bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transiency of the different cholesterolaemic responses to dietary cellulose and psyllium in pigs and two strains of hamsters
Authors: Terpstra A. H. M. , Lapré J. A. , De Vries H. T. , Beynen A. C. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe time course of the cholesterolaemic effects of dietary cellulose and psyllium was studied in two strains of hamsters and in pigs. In the first experiment, the ShHan:AURA strain from Harlan was used. Hamsters were first fed a cholesterol‐enriched (0.1%, w/w) semipurified diet containing 3% cellulose for a period of 2 weeks. Then, one group (n = 14) continued on the cellulose diet and another group (n = 14) was transferred to the psyllium diet. After 1.5 weeks on the diets, the psyllium‐fed hamsters showed a steep decrease in plasma cholesterol levels whereas the cellulose group maintained high cholesterol levels. Then, however, the cellulose‐fed hamsters showed a gradual decrease in plasma cholesterol levels and after 9.5 weeks on the diets, they had plasma cholesterol levels comparable to the hamsters fed psyllium. In the second study, the Lake View strain from Charles River was used. Two groups of hamsters (n = 14 per group) were fed a cholesterol‐enriched (0.1%, w/w) semipurified diet containing either 3% cellulose or 3% psyllium. The psyllium‐fed group had significantly lower plasma cholesterol concentrations than the cellulose group after 2, 4, and 6 weeks on the diets. After 8 weeks on the diets, however, the cholesterol levels in the cellulose group had decreased to levels similar to those in the psyllium group. In the third experiment, pigs were fed a cholesterol‐enriched (0.5%, w/w) semipurified diet containing either 5% cellulose or psyllium. After 1 and 2 weeks on the diets, the cellulose‐fed pigs had elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations, whereas the psyllium‐fed pigs maintained low cholesterol levels. After 3 weeks on the diets, the cholesterol concentrations in the cellulose‐fed pigs had decreased to the same level as in the psyllium‐fed pigs. There was no significant effect of cellulose and psyllium on liver cholesterol in the three studies, but psyllium tended to increase the faecal excretion of bile acids. Thus, the present studies showed a cholesterol lowering effect of dietary psyllium compared with cellulose in hamsters and pigs, but this effect was transient.
Prior exposure to lipopolysaccharide potentiates expression of plant defenses in response to bacteria
Authors: Newman Mari‐Anne , Von Roepenack‐Lahaye Edda , Parr Adrian , Daniels Michael J. , Dow J. Maxwell 
Published: March 2003

SummaryLipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a ubiquitous component of Gram‐negative bacteria which has a number of diverse biological effects on eukaryotic cells. In contrast to the large body of work in mammalian and insect cells, the effects of LPS on plant cells have received little attention. LPS can induce defense‐related responses in plants, but in many cases these direct effects are weak. Here we have examined the effects of prior inoculation of LPS on the induction of plant defense‐related responses by phytopathogenic xanthomonads in leaves of pepper (Capsicum annuum). The resistance of pepper to incompatible strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria or to X. campestris pv. campestris is associated with increased synthesis of the hydroxycinnamoyl‐tyramine conjugates, feruloyl‐tyramine (FT) and coumaroyl‐tyramine (CT). FT and CT are produced only in trace amounts in response to compatible strains of X. axonopodis pv. vesicatoria. Treatment of leaves with LPS from a number of bacteria did not induce the synthesis of FT and CT but altered the kinetics of induction upon subsequent bacterial inoculation. In incompatible interactions FT and CT synthesis was accelerated, whereas in compatible interactions synthesis was also considerably enhanced. The ability of the tissue to respond more rapidly was induced within 4 h of LPS treatment and the potentiated state was maintained for at least 38 h. Earlier treatment with LPS also potentiated the expression of other defense responses such as transcription of genes encoding acidic β‐1,3‐glucanase. Our findings indicate a wider role for LPS in plant–bacterial interactions beyond its limited activity as a direct inducer of plant defenses.
Important roles of drought‐ and cold‐inducible genes for galactinol synthase in stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Taji Teruaki , Ohsumi Chieko , Iuchi Satoshi , Seki Motoaki , Kasuga Mie , Kobayashi Masatomo , Yamaguchi‐Shinozaki Kazuko , Shinozaki Kazuo 
Published: March 2003

SummaryRaffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) accumulating during seed development are thought to play a role in the desiccation tolerance of seeds. However, the functions of RFO in desiccation tolerance have not been elucidated. Here we examine the functions of RFO in Arabidopsis thaliana plants under drought‐ and cold‐stress conditions, based on the analyses of function and expression of genes involved in RFO biosynthesis. Sugar analysis showed that drought‐, high salinity‐ and cold‐treated Arabidopsis plants accumulate a large amount of raffinose and galactinol, but not stachyose. Raffinose and galactinol were not detected in unstressed plants. This suggests that raffinose and galactinol are involved in tolerance to drought, high salinity and cold stresses. Galactinol synthase (GolS) catalyses the first step in the biosynthesis of RFO from UDP‐galactose. We identified three stress‐responsive GolS genes (AtGolS1, 2 and 3) among seven Arabidopsis GolS genes. AtGolS1 and 2 were induced by drought and high‐salinity stresses, but not by cold stress. By contrast, AtGolS3 was induced by cold stress but not by drought or salt stress. All the GST fusion proteins of GST‐AtGolS1, 2 and 3 expressed in Escherichia coli had galactinol synthase activities. Overexpression of AtGolS2 in transgenic Arabidopsis caused an increase in endogenous galactinol and raffinose, and showed reduced transpiration from leaves to improve drought tolerance. These results show that stress‐inducible galactinol synthase plays a key role in the accumulation of galactinol and raffinose under abiotic stress conditions, and that galactinol and raffinose may function as osmoprotectants in drought‐stress tolerance of plants.
Spontaneous resolution of amniotic bands
Authors: Pedersen T. K. , Thomsen S. G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe amniotic band syndrome comprises a group of sporadic congenital anomalies characterized by amputations, constriction bands, pseudosyndactylism and multiple craniofacial, visceral and body wall defects. It occurs in approximately 1 in 1200 to 1 in 15 000 live births. Some of the cases present with congenital anomalies that are incompatible with life, but a selected group shows isolated limb constrictions. Repeated sonographic examinations afforded us the opportunity of observing the in utero process of limb strangulation and subsequent spontaneous lysis of an amniotic band attached to a fetal elbow. Surgical fetal therapy with lysis of the constriction ring in utero is an option, but intervention is probably not always warranted. Spontaneous resolution does occur.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fetal ear length measurement: a useful predictor of aneuploidy?
Authors: Chitkara U. , Lee L. , Oehlert J. W. , Bloch D. A. , Holbrook R. H. , El‐sayed Y. Y. , Druzin M. L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the usefulness of short ear length (EL) measurement in the prenatal detection of fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities.DesignFetal EL measurements, routine biometry and complete anatomic survey for fetal abnormalities were prospectively performed by antenatal sonography.SubjectsOne thousand eight hundred and forty‐eight patients with singleton pregnancies undergoing genetic amniocentesis in the second or third trimester.MethodsComplete data for EL, biometry and anatomic survey for major structural abnormalities and minor sonographic markers of chromosomal abnormality were available in 1311 fetuses. Of these, 48 (3.7%) had an abnormal karyotype and 1263 (96.3%) had a normal karyotype. Using an EL measurement of ≤10th percentile for corresponding gestational age in normal fetuses as abnormal cut‐off values, detection rates for chromosomal abnormalities by short EL were determined.ResultsAmong the 48 abnormal karyotypes, 34 were considered significant, and 11 of these 34 (32.4%) fetuses had short EL. In 14 cases, the karyotypic abnormality was considered non‐significant and fetal EL was normal in all cases. Of the 34 fetuses with significant chromosomal abnormalities, six (17.6%) on antenatal sonography had no detectable abnormal findings, other than short EL. An increased biparietal diameter (BPD)/EL ratio of ≥4.0 was also noted in fetuses with an abnormal karyotype, but the sensitivity and predictive value of increased BPD/EL ratio alone or increased BPD/EL ratio in combination with short EL was no better than the sensitivity and predictive value of short EL alone. A combination of short EL and abnormal ultrasound, however, gave a much higher positive predictive value (46%) for significant chromosomal abnormalities.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that in women at high risk for fetal chromosomal abnormality, a short fetal EL measurement on prenatal ultrasound, either alone or in combination with other sonographically detectable structural abnormalities, may be a useful parameter in predicting fetal aneuploidy. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Fetal cleft lip and palate: sonographic diagnosis, chromosomal abnormalities, associated anomalies and postnatal outcome in 70 fetuses
Authors: Bergé S. J. , Plath H. , Van De Vondel P. T. , Appel T. , Niederhagen B. , Von Lindern J. J. , Reich R. H. , Hansmann M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the relationship between facial clefts, associated malformations and chromosomal abnormalities.Study designSonograms of 70 fetuses with cleft lip with or without cleft palate were prospectively and retrospectively evaluated in our tertiary referral center for the nature of the cleft lip or palate and for the nature of the associated anomalies. Additionally, karyotyping was performed in 63 of the 70 patients (90%).ResultsThe frequency of additional anomalies and the mortality rate in this selected population varied with the type of cleft. None of the fetuses presenting an isolated cleft lip had additional anomalies and all survived. All fetuses presenting a median facial cleft had concurrent anomalies (particularly of the central nervous system (90%)) and a fatal outcome. Associated defects were more frequent in fetuses with bilateral clefts (72%) than in those with unilateral clefts (48%). Fetuses with a unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate had a better survival rate (52%) than those with a bilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate (35%). The frequency and type of chromosomal abnormalities varied with the type of cleft. The highest rate of chromosomal abnormalities was found in fetuses with median clefts (82%).ConclusionsAlthough no conclusions regarding the prevalence of chromosomal or other anomalies in patients with a cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the general population could be drawn, the study revealed a strong relationship between the type of facial cleft, associated malformations, chromosomal abnormalities and fetal outcome. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Screening for pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction by uterine artery Doppler at 11–14 weeks of gestation
Authors: Martin A. M. , Bindra R. , Curcio P. , Cicero S. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the value of uterine artery Doppler at 11–14 weeks of gestation in the identification of women at risk of developing pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction.MethodsUterine artery Doppler was carried out at 11–14 weeks in 3324 consecutive singleton pregnancies attending for routine care in three London hospitals. The right and left uterine arteries were identified using color flow mapping and velocity waveforms were obtained using pulsed Doppler. The mean pulsatility index of the two arteries was determined and the predictive value of a mean pulsatility index > the 95th centile in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction was calculated.ResultsSatisfactory flow velocity waveforms were obtained from both uterine arteries in 3195 (96.1%) of the 3324 pregnancies examined and complete outcome information was obtained for 3045 (95.3%) of these women. The 95th centile of the uterine artery mean pulsatility index was 2.35 and did not change significantly with gestational age. The pregnancy was complicated by pre‐eclampsia in 63 (2.1%) cases and by fetal growth restriction in 290 (9.5%) cases. The sensitivity of a mean pulsatility index > 2.35 for pre‐eclampsia (with or without fetal growth restriction) was 27.0% but for fetal growth restriction alone it was 11.7%. The respective sensitivities for these complications requiring delivery before 32 weeks of gestation were 60.0% and 27.8%, respectively.ConclusionUterine artery Doppler at 11–14 weeks of gestation identifies a high proportion of women who develop severe pre‐eclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Retrograde net blood flow in the aortic isthmus in relation to human fetal arterial and venous circulations
Authors: Mäkikallio K. , Jouppila P. , Räsänen J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo characterize changes in the human fetal arterial and venous circulations associated with retrograde aortic isthmus net blood flow.MethodsStudy groups consisted of fetuses with placental insufficiency and/or fetal growth restriction and either antegrade (Group 1; n = 18) or retrograde (Group 2; n = 11) net blood flow in the aortic isthmus. The control group comprised 31 fetuses in uncomplicated pregnancies. Pulsatility indices of the umbilical, middle cerebral and proximal pulmonary arteries and the descending aorta, and pulsatility indices for veins of the ductus venosus and inferior vena cava were calculated. Right and left ventricular fractional shortenings were ascertained. The coronary artery blood flow was visualized and the presence of tricuspid regurgitation was noted.ResultsIn the study groups, the umbilical artery and descending aorta pulsatility indices were significantly higher (P < 0.05), and those of the middle cerebral artery lower (P < 0.001), than in the control group, with no difference between the two study groups. The proximal pulmonary artery pulsatility index was significantly higher in Group 2 (P < 0.001) than in Group 1 and the control group. In Group 2, the right ventricular fractional shortening was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than in Group 1. Coronary artery blood flow was visualized significantly more often (P < 0.03) and tricuspid regurgitation was present more frequently (P < 0.003) in Group 2 than in Group 1. In Group 2, the ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins was significantly higher than in Group 1 (P < 0.01) and the control group (P < 0.01), with no difference in the inferior vena cava pulsatility index for veins.ConclusionsFetuses with retrograde aortic isthmus net blood flow demonstrate a rise in right ventricular afterload and increased pulsatility in ductus venosus blood velocity waveforms. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Tehao functions in the Toll pathway in Drosophila melanogaster: possible roles in development and innate immunity
Authors: Luo C. , Shen B. , Manley J. L. , Zheng L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractToll and related proteins play important roles in innate immunity in both invertebrates and vertebrates. In Drosophila melanogaster, Tehao shares a striking similarity in its intracellular domain with Toll. In this paper, we show that Tehao is expressed throughout development and appears to be glycosylated. In transiently transfected cells, Tehao activated both Dorsal and the transcription of endogenous drosomycin and metchnikowin genes. Purified recombinant Tehao interacted specifically in vitro not only with the Pelle protein kinase, but also with the Toll intracytoplasmic domain. Remarkably, Tehao was found to activate Dorsal‐dependent transcription in a synergistic manner with Toll, as well as Pelle in co‐transfected cells. Thus, Tehao, alone or with Toll as a multimeric complex, has the potential to participate in both the development and innate immune responses of Drosophila.
Bumblebee commercialization will cause worldwide migration of parasitic mites
Authors: Goka Koichi , Okabe Kimiko , Yoneda Masahiro , Niwa Satomi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe investigated natural populations of three Japanese native bumblebee species to determine the status of infestation by a tracheal mite, Locustacarus buchneri, which we had earlier detected in introduced commercial colonies of the European bumblebee, Bombus terrestris. We also investigated mite infestation in commercial colonies of a Japanese native species, B. ignitus, which are mass‐produced in the Netherlands and reimported into Japan. We detected the mite in both natural and commercial colonies of the Japanese species. Comparison of 555 bp sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene from the mite showed that there were seven haplotypes, on the basis of combinations of substitutions at eight sites in the gene. The haplotypes of the mites in the Japanese native bumblebees and the haplotypes of the mites in B. terrestris did not overlap; however, mtDNA of mites detected in the commercial colonies of B. ignitus possessed the same sequence as a European haplotype. These results indicate that transportation of bumblebee colonies will cause overseas migration of parasitic mites of different origins.
The molecular revolution in ectomycorrhizal ecology: peeking into the black‐box
Authors: Horton Thomas R. , Bruns Thomas D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMolecular tools have now been applied for the past 5 years to dissect ectomycorrhizal (EM) community structure, and they have propelled a resurgence in interest in the field. Results from these studies have revealed that: (i) EM communities are impressively diverse and are patchily distributed at a fine scale below ground; (ii) there is a poor correspondence between fungi that appear dominant as sporocarps vs. those that appear dominant on roots; (iii) members of Russulaceae, Thelephoraceae, and/or non‐thelephoroid resupinates are among the most abundant EM taxa in ecosystems sampled to date; (iv) dissimilar plants are associated with many of the same EM species when their roots intermingle — this occurs on a small enough spatial scale that fungal individuals are likely to be shared by dissimilar plants; and (v) mycoheterotrophic plants have highly specific fungal associations. Although, these results have been impressive, they have been tempered by sampling difficulties and limited by the taxonomic resolution of restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Minor modifications of the sampling schemes, and more use of direct sequencing, has the potential to solve these problems. Use of additional methods, such as in situ hybridization to ribosomal RNA or hybridization coupled to microarrays, are necessary to open up the analysis of the mycelial component of community structure.
Mating system and reproductive skew in the black rhinoceros
Authors: Garnier J. N. , Bruford M. W. , Goossens B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOnly ≈ 2600 black rhinoceros survive today, mainly in small, isolated populations of < 100 animals. The management of remaining black rhinoceros populations aims at preserving natural levels of genetic relatedness and optimizing breeding success, which requires an accurate knowledge of the mating system, reproductive skew and effective population size. DNA was extracted from faecal samples from a community of 35 wild black rhinoceros, and microsatellites were used to characterize patterns of paternity of 19 offspring born from eight females in this community. Paternity could be ascribed unequivocally for each offspring. Although our conclusions must be considered tentative, we present the first genetic evidence that black rhinoceros males are polygynous, with a high variance in reproductive success. We also describe a noninvasive management tool that can be used for the genetic management of this critically endangered species, both in the wild and in captivity.
Phylogenetic relationships among the Canary Island Steganacaridae (Acari, Oribatida) inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequence data
Authors: Salomone N , Emerson B. C , Hewitt G. M , Bernini F 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe mite genus Steganacarus is represented in the Canary Islands by three endemic species, one recently discovered species, and several morphotypes of uncertain taxonomic position. We used a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among representatives of the different taxa from the three central islands of the archipelago, Tenerife, La Gomera and Gran Canaria. Sequence data were analysed by both maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. The inferred phylogenetic relationships do not correlate well with current morphological taxonomy but reveal four deeply divergent and geographically coherent lineages, one each on Gran Canaria and La Gomera and two on Tenerife. No pattern of molecular differentiation was observed among different morphotypes. Possible explanations for this incongruence are suggested in relation to the ecology and biogeography of the group. A recently discovered Steganacarus species from La Gomera, morphologically quite distinct from the other Canarian Steganacarus, is clearly identified as a taxon distantly related to all the other Canarian samples.
The discovery of three genetic races of the dwarf mistletoe Arceuthobium americanum (Viscaceae) provides insight into the evolution of parasitic angiosperms
Authors: Jerome Cheryl A. , Ford Bruce A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA population genetic approach was used to explore the evolutionary biology of the parasitic angiosperm Arceuthobium americanum Nutt. ex Engelm. (Viscaceae). Arceuthobium americanum infects three principal hosts and has the most extensive geographical range of any North American dwarf mistletoe. Based on the lack of apparent morphological and phenological differences between populations of A. americanum, past researchers have found no evidence for recognizing infraspecific taxa. In this study, molecular analysis using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis indicated that A. americanum is divided into three distinct genetic races, each associated with a different host taxon in regions of allopatry: (i) Pinus banksiana in western Canada; (ii) Pinus contorta var. murrayana in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges in the western US; and (iii) Pinus contorta var. latifolia in the western US and Canada. These observations suggest that host identity, geographical isolation and environmental factors have contributed to race formation in A. americanum. The lack of fine‐scale patterning within each of the A. americanum races is attributed to random dispersal of seeds over long distances by animal vectors. Historical factors such as glaciations and founder events have also influenced structuring and genetic diversity in A. americanum populations. Given sufficient time, it is possible that these races will become reproductively isolated and undergo speciation.
Massive ascites in severe pre‐eclampsia: A rare complication
Authors: Vaijyanath Anita Matai , Nayar Bonilla , Malhotra Neena , Deka Deepika 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe report three rare cases of massive maternal ascites complicating severe pre‐eclamptic toxemia seen in the last 18 months. This complication developed in association with the rise of blood pressure to 160/110 mmHg or more, worsening of proteinuria and hyperuricemia. The onset of massive ascites caused respiratory compromise in all these patients, thus necessitating immediate termination of pregnancy.