bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two distinct high‐affinity sulfate transporters with different inducibilities mediate uptake of sulfate in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Yoshimoto Naoko , Takahashi Hideki , Smith Frank W. , Yamaya Tomoyuki , Saito Kazuki 
Published: March 2003

SummarySulfate transporters present at the root surface facilitate uptake of sulfate from the environment. Here we report that uptake of sulfate at the outermost cell layers of Arabidopsis root is associated with the functions of highly and low‐inducible sulfate transporters, Sultr1;1 and Sultr1;2, respectively. We have previously reported that Sultr1;1 is a high‐affinity sulfate transporter expressed in root hairs, epidermal and cortical cells of Arabidopsis roots, and its expression is strongly upregulated in plants deprived of external sulfate. A novel sulfate transporter gene, Sultr1;2, identified on the BAC clone F28K19 of Arabidopsis, encoded a polypeptide of 653 amino acids that is 72.6% identical to Sultr1;1 and was able to restore sulfate uptake capacity of a yeast mutant lacking sulfate transporter genes (Km for sulfate = 6.9 ± 1.0 µm). Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing the fusion gene construct of the Sultr1;2 promoter and green fluorescent protein (GFP) showed specific localization of GFP in the root hairs, epidermal and cortical cells of roots, and in the guard cells of leaves, suggesting that Sultr1;2 may co‐localize with Sultr1;1 in the same cell layers at the root surface. Sultr1;1 mRNA was abundantly expressed under low‐sulfur conditions (50–100 µm sulfate), whereas Sultr1;2 mRNA accumulated constitutively at high levels under a wide range of sulfur conditions (50–1500 µm sulfate), indicating that Sultr1;2 is less responsive to changes in sulfur conditions. Addition of selenate to the medium increased the level of Sultr1;1 mRNA in parallel with a decrease in the internal sulfate pool in roots. The level of Sultr1;2 mRNA was not influenced under these conditions. Antisense plants of Sultr1;1 showed reduced accumulation of sulfate in roots, particularly in plants treated with selenate, suggesting that the inducible transporter Sultr1;1 contributes to the uptake of sulfate under stressed conditions.
Assessment of Fallopian tube patency by HyCoSy: comparison of a positive contrast agent with saline solution
Authors: Boudghène F. P. , Bazot M. , Robert Y. , Perrot N. , Rocourt N. , Antoine J.‐M. , Morris H. , Leroy J.‐L. , Uzan S. , Bigot J.‐M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the efficiency of air‐filled albumin microspheres (Infoson) with saline solution in determining Fallopian tube patency during hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy).MethodsThis was a prospective randomized multicenter study with a sequential design. Over a 10‐month period, 23 patients (mean age, 33 years) referred for infertility were examined by HyCoSy (saline or Infoson) before conventional hysterosalpingography (Iopamiron® 370), performed during the same session. Contrast agents were administered through a 5‐F Ackrad balloon catheter inserted transcervically into the uterine cavity. HyCoSy was performed with a 7‐MHz transvaginal probe using both B‐mode and color Doppler, and tubal patency was demonstrated by the appearance of contrast agent in the peritoneal cavity near the ovaries. Data were registered for each patient during the examination and the results were monitored by sequential analysis.ResultsMean volumes of contrast injections were 35.3 mL of saline, 14.4 mL of Infoson, and 13.8 mL of Iopamiron 370. Infoson‐enhanced HyCoSy provided a significantly larger (P = 0.006) number of correct diagnoses (20/22 Fallopian tubes) than did saline HyCoSy (12/24 Fallopian tubes), and the same number as that achieved by hysterosalpingography.ConclusionA positive ultrasound contrast agent appears to be more efficient than saline solution at determining Fallopian tube patency in infertile women by means of HyCoSy, and as efficient as an iodinated contrast agent in the same population explored by HSG. HyCoSy could be used to screen infertile women, thereby avoiding the use of iodinated contrast medium and exposure to ionizing radiation during conventional HSG in patients with patent Fallopian tubes. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Impaired uteroplacental blood flow in pregnancies complicated by falciparum malaria
Authors: Dorman E. K. , Shulman C. E. , Kingdom J. , Bulmer J. N. , Mwendwa J. , Peshu N. , Marsh K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveIn endemic areas, maternal malaria infection is usually asymptomatic. However, it is known that infected maternal erythrocytes sequester in the intervillous space of the placenta. There is a strong association between placental malaria infection and both low birth weight (LBW) and severe maternal anemia. We aimed to determine whether impaired uteroplacental blood flow might account for the low infant birth weight associated with maternal falciparum malaria infection.MethodsThis observational study was carried out during a large double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial of an antimalarial drug intervention for primigravidae. Nine hundred and ninety‐five women were recruited from the antenatal clinic at a district hospital on the Kenya coast and had at least one Doppler ultrasound scan. Uterine artery resistance index and the presence or absence of a diastolic notch were recorded. In the third trimester, blood was taken for hemoglobin and malaria film.ResultsMalaria infection at 32–35 weeks of gestation was associated with abnormal uterine artery flow velocity waveforms on the day of blood testing (relative risk (RR) 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–3.59, P = 0.006). This association persisted after controlling for pre‐eclampsia. Impaired uteroplacental blood flow in the women studied was also predictive of poor perinatal outcome, including low birth weight, preterm delivery and perinatal death. The risk of preterm delivery in women with histological evidence of past placental malaria infection was more than twice that of women without infection (RR 2.33, 95% CI 1.31–4.13, P = 0.004).ConclusionsUteroplacental hemodynamics are altered in the presence of maternal falciparum malaria infection. This may account for some of the excess of LBW babies observed in malaria endemic areas. Strategies that prevent or clear placental malaria may confer perinatal benefit through preservation of placental function. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Routine ultrasound screening in diabetic pregnancies
Authors: Wong S. F. , Chan F. Y. , Cincotta R. B. , Oats J. J. N. , Mcintyre H. D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the detection rate of congenital fetal malformations and specific problems related to routine ultrasound screening in women with pre‐existing diabetes.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out to assess the performance of routine ultrasound screening in women with pre‐existing diabetes (Types 1 and 2) within a tertiary institution. The incidence, type and risk factors for congenital fetal malformations were determined. The detection rate of fetal anomalies for diabetic women was compared with that for the low‐risk population. Factors affecting these detection rates were evaluated.ResultsDuring the study period, 12 169 low‐risk pregnant women and 130 women with pre‐existing diabetes had routine ultrasound screening performed within the institution. A total of 10 major anomalies (7.7%) and three minor anomalies (2.3%) were present in the fetuses of the diabetic women. Central nervous system and cardiovascular system anomalies accounted for 60% of the major anomalies. Periconceptional hemoglobin A1c of more than 9% was associated with a high prevalence of major anomalies (143/1000). Women who had fetuses with major anomalies had a significantly higher incidence of obesity (78% vs. 37%; P < 0.05). Ultrasound examination of these diabetic pregnancies showed high incidences of suboptimal image quality (37%), incomplete examinations, and repeat examinations (17%). Compared to the ‘low‐risk’ non‐diabetic population from the same institution, the relative risk for a major congenital anomaly among the diabetic women was 5.9‐fold higher (95% confidence interval, 2.9–11.9). The detection rate for major fetal anomalies was significantly lower for diabetic women (30% vs. 73%; P < 0.01), and the mean body mass index for the diabetic group was significantly higher (29 vs. 23 kg/m2; P < 0.001).ConclusionThe incidence of congenital anomalies is higher in diabetic pregnancies. Unfortunately, the detection rate for fetal anomalies by antenatal ultrasound scan was significantly worse than that for the low‐risk population. This is likely to be related to the maternal body habitus and unsatisfactory examinations. Methods to overcome these difficulties are discussed. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Right and left ventricular long‐axis function in the fetus using angular M‐mode
Authors: Carvalho J. S. , O'Sullivan C. , Shinebourne E. A. , Henein M. Y. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveLong‐axis function is determined by the longitudinally oriented myocardial fibers. Postnatally, conventional M‐mode is used to assess tricuspid and mitral valve ring movements in relation to the cardiac apex. During fetal life, this is precluded by variable fetal position. We assessed the feasibility of determining right and left ventricular long‐axis function in the fetus.MethodsA prospective, pilot study. The four‐chamber view obtained during routine fetal echocardiography was recorded in a cineloop to which B‐mode guided M‐mode echocardiography was applied using angular M‐mode. This allowed retrospective and correct placement of the cursor line from cardiac apex to tricuspid or mitral valve rings. M‐mode tracings of the valve ring movements in relation to the apex were derived from the originally stored loop. Data from 18 fetuses (17–29 weeks of gestation) were available for analysis. Total excursion of the valve rings was measured offline. A second cursor line was simultaneously placed in the left ventricular outflow tract during color flow mapping for timing purposes (n = 6).ResultsRight and left ventricular long‐axis recordings were obtained in 18 and 14 cases, respectively. Total right ventricular excursion was 5.2 mm (SD, 0.9 mm) (range, 3.9–7.2 mm). Total left ventricular free wall excursion was 4.5 mm (SD, 1.1 mm) (range, 3.0–6.8 mm). For paired data, the mean of differences (right ventricle – left ventricle) was 0.8 mm (95% confidence interval 0.5–1.2). The valve rings moved towards the apex during systole (shortening) and away from it during diastole (lengthening). Peak downward movement coincided with cessation of aortic flow and diastolic lengthening with flow through the atrioventricular valves.ConclusionLong‐axis function in the fetus is feasible if M‐mode angle correction is used. There was no clinically significant difference between tricuspid and mitral valve excursions. The pattern of atrioventricular valve movement is coordinate and similar to that of adults. Long‐axis function offers a new avenue to study systolic and diastolic function in the fetus.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Regulation of midgut defensin production in the blood‐sucking insect Stomoxys calcitrans
Authors: Munks R. J. L. , Hamilton J. V. , Lehane S. M. , Lehane M. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe Stomoxys midgut defensin (Smd) family of genes are exclusively expressed in the anterior midgut of adult flies. Their putative function is protection of the stored bloodmeal from microbial attack. Smd genes are constitutively expressed, up‐regulated in response to a bloodmeal and further up‐regulated by immune stimulation per os but only in the presence of a bloodmeal not a sugar meal. Smd genes are down‐regulated in response to a systemic immune challenge. Smd gene constructs transfected into l(2)mbn cells undertake constitutive expression but are not up‐regulated by immune challenge. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) suggest the rel‐like sites in the proximal promoter region of Smd genes do not bind midgut factors and so are non‐functional.
Overproduction of a P450 that metabolizes diazinon is linked to a loss‐of‐function in the chromosome 2 ali‐esterase (MdαE7) gene in resistant house flies
Authors: Sabourault C. , Guzov V. M. , Koener J. F. , Claudianos C. , Plapp F. W. , Feyereisen R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractUp‐regulation of detoxifying enzymes in insecticide‐resistant strains of the house fly is a common mechanism for metabolic resistance. However, the molecular basis of this increased insecticide metabolism is not well understood. In the multiresistant Rutgers strain, several cytochromes P450 and glutathione S‐transferases are constitutively overexpressed at the transcriptional level. Overexpression is the result of trans‐regulation, and a regulatory gene has been located on chromosome 2. A Gly137 to Asp point mutation in αE7 esterase gene, leading to the loss of carboxylesterase activity, has been associated with organophosphate resistance in the house fly and the sheep blowfly. We show here that purified recombinant CYP6A1 is able to detoxify diazinon with a high efficiency. We also show that either the Gly137 to Asp point mutation in αE7 esterase gene or a deletion at this locus confer resistance and overproduction of the CYP6A1 protein. Based on these findings, we propose it is the absence of the wild‐type Gly137 allele of the αE7 gene that releases the transcriptional repression of genes coding for detoxification enzymes such as CYP6A1, thereby leading to metabolic resistance to diazinon.
Identification and characterization of a Drosophila homologue of ATBP
Authors: Aozasa N. , Kubo Takeo , Sekimizu Kazuhisa , Natori Shunji 
Published: March 2003

AbstractATBP [(A+T)‐stretch binding protein] activates the Sarcophaga defense protein genes in an (A+T)‐stretch dependent manner as shown previously using a luciferase reporter assay [Aozasa et al. (2001) Eur J Biochem, 268, 2506–2511]. We identified the Drosophila homologue of ATBP. Drosophila ATBP has 388 amino acid residues and the amino acid sequence has high similarity with that of the Sarcophaga ATBP. In particular, residues 1–56 and 301–374 are highly conserved between Sarcophaga and Drosophila. Drosophila ATBP activated the Sarcophaga lectin gene promoter in SL‐2 cells. The Drosophila ATBP gene is a single copy gene and is located in the 20E region of chromosome X.
Identification of fat‐cell enhancer regions in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Miller J. M. , Oligino T. , Pazdera M. , López A. J. , Hoshizaki D. K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe insect fat body is a dynamic tissue involved in maintaining homeostasis. It functions not only in energy storage and intermediary metabolism but also in detoxification, communication and the immune response. Some of these functions are confined to distinct groups of fat body cells. In Drosophila melanogaster, discrete precursor‐cell clusters populate the fat body [Hoshizaki, D.K., Blackburn, T., Price, C., Ghosh, M., Miles, K., Ragucci, M. and Sweis, R. (1994) Embryonic fat‐cell lineage in Drosophila melanogaster. Development 120: 2489–2499; Hoshizaki, D.K., Lunz, R., Ghosh, M. and Johnson, W. (1995) Identification of fat‐cell enhancer activity in Drosophila melanogaster using P‐element enhancer traps. Genome 38: 497–506; Riechmann, V., Rehorn, K.P., Reuter, R. and Leptin, M. (1998) The genetic control of the distinction between fat body and gonadal mesoderm in Drosophila. Development 125: 713–723]. Whether these clusters populate defined morphological regions or whether they represent the precursors to functionally similar groups of fat‐body cells has not been formally demonstrated. We have identified a 2.1 kb enhancer region from serpent (srp), a GATA transcription factor gene that is sufficient to induce fat‐cell formation. This enhancer region drives expression in specific groups of precursor‐cell clusters, which we show give rise to defined regions of the mature embryonic fat body. We present evidence that srp expression in different precursor fat cells is controlled by independent cis‐acting regulatory regions, and we have tested the role of trans‐acting factors in the specification of some of these cells. We suggest that the different positional cues regulating srp expression, and therefore general fat‐cell specification, might also be involved in the functional specialization of fat cells. This may be a common mechanism in insects to explain the origin of biochemically distinct regions of the larval/adult fat body.
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of DNA from noninvasive samples for accurate microsatellite genotyping of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus)
Authors: Morin P. A. , Chambers K. E. , Boesch C. , Vigilant L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNoninvasive samples are useful for molecular genetic analyses of wild animal populations. However, the low DNA content of such samples makes DNA amplification difficult, and there is the potential for erroneous results when one of two alleles at heterozygous microsatellite loci fails to be amplified. In this study we describe an assay designed to measure the amount of amplifiable nuclear DNA in low DNA concentration extracts from noninvasive samples. We describe the range of DNA amounts obtained from chimpanzee faeces and shed hair samples and formulate a new efficient approach for accurate microsatellite genotyping. Prescreening of extracts for DNA quantity is recommended for sorting of samples for likely success and reliability. Repetition of results remains extensive for analysis of microsatellite amplifications beginning from low starting amounts of DNA, but is reduced for those with higher DNA content.
Community analysis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with Ammophila arenaria in Dutch coastal sand dunes
Authors: Kowalchuk George A. , De Souza Francisco A. , Van Veen Johannes A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) approach for the detection and characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was developed and applied to the study of AMF communities associated with the main sand‐stabilizing plant species of the Dutch sand dunes, marram grass (Ammophila arenaria, L.). DNA was extracted directly from plant roots, soil or isolated AMF spores, and prominent bands resulting from AMF‐specific DGGE profiles were excised for sequence analysis. This strategy provided a robust means of detecting and identifying AMF‐like species without the use of trap plant cultivation methods. A number of Glomus‐like and Scutellospora‐like sequences was detected, including a putatively novel Glomus species, and differences were observed in the dominant AMF‐like populations detected in healthy vs. degenerating stands of A. arenaria and in bulk sand dune soil. It has previously been suggested that plant pathogens, such as fungi and nematodes, may contribute to the decline of A. arenaria. Although no causal relationship can be drawn between the observed differences in the dominantly detected AMF‐like populations and the vitality of plant growth, these results indicate that mutualistic interactions between this plant and AMF should not be overlooked when examining the role of soil‐borne microorganisms in vegetation dynamics. In addition, there were discrepancies observed between the AMF‐like groups detected in spore populations vs. direct 18S rDNA analysis of root material, corroborating previous suggestions that spore inspection alone may poorly represent actual AMF population structure.
Increased endothelin in infants of pre‐eclamptic mothers
Authors: Narin Nazmi , Narin Figen , Tutus Ahmet , Tayyar Mehmet 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Objective
: Endothelin (ET), a vasoactive mediator, like others which originate from the endothelium or circulating cells, may participate in myocardial injury. In full‐term neonates of mild pre‐eclamptic mothers (NMPM), it identifies minor myocardial damage missed by other biochemical markers. The present study was designed to determine the diagnostic value of ET concentrations in NMPM.
Methods
: Seventeen NMPM were studied (10 boys and seven girls), and 17 healthy full‐term (nine boys and eight girls) were selected for a control group. Birthweights in NMPM and control group were 2950 g (2.300−3.850) and 3.350 g (2.650−4.000), respectively. The ET measured by the radioimmunoassay method, Troponin T (TnT) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method and creatine kinase (CK‐MB) determined in chemical 1 analysis.
Results
: Serum ET and TnT concentrations in NMPM (3.32 pg/mL vs 0.74 ng/mL) were significantly higher than the control group (0.82 pg/mL vs 0.10 ng/mL) (P < 0.01 and < 0.001).
Conclusion
: Our study demonstrated high levels of ET, cardiac TnT in NMPM, presumably associated with myocardial damage in NMPM.
Intrauterine treatment for an acardiac twin with alcohol injection into the umbilical artery
Authors: Tongsong Theera , Wanapirak Chanane , Sirichotiyakul Supatra , Chanprapaph Pharuhas 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAn acardiac twin is a unique complication of monochorionic twinning, in which a normal pump twin perfuses the acardiac twin. The mortality rate of the pump twin is greater than 50%. Herein we present the successful treatment of an acardiac twin with alcoholization as follows. An acardiac twin was diagnosed at 24 weeks gestation. Circulation interruption of the acardiac twin was successfully achieved by injection of absolute alcohol (5 mL) into the intra‐abdominal umbilical artery. Serial ultrasound after the procedure revealed normal growth of the pump twin, whereas the acardiac twin was shrinking. Spontaneous premature delivery at 34 weeks gestation resulted in a normal surviving female baby weighing 2410 g and an acardiac female fetus weighing 300 g. This experience suggests that this simple technique may be an alternative treatment for an acardiac twin.
Effect of maternal oral hydration on amniotic fluid index in women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension
Authors: Malhotra Bhawna , Deka Deepika 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the effect of maternal oral hydration on amniotic fluid index (AFI) in women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension.Methods: Five women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension and five normotensive gravidae at 32–37 weeks gestation with normal AFI (8–18 cm) were hydrated by oral intake of 2 L of water over 1 h. Both groups were similar in age, parity and gestation. Repeat AFI was measured in all women after 3 h. The differences between pre‐ and post‐hydration AFI in the two groups were analyzed with Student's t‐test for statistical significance.Results: Maternal oral hydration resulted in a significant increase in AFI in both hypertensive and normotensive gravidae (1.7 cm and 3.48 cm, respectively). However, the extent of increase was significantly lower in the hypertensive group (P = 0.03).Conclusion: Pregnancy‐induced hypertension adversely affects the increase in amniotic fluid volume with maternal hydration. This observation is of clinical relevance in the management of oligohydramnios associated with pregnancy‐induced hypertension.