bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyramiding of genes conferring resistance to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus from different wild tomato species
Authors: Vidavski F. , Czosnek H. , Gazit S. , Levy D. , Lapidot M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production in tropical and subtropical regions of the world is limited by the endemic presence of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Breeding programmes aimed at producing TYLCV‐resistant tomato cultivars have utilized resistance sources derived from wild tomato species. So far, all reported breeding programmes have introgressed TYLCV resistance from a single wild tomato source. Here, we tested the hypothesis that pyramiding resistances from different wild tomato species might improve the degree of resistance of the domesticated tomato to TYLCV. We have crossed TYLCV‐resistant lines that originated from different wild tomato progenitors, Solanum chilense, Solanum peruvianum, Solanum pimpinellifolium, and Solanum habrochaites. The various parental resistant lines and the F1 hybrids were inoculated in the greenhouse using viruliferous whiteflies. Control, non‐inoculated plants of the same lines and hybrids were exposed to non‐viruliferous whiteflies. Following inoculation, the plants were scored for disease symptom severity, and transplanted to the field. Resistance was assayed by comparing yield of inoculated plants to those of the control non‐inoculated plants of the same variety. Results showed that the F1 hybrids between the resistant lines and the susceptible line suffered major yield reduction because of infection, but all hybrids were more resistant than the susceptible parent. All F1 hybrids resulting from a cross between two resistant parents, showed a relatively high level of resistance, which in most cases was similar to that displayed by the more resistant parent. In some cases, the hybrids displayed better levels of resistance than both parents, but the differences were not statistically significant. The F1 hybrid between a line with resistance from S. habrochaites and a line with resistance from S. peruvianum (HAB and 72‐PER), exhibited the lowest yield loss and the mildest level of symptoms. Although the resistance level of this F1 hybrid was not statistically different from the level of resistance displayed by the 72‐PER parent itself, it was statistically better than the level of resistance displayed by the F1 hybrids between 72‐PER and any other resistant or susceptible line.
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines devoid of major lectin proteins
Authors: Campion B. , Perrone D. , Galasso I. , Bollini R. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn common bean, the most abundant proteins of the lectin family (arcelin, phytohaemagglutinin and α‐amylase inhibitor –APA proteins) are major antinutritional factors of the seeds. Reduced protein digestibility and high toxicity at the intestinal level are the causes of their antinutritional effect. Bean lines producing seeds without the lectins mentioned above were developed to improve nutritional characteristics of bean seeds used for human consumption and, potentially, for animal feeding. The genetic trait was transferred from a wild bean accession into a number of bean cultivars. The 1 : 3 ‘lectin‐free/lectin‐containing seeds’ segregation ratio hypothesis was confirmed by chi‐square analysis in the F2 progenies. Four lectin‐free stable lines, P500, P501, 938 and 586/8 (white seeded), and 44 climbing breeding lines, have been developed. The ‘white seed coat’ trait, correlated with a reduced amount of tannins and polyphenols in bean seeds, has been introduced in our lectin‐free materials to further improve their nutritional characteristics. The field performance of P501, 938 and 586/8 and that of their lectin‐containing parents, was evaluated on 2007 in two locations. Dry seed yield, seed emergence, plant height, plant growth duration, average weight and germination capacity of the produced seeds were surveyed and statistically analysed. At the location of Battipaglia (Salerno), the dry seed yield value of the lectin‐free line 938 (3.74 t/ha) and that of one of its parent, the CIAT line BAT 881 (3.65 t/ha), were significantly higher than those of all other lines tested. Germination percentage of lectin‐free lines, recorded 3 days after sowing, was significantly higher than that of controls.
Seroprevalence of Canine Herpesvirus‐1 andBrucella canisin Finnish Breeding Kennels with and without Reproductive Problems
Authors: Dahlbom M , Johnsson M , Myllys V , Taponen J , Andersson M 
Published: October 2008

ContentsWe compared the serological status ofBrucella canisand canine herpesvirus‐1 (CHV‐1) in Finnish breeding kennels with and without reproductive problems. Dogs from kennels with reproductive problems had significantly higher CHV‐1 titres than dogs from kennels having no reproductive problems (p < 0.001). In dogs from kennels with reproductive problems 100% (32/32) had positive titres, whereas in dogs from kennels without reproductive problems 65% (22/34) had positive titres. The median titre for dogs from kennels with reproductive problems was 1 : 160 and for dogs from kennels without reproductive problems 1 : 80. The high prevalence of positive CHV‐1 titres in this study indicates that prevention of the disease is difficult and reinforces the need to minimize the reproductive problems caused by CHV‐1. All 388 dogs from 94 kennels had negativeB. canistitres.
Minimal External Masculinization in a SRY‐negative XX Male Podenco Dog
Authors: Buijtels JJCWM , De Gier J , Van Haeften T , Kooistra HS , Spee B , Veldhuis Kroeze EJB , Zijlstra C , Okkens AC 
Published: October 2008

ContentsNormal mammalian sex differentiation takes place in three genetically controlled steps: chromosomal sex determination (XX or XY), gonadal differentiation and development of the phenotypic sex. Animals are considered to be sex reversed if chromosomal sex determination and gonadal development are not in agreement. In this report, sex reversal is described in a 1.5‐year‐old Podenco dog that was referred because of suspected recurrent growth of a previously removed os clitoridis in the vulva. With that exception the dog was phenotypically female, but had never been in oestrus and exhibited male behaviour. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a small tubular structure dorsal to the bladder, consistent with a uterus. An ovoid structure resembling a gonad was visible between the right kidney and inguinal canal. Plasma testosterone concentrations before and after GnRH administration indicated the presence of functional testicular tissue. Two testes, each with its epididymis and ductus deferens, and a complete bicornuate uterus were removed surgically. Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes showed a normal female karyotype (78, XX). These findings are consistent with the diagnosis of an XX male. PCR analysis of genomic DNA revealed that the SRY gene was absent. In summary, this report describes the first SRY‐negative XX male Podenco dog with an almost complete female phenotype despite high basal and stimulated plasma testosterone concentrations. It is hypothesized that the clinical observations in this dog may have been caused by reduced and delayed Müllerian‐inhibiting substance secretion and the absence of conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone due to 5α‐reductase deficiency.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Oestrogen Receptors α and β, Progesterone Receptor and Aromatase in the Equine Placenta
Authors: Abd‐Elnaeim MMM , Derar IR , Wilsher S , Allen WR , Leiser R , Schuler G 
Published: October 2008

ContentsThe functions of placental oestrogens during equine pregnancy are still unclear. Yet, they may act predominantly as local regulators of growth and differentiation in the microplacentomes. Thus, expression patterns of oestrogen receptors (ERs) α and β were investigated in the microcotyledonary placenta from pregnant mares at 110, 121, 179, 199 and 309 days of gestation by immunohistochemistry. In microplacentomes, both the ER isoforms were detected in trophoblast (T) cells, chorionic villous stroma (FS), microcaruncular epithelium (ME) and microcaruncular stroma (MS). Proportions of positive cells were 38–91% (T), 11–41% (FS), 55–89% (ME), 17–51% (MS) for ERα and 66–76% (T), 21–37% (FS), 41–68% (ME) and 24–55% (MS) for ERβ. Between days 110 and 199, proportions of cells positive for progesterone receptor (PR) varied between 19% and 62% (T), 3% and 50% (CS), 15% and 46% (ME), and 4% and 33% (MS). At day 309, PR was virtually absent in T, CS and ME (percentages < 0.1), whereas in MS 14.3% of cells were still positive. The expression of ERs and PR in equine microplacentomes gives evidence for a role of placental steroids as regulators of placental growth, differentiation and function. The detection of ERα, ERβ and PR in foetal and maternal vascular tissue suggests that placental steroids are also involved in the control of placental angiogenesis and /or vascular functions. The co‐localization of ERs with aromatase in T suggests auto‐ or intracrine functions of oestrogens in this cell type.
Genetic Description of Factor XI Deficiency in Holstein Semen in Western Japan
Authors: Ghanem ME , Nishibori M 
Published: October 2008

ContentsFactor XI deficiency was detected in Holstein cows and mummified foetuses in Japan; however, no report is available about the occurrence of Factor XI deficiency in Holstein semen in Japan. Five hundred cows in twelve dairy farms in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan were under the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from the cows using a commercial DNA kits and screened to Factor XI mutation. Based on the information of the carrier cows found in the cattle population, four Holstein bulls were analysed for Factor XI mutation. DNA was extracted from bull’s semen using phenol chloroform method. Extracted genomic DNA of the bull’s semen was typed for Factor XI using specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. The resultant PCR was sequenced using big dye terminator sequencing method. The pedigree of the bulls was investigated. Furthermore, the inheritance of Factor XI mutation to next generation was estimated. Out of the 500 cows, five were heterozygous to Factor XI. Moreover, out of the four bulls, one was found to carry the mutation of Factor XI; it was also a complex vertebral malformation (CVM) carrier. In DNA sequencing, the insertion mutation of 76 bp of poly‐adenine that characterizes the Factor XI deficiency was detected in the carrier bull as well as the carrier cows. Pedigree analysis of the carrier bull revealed that his father and mother ID were 2247419A and 14189172A, respectively, that originated from USA Holstein. Out of six daughter cows born to the carrier bull, one cow (16.6%) inherited Factor XI mutation, while three of them (50.0%) inherited CVM mutation. Autosomal recessive genes that affect cow’s reproduction have a particular concern to dairy industry. To our knowledge this is the first report of Factor XI mutation in Holstein semen in Japan.
In vitro Fertilizing Capacity of Frozen‐thawed Bull Spermatozoa Selected by Single‐layer (Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane) Silane‐coated Silica Colloidal Centrifugation
Authors: Thys M , Vandaele L , Morrell JM , Mestach J , Van Soom A , Hoogewijs M , Rodriguez‐Martinez H 
Published: October 2008

ContentsBarriers to the use of density gradient centrifugation for preparing animal spermatozoa for artificial insemination (AI) include the scarcity of animal‐specific formulations and the daunting prospect of processing large volumes of ejaculate in small aliquots (1.5 ml extended semen). Recently, new colloid formulations have been tested in vitro in a modified procedure, centrifugation on a single layer of colloid. The present study investigated the fertilizing ability during in vitro fertilization (IVF) of frozen‐thawed bovine spermatozoa following centrifugation through a single layer of glycerolpropylsilane (GS)‐coated silica colloid with a species‐specific formulation (patent applied for; treatment, T). Controls (C) included centrifugation through gradients of either the same colloid (C1) or Percoll™ (C2). Sperm recovery surpassed 50% for both C1–C2 and T (n.s.). Mean values of various parameters of computerized analysis of sperm motility did not differ between T and C1 (n.s.), and only the proportions of path straightness and linearity were lower in T vs C2 (p < 0.05). In T, the mean (±SD) percentages of fertilization rate, blastocyst development rate and the total number of blastomeres were 58.1 ± 23.3%, 24.5 ± 14.3% and 94.6 ± 23.4%, respectively. The proportions did not differ significantly from controls (C1/C2). Therefore, centrifugation through a single layer of colloid offers an alternative method to density gradient centrifugation for selection of viable, potentially fertile frozen‐thawed bull spermatozoa. This single‐layer technique is gentle, versatile and convenient because it facilitates scaling‐up the process of sperm preparation to allow larger numbers of spermatozoa (for instance, whole ejaculates) to be processed for AI.
Cryotolerance of Bovine Blastocysts is Affected by Oocyte Maturation in Media Containing Palmitic or Stearic Acid
Authors: Shehab‐El‐Deen MA , Leroy JLMR , Maes D , Van Soom A 
Published: October 2008

ContentsIn this study, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) were added during in vitro maturation at concentrations measured previously in follicular fluid (FF) of high‐producing dairy cows in a negative energy status to evaluate their subsequent effect on the embryos cryotolerance. Oocytes were matured for 24 h in serum‐free media with or without (negative control) the addition of NEFAs dissolved in ethanol or ethanol alone (positive control). Matured oocytes were fertilized and cultured for 7 days in synthetic oviduct fluid medium supplemented with 5% FCS. Embryos that had at least reached the blastocyst stage were vitrified by open pulled straw (OPS) vitrification. Addition of palmitic (C16 : 0) or stearic acid (C18 : 0) during oocyte maturation had significant negative effects on embryo cryotolerance, whereas ethanol or oleic acid (C18 : 1) had no effect. These in vitro results suggest that high NEFA concentrations in FF during a period of negative energy balance in high‐yielding dairy cows can have carry‐over effects on embryo quality.
Ablation of Cx47 in transgenic mice leads to the loss of MUPP1, ZONAB and multiple connexins at oligodendrocyte–astrocyte gap junctions
Authors: Li Xinbo , Penes M. , Odermatt B. , Willecke K. , Nagy J. I. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractOligodendrocytes in CNS are linked to astrocytes by heterotypic gap junctions composed of Cx32 and Cx47 in oligodendrocytes and Cx30 and Cx43 in astrocytes. These gap junctions also harbour regulatory proteins, including ZO‐1 and ZONAB. Here, we investigated the localization of multi‐PDZ domain protein 1 (MUPP1) at these gap junctions and examined accessory proteins and connexins associated with oligodendrocytes in Cx47‐knockout mice. In every CNS region tested, punctate immunolabelling for MUPP1 was found on all oligodendrocyte somata in wild‐type mice. These MUPP1‐positive puncta were colocalized with punctate labelling for oligodendrocytic Cx32 or Cx47, and with astrocytic Cx30 or Cx43 at oligodendrocyte–astrocyte (O/A) gap junctions, but were not found at astrocyte–astrocyte gap junctions. In Cx47‐knockout mice, immunolabelling of MUPP1 and ZONAB was absent on oligodendrocytes, whereas some ZO‐1‐positive puncta remained. In Cx32‐knockout mice, MUPP1 and ZONAB persisted at O/A gap junctions. The absence of Cx47 in Cx47‐knockout mice was accompanied by a total loss of punctate labelling for Cx30, Cx32 and Cx43 on oligodendrocyte somata, and by a dramatic increase in immunolabelling for Cx32 along myelinated fibers. These results demonstrate MUPP1 at O/A gap junctions and Cx47‐dependent targeting of connexins to the plasma membranes of oligodendrocyte somata. Further, it appears that deficits in myelination reported in Cx47‐knockout mice may arise not only from a loss of Cx47 but also from the accompanied loss of gap junctions and their regulatory proteins at oligodendrocyte somata, and that loss of Cx47 may be partly compensated for by elevated levels of Cx32 along myelinated fibers.
Characterization of the cystine/glutamate transporter in the outer plexiform layer of the vertebrate retina
Authors: Hu Rebecca G. , Lim Julie , Donaldson Paul J. , Kalloniatis Michael 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe cystine/glutamate transporter (Xc‐) is widely expressed in the central nervous system and is thought to play a role in glutamatergic neurotransmission by releasing low levels of glutamate. Although previous studies have localized the transporter throughout the retina, we now present results from localization and functional studies within the first synaptic layer, i.e. the outer plexiform layer. Using light and electron microscopy, we have localized the Xc‐ transporter to the ribbon complex of both rod and cone photoreceptors in the rat, cow, lamprey, chicken and monkey retina, suggesting that the pre‐synaptic expression of the Xc‐ transporter on the photoreceptor ribbon complex is phylogenetically preserved. The Xc‐ transporter does not appear to be located within the ribbon synapse of the inner plexiform layer. Developmentally, the evolution of distinct ribbon‐shaped Xc‐ labelling in the outer plexiform layer parallels the known morphological and electrophysiological maturation of photoreceptors. Using the cation channel probe agmatine, we tracked cation fluxes within bipolar cells and therefore indirectly determined the modulation of glutamate release from photoreceptors. Such cystine‐driven alteration in agmatine entry into bipolar cells can be modified by a specific metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 antagonist [(RS)‐α‐cyclopropyl‐4‐phosphonophenylglycine] and an Xc‐ transport inhibitor [(S)‐4‐carboxyphenylglycine]. The phylogenetic preservation of the transporter, its ultrastructural localization to the ribbon synapse and functional modulation of post‐receptoral neurons collectively support a role for the Xc‐ transporter in glutamate neurotransmission in the outer retina of vertebrates. We have therefore proposed a model of glutamate release in the photoreceptor synapse that incorporates the Xc‐ transporter, which complements the established vesicular‐mediated glutamate release.
Differential effects of lentiviral vector‐mediated overexpression of nerve growth factor and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor on regenerating sensory and motor axons in the transected peripheral nerve
Authors: Tannemaat Martijn R. , Eggers Ruben , Hendriks William T. , De Ruiter Godard C. W. , Van Heerikhuize Joop J. , Pool Chris W. , Malessy Martijn J. A. , Boer Gerard J. , Verhaagen Joost 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEven after reconstructive surgery, major functional impairments remain in the majority of patients with peripheral nerve injuries. The application of novel emerging therapeutic strategies, such as lentiviral (LV) vectors, may help to stimulate peripheral nerve regeneration at a molecular level. In the experiments described here, we examined the effect of LV vector‐mediated overexpression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on regeneration of the rat peripheral nerve in a transection/repair model in vivo. We showed that LV vectors can be used to locally elevate levels of NGF and GDNF in the injured rat peripheral nerve and this has profound and differential effects on regenerating sensory and motor neurons. For sensory neurons, increased levels of NGF and GDNF do not affect the number of regenerated neurons 1 cm distal to a lesion at 4 weeks post‐lesion but do cause changes in the expression of markers for different populations of nociceptive neurons. These changes are accompanied by significant alterations in the recovery of nociceptive function. For motoneurons, overexpression of GDNF causes trapping of regenerating axons, impairing both long‐distance axonal outgrowth and reinnervation of target muscles, whereas NGF has no effect on these parameters. These observations show the feasibility of combining surgical repair of the transected nerve with the application of viral vectors. Furthermore, they show a difference between the regenerative responses of motor and sensory neurons to locally increased levels of NGF and GDNF.
Alcohol self‐administration acutely stimulates the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, but alcohol dependence leads to a dampened neuroendocrine state
Authors: Richardson Heather N. , Lee Soon Y. , O’Dell Laura E. , Koob George F. , Rivier Catherine L. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractClinical studies link disruption of the neuroendocrine stress system with alcoholism, but remaining unknown is whether functional differences in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis precede alcohol abuse and dependence or result from chronic exposure to this drug. Using an operant self‐administration animal model of alcohol dependence and serial blood sampling, we show that long‐term exposure to alcohol causes significant impairment of HPA function in adult male Wistar rats. Acute alcohol (voluntary self‐administration or experimenter‐administered) stimulated the release of corticosterone and its upstream regulator, adrenocorticotropic hormone, but chronic exposure sufficient to produce dependence led to a dampened neuroendocrine state. HPA responses to alcohol were most robust in ‘low‐responding’ non‐dependent animals (averaging < 0.2 mg/kg/session), intermediate in non‐dependent animals (averaging ∼0.4 mg/kg/session), and most blunted in dependent animals (averaging ∼1.0 mg/kg/session) following several weeks of daily 30‐min self‐administration sessions, suggesting that neuroendocrine tolerance can be initiated prior to dependence and relates to the amount of alcohol consumed. Decreased expression of corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) mRNA expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and reduced sensitivity of the pituitary to CRF may contribute to, but do not completely explain, neuroendocrine tolerance. The present results, combined with previous studies, suggest that multiple adaptations to stress regulatory systems may be brought about by excessive drinking, including a compromised hormonal response and a sensitized brain stress response that together contribute to dependence.