bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal alcohol syndrome prevention in Washington State: evidence of success
Authors: Astley Susan J. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a permanent birth defect syndrome caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. It is characterised by growth deficiency, central nervous system damage/dysfunction, and a unique cluster of minor facial anomalies. To assess the effectiveness of fetal alcohol syndrome prevention efforts, one must be able to estimate accurately the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome over time in population‐based samples. With the establishment of the Washington State Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic and Prevention Network of clinics, the development of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Facial Photographic Analysis Software, the creation of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) 4‐Digit Diagnostic Code, the establishment of the Foster Care Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Screening Program, and the collection of Pregnancy Risk Assessment Management System data on maternal use of alcohol during pregnancy, the tools, methods and infrastructure for assessing the effectiveness of fetal alcohol syndrome primary prevention efforts in Washington State are in place. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine whether the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome among children in a foster care population, born between 1993 and 1998, decreased with the documented decrease in prevalence of maternal use of alcohol during pregnancy from 1993 and 1998 in Washington State.The prevalence of maternal drinking during pregnancy in Washington State declined significantly (P < 0.001) from 1993 to 1998 as did the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome among foster children born 1993–98 (P < 0.03). These observations support the likelihood that fetal alcohol syndrome prevention efforts in Washington State are working successfully.
Mortality due to sudden infant death syndrome in Northern Italy, 1990–2000: a baseline for the assessment of prevention campaigns
Authors: Montomoli Cristina , Monti Maria C. , Stramba‐Badiale Marco , Marinoni Alessandra , Foglieni Nives , Carreri Vittorio , Amigoni Maurizio , Schwartz Peter J. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryThe aim of this paper is to estimate the infant mortality rate and the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Lombardy, Northern Italy, in the period 1990–2000 and to provide basic information for a subsequent comparison of the SIDS incidence before and after the risk‐intervention campaign. A retrospective epidemiological study was carried out using all deaths of resident infants occurring up to 1 year of age as recorded by the health districts mortality registries of the Lombardy region, between 1990 and 2000.The infant mortality rate was 4.1 per 1000 live births, with a significant decreasing trend. This decrease is mainly due to the fall in mortality for congenital malformations and perinatal diseases. The SIDS incidence rate was 0.13 per 1000 live births; the annual incidence of SIDS during the study period decreased significantly by 60% from 0.20 to 0.08 deaths per 1000 live births (P = 0.001). When ‘possible SIDS deaths’, not directly labelled as SIDS, were also considered, the rate of SIDS was 0.54 per 1000 live births. The incidence of SIDS in Northern Italy appears much lower than anticipated. SIDS remains the single leading cause of death in the first year of life after the early neonatal period.
Revitalising the Metropolit 1953 Danish male birth cohort: background, aims and design
Authors: Osler Merete , Andersen Anne‐Marie Nybo , Lund Rikke , Batty G. David , Hougaard Charlotte Ørsted , Damsgaard Mogens Trab , Due Pernille , Holstein Bjørn E. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryRecent research indicates that factors operating during childhood are related to adult health. Thus, longitudinal studies with information on subsequent phases may be key to understanding later health outcomes. The main objective of this paper is to describe the history and design of a Danish birth cohort, and its revitalisation. In 1965, information from birth certificates for 11 591 of a total of 12 270 males born in 1953 in the Metropolitan area of Copenhagen, Denmark were traced. These boys were the study population of a sociological investigation conducted with the aim of describing social mobility. At age 12 years, 9537 of these cohort members completed a questionnaire in school, which included cognitive measures and information on social aspirations and leisure time activities. In 1966 educational performance tests were administered for these boys and, in 1968, mothers of 2890 cohort members were interviewed regarding family social backgrounds.With the establishment of the Civil Registration System (CRS) in 1968, it was possible to identify 11 532 cohort members. In 2002 we began the process of revitalising this study with the aim of investigating the influence of early life factors on later health. We succeeded in ascertaining the vital status of all subjects in the CRS. This showed that 863 subjects had died between 1968 and 2002. Linkages to the Register of Causes of Death, the National Hospital Register, Psychiatric Central Register and Danish Cancer Registry have been completed. In total, 7969 cohort members had been hospitalised for any somatic illness and, according to the Psychiatric Central Register, 1382 men had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital or ward. In the Cancer Registry we found 363 of our study participants. Analyses exploring the influence of social conditions in early life, birth dimensions, and childhood cognition on adult health experience are at various stages of completion. A questionnaire‐based postal follow‐up survey is planned. Thus, the Metropolit study provides an important opportunity to examine the processes by which factors that operate over the life course influence adult health.
A simple patient‐initiated intervention to increase antenatal detection of breech presentation at term
Authors: Roberts Christine L. , Cameron Carolyn A. , Nassar Natasha , Raynes‐Greenow Camille H. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryAntenatal detection of breech presentations at 35–37 weeks is necessary to allow adequate time for decision making about external cephalic version (ECV) and/or caesarean section. This study aimed to increase antenatal detection of breech presentation and referral for ECV using an inexpensive patient prompt (a simple brochure encouraging pregnant women to ask how their baby is presenting) and posters reminding clinicians to assess presentation. The interventions were evaluated using a before‐after (single time series) study design. The records of women who had a breech presentation in late pregnancy were audited for 12 months before (n = 122) and 12 months after (n = 129) the introduction and implementation of the intervention.There was a statistically significant increase in women with a breech presentation who were assessed antenatally for ECV eligibility, from 75 (61%) before the intervention to 100 (78%) after the intervention. In the before‐intervention period, 55 (60%) were identified as eligible for ECV and of these 32 (58%) had an ECV. After the intervention, 80 (75%) were identified as eligible for ECV and 46 (58%) had an ECV. A number of unanticipated events occurred during the study period, so although there was better identification of women eligible for ECV during the after‐intervention phase we cannot be sure whether this is an intervention effect or attributable to other reasons. Further, there was no increase in the uptake of ECV nor a reduction in caesarean sections for breech presentation. The difficulties associated with before‐after studies are highlighted.
Physical exposures during pregnancy and congenital cardiovascular malformations
Authors: Judge Christine M. , Chasan‐Taber Lisa , Gensburg Lenore , Nasca Philip C. , Marshall Elizabeth G. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryCongenital cardiovascular malformations (CCM) cause substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality. Known risk factors for CCM explain only 10–20% of all cases. Few studies have examined mothers’ physical exposures during pregnancy and the risk of CCM in their offspring. This study examined the association between exposures to extreme temperatures, prolonged standing, and heavy lifting during early pregnancy and risk of CCM in offspring.Using a case‐control study design, 502 cases and 1066 controls were drawn from the population of all liveborn infants born between January 1988 and June 1991 to mothers living in 14 counties in New York State. Cases were identified from a population‐based registry of congenital malformations. Controls were randomly selected from birth certificate records. Interviews were conducted by telephone, using a structured questionnaire. Exposure estimates were based on women's self‐reports of conditions in the residence and workplace. Eighty‐three per cent of the mothers were white, and 66% were between 25 and 34 years old.After adjusting all results for known risk factors and confounding variables, we found no significant increased risk of CCM in subjects whose mothers reported being exposed during early pregnancy to extreme heat (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.59, 2.19), nor to extreme cold (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.66, 2.15). Mothers who reported ever using a hot tub, hot bath, or sauna during early pregnancy had no increased risk of CCM in their offspring (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.65, 1.18). Performing heavy lifting during early pregnancy did not increase the risk of CCM in offspring (OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.57, 1.11). Prolonged standing during early pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of CCM in children (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.82, 1.28). Thus if these maternal exposures have an adverse effect, it is unlikely to involve CCMs.
Comprehensive identification of Arabidopsis thaliana MYB transcription factors interacting with R/B‐like BHLH proteins
Authors: Zimmermann Ilona M. , Heim Marc A. , Weisshaar Bernd , Uhrig Joachim F. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryIn‐depth analysis of protein–protein interaction specificities of the MYB protein family of Arabidopsis thaliana revealed a conserved amino acid signature ([DE]Lx2[RK]x3Lx6Lx3R) as the structural basis for interaction between MYB and R/B‐like BHLH proteins. The motif has successfully been used to predict new MYB/BHLH interactions for A. thaliana proteins, it allows to discriminate between even closely related MYB proteins and it is conserved amongst higher plants. In A. thaliana, the motif is shared by fourteen R2R3 MYB proteins and six 1R MYB proteins. It is located on helices 1 and 2 of the R3 repeat and forms a characteristic surface‐exposed pattern of hydrophobic and charged residues. Single‐site mutation of any amino acid of the signature impairs the interaction. Two particular amino acids have been determined to account for most of the interaction stability. Functional specificity of MYB/BHLH complexes was investigated in vivo by a transient DFR promoter activation assay. Residues stabilizing the MYB/BHLH interaction were shown to be critical for promoter activation. By virtue of proved and predicted interaction specificities, this study provides a comprehensive survey of the MYB proteins that interact with R/B‐like BHLH proteins potentially involved in the TTG1‐dependent regulatory interaction network. The results are discussed with respect to multi‐functionality, specificity and redundancy of MYB and BHLH protein function.
Isolated plant nuclei as mechanical and thermal sensors involved in calcium signalling
Authors: Xiong Tou Cheu , Jauneau Alain , Ranjeva Raoul , Mazars Christian 
Published: September 2004

SummaryCalcium signals in the nucleus elicit downstream effects that are distinct from those of cytosolic calcium signals. In the present work, we have evaluated the ability of plant nuclei to sense stimuli directly and to convert them into calcium changes. We show that individual mechanical stimulation of isolated nuclei elicits a single calcium transient at acidic pHs, whereas a series of stimulations leads to oscillations whose frequency reflects that of the stimuli. Conversely, at alkaline pHs, nuclei respond to temperature but not to stretch. The stretch‐ and the temperature‐activated processes differ by their sensitivity to pharmacological drugs known to affect ion channel activities in animal cells. Our data demonstrate that isolated nuclei are able to gauge physical parameters of their environment. This might have a profound influence on the functioning of calcium‐dependent processes known to control a large array of molecular events in the nucleus.
Silencing of hydroperoxide lyase and allene oxide synthase reveals substrate and defense signaling crosstalk in Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Halitschke Rayko , Ziegler Jörg , Keinänen Markku , Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryThe fatty acid hydroperoxide (HP) substrates required for the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA) and green leaf volatiles (GLVs) are supplied by separate lipoxygenases (LOX). We silenced the expression of two genes downstream of the LOX: allene oxide synthase (AOS) and HP lyase (HPL) by antisense expression of endogenous genes (NaAOS, NaHPL) in Nicotiana attenuata, in which the biosynthesis of JA is amplified by herbivore‐specific elicitors. We report that these elicitors also amplify wound‐induced GLV releases, but suppress the wound‐induced increase of NaHPL transcripts, suggesting that substrate flux controls GLV biosynthesis. As expected, silencing of NaHPL and NaAOS reduced GLV release and JA accumulation, respectively. Surprisingly, HPL‐ and AOS‐silenced plants had enhanced JA and GLV responses, suggesting substrate ‘crosstalk’ between these two oxylipin cascades. Plants with depleted GLVs (as‐hpl) were less attractive than wild type (WT) or empty vector control plants in choice‐tests with native lepidopteran herbivores. In feeding trials, Manduca sexta larvae developed slower on as‐hpl plants. The reduced larval consumption and performance, which was not caused by increases in defense responses in as‐hpl plants, could be restored to WT levels by the addition of synthetic GLVs, demonstrating that GLVs function as feeding stimulants. Gene expression profiling by cDNA microarray analysis and characterization of several induced defenses in herbivore‐elicited as‐hpl and as‐aos plants revealed differential involvement of JA and GLVs in defense signaling. Elicitation of volatile terpenoids (an indirect defense) requires JA signaling, where as trypsin protease inhibitor elicitation (a direct defense) requires both functional JA and GLV cascades.
Selective expression of a novel high‐affinity transport system for acidic and neutral amino acids in the tapetum cells of Arabidopsis flowers
Authors: Lee Yong‐Hwa , Tegeder Mechthild 
Published: September 2004

SummaryWithin the flower, microsporogenesis represents a major sink for nitrogen, but knowledge on how the imported nitrogen is transferred from the anther cell layers to developing pollen is lacking. Here, we provide information on characterization of a transporter (AtLHT2) that might play an important role in partitioning of amino acids for microspore development. Biochemical analysis in yeast showed that AtLHT2 transports proline and aspartate with high affinity. However, other neutral and acidic amino acids act as strong competitors for proline and aspartate uptake indicating that AtLHT2 generally transports uncharged and negatively charged amino acids. Comparison of the apparent Km values of AtLHT2 with previously characterized amino acid transporters clearly demonstrated that AtLHT2 represents a novel high‐affinity system for neutral and acidic amino acids. Northern blot analysis showed strong expression of the amino acid transporter in flower buds. Cellular expression could be resolved by using RNA in situ hybridization and in situ RT‐PCR methods, which localized AtLHT2 specifically to the tapetum tissue of the anthers. Developing pollen grains are symplasmically isolated from the sporophytic tissue and rely on the nutrients and other compounds secreted from the tapetum cells. Thus, the functional characterization of AtLHT2, together with our expression and localization studies, strongly suggest that in Arabidopsis flowers, AtLHT2 has a critical function in import of neutral and acidic amino acids into the tapetum cells for synthesis of compounds important for microspore structure and in transfer of organic nitrogen to the locule for pollen development.
Simultaneous determination of the main metabolites in rice leaves using capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis diode array detection
Authors: Sato Shigeru , Soga Tomoyoshi , Nishioka Takaaki , Tomita Masaru 
Published: September 2004

SummaryThe study of the metabolomics of primary metabolites using conventional chemical analyses requires a high‐throughput method. Chemical derivatizations are a prerequisite for gas‐chromatographic separation, and a large sample quantity is needed for liquid‐chromatographic separation and nuclear magnetic resonance detection systems. Recently, we have developed a capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE–MS) technology that can simultaneously quantify a large number of primary metabolites, using only a small quantity of samples, and without any chemical derivatizations. Parallel use of a capillary electrophoresis–diode array detector (CE–DAD) system further enables almost all water‐soluble intracellular metabolites to be analyzed. We demonstrate, with rice leaves, a simple and rapid method of sample preparation for CE analysis; using this method, we have successfully measured the levels of 88 main metabolites involved in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway, photorespiration, and amino acid biosynthesis.
Comprehensive EST analysis of tomato and comparative genomics of fruit ripening
Authors: Fei Zhangjun , Tang Xuemei , Alba Rob M. , White Joseph A. , Ronning Catherine M. , Martin Gregory B. , Tanksley Steven D. , Giovannoni James J. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryA large tomato expressed sequence tag (EST) dataset (152 635 total) was analyzed to gain insights into differential gene expression among diverse plant tissues representing a range of developmental programs and biological responses. These ESTs were clustered and assembled to a total of 31 012 unique gene sequences. To better understand tomato gene expression at a plant system level and to identify differentially expressed and tissue‐specific genes, we developed and implemented a digital expression analysis protocol. By clustering genes according to their relative abundance in the various EST libraries, expression patterns of genes across various tissues were generated and genes with similar patterns were grouped. In addition, tissues themselves were clustered for relatedness based on relative gene expression as a means of validating the integrity of the EST data as representative of relative gene expression. Arabidopsis and grape EST collections were also characterized to facilitate cross‐species comparisons where possible. Tomato fruit digital expression data was specifically compared with publicly available grape EST data to gain insight into molecular manifestation of ripening processes across diverse taxa and resulted in identification of common transcription factors not previously associated with ripening.
Nfu2: a scaffold protein required for [4Fe‐4S] and ferredoxin iron‐sulphur cluster assembly in Arabidopsis chloroplasts
Authors: Touraine Brigitte , Boutin Jean‐Pierre , Marion‐Poll Annie , Briat Jean‐François , Peltier Gilles , Lobréaux Stéphane 
Published: September 2004

SummaryNfu proteins are candidates to act as scaffold protein in vivo for iron‐sulphur cluster biogenesis. In this work, Nfu2 protein function in the chloroplast was investigated in vivo using T‐DNA insertion lines disrupted in AtNfu2 gene. Both alleles characterized presented the same dwarf phenotype due to photosynthetic and metabolic limitations. Nfu2 cDNA expression in nfu2.1 mutant rescued this phenotype. Photosynthesis study of these mutants revealed an altered photosystem I (PSI) activity together with a decrease in PSI amount confirmed by immunodetection experiments, and leading to an over reduction of the plastoquinol pool. Decrease of plastid 4Fe‐4S sulphite reductase activity correlates with PSI amount decrease and supports an alteration of 4Fe‐4S cluster biogenesis in nfu2 chloroplasts. The decrease of electron flow from the PSI is combined with a decrease in ferredoxin amount in nfu2 mutants. Our results are therefore in favour of a requirement of Nfu2 protein for 4Fe‐4S and 2Fe‐2S ferredoxin cluster assembly, conferring to this protein an important function for plant growth and photosynthesis as demonstrated by nfu2 mutant phenotype. As glutamate synthase and Rieske Fe‐S proteins are not affected in nfu2 mutants, these data indicate that different pathways are involved in Fe‐S biogenesis in Arabidopsis chloroplasts.
A structured mutant population for forward and reverse genetics in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Caldwell David G. , McCallum Nicola , Shaw Paul , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Marshall David F. , Waugh Robbie 
Published: September 2004

SummaryTwo large‐scale ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS) mutant populations from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cv. Optic have been developed to promote both forward and reverse genetics in this crop. Leaf material and seed from approximately 20 000 M2 plants were individually harvested, freeze‐dried and archived. DNA was isolated from 9216 plants from the 20 and 30 mm EMS treatments and assembled into 1152 eight‐plant pools. To facilitate PCR‐based mutation scanning an approach has been employed that combines cleavage of heteroduplexes using the Cel nuclease (Cel I), post‐cleavage intercalating dye labeling and the subsequent detection of cleaved products on a Transgenomic WAVE‐HS. The populations were evaluated by screening for induced mutations in two genes of interest and the induced mutations were validated by sequence analysis. To enhance the screening process, 12–16 M3 progeny from each of the M2 plants were assessed for visible phenotypes and the data entered into a web accessible database (http://bioinf.scri.sari.ac.uk/distilling/distilling.html).
ABF2, an ABRE‐binding bZIP factor, is an essential component of glucose signaling and its overexpression affects multiple stress tolerance
Authors: Kim Sunmi , Kang Jung‐youn , Cho Dong‐Im , Park Ji Hye , Kim Soo Young 
Published: September 2004

SummaryPhytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) regulates stress‐responsive gene expression during vegetative growth, which is mediated largely by cis‐elements sharing the ACGTGGC consensus. Although many transcription factors are known to bind the elements in vitro, only a few have been demonstrated to have in vivo functions and their specific roles in ABA/stress responses are mostly unknown. Here, we report that ABF2, an ABF subfamily member of bZIP proteins interacting with the ABA‐responsive elements, is involved in ABA/stress responses. Its overexpression altered ABA sensitivity, dehydration tolerance, and the expression levels of ABA/stress‐regulated genes. Furthermore, ABF2 overexpression promoted glucose‐induced inhibition of seedling development, whereas its mutation impaired glucose response. The reduced sugar sensitivity was not observed with mutants of two other ABF family members, ABF3 and ABF4. Instead, these mutants displayed defects in ABA, salt, and dehydration responses, which were not observed with the abf2 mutant. Our data indicate distinct roles of ABF family members: whereas ABF3 and ABF4 play essential roles in ABA/stress responses, ABF2 is required for normal glucose response. We also show that ABF2 overexpression affects multiple stress tolerance.