovirulent strains constructed with the same CHV1‐EP713 cDNA‐containing plasmid identified seasonal application dates and delivery methods that resulted in very high levels of transgenic ascospore production. Results of the combined field release studies are discussed in terms of requirements for improved formulations and delivery methods and the importance of balancing ecological fitness and virulence attenuation.
Visual loss due to central serous chorioretinopathy during corticosteroid treatment for giant cell arteritis
Authors: Bevis Timothy , Ratnakaram Ramakrishna , Smith M Fran , Bhatti M Tariq 
Published: July 2005

AbstractGiant cell arteritis (GCA) can be a devastating disease resulting in blindness if not promptly diagnosed and treated. The only proven treatment for GCA is systemic corticosteroids; however, there are many side‐effects associated with this therapy including ocular side‐effects such as ocular hypertension, cataract formation and central serous chorioretinopathy. To raise physician awareness, a patient with biopsy‐proven GCA is reported who lost vision during corticosteroid therapy because of central serous chorioretinopathy.
Survey of eye practitioners’ attitudes towards diagnostic tests and therapies for dry eye disease
Authors: Turner Angus W , Layton Christopher J , Bron Anthony J 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground:  There is a wide variation in the use of diagnostic tests for dry eye disease. The purpose of this study was to survey the attitudes of eye practitioners towards both tests and therapies available for dry eye disease.Method:  An anonymous, web‐based questionnaire was used, containing both quantitative and qualitative sections. Results:  Thirty‐eight respondents, evenly distributed in experience, confirmed the wide variation of diagnostic tests in use. History and staining techniques were significantly preferred to tests of tear flow (P < 0.05). ‘Evidence’ was the most valued test characteristic, and was regarded as significantly more important than ‘comfort’ or ‘cost’ (P < 0.003). However, ‘evidence’ was not valued significantly higher than ‘ease of use’ or ‘time taken to perform’. Overall, there was poor satisfaction with diagnostic and therapeutic options in dry eye, for both quantitative and qualitative measures.Conclusion:  This is the first qualitative study of attitudes towards dry eye disease. Attitudes towards the adequacy of diagnostic tests vary considerably. As evidence supporting a diagnostic test's validity is the most highly valued test characteristic, a systematic review of the topic is justified.
Centripetal lens epithelial cell migration: a prospective study of the Alcon SA60AT intraocular lens
Authors: Assaad Nagi N , Cheung Leanne M , Lim Charmaine , Francis Ian C , Coroneo Minas T , Alexander Stella L , Schumacher R Steve 
Published: July 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To evaluate prospectively the incidence and severity of centripetal lens epithelial cell migration (CLECM) onto the anterior surface of the Alcon SA60AT intraocular lens (IOL).Methods:  One hundred and four consecutive cases of SA60AT IOL implantations were prospectively evaluated. At the 1‐month postoperative visit, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was obtained. Following maximal pupillary dilatation, the extent of CLECM was assessed using a simplified grading scale (0–4). The centrality of the lens within the capsular bag was recorded. Patients with the highest grade of CLECM were recalled for reassessment at a minimum of 3 months.Results:  Centripetal lens epithelial cell migration data were obtained on 99 patients. Of these, 94% demonstrated CLECM  of  varying  severity  at  1 month  postoperatively.  The severity was low grade in 54% of patients (29% grade 1, 24% grade 2), and high grade in 40% of patients (16% grade 3, 24% grade 4). BCVA results were good (91.9% 6/6 or better) and did not correlate with CLECM grade. Operative capsulorhexis size did not correlate with the severity of CLECM. The lens was well‐centred in 91 of 92 patients in whom lens position was assessed. Twenty‐three patients with grade 4 CLECM at 1 month were brought back for reassessment (3.5–13 months postoperatively) and 18 of these demonstrated complete regression of CLECM (to grade 0).Conclusions:  There is a high incidence and severity of CLECM 1 month postoperatively using the Alcon SA60AT IOL. There was no significant correlation between CLECM grade and either BCVA at 1 month, capsulorhexis size or lens centration. CLECM appears to be a frequent, benign and transient event with this lens.
Bioavailability of vitamin B12 using a small‐volume nebulizer ophthalmic drug delivery system
Authors: Kahn Monte 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground:  To determine the intraocular bioavailability of a novel embodiment for vitamin B12 delivered to the ocular surface by a piezo‐electric ultrasonic nebulizer.Methods:  The semisolid embodiment contained 0.02% (w/w) vitamin B12 in 1 g of ointment, which was immiscible and insoluble in 5 mL sterilized warm water. To confirm in vitro functionality, nebulized mist particles of the embodiment were collected and analysed for vitamin B12 content. The in vivo arm of the study was designed as randomization of 23 patients who were scheduled to undergo cataract surgery in hospital. Fourteen patients were treated with nebulized vitamin B12, five patients had one drop of 0.02% vitamin B12 instilled in the conjunctival cul de sac, and four control patients had no medication. Twelve hours after the vitamin was delivered, the patients underwent the cataract procedure and a sample of aqueous humour was collected from each. High performance liquid chromatography was used for detection of vitamin B12 in all samples.Results:  The in vitro analysis of mist particles showed increasing concentrations of vitamin B12. In the patient tests, analysis of the aqueous humour samples showed that none of the controls or those receiving eye drops had detectable vitamin B12 in the aqueous humour. However, 4 of 14 in the nebulizer group had vitamin B12 detected in the aqueous humour in the amount of 10−7 mol.Conclusions:  The small‐volume nebulizer system might provide another method of ophthalmic drug delivery.
Cavernous haemangioma in the orbital apex: stereotactic‐guided transcranial cryoextraction
Authors: Papalkar Daya , Francis Ian C , Stoodley Marcus , Kaines Andrew , Sharma Shanel , Kalapesi Freny B , Wilcsek Geoffrey A 
Published: July 2005

AbstractA 55‐year‐old Caucasian woman presented with an orbital cavernous haemangioma superior to the optic nerve in the orbital apex. Preoperative imaging demonstrated a mass involving the superomedial and superolateral quadrants of the posterior orbit. A stereotactic fronto‐orbital approach was performed by the neurosurgical team, and cryoextraction of the lesion was accomplished by the ocular plastic surgical team.
Anterior chamber‐associated immune deviation: a review of the anatomical evidence for the afferent arm of this unusual experimental model of ocular immune responses
Authors: Camelo Serge , Kezic Jelena , McMenamin Paul G 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAnterior chamber‐associated immune deviation (ACAID) is an animal model of tolerance induced experimentally by the injection of antigen into the anterior chamber of the eye. The unusual deviant immune response has both afferent and efferent arms and it is the former that is the focus of this review. The paradigm states that antigen injected into the anterior chamber of the eye is internalized by intraocular antigen presenting cells (APCs) which then migrate largely to the spleen to induce the differentiation of regulatory T cell populations which in turn form the basis of the modified efferent arm to the deviant immune response. However, the migration routes of ocular APCs or free antigen to the secondary lymphoid organs remain unclear. In this review we will discuss the evidence for different possible afferent routes by which antigen (either free or cell‐associated) leaves the eye and the pattern of distribution to secondary lymphoid organs.
Use of intravitreal triamcinolone in the management of birdshot retinochoroidopathy associated with cystoid macular oedema: a case study over a three‐year period
Authors: Shah Anup , Branley Michael 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBirdshot retinochoroidopathy is a bilateral, chronic posterior uveitis of likely autoimmune aetiology characterized by multiple depigmented choroidal lesions scattered throughout the post‐equatorial retina. It has been managed with variable results using systemic immunosuppression. Herein, a case is described in which the patient, aware of the side‐effects of systemic immunosuppression, refused this form of treatment and was successfully managed over a 3‐year period with intravitreal triamcinolone. She developed the ocular complications of cataract and increased intraocular pressures, but maintained good vision while avoiding any systemic side‐effects.
Balance of pro‐apoptotic transforming growth factor‐β and anti‐apoptotic insulin effects in the control of cell death in the postnatal mouse retina
Authors: Duenker N. , Valenciano A. I. , Franke A. , Hernández‐Sánchez C. , Dressel R. , Behrendt M. , De Pablo F. , Krieglstein K. , De La Rosa E. J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractTransforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and insulin display opposite effects in regulating programmed cell death during vertebrate retina development; the former induces apoptosis while the latter prevents it. In the present study we investigated coordinated actions of TGF‐β and insulin in an organotypic culture system of early postnatal mouse retina. Addition of exogenous TGF‐β resulted in a significant increase in cell death whereas exogenous insulin attenuated apoptosis and was capable of blocking TGF‐β‐induced apoptosis. This effect appeared to be modulated via insulin‐induced transcriptional down‐regulation of TGF‐β receptor II levels. The analysis of downstream signalling molecules also revealed opposite effects of both factors; insulin provided survival signalling by increasing the level of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein expression and phosphorylation and down‐regulating caspase 3 activity whereas pro‐apoptotic TGF‐β signalling reduced Bcl‐2 mRNA levels and Bcl‐2 phosphorylation and induced the expression of TGF‐induced immediate‐early gene (TIEG), a Krüppel‐like zinc‐finger transcription factor, mimicking TGF‐β activity.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α receptor 1 (p55) knockout only transiently decreases the activation of c‐Jun and does not affect the survival of axotomized dopaminergic nigral neurons
Authors: Wessig Jan , Brecht Stephan , Claussen Malte , Roemer Lutz , Goetz Mario , Bigini Paolo , Schutze Stephan , Herdegen Thomas 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe activation of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases and their substrate transcription factor c‐Jun is central to the death of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC) but the underlying signal cascades are poorly understood. We have studied the impact of the p55 tumor necrosis factor‐α receptor (TNF‐R) 1 on the N‐terminal phosphorylation of c‐Jun and the survival of the dopaminergic SNC neurons after transection of the medial forebrain bundle. The axotomy raised the immunoreactivities of tumor necrosis factor‐α, p75 TNF‐R2 and ED1 (ectodysplasin A) in the substantia nigra equally in wildtype and knockout (ko) mice and of TNF‐R1 in wildtype mice. Importantly, TNF‐R1 ko significantly reduced the early phosphorylation of c‐Jun between 18 h and 3 d post‐axotomy but the functional deficiency of TNF‐R1 did not affect the survival of the dopaminergic neurons up to day 30. These findings demonstrate that: (i) TNF‐R1 is involved in the early cell body response after axon transection; (ii) TNF‐R1 operates upstream of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase/c‐Jun, the central signal system of nerve fiber injury, and (iii) the failure of persistent reduction of activated c‐Jun is linked to the failure of protection of dopaminergic SNC neurons by TNF‐R1 ko.
Contactin regulates the current density and axonal expression of tetrodotoxin‐resistant but not tetrodotoxin‐sensitive sodium channels in DRG neurons
Authors: Rush Anthony M. , Craner Matthew J. , Kageyama Takashi , Dib‐Hajj Sulayman D. , Waxman Stephen G. , Ranscht Barbara 
Published: July 2005

AbstractContactin, a glycosyl‐phosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored predominantly neuronal cell surface glycoprotein, associates with sodium channels Nav1.2, Nav1.3 and Nav1.9, and enhances the density of these channels on the plasma membrane in mammalian expression systems. However, a detailed functional analysis of these interactions and of untested putative interactions with other sodium channel isoforms in mammalian neuronal cells has not been carried out. We examined the expression and function of sodium channels in small‐diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from contactin‐deficient (CNTN–/–) mice, compared to CNTN+/+ litter mates. Nav1.9 is preferentially expressed in isolectin B4 (IB4)‐positive neurons and thus we used this marker to subdivide small‐diameter DRG neurons. Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording, we observed a greater than two‐fold reduction of tetrodotoxin‐resistant (TTX‐R) Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 current densities in IB4+ DRG neurons cultured from CNTN–/– vs. CNTN+/+ mice. Current densities for TTX‐sensitive (TTX‐S) sodium channels were unaffected. Contactin's effect was selective for IB4+ neurons as current densities for both TTX‐R and TTX‐S channels were not significantly different in IB4– DRG neurons from the two genotypes. Consistent with these results, we have demonstrated a reduction in Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 immunostaining on peripherin‐positive unmyelinated axons in sciatic nerves from CNTN–/– mice but detected no changes in the expression for the two major TTX‐S channels Nav1.6 and Nav1.7. These data provide evidence of a role for contactin in selectively regulating the cell surface expression and current densities of TTX‐R but not TTX‐S Na+ channel isoforms in nociceptive DRG neurons; this regulation could modulate the membrane properties and excitability of these neurons.
Autoradiographic mapping of dopamine‐D2/D3 receptor stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in the human brain
Authors: Sóvágó Judit , Makkai Boglárka , Gulyás Balázs , Hall Håkan 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAgonist stimulated [35S]guanosine 5′‐γ‐thiotriphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) binding autoradiography was established for the examination of dopamine‐D2/D3 receptors in human brain sections. The distribution of G proteins activated by dopamine‐D2/D3 receptors was studied in whole hemisphere cryosections. Dopamine stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in brain regions with high densities of dopamine D2‐like receptors, i.e. putamen (23 ± 2%, mean ± SEM,% stimulation over basal binding), caudate (20 ± 0%) and substantia nigra (22 ± 2%), but also in regions with lower receptor densities such as amygdala (17 ± 8%), hippocampus (16 ± 6%), anterior cingulate (13 ± 3%), and thalamus (12 ± 2%). Dopamine stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding to significantly higher levels in the dorsal than in the ventral part of the striatum. Dopamine caused low or very low stimulation in all cortical areas. Raclopride, a selective D2/D3 receptor antagonist, potently inhibited dopamine stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding, whereas R(+)‐7‐chloro‐8‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1H‐3‐benzazepine hydrochloride (SCH23390), a selective D1 antagonist, did not block the [35S]GTPγS binding response stimulated by dopamine. Hence, the stimulatory effect of dopamine was primarily mediated by D2/D3 receptors. Quinpirole stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in the same regions as dopamine. The maximal level of stimulation induced by dopamine and quinpirole was not significantly different. The present study demonstrates that agonist stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding autoradiography could be a suitable technique for the examination of dopamine‐D2/D3 receptors in the human brain. This functional assay could provide useful new information about dopamine receptor/G protein coupling in the postmortem human brain, and reveal possible disease related alterations of the interaction between D2/D3 receptors and G proteins.
Dark pulse suppression of P‐ERK and c‐Fos in the hamster suprachiasmatic nuclei
Authors: Coogan Andrew N. , Piggins Hugh D. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractIt is well‐established that light pulses regulate components of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases I/II (ERK) cascade in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) circadian clock. These events are important for photic‐resetting of the circadian clock. The SCN circadian clock is also reset by pulses of dark, but it is unknown if this stimulus alters the activity of ERK, the transcription factor Elk‐1 or expression of the immediate early gene c‐fos in the SCN. Using Syrian hamsters free‐running in constant light, we determined the effects of dark pulses on these factors in the SCN. In constant light, levels of phosphorylated ERK (P‐ERK) showed significant circadian variation in the Syrian hamster SCN, while levels of c‐Fos or phosphorylated Elk‐1 (P‐Elk‐1) did not. A 6‐h dark pulse beginning at circadian time (CT) 8 down‐regulated expression of P‐ERK and c‐Fos, but not P‐Elk‐1, in the SCN. Following termination of the pulse, levels of c‐Fos increased above time‐matched control values, while P‐ERK expression did not. When given at the beginning of the subjective night (CT13), a 6‐h dark pulse did not phase‐shift behavioural rhythms and failed to alter the expression of c‐Fos, P‐ERK, or P‐Elk‐1 in the SCN. At the level of the visual thalamus, expression of c‐Fos in the intergeniculate leaflet was higher during the subjective night as compared to the subjective day, although dark pulses had no robust effects on expression of c‐Fos or P‐ELK‐1 in this structure. We conclude that dark‐pulse resetting of the circadian clock is complex and involves both non‐photic and photic components.