bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Soybean Rust Caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi on Erythrina herbacea (Coral Bean)
Authors: Gevens A. J. , Nequi N. , Vitoreli A. , Marois J. J. , Wright D. L. , Harmon C. L. , Harmon P. F. 
Published: September 2008

Soybean rust (SBR), caused by the obligate fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd. & P. Syd., was initially reported on soybean (Glycine max L.) in Louisiana in 2004 and has since been reported on soybean and/or kudzu (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi) in 9 states in 2005, 15 states in 2006, and 19 states in 2007 (1). The host range of P. pachyrhizi includes plants that are all in the Fabaceae or legume family. Six plant species in the United States have been reported as hosts of P. pachyrhizi: soybean, kudzu, Florida beggarweed (Desmodium tortuosum (Sw) DC.), dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), lima bean (P. lunatus L.), and scarlet runner bean (P. coccineus L.) (4). On 17 April 2008, a rust disease was observed on a weedy legume host with red showy flowers that was growing with kudzu in an overgrown vacant lot in the understory of live oak trees (Quercus virginiana Mill.) in Citra, FL. The discovery was made during routine scouting of this Integrated Pest Management Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (IPM PIPE) mobile sentinel plot (3). The plant was confirmed by University of Florida botanists to be Erythrina herbaceae L., commonly known as coral bean. Coral bean is native to the southeastern United States and also is planted as a perennial ornamental. A sample of leaves exhibiting rust pustules characteristic of P. pachyrhizi uredinia was collected and examined with a microscope. Brown-to-brick red, angular lesions that were 3 to 11 mm in diameter (average 6.75 mm) were observed on the undersides of the leaves of two trifoliates. Within these lesions, there were several uredinia, some exuding hyaline, echinulate urediniospores (20 × 25 μm). The visual diagnosis and the species of the rust fungus were confirmed to be P. pachyrizi by a real-time PCR protocol (2). The diagnosis on this new host was verified by a USDA, APHIS National Mycologist in Beltsville, MD. Coral bean may serve as an additional overwintering host for P. pachyrhizi in the southeast. To our knowledge, this is the first report of soybean rust caused by P. pachyrhizi on E. herbaceae. References: (1) R. S. C. Christiano and H. Scherm, Phytopathology 97:1428, 2007. (2) R. D. Frederick et al. Phytopathology 92:217, 2002. (3) S. A. Isard et al. Online publication. doi:10.1094/PHP-2006-0915-01-RV. Plant Health Progress, 2006. (4) T. L. Slaminko et al. Plant Dis. 92:767, 2008.
First Report of Oilseed Rape Stem Rot Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Greece
Authors: Tziros G. T. , Bardas G. A. , Tsialtas J. T. , Karaoglanidis G. S. 
Published: September 2008

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) was recently introduced into Greece for the production of biofuels. During May of 2007, symptoms typical of stem rot were observed on oilseed rape plants in three commercial fields in the area of Galatades-Pella, Central Macedonia, Greece. Approximately 30% of the plants were affected. Symptoms began as a chlorotic wilt on the foliage and developed into necrosis of basal stems. In the advanced stages of the disease, stems and branches became bleached and eventually died. White, as well as black, mycelium and irregularly shaped sclerotia (2 to 5 mm in diameter) were produced abundantly on and inside the affected stems. To isolate the pathogen, 20 symptomatic 6-month-old plants were collected from each field. Sclerotia were dipped in 70% ethanol, surface sterilized in 1% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, and rinsed in sterile water. Sclerotia placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) were incubated in the dark at 25°C for 10 days. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary was identified on the basis of morphological characteristics (2). To conduct pathogenicity tests, 10 6-week-old oilseed rape plants (cv. Titan) were each inoculated with a 5-mm-diameter colonized PDA disk placed in wounds made in the basal stem with a sterile scalpel. Five control plants were treated similarly except that the agar disk did not contain mycelium. Plants were then covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. After 72 h, the bags were removed and the plants were maintained in a growth chamber at 23 to 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod and 75% relative humidity. Pathogenicity tests were repeated three times. Symptoms identical to those observed in the field developed within 12 days after inoculation; control plants remained healthy. The fungus was reisolated from all inoculated plants, confirming Koch's postulates. S. sclerotiorum has been reported on oilseed rape in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Sclerotinia stem rot of oilseed rape in Greece. References: (1) D. F. Farr et al. Fungal Databases. Systematic Botany and Mycology Laboratory. Online publication. ARS, USDA, 2008. (2) L. M. Kohn. Phytopathology 69:881, 1979.
A New ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ Species in Solanum tuberosum in New Zealand
Authors: Liefting L. W. , Perez-Egusquiza Z. C. , Clover G. R. G. , Anderson J. A. D. 
Published: September 2008

Symptoms resembling “zebra chip” disease (3) were observed in potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers harvested from a breeding trial in South Auckland, New Zealand in May 2008. The tubers had necrotic flecking and streaking that became marked when the potatoes were fried. Affected plants generally senesced early, at the beginning of April. The mean yield was approximately 60% less than expected and harvested tubers had less dry matter (13%) than normal (19%). Large numbers of the psyllid Bactericera cockerelli were observed on the crop during the summer. Total DNA was extracted from the vascular tissue of five symptomatic tubers and seven volunteers collected from the affected field with a DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). Samples were tested by PCR using primers OA2 (GenBank Accession No. EU834130) and OI2c (2). These primers amplify a 1,160-bp fragment of the 16S rRNA sequence of a ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ species identified in tomato and capsicum in New Zealand. No fragment was amplified from healthy plants, but amplicons of the expected size were obtained from all symptomatic tubers and one plant. A 650-bp fragment of the β operon was also amplified from symptomatic tubers. The amplicons were directly sequenced (GenBank Accession Nos. EU849020 and EU919514). BLAST analysis showed 100% identity to the tomato/capsicum liberibacter (GenBank Accession Nos. EU834130 and EU834131). From a commercial potato field adjoining the breeding trial, groundkeeper tubers were collected and separated into those that were asymptomatic and those that exhibited a range of symptoms. Total DNA was extracted and tested by PCR using the OA2/OI2c primers. In the first category, 6 of 10 tubers tested positive, whereas the 10 tubers in the second category tested negative. Two phytoplasmas seem to be involved in the “zebra chip” disease complex (4) but were not detected in the samples in this study. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a liberibacter associated with disease in potato. From transmission electron microscope observations, previous researchers have hypothesized that a bacterium-like organism may cause “zebra chip” (1) and B. cockerelli is associated with the disease (3). “Zebra chip” was first reported in Mexico in 1994, since then it has caused significant economic damage in Guatemala, Mexico, and the southwestern United States. The economic impact of the disease in New Zealand is yet to be determined. References: (1) S. H. De Boer et al. Page 30 in: New and Old Pathogens of Potato in Changing Climate. A. Hannukkala and M. Segerstedt, eds. Online publication. Agrifood Research Working Paper 142, 2007. (2) S. Jagoueix et al. Mol. Cell. Probes 10:43, 1996. (3) J. E. Munyaneza et al. J. Econ. Entomol. 100:656, 2007. (4) G. A. Secor et al. Plant Dis. 90:377, 2006.
Novel affinity tag system using structurally defined antibody‐tag interaction: Application to single‐step protein purification
Authors: Nogi Terukazu , Sangawa Takeshi , Tabata Sanae , Nagae Masamichi , Tamura‐Kawakami Keiko , Beppu Ayako , Hattori Mitsuharu , Yasui Norihisa , Takagi Junichi 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBiologically important human proteins often require mammalian cell expression for structural studies, presenting technical and economical problems in the production/purification processes. We introduce a novel affinity peptide tagging system that uses a low affinity anti‐peptide monoclonal antibody. Concatenation of the short recognition sequence enabled the successful engineering of an 18‐residue affinity tag with ideal solution binding kinetics, providing a low‐cost purification means when combined with nondenaturing elution by water‐miscible organic solvents. Three‐dimensional information provides a firm structural basis for the antibody–peptide interaction, opening opportunities for further improvements/modifications.
Pre‐gravid physical activity and reduced risk of glucose intolerance in pregnancy: the role of insulin sensitivity
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Qi Ying , Sermer Mathew , Connelly Philip W. , Zinman Bernard , Hanley Anthony J. G. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryObjective  Pre‐gravid physical activity has been associated with a reduced risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), although neither the types of exercise nor the physiologic mechanisms underlying this protective effect have been well‐studied. Thus, we sought to study the relationships between types of pre‐gravid physical activity and metabolic parameters in pregnancy, including glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function.Design/patients/measurements  A total of 851 women underwent a glucose challenge test (GCT) and a 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in late pregnancy, yielding four glucose tolerance groups: (i) GDM; (ii) gestational impaired glucose tolerance (GIGT); (iii) abnormal GCT with normal glucose tolerance on OGTT (abnormal GCT NGT); and (iv) normal GCT with NGT on OGTT (normal GCT NGT). Pre‐gravid physical activity was assessed using the Baecke questionnaire, which measures (i) total physical activity and (ii) its three component domains: work, nonsport leisure‐time, and vigorous/sports activity.Results  Glucose tolerance status improved across increasing quartiles of pre‐gravid total physical activity (P = 0·0244). Whereas neither work nor nonsport leisure‐time activity differed between glucose tolerance groups, pre‐gravid vigorous/sports activity was significantly higher in women with normal GCT NGT compared to women with (i) abnormal GCT NGT (P = 0·0018) (ii) GIGT (P = 0·0025), and (iii) GDM (P = 0·0044). In particular, vigorous/sports activity correlated with insulin sensitivity (measured by ISOGTT) (r = 0·21, P < 0·0001). Furthermore, on multiple linear regression analysis, pre‐gravid vigorous/sports activity emerged as a significant independent predictor of ISOGTT in pregnancy (t = 4·97, P < 0·0001).Conclusions  Pre‐gravid vigorous/sports activity is associated with a reduced risk of glucose intolerance in pregnancy, an effect likely mediated by enhanced insulin sensitivity.
Common exon 3 polymorphism of the GH receptor (GHR) gene and effect of GH therapy on growth in Korean children with idiopathic short stature (ISS)
Authors: Ko Jung Min , Park Jung Young , Yoo Han‐Wook 
Published: September 2008

SummaryObjective  A human GH receptor (GHR) gene exon 3 polymorphism (d3‐GHR) has been reported to be associated with responsiveness to GH therapy. We assessed the frequencies of this polymorphism in Korean control and idiopathic short stature (ISS) populations, and analysed short‐term growth response to GH therapy according to GHR‐exon 3 genotypes in Korean children with ISS.Design and patients  This was a retrospective study in 158 ISS children. Auxological and endocrine parameters were measured, and the GHR‐exon 3 genotype was analysed. Allelic frequencies of GHR‐exon 3 genotype were compared between the ISS group and a control group. GH had been administered for 62 patients, 52 of whom remained prepubertal after the first follow‐up year. Changes in height velocity (HV) and IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 concentrations following GH therapy were compared in patients with these genotypes.Results  There was no difference in GHR‐exon 3 genotype frequency between ISS and control groups of Koreans. However, the fl/fl genotype was more frequent in Koreans than in Caucasians. ISS children with d3‐GHR showed a significantly higher increment in HV (P = 0·002) and a marginally significant increment in IGF‐1 concentration (P = 0·064) at the first year of GH therapy.Conclusion  fl‐GHR was more frequently detected in a Korean population than in Caucasians. The growth promotion efficacy of GH therapy differed significantly between ISS patients with and without the d3‐GHR allele. These findings indicate that the GHR‐exon 3 polymorphism can affect the growth promoting efficacy of short‐term GH therapy in Korean children with ISS.
Hyperthyroidism in a population with Down syndrome (DS)
Authors: Goday‐Arno Alberto , Cerda‐Esteva Mariaina , Flores‐Le‐Roux Juana Antonia , Chillaron‐Jordan Juan José , Corretger Josep Maria , Cano‐Pérez Juan Francisco 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground  Thyroid disorders are frequent in patients with Down syndrome (DS). It is well‐known that the prevalence of hypothyroidism is high but data on hyperthyroidism are scarce.Objectives  To assess the prevalence, aetiology, clinical characteristics, evolution and treatment of hyperthyroidism in a population with DS attending a specialized medical centre.Methods  Data were gathered by systematic review of 1832 medical records from the Catalan DS Foundation, in Spain, registered between January 1991 and February 2006. Patients with the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism were identified and data on clinical features, physical examination, laboratory and imaging tests, treatment and evolution were collected.Results  Twelve patients with hyperthyroidism were recorded (6·5 cases/1000 patients with DS). There were 5 males and 7 females, with a mean age at diagnosis of 16·8 years. The most common presenting symptoms were decreased heat tolerance, sweating, increased irritability and weight loss. All patients had diffuse goitre at physical examination and two patients presented with exophthalmia. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed biochemically. Thyroid‐stimulating immunoglobulin levels were raised (mean 128·1 U/l) and imaging tests confirmed the diagnosis of Graves’ disease in all cases. Patients started treatment with carbimazole at diagnosis and after a mean period of 40 months without clinical remission, they required definitive therapy with radioactive iodine. Subjects developed hypothyroidism after radio‐iodine therapy and replacement therapy with levothyroxine was necessary.Conclusions  Hyperthyroidism is more prevalent in patients with DS than in the general population and has no gender predominance. It is caused mainly by Graves’ disease. Anti‐thyroid drugs were not effective in achieving remission and radioactive iodine as a definitive treatment was required in all cases.
The effect of genetic variation in the type 1 deiodinase gene on the interindividual variation in serum thyroid hormone levels: an investigation in healthy Danish twins
Authors: Van Der Deure Wendy M. , Hansen Pia Skov , Peeters Robin P. , Uitterlinden André G. , Fenger Mogens , Kyvik Kirsten Ohm , Hegedüs Laszlo , Visser Theo J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryIntroduction  Genetic factors have a considerable influence on serum thyroid hormone levels. The C785T and A1814G polymorphisms, located in the 3′ untranslated region of the type 1 deiodinase (D1) gene have been associated with serum FT4 and rT3 levels.Objective  In healthy Danish twins, we examined the association of these polymorphisms with serum thyroid hormone levels and determined the proportion of genetic influence explained by these variants. We analysed the underlying functional mechanism by performing mRNA stability measurements and analysed the effect of these variants on D1 activity.Methods  Serum thyroid measurements and genotypes of the D1‐C785T and D1‐A1814G polymorphisms were determined in 1192 twins. Structural equation modelling was used to determine heritability estimates. Functional analyses were carried out in D1‐transfected JEG3 cells.Results  Carriers of the D1‐785T allele had 3·8% higher FT4 and 14·3% higher rT3 levels, resulting in a lower T3/T4 and T3/rT3 ratio and a higher rT3/T4 ratio. This polymorphism explained 0·87% and 1·79%, respectively, of the variation in serum FT4 and rT3. The D1‐A1814G polymorphism was not associated with serum thyroid hormone levels. No differences in D1 mRNA decay rate or D1 activity were observed between wild‐type D1 and the two variants.Conclusion  The D1‐C785T polymorphism is consistently and significantly associated with serum thyroid hormone levels. However, the proportion of genetic influence explained by this particular polymorphism is small. No effect of the polymorphism on D1 mRNA decay rate or D1 activity was observed. The underlying functional mechanism needs to be elucidated.
Alterations in thyroid function tests in aged hospitalized patients: prevalence, aetiology and clinical outcome
Authors: Iglesias P. , Muñoz A. , Prado F. , Guerrero M. T. , Macías M. C , Ridruejo E. , Tajada P. , Díez J. J 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground  Thyroid dysfunction is common in aged people and has recently been associated to mortality.Aims Our aims have been (1) to assess the prevalence of alterations in thyroid function tests in hospitalized patients over age 60 years and (2) to study the relationship between thyroid functional status and mortality during hospitalization.Methods  We studied a group of 447 patients (62% women), aged 61–101 year, hospitalized during 2005. Thyroid dysfunction was assessed by measuring serum concentrations of thyrotrophin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free thriiodothyronine (FT3). Thyroid autoimmune status was evaluated through thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies quantification.Results  Twenty‐one patients (4·7%, 19 women) showed previously known thyroid dysfunction. 332 patients (74·3%) showed alterations in thyroid function tests. Euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) was the derangement more frequently found (n = 278, 62·2%). After excluding ESS patients, 60 patients (13·4%) showed thyroid dysfunction: overt hypothyroidism, 14 (3·1%); subclinical hypothyroidism, 25 (5·6%); overt hyperthyroidism, 11 (2·5%), and subclinical hyperthyroidism, 10 patients (2·2%). Thyroid autoimmunity was positive in only 4·0% and 2·3% of patients, for TPOAb and TgAb, respectively. The presence of alterations in thyroid function tests was positively associated with the age of the patients and mortality during hospital stay (P < 0·001). Serum levels of FT3 were negatively related to death during hospitalization (OR 0·56; CI 95%, 0·38–0·81; P < 0·01).Conclusions  About three quarters of patients admitted in our geriatric unit exhibited alterations in thyroid function tests. This finding was associated with elevated age and poor prognosis. The reduction of FT3 values was a powerful predictor for mortality during hospitalization in elderly patients.
A ceramide‐1‐phosphate analogue, PCERA‐1, simultaneously suppresses tumour necrosis factor‐α and induces interleukin‐10 production in activated macrophages
Authors: Goldsmith Meir , Avni Dorit , Levy‐Rimler Galit , Mashiach Roi , Ernst Orna , Levi Maya , Webb Bill , Meijler Michael M. , Gray Nathanael S. , Rosen Hugh , Zor Tsaffrir 
Published: September 2008

SummaryTight regulation of the production of the key pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is essential for the prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases. In vivo administration of a synthetic phospholipid, named hereafter phospho‐ceramide analogue‐1 (PCERA‐1), was previously found to suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced TNF‐α blood levels. We therefore investigated the in vitro anti‐inflammatory effects of PCERA‐1. Here, we show that extracellular PCERA‐1 potently suppresses production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine TNF‐α in RAW264.7 macrophages, and in addition, independently and reciprocally regulates the production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10). Specificity is demonstrated by the inability of the phospholipids ceramide‐1‐phosphate (C1P), sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) to perform these activities. Similar TNF‐α suppression and IL‐10 induction by PCERA‐1 were observed in macrophages when activated by Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), TLR2 and TLR7 agonists. Regulation of cytokine production is demonstrated at the mRNA and protein levels. Finally, we show that, while PCERA‐1 does not block activation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinases by LPS, it elevates the intracellular cAMP level. In conclusion, the anti‐inflammatory activity of PCERA‐1 seems to be mediated by a cell membrane receptor, upstream of cAMP production, and eventually TNF‐α suppression and IL‐10 induction. Thus, identification of the PCERA‐1 receptor may provide new pharmacological means to block inflammation.
The molecular analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi metallocarboxypeptidase 1 provides insight into fold and substrate specificity
Authors: Niemirowicz Gabriela , Fernández Daniel , Solà Maria , Cazzulo Juan J. , Avilés Francesc X. , Gomis‐Rüth F. Xavier 
Published: September 2008

Summary Trypanosoma cruzi is the aetiological agent of Chagas' disease, a chronic infection that affects millions in Central and South America. Proteolytic enzymes are involved in the development and progression of this disease and two metallocarboxypeptidases, isolated from T. cruzi CL Brener clone, have recently been characterized: TcMCP‐1 and TcMCP‐2. Although both are cytosolic and closely related in sequence, they display different temporary expression patterns and substrate preferences. TcMCP‐1 removes basic C‐terminal residues, whereas TcMCP‐2 prefers hydrophobic/aromatic residues. Here we report the three‐dimensional structure of TcMCP‐1. It resembles an elongated cowry, with a long, deep, narrow active‐site cleft mimicking the aperture. It has an N‐terminal dimerization subdomain, involved in a homodimeric catalytically active quaternary structure arrangement, and a proteolytic subdomain partitioned by the cleft into an upper and a lower moiety. The cleft accommodates a catalytic metal ion, most likely a cobalt, which is co‐ordinated by residues included in a characteristic zinc‐binding sequence, HEXXH and a downstream glutamate. The structure of TcMCP‐1 shows strong topological similarity with archaeal, bacterial and mammalian metallopeptidases including angiotensin‐converting enzyme, neurolysin and thimet oligopeptidase. A crucial residue for shaping the S1′ pocket in TcMCP‐1, Met‐304, was mutated to the respective residue in TcMCP‐2, an arginine, leading to a TcMCP‐1 variant with TcMCP‐2 specificity. The present studies pave the way for a better understanding of a potential target in Chagas' disease at the molecular level and provide a template for the design of novel therapeutic approaches.