bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis CYP90B1 catalyses the early C‐22 hydroxylation of C27, C28 and C29 sterols
Authors: Fujita Satomi , Ohnishi Toshiyuki , Watanabe Bunta , Yokota Takao , Takatsuto Suguru , Fujioka Shozo , Yoshida Shigeo , Sakata Kanzo , Mizutani Masaharu 
Published: January 2006

SummaryArabidopsis dwf4 is a brassinosteroid (BR)‐deficient mutant, and the DWF4 gene encodes a cytochrome P450, CYP90B1. We report the catalytic activity and substrate specificity of CYP90B1. Recombinant CYP90B1 was produced in Escherichia coli, and CYP90B1 activity was measured in an in vitro assay reconstituted with NADPH‐cytochrome P450 reductase. CYP90B1 converted campestanol (CN) to 6‐deoxocathasterone, confirming that CYP90B1 is a steroid C‐22 hydroxylase. The substrate specificity of CYP90B1 indicated that sterols with a double bond at positions C‐5 and C‐6 are preferred substrates compared with stanols, which have no double bond at the position. In particular, the catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of CYP90B1 for campesterol (CR) was 325 times greater than that for CN. As CR is more abundant than CN in planta, the results suggest that C‐22 hydroxylation of CR before C‐5α reduction is the main route of BR biosynthetic pathway, which contrasts with the generally accepted route via CN. In addition, CYP90B1 showed C‐22 hydroxylation activity toward various C27–29 sterols. Cholesterol (C27 sterol) is the best substrate, followed by CR (C28 sterol), whereas sitosterol (C29 sterol) is a poor substrate, suggesting that the substrate preference of CYP90B1 may explain the discrepancy between the in planta abundance of C27/C28/C29 sterols and C27/C28/C29 BRs.
Reorganization of the alternative pathways of the Arabidopsis respiratory chain by nitrogen supply: opposing effects of ammonium and nitrate
Authors: Escobar Matthew A. , Geisler Daniela A. , Rasmusson Allan G. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system in plants possesses a variety of alternative pathways that decrease respiratory ATP production. These alternative pathways are mediated by three classes of bypass proteins: the type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenases (which circumvent complex I of the electron transport chain), the alternative oxidases (AOXs; which circumvent complexes III and IV) and the uncoupling proteins (which circumvent ATP synthase). We have monitored the expression of all genes encoding respiratory bypass proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana growing with different sources of inorganic nitrogen (N). Resupply of nitrate (NO) to N‐limited seedling cultures caused a decrease in the transcript abundance of several type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenase and AOX genes, while resupply of ammonium (NH) led to broad increases in expression in the same gene families. Similar results were observed upon switching between nitrate and ammonium in the absence of N stress. Nitrate signalling was found to be mediated primarily by the nitrate ion itself, whereas ammonium regulation was dependent upon assimilation and affected by changes in apoplastic pH. Corresponding alterations in alternative respiratory pathway capacities were apparent in seedlings supplied with either nitrate or ammonium as an N source and in mitochondria purified from the seedlings. Specifically, AOX capacity and protein abundance, as well as calcium‐dependent external NADH oxidation, were substantially elevated after growth on ammonium. The increased capacity of respiratory bypass pathways after switching from nitrate to ammonium was correlated to an overall respiratory increase.
QTL analysis of seed storability in rice
Authors: Zeng D. L. , Guo L. B. , Xu Y. B. , Yasukumi K. , Zhu L. H. , Qian Q. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractA double haploid population, which consists of 127 lines derived from anther culture of a typical indica and japonica hybrid ‘ZYQ8’/‘JX17’, was used in this study. Seed storability was investigated by using the storage property measured by the difference of seed germination rates before and after treatment of the rice seeds under 40°C and 95% relative humidity for 10 days in a phytotron. Three QTLs related to rice seed storability were detected on chromosomes 9, 11 and 12, with the LOD scores 2.76, 4.83 and 2.54, respectively, together explaining 35.4% of the genetic variation. The ‘JX17’ allele at qLS‐9 and the ‘ZYQ8’ alleles at qLS‐11 and qLS‐12 could enhance the rice seed storability. The effects of the ‘ZYQ8’ alleles of qLS‐11 and qLS‐12 were also verified using chromosome segment substitution lines.
Comparison of a modified assay method for the endopeptidase marker Ep‐D1b with the Sequence Tag Site marker XustSSR2001–7DL for strawbreaker foot rot resistance in wheat
Authors: Santra D. K. , Watt C. , Little L. , Kidwell K. K. , Campbell K. G. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe endopeptidase marker Ep‐D1b and Sequence Tag Site (STS) marker XustSSR2001–7DL were reported to be closely associated with the most effective resistance gene (Pch1) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for strawbreaker foot rot [Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides (Fron) Deighton]. Our objectives were to: (i) develop an efficient assay method for Ep‐D1b in wheat; (ii) correlate endopeptidase zymograms to strawbreaker foot rot reactions of various wheat genotypes; and (iii) compare the utility of Ep‐D1b and XustSSR2001–7DL for predicting disease response. An improved method of assaying for the Ep‐D1b marker using roots from a single seedling was developed, which is a 2.5‐fold improvement over the previous method. Thirty‐eight wheat genotypes with known reactions to strawbreaker foot rot were analysed for Ep‐D1b and the STS marker. Six distinct endopeptidase zymograms were identified among these 38 genotypes tested, and three of these patterns were novel. The endopeptidase marker was 100% accurate for predicting strawbreaker foot rot disease response, whereas the STS marker predicted the correct phenotype with approximately 90% accuracy. The endopeptidase marker Ep‐D1b was more effective and was more economical for use in marker‐assisted selection strategies for Pch1 in our laboratory compared with the STS marker.
Cytological analyses of hybrids and derivatives of hybrids between durum wheat and Thinopyrum bessarabicum, using multicolour fluorescent GISH*
Authors: Jauhar P. P. , Peterson T. S. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe wheat progenitors and other wild relatives continue to be important sources of genes for agronomically desirable traits, which can be transferred into durum wheat (Triticum turgidum; 2n = 4x = 28; AABB genomes) cultivars via hybridization. Chromosome pairing in durum × alien species hybrids provides an understanding of genomic relationships, which is useful in planning alien gene introgression strategies. Two durum cultivars, ‘Lloyd’ and ‘Langdon’, were crossed with diploid wheatgrass, Thinopyrum bessarabicum (2n = 2x = 14; JJ), to synthesize F1 hybrids (2n = 3x = 21; ABJ) with Ph1. ‘Langdon’ disomic substitution 5D(5B) was used as a female parent to produce F1 hybrids without Ph1, which resulted in elevation of pairing between durum and grass chromosomes – an important feature from the breeding standpoint. The F1 hybrids were backcrossed to respective parental cultivars and BC1 progenies were raised. ‘Langdon’ 5D(5B) substitution × Th. bessarabicum F1 hybrids were crossed with normal ‘Langdon’ to obtain BC1 progeny. Chromosome pairing relationships were studied in F1 hybrids and BC1 progenies using both conventional staining and fluorescent genomic in situ hybridization (fl‐GISH) techniques. Multicolour fl‐GISH was standardized for characterizing the nature and specificity of chromosome pairing: A–B, A–J and B–J pairing. The A–J and B–J pairing will facilitate gene introgression in durum wheat. Multicolour fl‐GISH will help in characterizing alien chromosome segments captured in the durum complement and in their location in the A and/or B genome, thereby accelerating chromosome engineering research.
Real‐time 3‐D echocardiographic evaluation of the fetal heart using instantaneous volume‐rendered display
Authors: Hata Toshiyuki , Kanenishi Kenji , Tanaka Hirokazu , Kimura Kuniko 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  Using new real‐time 3‐D fetal echocardiography with instantaneous volume‐rendered display, we evaluated the heart anatomy of a number of normal fetuses during pregnancy.Methods:  Eighteen normal fetuses in 17 pregnancies (16 singletons and one twin) at 18–38 weeks’ gestation were studied using a transabdominal real‐time 3‐D ultrasound machine. This machine proved capable of providing continuous 3‐D sonographic images every 0.05 and 0.035 s without the need for an external workstation or other additional, costly equipment. For each patient, the fetal heart was first monitored using conventional 2‐D echocardiography and was monitored again within 10 min using real‐time 3‐D echocardiography.Results:  Consecutive real‐time 3‐D images showing a four‐chamber view, long‐axis view, short‐axis view, and right ventricular outflow tract view were obtained in 100%, 66.6%, 38.8%, and 22.2% of fetuses in the study, respectively. Morphological changes to each atrium or ventricle could be observed clearly and in detail throughout the cardiac cycle. The opening and closing of each valve were clearly visible. Moreover, these observations could be made from any direction.Conclusions:  Real‐time 3‐D echocardiography provides a novel means for evaluation of the fetal heart in 3‐D in real time in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Real‐time 3‐D echocardiography may be an important modality in future fetal cardiac research and in evaluation of congenital heart disease in the fetus.
Accurate preoperative diagnosis and laparoscopic removal of the cavitated non‐communicated uterine horn for obstructive Mullerian anomalies
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroyuki , Sato Yuichi , Shimanuki Hiroto , Kikuchi Iwaho , Kumakiri Jun , Kitade Mari , Kinoshita Katsuyuki 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObstructive Mullerian anomalies cause severe dysmenorrhea following menarche as a result of disturbed menstrual outflow. Therefore, surgical management such as extirpation of the obstructive uterine horn is required for treatment of these patients. It is necessary to have a detailed understanding of the pathological conditions of the pelvic organs and urinary system prior to surgery. We report three cases of reproductive, nulligravid patients diagnosed as having obstructive Mullerian anomalies. Preoperative accurate diagnosis was obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3‐D computed tomography (CT) angiography. Laparoscopic resection of the rudimentary uterine horn was performed safely and completely, and resolved all problems. MRI and 3‐D CT angiography are useful tools for diagnosing complex Mullerian anomalies, and operative laparoscopy may be an alternative treatment for these cases.
Preliminary results of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer who are inadequate for optimum primary surgery
Authors: Lee Sun‐Joo , Kim Byoung‐Gie , Lee Jeong‐Won , Park Chang‐Soo , Lee Je‐Ho , Bae Duk‐Soo 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with paclitaxel and cisplatin in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer who were inadequate for primary optimal surgery.Methods:  Patients with histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer at International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages IIIc/IV that was unresectable according to computed tomography findings were eligible for this study. Three cycles of paclitaxel plus cisplatin NAC were administered and the response was evaluated. Patients were then selected for interval debulking surgery or three cycles of additional chemotherapy with the same regimen according to the resectability and response. Interval debulking surgery followed by second‐line chemotherapy was applied to patients with no response to NAC. During the same period, patients who did not agree to the protocol were treated by the conventional method of tumor debulking surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, and served as the control group. A comparison of both groups of patients was carried out.Results:  A total of 40 patients were involved in the study. All patients were evaluable. Eighteen patients underwent NAC and 22 patients were treated by conventional therapy. Optimal debulking was possible in 14 patients (77.8%) in the NAC group and in 10 patients (45.5%) in the conventional therapy group (P = 0.04). The mean estimated blood loss was 620 cc (range: 300–1500 cc) in the NAC group and 1061 cc (range: 300–3500 cc) in the conventional therapy group (P = 0.04). However, no significant differences were found in the disease‐free and overall survival rates between the two groups (P = 0.48 and P = 0.61, respectively).Conclusion:  NAC provided a higher rate of optimum cytoreduction and equivalent survival with less invasive surgery and reduced morbidity compared with conventional therapy in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer inadequate for primary optimum surgery. Therefore, NAC may be a valuable alternative treatment for these patients.
Comparison of maternal–fetal outcomes in gestational diabetes and lesser degrees of glucose intolerance†
Authors: Nordin Noraihan Mohd , Wei Justen Wong Han , Naing Nyi Nyi , Symonds Edwin Malcolm 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  To determine the relationships between maternal and fetal outcomes and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), respectively.Methods:  A retrospective cohort study design was used with 149 patients with abnormal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and 149 normal patients. Statistical analysis used was the chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test or the Student's t‐test, as appropriate. P < 0.05 was considered significant.Results:  The level of hyperglycemia according to the OGTT (World Health Organization criteria) was associated with pre‐eclampsia, polyhydramnios and macrosomia in GDM patients. There was no increase in the complications of preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes, despite the increased risk of polyhydramnios. Although treated with insulin, macrosomia still occurred in patients with GDM, but there was no shoulder dystocia as there was an increase in the incidence of cesarean section (CS). The IGT group was not associated with adverse fetal or maternal outcomes, but there was an increase in intervention and the incidence of CS. The IFG group was associated with a significantly increased risk of pre‐eclampsia and macrosomia. These findings challenge the concept of IFG being a lesser pathology than GDM. Further prospective studies with a larger number of patients are needed to ascertain the significance of these findings.Conclusion:  There was an increased risk of pre‐eclampsia and macrosomia in both the GDM and IFG patients, but IGT was not associated with adverse fetal or maternal outcomes.
Development of a Novel Oxidative Hair Color Based on a System with an Optimized Ratio of Higher Alcohol to Cationic Surfactant
Authors: Yamashita T. , Ochiai M. , Shibata K. , Yasuda M. , Noda A. 
Published: January 2006

Oxidative hair color, the most commonly used for coloring hair, is characterized by its bleaching effect. This effect enables dark hair to be dyed in various bright colors. In order to enhance this bleaching effect, the concentration of either the alkalizing or oxidizing agent in the hair color base is generally increased. However, this method causes chemical damage to the hair. With the aim of finding methods to obtain an improved bleaching effect without increasing the amount of bleaching ingredients, the authors investigated the permeation mechanism. Cationic bases showed the highest bleaching effect and allowed greater penetration, permitting bleaching ingredients to enter the cortex of the hair more easily and diffuse more quickly. In addition, the molar ratios of higher alcohol (A) to cationic surfactant (C) as a function of the bleaching effect were also evaluated. The results showed an optimum range for this A/C ratio. The smoothness of the hair was also evaluated, revealing an optimum range for the A/C ratio. Based on these findings, a product with an A/C ratio that maximizes the bleaching effect and the smoothness of the hair was successfully developed. Comparison of this newly developed product with a conventional product verified that the new product has a greater bleaching effect and gives a beautiful depth of color while maintaining the silky smoothness of the texture of the hair.Part of this study was presented at the 23rd IFSCC Congress 2004, Orlando, Florida USA.
N‐Palmitoyl‐4‐Hydroxy‐L‐Proline Palmityl Ester: A Pseudoceramide that Provides Efficient Skin Barrier Repair and Protection
Authors: Vielhaber G. , Lange S. , Ley J. , Koch O. 
Published: January 2006

Ceramides are the main constituents of the epidermal permeability barrier, and it has been demonstrated that the application of ceramide enriched creams promotes epidermal barrier repair. However, nature‐identical ceramides are extremely expensive and difficult to formulate. We therefore developed a new pseudoceramide, N‐palmitoyl‐4‐hydroxy‐l‐proline palmityl ester (BIO391). Due to its low melting point of £60°C the pseudoceramide BIO391 can easily be incorporated into cosmetic formulations. In addition, it is very safe for use in cosmetics.The efficacy of the pseudoceramide BIO391 was investigated in vivo in a model for detergent‐induced barrier disruption. Trans‐epidermal water loss, redness, and skin hydration were recorded before and after barrier disruption as well as during the subsequent 9‐day treatment with the test products.Barrier repair of skin treated with the pseudoceramide BIO391 was accomplished earlier than that of untreated and vehicle treated skin. Optimum barrier repair was achieved with 1.0% pseudoceramide BIO391 and optimum erythema reduction with 0.5% pseudoceramide BIO391. The optimum dosage could be reduced to 0.1% pseudo‐ceramide by synergistic combination with 0.1% (‐)‐a‐bisabolol. In addition, the pseudoceramide BIO391 proved to be as effective as nature‐identical ceramides 2 and 3. In summary, N‐palmitoyl‐4‐hydroxy‐l‐proline palmityl ester is a highly efficient barrier repair agent with efficacy equivalent to that of nature‐identical ceramides, and it has excellent formulation properties.
The dynamic adjustment towards target capital structures of firms in transition economies*
Authors: de Haas Ralph , Peeters Marga 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe examine the capital structure dynamics of Central and Eastern European firms to get a better understanding of the quantitative and qualitative development of the financial systems in this region. The dynamic model used endogenizes the target leverage as well as the adjustment speed. It is applied to microeconomic data for ten countries. We find that during the transition process, firms generally increased their leverage, lowering the gap between the actual and the target leverage. Profitability and age are the most robust determinants of capital structure targets. Although banking system development has in general enabled firms to get closer to their leverage targets, information asymmetries between firms and banks are still relatively large. As a result, firms prefer internal finance above bank debt and adjust leverage only slowly.
Frequency and distribution pattern of melanocytic naevi in Estonian children and the influence of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kallas M , Rosdahl I , Fredriksson M , Synnerstad I 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  There is a strong correlation between naevus number and prospective melanoma risk. Melanoma is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in Estonia and primary prevention programmes for melanoma that target risk behaviour in the sun have so far not been launched.Methods  The naevus profile was examined in 549/700 9‐year‐old Estonian children (282 boys and 267 girls) and the presence of active atopic dermatitis (AD) was registered.Results  There was a wide range of naevi (4–121) and a median total body count of 26. There was no difference in naevus count between boys and girls. No dysplastic naevi were found. Thirty‐nine of 549 children (7%) had at least one lesion clinically diagnosed as a congenital naevus. Boys had more naevi on the face (median 4) and trunk (median 12) than girls (median 3 and 9, respectively, P < 0.001). Girls had more naevi on the legs compared with boys (median 4 and 3, respectively, P < 0.01). Fifty‐four out of 549 (9.8%) had naevi on the palms and 18/549 (3.3%) on the soles. Children with fair skin, freckles and light hair and eye colours had significantly more naevi than those with darker colours. Thirty‐one of 549 (6%) children had AD diagnosed on the examination day and they had a lower total naevus count (median 20) compared with children with no AD (median 27, n = 518, P < 0.05).Conclusions  The naevus situation in Estonian children today might constitute a starting point for evaluating the efficiency of coming preventive measures as a change of naevus number in children might serve as an early marker for a change in melanoma incidence.
Psoralen cream plus ultraviolet A photochemotherapy (PUVA cream): our experience
Authors: Pozo‐Román T , González‐López A , Velasco‐Vaquero ME , Núñez‐Cabezón M 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  Psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) bath photochemotherapy has been proved highly effective in the treatment of various dermatoses without potential side‐effects of systemic therapy. Another form of topical PUVA therapy (PUVA cream) without the logistical requirements for bath tubs has recently been developed.Objective  We sought to develop preparation and treatment standards to PUVA cream and to confirm its clinical efficacy in the treatment of various dermatoses.Methods  In the first phase, the safety of a novel cream containing 0.002% 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) was determined in six healthy volunteers. In a second phase, 40 patients with different dermatoses were treated with a minor concentration (0.001% 8‐MOP), following the guidelines for topical PUVA of the British Photodermatology Group.Results  Plasma levels of psoralen after the application of the novel cream containing 0.002% 8‐MOP, were less than 34 ng/mL, the maximum 8‐MOP concentration reported for topical PUVA. With a minor concentration (0.001% 8‐MOP), important improvement or healing was found in 53.3% of the cycles, generally with a good response since the first month of treatment. Only mild side‐effects were detected in 14 patients.Conclusions  Based on our data, PUVA cream photochemotherapy is well accepted by patients and may be a highly effective treatment even if previous therapy was unsuccessful. In addition, PUVA cream is easier to use than PUVA bath.