bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Aspergillus niger MADS‐box transcription factor RlmA is required for cell wall reinforcement in response to cell wall stress
Authors: Damveld Robbert A. , Arentshorst Mark , Franken Angelique , VanKuyk Patricia A. , Klis Frans M. , Van Den Hondel Cees A. M. J. J. , Ram Arthur F. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryIn Aspergillus niger, the genes coding for glutamine:fructose‐6‐phosphate amidotransferase (gfaA) and α‐1,3‐glucan synthase (agsA) are induced in response to cell wall stress. In silico analysis of the promoter region of the two genes revealed the presence of putative DNA binding sites for transcription factors involved in stress responses, including sites identical to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rlm1p and Msn2p/Msn4p transcription factors. Promoter analysis indicated that the induction of the agsA gene in response to cell wall stress is fully dependent on a putative Rlm1p binding site in its promoter region. Database searches revealed the presence of S. cerevisiae Rlm1p homologues in most filamentous fungi examined, including A. niger. Deletion of the RLM1 homologue, named rlmA in A. niger, completely eliminated the induction of agsA and resulted in a twofold reduced induction of gfaA during Calcofluor White‐induced cell wall stress. The rise in cell wall chitin in the presence of Calcofluor White was also affected in the rlmA deletion strain. In addition, the deletion strain was more sensitive towards cell wall stress agents. Our results indicate that A. niger responds to cell wall stress by transcriptional activation of cell wall reinforcing genes including agsA and gfaA through an Rlm1p‐like transcription factor. We propose that such a cell wall salvage mechanism is wide spread in filamentous fungi.
Effects of long‐term treatment with oxytocin in chronic constipation; a double blind, placebo‐controlled pilot trial
Authors: Ohlsson B. , Truedsson M. , Bengtsson M. , Torstenson R. , Sjölund K. , Björnsson E. S. , Simrèn M. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract  Background:  Oxytocin and its receptor have been found throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where it affects gut function. Clinically, we have noticed an improvement of bowel habits during lactation in constipated women. The aim of this study was to examine whether oxytocin has an effect on bowel symptoms and psychological well being in women with refractory constipation.Methods:  Fifty‐nine women with refractory constipation were included in a double blind, multicentre study. After a 2‐week run‐in period, they were randomly allocated to nasal inhalation of either placebo or oxytocin treatment twice daily for 13 weeks, followed by a 2 weeks, posttreatment period. The patients completed a questionnaire every day concerning bowel habits, abdominal pain and discomfort, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) and Psychological General Well‐being (PGWB) twice during the study; namely, during the baseline period and at the end of the treatment period.Results:  Both oxytocin and placebo led to improvement of the constipation according to the GSRS and led to improvement in the sensation of incomplete evacuation and anorectal obstruction, without significant differences between the groups. Abdominal pain and discomfort responded weakly to oxytocin, with no effect of the placebo. In a subgroup of patients with IBS and concomitant depression, a weak improvement in depressed mood was observed after oxytocin administartion.Conclusion:  Nasal administration of oxytocin had no significant advantage over placebo concerning an effect on constipation. However, it seems to have a positive effect on abdominal pain and discomfort and depressed mood. These findings should be further explored.
Quantitative trait loci controlling aluminium tolerance in two accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana (Landsberg erecta and Cape Verde Islands)
Authors: KOBAYASHI YURIKO , FURUTA YACHIYO , OHNO TAKASHI , HARA TETSUO , KOYAMA HIROYUKI 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTQuantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of aluminium (Al) tolerance was performed using Ler/Cvi recombinant inbred (RI) lines of Arabidopsis thaliana. Relative root length (RRL) (root length with 4 µm Al/root length with no Al at pH 5.0) on day 5 was used as the Al tolerance index for QTL analysis. Al tolerance judged by RRL was well correlated to tolerance judged by other indexes, including accumulation of callose, reactive oxygen species in the root apex and growth performance on acid soil containing a large amount of exchangeable Al. Using data sets with an hb2 of 0.91, two QTLs were detected at the top of chromosome 1 and bottom of chromosome 3. These QTLs explained 40 and 16% of the phenotypic variation of Al tolerance, respectively, and the positive effect of the Cvi allele. The QTL on chromosome 1 overlapped with a major QTL in another recombinant inbred population, and is possibly related to malate excretion. A complete pair‐wise search revealed 11 sets of epistatic interacting loci pairs, which accounted for the transgressive segregation among the RI population. Several epistatic interactions shared the same chromosomal region, indicating the possible involvement of regulatory proteins in Al tolerance in Arabidopsis.
A new precipitation technique provides evidence for the permeability of Casparian bands to ions in young roots of corn (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: RANATHUNGE KOSALA , STEUDLE ERNST , LAFITTE RENEE 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTUsing an insoluble inorganic salt precipitation technique, the permeability of cell walls and especially of endodermal Casparian bands (CBs) for ions was tested in young roots of corn (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa). The test was based on suction of either 100 µm CuSO4 or 200 µm K4[Fe(CN)6] into the root from its medium using a pump (excised roots) or transpirational stream (intact seedlings), and subsequent perfusion of xylem of those root segments with the opposite salt component, which resulted in precipitation of insoluble brown crystals of copper ferrocyanide. Under suction, Cu2+ could cross the endodermis apoplastically in both plant species (although at low rates) developing brown salt precipitates in cell walls of early metaxylem and in the region between CBs and functioning metaxylem vessels. Hence, at least Cu2+ did cross the endodermis dragged along with the water. The results suggested that CBs were not perfect barriers to apoplastic ion fluxes. In contrast, ferrocyanide ions failed to cross the mature endodermis of both corn and rice at detectable amounts. The concentration limit of apoplastic copper was 0.8 µm at a perfusion with 200 µm K4[Fe(CN)6]. Asymmetric development of precipitates suggested that the cation, Cu2+, moved faster than the anion, [Fe(CN)6]4–, through cell walls including CBs. Using Chara cell wall preparations (‘ghosts’) as a model system, it was observed that, different from Cu2+, ferrocyanide ions remained inside wall‐tubes suggesting a substantially lower permeability of the latter which agreed with the finding of an asymmetric development of precipitates. In both corn and rice roots, there was a significant apoplastic flux of ions in regions where laterals penetrated the endodermis. Overall, the results show that the permeability of CBs to ions is not zero. CBs do not represent a perfect barrier for ions, as is usually thought. The permeability of CBs may vary depending on growth conditions which are known to affect the intensity of formation of bands.
Seasonal shifts in dormancy status, carbohydrate metabolism, and related gene expression in crown buds of leafy spurge
Authors: ANDERSON JAMES V. , GESCH RUSS W. , JIA YING , CHAO WUN S. , HORVATH DAVID P. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTCrown buds of field‐grown leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) were examined to determine relationships between carbohydrate metabolism and gene expression throughout para‐, endo‐, and eco‐dormancy during the transition from summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The data indicates that endo‐dormancy plays a role in preventing new shoot growth during the transition from autumn to winter. Cold temperature was involved in breaking endo‐dormancy, inducing flowering competence, and inhibiting shoot growth. An inverse relationship developed between starch and soluble sugar (mainly sucrose) content in buds during the shift from para‐ to endo‐dormancy, which continued through eco‐dormancy. Unlike starch content, soluble sugars were lowest in crown buds during para‐dormancy but increased over two‐ to three‐fold during the transition to endo‐dormancy. Several genes (AGPase, HK, SPS, SuSy, and UGPase) coding for proteins involved in sugar metabolism were differentially regulated in conjunction with well‐defined phases of dormancy in crown buds. Marker genes for S‐phase progression, cell wall biochemistry, or responsive to auxin were also differentially regulated during transition from para‐, endo‐, and eco‐dormancy. The results were used to develop a model showing potential signalling pathways involved in regulating seasonal dormancy status in leafy spurge crown buds.
Low night temperature and inhibition of gibberellin biosynthesis override phytochrome action and induce bud set and cold acclimation, but not dormancy in PHYA overexpressors and wild‐type of hybrid aspen
Authors: MØLMANN JØRGEN A. , ASANTE DANIEL K.A. , JENSEN JOHN B. , KRANE MARIA N. , ERNSTSEN ARILD , JUNTTILA OLAVI , OLSEN JORUNN E. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTJuvenile trees of temperate and boreal regions cease growth and set buds in autumn in response to short day‐lengths (SD) detected by phytochrome. Growth cessation and bud set are prerequisites for the development of winter dormancy and full cold hardiness. In this study we show that the SD‐requirement for bud set and cold hardening can be overcome in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. × tremuloides Michx.) by low night temperature and inhibition of gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis. Bud set and increased cold hardiness were observed under normally non‐inductive long day‐length (LD) in wild‐type plants, when exposed to low night temperature and paclobutrazol. In addition, the effect of PHYA overexpression could be overcome in transgenic plants, producing bud set and cold acclimation by treatment with: SD, low night temperature and paclobutrazol. After cold acclimation, the degree of bud dormancy was lower for wild‐type plants prior treated with LD and transgenic plants (overexpressing PHYA), than SD‐treated, wild‐type plants. Thus, low night temperature in combination with reduced GA content induced bud set and promoted cold hardiness under normally non‐inductive photoperiods in hybrid aspen, but was unable to affect development of dormancy. This might suggest separate signalling pathways from phytochrome regulating the induction of cold/cold hardiness and bud dormancy in hybrid aspen or alternatively, there might be one pathway that fails to complete its action in the transgenic and paclobutrazol treated plants.
Steady‐state transposon mutagenesis in inbred maize
Authors: McCarty Donald R. , Mark Settles Andrew , Suzuki Masaharu , Tan Bao Cai , Latshaw Susan , Porch Tim , Robin Kevin , Baier John , Avigne Wayne , Lai Jinsheng , Messing Joachim , Koch Karen E. , Curtis Hannah L. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryWe implement a novel strategy for harnessing the power of high‐copy transposons for functional analysis of the maize genome, and report behavioral features of the Mutator system in a uniform inbred background. The unique UniformMu population and database facilitate high‐throughput molecular analysis of Mu‐tagged mutants and gene knockouts. Key features of the population include: (i) high mutation frequencies (7% independent seed mutations) and moderation of copy number (approximately 57 total Mu elements; 1–2 MuDR copies per plant) were maintained by continuous back‐crossing into a phenotypically uniform inbred background; (ii) a bz1‐mum9 marker enabled selection of stable lines (loss of MuDR), inhibiting further transpositions in lines selected for molecular analysis; (iii) build‐up of mutation load was prevented by screening Mu‐active parents to exclude plants carrying pre‐existing seed mutations. To create a database of genomic sequences flanking Mu insertions, selected mutant lines were analyzed by sequencing of MuTAIL PCR clone libraries. These sequences were annotated and clustered to facilitate bioinformatic subtraction of ancestral elements and identification of insertions unique to mutant lines. New insertions targeted low‐copy, gene‐rich sequences, and in silico mapping revealed a random distribution of insertions over the genome. Our results indicate that Mu populations differ markedly in the occurrence of Mu insertion hotspots and the frequency of suppressible mutations. We suggest that controlled MuDR copy number in UniformMu lines is a key determinant of these differences. The public database (http://uniformmu.org; http://endosperm.info) includes pedigree and phenotypic data for over 2000 independent seed mutants selected from a population of 31 548 F2 lines and integrated with analyses of 34 255 MuTAIL sequences.
Construction and screening of subtracted cDNA libraries from limited populations of plant cells: a comparative analysis of gene expression between maize egg cells and central cells
Authors: Lê Quyên , Gutièrrez‐Marcos José F. , Costa Liliana M. , Meyer Stephanie , Dickinson Hugh G. , Lörz Horst , Kranz Erhard , Scholten Stefan 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe analysis of cell type‐specific gene expression is an essential step in understanding certain biological processes during plant development, such as differentiation. Although methods for isolating specific cell types have been established, the application of cDNA subtraction to small populations of isolated cell types for direct identification of specific or differentially expressed transcripts has not yet been reported. As a first step in the identification of genes expressed differentially between maize egg cells and central cells, we have manually isolated these types of cell, and applied a suppression‐subtractive hybridization (SSH) strategy. After microarray screening of 1030 cDNAs obtained from the subtracted libraries, we identified 340 differentially expressed clones. Of these, 142 were sequenced, which resulted in the identification of 62 individual cDNAs. The expression patterns of 20 cDNAs were validated by quantitative RT–PCR, through which we identified five transcripts with cell type‐specific expression. The specific localization of some of these transcripts was also confirmed by in situ hybridization on embryo sac sections. Taken together, our data demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in identifying differentially expressed and cell type‐specific transcripts of relatively low abundance. This was also confirmed by the identification of previously reported egg cell‐ and central cell‐specific genes in our screen. Importantly, from our analysis we identified a significant number of novel sequences not present in other embryo sac or, indeed, in other plant expressed sequence tag (EST) databases. Thus, in combination with standard EST sequencing and microarray hybridization strategies, our approach of differentially screening subtracted cDNAs will add substantially to the expression information in spatially highly resolved transcriptome analyses.
Virus‐induced gene silencing is an effective tool for assaying gene function in the basal eudicot speciesPapaver somniferum(opium poppy)
Authors: Hileman Lena C. , Drea Sinéad , de Martino Gemma , Litt Amy , Irish Vivian F. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryVirus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) is an attractive method for assaying gene function in species that are resistant to conventional genetic approaches. However, VIGS has been shown to be effective in only a few, closely related plant species. Tobacco rattle virus (TRV), a bipartite RNA virus, has a wide host range and so in principle could serve as an efficient vector for VIGS in a diverse array of plant species. Here we show that a vector based on TRV sequences is effective at silencing the endogenousphytoene desaturase(PapsPDS) gene inPapaver somniferum(opium poppy). We show that this vector does not compromise the growth or reproduction of poppy and the plants did not display viral symptoms. The silencing ofPapsPDSresulted in a significant reduction inPapsPDSmRNA and a concomitant photobleached phenotype. The ability to rapidly assay gene function inP. somniferumwill be valuable in manipulation of the opiate pathway in this pharmaceutically important species. We suggest that our vacuum infiltration method used to deliver TRV‐based vectors into poppy is a promising approach for expanding VIGS to diverse angiosperm species in which traditional delivery methods fail to induce VIGS. Furthermore, these studies demonstrate the utility of TRV‐VIGS for probing gene function in a basal eudicot species that is phylogenetically distant from model plant species.
Albendazole for the control and elimination of lymphatic filariasis: systematic review
Authors: Critchley Julia , Addiss David , Ejere Henry , Gamble Carrol , Garner Paul , Gelband Hellen ,   the International Filariasis Review Group
Published: August 2005

SummaryObjectives  The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis recommends albendazole in combination with other antifilarial drugs. This systematic review examines albendazole in treatment and control of lymphatic filariasis.Datasources  The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE and EMBASE to April 2005; contacting experts, international organisations and drug manufacturers.Methods  Randomised or quasi‐randomised controlled trials included; two reviewers independently assessed eligibility, quality, and extracted data. We calculated the relative risk of microfilaraemia (mf) prevalence using fixed effect, or random effects model in case of heterogeneity.Results  Six trials met inclusion criteria. Three trials compared albendazole with placebo: no effect was demonstrated on mf prevalence, but density was lower in one of the three studies at 6 months. Three trials added albendazole to ivermectin, with no demonstrable effect; prevalence tended to be lower at 4–6 months but not at 12 months (4–6 months; RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.39, n = 255, 2 trials; 12 months: RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.13, n = 348, 2 trials). Mf density was significantly lower in two of the three trials; one of two trials measuring density at 12 months showed a difference. Three trials added albendazole to diethylcarbamazine; two were small trials with no difference demonstrated; the third study tended to favour combination at 6 months (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.21, n = 491), with a significant difference for density.Conclusions  The effect of albendazole against adult and larval filarial parasites, alone and in combination with other antifilarial drugs, deserves further rigorous research.
Unaffordable or cost‐effective?: introducing an emergency referral system in rural Niger
Authors: Bossyns Paul , Abache Ranaou , Abdoulaye Mahaman Sani , Lerberghe Wim Van 
Published: August 2005

SummaryObjectives  An important investment was made in two health districts in Niger to organize an emergency referral system. This study estimates its impact and cost‐effectiveness in relation with external determinants.Methods  After installing a solar radio network in the health centres, emergency calls and related data were monitored over 7 years and investment and recurrent costs for the system were estimated.Results  The number of emergency calls increased significantly in both districts. In 2003, the total yearly cost for the district amounted to US$ 14 147, the cost per useful and successful call was US$ 49 and the cost per inhabitant and per year was about US$ 0.06.Conclusion  The impressive and immediate impact on the health system, the relatively low recurrent cost and the minimal management requirements for the health service make the investment very worthwhile. Organizing emergency evacuation systems should be a priority for any health district in the world.
Control of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, a neglected disease: results of a control programme in Satipo Province, Peru
Authors: Guthmann Jean‐Paul , Arlt Doris , Garcia Luis Miguel Leon , Rosales Milena , de Jesus Sanchez Juan , Alvarez Eugenia , Lonlas Sylvaine , Conte Mado , Bertoletti Guillermo , Fournier Christophe , Huari Roberto , Torreele Els , Llanos‐Cuentas Alejandro 
Published: August 2005

SummaryMucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) is an important health problem in many rural areas of Latin America, but there are few data on the results of programmatic approaches to control the disease. We report the results of a control programme in San Martin de Pangoa District, which reports one of the highest prevalences of MCL in Peru. For 2 years (2001–2002), the technicians at the health post were trained in patient case management, received medical support and were supplied with antimonials. An evaluation after 2 years showed the following main achievements: better diagnosis of patients, who were confirmed by microscopy in 34% (82/240) of the cases in 2001 and 60% of the cases (153/254) in 2002; improved follow‐up during treatment: 237 of 263 (90%) patients who initiated an antimonial therapy ended the full treatment course; improved follow‐up after treatment: 143 of 237 (60%) patients who ended their full treatment were correctly monitored during the required period of 6 (cutaneous cases) or 12 (mucosal cases) months after the end of treatment. These achievements were largely due to the human and logistical resources made available, the constant availability of medications and the close collaboration between the Ministry of Health, a national research institute and an international non‐governmental organization. At the end of this period, the health authorities decided to register a generic brand of sodium stibogluconate, which is now in use. This should allow the treatment of a significant number of additional patients, while saving money to invest in other facets of the case management.
Paying for health in two Rwandan provinces: financial flows and flaws
Authors: Kalk Andreas , Mayindo Jean Kagubare , Musango Laurent , Foulon Gerard 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe study intended to analyse the financial flows in two provinces within the Rwandan health system through the review of all available documentation and through interviews with key informants, to assess the scope for improved resource allocation. In Rwanda, there exists a large deficit of available financial resources in the health sector in general, and more specifically at health centre level. To improve this situation, it is considered to cover a large proportion of the entire population by mutual health insurance schemes. The schemes are able to pool certain risks, and they definitely improve financial access to health services. Nonetheless, they are inaccessible to the ‘very poor’, and – due to their limited financial base – they are unable to cover a complementary health care package. It is unlikely that they will mobilize substantial additional resources for health. External long‐term commitments are required to cover this gap. A reassurance and readjustment system between the various insurance schemes should be established in order to increase financial protection provided. It might link up with insurance schemes in the formal employment sector. The combination of such a support for health insurance with performance‐related incentives for health staff has the potential to increase both equity and quality of health services simultaneously and substantially.