bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a cDNA for the plastid‐located geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase from Capsicum annuum: correlative increase in enzyme activity and transcript level during fruit ripening
Authors: Kuntz M. , Römer S. , Suire C. , Hugueney P. , Weil J.H. , Schantz R. , Camara B.
Published: February 2005

Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase is a key enzyme in plant terpenoid biosynthesis. Using specific antibodies, a cDNA encoding geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase has been isolated from bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) ripening fruit. The cloned cDNA codes for a high molecular weight precursor of 369 amino acids which contains a transit peptide of approximately 60 amino acids. In‐situ immunolocalization experiments have demonstrated that geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase is located exclusively in the plastids. Expression of the cloned cDNA in E. coli has unambiguously demonstrated that the encoded polypeptide catalyzes the synthesis of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate by the addition of isopentenyl pyrophosphate to an allylic pyrophosphate. Peptide sequence comparisons revealed significant similarity between the sequences of the C. annuum geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase and those deduced from carotenoid biosynthesis (crtE) genes from photosynthetic and non‐photosynthetic bacteria. In addition, four highly conserved regions, which are found in various prenyltransferases, were identified.

Furthermore, evidence is provided suggesting that conserved and exposed carboxylates are directly involved in the catalytic mechanism. Finally, the expression of the geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase gene is demonstrated to be strongly induced during the chloroplast to chromoplast transition which occurs in ripening fruits, and is correlated with an increase in enzyme activity.
terminal flower: a gene affecting inflorescence development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Alvarez John , Guli Catherine L. , Yu Xiang‐Hua , Smyth David R.
Published: February 2005

Growth of flowering stems in wild‐type Arabidopsis is indeterminate. Many flowers arise sequentially on the flanks of apical meristems in a phyllotactic spiral. We have isolated eight recessive mutants of a gene, terminal flower, in which inflorescences become determinate. Flower primordia sooner or later ‘invade’ the meristem summit leading to cessation of its further growth. Primary apical meristems usually terminate with several part‐flowers which lack pedicels, and several normal pedicellate flowers may arise first. By contrast apical meristems of secondary branches usually produce only a single pedicellate flower. Plant height is also reduced and more rosette inflorescences develop. These growth patterns occur in six strong mutants raised at 25°C under continuous light. In two weak mutants termination occurs much later with many more flowers arising before eventual termination. Termination is similarly delayed in at least one of the strong mutants grown at lower temperatures. The tfl mutation does not affect the indeterminate growth of flower meristems, at least in‐so‐far as this occurs in agamous mutants. The tfl locus is at the top of linkage group 5, close to RFLP 447.

We propose that the TFL gene product supports the activity of an inhibitor of flower primordium initiation. This inhibitor would normally prevent flowers from arising on the inflorescence apex but in tfl mutants it may readily fall below its threshold of activity. The TFL gene may be one of a class responsible for evolutionary changes between indeterminate and determinate growth.
Increased lysine synthesis in tobacco plants that express high levels of bacterial dihydrodipicolinate synthase in their chloroplasts
Authors: Shaul Orit , Galili Gad
Published: February 2005

A major nutritional drawback of many crop plants is their low content of several essential amino acids, particularly lysine. The biosynthesis of lysine in plants is regulated by several feedback loops. Dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHPS) from Escherichia coli, a key enzyme in lysine biosynthesis, which is considerably less sensitive to lysine accumulation than the endogenous plant enzyme has been expressed in chloroplasts of tobacco leaves. Expression of the bacterial enzyme was accompanied by a significant increase in the level of free lysine. No increase in protein‐bound lysine was evident. Free lysine accumulation was positively correlated with the level of DHPS activity in various transgenic plants. Compartmentalization of DHPS in the chloroplast was essential for its participation in lysine biosynthesis as no lysine overproduction was obtained in transgenic plants that expressed the bacterial enzyme in the cytoplasm. The elevated level of free lysine in the transgenic plants was sufficient to inhibit, in vivo, a second key enzyme in lysine biosynthesis, namely, aspartate kinase, with no apparent influence on lysine accumulation. The present report not only provides a better understanding of the regulation of lysine biosynthesis in higher plants but also offers a new strategy to improve the production of this essential amino acid.
Prediction of germ‐line transformation events in chimeric Ro transgenic soybean plantlets using tissue‐specific expression patterns
Authors: Christou Paul , McCabe Dennis E.
Published: February 2005

Chimeric soybean plants derived from electric discharge particle acceleration experiments were used to develop relationships between tissue‐specific expression patterns of a marker gene and germ‐line transformation events in Ro plants. Using the GUS histochemical assay the likelihood of germ‐line transformation was correlated to the localization of enzyme activity in specific tissues of the parent plant. The expression patterns of the 35S‐GUS marker gene in specific tissue types in Ro plants and correlation with transmission of the introduced gene to progeny allowed the production of a clear picture of the development of these plants and their germ‐line cells. Advances reported in this article resulted in the development of a commercial process for the genetic improvement of this important staple crop which until recently was very recalcitrant to conventional transformation methods.
Formation and cell lineage patterns of the shoot apex of maize
Authors: Bossinger Gerd , Maddaloni Massimo , Motto Mario , Salamini Francesco
Published: February 2005

In maize, glossy (gl) mutants lack the wax layer normally present on the epidermis of young leaves. By insertion mutagenesis, unstable alleles (gl1‐m) have been induced at the Gl1 locus. In the gl1‐m8 strain, somatic reversions to wild‐type frequently result in the formation of large sectors occupying predictable positions in all seedlings' leaves. In studies of 230 gl1‐m8 seedlings with large reverted sectors covering around 50% of the first leaf, four patterns of sectoring were recognized: one large sector ending in all leaves at the main midrib (32.6% of cases); one central sector on leaves 1, 3 and 5 (or 2 and 4), corresponding to lateral stripes of Gl1 tissue on the other leaves (7.9%); a sector decreasing or increasing in successive leaves (9.1%); other types with one sector covering a leaf surface between 33 and 50% (19.1%) or with complex variegations (31.3%). Based on leaf sectoring, the pattern and stability of cell lineages during shoot apex establishment and embryonic activity leading to leaf primordia, are inferred from the genetic state (Gl or gl1‐m) of leaf founder cells present in the apex at the ring of primordia insertion. A genetic experiment indicates that the large somatic reversions considered derived from both the LI and the LII layers of the apex. A large majority of the observed patterns of reversion can be interpreted as due to a single event of transposition. The data are discussed and relevant conclusions proposed in relation to the age of the proembryo at the time of apex formation, the permanent or impermanent state of initial cells of the apex, the polarization of cell divisions and the plane of early apex cell division as a mechanism leading to the bilateral symmetry of the maize seedling.
A mutant of Arabidopsis which is defective in seed development and storage protein accumulation is a new abi3 allele
Authors: Nambara Eiji , Naito Satoshi , McCourt Peter
Published: February 2005

In order to investigate the role of the plant hormones gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) in seed development and germination the GA biosynthetic inhibitor, Uniconazol, was used to isolate mutants with abnormal germination profiles. In one of these mutants, the ability to germinate on Uniconazol is due to a mutation in the ABI3 gene. However, unlike the previously reported abi3 mutant, this line displays an array of seed‐specific developmental defects. The accumulation of seed reserve proteins is dramatically reduced due to reduced levels of the storage protein mRNA. The embryos remain green throughout development and are desiccation intolerant. However, immature seeds are completely non‐dormant and grow normally. These results suggest the ABI3 gene is essential for the synthesis of seed storage proteins and for the protection of the embryo during desiccation.
A Brassica S‐locus related gene promoter directs expression in both pollen and pistil of tobacco
Authors: Hackett Rachel M. , Lawrence Michael J. , Franklin F. Christopher H.
Published: February 2005

A portion (1.5 kb) of the promoter region of an S63 S‐locus related (SLR) glycoprotein gene from the sporophytically self‐incompatible species Brassica oleracea was inserted upstream of the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) gene in binary vector pBI101.1. The resulting construct was then introduced into Nicotiana tabacum through Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. The expression pattern of GUS under the control of the S63 SLR promoter fragment was found to be similar to that already reported for expression of the GUS gene directed by an S‐locus specific gene promoter in transgenic N. tabacum. Furthermore, this pattern of expression resembled more closely that reported for S‐genes of the self‐incompatible species Nicotiana alata, which has a gametophytic self‐incompatibility system, than the predicted pattern of expression of S‐genes in B. oleracea.
Maternal mRNA and early development in Fucus serratus
Authors: Masters A. K. , Shirras A. D. , Hetherington A. M.
Published: February 2005

Intact total and polyadenylated RNA have been isolated from unfertilized eggs of the brown marine macroalga Fucus serratus. The presence of functional messenger RNA has been demonstrated by translation in vitro. The major in‐vitro translation product has an apparent molecular mass of 42 kDa. Immunoprecipitation of translation products of egg RNA using an anti‐actin antibody yields a polypeptide which co‐migrates with this major translation product.
Enrichment of vitronectin‐ and fibronectin‐like proteins in NaCl‐adapted plant cells and evidence for their involvement in plasma membrane–cell wall adhesion
Authors: Zhu Jian‐Kang , Shi Jun , Singh Utpal , Wyatt Sarah E. , Bressan Ray A. , Hasegawa Paul M. , Carpita Nicholas C.
Published: February 2005

Cells of tobacco adapted to grow in high concentrations of NaCl develop tight zones of adhesion between the plasma membrane and cell wall, revealed by concave plasmolysis in osmotic solutions. Unadapted cells exhibit mostly convex plasmolysis and exhibit little or no adhesive character. Wall‐less protoplasts isolated from the adapted cells retain the complementary adhesive character and adhere tightly to each other, whereas protoplasts from unadapted cells do not. The hexapeptide gly‐arg‐gly‐asp‐ser‐pro, in which the arg‐gly‐asp represents the integrin‐binding domain of several animal extracellular matrix proteins, specifically blocks adhesion of the protoplasts. A control hexapeptide, gly‐arg‐gly‐glu‐ser‐pro, is ineffective in blocking adhesion. Tobacco proteins immunologically related to human vitronectin were found in cell walls and membranes of unadapted and NaCl‐adapted cells, but the total extractable vitronectin‐like protein was enriched in the adapted cells. Tobacco proteins immunologically related to human fibronectin were found in membranes and cell walls of NaCl‐adapted cells but not in those from unadapted cells. Our observations indicate that plant cells possess cell‐matrix adhesion complexes similar to animal cells, and these adhesion complexes accumulate in growth‐limited cells adapted to saline stress.
Cesium‐insensitive mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sheahan John J. , Ribeiro‐Neto Leonidio , Sussman Michael R.
Published: February 2005

The molecular analysis of solute transport across the plasma membrane in animals and microorganisms has been aided by the analysis of well‐defined transport mutants. To obtain mutant plants with genetic defects in cation transport, the inhibitory effect of monovalent cations (Li+, Na+, Rb+, and Cs+) on Arabidopsis thaliana seed germination was tested. Cesium was unique in that at low concentrations it strongly inhibited seedling development. In this report it is demonstrated that cesium is a competitive inhibitor for potassium transport in A. thaliana and its toxicity is closely tied to the level of potassium supplied. Conditions were obtained to maximize the cesium‐sensitivity for seed germination in a large population, and selection for resistance using M2 seeds derived from ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)‐treated plants yielded several dozen resistant plants. Seeds derived from these plants yielded cesium‐Insensitive mutant lines with heritable changes in energy‐dependent potassium uptake. In progeny from a backcross to wild‐type plants, at least one of the lines showed the segregation ratio expected for a single‐gene recessive mutation and an RFLP analysis mapped the mutant locus to the top of chromosome 4.
The origin of the bifunctional dihydrofolate reductasethymidylate synthase isogenes of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lazar Gabor , Zhang Hong , Goodman Howard M.
Published: February 2005

In most prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TS) are encoded by independent genes. Evidence is presented here that the higher plant Arabidopsis thaliana has two bifunctional DHFR‐TS genes. The structure of the genes, DHFR at the amino terminus and TS at the carboxy terminus, is identical to their organization in protozoa, the only other known organisms with bifunctional genes. Sequence alignments suggest that the bifunctional genes from protozoa and higher plants may have different evolutionary origins. The positions of the introns support the complementary hypothesis that the DHFR domain of the bifunctional plant genes and the monofunctional DHFR gene of vertebrates derive from a common, intron‐containing progenitor, although the structure (bifunctional or monofunctional) of the ancestral gene remains indeterminate. Comparison of the two bifunctional genes of Arabidopsis indicates that the DHFR and TS domains evolved at different rates; each following the evolutionary history of their monofunctional counterparts. In contrast to the DHFR domain, the evolution of the TS domain shows a higher level of nucleotide and amino acid sequence conservation, but a remarkable variability in the intron positions.
Chloroplast transformation in plants: polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment of protoplasts is an alternative to biolistic delivery systems
Authors: O'Neill Carmel , Horváth Gábor V. , Horváth Éva , Dix Philip J. , Medgyesy Péter
Published: February 2005

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia protoplasts were directly transformed by PEG treatment with a cloned 16S rRNA gene isolated from a double antibiotic‐resistant Nicotiana tabacum plastid mutant. Putative plastid transformants were selected in cell culture by their spectinomycin resistance and identified by their unselected streptomycin resistance. Alternatively, cell lines were selected in the presence of both antibiotics. The cell line (and its regenerated plants) selected solely for spectinomycin resistance demonstrated an extensive segregation of streptomycin resistance in subsequent tests, while the double‐selected line showed stable resistance for both antibiotics. The resistance markers were inherited maternally. In the putative plastid transformants the origin of the resistance mutations was identified by the absence of an Aatll site, missing in the donor N. tabacum plastid gene (spectinomycin resistance site) but present in that of wild‐type N. plumbaginifolia, and a sequence analysis of the particular nucleotide changes in both resistance sites. Restriction enzyme analysis of total plastid DNA (ptDNA), and the recloning and full sequencing of the fragment introduced, investigated in one of the plastid transformants, showed no DNA rearrangements accompanied with the integration process. Sequence analysis indicated a targeted, homologous integration of the DNA fragment introduced but an unexpectedly complete homology of the parental ptDNA sequences in this region prevented the location of borders. Although the frequency of plastid transformant colonies (2 × 10−5) should still be improved, this method for stable chloroplast DNA transformation is comparable with or more efficient than the particle bombardment techniques.
Regulation of the expression of rbcS and other photosynthetic genes by carbohydrates: a mechanism for the ‘sink regulation’ of photosynthesis?
Authors: Krapp Anne , Hofmann Bettina , Schäfer Christian , Stitt Mark
Published: February 2005

These experiments were carried out to investigate whether accumulation of carbohydrate leads to decreased expression of genes involved in photosynthesis. Addition of glucose to autotrophic cell suspension cultures of Chenopodium led to a large and reversible decrease of the steady state transcript levels of rbcS, cab and atp‐& within 5 h, but did not decrease 18S rRNA or transcript for two glycolytic enzymes. Run‐on transcription in isolated nuclei showed that transcription rate had been decreased. [35S]Methionine feeding showed that de novo synthesis of Rubisco was inhibited. Decreased rbcS transcript was also found after feeding glucose to detached leaves, and in transgenic plants expressing invertase in the apoplast to inhibit phloem transport, and in leaves on intact tobacco and potato plants which were cold‐girdled to decrease export. The decrease of rbcS transcript level occurred within 12 h of coldgirdling. Comparison of carbohydrate content and rbcS transcript level indicated that carbohydrate content per se is not the direct signal for regulation of gene expression. Feeding of transported analogues indicates that metabolism rather than transport of the sugars is required. Over‐expression of rbcS was found in low CO2, again indicating metabolic control of expression. It is proposed that photosynthetic gene expression is inhibited by metabolic factors related to high carbohydrate content, and that this represents a basic mechanism for the ‘sink regulation’ of photo‐synthesis.
The MsK family of alfalfa protein kinase genes encodes homologues of shaggy/glycogen synthase kinase‐3 and shows differential expression patterns in plant organs and development
Authors: Pay Aniko , Jonak Claudia , Bögre Laszlo , Meskiene Irute , Mairinger Theresia , Szalay Aladar , Heberle‐Bors Erwin , Hirt Heribert
Published: February 2005

This paper reports on the isolation of a novel class of plant serine/threonine protein kinase genes, MsK‐1, MsK‐2 and MsK‐3. They belong to the superfamily of cdc2‐like genes, but show highest identity to the Drosophila shaggy and rat GSK‐3 proteins (65–70%). All of these kinases share a highly conserved catalytic protein kinase domain. Different amino‐terminal extensions distinguish the different proteins. The different plant kinases do not originate from differential processing of the same gene as is found for shaggy, but are encoded by different members of a gene family. Similarly to the shaggy kinases, the plant kinases show different organ‐specific and stage‐specific developmental expression patterns. Since the shaggy kinases play an important role in intercellular communication in Drosophila development, the MsK kinases are expected to perform a similar function in plants.
Functional analysis and RFLP‐mediated mapping of the Mlg resistance locus in barley
Authors: Görg Regina , Hollricher Karin , Schulze‐Lefert Paul
Published: February 2005

The semi‐dominantly acting allele of the Mlg locus in barley confers a race‐specific resistance to the causal agent of powdery mildew, Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei. High resolution genetic mapping via RFLP analysis enabled us to identify a set of markers on chromosome 4 which are either tightly linked or co‐segregate with the resistance function. Comparison of marker distances in segregating F2 populations originating from different genotypes revealed an unex‐pected variation of recombination frequencies in the vicinity of the locus. Based on near‐isogenic lines carrying either resistance gene Mlg or Mla12 and a cell‐type specific analysis it was demonstrated that Mlg acts at an earlier stage of fungal development than Mla12. A time‐course analysis of the early infection process combined with gene dosage experiments provided strong evidence that attacked cells retain viability after the defence response and that hypersensitive cell death (HR) is a secondary consequence, but not causally required for Mlg‐mediated arrest of fungal growth. It is speculated that gene dosage experiments may provide a means to separate primary from secondary defence reactions.
Evaluation of food‐pollen cross‐reactivity by nose–mouth cross‐challenge in pollinosis with oral allergy syndrome
Authors: Marcucci F. , Frati F. , Sensi L. , Cara G. D. , Novembre E. , Bernardini R. , Canonica G. W. , Passalacqua G.
Published: February 2005

Background:  Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is often associated with pollen‐induced rhinitis, and there are preferential associations between causative substances. If OAS and rhinitis are both immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐mediated and there are cross‐reacting proteins, it is expected that similar reactions can be elicited in the nose and mouth. In order to test this hypothesis we performed a series of ‘cross‐challenges’ with foods and pollens in both the nose and the mouth.

Methods:  Nine patients with ascertained OAS due to vegetables and rhinitis due to pollens were studied. On the first day a nasal challenge with pollen extracts and an oral challenge with fresh food was carried out. After a week, washout nasal challenge with food and an oral challenge with pollens were performed. Immediate symptoms, mucosal tryptase and soluble eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were assessed after each challenge.

Results:  The administration of pollen into the nose and food into the mouth elicited symptoms as expected, but the cross‐challenge had no clinical effect. In parallel, tryptase and ECP increased after nasal challenge with pollens, whereas foods did not elicit a measurable response.

Conclusion:  The cross‐reactivity between foods and pollens, when evaluated at the shock organ, was not clinically evident. This data can be explained with a low concentration of cross‐reagent epitopes in pollen extracts and food homogenized because of degradation. The different behaviour upon challenge suggests that different immunological mechanisms may act in the nose and mouth.
Contact allergy from tobramycin eyedrops
Authors: González‐Mendiola M. R. , García Balda A. , Ceña Delgado M. , Prieto Montaño P. , González De Olano D. , Sánchez‐Cano M.
Published: February 2005

We report a patient with allergic conjunctivitis and blepharitis as a result of tobramycin eyedrops.
Nasal polyposis and its impact on quality of life: comparison between the effects of medical and surgical treatments
Authors: Alobid I. , Benítez P. , Bernal‐Sprekelsen M. , Roca J. , Alonso J. , Picado C. , Mullol J.
Published: February 2005

Background:  Nasal polyposis (NP) is not a life‐threatening disorder but may have a great impact on the quality of life (QoL). The objective of this study: (i) to investigate the health burden incurred by NP compared with the Spanish general population using the Short Form‐36 Health Survey (SF‐36) questionnaire; (ii) to compare the QoL outcome after medical or surgical treatment; and (iii) to assess and compare the effect of medical and surgical treatment on nasal symptoms.

Methods:  About 109 patients with nasal polyps were included. Fifty‐three patients were randomly allocated to receive oral prednisone for 2 weeks and 56 to undergo endoscopic sinus surgery. All patients administered intranasal budesonide for 12 months. Patients were evaluated for nasal symptoms, polyp size, and QoL.

Results:  In comparison with the Spanish general population, patients with NP had worse scores on all SF‐36 domains except for physical functioning. Nonasthmatic patients with NP had better QoL than asthmatic patients with NP on role physical functioning, body pain, and vitality (P < 0.05). At 6 and 12 months, a significant improvement on all of SF‐36 domains was observed after both medical and surgical treatment reaching the levels of general population (P < 0.05). Nasal symptoms and polyp size improved after both medical and surgical treatment at 6 and 12 months (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  These results suggest that NP has considerable impact on a patient's QoL and that both medical and surgical treatment led to similar effects in improving QoL.
A new tool to assess and monitor the burden of chronic cough on quality of life: Chronic Cough Impact Questionnaire
Authors: Baiardini I. , Braido F. , Fassio O. , Tarantini F. , Pasquali M. , Tarchino F. , Berlendis A. , Canonica G. W.
Published: February 2005

Introduction:  Chronic cough, one of the most frequent causes for a patient to consult a medical practitioner, limits the course of normal activities in everyday life of the patient affected (work, physical activities, social relations, night sleep). By now, there are few validated questionnaires for the evaluation of the impact of this symptom in the patient's quality of life (QoL). For this reason, we created a new questionnaire for the assessment of QoL in patients affected by chronic cough (Chronic Cough Impact Questionnaire, CCIQ).

Materials and methods:  In the development procedure of CCIQ an initial questionnaire of 40 items was compiled and given to a first pool of 170 patients, each coming to our attention because of chronic cough; then the 25 most significant items were detected and converted into questions evaluating the answers on a Likert scale of five steps. Consequently, this final questionnaire underwent a validation procedure to assess its construct validity, internal consistency, reliability, and responsiveness. 95 patients (44.2% F, 55.8% M) were evaluated (age 53.69 ± 11.7 years).

Results:  Following a statistical analysis, CCIQ showed a four‐dimensional structure and good levels of internal consistency for the extracted factors: sleep/concentration (79.98), relationship (86.98), daily life impact (69.04), and mood (65.41). In stable conditions CCIQ showed a good reliability, ranged between 0.67 and 0.88. Responsiveness to clinical changes was accomplished.

Discussion:  These results provide evidence that CCIQ has specificity enough for being a valid tool for detecting the relative burden of cough on subjective well‐being, and for obtaining a global evaluation both of chronic cough impact and of treatments for it, taking into account the patient's point of view. The CCIQ was easily and quickly filled in by the patients while waiting, and it was accepted by the patients.
The SAFE project: ‘plant food allergies: field to table strategies for reducing their incidence in Europe’ an EC‐funded study
Authors: Hoffmann‐Sommergruber K. ,   the SAFE consortium
Published: February 2005

The true prevalence of food allergy as an IgE mediated reaction is still under discussion. Using apple as a model allergen source a multidisciplinary consortium worked together at developing various strategies for reducing the incidence of fruit allergies in an EC‐funded project. Patient allergen profiles were established using in vitro and in vivo tests with respect to geographic area and mild or severe symptoms. Apple allergens (Mal d 1–Mal d 4) were characterised, variants identified, cloned and sequenced. These individual allergens were used to increase the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis. Furthermore, they provided better prognosis of disease severity. RT‐PCR and ELISA were developed for determining the allergen specific mRNA and expressed allergenic protein in a large number of apple cultivars. Similarly, changes in allergen characteristics from harvest through storage to processing and the impact of agronomic practices were investigated. Allergen genes were mapped on a molecular linkage map of apple. The biological function of Mal d 1 was studied using the RNA interference strategy. Finally, consumer attitudes in Northern, Central and Southern Europe were gauged on the acceptability of low allergen cultivars or a GMO and its impact on product quality.
HLA‐DPB1 allelic frequency of the Lisu ethnic group in the Southwest China and evolutionary relationship of Lisu with other populations
Authors: Hu W.‐H. , Lu J. , Lei Y.‐P. , Chen B.‐W. , Tang W.‐R. , Cun Y.‐N. , Dong Y.‐L. , Tan S.‐J. , Yu H.‐J. , Xiao C.‐J.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  A sequencing‐based typing of human leukocyte antigen‐DPB1 (HLA‐DPB1) gene was carried out in 37 unrelated healthy individuals from the Yunnan Lisu ethnic minority. A total of 12 DPB1 alleles, in which DPB1*1301 (33.3%), DPB1*0402 (16.6%), DPB1*040101 (13.8%), and DPB1*0501 (11.1%) were highly predominant, were found, and allele DPB1*200102 was found for the first time in a Chinese population. A dendrogram constructed by neighbor‐joining method showed that the Lisu ethnic group belongs to East Asian cluster.
Association study of Toll‐like receptor 9 gene polymorphism in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hur J.‐W. , Shin H.D. , Park B.L. , Kim L.H. , Kim S.‐Y. , Bae S.‐C.
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Mammalian Toll‐like receptors (TLR) play an important role in both adaptive immunity and innate immunity. Genetic variations within TLR genes are known to be associated with a variety of inflammatory and infectious diseases. TLR9 is potentially associated with autoimmune diseases, because it participates in the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and the maturation of dendritic cells. We investigated the association of four TLR9 gene polymorphisms (−1486 T>C, −1237 C>T, +1174 A>G and +2848 G>A) with the susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related phenotypes in 680 Korean people (350 SLE patients and 330 controls). TLR9 gene polymorphisms were not significantly associated with the susceptibility to SLE and related phenotypes.
Diagnosis and management of simple ovarian cysts: An audit
Authors: Simcock B , Anderson N
Published: February 2005

Simple ovarian cysts are common. The aim of clinical management is to optimize the treatment of malignant and premalignant cysts while minimizing intervention for cysts likely to resolve spontaneously. In this retrospective study, ovarian cysts over 30 mm in diameter were detected in 90 women. Of this population, 75 were premenopausal, 13 postmenopausal, and two had undergone a hysterectomy. Thirteen women presented acutely. Family history of breast, ovary or colon cancer was not ascertained in any of the women. None had CA125 levels performed. In 22 cases, the cyst was aspirated; only 10 of these had follow‐up ultrasound. Laparotomy was performed in 25 premenopausal women, the two perimenopausal women and eight postmenopausal women. Average cyst size was 71 mm (range 40–80 mm) in the laparoscopy group, and 72 mm (range 36–180 mm) in the laparotomy group. After initial diagnosis at ultrasound, a follow‐up scan was performed 4–16 weeks later. The final diagnosis was ovarian neoplasm in 13 and hydrosalpinx in two. None had a malignancy. Documentation at ultrasound was often inadequate, and management of the women with an ovarian cyst was haphazard. Guidelines on management of simple ovarian cysts are likely to improve clinical practice.
Absence of adverse early quality of life outcomes of radiation therapy in breast conservation therapy for early breast cancer
Authors: Back M , Ahern V , Delaney G , Graham P , Steigler A , Wratten C ,   for the New South Wales Breast Radiation Oncology Group
Published: February 2005

The New South Wales Breast Radiation Oncology Group has completed a prospective multicentre study of the impact of radiation therapy (RT) on acute toxicity and quality of life (QoL) in women with early breast cancer treated with breast conservation therapy. The patient group received adjuvant breast tangential RT after wide local excision of breast cancer. Acute toxicity and cosmesis was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐30) and Perceived Adjustment to Chronic Illness Scale (PACIS) were the QoL instruments used. Of 175 women, 34.3% described lethargy leading to a significant disruption to normal activity during RT. At week 6, this had reduced to 7.5% reporting significant lethargy. No negative effects on QoL were noted over the time period of RT; EORTC demonstrated no difference (P = 0.79). PACIS recorded a significant improvement in functioning (P < 0.001) from baseline to week 6. Univariate analysis on potential predictive patient, tumour and treatment factors demonstrated an association of baseline pre‐RT breast discomfort with worse lethargy (P = 0.03), EORTC (P < 0.01) and PACIS (P < 0.01) measures. This study confirms the minimal impact of RT on patient functioning at 6 weeks post‐treatment.
Trichoptysis caused by intrapulmonary teratoma: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Alper F , Kaynar H , Kantarci M , Onbas O , Polat P , Erdogan F , Akgun M , Okur A
Published: February 2005

We describe a 9‐year‐old child with a history of trichoptysis caused by intrapulmonary teratoma and we present the CT and MRI findings of the teratoma. A heterogeneous mass containing cystic and solid elements was detected on both CT and MRI scans. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of teratoma. Teratomas arising from lung parenchyma, as in this case, are extremely rare in childhood. In the thoracic region, the most common localization of teratomas is the anterior mediastinal compartment. We also discuss the CT and MRI findings and the differential diagnosis of teratomas.
Gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to erosion of the duodenal wall by a biliary stent
Authors: Dunshea TJ , Little AF
Published: February 2005

Complications from improperly placed biliary stents are not uncommon. Free loose wires from the ends of an uncovered stent can irritate and damage adjacent mucosal surfaces. Effective management can be achieved via percutaneous placement of a second stent to alter the orientation of the original stent.
Self-Objectification, Risk Taking, and Self-Harm in College Women
Authors: Muehlenkamp Jennifer J. , Swanson Jenny D. , Brausch Amy M.
Published: February 2005

Objectification theory proposes that the objectification of women's bodies causes women to self-objectify, adopting an outsider's view of themselves. Engaging in a high amount of self-objectification is thought to place women at increased risk for mental health problems such as body dissatisfaction and depression. It was hypothesized that self-objectification would contribute to negative body regard and depression, which would increase participation in risk-taking and self-harmful behaviors. Structural equation modeling was used to test a model of risk for self-harm based upon objectification theory in a sample of 391 college women. Results indicate that the model provided a good fit to the data, but only the paths from self-objectification to negative body regard, negative body regard to depression, and depression to self-harm were significant. Implications of these findings for objectification theory and our understanding of self-harm in women are discussed.
Impressions of Mothers and Fathers on the Periphery of Child Care
Authors: Riggs Janet Morgan
Published: February 2005

This study was designed to assess impressions of employed mothers and fathers who do not provide the primary child care in their familial context. Participants read a story about an employed mother or father who demonstrated very little direct involvement in the care of his or her child. As hypothesized, impressions of a mother who did not play a central role in care giving were more affected by whether or not she had a clear situational reason for not providing care (i.e., she was out of town) than impressions of a father. These findings imply continuing differences in child care expectations for mothers and fathers.
Learning effect of isokinetic measurements in healthy subjects, and reliability and comparability of Biodex and Lido dynamometers
Authors: Lund H. , Søndergaard K. , Zachariassen T. , Christensen R. , Bülow P. , Henriksen M. , Bartels E. M. , Danneskiold‐Samsøe B. , Bliddal H.
Published: February 2005

The aim of this study was to examine the learning effect during a set of isokinetic measurements, to evaluate the reliability of the Biodex System 3 PRO dynamometer, and to compare the Biodex System 3 PRO and the Lido Active dynamometers on both extension and flexion over the elbow and the knee at 60° s−1. Thirteen (nine women, four men) healthy participants were measured five times using the Biodex and once using the Lido dynamometer. The intervals between the first four tests were 20 min, and 1 week between tests 4 and 5. Between Biodex and Lido measurements there was a 20 min time interval. When comparing the first five measurements (Biodex), no systematic effect over time and an excellent reliability were found with respect to elbow and knee flexion and extension. No difference in muscle strength (Nm) between the Biodex and Lido was observed for knee flexion (P = 0·59), knee extension (P = 0·18) and elbow extension (P = 0·63). However, elbow flexion showed a 14·8% (95% CI: 11·2–18·4%; P = 0·0001) higher peak torque on Biodex. In conclusion, no learning effect was observed and the Biodex proved to be a highly reliable isokinetic dynamometer. A difference was observed when comparing Biodex and Lido on elbow flexion, but the difference did not outrange the expected variation found with a typical isokinetic measurement, which is why both sets of equipment seem applicable in clinical practice.
Parasympathetic dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy assessed by heart rate variability: comparison between short‐term and 24‐h measurements
Authors: Mörner Stellan , Wiklund Urban , Rask Peter , Olofsson Bert‐Ove , Kazzam Elsadig , Waldenström Anders
Published: February 2005

In this study, we evaluate cardiac autonomic function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by assessing heart rate variability (HRV), comparing a short‐term laboratory method with an ambulatory (24‐h) method, in patients with and without beta‐blockade. Reduced HRV is a risk factor for adverse events in some cardiac diseases, but is not a proven risk indicator in HCM. Analysis of HRV has been based on either short‐ or long‐term electrocardiographic recordings and previous studies in HCM have shown conflicting results. There is no consensus on which method to prefer, and we evaluate, for the first time, both short‐ and long‐term analyses in patients with HCM. Long‐ and short‐term HRV analyses were performed in 43 patients with HCM. They were divided in two groups, 22 patients on beta‐blockade and 21 non‐treated patients. As controls, 121 healthy subjects were used. Young patients without beta‐blockade showed a reduction in HRV parameters reflecting parasympathetic function, both in the short‐ and long‐term registrations, which was attenuated by beta‐blockade. Parasympathetic autonomic regulation was found to be impaired in young patients with HCM. This may be of clinical relevance as abnormal autonomic function might be a substrate for malignant dysrhythmias. The impairment was attenuated by beta‐blockade, which might indicate a clinically useful effect. We also show that short‐ and long‐term methods yield similar results, suggesting that a short‐term registration might be sufficient to assess HRV in patients with HCM.
Assessment of ventilation inhomogenity with Krypton SPECT and planar imaging
Authors: Stavngaard Trine , Mortensen Jann
Published: February 2005

In 29 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and nine lung healthy volunteers, above the age of 50 years, ventilation defects were examined by 81mKr planar scintigraphy and 81mKr single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to investigate if SPECT adds information regarding size and extent of visually scored ventilation defects, and to correlate the extent of defects obtained from the two imaging settings with standard pulmonary function tests performed in these patients/volunteers. For testing the reproducibility of the visual defect score of 81mKr scintigraphy additionally 13 patients suspected for pulmonary embolism or lung cancer were included. Each series of planar or SPECT studies were read for the extent (% abnormal lung) and severity (0–3) of ventilation abnormalities. Seventeen scans were read twice for reproducibility studies. The extent of ventilation defect assessed by 81mKr SPECT was higher than by 81mKr planar (slope of regression line 0·60, P<0·0001), likewise severity score (rank signed test: P<0·0001). Correlation between ventilation inhomogeneity and pulmonary function test (residual volume and TL,CO) in the COPD group revealed only significance for the SPECT acquisition. We found good reproducibility of visual assessment of ventilation defect extent (correlation: 0·97, P<0·0001) and severity (Kappa 0·62). In conclusion, visual scoring of extent and severity of ventilation defects was reproducible. Ventilation defects were better demonstrated with SPECT than planar imaging. The correlation to pulmonary function was better with SPECT than planar imaging.
Intradialytic exercise as anabolic therapy in haemodialysis patients – a pilot study
Authors: Macdonald Jamie H. , Marcora Samuele M. , Jibani Mahdi , Phanish Mysore K. , Holly Jeff , Lemmey Andrew B.
Published: February 2005

Haemodialysis (HD) patients are characterized by muscle wasting and consequently decreased physical functioning and poor outcome. This pilot study investigated if a novel intradialytic exercise programme could increase lean mass via up‐regulation of the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) system. Nine HD patients were assessed before (w‐12) and after a 3‐month control phase (w0), after a three‐month intradialytic interval training programme using high intensity cycle exercise (w12), and after a withdrawal of treatment phase (w24). Body composition was determined by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS); physical functioning by knee extensor strength (KES) and 30‐s sit stand test (SST); and IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 in serum and muscle by radioimmunoassay. Despite significant increases in training load (+274%, P<0·001), peak power output (+71%, P<0·001) and physical function (KES: +19%, P<0·05; SST: +20%, P<0·05) following the intervention phase, lean masses by DEXA, intra cellular water by BIS (a surrogate measure of body cell mass) and serum and muscle IGFs remained unchanged following training. Although this novel exercise programme, utilizing high intensity interval training, was safe, clinically feasible and beneficial in terms of physical functioning, the 12 weeks of intradialytic cycle exercise failed to reverse the muscle atrophy characteristic of this population. Future studies, using primary outcome measures similar to those employed in the present study, should investigate other anabolic interventions to determine potential treatments for the muscle wasting associated with end stage renal disease.
10 Comparison of Four Prognostic Indexes in Severe Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Gubenšek J , Ponikvar R , Buturović‐Ponikvar J
Published: February 2005

Background  Several prognostic indexes and models are in use for acute renal failure (ARF) patients in intensive care units (ICU). Some were designed on general ICU populations (like APACHE II) and some were made specifically for ICU patients with ARF.

The purpose of our prospective clinical study was to compare APACHE II and three ARF‐specific prognostic indexes in their ability to discriminate survivors and non‐survivors among critically ill ARF patients requiring dialysis.

Methods  Forty‐four critically ill patients with ARF requiring dialysis were included. Patients with chronic renal insufficiency (creatinine > 200 µmol/L), transplanted kidney or urinary tract obstruction were excluded. Four prognostic indexes were measured at the time of first dialysis: APACHE II score (0–71), Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) score (0–20), predicted mortality by Mehta and by Liano model. Primary end‐points were ICU survival and recovery of renal function.

Results  Patients were 65 ± 5 years old, 75% were male, 50% recovered renal function (22/44). Mean APACHE II score was 21.9 ± 6.5, CCF score was 9.2 ± 2.5, predicted mortality by Mehta model was 64 ± 5% and by Liano model 47 ± 20%. Patients that recovered renal function and those that died in ARF did not differ significantly in any of the prognostic indexes measured. Intensive Care Unit survival data was available for 32 patients, this group was not significantly different in prognostic indexes from the group for which ICU survival data was not available. Intensive Care Unit mortality was 75% (24/32). There was significant difference in APACHE II value in ICU survivors and non‐survivors (16.6 ± 6.1 vs. 23.4 ± 6.5, P = 0.015), but no difference in the other three indexes.

Conclusions  Only the APACHE II values measured at first dialysis were significantly different between ICU survivors and non‐survivors, whereas other three prognostic indexes were not.
13 Survival of Hemodialysis Patients Older Than 65 years: Influence of Albumin, Hemoglobin, and Cholesterol Concentration
Authors: Orlić L , Glažar Ð Matić , Martinović B Sladoje
Published: February 2005

More and more patients over 65 years of age are starting dialysis treatment. It is understood that they are a special and more sensitive group, due to their age and correlated diseases. The aim of this work is to analyze the influence of albumin, hemoglobin, and cholesterol concentration at the beginning of treatment on survival of patients over 65 years. Between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 1999, we followed 61 patients starting hemodialysis (31 male and 30 female). All patients were over 65 years old. Their survival was monitored until June 30, 2002. They were divided into four groups, according to years of survival. In the first group were the patients who died during the first year of treatment. The second group consisted of patients who died in the second year of treatment. In the third group were patients still alive in the third year of treatment and up to the fifth year. The fourth group consist of the patients who survived longer than five years. The average albumin values (g/L) for the first group at the beginning of dialysis were 31.9 ± 5.9; for the second 35.3 ± 6.4; the third 38.1 ± 6.6 and the fourth 41.8 ± 6.7 (P = 0.017). Initial hemoglobin (g/L) was, for the first group 81.1 ± 14.3; the second group 85.7 ± 20.5; the third 86.4 ± 14.5 and the fourth 97.2 ± 6.2 (P = 0.021). Cholesterol (mmol/L) in the first group, when they started the treatment, was 4.7 ± 1.1, the second 5.1 ± 1.8, the third 5.2 ± 1.5, and the fourth 5.1 ± 0.7 (P = 0.072).

From these results it is obvious that shorter survival of older patients on hemodialysis is in correlation with lower albumin and hemoglobin values in the beginning of treatment. Also, patients with shorter survival rates had lower cholesterol values, but here are no statistically significant differences. It can be concluded that there is a better prognosis for patients starting dialysis when they have good albumin, hemoglobin and cholesterol values.