bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of peroxisomal targeting signal of pumpkin catalase and the binding analysis with PTS1 receptor
Authors: Kamigaki Akane , Mano Shoji , Terauchi Kaori , Nishi Yukiko , Tachibe‐Kinoshita Yuki , Nito Kazumasa , Kondo Maki , Hayashi Makoto , Nishimura Mikio , Esaka Muneharu 
Published: March 2003

SummaryMany peroxisomal proteins are imported into peroxisomes via recognition of the peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1) present at the C‐termini by the PTS1 receptor (Pex5p). Catalase, a peroxisomal protein, has PTS1‐like motifs around or at the C‐terminus. However, it remains unclear whether catalase is imported into peroxisome via the PTS1 system. In this work, we analyzed the PTS of pumpkin catalase (Cat1). A full or truncated pumpkin Cat1 cDNA fused at the 3′ end of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) coding sequence was introduced and stably expressed in tobacco BY‐2 (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Bright Yellow 2) cells or Arabidopsis thaliana by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. The cellular localization of GFP was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that the C‐terminal 10‐amino acid region containing an SKL motif‐like tripeptide (SHL) was not required for the import into peroxisomes. Surprisingly, the C‐terminal 3‐amino acid region was required for the import when the fusion proteins were transiently expressed by using particle gun bombardment, suggesting that the transient expression system is inadequate to analyze the targeting signal. We proposed that the C‐terminal amino acid region from 13 to 11 (QKL), which corresponds with the PTS1 consensus sequence, may function as an internal PTS1. Analysis of the binding of Cat1 to PTS1 receptor (Pex5p) by the yeast two‐hybrid system revealed that Cat1 can bind with the PTS1 receptor (Pex5p), indicating that Cat1 is imported into peroxisomes by the PTS1 system.
Dental management of children with latex allergy
Authors: Hashim Nainar S. M. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.This paper reviews the aetiology, epidemiology and dental management of children with latex allergy. The issue of latex allergy has serious consequences for the dental management of children with one or more of the following risk factors: spina bifida, atopy, first surgery before one year of age, history of multiple surgical procedures, congenital urologic abnormalities, gastrointestinal malformations, hydrocephalus internus, ventriculo‐peritoneal shunts, spinal cord injuries, and family history of atopy. Management of latex allergy is based upon the diligent avoidance of latex exposure. Universal use of powder‐free low‐allergen latex gloves is recommended.
Ultrasound in the quantification of female pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Dietz H. P. , Haylen B. T. , Broome J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the use of ultrasound in the quantification of prolapse and compare findings with clinical assessments obtained in a blind study.MethodsIn a prospective comparative clinical study, 145 patients referred for urogynecological assessment were examined clinically by one operator and by translabial ultrasound by another operator.ResultsClinical staging and International Continence Society coordinates were obtained for all 145 patients, as were ultrasound coordinates for descent of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls. Eighteen percent of the uteri of those women who had not had a hysterectomy in the past could not be seen; none of these women suffered from uterine prolapse clinically. Correlation with the prolapse assessment system recently endorsed by the International Continence Society was good (r = 0.77 for uterine prolapse, r = 0.72 for anterior vaginal wall and r = 0.53 for posterior vaginal wall descent).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that translabial ultrasound can be used to quantify female pelvic organ prolapse. Correlation with the International Continence Society prolapse assessment system is good. The method may be particularly suitable for objective outcome assessment after surgical intervention. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Development of the human fetal corpus callosum: a high‐resolution, cross‐sectional sonographic study
Authors: Achiron R. , Achiron A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo establish reference ranges during human pregnancy for normal fetal corpus callosum dimensions.DesignIn a prospective, cross‐sectional study of 258 fetuses between 16 and 37 weeks of gestation, measurements of the length, width, and thickness at the level of the anterior mid‐body of the corpus callosum were performed, using high‐resolution, transvaginal and transabdominal transducers.ResultsThe mean length of the corpus callosum was 27.2 (standard deviation, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 26.02–28.37) mm. Width and thickness of the corpus callosum were 5.6 (standard deviation, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 5.41–5.82) mm and 1.9 (standard deviation, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.87–2.06) mm, respectively. The size of the corpus callosum as a function of gestational age was expressed by regression equations: length (mm) = −20.40 + 1.92 × gestational age; width (mm) = −0.052 + 0.225 × gestational age; thickness (mm) = −0.174 + 0.085 × gestational age. The dimension–gestational age correlation coefficients were:r= 0.779 for length,r = 0.676 for width andr = 0.494 for thickness; these were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The maximum increase in thickness and width of the corpus callosum occurred between 19 and 21 weeks' gestation, while its length followed a constant growth rate. The normal mean length, width and thickness of the corpus callosum per week, and the 95% confidence limits, were defined.ConclusionsThe present study offers normative measurements of the fetal corpus callosum and may facilitate a more objective diagnosis of its congenital abnormalities. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Clinical implications of sonographic detection of uterine anomalies for reproductive outcome
Authors: Kupesic S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe purpose of this review article was to analyze the literature on the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of the congenital uterine anomalies and to discuss current dilemmas on their influence on reproductive outcome. Congenital uterine anomalies are commonly associated with repeated pregnancy failure, in particular an increased risk of first‐ and second‐trimester miscarriages and preterm delivery. Recent reports on two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasound and saline contrast sonohysterography appear promising for diagnosis and classification of congenital uterine anomalies. The ability to visualize both the uterine cavity and the fundal uterine contour on a three‐dimensional scan facilitates the diagnosis of uterine anomalies and enables differentiation between septate and bicornuate uteri. Color Doppler ultrasound allows visualization of intraseptal vascularity and may help in distinguishing the avascular from the vascular septum. Less connective tissue in the septum may result in poor decidualization and placentation, while an increased amount of muscle tissue in the septum can cause miscarriage by the production of local uncoordinated myometrial contractility. Hysteroscopic septum excision is an effective procedure which improves live‐birth rates. Because of its simplicity, minimal invasiveness, low morbidity and low cost, a more liberal approach to the treatment of uterine anomalies is being advocated. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ultrasonic evaluation of the uterus and uterine cavity after normal, vaginal delivery
Authors: Mulic‐Lutvica A. , Bekuretsion M. , Bakos O. , Axelsson O. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo describe uterine and uterine cavity changes throughout the puerperium, as revealed by ultrasound.MethodsThis was a prospective, longitudinal study in which 42 women with uncomplicated vaginal term deliveries were examined serially by ultrasound on postpartum days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56. The first four examinations were performed transabdominally and the last two transvaginally. The involution process of the uterus was assessed by measuring the anteroposterior diameter of the uterus and uterine cavity. Morphological findings were recorded. The influence on the involution process of parity, breast‐feeding, maternal smoking and infant's birth weight were also evaluated.ResultsThe maximum anteroposterior diameter of the uterus diminished substantially and progressively from 92.0 mm on day 1 postpartum to 38.9 mm on day 56. The maximum anteroposterior diameter of the uterine cavity diminished from 15.8 mm on day 1 to 4.0 mm on day 56. However, the anteroposterior diameter of the uterine cavity, 5 cm from the fundus, typically increased on days 7 and 14 postpartum. The position of the uterus and the shape and the appearance of the cavity change in a unique way during the normal puerperium. The uterus was most often retroverted and empty in the early puerperium. Fluid and debris in the whole cavity were seen in the middle part of the puerperium. In late puerperium the cavity was empty and appeared as a thin white line. Endometrial gas was occasionally visualized. No correlation was found between the involution of the uterus and parity, breast‐feeding and the infant's birth weight.ConclusionTransabdominal sonography is suitable for examination of the uterus during the first 14 days postpartum but from day 28 the transvaginal route is preferable. The uterine body and position, as well as the cavity, are easy to examine by ultrasound. Accumulation of fluid and debris in the uterine cavity is a common and insignificant finding of the involuting uterus. It is located in the cervical area in the early puerperium and in the whole uterine cavity in the middle part of the puerperium. Findings from uncomplicated vaginal deliveries are needed as a reference when the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound for pathological conditions is to be tested. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Effect of prophenoloxidase expression knockout on the melanization of microfilariae in the mosquito Armigeres subalbatus
Authors: Shiao S. H. , Higgs S. , Adelman Z. , Christensen B. M. , Liu S. H. , Chen C. C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMelanization is an effective defence reaction used by mosquito hosts to kill malarial and filarial worm parasites. Although phenoloxidase (PO) has long been considered to be the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of melanotic material in insects, there is no direct evidence verifying its role in parasite melanization. To elucidate the role of PO in the melanization of microfilariae (mf) by mosquitoes, a double subgenomic Sindbis (dsSIN) recombinant virus was used to transduce Armigeres subalbatus mosquitoes with a 600 base antisense RNA targeted to the highly conserved copper‐binding region of an Ar. subalbatus PO gene. Compared with controls, haemolymph PO activity in mosquitoes transduced with antisense RNA was significantly reduced. When these mosquitoes were challenged with Dirofilaria immitis mf, the melanization of mf was almost completely inhibited. These data verify that PO is an essential component of the biochemical pathway required for the melanization of parasites, and that the dsSIN expression system represents a useful tool in the functional analysis of endogenous gene expression in mosquitoes.
Aedes aegypti transducing densovirus pathogenesis and expression in Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae larvae
Authors: Ward T. W. , Jenkins M. S. , Afanasiev B. N. , Edwards M. , Duda B. A. , Suchman E. , Jacobs‐Lorena M. , Beaty B. J. , Carlson J. O. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAedes aegypti densovirus (AeDNV) is a small DNA virus that has been developed into an expression and transducing vector for mosquitoes [Afanasiev et al. (1994) Exp Parasitol 79: 322–339; Afanasiev et al. (1999) Virology 257: 62–72; Carlson et al. (2000) Insect Transgenesis: Methods and Applications (Handler, A.M. & James, A.A., eds), pp. 139–159. CRC Press, Boca Raton]. Virions carrying a recombinant genome expressing the GFP gene were used to characterize the pathogenesis of the virus in 255 individual Aedes aegypti larvae. The anal papillae of the larvae were the primary site of infection confirming previous observations (Afanasiev et al., 1999; Allen‐Muira et al. (1999) Virology 257: 54–61). GFP expression was observed in most cases to spread from the anal papillae to cells of the fat body, and subsequently to many other tissues including muscle fibers and nerves. Infected anal papillae were also observed to shrink, or melanize and subsequently fall off in a virus dependent manner. Three to four day‐old larvae were less susceptible to viral infection and, if infected, were more likely to survive into adulthood, with 14% of them still expressing GFP as adults. Higher salt concentrations of 0.10–0.15 m inhibited viral infection. Anopheles gambiae larvae also showed infection of the anal papillae (17%) but subsequent viral dissemination did not occur. The persistence of the reporter gene expression into adulthood of Aedes aegypti indicates that transduction of mosquito larvae with recombinant AeDNV may be a means of introducing a gene of interest into a mosquito population for transient expression.
Differential expression of individual gene copies from within a tRNA multigene family in the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Srinivasan L. , Gopinathan K. P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori, tRNA1Gly constitutes a multigene family from which the individual members are transcribed at different levels in vitro in homologous nuclear extracts. We report here the quantification of functional transcripts of these gene copies in vivo in B. mori‐derived BmN cells based on a suppression assay. The gene copies were converted to encode suppressor tRNAs and co‐transfected into cell lines with reporter gene(s) harbouring one or more nonsense mutations and the reporter gene activity was quantified. Individual members of the gene family were transcribed to very high‐, medium‐ and very low‐levels, following the same pattern as in vitro. All these gene copies were maximally expressed in Bm cells as compared to other insect cell lines.
Germline transformation of the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, with the piggyBac transposable element
Authors: Grossman G. L. , Rafferty C. S. , Clayton J. R. , Stevens T. K. , Mukabayire O. , Benedict M. Q. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractGermline transformation of the major African malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, was achieved using the piggyBac transposable element marked with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) injected into mosquito embryos. Two G1 generation male mosquitoes expressing EGFP were identified among 34 143 larvae screened. Genomic Southern data and sequencing of the piggyBac insertion boundaries showed that these two males arose from one piggyBac insertion event in the injected G0 embryos. Genetic cross data suggest that the insertion site of the element either resulted in, or is tightly linked to, a recessive lethal. This was demonstrated by a deficiency in the number of EGFP‐expressing offspring from inbred crosses but expected ratios in outcrosses to non‐transformed individuals and failure to establish a pure‐breeding line. The insertion was weakly linked to the collarless locus on chromosome 2 and was shown by in situ hybridization to be located in division 28D of that chromosome. Particularly high levels of expression were observed uniformly in salivary glands and, in most individuals, in the anterior stomach. An improvement in the injection technique at the end of the studies resulted in increased G0 hatching, transient expression and EGFP‐expression rates among G1 progeny.
Evidence for genetic differentiation between the molecular forms M and S within the Forest chromosomal form of Anopheles gambiae in an area of sympatry
Authors: Wondji C. , Simard F. , Fontenille D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe studied genetic variation at ten microsatellite DNA loci in Anopheles gambiae populations from the Forest chromosomal form collected in four villages in Cameroon (Central Africa). Both recently described M and S molecular forms occur in sympatry in this area. Geographic differentiation within form was low (Fst < 0.017) despite geographical distance between collection sites ranging from 35 to 350 km. However, higher (Fst > 0.035) and statistically significant levels of genetic differentiation were observed between forms, being the highest between sympatric M and S populations collected within the same village. Results were consistent across all loci spread throughout the genome, therefore reflecting a genome‐wide pattern. Considering previous findings of strong assortative mating within forms and general lack of hybrids in areas of sympatry, we propose that there is now sufficient direct and indirect evidence to consider both M and S molecular forms of An. gambiae as distinct species that have probably speciated recently.
Population structure of the tsetse fly Glossina pallidipes estimated by allozyme, microsatellite and mitochondrial gene diversities
Authors: Krafsur E. S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDiversities at nuclear and mitochondrial loci were examined in eleven natural populations of Glossina pallidipes from east and southern Africa. Alleles in each class of loci are assumed to be selectively neutral. Allozyme gene diversities (heterozygosities) averaged over eight loci were 0.146 among seven Kenya populations and 0.201 among four southern African populations. Microsatellite diversity averaged over three loci was 0.250 in Kenya and only 0.218 in southern Africa. Mitochondrial diversities averaged 0.504 in Kenya and only 0.156 in southern Africa. Mitochondrial and microsatellite diversities in the populations were strongly correlated with each other, but uncorrelated with allozyme diversities. In contrast to the allozyme diversities, mitochondrial and microsatellite variation indicated a severe and prolonged reduction in population size in southern Africa. Genetic distances among populations increased with the geographical distances between them. Allozyme diversities in southern populations were conserved. Genetic differentiation at allozyme loci among populations was greatly damped when compared with the other markers. The foregoing can be explained if allozyme diversities were maintained by balancing selection. Three main points emerged: genetic data confirm the historical evidence that southern G. pallidipes populations experienced a severe and prolonged bottleneck; allozyme variation was conserved in the bottlenecked populations; and gene flow among populations is surprisingly restricted.
Intron‐dependent stimulation of marker gene expression in cultured insect cells
Authors: Zieler H. , Huynh C. Q. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe tested in a systematic fashion the effect of an intron on the level of luciferase expression in cultured C6/36 Aedes albopictus cells. The intron was inserted in both orientations, upstream and downstream of the luciferase coding region in two different luciferase expression vectors. The two parental luciferase expression vectors differed only in their promoters, one containing the Drosophila melanogaster actin5C promoter and the other the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus hr5/ie1 enhancer/promoter. All resulting intron‐containing constructs were tested for their ability to express luciferase in transient assays following electroporation into C6/36 cells. We found that the introns stimulate luciferase expression between twelve and sixtyfold, depending on the promoter. Enhanced expression was only seen when the intron was present in the correct orientation upstream of the luciferase ORF. When the 3′ splice sites of the enhanced intron‐containing constructs were mutated, the expression level dropped back to below the level of the intronless parental constructs, suggesting that the intron‐dependent stimulation of luciferase expression is depending on splicing and is not due to other effects the intron may have on transcription or translation. The luciferase transcripts of all constructs were analysed by reverse transcription, PCR amplification and sequencing, and the results show a perfect correlation between efficient splicing of the intron and elevated levels of luciferase expression. Our findings have the potential to be very useful for boosting expression of foreign proteins in the widely used baculoviral or non‐viral systems in insect cells.
Phylogeography of the barbel (Barbus barbus) assessed by mitochondrial DNA variation
Authors: Kotlík P. , Berrebi P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractUsing the phylogeographic framework, we assessed the DNA sequence variation at the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene across the distribution range of the barbel Barbus barbus, a widely distributed European cyprinid. Reciprocal monophyly of non‐Mediterranean European and Balkan/Anatolian populations is taken as evidence for a long‐term barrier to gene flow, and interpreted as a consequence of survival of the species in two separate refugia during several later glacial cycles. Lack of profound genealogical divergence across Europe from western France to the northwestern Black Sea basin is consistent with recent colonization of this area from a single glacial refuge, which was probably located in the Danube River basin. This may have occurred in two steps: into the Western European river basins during the last interglacial, and throughout the Central European river basins after the last glacial. The populations from the Balkans and Anatolia apparently did not contribute mitochondrial DNA to the post‐Pleistocene colonization of non‐Mediterranean Europe. Lack of detectable variation within the Balkans/Anatolia is attributed mainly to recent expansion throughout these regions, facilitated by the freshwater conditions and seashore regression in the Black Sea during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene.
Genetic diversity of indigenous Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae isolates nodulating two different host plants during soil restoration with alfalfa
Authors: Zhang X.‐X. , Kosier B. , Priefer U. B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA total of 360 Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strains was isolated from three brown‐coal mining restoration fields of different age and plant cover (without and in the first and second year of alfalfa, Medicago sativa, cultivation) using two host species (Viciahirsuta and Pisumsativum) as capture plants. The strains were genetically typed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐generated 16S‐23S ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer regions (IGS–RFLP) and characterized by plasmid profiles and RFLP analysis of amplified nodABC genes. The R. leguminosarum bv. viciae population was dominated by the same group of strains (irrespective of the trap plant used). According to type richness, the genetic diversity of indigenous R. leguminosarum in the second year of restoration was lower than in the first year and it resembled that of the fallow field, except for plasmid types, in which it was higher than that of the fallow field. Some of the less frequent nodABC genotypes were associated with distinct chromosomal IGS genotypes and symbiotic plasmids (pSyms) of different sizes, indicating that horizontal transfer and rearrangements of pSym can occur in natural environments. However, the dominant pSym and chromosomal genotypes were strictly correlated suggesting a genetically stable persistence of the prevailing R. leguminosarum bv. viciae genotypes in the absence of its host plant.