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P Laine

Publications and source records attributed to P Laine.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Dynamics of nitrogen uptake and mobilization in field-grown winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) from stem extension to harvest. II. An 15N-labelling-based simulation model of N partitioning between vegetative and reproductive tissues.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) has often been used as a catch crop to deal with the issue of N leaching, but for this to be effective, prediction of the crop's N uptake capability and N partitioning is required. The aim of this work was to build a compartmental model of N dynamics in oilseed rape, based on the kinetic description of N uptake, partitioning and mobilization in each organ. MODEL: In this study, logistic and exponential equations were fitted to the N relations of each compartment, especially the leaf at each node. Data previously obtained from an 15N-labelling field experiment was used to quantify the partitioning of total N content, the allocation of N taken up and subsequent changes in the sink/source status for endogenous N in each tissue throughout the growth cycle. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This modelling approach provides a unique tool for the quantitative estimation of cycling of endogenous N in relation to changes in N uptake at the whole-plant level. Furthermore, as oilseed rape is known to release large amounts of N to the soil during spring through leaf loss, this model was used to identify potential methods for improving the N harvest index of the crop. Simulations showed that N content or yield could be improved by 15% by optimizing N transfer from vegetative to reproductive tissues and by reducing the residual %N (DW) in abscised leaves.

Biological Transport, Active↗

Dynamics of nitrogen uptake and mobilization in field-grown winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) from stem extension to harvest: I. Global N flows between vegetative and reproductive tissues in relation to leaf fall and their residual N.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite its high capacity to take up nitrate from the soil, winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is characterized by a very low N recovery in the reproductive tissues under field conditions. A significant part of the N taken up is lost to the soil in dead leaves during the growth cycle. An accurate description of N dynamics at the whole plant level in each compartment under field conditions should lead to a better understanding of N allocation in B. napus and improvements in the nitrogen harvest index. METHODS: An experiment was conducted in field conditions using sequential weekly 15N labelling to follow N uptake, partitioning and mobilization. Nitrogen labelling (2.5 kg N ha(-1); 10 % excess) was analysed weekly (from stem extension to harvest) to distinguish between uptake of new N (labelled) and mobilized N (unlabelled) in the different plant components. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: N requirements for seed filling were satisfied mainly by N mobilized from vegetative parts (about 73 % of the total N in pods). Determination of the endogenous N flow showed that there was net transfer of N to the pods by leaves (36 %), stem (34 %), inflorescences (22 %) and taproot (8 %). Precise study of N flow from leaves at different nodes revealed the existence of two main groups of leaves in terms of their apparent capacity to mobilize N; 30-60 % and 70-80 % of peak N content occurring during flowering and pod filling, respectively. Moreover, the latter group was found to be the main source of endogenous N from leaves. The mobilization of endogenous N from these leaves was prolonged and concomitant with N accumulation in the pods. A complex pattern of N mobilization from the leaves, to vegetative or reproductive tissues, was revealed. These results will be used to model N partitioning during the growth cycle.

Biological Transport↗

Are there any complications with bioabsorbable fixation devices? A 10 year review in orthognathic surgery.

Bioabsorbable fixation devices have been used in our departments between November 1991 and November 2001 in orthognathic surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess all complications experienced during this time period, when we have operated 163 patients who have undergone 329 orthognathic osteotomies fixated with bioresorbable devices. No postoperative intermaxillary fixation was used. Light guiding elastics were used for 5 to 7 weeks. Patients' acceptance was generally excellent and very few complications occurred during this follow-up of 10 years. The complications were minor and did not affect the end results of the operations. Minor complications occurred in 14 patients (8.6%). Only one patient (0.6%) had a postoperative infection with elevated infection parameters. The other minor complications consisted mainly of dehiscence of the wound and plate exposure together with granulation tissue in the operation field. The rest of the complications occurred in the beginning of our study, when large screw heads on top of the bone irritated the patient and had to be removed. Insufficient fixation resulted in open bite in three patients (1.8%) in the beginning of the trial use of new devices, which no longer are used. Based on our experience, bioresorbable devices are safe to be used in orthognathic procedures. However, there is a learning curve, as there is with all new methods introduced.

Absorbable Implants↗

Local primary (AL) amyloidosis in the palate. A case report.

Oral amyloidosis is usually presented in the tongue and is often regarded as a paraneoplastic phenomenon. We present a rare case of primary local amyloidosis in the palate of an 80-year-old male. No simultaneous general illnesses or malignancies were detected in spite of extensive assessments by specialists in internal medicine.

Aged↗

Orbital floor reconstruction with poly-L/D-lactide implants: clinical, radiological and immunohistochemical study in sheep.

In this study the reconstruction capacity of orbital wall in sheep was evaluated when poly-L/D-lactide (PLDLA96) implants were used for large blow-out defects in 18 sheep. The contralateral side, where the defects healed spontaneously, served as controls. The follow-up was 12, 16, 22 and 36 weeks. Healing was evaluated clinically, radiologically, histologically and immunohistochemically. Physiochemical properties of the implants were also studied. At first, the implants were surrounded by elastic capsules, which gradually ossified. At 36 weeks, 60% were still visible and deformed but surrounded by bone. Light microscopy revealed a low grade inflammatory reaction. Expression of Tn-c and cFn was intense throughout the study. Shear strength decreased gradually and was not measurable after 16 weeks. Crystallinity increased steadily from 1.5 to 29.30% and molecular weight decreased from 49,000 to 4186. In CT, the final bony defect was smaller in the reconstructed sides than in the controls. Based on this study it can be concluded that PLDLA96 implant provokes a local inflammation, which does not prevent bone healing. The deformation of the implant, however, indicates that this PLDLA96 plate is not suitable for orbital floor reconstruction.

Absorbable Implants↗

Influence of initial organic N reserves and residual leaf area on growth, N uptake, N partitioning and N storage in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) during post-cutting regrowth.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The influence of initial residual leaf area and initial N reserves on N uptake, final N distribution, and yield in alfalfa regrowing after cutting, were studied. METHODS: The effects of two levels of initial residual leaf area (plants cut to 15 cm, with (L+) or without (L-) their leaves) and two initial levels of N status [high N (HN) or low N (LN)] on growth, N uptake and N partitioning, allocation and storage after 29 d of post-cutting regrowth were analysed. KEY RESULTS: During most of the regrowth period (8-29 d after the initial harvest), HN and L+ plants had higher net N uptake rates than LN and L- plants, respectively, resulting in a greater final mineral N uptake for these treatments. However, the final partitioning of exogenous N to the regrowing shoots was the same for all treatments (67 % of total exogenous N on average). Final shoot growth, total plant N content, and N allocation to the different taproot N pools were significantly lower in plants with reduced initial leaf area and initial N reserve status. CONCLUSIONS: Although both initial residual leaf area and initial N reserves influenced alfalfa regrowth, the residual leaf area had a greater effect on final forage production and N composition in the taproot, whereas the N uptake rate and final total N content in plant were more affected by the initial N reserve status than by the residual leaf area. Moreover, N storage as proteins (especially as vegetative storage proteins, rather than nitrate or amino acids) in the taproot allowed nitrate uptake to occur at significant rates. This suggests that protein storage is not only a means of sequestering N in a tissue for further mobilization, utilization for growth or tissue maintenance, but may also indirectly influence both N acquisition and reduction capacities.

Biological Transport↗

Nitrogen storage and remobilization in Brassica napus L. during the growth cycle: identification, characterization and immunolocalization of a putative taproot storage glycoprotein.

In taproot of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), a 23 kDa polypeptide has been recently identified as a putative vegetative storage protein (VSP) because of its accumulation during flowering and its specific mobilization to sustain grain filling when N uptake is strongly reduced. The objectives were to characterize this protein more precisely and to study the effect of environmental factors (N availability, daylength, temperature, water deficit, wounding) or endogenous signals (methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid) that might change the N source/sink relationships within the plant, and may therefore trigger its accumulation. The 23 kDa putative VSP has two isoforms, is glycosylated and both isoforms share the same N-terminal sequence which had been used to produce specific polyclonal antibodies. Low levels of an immunoreactive protein of 24 kDa were found in leaves and flowers. In taproot, the 23 kDa putative VSP seems to accumulate only in the vacuoles of peripheral cortical parenchyma cells, around the phloem vessels. Among all treatments tested, the accumulation of this protein could only be induced by abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate. When compared to control plants, application of methyl jasmonate reduced N uptake by 89% after 15 d, induced a strong remobilization of N from senescing leaves and a concomitant accumulation of the 23 kDa putative VSP. These results suggested that, in rape, the 23 kDa protein is used as a storage buffer between N losses from senescing leaves promoted by methyl jasmonate and grain filling.

Abscisic Acid↗

Nitrogen storage and remobilization in Brassica napus L. during the growth cycle: effects of methyl jasmonate on nitrate uptake, senescence, growth, and VSP accumulation.

The role of methyl jasmonate (MeJa) in promoting senescence has been described previously in many species, but it has been questioned in monocarpic species whether induced senescence is a result of a potential death hormone like MeJa, or a consequence of an increased metabolic drain resulting from the growth of reproductive tissue. In oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), a polypeptide of 23 kDa has been recently identified as a putative vegetative storage protein (VSP). This polypeptide could be used as a storage buffer between N losses from senescing leaves putatively promoted by methyl jasmonate that might be produced by flowers, and grain filling which occurs later on, while N uptake is strongly reduced. In order to describe causal relationships during Brassica napus L. plant responses to MeJa treatment, a kinetic experiment was performed to determine the order and the amplitude with which general processes such as growth, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, N uptake, and N storage under the form of the 23 kDa VSP are affected. One of the most immediate consequences of MeJa treatment was the strong reduction of nitrate uptake within 6 h, relative to control plants. However, this was not a specific effect as K(+) uptake was similarly affected. Photosynthesis was reduced later (after 24 h), while chlorophyll content as well as leaf growth also decreased in a similar way. Moreover, this was concomitant with a remobilization of endogenous unlabelled N from senescing leaves to roots. Accumulation of the 23 kDa VSP was induced in the taproot after 24 h of MeJa treatment and was increased 10-fold within 8 d. On the other hand, the reversible effect of a MeJa pretreatment was tested in the long term (i.e. along the growth cycle) using plants previously grown in field conditions induced for flowering. Results show that a MeJa pulse induced a reversible effect on N uptake inhibition. In parallel, protein immunologically related to the 23 kDa VSP was detected in stems with a similar molecular weight (23 kDa), and in flowers and leaves with a molecular weight of 24 kDa. This accumulation was concomitant with the remobilization of both subunits of Rubisco. During stem and pod development, this protein induced by MeJa is fully hydrolysed. The external and intermittent supply of MeJa mimic some of the plant physiological processes previously reported under natural conditions. This suggests that in oilseed rape, methyl jasmonate could be considered as a possible monocarpic senescence factor while accumulation/mobilization of the 23 kDa VSP in taproot could be a marker for the cessation of N uptake and the initiation of a massive leaf senescence.

Acetates↗

Factor analytical study on water quality in Lake Saimaa, Finland.

Multivariate data analysis methods (4-way Candecomp-PARAFAC model solved with Multilinear Engine (ME-1)) were used to interpret the data of over two decades to study the changes in the water of Lake Saimaa in Finland. Earlier studies have shown that it is difficult to extract the natural background from the other sources of variation. By using the multilinear model three interpretable factors representing natural and anthropogenic processes could be extracted. The natural long-term variation, seasonal fluctuation and dilution of discharges in the recipient area could be extracted into their own factors, which could be easily visualized. The variation could be also presented with estimated variation in the water quality parameters caused by each of these natural or anthropogenic processes.

Factor Analysis, Statistical↗

Activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1,2 results in down-regulation of decorin expression in fibroblasts.

Decorin is a small leucine-rich extracellular matrix proteoglycan, the expression of which is down-regulated in proliferating and malignantly transformed cells. In the present study we show that the expression of decorin in fibroblasts is suppressed by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and PMA, and that the effect of both is potently inhibited by blocking the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1,2 signalling pathway (Raf/MEK1,2/ERK1,2) with the specific MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)1,2 inhibitor, PD98059. In addition, specific activation of ERK1,2 by adenovirus-mediated expression of constitutively active MEK1 in dermal fibroblasts results in marked reduction in decorin mRNA abundance and production. Co-transfection of NIH-3T3 fibroblasts with human decorin promoter/chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) construct (pDEC--879/CAT) in combination with the expression vectors for constitutively active Raf-1 and MEK1 markedly suppressed decorin promoter activity. Co-transfections of human decorin promoter 5'-deletion constructs with constitutively active MEK1 expression vector identified the region -278 to -188 as essential for ERK1,2 mediated down-regulation of decorin promoter activity. These results show that activation of the ERK1,2 signalling pathway by a mitogenic growth factor, a tumour promoter or transformation suppresses decorin gene expression in fibroblasts, which in turn may promote proliferation and migration of normal and malignant cells.

3T3 Cells↗

Adventitial mast cells connect with sensory nerve fibers in atherosclerotic coronary arteries.

BACKGROUND: The number of activated mast cells is increased in the adventitia of coronary segments with plaque rupture and in spastic atherosclerotic coronary segments. Neurogenic activation of mast cells has been demonstrated previously in other tissues. Here we identified and quantified contacts between mast cells and nerves in the adventitia of normal and atherosclerotic coronary segments. METHODS AND RESULTS: Normal (types 0 or I) and atherosclerotic (lesion types II, III, and IV) coronary segments from 22 unselected autopsy cases were stained for mast cells and sensory nerves by a histochemical double-labeling method. Contacts between mast cells and sensory nerves were quantified morphometrically and also identified by confocal microscopy. Coronary arteries obtained during heart transplantation were stained for the neuropeptides capable of stimulating mast cells, ie, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. In the adventitia of atherosclerotic coronary segments with type IV lesions, the numbers of mast cells and mast cell-nerve contacts (104+/-15 mast cells/mm(2) and 30+/-5 nerve contacts/mm(2); mean+/-SEM) were significantly greater than in segments with type III lesions (79+/-12 [P<0.001] and 24+/-6 [P<0.001]), those with type II lesions (54+/-4 [P<0.001] and 12+/-2 [P<0.001]), or those with normal intima (31+/-3 [P<0.001] and 4+/-1 [P<0.001]). The nerve fibers connected with mast cells contained both substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, which identified them as sensory nerves. CONCLUSIONS: Neurogenic stimulation of mast cells in the adventitia of coronary arteries may release vasoactive compounds, such as histamine and leukotrienes, which can contribute to the complex neurohormonal response that leads to abnormal coronary vasoconstriction.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide↗

Collagenases in different categories of peri-implant vertical bone loss.

The loosening of dental implants is associated with peri-implant vertical bone loss. The mechanisms and mediators of this bone destruction are not known. To test the hypothesis that collagenase-2 and collagenase-3 might be markers or maybe even mediators in this process, we measured collagenase-2 (time-resolved immunofluorometric assay) and collagenase-3 (quantitative immunoblot) in peri-implant sulcus fluid in 49 implant sites in 13 patients. Vertical bone loss was graded as being < 1 mm, from 1 to 3 mm, or > 3 mm. The severity of inflammation, as rated according to Gingival Index, did not correlate with the category of bone loss (p > 0.05). Collagenase-2 and collagenase-3 were higher (p < 0.05) in the group which had lost > 3 mm of bone than in the two other groups. Gingival Index is not a clinically important marker for bone loss, but collagenase-2 and collagenase-3 in peri-implant sulcus fluid are. They might participate in peri-implant osteolysis.

Adult↗

Brief intervention for female heavy drinkers in routine general practice: a 3-year randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Today, heavy drinking is a common health hazard among women. The evidence in favor of providing some kind of brief intervention to reduce drinking is quite convincing. However, we do not know if intervention works in a natural environment of routine health care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of long-lasting, brief alcohol intervention counseling for women in a routine general practice setting. METHODS: In five primary care outpatient clinics in a Finnish town, 118 female early-phase heavy drinkers who consulted their general practitioners for various reasons were given brief alcohol intervention counseling. Intervention groups A (n = 40) and B (n = 38) were offered seven and three brief intervention sessions, respectively, over a 3-yr period. The control group C (n = 40) was advised to reduce drinking at baseline. Main outcome measures were self-reported weekly alcohol consumption, carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. RESULTS: Depending on the outcome measure and the study group, clinically meaningful reduction of drinking was found in 27% to 75% of the heavy drinkers. Within all the groups, MCV significantly decreased. However, there were no statistically significant differences between study groups A, B, and C in the mean changes between the beginning and endpoint in the main outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that minimal advice, as offered to group C, was associated with reduced drinking as much as the brief intervention, as offered to groups A and B, given over a 3-yr period. Furthermore, in the routine setting of the general practice office, the effectiveness of the brief intervention may not be as good as in special research conditions. The factors possibly reducing the effectiveness in a routine setting are unknown. Thus, different methods of implementing brief intervention need to be evaluated to find better ways to support general practice personnel in their efforts to help heavy-drinking female patients to reduce their drinking.

Adult↗

Association between myocardial infarction and the mast cells in the adventitia of the infarct-related coronary artery.

BACKGROUND: Histamine, a product of mast cells, is an effective vasoconstrictor of atherosclerotic coronary arteries. Because it has been suggested that coronary spasm plays a role in acute coronary syndromes such as myocardial infarction (MI), we quantified and characterized the mast cells in the adventitia of infarct-related coronary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a series of 17 autopsied MI patients, we identified the segment of the left coronary artery with ruptured plaque responsible for the infarction. More distal segments from the infarct-related coronary artery, either with nonruptured plaques or with normal intima, were also studied. Corresponding segments taken from left coronary arteries obtained from 17 patients who had died of noncardiac causes served as controls. Adventitial mast cells in the infarct-related and the control coronary arteries were identified immunohistochemically by staining for tryptase. In the infarct-related coronary arteries, we also stained for chymase and histamine. Moreover, T lymphocytes and macrophages were identified immunohistochemically and counted. In the infarct-related coronary arteries, significantly larger numbers of mast cells were present in the adventitia backing ruptured plaques (98+/-40 mast cells/mm2, mean+/-SD) than in the adventitia backing nonruptured plaques (41+/-12 mast cells/mm2; P<0.001) or backing normal intima (19+/-8 mast cells/mm2; P<0.001). No such difference was found among the 3 different segments in the control coronary arteries. The majority of mast cells contained not only tryptase but also chymase. Mast cells were the only cells in the coronary adventitia that contained histamine. The proportion of adventitial mast cells that were degranulated was highest in the segments with ruptured plaques. The numbers of adventitial macrophages and T lymphocytes were also increased in the segments with plaque rupture. CONCLUSIONS: In infarct-related coronary arteries, the number of degranulated mast cells in the adventitia backing ruptured plaques is increased. Histamine released from the degranulated mast cells may reach the media, where it may locally provoke coronary spasm and thus contribute to the onset of MI.

Aged↗

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis and progression of heart failure to transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyocyte apoptosis has been found in congestive heart failure, but its clinical significance has been difficult to study. We compared the occurrence of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in explanted hearts with the progression of severe heart failure until the need for transplantation. DESIGN: Using the TUNEL assay, apoptotic cardiomyocytes were quantified in explanted failing hearts from patients with either idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 21) or ischaemic heart disease (n = 14). The percentage was compared with the clinical severity and progression of endstage heart failure. Samples obtained at autopsy and during open heart surgery served as controls. RESULTS: The number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes was significantly increased in failing hearts regardless of aetiology (medians 0.075% in ischaemic heart disease and 0.119% in dilated cardiomyopathy) compared with control myocardium. In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, apoptotic cardiomyocytes were more numerous in subjects with a rapidly deteriorating clinical course (0.192%, n = 10) than in patients with intermediate (0.093%, n = 6, P = 0.03) or slow (0.026%, n = 5, P = 0.003) progression. No such association was observed in patients with ischaemic heart disease, in whom we found significantly increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis adjacent to scars of previous infarctions (0.576%) in contrast to the diffuse distribution seen in dilated cardiomyopathy. Expression of Bcl-2, an antiapoptotic protein, was increased in all failing hearts by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is a consistent feature of end-stage heart failure in man and appears to be quantitatively related to the clinical severity of deterioration in dilated cardiomyopathy. Increased expression of Bcl-2 in cardiomyocytes indicates activation of an antiapoptotic response. These observations suggest that cardiomyocyte apoptosis is a clinically relevant and potentially modifiable pathophysiological phenomenon in severe heart failure.

Adult↗

Osteotomy site healing following mandibular sagittal split osteotomy and rigid fixation with polylactide biodegradable screws.

Follow-up of 47 patients, treated using mandibular bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and self-reinforced poly-L-lactide acid (SR-PLLA) screws for rigid internal fixation, is presented. The focus was on clinical and radiological osteotomy healing. The average follow-up time was 2.1 years (range 0.5-5 years). Clinical recovery and radiological osteotomy healing during follow-up were uneventful. Osteolytic changes were seen around the SR-PLLA screws in 27% of cases. The majority of the screw canals remained as radiolucent shadows without bony filling.

Absorbable Implants↗

Skeletal stability following mandibular advancement and rigid fixation with polylactide biodegradable screws.

Skeletal stability during the first year after mandibular advancement surgery and fixation using biodegradable self-reinforced poly-l-lactide (SR-PLLA) screws, without postoperative intermaxillary fixation, was studied in 25 patients by means of cephalometric measurements. The magnitude of advancement was on average, 3.88 mm at pogonion (PG) (range 1.25-6.5 mm) and 4.57 mm at B-point (range 2.75-7.5 mm). After one year a mean relapse backwards of 0.59 mm at the PG (15%) and 0.78 mm at the B-point (17%) was observed. Nineteen patients (76%) and 17 patients (68%) were stable at PG and B-point, respectively. SR-PLLA screws are considered to be comparable to other forms of rigid internal fixation for fixation of bilateral splitting osteotomies after mandibular advancement, as far as skeletal stability is concerned.

Absorption↗