bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The AtSUC5 sucrose transporter specifically expressed in the endosperm is involved in early seed development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Baud Sébastien , Wuillème Sylvie , Lemoine Rémi , Kronenberger Jocelyne , Caboche Michel , Lepiniec Loïc , Rochat Christine 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe sucrose transporter gene AtSUC5 was studied as part of a programme aimed at identifying and studying the genes involved in seed maturation in Arabidopsis. Expression profiling of AtSUC5 using the technique of real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) showed that the gene was specifically and highly induced during seed development between 4 and 9 days after flowering (DAF). Analysis of the activity of the AtSUC5 promoter in planta was consistent with this timing, and suggested that AtSUC5 expression is endosperm specific, spreading from the micropylar to the chalazal pole of the filial tissue. To demonstrate the function of AtSUC5, the corresponding cDNA was used to complement a sucrose uptake‐deficient yeast mutant, thus confirming its sucrose transport capacity. To investigate the function in planta, three allelic mutants disrupted in the AtSUC5 gene were isolated and characterized. A strong but transient reduction in fatty acid concentration was observed in mutant seeds 8 DAF. This biochemical phenotype was associated with a slight delay in embryo development. Taken together, these data demonstrated the role of the AtSUC5 carrier in the nutrition of the filial tissues during early seed development. However, additional sugar uptake systems, which remain to be characterized, must be functional in developing seeds, especially during maturation of the embryo.
Sucrose rescues seedling establishment but not germination of Arabidopsis mutants disrupted in peroxisomal fatty acid catabolism
Authors: Pinfield‐Wells Helen , Rylott Elizabeth L. , Gilday Alison D. , Graham Stuart , Job Kathleen , Larson Tony R. , Graham Ian A. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe Arabidopsis acyl‐CoA oxidase (ACX) family comprises isozymes with distinct fatty acid chain‐length specificities that together catalyse the first step of peroxisomal fatty acid β‐oxidation. We have isolated and characterized T‐DNA insertion mutants in the medium to long‐chain (ACX1) and long‐chain (ACX2) acyl‐CoA oxidases, and show that the corresponding endogenous activities are decreased in the mutants. Lipid catabolism during germination and early post‐germinative growth was unaltered in the acx1‐1 mutant, but slightly delayed in the acx2‐1 mutant, with 3‐day‐old acx2‐1 seedlings accumulating long‐chain acyl‐CoAs. In acx1‐1 and acx2‐1, seedling growth and establishment in the absence of an exogenous supply of sucrose was unaffected. Seedlings of the double mutant acx1‐1 acx2‐1 were unable to catabolize seed storage lipid, and accumulated long‐chain acyl‐CoAs. The acx1‐1 acx2‐1 seedlings were also unable to establish photosynthetic competency in the absence of an exogenous carbon supply, a phenotype that is shared with a number of other Arabidopsis mutants disrupted in storage lipid breakdown. Germination frequency of the double mutant was significantly reduced compared with wild‐type seeds. This was unaffected by the addition of exogenous sucrose, but was improved by dormancy‐breaking treatments such as cold stratification and after‐ripening. We show that the acx1‐1, acx2‐1 and acx1‐2 acx2‐1 double mutants and the ketoacyl‐CoA thiolase‐2 (kat2) mutant exhibit a sucrose‐independent germination phenotype comparable with that reported for comatose (cts‐2), a mutant in a peroxisomal ABC transporter which exhibits enhanced dormancy. This demonstrates an additional role beyond that of carbon provision for the β‐oxidation pathway during germination or in dormant seeds.
Cloning and characterization of micro‐RNAs from moss
Authors: Arazi Tzahi , Talmor‐Neiman Mali , Stav Ran , Riese Maike , Huijser Peter , Baulcombe David C. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryMicro‐RNAs (miRNAs) are one class of endogenous tiny RNAs that play important regulatory roles in plant development and responses to external stimuli. To date, miRNAs have been cloned from higher plants such as Arabidopsis, rice and pumpkin, and there is limited information on their identity in lower plants including Bryophytes. Bryophytes are among the oldest groups of land plants among the earth's flora, and are important for our understanding of the transition to life on land. To identify miRNAs that might have played a role early in land plant evolution, we constructed a library of small RNAs from the juvenile gametophyte (protonema) of the moss Physcomitrella patens. Sequence analysis revealed five higher plant miRNA homologues, including three members of the miR319 family, previously shown to be involved in the regulation of leaf morphogenesis, and miR156, which has been suggested to regulate several members of the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING‐LIKE (SPL) family in Arabidopsis. We have cloned PpSBP3, a moss SPL homologue that contains an miR156 complementary site, and demonstrated that its mRNA is cleaved within that site suggesting that it is an miR156 target in moss. Six additional candidate moss miRNAs were identified and shown to be expressed in the gametophyte, some of which were developmentally regulated or upregulated by auxin. Our observations suggest that miRNAs play important regulatory roles in mosses.
A single amino acid insertion in the WRKY domain of the Arabidopsis TIR–NBS–LRR–WRKY‐type disease resistance protein SLH1 (sensitive to low humidity 1) causes activation of defense responses and hypersensitive cell death
Authors: Noutoshi Yoshiteru , Ito Takuya , Seki Motoaki , Nakashita Hideo , Yoshida Shigeo , Marco Yves , Shirasu Ken , Shinozaki Kazuo 
Published: September 2005

SummaryIn this study we characterized the sensitive to low humidity 1 (slh1) mutant of Arabidopsis ecotype No‐0 which exhibits normal growth on agar plate medium but which on transfer to soil shows growth arrest and development of necrotic lesions. cDNA microarray hybridization and RNA gel blot analysis revealed that genes associated with activation of disease resistance were upregulated in the slh1 mutants in response to conditions of low humidity. Furthermore, the slh1 mutants accumulate callose, autofluorescent compounds and salicylic acid (SA). We demonstrate that SA is required for the slh1 phenotype but not PAD4 or NPR1. SLH1 was isolated by map‐based cloning and it encodes a resistance (R)‐like protein consisting of a domain with Toll and interleukin‐1 receptor homology (TIR), a nucleotide‐binding domain (NB), leucine‐rich repeats (LRR) and a carboxy‐terminal WRKY domain. SLH1 is identical to the R gene RRS1‐R of the Arabidopsis ecotype Nd‐1, a gene which confers resistance to the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum GMI1000 and also functions as an R gene to this pathogen in No‐0. We identified a 3 bp insertion mutation in slh1 that results in the addition of a single amino acid in the WRKY domain; thereby impairing its DNA‐binding activity. Our data suggest that SLH1 disease resistance signaling may be negatively regulated by its WRKY domain in the R protein and that the constitutive defense activation conferred by the slh1 mutation is inhibited by conditions of high humidity.
Lipid‐rich tapetosomes in Brassica tapetum are composed of oleosin‐coated oil droplets and vesicles, both assembled in and then detached from the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Hsieh Kai , Huang Anthony H.C. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryTapetosomes are abundant organelles in tapetum cells of floral anthers in Brassicaceae species. They contain triacylglycerols (TAGs), the amphipathic protein oleosins and putative vesicles and play a predominant role in pollen‐coat formation. Here we report the biogenesis and structures of tapetosomes in Brassica. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy revealed that during early anther development, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) luminal protein calreticulin existed as a network in tapetum cells, which contained no oleosins. Subsequently, oleosins appeared together with calreticulin in the ER network, which possessed centers with a higher ratio of oleosin to calreticulin. Finally, the ER network largely disappeared, and solitary tapetosomes containing oleosins and calreticulin became abundant. Transmission electron microscopy also revealed a close association between a maturing tapetosome and numerous ER cisternae. Mature, solitary tapetosomes were isolated and found to contain oleosins, calreticulin and the ER luminal binding protein (BiP). Isolated tapetosomes were treated with sodium carbonate and subfractionated by centrifugation. Two morphologically distinct constituents were isolated: low‐density oil droplets, which contained oleosins and TAGs, and relatively high‐density cisternae‐like vesicles, which possessed calreticulin and BiP. Thus, tapetosomes are composed of oleosin‐coated oil droplets and vesicles, both of which are assembled in and then detached from the ER. The structure and biogenesis of tapetosomes are unique among eukaryotic organelles. After tapetum cells lyzed, oleosins but not calreticulin and BiP of tapetosomes were transferred to the pollen surface.
OsMADS1, a rice MADS‐box factor, controls differentiation of specific cell types in the lemma and palea and is an early‐acting regulator of inner floral organs
Authors: Prasad Kalika , Parameswaran Sriram , Vijayraghavan Usha 
Published: September 2005

SummaryGrass flowers are highly derived compared to their eudicot counterparts. To delineateOsMADS1functions in rice floret organ development we have examined its evolution and the consequences of its knockdown or overexpression. Molecular phylogeny suggests the co‐evolution ofOsMADS1with grass family diversification.OsMADS1knockdown perturbs the differentiation of specific cell types in the lemma and palea, creating glume‐like features, with severe derangements in lemma differentiation. Conversely, ectopicOsMADS1expression suffices to direct lemma‐like differentiation in the glume. Strikingly, in manyOsMADS1knockdown florets glume‐like organs occupy all the inner whorls. Such effects in the second and third whorl are unexplained, as wild‐type florets do not expressOsMADS1in these primordia and because transcripts for rice B and C organ‐identity genes are unaffected byOsMADS1knockdown. Through a screen forOsMADS1targets we identify a flower‐specificNt‐gh3type gene,OsMGH3, as a downstream gene. The delayed transcription activation ofOsMGH3by dexamethasone‐inducibleOsMADS1suggests indirect activation. TheOsMGH3floret expression profile suggests a novel role forOsMADS1as an early‐acting regulator of second and third whorl organ fate. We thus demonstrate the differential contribution ofOsMADS1for lemma versus palea development and provide evidence for its regulatory function in patterning inner whorl organs.
Changing association between schooling levels and HIV‐1 infection over 11 years in a rural population cohort in south‐west Uganda
Authors: de Walque Damien , Nakiyingi‐Miiro Jessica S. , Busingye June , Whitworth Jimmy A. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBackground  Previous studies have found that in Africa, a greater risk of HIV infection is often found in groups with higher educational attainment. However, some serial cross‐sectional studies have found greater reductions in HIV prevalence among more educated groups, especially in cohorts of young adults. More recent studies have found some instances where higher schooling levels are associated with lower HIV prevalence.Methods  We describe changes in the association between schooling levels, HIV prevalence and condom use in a rural population‐based cohort between 1989/1990 and 1999/2000, in Masaka District, Uganda.Results  In 1989–1990, higher educational attainment was associated with higher risk of HIV‐1 infection, especially among males, but once odds ratios are adjusted for age, no significant relation between schooling and HIV infection remains. In 1999–2000, there is, for females aged 18–29 years, a significant relationship between higher educational attainment and lower HIV prevalence, even after adjustment for age, gender, marital status and wealth (P for trend 0.01). Tests for interaction, significant for males and both genders combined, show that more schooling has been shifting towards an association with less HIV infection between 1989–1990 and 1999–2000, especially for young individuals. Condom use increased during the study period and this increase has been concentrated among more educated individuals.Conclusions  These findings suggest that over a decade more educated young adults, especially females, have become more likely to respond to HIV/AIDS information and prevention campaigns by effectively reducing their sexual risk behaviour.
Adoption of the new antimalarial drug policy in Tanzania – a cross‐sectional study in the community
Authors: Eriksen Jaran , Nsimba Stephen E. D. , Minzi Omary M. S. , Sanga Anku J. , Petzold Max , Gustafsson Lars L. , Warsame Marian Y. , Tomson Göran 
Published: September 2005

SummaryObjective  To assess the diffusion of the change of first line antimalarial drug from chloroquine (CQ) to sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) at household level in a rural district of Tanzania less than a year after the policy implementation.Methods  Caretakers in 729 households were interviewed on knowledge of the new policy, home stocking of antimalarials, home‐treatment practices of children younger than 5 years with fever, health‐seeking behaviour and experience of SP. SP and CQ levels in blood were analysed from 328 children younger than 5 years in the households. Twelve focus group discussions (FGD) were performed with mothers, fathers and health workers.Results  About 51% of the population knew that SP was the first line antimalarial. Only 8% of mothers stocked antimalarials, and only 4% stated self‐treatment as the first action. We estimated that 84% of the children who had had fever during the last 4 weeks sought care at public health facilities. SP was detectable in 18% of the total child population and in 32% of those with reported fever, CQ in only 5% and 7%, respectively. The FGDs revealed negative perceptions of SP and fear of severe adverse reactions with mass media reported as key informant.Conclusion  The policy had diffused to the communities in the sense that CQ had been changed to SP, which was well known as first line treatment. Moreover, there was a reported dramatic change from self‐treatment with CQ to seeking care at public health facilities where SP was given under observation.
Application of the weakest‐link concept to the endurance limit of notched and multiaxially loaded specimens of carburized steel 16MnCrS5
Authors: BOMAS H. , SCHLEICHER M. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTBased on the weakest‐link concept a method is developed, from which the endurance probability of every surface and volume element of a case‐hardened part, which is loaded near the endurance limit, can be calculated. A prerequisite for the calculation is knowledge of the hardness and residual stress distribution, the surface roughness and the surface oxidation depth. By multiplication of the endurance probabilities of neighboured elements the endurance probability of a limited region or of the whole part can be calculated, which includes an endurance limit determination. It is shown, that this model can be applied successfully to specimens of a carburized steel. The necessary model parameters can be gained from a set of reference specimens. Because of the possibility to formulate an endurance probability for every volume and surface element, there are no geometrical restrictions on the parts to be assessed.
Improved glycaemic control with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibition in patients with type 2 diabetes: vildagliptin (LAF237) dose response
Authors: Ristic S. , Byiers S. , Foley J. , Holmes D. 
Published: September 2005

Objective:  A novel treatment option for diabetic patients is the enhancement of incretin hormone activity by inhibition of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4). This study was designed to establish a dose of the DPP‐4‐inhibitor vildagliptin (LAF237) that was effective in reducing HbA1c levels and was safe and well tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes.Patients and Methods:  The study of 279 patients with type 2 diabetes consisted of a 4‐week run‐in phase where patients received placebo and a 12‐week active treatment phase where they received one of the following dosages of vildagliptin: 25 mg twice daily, 25, 50 or 100 mg once daily (qd), or placebo.Results:  There was a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c levels in the vildagliptin 50 mg qd (p = 0.003) and 100 mg qd groups (p = 0.004) compared with the placebo group. The mean 4‐h postprandial glucose level was significantly reduced from placebo in the vildagliptin 50 mg qd group (p = 0.012) and mean 4‐h postprandial insulin was significantly increased from baseline vs. placebo in the vildagliptin 100 mg qd group (p = 0.022). The assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐B) was significantly increased in the vildagliptin 100 mg qd treatment group (p = 0.007). The incidence of adverse events was similar in all treatment groups including placebo.Conclusions:  Vildagliptin, at 50 and 100 mg qd, was effective in reducing HbA1c levels compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes. Vildagliptin at dosages up to 100 mg qd appeared safe and well tolerated.
Carotid artery intima‐media thickness in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance: a systematic review
Authors: Brohall G. , Odén A. , Fagerberg B. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAims  To review the difference in carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT) between patients with Type 2 diabetes (DM) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and control subjects.Methods  Systematic reviews were made in order to identify cross‐sectional studies using the ultrasound method. The differences between IMT in DM or IGT and control subjects were calculated. Meta‐analysis using random‐effects modelling was used to calculate summary measures.Results  Twenty‐three studies included 24 111 subjects; 4019 with DM and 1110 with IGT. In 20 of 21 studies, the diabetic patients had greater carotid artery IMT than the subjects in the control groups. The estimated mean difference in IMT was 0.13 (95% CI: 0.12–0.14) mm. Heterogeneity was observed and likely sources of variation were study size, diabetes duration, and ultrasound method. In three out of nine studies, the IGT patients had significant greater carotid artery IMT than the subjects in the control groups. The estimated mean difference in IMT was 0.04 (95% CI: 0.014–0.071) mm.Conclusions  Type 2 diabetes was associated with an 0.13 mm increase in IMT compared with control subjects. In patients with IGT, the increase in IMT was about one‐third of that observed in diabetes. The observed difference in IMT can be interpreted as if the diabetes patients were more than 10 years older than the control groups, and that the relative risks of myocardial infarction and stroke were increased by almost 40%, respectively.
IL‐18 gene polymorphism confers susceptibility to the development of anti‐GAD65 antibody in Graves’ disease
Authors: Hiromatsu Y. , Mukai T. , Kaku H. , Miyake I. , Ichimura M. , Fukutani T. , Nakayama H. , Takata K. , Imamura Y. , Shoji S. , Yamada K. , Koda Y. , Bednarczuk T. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAims  This study aimed to investigate whether interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) gene polymorphisms are associated with the development of antibody against the 65‐kDa isoform of recombinant human glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65Ab) in patients with Graves’ disease.Methods  A total of 398 unrelated Japanese patients with Graves’ disease, with and without GAD65Ab, were recruited. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL‐18 gene were examined and the polymorphic allele and the genotype and haplotype frequencies calculated.Results  The frequency of the GG genotype at position −4675 of the IL‐18 gene was significantly lower in Graves’ disease patients with GAD65Ab than those without (4% vs. 24%, P = 0.0126). The −4675C allele frequency was significantly greater in patients with GAD65Ab than those without (69% vs. 53%, P = 0.0168). The homozygous −4675G/−607A/−137G haplotype was less common in Graves’ disease patients with GAD65Ab than those without (4% vs. 23%, P = 0.0144).Conclusions  These findings in a Japanese population indicate that Graves’ disease patients carrying the GG genotype at position −4657 of the promoter of the IL‐18 gene or a gene in linkage disequilibrium with the −4675G/−607A/−137G haplotype have a low risk for the development of GAD65Ab in Graves’ disease.
Plasma anhydro‐d‐glucitol (1,5‐AG) as an indicator of hyperglycaemic excursions in pregnant women with diabetes
Authors: Dworacka M. , Wender‐Ożegowska E. , Winiarska H. , Borowska M. , Zawiejska A. , Pietryga M. , Brazert J. , Szczawinska K. , Bobkiewicz‐Kozłowska T. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAims  To evaluate the use of the plasma 1,5‐anhydro‐d‐glucitol (1,5‐AG) level as a possible marker for glucose excursions in pregnant women with diabetes.Methods  The study group consisted of 55 pregnant women with diabetes (gestational diabetes mellitus—GDM, n = 28 or pre‐gestational diabetes mellitus —PGDM, n = 27), without hepatic or renal insufficiency, gestational age range 5–38 weeks. In each patient, 24‐h glucose profile, glycated haemoglobin and 1,5‐AG plasma levels were measured. Mean blood glucose (MBG) and M‐value (by Schlichtkrull) were calculated. MBG, M‐value and maximal daily glycaemia (MxG) were used as indexes of daily glycaemic excursions.Results  A significant correlation was found between the 1,5‐AG plasma level and MxG [r = (−0.3)] and between the 1,5‐AG level and M‐value [r = (−0.36)]. There was no association between the 1,5‐AG level and gestational age. Multivariate regression analysis, with 24‐h glucose profile, gestational age and MxG as independent variables, showed that MxG was the main parameter determining the 1,5‐AG plasma level [β = (−0.68)]. The M‐value, the coefficient of glucose fluctuations, also determined the 1,5‐AG level but with lower statistical power [β = (0.41)]. No statistical differences were found in the group with HbA1c < 6% or > 6% for 1,5‐AG and M‐value, while MBG was higher in poorly controlled patients (HbA1c > 6%).Conclusions  The plasma 1,5‐AG level may be a useful marker of daily glucose excursion in pregnant women with diabetes, as an adjunct to HbA1c monitoring.
Mobile diabetes education and care: intervention for children and young people with Type 1 diabetes in rural areas of northern Germany
Authors: Von Sengbusch S. , Müller‐Godeffroy E. , Häger S. , Reintjes R. , Hiort O. , Wagner V. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAims  To improve the quality of care in children with Type 1 diabetes who have limited access to specialized diabetes care in rural areas, by providing a mobile diabetes education and care team, affiliated with a University hospital paediatric diabetes centre.Methods  A cohort of 107 children and their families from eight rural hospitals was followed between July 2000 and July 2002. Parameters on quality of metabolic control (HbA1c, hospitalization rate and number of episodes of severe hypoglycaemia), diabetes knowledge and quality of life at baseline (t0), 6 weeks (t1) and 6 months (t2) after the interventions were measured.Results  Mean HbA1c was 7.9 ± 1.4% at t0. The proportion of HbA1c values < 6.8% increased significantly (P < 0.05) and of values > 8.0% decreased significantly (P < 0.01) at t1 and t2. The rate of hospitalization fell significantly by 9.4%, from 16.2% at baseline to 6.8% at t2 (P < 0.05). The children reported significantly better diabetes‐specific quality of life (P < 0.05) and higher self‐esteem (P < 0.01) after the intervention. Theoretical diabetes knowledge was increased both in the short and long term (P < 0.05).Conclusions  The intervention improved metabolic control, diabetes knowledge and diabetes‐specific quality of life. We conclude that high‐quality diabetes care in a rural area can be provided by a mobile diabetes education and care team.