bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Sociodemographic and Hospital  Influences on Breastfeeding Initiation
Authors: Kruse Lakota , Denk Charles E. , Feldman‐Winter Lori , Mojta Rotondo Florence
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Background: Healthy breastfeeding practice in the United States depends decisively on high rates of initiation at the delivery hospital. We sought to estimate the component of hospital variation in rates of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge that was dependent on demographic composition. Isolating that component can help to illuminate the potential independent contribution of hospital policies, practices, and staff behaviors. Methods: Electronic birth certificate data in New Jersey from 1996 to 2001 (n = 545,837) were used to measure variations in hospital‐level rates of breastfeeding initiation. The method of infant feeding within 24 hours before hospital discharge was reported as exclusive breastfeeding, formula feeding, combination feedings, other methods, and unknown. Rates of exclusive breastfeeding by hospital were standardized to remove sociodemographic differences in hospitals’ service populations that influence initiation rates. Results: Sociodemographic variables predicted about 60 percent of the variation in hospital‐specific rates of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Hospitals that were designated intensive or regional perinatal centers, delivered higher volumes of infants, and served more breastfeeding‐prone populations were only slightly more likely to have higher adjusted rates compared with other hospitals; considerable unexplained variation remained. Conclusions: Standardized exclusive breastfeeding rates pointed to the contribution of population demographics to breastfeeding initiation, and other contributions, including hospital practices, are also important. To protect, promote, and support breastfeeding, a more detailed evidence base on hospital policies and practices should be developed, and hospitals should review their policies and practices in light of documented best breastfeeding practice. (BIRTH 32:2 June 2005)
Learning Needs of Postpartum Women:  Does Socioeconomic Status Matter?
Authors: Sword Wendy , Watt Susan
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Background: Little is known about how information needs change over time in the early postpartum period or about how these needs might differ given socioeconomic circumstances. This study's aim was to examine women's concerns at the time of hospital discharge and unmet learning needs as self‐identified at 4 weeks after discharge. Methods: Data were collected as part of a cross‐sectional survey of postpartum health outcomes, service use, and costs of care in the first 4 weeks after postpartum hospital discharge. Recruitment of 250 women was conducted from each of 5 hospitals in Ontario, Canada (n = 1,250). Women who had given vaginal birth to a single live infant, and who were being discharged at the same time as their infant, assuming care of their infant, competent to give consent, and able to communicate in one of the study languages were eligible. Participants completed a self‐report questionnaire in hospital; 890 (71.2%) took part in a structured telephone interview 4 weeks after hospital discharge. Results: Approximately 17 percent of participants were of low socioeconomic status. Breastfeeding and signs of infant illness were the most frequently identified concerns by women, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Signs of infant illness and infant care/behavior were the main unmet learning needs. Although few differences in identified concerns were evident, women of low socioeconomic status were significantly more likely to report unmet learning needs related to 9 of 10 topics compared with women of higher socioeconomic status. For most topics, significantly more women of both groups identified learning needs 4 weeks after discharge compared with the number who identified corresponding concerns while in hospital. Conclusions: It is important to ensure that new mothers are adequately informed about topics important to them while in hospital. The findings highlight the need for accessible and appropriate community‐based information resources for women in the postpartum period, especially for those of low socioeconomic status. (BIRTH 32:2 June 2005)
Prevalence of Breastfeeding and Acculturation in Hispanics:  Results from NHANES 1999–2000 Study
Authors: Gibson Maria V. , Diaz Vanessa A. , Mainous Arch G. , Geesey Mark E.
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Background: A more current estimate to evaluate ethnic and acculturation differences in breastfeeding is warranted, given the rapid growth of the Hispanic population in the United States and the proliferation of breastfeeding promotion programs. The study objective was to describe current national estimates of the prevalence of breastfeeding and evaluate differences in reasons not to breastfeed by acculturation status. Methods: Secondary data analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2000 was performed on a nationally representative sample of non‐Hispanic white women born in the U.S. and Hispanic women with at least one live birth. Acculturation status among Hispanics was assessed using a validated language scale, and prevalence of breastfeeding was based on maternal self‐report. Results: Prevalence of breastfeeding was higher in less acculturated Hispanic women (59.2%) than high acculturated Hispanic women (33.1%) and white women (45.1%). Less acculturated Hispanic women were more likely to cite their child's physical/medical condition as a reason not to breastfeed (53.1%), whereas whites and more acculturated Hispanics were more likely to cite their child preferred the bottle (57.5% and 49.8%, respectively). A logistic regression analysis revealed no significant differences in likelihood to breastfeed between non‐Hispanic whites and Hispanics after controlling for education, age, and income. Higher acculturated women were less likely to breastfeed their children than low acculturated women (95% CI: 0.14–0.40) even after education, age, and income were taken into account. Conclusions: Acculturation differences in prevalence of breastfeeding and reasons not to breastfeed may be the result of attitudinal changes that occur due to acculturation. Further research into the acculturation process and its impact on breastfeeding may help to prevent the decline in breastfeeding that occurs as mothers become more acculturated. Meanwhile, patient education that addresses women's perceptions of the child's health condition and benefits of breastfeeding would be helpful. (BIRTH 32:2 June 2005)
Night Rooming‐in: Who Decides? An Example of Staff Influence on Mother's Attitude
Authors: Svensson Kristin , Matthiesen Ann‐Sofi , Widström Ann‐Marie
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Background: In 1989 the World Health Organization and UNICEF introduced the “Ten Steps” for successful breastfeeding. One step suggests that a mother and her newborn baby should remain together day and night during the hospital stay. The purpose of this study was to investigate, first, whether or not mothers in our hospital roomed‐in with their babies at night, second, the attitudes of mothers toward night rooming‐in and their feelings of closeness to their babies, and third, how mothers perceived hospital staff attitudes toward night rooming‐in. Methods: All mothers ( n = 132) of Nordic ancestry and with good knowledge of the Swedish language, who were admitted to the maternity wards during a 2‐week period at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, answered a questionnaire on demographic background data and their current night rooming‐in practices, including an attitude scale. Results: Most study mothers were positive toward night rooming‐in, regardless of whether they had roomed in with their babies at night (93% positive) or not (73% positive). Mothers who had not roomed‐in with their babies were more likely to perceive that the staff believed their babies should stay in the nursery compared with those mothers who practiced night rooming‐in (z = −2.733, p = 0.006). Mothers not rooming‐in with their babies scored closeness to their babies as less important than those mothers who roomed‐in with their babies (z = −3.780, p = 0.0002); they also were more worried about their own and their babies’ sleep (z = −2.321, p = 0.02) and disturbing noises (z = −3.487, p = 0.0005). Conclusions: Mothers who left their babies in the nursery at night more often perceived that the staff believed their babies should stay in the nursery, rating closeness between mother and infant lower. Hence, negative staff attitudes toward night rooming‐in may implicitly suggest to mothers that closeness between mothers and babies is not important.
An Evaluation of Pain and “Fitness” During Labor and Its Acceptability to Women
Authors: Gross Mechthild M. , Hecker Hartmut , Keirse Marc J.N.C.
Published: May 2005

Abstract:  Background: Labor experiences involve many dimensions that change during labor but are rarely measured contemporaneously and longitudinally. We examined pain and “fitness” aspects of women's labor experience and assessed the acceptability to participants. Methods: Thirty nulliparas and 20 multiparas in term labor indicated pain and fitness every 45 minutes in contraction‐free intervals on visual analog scales from 0 to 10. Fitness implied both physical and psychological strength. Data were analyzed cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, with adjustment for analgesia and time dependency. Women received feedback and evaluated their participation on the first day postpartum. Results: Measurements of pain and fitness ranged from 2 to 22 per woman (mean ± SD: 7.4 ± 4.4). Pain scores showed various patterns, mostly increasing from 1.4 (± 1.9) at the first to 6.6 (± 3.8) at the last measurement in nulliparas and from 1.3 (± 2.1) to 6.2 (± 4.0) in multiparas. One half of the women declined steadily in fitness throughout labor, occasionally after a slight increase early on. Multiparas entered labor more fit (5.9 ± 3.0) than nulliparas (3.9 ± 2.7), but showed a sharper decline so that the difference leveled out just before birth. Although fitness at any one time did not reflect pain levels, fitness and pain were inversely related, especially in nulliparas (p = 0.003). Analgesia affected pain scores but affected fitness only a little. Women's responses were mainly positive, especially in appreciating the feedback. Nevertheless, 32 percent of women skipped one or more measurements, often toward the end or when too close to a contraction. Conclusions: Pain and “fitness” are two distinctly different dimensions of labor experience. Repeated longitudinal measurements of elements of well‐being are clearly feasible and acceptable to laboring women. They may be useful to assess how labor events and interventions affect women's well‐being.
Smear morphology of cryptococcosis presenting as a subcutaneous swelling in healthy adults: a report of three cases
Authors: Kumar P. , Saran R. K. , Gondal R. , Malhotra V.
Published: May 2005

Objective:  To highlight the various morphological smear pattern in cases of subcutaneous Cryptococcus infection in healthy adults.

Method:  Cryptococcus is an opportunist fungus and primary infection is acquired through respiratory tract. Dissemination by blood stream results in systemic infection. Ten to 15% of systemic infection present as cutaneous lesions. Between December 2002 and April 2004 three healthy adults presented to us consecutively with subcutaneous swelling.

Results:  We diagnosed these cases on FNAC as Cryptococcus. In all the three patients there was no history of local penetrating injury and any signs or symptoms of systemic disease. They were two male and one female, immuno competent and were negative for HIV 1 & 2 tested by ELISA. The sites were right abdominal flank, occipital and left anterior upper thigh. Aspirated materials were oily fibro fatty tissue and necrotic purulent materials. Cryptococcus numbers varied in all the smears so also their size and capsule thickness. Background smear morphology and tissue reaction were also different. It could be gelatinous, granulomatous, and cellulitic response or mixed responses and this can be picked up on cytological smears. Cultures were confirmatory in all the three cases. These lesions were resolved with antifungal treatment.

Conclusion:  Our brief article highlights the morphological spectrum on FNAC smears and diagnostic problems faced in these uncommon circumstances where the aspirates were purulent and the yeasts were small, few and thin walled. In the acute inflammatory smear with occasional giant cells and/or granulomas special stains like PAS or Mucicarmine are necessary to look for budding yeast of Cryptococcus with thin neck.
Clinico‐cytological study of uterine papillary serous carcinoma
Authors: Hagiwara T. , Kaku T. , Kobayashi H. , Hirakawa T. , Nakano H.
Published: May 2005

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine whether or not we could distinguish uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) from other types of endometrial cancer by cytology.

Methods:  We examined the cytological findings of the endometrium from five cases with UPSC and compared them with 10 cases with endometrioid adenocarcinoma, grade 1 (G1). A morphometric analysis was performed. Cytological samples from the cervix and ascites of the patients with UPSC were also reviewed.

Results:  All five patients had FIGO stage III and IV tumours. Three patients died of the disease and two are still alive with disease. The tumour cells of UPSC tended to be shed in papillary clusters with a tumour diathesis. Psammoma bodies were seen only in UPSC. The frequency of irregular‐shaped nuclei, membrane thickness and eccentric nuclei in UPSC was higher than in G1. The chromatin pattern was coarsely granular, and both anisonucleosis and bare nuclei were prominent in UPSC. Cytomorphometrically, the maximum diameter of the nuclei in UPSC was significantly greater than that in G1. The nucleoli were also more often seen in UPSC than in G1. The findings of the nuclei and nucleoli in the cervical and peritoneal fluid cytology closely resembled those in endometrial smears. The features of the cervical smears and peritoneal fluid cytology were different from those of endometrial cytology regarding clear background and small clusters of cells.

Conclusion:  As the endometrial cytology findings accurately suggested the histological diagnosis of UPSC, the diagnosis of UPSC was confirmed in this study by endometrial cytology. The cytological diagnosis of UPSC should be based on the findings of tumour diathesis, psammoma bodies and papillary clusters composed of tumour cells with enlarged nuclei and numerous nucleoli.
The number of dyskaryotic cells on an initial ThinPrep® cervical sample showing mild dyskaryosis has predictive value
Authors: Banville N. , Murray M. , Turner L. , Magee D. , Gibbons D.
Published: May 2005

Objectives:  Recent National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) guidelines suggest referral for colposcopy following an initial result of mild dyskaryosis. The aim of this study was to investigate if the number of dyskaryotic cells counted on an initial ThinPrep® cervical sample showing mild dyskaryosis has predictive value.

Methods:  Cases of mild dyskaryosis on ThinPrep® cervical samples from 2002 were retrieved from the cytology department records of St Luke's Hospital. A total of 123 sequential cases with a first‐time result of mild dyskaryosis on ThinPrep® slides with follow‐up cytology available in the same institution were identified. While blinded to outcome, the number of dyskaryotic cells was counted in each case. Follow‐up colposcopy/histology information was retrieved where indicated. The number of dyskaryotic cells counted on each slide was collated with outcome data.

Results:  Of the 123 cases, six women were lost to follow‐up. Seventy‐three had a negative outcome, 27 had a low‐grade outcome and 17 had a high‐grade outcome. Only one of 17 high‐grade outcome cases had ≤15 dyskaryotic cells on the initial slide. The distribution of women with a negative/low‐grade outcome and those with a high‐grade outcome with >15 and ≤15 dyskaryotic cells on the initial slide was tested using a chi‐square test (P = 0.008). The negative predictive value for a high‐grade outcome when ≤15 dyskaryotic cells were present on the initial slide was 97.7%.

Conclusion:  The number of dyskaryotic cells on ThinPrep® slides showing mild cervical dyskaryosis has predictive value. The number of dyskaryotic cells may be used to select women suitable for cytological rather than colposcopic follow‐up.
Urine cytology: appropriate usage maximizes sensitivity and reduces cost
Authors: Allen D. J. , Challacombe B. , Clovis J. S. , Chandra A. , Dasgupta P. , Popert R.
Published: May 2005

Objective:  Urine cytology is costly because of the skilled manpower required for analysis. Inappropriate requests are a significant drain both financially and on the cytopathologist's time. The present study aimed at identifying the extent and cause of this misuse and reduce it.

Methods:  An audit of urine cytology usage was undertaken using the hospital results reporting system to identify requests. Patient case notes were then obtained to gain further clinical information. Initially a 2‐week period was analysed, following which departmental guidelines for requesting urine cytology were produced and circulated. The audit loop was then closed.

Results:  Over the initial 2‐week period, 117 urine cytology requests were received. Thirty‐three per cent were inappropriate, either because they were from patients with benign disease or because of duplication. Following the education programme this number fell to 6%. Expenditure on unnecessary samples thus decreased from £2418 to only £310, giving an annual overall saving of £55 000.

Conclusion:  Significant cost and time savings can be made if urine cytology is sent appropriately. Simple guidelines and staff education are the key to reducing inefficiency. Our findings have implications not just for cytopathology costs but for laboratory and radiology requests in general.
Client‐Led Information System Creation (CLIC): navigating the gap
Authors: Champion Donna , Stowell Frank , O'Callaghan Alan
Published: May 2005

Abstract.  This paper offers a new framework to facilitate an interpretive approach to client‐led information system development, referred to as CLIC (Client‐Led Information System Creation). The challenge of moving seamlessly through a process of information systems (IS) design is still the subject of much research in the IS field. Attempts to address the difficulties of ‘bridging the gap’ between a client's business needs and an information system definition have hitherto not provided a coherent and practical approach. Rather than attempting to bridge the gap, this paper describes an approach to managing this gap by facilitating the clients’ navigating through the information system design process (or inquiry process) in a coherent manner. The framework has been developed through practice, and the paper provides an example of navigating through the design phase taken from an Action Research field study in a major UK bank.
Chaos theory as a model for interpreting information systems in organizations
Authors: McBride Neil
Published: May 2005

Abstract.  Chaos theory concerns the qualitative study of unstable aperiodic behaviour in deterministic non‐linear dynamical systems. Concepts from chaos theory have recently been applied as a model for interpreting organizational change and understanding organizational behaviour. This paper applies these concepts to the study of information systems in organizations. Key concepts from chaos theory are identified and used to develop an interpretive framework. The importance of understanding the initial conditions when an information systems strategy is developed or an information system is implemented is highlighted. The idea of strange attractors, patterns of behaviours of information systems, organizations and actors, which are repeated is developed, and the effect of internal and external events and choices is considered. These chaos theory concepts are applied to a case study of information systems strategy implementation in the UK probation service. It is concluded that concepts from chaos theory offer valuable support in developing a coherent and meaningful story concerning interactions between information systems and their host organizations.
Verbal and visual representations in task redesign: how different viewpoints enter into information systems design discussions
Authors: Sarkkinen Jarmo , Karsten Helena
Published: May 2005

Abstract.  We explore an important phase of information systems design (ISD), namely task redesign, and especially how different viewpoints enter into the discussions. We study how one particular visual representation, a process diagram, is interpreted and how alternative, even competing, representations are produced verbally. To tie the visual and verbal representations and the representational practices to wider social practices, we develop and use the Extended Three‐dimensional Model of discourse. Visual representations emerged as focal in bringing in the different viewpoints and as reference points for discussions. Our model provided a focused and powerful means to unveil for the outside researchers how the planned changes in tasks and authority relationships instigated a social struggle. The IS designer was an outsider to the client organization and therefore considered only the information system, not the social system in which it was intended to operate. Other participants did not recognize this, therefore, seeing the designer as furthering managerial interests. Seeing task redesign in the social context of a client organization can help IS designers and researchers to understand what the users see naturally, that is, the ISD as a dynamic, enabling but socially constrained process where different viewpoints are represented.
Using actor‐network theory to analyse strategy formulation
Authors: Gao Ping
Published: May 2005

Abstract. Drawing upon actor‐network theory, this article analyses the socio‐technological construction of China's strategy for the telecommunications market transformation. We define the telecommunications market as the non‐human actor. The public and society, the state, and the operators constitute three groups of human actors representing the social interests in the telecommunications industry. We have observed that these actors’ interests are influenced by the situation of technology advance, the telecommunications development level, the macro reform progress and the national policies concerning the political and economic systems, and the international trend in telecommunications reforms. Owing to the dynamics of these contextual elements and the struggle of actors to inscribe their interests into the national strategy, China has transformed the telecommunications market by four stages, each stage with specific foci. Our case study demonstrates that the applications of actor‐network theory can be extended to investigate the formulation of a national strategy. The research design in which the social and technological contexts are dynamically connected with strategy formulation can be drawn upon by other actor‐network studies.
Polycomb group genes control developmental timing of endosperm
Authors: Ingouff Mathieu , Haseloff Jim , Berger Frédéric
Published: May 2005

Polycomb (PcG) group proteins form modular complexes, which maintain repressed transcriptional states of target genes across cell divisions. As PcG complexes provide a memory of cell fate, such proteins might control temporal aspects of development. Loss‐of‐function of any of the FERTILIZATION INDEPENDENT SEED (FIS) PcG genes perturbs endosperm development. In this report we provide a detailed analysis of the phenotype of fis endosperm development using molecular and cellular markers. Wild type (WT) endosperm development undergoes a series of four major developmental phases timed by successive synchronous nuclei division. In fis endosperm the transition from phase 1, marked by a synchronous mode of nuclei divisions to phase 2, corresponding to the establishment of three mitotic domains, is absent. Accordingly, the expression of seven markers of phase 1 and phase 2 is temporally perturbed. In spite of such changes, specific sequences of developmental events still take place as in the WT. Overall, fis mutations are heterochronic mutations that cause a temporal deregulation in the ontogenic sequence of endosperm development.
Overexpression of WXP1, a putative Medicago truncatula AP2 domain‐containing transcription factor gene, increases cuticular wax accumulation and enhances drought tolerance in transgenic alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Zhang Ji‐Yi , Broeckling Corey D. , Blancaflor Elison B. , Sledge Mary K. , Sumner Lloyd W. , Wang Zeng‐Yu
Published: May 2005

The identification of leaf wax genes involved in stress tolerance is expected to have great potential for crop improvement. Here we report the characterization of a novel AP2 domain‐containing putative transcription factor gene from the model legume Medicago truncatula. The gene, designated WXP1, is able to activate waxproduction and confer drought tolerance in alfalfa (Medicago sativa), the most important forage legume species in the world and a close relative of M. truncatula. The predicted protein of WXP1 has 371 aa; it is one of the longest peptides of all the single AP2 domain proteins in M. truncatula. WXP1 is distinctly different from the most studied genes in the AP2/ERF transcription factor family such as AP2s, CBF/DREB1s, DREB2s, WIN1/SHN1 and GL15. Transcript level of WXP1 is inducible by cold, abscisic acid and drought treatment mainly in shoot tissues in M. truncatula. Overexpression of WXP1 under the control of the CaMV35S promoter led to a significant increase in cuticular wax loading on leaves of transgenic alfalfa. Scanning electron microscopy revealed earlier accumulation of wax crystals on the adaxial surface of newly expanded leaves and higher densities of wax crystalline structures on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces of mature leaves. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed that total leaf wax accumulation per surface area increased 29.6–37.7% in the transgenic lines, and the increase was mainly contributed by C30 primary alcohol. WXP1 overexpression induced a number of wax‐related genes. Transgenic leaves showed reduced water loss and chlorophyll leaching. Transgenic alfalfa plants with increased cuticular waxes showed enhanced drought tolerance demonstrated by delayed wilting after watering was ceased and quicker and better recovery when the dehydrated plants were re‐watered.
Severe reduction in growth rate and grain filling of rice mutants lacking OsGS1;1, a cytosolic glutamine synthetase1;1
Authors: Tabuchi Mayumi , Sugiyama Kenjiro , Ishiyama Keiki , Inoue Eri , Sato Tadashi , Takahashi Hideki , Yamaya Tomoyuki
Published: May 2005

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants possess three homologous but distinct genes for cytosolic glutamine synthetase (GS1): these are OsGS1;1, OsGS1;2, and OsGS1;3. OsGS1;1 was expressed in all organs tested with higher expression in leaf blades, while OsGS1;2, and OsGS1;3 were expressed mainly in roots and spikelets, respectively. We characterized knockout mutants caused by insertion of endogenous retrotransposon Tos17 into the exon‐8 (lines ND8037 and ND9801) or the exon‐10 (line NC2327) of OsGS1;1. Mendelian segregation occurred in each progeny. Homozygously inserted mutants showed severe retardation in growth rate and grain filling when grown at normal nitrogen concentrations. Abnormal mRNA for GS1;1 was transcribed, and the GS1 protein and its activity in the leaf blades were barely detectable in these mutants. The glutamine pool in the roots and leaf blades of the mutants was lower than that of the wild type. Re‐introduction of OsGS1;1 cDNA under the control of its own promoter into the mutants successfully complemented these phenotypes. Progeny where Tos17 was heterozygously inserted or deleted during segregation showed normal phenotypes. The results indicate that GS1;1 is important for normal growth and grain filling in rice; GS1;2 and GS1;3 were not able to compensate for GS1;1 function.
Expression levels of meristem identity and homeotic genes are modified by nuclear–mitochondrial interactions in alloplasmic male‐sterile lines of Brassica napus
Authors: Teixeira Rita Teresa , Farbos Isabelle , Glimelius Kristina
Published: May 2005

Homeotic conversions of anthers were found in cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) plants of Brassica napus derived from somatic hybrids of B. napus and Arabidopsis thaliana. CMS line flowers displayed petals reduced in size and width and stamens replaced by carpelloid structures. In order to investigate when these developmental aberrations appeared, flower development was analysed histologically, ultrastructurally and molecularly. Disorganized cell divisions were detected in the floral meristems of the CMS lines at stage 4. As CMS is associated with mitochondrial aberrations, ultrastructural analysis of the mitochondria in the floral meristems was performed. Two mitochondrial populations were found in the CMS lines. One type had disrupted cristae, while the other resembled mitochondria typical of B. napus. Furthermore, expression patterns of genes expressed in particular floral whorls were determined. In spite of the aberrant development of the third whorl organs, BnAP3 was expressed as in B. napus during the first six stages of development. However, the levels of BnPI were reduced. At later developmental stages, the expression of both BnAP3 and BnPI was strongly reduced. Interestingly the expression levels of genes responsible for AP3 and PI activation such as LFY, UFO and ASK1 were higher in the CMS lines, which indicates that activation of B‐genes in the CMS lines does not occur as in B. napus. Disrupted and dysfunctional mitochondria seem to be one of the first aberrations manifested in CMS which result in a retrograde influence of the expression levels of genes responsible for the second and third whorl organ differentiation.
Features of the expressed sequences revealed by a large‐scale analysis of ESTs from a normalized cDNA library of the elite indica rice cultivar Minghui 63
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Feng Qi , Jin Caoqing , Qiu Deyun , Zhang Lida , Xie Kabin , Yuan Dejun , Han Bin , Zhang Qifa , Wang Shiping
Published: May 2005

The indica subspecies of cultivated rice occupies the largest area of rice production in the world. However, a systematic analysis of cDNA sequences from the indica subspecies has not been performed. The aim of the present study was to collect and analyze the expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of indica rice on a large scale. A total of 39 208 raw sequences were generated from a normalized cDNA library prepared by use of 15 different tissues of the indica cultivar Minghui 63. After trimming, processing and analysis, 17 835 unique sequences were obtained, each of which presumably represents a unique gene. Of these sequences, 2663 were novel, and at least 70 were indica specific. Comparison of the Minghui 63 sequences with the ESTs/full‐length cDNAs in GenBank revealed a large number of deletion/insertion/substitution (DIS) at both the inter‐ and intra‐subspecific levels. The overall number of polymorphisms in the expressed sequences was higher in the inter‐subspecific comparisons than in the intra‐subspecific comparisons. However, the extent of DIS‐based polymorphism was highly variable among different rice varieties. In total, 15 726 unique sequences, including 697 novel sequences, were assigned to regions where large numbers of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for agronomic traits had been detected previously. These results may be useful for developing new molecular markers for genetic mapping, detecting allelic polymorphisms associated with phenotypic variations between rice varieties, and facilitating QTL cloning by providing the starting points for candidate‐gene identification.
ThePun1gene for pungency in pepper encodes a putative acyltransferase
Authors: Stewart Charles , Kang Byoung‐Cheorl , Liu Kede , Mazourek Michael , Moore Shanna L. , Yoo Eun Young , Kim Byung‐Dong , Paran Ilan , Jahn Molly M.
Published: May 2005

Pungency inCapsicumfruits is due to the accumulation of the alkaloid capsaicin and its analogs. The biosynthesis of capsaicin is restricted to the genusCapsicumand results from the acylation of an aromatic moiety, vanillylamine, by a branched‐chain fatty acid. Many of the enzymes involved in capsaicin biosynthesis are not well characterized and the regulation of the pathway is not fully understood. Based on the current pathway model, candidate genes were identified in public databases and the literature, and genetically mapped. A published EST co‐localized with thePun1locus which is required for the presence of capsaicinoids. This gene,AT3, has been isolated and its nucleotide sequence has been determined in an array of genotypes within the genus.AT3showed significant similarity to acyltransferases in the BAHD superfamily. The recessive allele at this locus contains a deletion spanning the promoter and first exon of the predicted coding region in every non‐pungent accession tested. Transcript and protein expression ofAT3 was tissue‐specific and developmentally regulated. Virus‐induced gene silencing ofAT3resulted in a decrease in the accumulation of capsaicinoids, a phenotype consistent withpun1. In conclusion, gene mapping, allele sequence data, expression profile and silencing analysis collectively indicate that thePun1locus in pepper encodes a putative acyltransferase, and thepun1allele, used in pepper breeding for nearly 50 000 years, results from a large deletion at this locus.
The maize low‐phytic acid 3 encodes a myo‐inositol kinase that plays a role in phytic acid biosynthesis in developing seeds
Authors: Shi Jinrui , Wang Hongyu , Hazebroek Jan , Ertl David S. , Harp Teresa
Published: May 2005

Phytic acid, myo‐inositol‐1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexakisphosphate or Ins P6, is the most abundant myo‐inositol phosphate in plant cells, but its biosynthesis is poorly understood. Also uncertain is the role of myo‐inositol as a precursor of phytic acid biosynthesis. We identified a low‐phytic acid mutant, lpa3, in maize. The Mu‐insertion mutant has a phenotype of reduced phytic acid, increased myo‐inositol and lacks significant amounts of myo‐inositol phosphate intermediates in seeds. The gene responsible for the mutation encodes a myo‐inositol kinase (MIK). Maize MIK protein contains conserved amino acid residues found in pfkB carbohydrate kinases. The maize lpa3 gene is expressed in developing embryos, where phytic acid is actively synthesized and accumulates to a large amount. Characterization of the lpa3 mutant provides direct evidence for the role of myo‐inositol and MIK in phytic acid biosynthesis in developing seeds. Recombinant maize MIK phosphorylates myo‐inositol to produce multiple myo‐inositol monophosphates, Ins(1/3)P, Ins(4/6)P and possibly Ins(5)P. The characteristics of the lpa3 mutant and MIK suggest that MIK is not a salvage enzyme for myo‐inositol recycling and that there are multiple phosphorylation routes to phytic acid in developing seeds. Analysis of the lpa2/lpa3 double mutant implies interactions between the phosphorylation routes.
Two sesquiterpene synthases are responsible for the complex mixture of sesquiterpenes emitted from Arabidopsis flowers
Authors: Tholl Dorothea , Chen Feng , Petri Jana , Gershenzon Jonathan , Pichersky Eran
Published: May 2005

Despite the fact that Arabidopsis is largely self‐pollinating, its flowers emit a complex mixture of terpene volatiles consisting predominantly of a large group of over 20 sesquiterpenes. Here we report that only two terpene synthases, encoded by the florally expressed genes At5g23960 and At5g44630, are responsible for the formation of virtually all sesquiterpenes found in the Arabidopsis floral volatile blend. Two independent mutant lines with T‐DNA insertions in the previously identified At5g23960 gene lacked the emission of three sesquiterpenes, including the main sesquiterpene volatile (E)‐β‐caryophyllene, confirming the previous in vitro functional assignment for this gene. Flowers of a mutant line carrying a T‐DNA insertion in gene At5g44630 emitted these three sesquiterpenes, but did not emit any of the remaining sesquiterpene volatiles. An At5g44630 cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli and the produced protein catalyzed the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate into over 15 sesquiterpenes in similar proportions to those found in the floral volatile blend. At5g23960 and At5g44630 promoter‐β‐glucuronidase (GUS) fusion experiments demonstrated that both genes are expressed in several parts of the Arabidopsis flower, with strong At5g23960 promoter‐GUS activity in the stigma and strong expression of At5g44630 in intrafloral nectaries. Given the previously reported antimicrobial activity of terpenes, their production in stigmas and nectaries may serve to inhibit microbial infection at these vulnerable sites. A survey of 37 Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes revealed quantitative, but almost no qualitative, variations of floral monoterpene and sesquiterpene emissions suggesting that floral terpene volatiles must play some significant role in the life of the Arabidopsis plant.
Physiological causes of cotton fruit abscission under conditions of high temperature and enhanced ultraviolet‐B radiation
Authors: Zhao Duli , Reddy Kambhan Raja , Kakani Vijaya Gopal , Koti Sailaja , Gao Wei
Published: May 2005

An experiment was conducted in sunlit controlled environment growth chambers to determine the physiological mechanisms of fruit abscission of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. NuCOTN 33B) grown in high temperature and enhanced ultraviolet (UV)‐B radiation. Six treatments included two levels of optimum (30/22°C) and high (36/28°C) day/night temperatures and three levels of biologically effective UV‐B radiation (0, 7, and 14 kJ m−2 per day). Both the temperature and UV‐B treatments were imposed from seedling emergence through 79 days after emergence (DAE). High temperature did not negatively affect either leaf net photosynthetic rates (Pn) or abscission of cotton squares (floral buds with bracts) but significantly decreased boll retention. Plants exposed to 7 kJ UV‐B radiation retained 56% less bolls than the 0 kJ UV‐B control plants at 79 DAE, despite no significant differences in leaf Pn measured at squaring and flowering. At 53 DAE, leaf Pn of plants grown in high UV‐B radiation (14 kJ m−2 per day) decreased by 11%, whereas total non‐structural carbohydrate (TNC) concentrations in the leaves, floral buds, and young bolls decreased by 34, 32, and 20%, respectively, compared with the control plants. The high UV‐B radiation significantly increased square abscission. Square abscission was not related to leaf TNC concentration but closely correlated with TNC in floral buds (r = −0.68, P < 0.001). Young boll abscission was highly correlated with TNC concentrations in both the leaves (r = −0.40, P < 0.01) and the bolls (r = −0.80, P < 0.001). Our results indicate that non‐structural carbohydrate limitation in reproductive parts was a major factor associated with fruit abscission of cotton grown under high temperature and enhanced UV‐B radiation conditions.
Adenylate patterns of autumn‐sown sugar beet differ from spring‐sown sugar beet. Implications for root quality
Authors: García‐Mauriño Sofía , Jiménez Eduardo Terencio , Monreal José Antonio , Morillo‐Velarde Rodrigo , Echevarría Cristina
Published: May 2005

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) is generally cultivated using two different planting and harvest patterns. In northern zones, spring sugar beet is sown in spring and harvested in autumn, whereas in subtropical latitudes, autumn sugar beet is sown in autumn and harvested in summer. The industrial quality of the root is frequently higher in spring‐sown sugar beet crops. In order to explore physiological changes associated with this fact, this study has been focused on the seasonal changes of adenosine 5′‐triphosphate and adenosine 5′‐diphosphate levels in the storage roots of sugar beet plants, as an index of its metabolic status. The results obtained correspond to a different metabolic status of spring and autumn sugar beet at the moment of harvest. The adenylate patterns of autumn beets suggested a functional and active respiratory system. On the contrary, the patterns shown by spring beets corresponded to those we would expect to see in plants becoming dormant. The proline and glucose contents, which decrease the industrial quality of the root, and the respiratory rate measured in autumn‐sown sugar beets, were nearly twice those of spring‐sown sugar beets. The combination of an active respiratory system, which allows the carbohydrate catabolism and the synthesis of stress molecules, with the environmental factors at the time of the harvest, could be the underlying physiological mechanism causing some of the differences between spring‐ and autumn‐sown sugar beet crops.
Genetic manipulation of proline levels affects antioxidants in soybean subjected to simultaneous drought and heat stresses
Authors: Kocsy Gábor , Laurie Robert , Szalai Gabriella , Szilágyi Virág , Simon‐Sarkadi Lívia , Galiba Gábor , De Ronde Jacoba A.
Published: May 2005

It was assumed that the genetic manipulation of the proline (Pro) level would also affect the (homo)glutathione content as both compounds have a common precursor, glutamate. To test this hypothesis, the levels of Pro, reduced and oxidized (homo)glutathione [(h)GSH and (h)GSSG] and other antioxidants were compared under simultaneous drought and heat stress conditions and in a control treatment in a time course experiment on wild‐type soybean (Glycine max cv. Ibis) and on transgenic plants containing the cDNA coding for l‐Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase (EC 1.5.1.2), the last enzyme involved in Pro synthesis, in the sense and antisense directions. At the end of the recovery period, the highest H2O2 and lipid hydroperoxide concentrations were observed in the antisense transformants, which exhibited the greatest injury, while the lowest H2O2 content was detected in the sense transformants, which exhibited the lowest injury percentage. During stress treatment, the highest Pro and ascorbate (AA) levels were detected in the sense transformants, while the highest GSH and hGSH contents, AA/dehydroascorbate (DHA) and (h)GSH/(h)GSSG ratios and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity were found in the antisense transformants. The greatest APX (EC 1.11.1.11) activity was observed in the first part of the stress treatment in the antisense transformants, and the greatest glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) activity was observed in the second part of the treatment in the same genotype. The present experiments indicate that the manipulation of Pro synthesis affects not only the (h)GSH concentrations, but also the levels of other antioxidants.
MATH domain proteins represent a novel protein family in Arabidopsis thaliana, and at least one member is modified in roots during the course of a plant–microbe interaction
Authors: Oelmüller Ralf , Peškan‐Berghöfer Tatjana , Shahollari Bationa , Trebicka Artan , Sherameti Irena , Varma Ajit
Published: May 2005

The basidiomycete Piriformospora indica interacts with Arabidopsis roots and mimics an arbuscular mycorrhiza. A MATH [meprin and TRAF (tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor) homology] domain‐containing (MATH) protein at the plasma membrane of Arabidopsis roots is one of the first components to respond to the presence of this fungus. MATH proteins are involved in nodule formation in Medicago and protein degradation in the Arabidopsis cytosol. They exhibit sequence similarities to meprins, extracellular peptidases which cleave (signal) peptides, and to TRAFs, intracellular proteins which interact with receptor kinases at the plasma membrane. Fifty‐nine genes for MATH proteins are present in the Arabidopsis genome. Members of this protein family are predicted to be found in the ER–plasma membrane–extracellular space continuum, in the nucleus–cytosol compartment and in organelles. In this article, we describe this novel class of plant genes. We also use MS‐MS analyses to identify the subcellular localization of individual members of the MATH protein family in Arabidopsis thaliana.
A global reorganization of the metabolome in Arabidopsis during cold acclimation is revealed by metabolic fingerprinting
Authors: Gray Gordon R. , Heath Doug
Published: May 2005

Many plants, including Arabidopsis, increase their freezing tolerance in response to low, non‐freezing temperatures. This process is known as cold acclimation and involves many complex biochemical changes at the level of the metabolome. Our goal was to examine the effects of cold acclimation on the metabolome using a non‐targeted metabolic fingerprinting approach. Multivariate data analyses indicate that, in Arabidopsis, a global reprogramming of metabolism occurs as a result of cold acclimation. By measuring an entire spectrum of putative metabolites based on mass‐to‐charge (m/z) ratios, vs. an individual or group of metabolite(s), a comprehensive, unbiased assessment of metabolic processes relative to cold acclimation was determined. Whereas leaves shifted to low temperature present metabolic profiles that are constantly changing, leaves developed at low temperature demonstrate a stable complement of components. Although it appears that some metabolic networks are modulated by the environment, others require development under low‐temperature conditions for adjustment. Understanding how metabolism as a whole is regulated allows the integration of cellular, physiological and ecological attributes in a biological system, a necessity if complex traits, such as freezing tolerance, are to be modified by breeding or genetic manipulation.
Carotenoid biosynthesis in plant storage organs: recent advances and prospects for improving plant food quality
Authors: Taylor Mark , Ramsay Gavin
Published: May 2005

Carotenoids are components of the photosynthetic machinery, intermediates in the biosynthesis of abscisic acid and other apocarotenoids and act as coloured pigments particularly in floral and fruit tissue. Humans benefit in a number of ways from dietary carotenoids present in green leaf tissue and many fruits, seeds, roots and tubers. Carotenoids with a β‐ring end group are required for the synthesis of vitamin A, and deficiency for this vitamin remains a major health problem in some parts of the world. Epidemiological studies suggest that carotenoids also have important roles in a range of diseases including age‐related macular degradation and some cancers. The isoprenoid pathway is described, which leads to the carotenoids via the condensation of five‐carbon isoprenoid units to form a 40‐carbon chain in phytoene. The early part of the biosynthetic pathway involves crosstalk between plastidic and cytosolic components. Desaturation, isomerization, cyclization, hydroxylation and epoxidation of the 40‐carbon phytoene gives the range of carotenoids found in plants. The nuclear‐encoded enzymes for these stages are targeted to plastids, and in some cases, different members of a gene family are active in plastids in different tissue types. Studies on the transgenic manipulation of the pathway, natural and induced mutants, gene silencing and gene and quantitative trait locus mapping are increasingly unravelling the pathway and its control, giving opportunities for directed manipulation of the types and quantities of these nutritionally important compounds in crop tissues used in human and animal diets.