bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PkMADS1 is a novel MADS box gene regulating adventitious shoot induction and vegetative shoot development in Paulownia kawakamii
Authors: Prakash A. Pavan , Kumar Prakash P. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryDirect regeneration of shoot buds in vitro is an important technique in plant genetic manipulation. We describe the isolation and functional characterization of a novel MADS box cDNA (PkMADS1) from Paulownia kawakamii leaf explants undergoing adventitious shoot regeneration. mRNA gel blot analysis confirmed the expression of PkMADS1 in the shoot‐forming cultures, but no signal was observed in the callus‐forming cultures. PkMADS1 transcripts were also detected in shoot apices, but not in root apices, initial leaf explants or the flower. In situ hybridization revealed that its expression was restricted to developing shoot primordia in the excised leaf cultures, suggesting a role for this gene in adventitious shoot formation. Transgenic Paulownia plants over‐expressing the PkMADS1 gene showed some changes in phenotype, such as axillary shoot formation. In the antisense transformants, shoots were stunted and had altered phyllotaxy, and, in some lines, the shoot apical meristem appeared to have been used up early during shoot development. Leaf explants from the antisense transgenic plants showed a tenfold decrease in shoot regeneration compared with explants from sense transformants or wild‐type. Our results show that PkMADS1 is a regulator of shoot morphogenesis.
FLC, a repressor of flowering, is regulated by genes in different inductive pathways
Authors: Rouse Dean T. , Sheldon Candice C. , Bagnall David J. , Peacock W. James , Dennis Elizabeth S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe MADS‐box protein encoded by FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is a repressor of flowering. Loci in the autonomous flowering pathway control FLC levels. We show the epistatic groupings of autonomous pathway mutants fca/fy and fve/fpa, based on their effects on flowering time, are consistent with their effects on FLC transcript and protein levels. We demonstrate that synergistic increases in FLC mRNA and protein expression occur in response to interactions between the autonomous pathway mutants fca and fpa and mutants in other pathways (fe, ft, fha) that do not regulate FLC when present as single mutants. These changes in FLC levels provide the molecular basis of the interactions previously shown in genetic analyses. The interactions between genes of multiple pathways emphasize the central position of FLC in the control of floral initiation. FLC protein levels match those of its mRNA for a range of genetic, developmental and environmental variables, indicating that control of FLC is at the level of transcription or transcript stability. The autonomous and photoperiod pathways also interact at the level of SOC1. FLC acts as a repressor of SOC1, and SOC1 levels are low when FLC levels are high. In C24 plants which have moderately high FLC levels, flowering occurs without a decrease in FLC level, but the SOC1 level does increase. Thus SOC1 levels can be upregulated through the activities of other pathways, despite the repression by FLC.
Shoot‐derived auxin is essential for early lateral root emergence in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Bhalerao Rishikesh P. , Eklöf Jan , Ljung Karin , Marchant Alan , Bennett Malcolm , Sandberg Göran 
Published: March 2003

SummaryLateral root formation is profoundly affected by auxins. Here we present data which indicate that light influences the formation of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) in germinating Arabidopsis seedlings. IAA transported from the developing leaves to the root system is detectable as a short‐lived pulse in the roots and is required for the emergence of the lateral root primordia (LRP) during early seedling development. LRP emergence is inhibited by the removal of apical tissues prior to detection of the IAA pulse in the root, but this treatment has minimal effects on LRP initiation. Our results identify the first developing true leaves as the most likely source for the IAA required for the first emergence of the LRP, as removal of cotyledons has only a minor effect on LRP emergence in contrast to removal of the leaves. A basipetal IAA concentration gradient with high levels of IAA in the root tip appears to control LRP initiation, in contrast to their emergence. A significant increase in the ability of the root system to synthesize IAA is observed 10 days after germination, and this in turn is reflected in the reduced dependence of the lateral root emergence on aerial tissue‐derived auxin at this stage. We propose a model for lateral root formation during early seedling development that can be divided into two phases: (i) an LRP initiation phase dependent on a root tip‐localized IAA source, and (ii) an LRP emergence phase dependent on leaf‐derived IAA up to 10 days after germination.
Redistribution of membrane proteins between the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum in plants is reversible and not dependent on cytoskeletal networks
Authors: Saint‐Jore Claude M. , Evins Janet , Batoko Henri , Brandizzi Federica , Moore Ian , Hawes Chris 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe have fused the signal anchor sequences of a rat sialyl transferase and a human galactosyl transferase along with theArabidopsishomologue of the yeast HDEL receptor (AtERD2) to the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) and transiently expressed the chimeric genes in tobacco leaves. All constructs targeted the Golgi apparatus and co‐expression with DsRed fusions along with immunolabelling of stably transformed BY2 cells indicated that the fusion proteins located all Golgi stacks. Exposure of tissue to brefeldin A (BFA) resulted in the reversible redistribution of ST‐GFP into the endoplasmic reticulum. This effect occurred in the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor and also in the absence of microtubules or actin filaments. Likewise, reformation of Golgi stacks on removal of BFA was not dependent on either protein synthesis or the cytoskeleton. These data suggest that ER to Golgi transport in the cell types observed does not require cytoskeletal‐based mechanochemical motor systems. However, expression of an inhibitory mutant ofArabidopsisRab 1b (AtRab1b(N121I) significantly slowed down the recovery of Golgi fluorescence in BFA treated cells indicating a role for Rab1 in regulating ER to Golgi anterograde transport.
Incidence of caries in an infant population in Mostoles, Madrid. Evaluation of a preventive program after 7·5 years of follow‐up
Authors: Tapias M. A. , De Miguel G. , Jiménez‐Garcia R. , GonzáLEZ A. , Dominguez V. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.Objective.To assess the efficacy and effectiveness of a dental‐health programme after 7·5‐years of follow‐up.Design.The study follows a prospective cohort design without randomization.Population and methods.The study group cohort consisted of 547 school children, 266 girls and 281 boys, the control group was composed of 237 school children, 121 girls and 116 boys. Dental examinations were carried out using WHO criteria. Preventive measures included health education, a weekly mouth rinse using sodium fluoride (NaFl) at 0·2% concentration, fissure sealants to first permanent molars and topical application of fluoride gel. The outcomes using different indices of tooth decay and socio–demographic variables were compared between study and control groups and statistical significance determined through the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Logistic regression was used in the multivariate analysis.Results.There were statistically significant differences between cohorts in the indices of decay. The mean DMFT value for study group children was 1·52 and for first permanent molars (DMFM) 1·10 per child, mean DMFS was 2·09. In the control group, values were DMFT‐3·07, DMFM‐2·03 per child, DMFS‐4·33. Logistic regression showed the preventive programme to have a significant independent effect.Conclusion.The preventive programme had been effective and had a clear protective effect.
The distribution of stimulated saliva in children
Authors: McDonnell S. T. , Hector M. P. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.Objectives.The need for an adequate quantity of saliva to maintain oral health has been widely reported. It is not only the quantity that is important, but also how the saliva is distributed once it enters the mouth. Several studies have looked at how saliva is distributed around adult mouths. The aim of this experiment was to describe the distribution of stimulated saliva around the mouth in children.Sample and methods.In order to demonstrate the distribution of saliva around the mouth under stimulated conditions, 25 child subjects were asked to chew a piece of chewing gum containing 1·5 mg erythrosin for 3 min on one side of the mouth. The distribution of dye in the mouth was recorded on standardized charts.Results.In all cases, dye was present ipsilateral to the chewing side. In 13 cases (52%) the dye did not cross the midline and of the remaining 12 children the dye only reached the contralateral canines in four of them (16%).Conclusions.Evidence is presented which suggests that during unilateral chewing in children, saliva is not well distributed around the mouth and has a tendency to stay on the side of the mouth from where it was secreted (P < 0·01).
Fetal Doppler velocimetry at high altitude
Authors: Krampl E. , Lees C. , Bland J. M. , Espinoza Dorado J. , Moscoso G. , Campbell S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo determine impedance and velocity characteristics of the fetal circulation using Doppler ultrasound, at extremely high altitude (4300 m) in the Peruvian Andes compared to an ethnically similar population at sea level.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 196 women resident at high altitude (Cerro de Pasco, 4300 m above sea level) and 196 women resident at sea level (Lima) with normal singleton pregnancies. Pulsatility index (PI), maximum velocity (Vmax) and minimum velocity (Vmin) in the umbilical artery, the descending aorta, the middle cerebral artery and the ductus venosus were compared between the two populations using fractional polynomial regression analysis.ResultsThe PI was higher at high altitude than at sea level in the umbilical artery (regression coefficient = 0.112, P < 0.001), and not significantly different in the descending aorta, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus. Vmax was lower at high altitude than at sea level in all three arterial vessels assessed; Vmin was lower in two: the umbilical artery and the descending aorta. The high‐altitude/sea‐level ratios for umbilical artery Vmax and Vmin were 0.93 and 0.82, respectively (P < 0.001 for each), the ratios for descending aorta Vmax and Vmin were 0.93 and 0.89, respectively (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively), and the regression coefficient for the middle cerebral artery Vmax was −2.844 (P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the middle cerebral artery Vmin or in the ductus venosus Vmax and Vmin.ConclusionsDespite the lower ambient oxygen at high altitude and an increase in umbilical artery PI, the fetal circulation does not exhibit a ‘brain sparing effect’. This and the overall decrease in blood flow velocities in the fetal circulation at high altitude may be due to the increased fetal hematocrit, which will result in increased blood viscosity. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Measurement of fetal nuchal translucency thickness by three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Paul C. , Krampl E. , Skentou C. , Jurkovic D. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and repeatability of nuchal translucency thickness measurement using three‐dimensional ultrasound.MethodsForty consecutive women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies attending for Down syndrome screening at 11–14 weeks' gestation were included in this prospective crossover trial. Nuchal translucency thickness was measured using both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional ultrasound. In each case two three‐dimensional volumes were recorded and then examined by using the technique of planar reformatted sections. The initial plane of the first volume always contained a clear image of the nuchal region (‘sagittal volume’), whilst the initial plane of the second volume was selected randomly regardless of fetal position (‘random volume’). The repeatability of nuchal translucency measurement was examined by constructing a scatter diagram of the difference between the measurements plotted against the mean of two readings.ResultsNuchal translucency measurements could be repeated in 38/40 (95%) sagittal volumes and 24/40 (60%) random volumes. The mean difference between two‐dimensional measurements and those obtained by reslicing of sagittal three‐dimensional volumes was −0.097 mm (95% limits of agreement from −0.481 to 0.675) and 0.225 mm (95% limits of agreement from −0.369 to 0.819) when random volumes were examined.ConclusionsReslicing of stored three‐dimensional volumes can be used to replicate nuchal translucency measurements only when nuchal skin can also be clearly seen on two‐dimensional ultrasound. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Reproducibility of transvaginal three‐dimensional endometrial volume measurements with virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL) during ovarian stimulation
Authors: Bordes A. , Bory A. M. , Benchaïb M. , Rudigoz R. C. , Salle B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo calculate inter‐ and intraobserver reliabilities for three‐dimensional endometrial volume measurements during in vitro fertilization using virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (VOCAL™).Patients and methodsThree‐dimensional ultrasound measurements of the endometrium using VOCAL software were performed on the day of oocyte retrieval in each of 79 consecutive patients undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Endometrial volume was calculated every 15° and every 30° by two different observers in order to determine the reproducibility of the technique.ResultsIntraobserver reliability for the 15° measurements was 0.97 for both observers; for the 30° measurements, it was 0.93 for one observer and 0.96 for the other. Interobserver reliability was 0.80 for the endometrial volumes calculated every 15° and 0.83 for the volumes calculated every 30°. The intra‐ and interobserver measurement agreement showed good reproducibility. However, the volumes calculated every 15° were more accurate because the means of differences were close to zero.ConclusionVOCAL provides a reproducible method for the estimation of the endometrial volume. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Depressive reactions and stress related to prenatal medicine procedures
Authors: Kowalcek I. , Mühlhoff A. , Bachmann S. , Gembruch U. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveThe experience of pregnancy is mainly influenced by the availability of prenatal screening procedures. Previous screening studies focus on somatic abnormalities. The psychological experience of the parents‐to‐be recedes into the background. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the emotional mood of pregnant women and their partners before and their psychological stress before and after different prenatal screening procedures (ultrasound, chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis).MethodsIn the study, 140 pregnant women, and, in 108 cases, their partners, were asked to complete questionnaires before and immediately after the prenatal testing. Depending on the applied prenatal procedure, the subjects were assigned to: the invasive group (amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) and the noninvasive group (ultrasound group). We used the German version of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression Scale of Hautzinger and the short questionnaire of actual situative perceived stress of Müller.ResultsBefore the prenatal examination, the mean level of depression of pregnant women was the highest in the noninvasive group compared to the invasive group, although the between‐group difference was not significant. However, for their male partners, the mean level of depression was significantly different between the noninvasive and the invasive groups. Furthermore, women undergoing invasive diagnostic or noninvasive diagnostic procedures were significantly more depressed than their partners. The analysis of the actual stress ratings showed a significant reduction from the prescreening to the postscreening stress for pregnant women and their partners in both groups.ConclusionsThis study reveals that the individual experience of prenatal diagnosis is not determined by the invasiveness of the procedure. Immediate visual presentation of the fetus and confirmation of a normal test result reduce stress that has previously been induced by the prenatal test itself. This contradiction should be discussed with the parents. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
The anatomy of the umbilical, portal and hepatic venous systems in the human fetus at 14–19 weeks of gestation
Authors: Mavrides E. , Moscoso G. , Carvalho J. S. , Campbell S. , Thilaganathan B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackgroundUltrasound imaging of the fetal ductus venosus is becoming increasingly commonplace in clinical practice. The true anatomical relationships of the fetal umbilical and portal venous systems have not been clearly defined due to paucity of published data on the relevant anatomy. This has led to confusing terminology when describing the fetal umbilical, portal and hepatic circulations. The aim of the present study was to examine and document the anatomy of the umbilical, portal and hepatic venous systems and to propose a standardized nomenclature.MethodsThis was a prospective study on 11 fetuses obtained from medical termination of pregnancies between 14 and 19 weeks of gestation. The liver was microdissected to expose the branching pattern and anatomical relations of the umbilical, portal and hepatic venous systems.ResultsA wide L‐shaped venous confluence at the terminal end of the umbilical vein, termed the portal sinus, was identified. The portal sinus was connected to the right and left hepatic lobes, by the right and left intrahepatic portal veins, respectively. The extrahepatic portal vein drained into the portal sinus just before the origin of the right intrahepatic portal vein. The ductus venosus, a branchless straight vessel, originated from the portal sinus and ascended steeply in the direction of the diaphragm. Numerous small vessels draining the liver converged into three main hepatic veins, which open into the subdiaphragmatic vestibulum.ConclusionBased on detailed sequential anatomical dissection and clear illustrations, the present study documents the anatomy of the umbilical, portal and hepatic venous systems. Taking into account the embryological origin of the vessels, a new anatomically appropriate and simplified nomenclature of these venous systems is proposed. In clinical practice, the consistent use of the suggested terminology would allow collection of comparable data between units and enable operators to be confident of which vessels they are sampling by Doppler ultrasound.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
A new mathematical formula for predicting long bone length in early pregnancy
Authors: Rosati P. , Guariglia L. , Capelli G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo propose new mathematical formulae to estimate fetal long bone biometry in early pregnancy and to establish their efficacy in comparison to previously constructed mathematical formulae.MethodsA study population of 1960 singleton euploid fetuses was referred for transvaginal ultrasound examinations between 71 and 112 days of gestation prior to genetic amniocentesis. To determine the relationship between the biparietal diameter and long bone length, a sample group of 400 randomly chosen normal fetuses was evaluated. Regression equations were derived, then tested in the remaining 1560 control fetuses and compared with previously reported mathematical formulae by other authors. Mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error and mean systematic error with their standard deviations were calculated.ResultsThe relationships between femur or humerus length vs. biparietal diameter (BPD) and gestational age (GA) were, respectively: expected femur length = –16.92108 + 0.4569402 × BPD + 0.171617 × GA (P < 0.001) and expected humerus length = –16.28531 + 0.4283019 × BPD + 0.1696017 × GA (P < 0.001). The confidence intervals of the predicted values for different values of biparietal diameter and gestational age and confidence intervals for the regression coefficients, such as the distribution of the residuals, are given. All previous formulae obtained by transabdominal ultrasound demonstrated an overestimation of expected long bones measurements; this was reduced using different formulae obtained in early pregnancy. Using our mathematical formulae, the mean absolute percentage error and the mean systematic error in estimating femur and humerus length were very low (11.15% and −2.02%; 10.59% and –1.74%, respectively).ConclusionsThe new ultrasonographic morphometric models derived from transvaginal measurements in early pregnancy show a good reliability in estimating fetal long bone length. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
The development of the fetal vermis: an in‐utero sonographic evaluation
Authors: Zalel Y. , Seidman D. S. , Brand N. , Lipitz S. , Achiron R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo establish a nomogram for fetal vermis measurements during gestation.MethodsA prospective cross‐sectional study of normal singleton pregnancies. Measurements of the fetal vermis width (in the axial plane) and height (in the sagittal plane) were performed by high‐resolution transabdominal ultrasonography between 18 and 38 weeks of gestation in 256 fetuses.ResultsAdequate vermis measurements were obtained in 256 fetuses. Vermian width and height as a function of gestational age and biparietal diameter were expressed by regression equations and the correlation coefficients were found to be highly statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The normal mean (±SD) for each gestational week was defined.ConclusionsThe present data offer the normal range of the vermian measurements throughout gestation. These values may allow intrauterine assessment of the development of the cerebellar vermis, as well as the posterior fossa. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
MsqTc3, a Tc3‐like transposon in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti
Authors: Shao Hongguang , Qi Yumin , Tu Zhijian 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA novel transposon, MsqTc3‐Aa, has been discovered in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Evidence of its past mobility is presented. There are approximately 100 copies of MsqTc3‐Aa in A. aegypti, eight of which have been isolated and sequenced. All sequenced copies are more than 99% identical to their consensus, indicating recent mobilization. The MsqTc3‐Aa consensus contains imperfect terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) and an open reading frame (ORF) interrupted by an intron. Sequence, structural and phylogenetic analysis showed that MsqTc3‐Aa is a distant relative of Tc3, an active transposon in Caenorhabditis elegans. These results may provide useful information for the current effort to control mosquito‐borne diseases using genetic approaches.