bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The number of dyskaryotic cells on an initial ThinPrep® cervical sample showing mild dyskaryosis has predictive value
Authors: Banville N. , Murray M. , Turner L. , Magee D. , Gibbons D. 
Published: May 2005

Objectives:  Recent National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) guidelines suggest referral for colposcopy following an initial result of mild dyskaryosis. The aim of this study was to investigate if the number of dyskaryotic cells counted on an initial ThinPrep® cervical sample showing mild dyskaryosis has predictive value.Methods:  Cases of mild dyskaryosis on ThinPrep® cervical samples from 2002 were retrieved from the cytology department records of St Luke's Hospital. A total of 123 sequential cases with a first‐time result of mild dyskaryosis on ThinPrep® slides with follow‐up cytology available in the same institution were identified. While blinded to outcome, the number of dyskaryotic cells was counted in each case. Follow‐up colposcopy/histology information was retrieved where indicated. The number of dyskaryotic cells counted on each slide was collated with outcome data.Results:  Of the 123 cases, six women were lost to follow‐up. Seventy‐three had a negative outcome, 27 had a low‐grade outcome and 17 had a high‐grade outcome. Only one of 17 high‐grade outcome cases had ≤15 dyskaryotic cells on the initial slide. The distribution of women with a negative/low‐grade outcome and those with a high‐grade outcome with >15 and ≤15 dyskaryotic cells on the initial slide was tested using a chi‐square test (P = 0.008). The negative predictive value for a high‐grade outcome when ≤15 dyskaryotic cells were present on the initial slide was 97.7%.Conclusion:  The number of dyskaryotic cells on ThinPrep® slides showing mild cervical dyskaryosis has predictive value. The number of dyskaryotic cells may be used to select women suitable for cytological rather than colposcopic follow‐up.
Urine cytology: appropriate usage maximizes sensitivity and reduces cost
Authors: Allen D. J. , Challacombe B. , Clovis J. S. , Chandra A. , Dasgupta P. , Popert R. 
Published: May 2005

Objective:  Urine cytology is costly because of the skilled manpower required for analysis. Inappropriate requests are a significant drain both financially and on the cytopathologist's time. The present study aimed at identifying the extent and cause of this misuse and reduce it.Methods:  An audit of urine cytology usage was undertaken using the hospital results reporting system to identify requests. Patient case notes were then obtained to gain further clinical information. Initially a 2‐week period was analysed, following which departmental guidelines for requesting urine cytology were produced and circulated. The audit loop was then closed.Results:  Over the initial 2‐week period, 117 urine cytology requests were received. Thirty‐three per cent were inappropriate, either because they were from patients with benign disease or because of duplication. Following the education programme this number fell to 6%. Expenditure on unnecessary samples thus decreased from £2418 to only £310, giving an annual overall saving of £55 000.Conclusion:  Significant cost and time savings can be made if urine cytology is sent appropriately. Simple guidelines and staff education are the key to reducing inefficiency. Our findings have implications not just for cytopathology costs but for laboratory and radiology requests in general.
Polycomb group genes control developmental timing of endosperm
Authors: Ingouff Mathieu , Haseloff Jim , Berger Frédéric 
Published: May 2005

SummaryPolycomb (PcG) group proteins form modular complexes, which maintain repressed transcriptional states of target genes across cell divisions. As PcG complexes provide a memory of cell fate, such proteins might control temporal aspects of development. Loss‐of‐function of any of the FERTILIZATION INDEPENDENT SEED (FIS) PcG genes perturbs endosperm development. In this report we provide a detailed analysis of the phenotype of fis endosperm development using molecular and cellular markers. Wild type (WT) endosperm development undergoes a series of four major developmental phases timed by successive synchronous nuclei division. In fis endosperm the transition from phase 1, marked by a synchronous mode of nuclei divisions to phase 2, corresponding to the establishment of three mitotic domains, is absent. Accordingly, the expression of seven markers of phase 1 and phase 2 is temporally perturbed. In spite of such changes, specific sequences of developmental events still take place as in the WT. Overall, fis mutations are heterochronic mutations that cause a temporal deregulation in the ontogenic sequence of endosperm development.
Overexpression of WXP1, a putative Medicago truncatula AP2 domain‐containing transcription factor gene, increases cuticular wax accumulation and enhances drought tolerance in transgenic alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Zhang Ji‐Yi , Broeckling Corey D. , Blancaflor Elison B. , Sledge Mary K. , Sumner Lloyd W. , Wang Zeng‐Yu 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThe identification of leaf wax genes involved in stress tolerance is expected to have great potential for crop improvement. Here we report the characterization of a novel AP2 domain‐containing putative transcription factor gene from the model legume Medicago truncatula. The gene, designated WXP1, is able to activate waxproduction and confer drought tolerance in alfalfa (Medicago sativa), the most important forage legume species in the world and a close relative of M. truncatula. The predicted protein of WXP1 has 371 aa; it is one of the longest peptides of all the single AP2 domain proteins in M. truncatula. WXP1 is distinctly different from the most studied genes in the AP2/ERF transcription factor family such as AP2s, CBF/DREB1s, DREB2s, WIN1/SHN1 and GL15. Transcript level of WXP1 is inducible by cold, abscisic acid and drought treatment mainly in shoot tissues in M. truncatula. Overexpression of WXP1 under the control of the CaMV35S promoter led to a significant increase in cuticular wax loading on leaves of transgenic alfalfa. Scanning electron microscopy revealed earlier accumulation of wax crystals on the adaxial surface of newly expanded leaves and higher densities of wax crystalline structures on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces of mature leaves. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed that total leaf wax accumulation per surface area increased 29.6–37.7% in the transgenic lines, and the increase was mainly contributed by C30 primary alcohol. WXP1 overexpression induced a number of wax‐related genes. Transgenic leaves showed reduced water loss and chlorophyll leaching. Transgenic alfalfa plants with increased cuticular waxes showed enhanced drought tolerance demonstrated by delayed wilting after watering was ceased and quicker and better recovery when the dehydrated plants were re‐watered.
Severe reduction in growth rate and grain filling of rice mutants lacking OsGS1;1, a cytosolic glutamine synthetase1;1
Authors: Tabuchi Mayumi , Sugiyama Kenjiro , Ishiyama Keiki , Inoue Eri , Sato Tadashi , Takahashi Hideki , Yamaya Tomoyuki 
Published: May 2005

SummaryRice (Oryza sativa L.) plants possess three homologous but distinct genes for cytosolic glutamine synthetase (GS1): these are OsGS1;1, OsGS1;2, and OsGS1;3. OsGS1;1 was expressed in all organs tested with higher expression in leaf blades, while OsGS1;2, and OsGS1;3 were expressed mainly in roots and spikelets, respectively. We characterized knockout mutants caused by insertion of endogenous retrotransposon Tos17 into the exon‐8 (lines ND8037 and ND9801) or the exon‐10 (line NC2327) of OsGS1;1. Mendelian segregation occurred in each progeny. Homozygously inserted mutants showed severe retardation in growth rate and grain filling when grown at normal nitrogen concentrations. Abnormal mRNA for GS1;1 was transcribed, and the GS1 protein and its activity in the leaf blades were barely detectable in these mutants. The glutamine pool in the roots and leaf blades of the mutants was lower than that of the wild type. Re‐introduction of OsGS1;1 cDNA under the control of its own promoter into the mutants successfully complemented these phenotypes. Progeny where Tos17 was heterozygously inserted or deleted during segregation showed normal phenotypes. The results indicate that GS1;1 is important for normal growth and grain filling in rice; GS1;2 and GS1;3 were not able to compensate for GS1;1 function.
Expression levels of meristem identity and homeotic genes are modified by nuclear–mitochondrial interactions in alloplasmic male‐sterile lines of Brassica napus
Authors: Teixeira Rita Teresa , Farbos Isabelle , Glimelius Kristina 
Published: May 2005

SummaryHomeotic conversions of anthers were found in cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) plants of Brassica napus derived from somatic hybrids of B. napus and Arabidopsis thaliana. CMS line flowers displayed petals reduced in size and width and stamens replaced by carpelloid structures. In order to investigate when these developmental aberrations appeared, flower development was analysed histologically, ultrastructurally and molecularly. Disorganized cell divisions were detected in the floral meristems of the CMS lines at stage 4. As CMS is associated with mitochondrial aberrations, ultrastructural analysis of the mitochondria in the floral meristems was performed. Two mitochondrial populations were found in the CMS lines. One type had disrupted cristae, while the other resembled mitochondria typical of B. napus. Furthermore, expression patterns of genes expressed in particular floral whorls were determined. In spite of the aberrant development of the third whorl organs, BnAP3 was expressed as in B. napus during the first six stages of development. However, the levels of BnPI were reduced. At later developmental stages, the expression of both BnAP3 and BnPI was strongly reduced. Interestingly the expression levels of genes responsible for AP3 and PI activation such as LFY, UFO and ASK1 were higher in the CMS lines, which indicates that activation of B‐genes in the CMS lines does not occur as in B. napus. Disrupted and dysfunctional mitochondria seem to be one of the first aberrations manifested in CMS which result in a retrograde influence of the expression levels of genes responsible for the second and third whorl organ differentiation.
Features of the expressed sequences revealed by a large‐scale analysis of ESTs from a normalized cDNA library of the elite indica rice cultivar Minghui 63
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Feng Qi , Jin Caoqing , Qiu Deyun , Zhang Lida , Xie Kabin , Yuan Dejun , Han Bin , Zhang Qifa , Wang Shiping 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThe indica subspecies of cultivated rice occupies the largest area of rice production in the world. However, a systematic analysis of cDNA sequences from the indica subspecies has not been performed. The aim of the present study was to collect and analyze the expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of indica rice on a large scale. A total of 39 208 raw sequences were generated from a normalized cDNA library prepared by use of 15 different tissues of the indica cultivar Minghui 63. After trimming, processing and analysis, 17 835 unique sequences were obtained, each of which presumably represents a unique gene. Of these sequences, 2663 were novel, and at least 70 were indica specific. Comparison of the Minghui 63 sequences with the ESTs/full‐length cDNAs in GenBank revealed a large number of deletion/insertion/substitution (DIS) at both the inter‐ and intra‐subspecific levels. The overall number of polymorphisms in the expressed sequences was higher in the inter‐subspecific comparisons than in the intra‐subspecific comparisons. However, the extent of DIS‐based polymorphism was highly variable among different rice varieties. In total, 15 726 unique sequences, including 697 novel sequences, were assigned to regions where large numbers of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for agronomic traits had been detected previously. These results may be useful for developing new molecular markers for genetic mapping, detecting allelic polymorphisms associated with phenotypic variations between rice varieties, and facilitating QTL cloning by providing the starting points for candidate‐gene identification.
ThePun1gene for pungency in pepper encodes a putative acyltransferase
Authors: Stewart Charles , Kang Byoung‐Cheorl , Liu Kede , Mazourek Michael , Moore Shanna L. , Yoo Eun Young , Kim Byung‐Dong , Paran Ilan , Jahn Molly M. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryPungency inCapsicumfruits is due to the accumulation of the alkaloid capsaicin and its analogs. The biosynthesis of capsaicin is restricted to the genusCapsicumand results from the acylation of an aromatic moiety, vanillylamine, by a branched‐chain fatty acid. Many of the enzymes involved in capsaicin biosynthesis are not well characterized and the regulation of the pathway is not fully understood. Based on the current pathway model, candidate genes were identified in public databases and the literature, and genetically mapped. A published EST co‐localized with thePun1locus which is required for the presence of capsaicinoids. This gene,AT3, has been isolated and its nucleotide sequence has been determined in an array of genotypes within the genus.AT3showed significant similarity to acyltransferases in the BAHD superfamily. The recessive allele at this locus contains a deletion spanning the promoter and first exon of the predicted coding region in every non‐pungent accession tested. Transcript and protein expression ofAT3 was tissue‐specific and developmentally regulated. Virus‐induced gene silencing ofAT3resulted in a decrease in the accumulation of capsaicinoids, a phenotype consistent withpun1. In conclusion, gene mapping, allele sequence data, expression profile and silencing analysis collectively indicate that thePun1locus in pepper encodes a putative acyltransferase, and thepun1allele, used in pepper breeding for nearly 50 000 years, results from a large deletion at this locus.
The maize low‐phytic acid 3 encodes a myo‐inositol kinase that plays a role in phytic acid biosynthesis in developing seeds
Authors: Shi Jinrui , Wang Hongyu , Hazebroek Jan , Ertl David S. , Harp Teresa 
Published: May 2005

SummaryPhytic acid, myo‐inositol‐1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexakisphosphate or Ins P6, is the most abundant myo‐inositol phosphate in plant cells, but its biosynthesis is poorly understood. Also uncertain is the role of myo‐inositol as a precursor of phytic acid biosynthesis. We identified a low‐phytic acid mutant, lpa3, in maize. The Mu‐insertion mutant has a phenotype of reduced phytic acid, increased myo‐inositol and lacks significant amounts of myo‐inositol phosphate intermediates in seeds. The gene responsible for the mutation encodes a myo‐inositol kinase (MIK). Maize MIK protein contains conserved amino acid residues found in pfkB carbohydrate kinases. The maize lpa3 gene is expressed in developing embryos, where phytic acid is actively synthesized and accumulates to a large amount. Characterization of the lpa3 mutant provides direct evidence for the role of myo‐inositol and MIK in phytic acid biosynthesis in developing seeds. Recombinant maize MIK phosphorylates myo‐inositol to produce multiple myo‐inositol monophosphates, Ins(1/3)P, Ins(4/6)P and possibly Ins(5)P. The characteristics of the lpa3 mutant and MIK suggest that MIK is not a salvage enzyme for myo‐inositol recycling and that there are multiple phosphorylation routes to phytic acid in developing seeds. Analysis of the lpa2/lpa3 double mutant implies interactions between the phosphorylation routes.
Two sesquiterpene synthases are responsible for the complex mixture of sesquiterpenes emitted from Arabidopsis flowers
Authors: Tholl Dorothea , Chen Feng , Petri Jana , Gershenzon Jonathan , Pichersky Eran 
Published: May 2005

SummaryDespite the fact that Arabidopsis is largely self‐pollinating, its flowers emit a complex mixture of terpene volatiles consisting predominantly of a large group of over 20 sesquiterpenes. Here we report that only two terpene synthases, encoded by the florally expressed genes At5g23960 and At5g44630, are responsible for the formation of virtually all sesquiterpenes found in the Arabidopsis floral volatile blend. Two independent mutant lines with T‐DNA insertions in the previously identified At5g23960 gene lacked the emission of three sesquiterpenes, including the main sesquiterpene volatile (E)‐β‐caryophyllene, confirming the previous in vitro functional assignment for this gene. Flowers of a mutant line carrying a T‐DNA insertion in gene At5g44630 emitted these three sesquiterpenes, but did not emit any of the remaining sesquiterpene volatiles. An At5g44630 cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli and the produced protein catalyzed the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate into over 15 sesquiterpenes in similar proportions to those found in the floral volatile blend. At5g23960 and At5g44630 promoter‐β‐glucuronidase (GUS) fusion experiments demonstrated that both genes are expressed in several parts of the Arabidopsis flower, with strong At5g23960 promoter‐GUS activity in the stigma and strong expression of At5g44630 in intrafloral nectaries. Given the previously reported antimicrobial activity of terpenes, their production in stigmas and nectaries may serve to inhibit microbial infection at these vulnerable sites. A survey of 37 Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes revealed quantitative, but almost no qualitative, variations of floral monoterpene and sesquiterpene emissions suggesting that floral terpene volatiles must play some significant role in the life of the Arabidopsis plant.
Identification ofLophodermium seditiosumandL. pinastriin Swedish forest nurseries using species‐specific PCR primers from the ribosomal ITS region
Authors: Stenström E. , Ihrmark K. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryLophodermium seditiosumis a serious needle pathogen on pine, particularly in nurseries, and there is a need to detect the pathogen during its latent phase. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the rDNA ofL. seditiosumandL. pinastriwere amplified with universal primers and sequenced. Sequence comparisons of the two species allowed the design of species‐specific primers for the ITS regions. The primers were between 18 and 24 bp long with a minimum of 3 bp differences between the species. These primer pairs did not give any amplification of DNA from any other of the examined fungal species or from healthyPinus sylvestrisneedles. It was also possible to identify eitherL. seditiosumorL. pinastriin infected needles with and without signs of infection using these primer pairs. The method was found to be very useful for detection of latent infections ofL. seditiosuminP. sylvestrisneedles in nurseries.
Interfertility between North American and European strains of Phlebiopsis gigantea
Authors: Grillo R. , Hantula J. , Korhonen K. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThirteen homokaryotic strains of Phlebiopsis gigantea from Canada, six strains from the US and 10 strains from Europe were paired in all possible combinations in order to determine the degree of interfertility between them. The diagnosis of interfertility was based on the production of heterokaryotic fruit bodies in the pairings. Among the resulting 406 pairings, 253 (62%) fruited. Within the strains originating from Canada, USA and Europe, 64, 80 and 64% of the pairings fruited, respectively. The fruiting frequency in pairings between the Canadian and US strains was 65%, between the Canadian and European strains 55%, and between the US and European strains 67%. True hybridization between the European and North American P. gigantea was shown by analysing the single‐spore progeny using DNA fingerprinting. In spite of the relatively low interfertility in pairings within and between continents, no clear indication of the existence of intersterility groups was found. The low interfertility is probably due to the ageing of the pure cultures and to deficient fruiting ability of certain heterokaryons on agar medium. The results strongly suggest that although the North American and European strains of P. gigantea show some differentiation they can be regarded as belonging to the same biological species.
Factors affecting the fungal colonization of pine lumber
Authors: Strong N. , Webber J. , Eaton R. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryThis study investigated whether the physiological condition of wood influenced patterns of colonization by mould and sapstain fungi. The extent of fungal defacement on sawn pine lumber Pinus nigra var. maritima that had been killed by gamma‐irradiation was compared with the defacement on untreated, still living timber that had been aged for up to 16 weeks prior to being sawn. All the sawn lumber was exposed to the natural inoculum of sapstain and mould fungi in a working sawmill environment over a 4‐week period. The results indicated that the pattern of fungal defacement differed markedly in dead or aged wood compared with untreated wood. Mould fungi were most prevalent on the dead irradiated wood, whereas sapstain fungi dominated the freshly sawn lumber which was still living. The differences appear to be independent of wood moisture content and may be related to the production of inhibitory compounds by living cells in wood as it becomes senescent and dies.
In vitro interactions in artificial and wood‐based media between fungi colonizing stumps of Sitka spruce
Authors: Woods C. M. , Woodward S. , Redfern D. B. 
Published: May 2005

SummaryInterspecific interactions between fungi that colonize stumps of Picea sitchensis in Scotland were tested in dual cultures on Norkrans agar, spruce sawdust and in autoclaved blocks cut from roots. Isolates were ranked according to competitive ability on the different media, based on their ability to overgrow competitors or to form deadlock interactions. On the defined medium, Phaeolus schweinitzii was the species most able to overgrow competitors, followed by Stereum sanguinolentum and Heterobasidion annosum; Resinicium bicolor was the least able to overgrow competitors on this medium. By contrast, R. bicolor was the most competitive on spruce sawdust medium. Deadlocking interactions were formed most often in dual cultures on Norkrans agar. Observation of hyphal interactions on Norkrans agar under the microscope identified several different response types including growth of thin hyphae compared to control cultures, hyphal coiling, vacuolation of hyphae, hyphal lysis of one competitor and deposition of crystals in the agar. Hymenomycetes caused varying amounts of decay in autoclaved root blocks. Resinicium bicolor was able to replace other species in most co‐inoculations. Stereum sanguinolentum appeared to be the least competitive species in root block inoculations, being replaced by Melanotus proteus and R. bicolor, although interactions with H. annosum varied widely. These results indicate that substrate has a marked effect on interspecific fungal interactions, with wood‐based, particularly intact woody tissues closely matching competitive behaviour displayed in the field.