bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Lyme disease agent Borrelia burgdorferi requires BB0690, a Dps homologue, to persist within ticks
Authors: Li Xin , Pal Utpal , Ramamoorthi Nandhini , Liu Xianzhong , Desrosiers Daniel C. , Eggers ChristiaN. H. , Anderson John F. , Radolf Justin D. , Fikrig Erol 
Published: December 2006

Summary Borrelia burgdorferi survives in an enzootic cycle, and Dps proteins protect DNA against damage during starvation or oxidative stress. The role of a Dps homologue encoded by Borrelia in spirochaete survival was assessed. Dps‐deficient spirochaetes were infectious in mice via needle‐inoculation at the dose of 105 spirochaetes. Larval ticks successfully acquired Dps‐deficient spirochaetes via a blood meal on mice. However, after extended periods within unfed nymphs, the Dps‐deficient spirochaetes failed to be transmitted to a new host when nymphs fed. Our data suggest that Dps functions to protect the spirochaetes during dormancy in unfed ticks, and in its absence, the spirochaetes become susceptible during tick feeding. dps is differentially expressed in vivo– low in mice and high in ticks – but constitutively expressed in vitro, showing little change during growth or in response to oxidative stress. Borrelia Dps forms a dodecameric complex capable of sequestering iron. The Dps‐deficient spirochaetes showed no defect in starvation and oxidative stress assays, perhaps due to the lack of iron in spirochaetes grown in vitro. Dps is critical for spirochaete persistence within ticks, and strategies to interfere with Dps could potentially reduce Borrelia populations in nature and thereby influence the incidence of Lyme disease.
A qualitative host‐pathogen interaction in the Theobroma cacao‐Moniliophthora perniciosa pathosystem
Authors: Shaw M. W. , Vandenbon A. E. 
Published: December 2006

The aim of this study was to test whether resistance of clones of Theobroma cacao (cocoa) varied between isolates of Moniliophthora (formerly Crinipellis) perniciosa, the cause of witches’ broom disease. Developing buds of vegetatively propagated T. cacao grown in greenhouses in the UK were inoculated with 16 000 spores of M. perniciosa per meristem in water, under conditions where water condensed on the inoculated shoot for at least 12 h after inoculation. The proportion of successful inoculations varied between clones and was inversely correlated with time to symptom production or broom formation. A specific interaction was demonstrated among three single‐spore isolates of M. perniciosa and the clone Scavina 6 (SCA 6) and a variety of susceptible clones. Isolates Castenhal‐I and APC3 were equally likely to infect SCA 6 and the other clones, but isolate Gran Couva A9 never infected SCA 6, although it was as virulent on the other clones. The interaction was maintained when the wetness period was extended to 70 h. Offspring of SCA 6 × Amelonado matings were all susceptible to both Castenhal‐I and GC‐A5, with no evidence of greater variability in susceptibility to GC‐A5 than Castanhal‐I. This suggests recessive inheritance of a single homozygous factor conferring resistance to GC‐A5, from SCA 6. The progenies were slightly more susceptible to Castanhal‐I than GC‐A5. The implications for managing the disease are discussed.
Genomic imprinting, methylation and molecular evolution of maize Enhancer of zeste (Mez) homologs
Authors: Haun William J. , Laoueillé‐Duprat Sylvia , O'Connell Mary J. , Spillane Charles , Grossniklaus Ueli , Phillips Allison R. , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Springer Nathan M. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryImprinted gene expression refers to differential transcription of alleles depending on their parental origin. To date, most examples of imprinted gene expression in plants occur in the triploid endosperm tissue. The Arabidopsis gene MEDEA displays an imprinted pattern of gene expression and has homology to the Drosophila Polycomb group (PcG) protein Enhancer‐of‐zeste (E(z)). We have tested the allele‐specific expression patterns of the three maize E(z)‐like genes Mez1, Mez2 and Mez3. The expression of Mez2 and Mez3 is not imprinted, with a bi‐allelic pattern of transcription for both genes in both the endosperm and embryonic tissue. In contrast, Mez1 displays a bi‐allelic expression pattern in the embryonic tissue, and a mono‐allelic expression pattern in the developing endosperm tissue. We demonstrate that mono‐allelic expression of the maternal Mez1 allele occurs throughout endosperm development. We have identified a 556 bp differentially methylated region (DMR) located approximately 700 bp 5′ of the Mez1 transcription start site. This region is heavily methylated at CpG and CpNpG nucleotides on the non‐expressed paternal allele but has low levels of methylation on the expressed maternal allele. Molecular evolutionary analysis indicates that conserved domains of all three Mez genes are under purifying selection. The common imprinted expression of Mez1 and MEDEA, in concert with their likely evolutionary origins, suggests that there may be a requirement for imprinting of at least one E(z)‐like gene in angiosperms.
A high‐performance, small‐scale microarray for expression profiling of many samples in Arabidopsis–pathogen studies
Authors: Sato Masanao , Mitra Raka M. , Coller John , Wang Dong , Spivey Natalie W. , Dewdney Julia , Denoux Carine , Glazebrook Jane , Katagiri Fumiaki 
Published: December 2006

SummaryStudies of the behavior of biological systems often require monitoring of the expression of many genes in a large number of samples. While whole‐genome arrays provide high‐quality gene‐expression profiles, their high cost generally limits the number of samples that can be studied. Although inexpensive small‐scale arrays representing genes of interest could be used for many applications, it is challenging to obtain accurate measurements with conventional small‐scale microarrays. We have developed a small‐scale microarray system that yields highly accurate and reproducible expression measurements. This was achieved by implementing a stable gene‐based quantile normalization method for array‐to‐array normalization, and a probe‐printing design that allows use of a statistical model to correct for effects of print tips and uneven hybridization. The array measures expression values in a single sample, rather than ratios between two samples. This allows accurate comparisons among many samples. The array typically yielded correlation coefficients higher than 0.99 between technically duplicated samples. Accuracy was demonstrated by a correlation coefficient of 0.88 between expression ratios determined from this array and an Affymetrix GeneChip, by quantitative RT–PCR, and by spiking known amounts of specific RNAs into the RNA samples used for profiling. The array was used to compare the responses of wild‐type, rps2 and ndr1 mutant plants to infection by a Pseudomonas syringae strain expressing avrRpt2. The results suggest that ndr1 affects a defense‐signaling pathway(s) in addition to the RPS2‐dependent pathway, and indicate that the microarray is a powerful tool for systems analyses of the Arabidopsis disease‐signaling network.
HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 allele and haplotype frequencies in an African American population
Authors: Tu B. , Mack S. J. , Lazaro A. , Lancaster A. , Thomson G. , Cao K. , Chen M. , Ling G. , Hartzman R. , Ng J. , Hurley C. K. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSequence‐based typing was used to identify human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and ‐DRB1 alleles from 564 consecutively recruited African American volunteers for an unrelated hematopoietic stem cell registry. The number of known alleles identified at each locus was 42 for HLA‐A, HLA‐B 67, HLA‐C 33, and HLA‐DRB1 44. Six novel alleles (A*260104, A*7411, Cw*0813, Cw*1608, Cw*1704, and DRB1*130502) not observed in the initial sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probe testing were characterized. The action of balancing selection, shaping more ‘even’ than expected allele frequency distributions, was inferred for all four loci and significantly so for the HLA‐A and DRB1 loci. Two‐, three‐, and four‐locus haplotypes were estimated using the expectation maximization algorithm. Comparisons with other populations from Africa and Europe suggest that the degree of European admixture in the African American population described here is lower than that in other African American populations previously reported, although HLA‐A:B haplotype frequencies similar to those in previous studies of African American individuals were also noted.
Antibody therapy (IVIG): evaluation of the use of genomics and proteomics for the study of immunomodulation therapeutics
Authors: Sapan C. V. , Reisner H. M. , Lundblad R. L. 
Published: December 2006

Background and Objectives Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used for an increasingly diverse number of therapeutic applications as an immunomodulation drug. Although it has demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness, the mechanism of action of IVIG in these disorders is poorly understood; this lack of understanding complicates rational clinical application and reimbursement for ‘off‐label’ use.Materials and Methods Selected literature on the clinical use of IVIG as an immunomodulation drug is reviewed. We present a brief description of DNA microarray and protein microarray technology and the application of such technologies to the study of immune system cells. The several studies on the application of DNA microarray technology to study gene expression in response to IVIG are presented.Results There is increasing data on the use of DNA microarray and protein microarray technology to study gene expression in immune system cells including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and leucocytes. There is less information on the effect of IVIG on gene expression in immune system cells. However, there is sufficient information available to suggest that this is a practical approach with the caveat that such work will require careful experimental design and clear definition of the normal population.Conclusions DNA and protein microarray assays can be used to (i) provide rational indications for the clinical use of IVIG, (ii) provide for specific analysis of raw material and end product IVIG in screening for content related to immunomodulation, and (iii) accelerate the development of next generation products which would be more focused and/or targeted therapeutics.
Variability of parvovirus B19 to inactivation by liquid heating in plasma products
Authors: Hattori S. , Yunoki M. , Tsujikawa M. , Urayama T. , Tachibana Y. , Yamamoto I. , Yamamoto S. , Ikuta K. 
Published: December 2006

Background and Objectives  Previously, we reported that although human parvovirus B19 in albumin and intravenous immunoglobulin preparations was rapidly inactivated during liquid heating, in contrast to other parvoviruses such as canine parvovirus, sensitivity to heat was highly dependent on the composition of the solution. In this study, we aimed to further elucidate the sensitivity to heat of B19 in haptoglobin and antithrombin (previously named antithrombin III) preparations during liquid heating.Materials and Methods  Two different solutions collected immediately before heat treatment of haptoglobin and antithrombin preparations were spiked with B19 and subsequently treated at 60 °C for 10 h. B19 DNA‐positive, anti‐B19 IgG/IgM‐negative plasma was used as a source of B19. The residual infectivity in each sample was measured using a B19 cell‐based infectivity assay with an mRNA polymerase chain reaction.Results  B19 in different plasma preparations showed different heat‐sensitivity patterns during liquid heating: (i) slow inactivation in haptoglobin preparations, and (ii) only limited inactivation in antithrombin preparations. The kinetics of inactivation was greatly different from that in our previous studies in which the virus was shown to be rapidly inactivated in albumin and intravenous immunoglobulin preparations.Conclusion  B19 has unique properties in terms of heat sensitivity, depending on the composition of the solution during liquid heating. This finding may indicate the need for caution when interpreting the sensitivity of B19 to heat.
Changes in the Muscle Fibre Properties of the Mouse Temporal Muscle after Weaning
Authors: Suzuki K. , Abe S. , Kim H. J. , Usami A. , Iwanuma O. , Okubo H. , Ide Y. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryTo clarify changes in the muscle fibre properties of the temporal muscle related to the start of masticatory movement, we immunohistochemically investigated myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform protein expression using pre‐weaning and post‐weaning mice. In addition, we examined the expression of a gene coding for those MyHC proteins. Immediately after weaning, isoforms with fast and potent contractility were frequent. This suggests that the temporal muscle plays an important role in a marked functional change in the oral cavity from lactation to mastication, contributing to oral function in cooperation with other masticatory muscles.
The Ets‐1 Transcription Factor is Involved in Pterygial Angiogenesis
Authors: Naib‐Majani W. , Breipohl W. , Shazli E. E. , Theuerkauf I. , Pleyer U. , Hahne J. C. , Wernert N. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryPterygial pathology is characterized by abnormal corneal epithelial proliferation, stromal modulation, matrix degradation and a strong tendency for otherwise absent corneal vascularization. As the proto‐oncogene Ets‐1 is known to play a key role in angiogenesis and matrix degradation in other tissues, its involvement in corneal vascularization was investigated. Fifteen pterygia representing two groups were studied. Group 1 consisted of five clinically active pterygia, and group 2 consisted of 10 samples of clinically non‐active pterygia. 35S‐labelled ets‐1 antisense and sense riboprobes were used for in‐situ hybridization of Ets‐1 transcription factor in all pterygia. The cytoplasm of blood vessel endothelial cells showed strong expression of ets‐1 mRNA in all group 1 pterygia. In contrast, no expression of ets‐1 was found in group 2 pterygia. Proto‐oncogene ets‐1 expression has been shown for the first time in the metaplastic pterygium, an eye tissue of unknown pathogenesis.
Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms in the Testes of Pigs
Authors: Kim H. C. , Byun J. S. , Lee T. K. , Jeong C. W. , Ahn M. , Shin T. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryThis study examined the expression of three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the testes of pigs. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the presence of nNOS, eNOS and iNOS in interstitial cells, primary spermatocytes and spermatids. Positive immunoreactions for eNOS and iNOS were detected in peritubular myoid cells. Some vascular endothelial cells were positive for nNOS and eNOS. The expression of nitrotyrosine was detected in interstitial cells. In addition, the histochemical study revealed that all the interstitial cells were stained positively for NADPH‐diaphorase, although some spermatids and vascular endothelial cells displayed moderate enzymatic activity. These findings suggest that three isoforms of NOS are expressed in the testis of pig and that they play important roles in the biology of interstitial cells that produce testosterone, as well as in spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules.
The Distribution of Ganglion Cells in the Equine Retina and its Relationship to Skull Morphology
Authors: Evans K. E. , McGreevy P. D. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryIt has recently been reported that a strong correlation exists between the distribution of retinal ganglion cells and nose length in the domestic dog. To determine if this phenomenon occurs in another domestic species with diverse skull morphology, the current study examined the distribution of retinal ganglion cells in 30 horses from a variety of breeds. There was a significant variation in the density of ganglion cells found across the retinae. Breed was a significant predictor for ganglion cell density within the visual streak. A strong positive correlation exists between the density of ganglion cells in the visual streak and nasal length. Significant variation was also seen in the area centralis but did not correlate with any of the recorded skull measurements. The findings of this study provide us with further understanding of the equine visual system and the level of variation that exists between individuals of the same species.
Effect of Microbial Activity and Nitrogen Mineralization on Free‐living Nitrogen Fixation in Permanent Grassland Soils
Authors: Patra A. K. , Le Roux X. , Abbadie L. , Clays‐Josserand A. , Poly F. , Loiseau P. , Louault F. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractFree‐living nitrogen (N) fixation can be important for sustainable soil fertility, particularly in extensively managed soils with low abundance of leguminous plant species. However, the factors affecting free N2‐fixation in situ are still poorly documented. We investigated the role of microbial active biomass activity, particularly substrate‐induced respiration (SIR) and net N mineralization, on the free‐living N2 fixation in soils under a semi‐natural grassland ecosystem in France. Analysis of replicated bulk soil and rhizospheric soil samples obtained from sites experiencing contrasting grazing regimes revealed highly significant negative relationships (P < 0.01) between free‐living N2‐fixation and SIR or N‐mineralization with a significant rhizosphere effect. The study has demonstrated that the activity of free‐living N2‐fixers is more important in soils having low active microbial biomass and low N‐mineralization rates in these permanent grasslands.
Determining Crop and Pan Coefficients for Sugar Beet and Potato Crops under Cool Season Semiarid Climatic Conditions
Authors: Sahin U. , Kiziloglu F. M. , Anapali O. , Okuroglu M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis study was conducted in a region with semiarid cool climatic conditions during the period from May to October in the years 2003 and 2004, respectively. Actual evapotranspiration (ETc) of sugar beet and potato crops was calculated according to the water balance approach. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was calculated with FAO Penman–Monteith equation. Evaporation (Epan) was measured by using class A pan. Seasonal mean ETcwas determined as 492.9 mm for sugar beet and 445.2 mm for potato. Seasonal mean pan coefficient (kp = ETo/Epan) was determined as 0.74, and the seasonal mean crop coefficient (kc = ETc/ETo) was determined as 0.65 for sugar beet 0.60 for potato.
Analysis of Vegetative Compatibility Groups of Fusarium oxysporum from Eruca vesicaria and Diplotaxis tenuifolia
Authors: Catti A. , Pasquali M. , Ghiringhelli D. , Garibaldi A. , Gullino M. L. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractFrom 2002 to 2004, wilted plants of different species of rocket (Eruca vesicaria and Diplotaxis spp.) were found for the first time in Europe, in greenhouse cultivations in Piedmont and Lombardy, northern Italy. The causal agent of the disease was found to be Fusarium oxysporum. Vegetative compatibility analysis was carried out on 46 isolates of the fungus, 41 of them obtained from wilted rocket (E. vesicaria and D. tenuifolia) and five reference strains, in order to increase the knowledge on the causal agent of recent epidemics of Fusarium wilt on rocket in Italy. The analysis showed the presence of two vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) (VCG 0101 and VCG 0220) pathogenic on both kinds of rocket. The two VCG populations, which were classified as formae specialesconglutinans and raphani, respectively, are spread in the area of epidemics but are not related to the host species from which they were isolated (D. tenuifolia or E. vesicaria). This finding shows the heterogeneity of the causal agent of Fusarium wilt on rocket in Italy.
Occurrence and Latent Infection of Alternaria Rot of Pingguoli Pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd. cv. Pingguoli) Fruits in Gansu, China
Authors: Li Y. C. , Bi Y. , An L. Z. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAlternaria rot of Pingguoli pear occurred after latent infection. Fruit surfaces were asymptomatic within 60 days storage under cold condition (0°C, RH 85–90%), but black‐grey hyphae could be seen in the lenticels or calyx tube of Pingguoli pear after 90 days of storage. The tissue collapsed and resulted in visible black spots as the hyphae spread over the fruit. Average incidence of Alternaria rot of fruits from an orchard in Gansu was 28.86% at 100 days of storage. The main fungus isolated from the Alternaria rot on stored Pingguoli pear was identified as Alternaria alternata (Fr. : Fr.) Keissl. This pathogen was able to initially infect the fruit via two pathways during the growing season, and then remain in a latent state. The fungus first colonized the styles at the full‐blossoming stage, and then grew into the carpel cavities progressively after 50 days from petal fall. The percentage latent infection of A. alternata was up to 45% in the carpel cavity until the harvest time. The fungus also attacked fruit surfaces and remained latent in the fruit peel during fruit development. The percentage of A. alternata latent infection at the calyx end, middle part and stem end of the fruit peel was 40%, 24% and 42.8%, respectively, at harvest time.
Inheritance of resistance to broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) race F in a sunflower line derived from wild sunflower species
Authors: Velasco L. , Pérez‐Vich B. , Jan C.C. , Fernández‐Martínez J.M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractGenetic resistance to broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) race F in sunflower line J1, derived from the wild perennial species Helianthusgrosseserratus Martens and Helianthus divaricatus L., has been reported to be controlled by dominant alleles at a single locus, Or6. However, deviations from this monogenic inheritance have been observed. The objective of the present study was to gain insight into the inheritance of resistance to broomrape race F in the sunflower line J1. F1, F2, F3 and BC generations from crosses between J1 and three susceptible lines, P21, NR5 and HA821 were evaluated. F1 hybrids showed both resistant (R) and moderately resistant (MR) plants, the latter having a maximum of five broomrape stalks per plant compared with >10 in the susceptible parents. This indicated incomplete dominance of the Or6 alleles. F2 plants were classified as R, MR or susceptible (more than five broomrape stalks per plant). Three different segregation ratios were observed: 3 : 1, 13 : 3 and 15 : 1 (R + MR : S), suggesting the presence of a second gene, Or7, whose expression was influenced by the environment. A digenic model was confirmed, based on the evaluation of F2:3 families.
Sources of resistance to broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) in narbon vetch
Authors: Nadal S. , Cubero J. I. , Moreno M. T. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractLittle is known about the levels of resistance to Orobanche crenata available in narbon vetch. A germplasm collection of 200 accessions of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.) originating from different countries was screened for resistance to crenate broomrape under field conditions. Thirteen accessions were selected for more detailed screening under controlled conditions and for additional field testing. Resistance to O. crenata was manifested by lower germination of broomrape seeds, reduced emergence of Orobanche shoots and fewer root attachments per narbon vetch plant. Differences in pod yield among narbon vetch accessions were also found in response to Orobanche infestation. Finally, eight accessions were selected and identified as new sources of narbon vetch resistant to broomrape.