bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple gene genealogies and AFLPs suggest cryptic speciation and long‐distance dispersal in the basidiomycete Serpula himantioides (Boletales)
Authors: KAUSERUD HÅVARD , STENSRUD ØYVIND , DECOCK CONY , SHALCHIAN‐TABRIZI KAMRAN , SCHUMACHER TROND 
Published: December 2005

Abstract Serpula himantioides (Boletales, Basidiomycota) produces thin resupinate basidiocarps on dead coniferous wood worldwide and causes damage in buildings as well. In this study, we present evidence for the existence of at least three phylogenetically defined cryptic species (referred to as Sib I–III) within the morphospecies S. himantioides, a conclusion based on analyses of sequence data from four DNA regions and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPS). A low degree of shared sequence polymorphisms was observed among the three lineages indicating a long‐lasting separation. The AFLPs revealed two additional subgroups within Sib III. Results from mating studies were consistent with the molecular data. In Sib III, no correspondence between genetic and geographical distance was observed among isolates worldwide, presumably reflecting recent dispersal events. Our results indicate that at least two of the lineages (Sib II and Sib III) have wide sympatric distributions. A population genetic analysis of Sib III isolates, scoring sequence polymorphisms as codominant SNP markers, indicates that panmictic conditions exist in the Sib III group. This study supports the view that cryptic speciation is a common phenomenon in basidiomycete fungi and that phylogenetic species recognition can be a powerful inference to detect cryptic species. Furthermore, this study shows that AFLP data are a valuable supplement to DNA sequence data in that they may detect a finer level of genetic variation.
Inefficient photosynthesis in the Mediterranean orchid Limodorum abortivum is mirrored by specific association to ectomycorrhizal Russulaceae
Authors: GIRLANDA M. , SELOSSE M. A. , CAFASSO D. , BRILLI F. , DELFINE S. , FABBIAN R. , GHIGNONE S. , PINELLI P. , SEGRETO R. , LORETO F. , COZZOLINO S. , PEROTTO S. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractAmong European Neottieae, Limodorum abortivum is a common Mediterranean orchid. It forms small populations with a patchy distribution in woodlands, and is characterized by much reduced leaves, suggesting a partial mycoheterotrophy. We have investigated both the photosynthetic abilities of L. abortivum adult plants and the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi in Limodorum plants growing in different environments and plant communities (coniferous and broadleaf forests) over a wide geographical and altitudinal range. Despite the presence of photosynthetic pigments, CO2 fixation was found to be insufficient to compensate for respiration in adult plants. Fungal diversity was assessed by morphological and molecular methods in L. abortivum as well as in the related rare species Limodorum trabutianum and Limodorum brulloi. Phylogenetic analyses of the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, obtained from root samples of about 80 plants, revealed a tendency to associate predominantly with fungal symbionts of the genus Russula. Based on sequence similarities with known species, most root endophytes could be ascribed to the species complex encompassing Russula delica, Russula chloroides, and Russula brevipes. Few sequences clustered in separate groups nested within Russula, a genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi. The morphotypes of ectomycorrhizal root tips of surrounding trees yielded sequences similar or identical to those obtained from L. abortivum. These results demonstrate that Limodorum species with inefficient photosynthesis specifically associate with ectomycorrhizal fungi, and appear to have adopted a nutrition strategy similar to that known from achlorophyllous orchids.
Antigenic variation in Babesia bovis occurs through segmental gene conversion of the ves multigene family, within a bidirectional locus of active transcription
Authors: Al‐Khedery Basima , Allred David R. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryAntigenic variation in Babesia bovis is one aspect of a multifunctional virulence/survival mechanism mediated by the heterodimeric variant erythrocyte surface antigen 1 (VESA1) protein that also involves endothelial cytoadhesion with sequestration of mature parasitized erythrocytes. The ves1α gene encoding the VESA1a subunit was previously identified. In this study, we present the unique organization of the genomic locus from which ves1α is transcribed, and identify a novel branch of the ves multigene family, ves1β. These genes are found together, closely juxtaposed and divergently oriented, at the locus of active transcription. We provide compelling evidence that variation of both transcriptionally active genes occurs through a mechanism of segmental gene conversion involving sequence donor genes of similar organization. These results also suggest the possibility of epigenetic regulation through in situ switching among gene loci, further expanding the potential repertoire of variant proteins.
Growth inhibition mediated by excess negative supercoiling: the interplay between transcription elongation, R‐loop formation and DNA topology
Authors: Drolet Marc 
Published: December 2005

SummaryIt has been known for a long time that supercoiling can affect gene expression at the level of promoter activity. Moreover, the results of a genome‐wide analysis have recently led to the proposal that supercoiling could play a role in the regulation of gene expression at this level by acting as a second messenger, relaying environmental signals to regulatory networks. Although evidence is lacking for a regulatory role of supercoiling following transcription initiation, recent results from both yeast and bacteria suggest that the effect of supercoiling on gene expression can be considerably more dramatic after this initiation step. Transcription‐induced supercoiling and its associated R‐loops seem to be involved in this effect. In this context, one major function of topoisomerases would be to prevent the generation of excess negative supercoiling by transcription elongation, to inhibit R‐loop formation and allow gene expression. This function would be especially evident when substantial and rapid gene expression is required for stress resistance, and it may explain, at least in part, why topoisomerase I synthesis is directed from stress‐induced promoters in Escherichia coli. Growth inhibition mediated by excess negative supercoiling might be related to this interplay between transcription elongation and supercoiling.
Antigenic variation by protozoan parasites: insights from Babesia bovis
Authors: Dzikowski Ron , Deitsch Kirk 
Published: December 2005

SummaryAntigenic variation of surface membrane proteins by protozoan parasites enables these pathogenic organisms to avoid host immune responses and thus perpetuate long‐term infections. Babesia bovis, the causative agent of severe babesiosis in cattle, was previously shown to undergo antigenic variation through modifications to its primary surface antigen, a protein called VESA1. In this issue, Al‐Khedery and Allred provide a detailed description of the genes that encode VESA1 and present convincing evidence for progressive, segmental gene conversion in the generation of variant forms of this surface antigen.
HvMCB1, a R1MYB transcription factor from barley with antagonistic regulatory functions during seed development and germination
Authors: Rubio‐Somoza Ignacio , Martinez Manuel , Diaz Isabel , Carbonero Pilar 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe functional analysis of hydrolase gene promoters induced by gibberellin (GA) in barley aleurone cells upon germination has identified a tripartite GA‐response complex (GARC) containing a 5′‐TATCCAC‐3′ box as well as the GA‐responsive element (GARE) recognized by GAMYB and the pyrimidine box interacting with the DOF transcription factors BPBF and SAD. We show here that the MCB1 gene encoding a R1MYB protein binds to the 5′‐TATCCAC‐3′ (GATA core) box in vitro and is a transcriptional repressor of a GA‐induced amylase (Amy6.4) promoter in bombarded aleurone layers. Northern blot and mRNA in situ hybridization analyses showed that the MCB1 transcripts accumulate in the aleurone cells upon germination, as well as in endosperm tissues during seed development. The HvMCB1 protein expressed in bacteria binds in a specific manner to a 27‐mer oligonucleotide containing the 5′‐TATCCAC‐3′ sequence, derived from the promoter region of the Amy6.4 gene. Accumulation of the MCB1 transcript diminished in response to external GA incubation in aleurone cells, and in transient expression experiments HvMCB1 repressed transcription of the Amy6.4 promoter in GA‐treated aleurone layers and reversed the GAMYB‐mediated activation of this amylase promoter. In contrast, during endosperm maturation HvMCB1 acted as a transcription activator of the seed‐specific Itr1 gene promoter through binding to a 5′‐GATAAGATA‐3′ box.
An active DNA transposon nDart causing leaf variegation and mutable dwarfism and its related elements in rice
Authors: Tsugane Kazuo , Maekawa Masahiko , Takagi Kyoko , Takahara Hiroyuki , Qian Qian , Eun Chang‐Ho , Iida Shigeru 
Published: December 2005

SummaryWhile characterized mutable alleles caused by DNA transposons have been abundant in maize since the discovery of Dissociation conferring variegation by Barbara McClintock, only a few mutable alleles have been described in rice even though the rice genome contains various transposons. Here, we show that a spontaneous mutable virescent allele, pyl‐v, is caused by the disruption of the nuclear‐coded essential chloroplast protease gene, OsClpP5, due to insertion of a 607‐bp non‐autonomous DNA transposon, non‐autonomous DNA‐based active rice transposon one (nDart1), belonging to the hAT superfamily. The transposition of nDart1 can be induced by crossing with a line containing an autonomous element, aDart, and stabilized by segregating out of aDart. We also identified a novel mutable dwarf allele thl‐m caused by an insertion of nDart1. The japonica cultivar Nipponbare carries no aDart, although it contains epigenetically silenced Dart element(s), which can be activated by 5‐azacytidine. Nipponbare bears four subgroups of about 3.6‐kb Dart‐like sequences, three of which contain potential transposase genes, and around 3.6‐kb elements without an apparent transposase gene, as well as three subgroups of about 0.6‐kb nDart1‐related elements that are all internal deletions of the Dart‐like sequences. Both nDart1 and 3.6‐kb Dart‐like elements were also present in indica varieties 93‐11 and Kasalath. nDart1 appears to be the most active mutagen among nDart1‐related elements contributing to generating natural variations. A candidate for an autonomous element, aDart, and a possible application of nDart1 for transposon tagging are discussed.
The Gross Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System of a Neotropical Rodent: the Agouti (Dasyprota leporina)
Authors: Mollineau W. , Adogwa A. , Jasper N. , Young K. , Garcia G. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe literature available on the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is very limited. The agouti is a Neotropical rodent found in Trinidad and Tobago, Central and South America. This study focuses on one of the many unexplored areas relating to the species, the male reproductive system. The results showed that the mean testicular length, diameter and weight was 3.67 ± 0.12 cm, 1.67 ± 0.04 cm and 5.03 ± 0.52 g respectively. The paired testes and epididymis were found in contact with the abdominal muscles within scrotal pouches, which are evaginations of the caudoventral abdominal wall. The caput epididymis is enclosed by a fat body. The ductus deferens has a mean length and diameter of 10.98 ± 0.40 cm and 0.14 ± 0.01 cm respectively. At the urethral end of the ductus deferens the diameter of each duct expends to form the ampulla. The mean diameter of each of the ampulla was 0.25 cm. The accessory sex organs of the male agouti (D. leporina) include the vesicular glands, the coagulating glands, the prostate glands and the bulbourethral glands. The penis of the agouti is U‐shaped with a mean length of 9.90 ± 0.43 cm. The glans penis contains an os penis, a pair of lateral penile cartilages and paired ventral keratinaceous styles.
Visual experience during phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia: a nationwide survey of Singapore ophthalmologists
Authors: Leo Seo‐Wei , Lee Llewellyn Kuan‐Ming , Au Eong Kah‐Guan 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground:  All patients undergoing phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia experience a variety of visual sensations that may be frightening in a small proportion of patients. This study evaluates Singapore ophthalmologists’ knowledge and practices regarding patients’ visual experience during phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia.Methods:  A nationwide survey of all ophthalmologists in Singapore who had performed at least one cataract surgery within the last year was carried out. Questions regarding patients’ experience were asked. Surgeons were also asked about patients’ fear during surgery, usefulness of preoperative counselling and feedback from patients postoperatively.Results:  Of 105 ophthalmologists 89 responded, of which 44 performed phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia. The percentage of respondents who thought that the patients experienced the various visual sensations were: no light perception (4.6%), light perception (97.7%), one or more colours (95.5%), flashes of light (77.3%), movements (90.9%), instruments (61.4%), surgeon's hands/fingers (56.8%), surgeon (47.7%) and change in brightness of light (90.9%). Although 52.3% of surgeons believed that patients may be frightened by their visual experience and 50.0% felt that preoperative counselling would be useful in reducing such fear, only 11.4% routinely offered preoperative counselling and 18.2% counselled their patients occasionally. In total, 50.0% ophthalmologists had patients who reported to them that they could see during surgery, whereas 20.5% had been told by patients that they were frightened by the visual experience.Conclusion:  Despite the awareness of patients’ visual experience and the belief that preoperative counselling may be useful, most ophthalmologists do not counsel their patients preoperatively.
Cicatricial entropion and trichiasis in an urban Australian population
Authors: Shiu Michael , McNab Alan A 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground:  Cicatricial entropion and trichiasis may be caused by a variety of diseases, of which trachomatous entropion is the commonest worldwide. The spectrum of disease in the authors’ community is quite different. The purpose of this study was to establish the aetiology of entropion and trichiasis in patients referred to a Melbourne‐based subspecialty oculoplastics practice, excluding epiblepharon, congenital entropion and involutional entropion, and to compare the final diagnosis with the referring diagnosis.Methods:  All records of patients with cicatricial entropion and trichiasis presenting to the practice of one of the authors over the period 1990–2000 were analysed. Demographic data, referring diagnosis and final diagnosis were tabulated.Results:  The commonest final diagnosis was ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. In only a small proportion of cases was this diagnosis considered by the referring practitioners. In addition, two cases of undiagnosed conjunctival neoplasia presented with entropion and trichiasis.Conclusion:  In all patients with entropion and trichiasis, a careful history and examination should be obtained and appropriate investigations performed to try and establish a firm diagnosis.
Extensive submacular haemorrhage in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy managed by sequential gas displacement and photodynamic therapy: a pilot study of one‐year follow up
Authors: Chan Wai‐Man , Liu David TL , Lai Timothy YY , Li Haitao , Tong Jian‐Ping , Lam Dennis SC 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground:  Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with peculiar vascular lesions presents frequently as recurrent submacular haemorrhage. The best treatment is still not certain. It is the authors’ objective to evaluate the 1‐year safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin for persistent macular PCV after pneumatic displacement of the massive submacular haemorrhage with intravitreal perfluoropropane (C3F8).Methods:  A prospective, non‐comparative, interventional case series on patients with extensive and thick submacular haemorrhage secondary to PCV, which was displaced pneumatically with intravitreal pure 0.4 ml C3F8. Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography were repeated 1–2 weeks later to delineate any persistent active leaking polypoidal lesions, which were then treated with PDT. Retreatment might be considered in each follow up at every 3 months.Results:  Six eyes of six patients with the mean age of 53.6 years had been recruited and completed 1‐year follow up. The mean baseline Snellen equivalent best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/92 and the mean final BCVA at 1 year was 6/17. The mean improvement in logMAR BCVA after the sequential treatments was seven lines (range +3 to +19 lines) (Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test, P = 0.03). All patients had at least moderate visual gains. No patient suffered serious complications from PDT.Conclusions:  This first report on combined treatment with intravitreal gas injection and sequential PDT on PCV seems to be a well‐tolerated option. Further comparative studies with larger sample size and longer follow up are warranted.
D‐TAT transporter as an ocular peptide delivery system
Authors: Schorderet Daniel F , Manzi Violaine d’Allèves , Canola Kriss , Bonny Christophe , Arsenijevic Yvan , Munier Francis L , Maurer Fabienne 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground:  Future treatment for genetic diseases may involve the replacement of malfunctioning genes through virus‐mediated gene therapy. However, this approach is plagued with many problems, both ethical and scientific. Therefore, alternative treatments based on new molecules may represent a safer option. Molecular treatment of many eye diseases will need to bring active molecules into the photoreceptors. Recently, the trans‐activator protein (TAT) human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) transcriptional factor has proven to be effective in transporting molecules across cellular membranes. The half‐life of these molecules does not exceed 48 hours. The potential use of the retro‐inverso form of the TAT (D‐TAT) peptide, the protein transducing domain of the HIV‐1 transcriptional factor, as a molecular transporter was investigated.Methods:  FITC‐labelled D‐TAT (D‐TAT FITC) was applied to the 661W murine photoreceptor cell line in culture. The labelled peptide was also injected into the vitreous body or the subretinal space of adult mice. Cells and cryosections of eyes were analysed under fluorescence microscopy at various time points after peptide treatment. Coimmunostaining with various antibodies was performed in order to characterize the transduces cells.Results:  D‐TAT was effective in transducing photoreceptor cells in culture. Transduction of D‐TAT FITC was also effective when injected into the vitreous or subretinal space and was observed for a longer period of time than L‐TAT FITC.Conclusions:  The retro‐inverso form of the TAT sequence is effective in transducing cells from various compartments of the eye. After 14 days, the D‐TAT FITC was clearly visible in the retina whereas L‐TAT FITC had almost disappeared. The D‐TAT peptide represents an interesting molecular transporter that, when coupled to a specific effector, may have potential therapeutic future, especially when a long‐lasting action is needed.
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus: presenting as giant‐cell arteritis
Authors: De Castro Luis E Fernández , Petersen Aaron M , Givre Syndee J , Solomon Kerry D , Vroman David T 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA 74‐year‐old woman was referred to the authors’ clinic with a 1‐week suspicion of giant‐cell arteritis. Uncomplicated, bilateral temporal artery biopsies were performed 3 days after admission for therapy. Four hours after the procedure she developed vesicular lesions of the face compatible with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. The temporal artery biopsy revealed perineural lymphocytic aggregation. Both giant‐cell arteritis and herpes zoster ophthalmicus form part of the differential diagnosis in elderly patients with headache. In such cases, clues from a temporal artery biopsy may aid in diagnosis of herpes zoster. In addition, the patient in this case developed the rash 10 days after onset of symptoms, which is rare as the average time from onset of symptoms to rash in zoster is 3–5 days.
Pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland in a nine‐year‐old child
Authors: Chen Ching‐Long , Chen Chiao‐Hong , Tai Ming‐Cheng , Lu Da‐Wen , Cheng Mieng‐Fang , Li Wei‐Hua 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA case of a 9‐year‐old child with pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland is described. This tumour is usually found in adults; cases younger than 10 years of age have proved to be extremely rare. Because of its age distribution, pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland is usually overlooked as a possible cause of unilateral proptosis in children. Also, the history of disease provided by the family may be incorrect, possibly leading to misdiagnosis by the ophthalmologist.
Traumatic cataract and intralenticular foreign body
Authors: Kumar Anupma , Kumar Vinod , Dapling Robert B 
Published: December 2005

AbstractTraumatic cataracts resulting from penetrating injuries occur most frequently from projectile metallic foreign bodies. The majority of intraocular foreign bodies cause sight‐threatening damage including traumatic cataract in up to 25% of the cases. A case of traumatic cataract and retained intralenticular foreign body that was removed successfully with phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens implantation in the capsular bag is described. This case report highlights the benefit in planning surgical management as a two‐staged procedure after appropriate investigations.
Orbital foreign body masquerading as conjunctival melanoma 60 years after injury
Authors: Gelston Christopher D , Mandava Naresh , Durairaj Vikram D 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA 74‐year‐old man presented with a 6‐month history of a pigmented conjunctival lesion on his left eye. The lesion was initially suspicious for conjunctival melanoma. The patient admitted to a remote history of trauma from a airgun pellet over 60 years ago. Anterior examination revealed a 6 × 6 mm pigmented left conjunctival lesion and B‐scan of the lesion was suggestive of a retained orbital foreign body. The lesion was removed through a transcaruncular medial orbitomy and pathology showed a retained orbital foreign body. A newly pigmented conjunctival lesion although initially concerning for melanoma represented a retained orbital body that surfaced many years after the initial orbital trauma.
Asymptomatic choroidal granulomas in common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Kashani Shaharm , Gazzard Gus , Jolles Stephen , Larkin Genevieve 
Published: December 2005

AbstractCommon variable immunodeficiency disease represents the most common cause of significant antibody deficiency in adults. It is a heterogeneous group of disorders that can be sporadic or familial with various modes of inheritance with defects in B‐cell function, regulatory T‐cells and macrophage function all being reported. Herein a case of asymptomatic bilateral choroidal granulomatous disease in a 27‐year‐old man with common variable immunodeficiency disease is described.