bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression profiling of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) during infection with the bacterial wilt inducing pathogen Xanthomonas translucens pv. graminis
Authors: Rechsteiner M. P. , Widmer F. , Kölliker R. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBacterial wilt caused by Xanthomonas translucens pv. graminis (Xtg) may lead to severe damage and substantial yield losses in Italian ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam. To identify candidate genes for marker‐assisted breeding and to investigate the molecular basis of the host‐pathogen interaction, this study focused on searching the ryegrass genome for resistance genes and key signal transduction elements in the defence response. cDNA‐amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to analyse differentially expressed genes at six time‐points after infection in a partially resistant genotype of L. multiflorum infected with Xtg. A total of 87 selective primer combinations resulted in 173 differentially expressed transcript‐derived fragments (TDF) out of which 37 TDFs were isolated. Database searches revealed sequence homologies of various TDFs to sequences such as ERBP‐transcription factors, an TGF‐β receptor interacting protein, a terpene synthase and various other genes expressed in response to bacterial and fungal infection. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) confirmed the expression patterns found by cDNA‐AFLP. The TDFs identified represent candidate genes for the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in resistance to bacterial wilt. These TDFs may also allow for the identification and analysis of avirulence genes expressed by Xtg. The results of this study provide a valuable basis not only for a better understanding of the genetic control of resistance to bacterial wilt in Italian ryegrass, but primarily for the development of molecular tools to improve resistance breeding.
Selection for Fusarium head blight resistance in early generations reduces the deoxynivalenol (DON) content in grain of winter and spring wheat
Authors: Wilde F. , Miedaner T. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract Fusarium head blight (FHB) results in yield losses and contamination of kernels by mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON). For minimizing DON content in grain, indirect selection methods would increase gains from selection compared to the costly and time‐consuming DON analysis. The aim of this study was to examine whether an early selection for fewer FHB symptoms would lead to a reduced DON content in grain after inoculation with Fusarium culmorum. Starting with a double‐cross derived population of about 1,100 genotypes, 30 F1:3 genotypes were selected for FHB rating in a two‐step selection in spring wheat with the non‐adapted resistance sources CM82036 and ‘Frontana’. In winter wheat, 30 F1:2 genotypes were selected out of a double‐cross derived population of about 600 F1 plants from crosses with German resistance sources (‘Dream’, G16‐92). Selected genotypes were grouped in three categories according to their FHB rating (low, moderate and high) and analysed afterwards for grain DON content. The three groups differed in their DON content illustrating that indirect selection should already be feasible in the earliest generations. Because of the wide genotypic ranges for DON contents within one grouping, a final DON analysis for selected materials is advisable to achieve full selection gain.
Characterization of high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunit genes fromElytrigia elongata
Authors: Wang J. R. , Yan Z. H. , Wei Y. M. , Zheng Y. L. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThree high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunit (HMW‐GS) genes fromElytrigia elongata(Host) Nevski were characterized by determining the coding sequences of two x‐type subunit genesEe2.1andEe1.9, and one y‐type subunit geneEe1.8with 2082, 1938 and 1788 bp, respectively. The numbers of amino acids in the central repeat domains of Ee2.1, Ee1.9 and Ee1.8 were considerably fewer than the other known HMW‐GSs with substitutions, insertions and/or deletions involving a single or more amino acid residues. Moreover, an extra cysteine (Cys) was found in the repeated domain of x‐type subunit Ee2.1. The difference in the number and position of Cys residues might be associated with the good dough quality. The extra Cys in the good‐quality subunit Dx5 was at the beginning of the repetitive domain, while the extra Cys in Ee2.1 was at the central repetitive domain. Evolutionary relationships between the HMW‐GSs fromE. elongataand the known HMW‐GSs were estimated. It transpired that Ee1.9, Ee2.1 and Bx7 were clustered into one subgroup with high bootstrap values, while Ee1.8 was closely related to Ay.
Improved plant regeneration and in vitro somatic embryogenesis of St Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze]
Authors: Li R. , Bruneau A. H. , Qu R. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSt Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] is an important warm season turf and pasture grass. In vitro tissue culture of St Augustinegrass could serve as an important mean for its improvement through genetic transformation as well as induced somaclonal variation. To optimize tissue culture conditions for plant regeneration of St Augustinegrass, tissue culture responses of 11 explant tissues and four callus induction/subculture media have been examined. Embryogenic calli with regeneration potential were observed on cultures of early immature embryo [3 days after pollination (DAP)], immature embryo (7–14 DAP), and shoot base of young seedlings. The addition of benzyladenine (BA) in the callus induction/subculture medium enhances callus regeneration ability and does not harm callus induction for immature embryos. The best response came from 7 to 14 DAP immature embryo on MS medium containing 1 mg/l 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.5 mg/l BA. The callus induction and regeneration rates were 97.7% and 47.6% respectively. However, BA supplement reduced callus formation and failed to enhance regeneration for young leaf bases. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that plant regeneration of St Augustinegrass is via somatic embryogenesis.
Changes in plasma levels of hepatocyte growth factor and its associated factors during pregnancy
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Sakata Yoichi , Matsubara Shigeki , Yamagishi Toshiya , Nagaike Kazuhiro , Kuwata Tomoyuki , Suzuki Mitsuaki 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was originally identified as a factor that stimulates the mitogenesis of hepatocyte, and also plays a role in maintaining pregnancy. We conducted this study to evaluate the changes in plasma concentrations of HGF and its associated factors during normal pregnancy.Methods:  Blood specimens were obtained from 14 healthy non‐pregnant and 175 healthy pregnant and post‐partum women (189 women in all). The women's plasma concentrations of total HGF, active HGF, active HGF activator (HGFA), HGF activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI‐1) and HGF activator inhibitor type 2 (HAI‐2) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  The levels of active HGF and HGF activator were significantly lower in pregnant women compared with those of non‐pregnant women. The level of plasma HAI‐1 significantly increased as pregnancy progressed, while it fell post‐partum. Also, there were no differences in the concentrations of total HGF and HAI‐2 in non‐pregnant and pregnant women.Conclusion:  A high concentration of HAI‐1 during pregnancy may decrease the plasma level of active HGFA. This may in turn inhibit the activation of the precursor form of HGF, leading to a decrease in the level of plasma active HGF.
Influence of α‐tumor necrosis factor and β‐interleukin‐1 on production of angiogenetic factors and thymidine phosphorylase activity in immortalized human decidual fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Hayashi Takashi , Matsuoka Kikumi , Saitoh Masahiro , Takeda Satoru , Kimura Masayuki 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate regulatory mechanisms of angiogenesis in the decidua using immortalized human decidual fibroblasts.Methods:  A sample of decidual fibroblasts was taken from a woman in early pregnancy. A cell line, DE‐1, was established by infecting the decidual fibroblasts with the simian virus 40 large T antigen. Using this cell line, the ability to produce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), β‐transforming growth factor (TGF‐β), and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) activity was investigated using immunohistochemistry, and the influences of β‐interleukin‐1 (IL‐1β) and α‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) on these angiogenetic factors was investigated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Furthermore, the effects of TNF‐α on proliferative capacity and apoptosis induction in DE‐1 were studied.Results:  It was demonstrated that DE‐1 produced all of these angiogenetic factors. The production of VEGF, bFGF and TGF‐β respectively was enhanced by both IL‐1β and TNF‐α. TP activity was increased by TNF‐α, but no increase was observed as a result of IL‐1β. It was shown that TNF‐α suppressed the proliferation of DE‐1 cells and significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic cells.Conclusion:  It is suggested that IL‐1β and TNF‐α stimulate decidual fibroblasts to up‐regulate angiogenesis in the human decidua.
Total peroxyl radical‐trapping ability and anti‐oxidant vitamins of the umbilical venous plasma and the placenta in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Kim Yoon Ha , Kim Cheol Hong , Cho Moon Kyoung , Kim Ki Min , Lee So Yoon , Ahn Bong Whan , Yang Sung Yeul , Kim Seok Mo , Song Tae Bog 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  Our purpose was to investigate lipid peroxide levels, total peroxyl radical‐trapping anti‐oxidative parameter (TRAP) values, and anti‐oxidant vitamin levels in umbilical venous plasma and placental tissues, and to evaluate their roles in the pathophysiology of pre‐eclampsia.Methods:  Samples of umbilical venous plasma and placental tissue homogenates were obtained from 23 normal and 18 pre‐eclamptic women at between 33 and 40 weeks’ gestation. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method was used to assay α‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), and lipid peroxide levels were measured by thiobarbituric acid reaction. The TRAP values were measured using the modified Wayner's method. Ascorbic acid, retinol α‐tocopherol and γ‐tocopherol were measured by high performance liquid chromatography.Results:  Levels of TNF‐α in placental tissue homogenates of women with pre‐eclampsia were significantly higher than those of women with normal pregnancy (21.4 ± 3.39 v. 10.3 ± 1.06 pg/mL, P < 0.05). Lipid peroxide levels in umbilical venous plasma and placental tissue homogenates of women with pre‐eclampsia were significantly higher than those of women with normal pregnancy (10.3 ± 1.1 v. 5.85 ± 0.53, P < 0.01, 5.14 ± 0.40 v. 3.99 ± 0.33 nmol/mg protein, P < 0.05, respectively). The TRAP values in umbilical venous plasma and placental tissue homogenates of women with pre‐eclampsia were significantly lower than those of women with normal pregnancy (0.39 ± 0.02 v. 0.45 ± 0.02, P < 0.05, 0.27 ± 0.02 v. 0.34 ± 0.03 mM, P < 0.05, respectively). Ascorbic acid levels in umbilical venous plasma and placental tissue homogenates of women with pre‐eclampsia were significantly lower than those of women with normal pregnancy (325.4 ± 50.4 v. 543 ± 73.8, P < 0.05, 219.0 ± 21.0 v. 333.3 ± 32.6 nmol/mL, P < 0.05, respectively).Conclusions:  The above results suggest that increased oxidative stress in the placenta is involved in the pathophysiology of pre‐eclampsia, and ascorbic acid may act as an important preventative factor in the development of pre‐eclampsia.
Giant hemangioma of the fetal neck, mimicking a teratoma
Authors: Yoshida Shiro , Kikuchi Akihiko , Naito Sachie , Nakamura Hisaki , Hayashi Akiko , Noguchi Masahiko , Kondo Yoshiaki , Nakamura Tomohiko 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe present a case involving a giant hemangioma of the fetal neck, prenatal diagnosis of which was a teratoma. A 32‐year‐old pregnant woman was referred to our hospital at 31 weeks’ gestation owing to a giant solid mass of the fetal neck and excessive amniotic fluid. The mass seemed to be occupying the neck almost entirely, extending to the nasopharyngeal cavity, the mandible, the surface of the left orbit and the left shoulder. Based on sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, diagnosis of a giant teratoma was made. Cesarean section was performed at 35.5 weeks’ gestation, and a female infant weighing 2826 g was delivered. Purpurae were observed on the neck of the infant, and the tumor turned out to be a hemangioma. Postnatal MRI findings, in which the tumor's signal intensity differed from that of the prenatal findings, were quite compatible with the diagnosis of a typical hemangioma. Laser and corticosteroid treatment successfully decreased the volume of the mass. Although it may not always be possible to make a prenatal differential diagnosis between a hemangioma and a teratoma in the neck of the fetus, serial ultrasound and MRI examination are mandatory to evaluate the prognosis and to plan suitable treatment. Moreover, possible postnatal changes to the tumor characteristics have to be taken into consideration when evaluating the findings of prenatal diagnostic imaging.
Complications and myoma recurrence after laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion for symptomatic myomas
Authors: Holub Zdenek , Eim Josef , Jabor Antonin , Hendl Antonin , Lukac Jan , Kliment Lev 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  To determine the frequency and severity of complications and the recurrence of fibroids as a result of laparoscopic occlusion of the uterine artery (LOUA) in women with symptomatic fibroids.Methods:  One hundred and fourteen women with symptomatic fibroids were treated using ultrasonically activated shears, clips or electrosurgery. A retrospective evaluation of the complications and recurrence rate was carried out. For each patient, the analysis took place at least 3 months after the procedure was performed. Each complication was categorized using the complication classifications developed by the Czech Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy and a modified set of the classifications of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All adverse events that occurred during the follow‐up period were included, in addition to those that occurred after the 3 months minimum interval.Results:  A total of eight women (7.1%, 95% confidence intervals [CI], 3.3–14.4) experienced complications; one of these women had two complications, resulting in a total of nine adverse events. There were no intraoperative complications and no permanent injuries. Two women required supracervical hysterectomy and myomectomy, respectively, as a result of fibroid necrosis. One patient had an undiagnosed endometrial stromal sarcoma after 12 months of LOUA. The rate of fibroid recurrence was 9.0% (10 patients). The recurrence‐free survival interval rate (no clinical failure, no recurrence) at 23.6 months (median) follow‐up was 88.3% (CI 84.9–93.5).Conclusion:  The rate of complications and fibroid recurrence was low in patients undergoing LOUA.
Is there a correlation between vaginal chlamydia infection and cervical smear abnormalities? A community‐based study in the Al‐Ain district, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ghazal‐Aswad Saad , Badrinath Padmanabhan , Osman Nawal Ahmed , Abdul‐Khalik Samar , Raasclou Tove 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between vaginal chlamydia infection and cervical abnormalities. The data on the prevalence of chlamydia infection and cervical abnormalities have been presented elsewhere and in this article we provide the results of a correlation analysis.Methods:  In this cross‐sectional, community‐based survey, women attending primary and secondary care in the Al‐Ain medical district, United Arab Emirates, were offered cervical screening using the Papanicolaou smear, and chlamydia testing. A total of 793 women underwent cervical screening and 728 were tested for chlamydia. A commercially available kit was used to determine the prevalence of chlamydia. The correlation between cervical abnormalities and chlamydia infection was tested using the chi‐squared test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate.Results:  The prevalence of abnormal smears was 1.51% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–2.4). Twelve subjects had abnormal smears, including smears showing atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. The prevalence of chlamydia infection in this population was 2.5% (95% CI, 1.2–3.3). Statistical analysis showed no association (χ2 0.6, P = 0.4) between the prevalence of chlamydia infection and cervical abnormalities.Conclusion:  Although there have been earlier reports of an association between vaginal chlamydia and cervical abnormalities, our study does not provide evidence to support this association.
Intrapartum late deceleration develops more frequently in pre‐eclamptic women with severe proteinuria
Authors: Furukawa Seishi , Sameshima Hiroshi , Ikenoue Tsuyomu 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  Our purpose was to investigate the effect of proteinuria associated with pre‐eclampsia on intrapartum fetal heart rate patterns.Methods:  A retrospective study was performed involving 79 pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia and 19 pregnant women with gestational hypertension (GH). Pre‐eclampsia was then classified into two groups according to the degree of proteinuria (≥ or <3+ dipstick), which was classified as severe urinary protein (UP; n = 35) and mild UP (n = 44) at delivery. Intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring was classified as either no deceleration, moderate variable deceleration, severe variable deceleration (sVD), prolonged deceleration (PD), occasional deceleration or recurrent late deceleration (rLD). We evaluated the prevalence of non‐reassuring FHR (sVD, PD or rLD), the prevalence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and cord blood gas status in the three groups. The prevalence of non‐reassuring FHR and cord blood gas status of these three groups was also compared with their prevalence in 65 women with low‐risk pregnancies. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between rLD and maternal–fetal parameters.Results:  Levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were similar among the three groups. Severe UP was diagnosed significantly earlier, was associated with significantly lower gestational age, and infants with lighter birth weight (P < 0.05) compared with GH and mild UP. The prevalence of IUGR in severe UP was higher than in GH (54%v. 21%, P < 0.05); however, no differences were found in the prevalence of IUGR between mild and severe UP (43%v. 54%, P = 0.33). The prevalence of non‐reassuring FHR in GH was not statistically significant in the low‐risk pregnancies (5%v. 9%, P = 0.58). In mild and severe UP, the non‐reassuring FHRs were more predominant (30% and 43%, respectively) than in low‐risk pregnancies and GH (P < 0.05). The rLD was more common in the group with severe UP and accounted for 40% of all FHR patterns. There was no difference in the incidence of low pH among the groups. However, fetuses in pregnancies involving severe UP were significantly hypoxemic when compared with others. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that worsening proteinuria (odds ratio [OR], 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4–12.9) and IUGR (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.2–11.5) increased the risk of rLD. Rates of preterm birth at less than 32 weeks (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.2–2.5) and severe hypertension (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2–1.3) were not significant.Conclusion:  In pre‐eclampsia, the presence of severe proteinuria is associated with an increased likelihood of rLD.
Increase in serum concentrations of inhibin in early onset pre‐eclampsia with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Itoh Yoshiyasu , Suzuki Yoshikatsu , Yamamoto Tamao , Kojima Kazuhisa , Murakami Isamu , Suzumori Nobuhiro 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  Recently, it has been hypothesized that reduced placental blood flow in early pregnancy causes changes in endothelial function, leading to pre‐eclampsia. To clarify this clinically, we assessed serum concentrations of inhibin and uric acid in pre‐eclamptic women compared with those of normotensive pregnant women.Methods:  One hundred and forty normotensive pregnant women (at 20–41 weeks’ gestation) and 50 women with pre‐eclampsia (at 24–41 weeks’ gestation) were the study subjects. Pre‐eclamptic women were classified according to the new criteria for pregnancy‐induced hypertension produced by the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG). Serum concentrations of uric acid and inhibin were measured enzymatically and by radioimmunoassay, respectively.Results:  Serum concentrations of inhibin and uric acid in the pre‐eclamptic women were significantly higher than in gestational age‐matched normotensive pregnant women. There were significant correlations among inhibin and uric acid, blood pressure and birth weight. According to JSOG criteria, of the 50 pre‐eclamptic women, 18 were early onset (EO), including 16 cases complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and 32 cases were late onset, including 12 cases complicated by IUGR. In the patients with EO and IUGR, serum concentrations of inhibin, but not uric acid, were significantly elevated as compared with those of the other pre‐eclamptic women.Conclusion:  The results suggest that an increase in the serum concentration of inhibin seen in EO pre‐eclampsia, together with IUGR, might be a cause of reduced placental blood flow.
Bilateral pleural endometriosis
Authors: Dhanaworavibul Kriengsak , Hanprasertpong Jitti , Cheewadhanaraks Sopon , Buhachat Rakchai 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe patient was a 40‐year‐old woman with a 1‐year history of catamenial chest pain and a recent bilateral hemothorax. She underwent a left thoracotomy for surgical pleurodesis, and a pleural biopsy. Subsequently, she had a hysterectomy in conjunction with an oophorectomy. The pathologic investigation of the pleura revealed an endometrial implant. The postoperative course was uneventful with no recurrence of hemothorax and chest pain during the first 6 months and at the patient's follow‐up. This is a very rare case of a patient with thoracic endometriosis presenting with bilateral hemothorax.
Prenatal diagnosis of bilateral diaphragmatic hernia by fetal sonography
Authors: Eroglu Derya , Yanik Filiz , Sakallioglu Ayse Ebru , Arikan Unser , Varan Birgul , Kuscu Esra 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis report describes a case of prenatally diagnosed bilateral diaphragmatic hernia. At 22 weeks’ gestation, ultrasound revealed a cystic structure behind the fetus's heart on the axial image at the level of the cardiac four‐chamber view. This suggested a left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia with herniation of the stomach into the left hemithorax. However, the left‐to‐right midline shift of the heart was minimal, which is not typical of left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Throughout the 30th week of gestation, the right and left branches of the pulmonary artery were hypoplastic compared with the values in normal fetuses of the same gestational age. The presumptive diagnosis was bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia. A female newborn weighing 2900 g was delivered at 37 weeks’ gestation, and she died at 7 h of age. An autopsy revealed large defects on both sides of the diaphragm. In conclusion, prenatal diagnosis of bilateral diaphragmatic hernia is possible with fetal sonography.