bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Characterization of the Lignification Toolbox in Arabidopsis
Authors: Raes Jeroen , Rohde Antje , Christensen Jørgen Holst , Van de Peer Yves , Boerjan Wout 
Published: November 2003

AbstractLignin, one of the most abundant terrestrial biopolymers, is indispensable for plant structure and defense. With the availability of the full genome sequence, large collections of insertion mutants, and functional genomics tools, Arabidopsis constitutes an excellent model system to profoundly unravel the monolignol biosynthetic pathway. In a genome-wide bioinformatics survey of the Arabidopsis genome, 34 candidate genes were annotated that encode genes homologous to the 10 presently known enzymes of the monolignol biosynthesis pathway, nine of which have not been described before. By combining evolutionary analysis of these 10 gene families with in silico promoter analysis and expression data (from a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis on an extensive tissue panel, mining of expressed sequence tags from publicly available resources, and assembling expression data from literature), 12 genes could be pinpointed as the most likely candidates for a role in vascular lignification. Furthermore, a possible novel link was detected between the presence of the AC regulatory promoter element and the biosynthesis of G lignin during vascular development. Together, these data describe the full complement of monolignol biosynthesis genes in Arabidopsis, provide a unified nomenclature, and serve as a basis for further functional studies.
The Maize Single myb histone 1 Gene, Smh1, Belongs to a Novel Gene Family and Encodes a Protein That Binds Telomere DNA Repeats in Vitro
Authors: Marian Calin O. , Bordoli Stefano J. , Goltz Marion , Santarella Rachel A. , Jackson Leisa P. , Danilevskaya Olga , Beckstette Michael , Meeley Robert , Bass Hank W. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
We screened maize (Zea mays) cDNAs for sequences similar to the single myb-like DNA-binding domain of known telomeric complex proteins. We identified, cloned, and sequenced five full-length cDNAs representing a novel gene family, and we describe the analysis of one of them, the gene Single myb histone 1 (Smh1). The Smh1 gene encodes a small, basic protein with a unique triple motif structure of (a) an N-terminal SANT/myb-like domain of the homeodomain-like superfamily of 3-helical-bundle-fold proteins, (b) a central region with homology to the conserved H1 globular domain found in the linker histones H1/H5, and (c) a coiled-coil domain near the C terminus. The Smh-type genes are plant specific and include a gene family in Arabidopsis and the PcMYB1 gene of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) but are distinct from those (AtTRP1, AtTBP1, and OsRTBP1) recently shown to encode in vitro telomere-repeat DNA-binding activity. The Smh1 gene is expressed in leaf tissue and maps to chromosome 8 (bin 8.05), with a duplicate locus on chromosome 3 (bin 3.09). A recombinant full-length SMH1, rSMH1, was found by band-shift assays to bind double-stranded oligonucleotide probes with at least two internal tandem copies of the maize telomere repeat, TTTAGGG. Point mutations in the telomere repeat residues reduced or abolished the binding, whereas rSMH1 bound nonspecifically to single-stranded DNA probes. The two DNA-binding motifs in SMH proteins may provide a link between sequence recognition and chromatin dynamics and may function at telomeres or other sites in the nucleus.
Urea Transport by Nitrogen-Regulated Tonoplast Intrinsic Proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Lai-Hua , Ludewig Uwe , Gassert Brigitte , Frommer Wolf B. , von Wirén Nicolaus 
Published: November 2003

AbstractUrea is the major nitrogen (N) form supplied as fertilizer in agricultural plant production and also an important N metabolite in plants. Because urea transport in plants is not well understood, the aim of the present study was to isolate urea transporter genes from the model plant Arabidopsis. Using heterologous complementation of a urea uptake-defective yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mutant allowed to isolate AtTIP1;1, AtTIP1;2, AtTIP2;1, and AtTIP4;1 from a cDNA library of Arabidopsis. These cDNAs encode channel-like tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) that belong to the superfamily of major intrinsic proteins (or aquaporins). All four genes conferred growth of a urea uptake-defective yeast mutant on 2 mm urea in a phloretin-sensitive and pH-independent manner. Uptake studies using 14C-labeled urea into AtTIP2;1-expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes demonstrated that AtTIP2;1 facilitated urea transport also in a pH-independent manner and with linear concentration dependency. Expression studies showed that AtTIP1;2, AtTIP2;1, and AtTIP4;1 genes were up-regulated during early germination and under N deficiency in roots but constitutively expressed in shoots. Subcellular localization of green fluorescent protein-fused AtTIPs indicated that AtTIP1;2, AtTIP2;1, and AtTIP4;1 were targeted mainly to the tonoplast and other endomembranes. Thus, in addition to their role as water channels, TIP transporters may play a role in equilibrating urea concentrations between different cellular compartments.
Auxin Transport Synchronizes the Pattern of Cell Division in a Tobacco Cell Line
Authors: Campanoni Prisca , Blasius Bernd , Nick Peter 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe open morphogenesis of plants requires coordination of patterning by intercellular signals. The tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv Virginia Bright Italia) cell line VBI-0 provides a simple model system to study the role of intercellular communication in patterning. In this cell line, singular cells divide axially to produce linear cell files of distinct polarity. The trigger for this axial division is exogenous auxin. When frequency distributions of files are constructed over the number of cells per file during the exponential phase of the culture, even numbers are found to be frequent, whereas files consisting of uneven numbers of cells are rare. We can simulate these distributions with a mathematical model derived from nonlinear dynamics, which describes a chain of cell-division oscillators where elementary oscillators are coupled unidirectionally and where the number of oscillators is not conserved. The model predicts several nonintuitive properties of our experimental system. For instance, files consisting of six cells are more frequent than expected from a strictly binary division system. More centrally, the model predicts a polar transport of the coordinating signal. We therefore tested the patterns obtained after treatment with 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid, an inhibitor of auxin efflux carriers. Using low concentrations of 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid that leave cell division and axiality of division unaltered, we observe that the frequencies of files with even and uneven cell numbers are equalized. Our findings are discussed in the context of auxin transport as synchronizing signal in cell patterning.
Brassinosteroids Promote Root Growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Müssig Carsten , Shin Ga-Hee , Altmann Thomas 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAlthough brassinosteroids (BRs) are known to regulate shoot growth, their role in the regulation of root growth is less clear. We show that low concentrations of BRs such as 24-epicastasterone and 24-epibrassinolide promote root elongation in Arabidopsis wild-type plants up to 50% and in BR-deficient mutants such as dwf1-6 (cbb1) and cbb3 (which is allelic to cpd) up to 150%. The growth-stimulating effect of exogenous BRs is not reduced by the auxin transport inhibitor 2,3,5-triidobenzoic acid. BR-deficient mutants show normal gravitropism, and 2,3,5-triidobenzoic acid or higher concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and naphtaleneacetic acid inhibit root growth in the mutants to the same extent as in wild-type plants. Simultaneous administration of 24-epibrassinolide and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid results in largely additive effects. Exogenous gibberellins do not promote root elongation in the BR-deficient mutants, and the sensitivity to the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid is not altered. Thus, the root growth-stimulating effect of BRs appears to be largely independent of auxin and gibberellin action. Furthermore, we analyzed BR interactions with other phytohormones on the gene expression level. Only a limited set of auxin- and ethylene-related genes showed altered expression levels. Genes related to other phytohormones barely showed changes, providing further evidence for an autonomous stimulatory effect of BR on root growth.
Recognition of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens VirE2 Translocation Signal by the VirB/D4 Transport System Does Not Require VirE1
Authors: Vergunst Annette C. , van Lier Miranda C.M. , den Dulk-Ras Amke , Hooykaas Paul J.J. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
Agrobacterium tumefaciens uses a type IV secretion system to deliver a nucleoprotein complex and effector proteins directly into plant cells. The single-stranded DNA-binding protein VirE2, the F-box protein VirF and VirE3 are delivered into host cells via this VirB/D4 encoded translocation system. VirE1 functions as a chaperone of VirE2 by regulating its efficient translation and preventing VirE2-VirE2 aggregation in the bacterial cell. We analyzed whether the VirE1 chaperone is also essential for transport recognition of VirE2 by the VirB/D4 encoded type IV secretion system. In addition, we assayed whether translocation of VirF and VirE3, which also forms part of the virE operon, is affected by the absence of VirE1. We employed the earlier developed CRAFT (Cre recombinase Reporter Assay For Translocation) assay to detect transfer of Cre::Vir fusion proteins from A. tumefaciens into plants, monitored by stable reconstitution of a kanamycin resistance marker, and into yeast, screened by loss of the URA3 gene. We show that the C-terminal 50 amino acids of VirE2 and VirE3 are sufficient to mediate Cre translocation into host cells, confirming earlier indications of a C-terminal transport signal. This transfer was independent of the presence or absence of VirE1. Besides, the translocation efficiency of VirF is not altered in a virE1 mutant. The results unambiguously show that the VirE1 chaperone is not essential for the recognition of the VirE2 transport signal by the transport system and the subsequent translocation across the bacterial envelope into host cells.
Terminal care in paediatrics: where we are now
Authors: Hutchinson F , King N , Hain R D W 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
As in adults, palliative care in children is a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to care that seeks to enhance the life of children and families living with life limiting conditions. It involves a holistic approach embracing symptom management, psychosocial/spiritual care, and bereavement support.
Mobilization studies in mice deficient in either C3 or C3a receptor (C3aR) reveal a novel role for complement in retention of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in bone marrow
Authors: Ratajczak Janina , Reca Ryan , Kucia Magda , Majka Marcin , Allendorf Daniel J. , Baran Jarek T. , Janowska-Wieczorek Anna , Wetsel Rick A. , Ross Gordon D. , Ratajczak Mariusz Z. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe mechanisms regulating the homing/mobilization of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) are not fully understood. In our previous studies we showed that the complement C3 activation peptide, C3a, sensitizes responses of HSPCs to stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1). In this study, mobilization was induced with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in both C3-deficient (C3–/–) and C3a receptor–deficient (C3aR–/–) mice as well as in wild-type (wt) mice in the presence or absence of a C3aR antagonist, SB 290157. The data indicated (1) significantly increased G-CSF–induced mobilization in C3–/– and C3aR–/– mice compared with wt mice, (2) significantly accelerated and enhanced G-CSF–induced mobilization in wt, but not in C3–/– or C3aR–/–, mice treated with SB 290157, and (3) deposition of C3b/iC3b fragments onto the viable bone marrow (BM) cells of G-CSF–treated animals. Furthermore, mobilization studies performed in chimeric mice revealed that wt mice reconstituted with C3aR–/– BM cells, but not C3aR–/– mice reconstituted with wt BM cells, are more sensitive to G-CSF–induced mobilization, suggesting that C3aR deficiency on graft-derived cells is responsible for this increased mobilization. Hence we suggest that C3 is activated in mobilized BM into C3a and C3b, and that the C3a-C3aR axis plays an important and novel role in retention of HSPCs (by counteracting mobilization) by increasing their responsiveness to SDF-1, the concentration of which is reduced in BM during mobilization. The C3a-C3aR axis may prevent an uncontrolled release of HSPCs into peripheral blood. These data further suggest that the C3aR antagonist SB 290157 could be developed as a drug to mobilize HSPCs for transplantation.
Loss of circulating CD27+ memory B cells and CCR4+ T cells occurring in association with elevated EBV loads in XLP patients surviving primary EBV infection
Authors: Malbran Alejandro , Belmonte Liliana , Ruibal-Ares Beatriz , Baré Patricia , Massud Ivana , Parodi Cecilia , Felippo Marta , Hodinka Richard , Haines Kathleen , Nichols Kim E. , de Bracco María M. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractDetailed longitudinal studies of patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) may increase our understanding of the immunologic defects that contribute to the development of lymphoma and hypogammaglobulinemia in XLP. We describe progressive changes observed in immunoglobulin concentrations, lymphocyte subsets, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) loads occurring in a 2-year period in a newly infected, but otherwise healthy, carrier (patient 9). We compare these findings with those observed in the patient's brother, who had hypogammaglobulinemia and XLP (patient 4). Immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA concentrations increased in patient 9 during acute EBV infection, but thereafter they decreased steadily to concentrations consistent with hypogammaglobulinemia, reaching a plateau 5 months after infection. In both patients, CD19+ B-lymphocyte rates remained lower than 3%, with a contraction of the B-cell memory compartment (CD27+ CD19+/CD19+) to 20% (normal range, 32%-56%). T-lymphocyte subpopulations showed a reduction in CD4+ T-cell counts and a permanent CD8+ T-cell expansion. Interestingly, CXCR3 memory TH1 cells were expanded and CCR4+ TH2 lymphocytes were reduced, suggesting that abnormal skewing of memory T-cell subsets might contribute to reduced antibody synthesis. Despite an expanded number of CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes, increased EBV loads occurred in both patients without overt clinical symptoms of mononucleosis, lymphoproliferative disease, or lymphoma.
Involvement of Protein Kinase C-Dependent Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase p44/42 Signaling Pathway for Cross-Talk between Estradiol and Transforming Growth Factor-β3 in Increasing Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Folliculostellate Cells
Authors: Chaturvedi Kirti , Sarkar Dipak K. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWe have recently shown that TGF-β3, in the presence of estradiol, increases the release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) from folliculostellate (FS) cells in the pituitary. We determined the interactive effects of TGF-β3 and estradiol on bFGF production and release from FS cells, and the role of the MAPK pathway in TGF-β3 and estradiol interaction. We found that TGF-β3 and estradiol alone moderately increased cell content and release of bFGF from FS cells; but together, they markedly increased the peptide. Estradiol and TGF-β3 alone moderately activated MAPK p44/42; together they produced marked activation of MAPK p44/42. Pretreatment of FS cells with an MAPK kinase 1/2 inhibitor or with protein kinase C inhibitors suppressed the activation of MAPK p44/42, bFGF release, and protein level increases, all of which were induced by TGF-β3 and estradiol. Estradiol and TGF-β3, either alone or in combination, increased the levels of active Ras. Furthermore, bFGF induction by TGF-β3 and estradiol was blocked by overexpression of Ras N17, a dominant negative mutant of Ras p21. Estrogen receptor blocker ICI 182,780 failed to prevent estrogen’s and TGF-β3’s effects on bFGF. These data suggest that an estradiol receptor-independent protein kinase C- activated Ras-dependent MAPK pathway is involved in the cross-talk between TGF-β3 and estradiol to increase bFGF production and/or release from FS cells.
Degloving of the inferior turbinates: pilot study to assess the effectiveness of a new technique in turbinate reduction
Authors: Chevretton E. B. , Hopkins C. , Black I. M. , Tierney P. , Smeeton N. C. 
Published: November 2003

A pilot study to assess the safety and efficacy of ’degloving’ of the inferior turbinate is described. This prospective study reports on the effectiveness of the technique in 37 patients with nasal obstruction due to inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Both objective and subjective measurements of nasal patency were made pre-operatively, and repeated at six weeks, six months and two years post-operatively using nasal inspiratory peak flow rates, saccharin clearance time and an end referenced visual analogue scale to record nasal symptoms.There was a significant improvement in the peak inspiratory flow at six weeks (96.4 to 151.2 l/min) and at six months (148.4 l/min), which was sustained at two years (117.1 l/min, p<0.001). There was an overall improvement in patient satisfaction with nasal symptoms (23.4 to 76.7, 76.8 and 66.8 at six weeks, six months and two years, p<0.001) and a decrease in the sensation of nasal obstruction (71.9 to 21.5, 32.9 and 29.8, p<0.001), which was also sustained. Rhinorrhoea was reduced, and sense of smell increased across the group, but the improvements did not reach statistical significance. The results for postnasal drip and saccharin clearance did not show a significant change over the period of the study. There were no haemorrhagic complications in the group studied.This pilot study demonstrates a new surgical technique for reduction of the inferior turbinates, that yields significant improvement in nasal obstruction, an acceptably low complication rate and is well tolerated by patients. A randomized controlled trial is being planned.
Orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma: percutaneous endoscopic-assisted curettage
Authors: Selva Dinesh , Lai Tze , Krishnan Suren 
Published: November 2003

This paper describes the use of endoscopic visualization in curettage of orbital cholesterol granuloma (OCG). Two males aged 54 and 50 years presented with orbitofrontal cholesterol granulomas arising in the superolateral frontal bone and abutting the dura. The granulomas were approached via a superior eyelid crease incision and a 70 degree rigid endoscope was used to visualize curettage of the granuloma from the inner surface of the frontal bone and the dura. Both patients made an uncomplicated recovery and there was no recurrence at eight months and two years follow up.Percutaneous endoscopic curettage is an alternative to blind curettage, lateral orbitotomy or frontal craniotomy for OCG.
Fatty acid profile in skeletal muscle of the rat in response to acute (2.5 hours) and prolonged (6 weeks) ethanol‐dosage
Authors: ADACHI JUNKO , KUDO RISA , NUSHIDA HIDEYUKI , UENO YASUHIRO , KOLL MICHAEL , PREEDY VICTOR 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that phospholipids are altered in skeletal muscles of rats exposed to ethanol for either acute (2.5 hours) or prolonged (6 weeks) periods. In acute studies, rats were dosed with saline (0.15 mmol/l; controls) or ethanol (75 mmol/kg body weight; treated). There were four groups: (A) saline (control); (B) cyanamide (an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor); (C) ethanol; and (D) cyanamide+ethanol. In prolonged studies, two groups of rats were fed liquid diets containing 35% of total dietary energy as either glucose [group (E)] or ethanol [group (F)]. At the end of the treatments, membrane phospholipids were measured in soleus (Type I fibre‐predominant) and plantaris (Type II fibre‐predominant) muscle. In acute studies, ethanol alone [(A) vs. (C)] and cyanamide+ethanol [(A) vs. (D)] significantly increased 18:2 in plantaris (p <0.05), whereas in soleus none of the treatments had any effect on the phospholipids. In prolonged studies [(E) vs. (F)], there were decreases in 16:0 (p <0.05) and 18:1 (p <0.01) and increases in 18:2 (p<0.001) in plantaris. In soleus, decreases in 18:1 (p<0.05) and increases in 18:2 (p <0.01) occurred. In conclusion, alterations in the proportions of 16:0, 18:1 and 18:2 provide evidence of an altered membrane domain which may contribute to the pathogenesis of alcohol‐induced muscle disease. Changes due to prolonged exposure are more profound than those in acute exposure and the preferential effects in Type II plantaris may reflect the greater susceptibility of this muscle to alcohol.
Nutritional intake of hazardous drinkers and dependent alcoholics in the UK
Authors: MANARI ADRIANA , PREEDY VICTOR , PETERS TIMOTHY 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThere are no recent assessments of nutritional intake in alcohol misusers in the United Kingdom. The purpose of this study was to measure nutritional intake in alcoholics attending an Alcohol Misuse outpatient clinic in an inner city general hospital in the United Kingdom and relating this to various measures of alcohol dependence. All patients (n =30; 27 male, 3 female) consumed at least 100 g ethanol per day (mean 162 g/day) for at least 5 years and completed questionnaires on socio‐demographics, alcohol dependency and psychosocial problems and had assays of biochemical and haematological indices. The data were analysed first with respect to the entire patient population and then according to the degree of alcohol dependency (mild, moderate or severe). The results showed that with respect to the entire patient group, one‐third were below normal body weights, but one‐quarter was overweight. The total energy intake (kJ/day) including alcohol was apparently adequate with respect to recommended levels in most patients. On average, approx. 60% of energy intake came from alcohol. The whole patient population had a low intake of one or more macro‐ and micro‐nutrient compared to the dietary reference requirements. All patients had intakes of vitamin E and folate below UK recommended standards, while 85–95% of patients had low intakes of selenium and Vitamin D. Between 50 and 85% of all patents had intakes below UK recommended standards in calcium and zinc and Vitamins A, B 1, B 2, B 6 and C. There were significant correlations between calorie intake (when alcohol was excluded) and vitamins B 1, B 2, B 6 and C, and Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn intake. There were no correlations between alcohol intake with any of the nutritional and anthropometric variables or between the three subgroups with respect to daily energy, micro‐ and macro‐nutrient intakes. In conclusion, malnutrition was common in this patient group: all subjects had intakes below UK recommended standards in one or more micro‐ or macro‐nutrient. However, there was no difference in the degree of malnutrition between the harmful drinkers (mild dependency) and heavily dependent subgroups.