bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth hormone deficiency and coeliac disease: an unusual association?
Authors: Bozzola Mauro , Giovenale Diletta , Bozzola Elena , Meazza Cristina , Martinetti Miryam , Tinelli Carmine , Corazza Gino Roberto 
Published: February 2005

SummaryObjective  To assess the occurrence of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in patients with coeliac disease (CD).Study Design  A total of 1066 children diagnosed elsewhere with short stature were referred to our centre for second‐line evaluation in a 6‐year period. All patients were screened for CD by antiendomysial antibodies (EMA) and those with positive sera underwent intestinal biopsy.Results  Among the 1066 short children, 210 (19·7%) had GHD and 12 (1·12%; chronological age from 3·6 to 12·3 years, bone age from 1·5 to 10·5 years, SDS height from −3·05 to −0·48), having positive EMA, showed histologically confirmed CD. Nine of these latter 12 CD children had a beneficial effect on growth rate after the first year of gluten‐free diet, while the remaining three showed no catch‐up growth. A careful endocrinological investigation in these three CD boys showed an isolated GHD in two cases and a multiple GHD in one case. The congenital origin of GHD is supported by the congenital abnormalities documented by magnetic resonance imaging. GH therapy associated with gluten‐free diet led to an increased growth rate.Conclusion  GH secretion should be evaluated in coeliac patients showing no catch‐up growth after a period on a gluten‐free diet in spite of reversion to seronegativity for EMA. In the case of GHD and CD, replacement GH therapy should be started during a gluten‐free diet.
Expression of photosynthesis gene‐promoter fusions in leaf epidermal cells of transgenic tobacco plants
Authors: Dupree Paul , Pwee Keng‐Hock , Gray John C. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryFusions of the promoter regions of the pea plasto‐cyanin, pea ferredoxin: NADP+ reductase and tobacco rbcS genes to the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene have been introduced into tobacco via Agro‐bacterium‐mediated transformation, and epidermal peels of the lower leaf surface of tissue‐cultured and greenhouse‐grown plants examined histochemically for GUS activity. For each of the constructs, GUS was detected in epidermal cells as well as in stomatal guard cells. Epidermal peels from plants in tissue culture stained more readily than those from greenhouse‐grown plants. Light and electron microscopy clearly demonstrated the presence of chloroplasts in epidermal cells of tobacco leaves. These results provide further evidence for the correlation between the presence of chloroplasts and the expression of nuclear genes for photosynthesis components.
Comparative localization of three classes of cell wall proteins
Authors: Ye Zheng‐Hua , Song Yan‐Ru , Marcus Abraham , Varner Joseph E. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe localization of the cell wall proline‐rich proteins (PRPs), and the gene expression of the cell wall glycine‐rich proteins (GRPs) and the hydroxyproline‐rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) were examined in several dicot species. The PRPs are accumulated in the corner walls of the cortex where several cells are joined together and in the protoxylem cell walls of 3‐day‐old soybean root. In 1‐month‐old soybean plants, the PRPs are specifically deposited in xylem vessel elements of the young stem, and they are accumulated in both phloem fibers and xylem vessel elements and fibers of the older stem. Likewise, the PRPs are localized in xylem vessel elements and fibers in tomato, petunia, potato and tobacco stems. They are also found in outer and inner phloem fiber cell walls of tomato stem and in outer phloem fiber cell walls of petunia stem. The gene expression of the HRGPs and the GRPs is develop‐mentally regulated in tomato, petunia and tobacco stems. HRGP mRNAs are abundant in outer and inner phloem regions, while GRP mRNAs are present mostly in primary xylem and in the cambium region. Immunocytochemical localization showed that the GRPs have a localization pattern similar to that of the PRPs in tomato, petunia and tobacco stems.
Genetic and phenotypic characterization of cop1 mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Deng Xing‐Wang , Quail Peter H. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryTen Arabidopsis lines that carry recessive mutations in the cop1 (constitutively photomorphogenic) locus have been isolated. These lines define at least four different alleles. All of the mutant lines produce dark‐grown seedlings that mimic wild‐type seedlings grown in the light. The phenotype of the dark‐grown mutant seedlings includes: short hypocotyls, open and enlarged cotyledons, accumulation of anthocyanin, cell‐type differentiation and chloroplast‐like plastid differentiation in cotyledons. Moreover, in more prolonged dark‐growth periods the mutants exhibit true leaf development that parallels that in light‐grown siblings. The four mutant alleles represent two types of mutations: three alleles (cop 1‐1, cop 1‐2, and cop 1‐3) have severely affected phenotypes whereas one allele (cop 1‐4) has a less severe phenotype. Compared to the severe alleles, the cop 1‐4 mutant has slightly longer hypocotyls in dark‐grown seedlings and does not accumulate abnormal levels of anthocyanin. The cop1–1/cop1‐4 hybrid seedlings are intermediate in many physiological properties under both dark‐ and light‐growth conditions, relative to the two parents. These results may suggest that the extent of residual cop1 gene activity in the mutants dictates the degree to which the aberrant plant phenotype is expressed. Analysis of plants carrying both cop1 and hy, a mutation that results in a deficiency of active phyto‐chrome, suggests that the cop1 gene product acts downstream of phytochrome. The differentiation of chloroplasts in the roots of light‐grown cop1 plants but not in wild‐type plants suggests that the wild‐type cop1 gene product also normally plays a role in suppressing chloroplast development in the roots of light‐grown plants. To aid the eventual molecular cloning of the cop1 locus, its chromosomal location has been mapped and a molecular marker that is located about 1 centimorgan away from the cop1 locus obtained.
Temporal and spatial patterns of 1, 3‐β‐glucanase and chitinase induction in potato leaves infected by Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Schröder Martin , Hahlbrock Klaus , Kombrink Erich 
Published: February 2005

SummaryInfection of potato (Solarium tuberosum L.) leaves with the fungal pathogen Phytophthora infestans caused a similar, strong and coordinated induction of 1, 3‐β‐glucanases and chitinases in compatible (plant susceptible) and incompatible (plant resistant) interactions of two selected plant cultivars with appropriate races of the fungus. The temporal and spatial patterns of 1, 3‐β‐glucanase induction were studied in further detail by immunohistochemical and in‐situ hybridization methods. Accumulation of the protein was preceded by progressive activation of the corresponding gene, commencing near infection sites and spreading rapidly throughout the whole infected leaf as well as to adjacent, non‐infected leaves. Protein and mRNA distribution patterns were nearly identical in compatible and incompatible interactions. In comparison with 1, 3‐β‐glucanase mRNA, phenyl‐alanine ammonia‐lyase mRNA accumulated more rapidly and remained restricted to the vicinity of fungal infection sites, in addition to its constitutive occurrence in the vascular bundles. Even more rapid than any detectable mRNA induction was the accumulation of auto fluorescing material in plant cells immediately surrounding fungal structures, particularly and invariably in incompatible interactions and less frequently in compatible interactions. It is concluded that cultivar‐race‐specific resistance is established early in the interaction of potato leaves with P. infestans and hence the observed massive accumulation of 1, 3‐β‐glucanase and chitinase is presumably not involved in determining this specificity.
Structure and growth of infection threads in the legume symbiosis with Rhizobium leguminosarum
Authors: Rae Anne L. , Bonfante‐Fasolo Paola , Brewin Nicholas J. 
Published: February 2005

SummarySpecific antibodies and enzyme–gold probes were used to study the structure and development of infection threads in nodules induced by Rhizobium leguminosarum on the roots of Vicia, Pisum and Phaseolus. In Pisum nodules, the tubular infection thread wall contains polysaccharides antigenically similar to those of the cell wall, including cellulose, xyloglucan, methyl‐esterified pectin and non‐esterified pectin, but none of these wall components is present around the infection droplet structures from which bacteria are internalized by plant plasma membrane. As reported previously for pea nodules, the luminal matrix of infection threads and infection droplets contains a plant glycoprotein; this glycoprotein is also secreted by infected and uninfected cortical cells of a Vicia root at the earliest stages of nodule initiation. Synthesis of a transcellular infection thread apparently involves reorganized deposition of components normally targeted to the cell wall, and infection thread growth is orientated anticlinally through the outer cortex in the same plane observed for the deposition of new cell walls following mitosis. Both the development of infection threads in the outer cortex and the initiation of cell division in the inner cortex are preceded by a similar process of cell reactivation involving centralization of nuclei and the development of anticlinal transvacuolar strands. It is therefore suggested that the two Rhizobium‐induced processes of infection thread growth and cortical cell division may both be consequences of a similar plant cell response in the inner and outer root cortex, respectively. Phaseolus nodules contained only short intracellular infection structures which terminated within individual cells and contained no luminal matrix material. The differences in infection thread structure between Pisum and Phaseolus nodules may reflect differences in ontogeny between “indeterminate” and “determinate” nodule meristems.
Transgenic sugarcane plants via microprojectile bombardment
Authors: Bower Robert , Birch Robert G. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryTransgenic sugarcane plants were produced by bombardment of embryogenic callus with high‐velocity DNA‐coated microprojectiles, followed by a selection and regeneration procedure designed for this target tissue. Optimal bombardment conditions for embryogenic callus required microprojectile velocities higher than those previously found effective for sugarcane suspension culture cells. Bombardment of target tissues twice increased the number of transiently expressing cells in regenerable callus regions, to more than 300 per treated plate. Stable transformants were obtained following bombardment with the neomycin phosphotransferase (npt‐II) gene under the control of the Emu strong monocot promoter. Stepped increases in antibiotic concentration during selection and regeneration allowed recovery of actively growing callus and plants on media containing geneticin concentrations completely inhibitory to untransformed controls. NPT‐II levels in transformed plants were 20–50 times the background levels in control plants in ELISA assays, and Southern analysis revealed integration of one to three copies of the introduced gene in the sugarcane genome. The procedures described yield one to three transgenic plants per treated plate within 16 weeks of bombardment and provide a simple, efficient and broadly applicable system for genetic transformation of sugarcane. A similar approach should be applicable to other members of the Poaceae able to form embryogenic callus.
An integrated genetic/RFLP map of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome
Authors: Hauge Brian M. , Hanley Susan M. , Cartinhour Sam , Cherry J. Michael , Goodman Howard M. , Koornneef Maarten , Stam Piet , Chang Caren , Kempin Sherry , Medrano Leonard , Meyerowitz Elliot M. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryWe have assembled an integrated genetic/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) linkage map of the nuclear genome of the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The map is based on two independent sets of RFLP data, RFLP data for 123 new markers, and pair‐wise segregation data of 125 classical genetic markers. Mathematical integration of the independent data sets was performed using the join map computer package. Sixty‐two markers common to two or more data sets were exploited to facilitate integration of the individual maps. The current map, which encompasses a total genetic distance of 520 cM, contains 125 classical genetic markers and 306 RFLP markers. Comparison of the integrated consensus map with the individual maps demonstrates that the overall linear order of the integrated map is in good agreement with the component maps. It must be emphasized, however, that the integrated map represents the ‘best fit’ which is clearly subject to the statistical limitations of the available data. We present several examples where local differences in map order are observed between the integrated and component maps. It is likely, given the problems associated with statistical integration of mapping data from different populations, that the integrated map will contain additional local inconsistencies and problematic regions. None the less, the unified map provides a framework for building an increasingly accurate and useful map. Subsequent refinements of the map will be available electronically and researchers are invited to submit revised map data to the corresponding author for inclusion in future updates (see Appendix 1).
Cotton fiber annexins: a potential role in the regulation of callose synthase
Authors: Andrawis Andrawis , Solomon Mazal , Delmer Deborah P. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryCotton fibers contain a characteristic set of proteins which interact with plasma membranes in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. The association of these proteins with the membrane is correlated with a reduced level of UDP‐glucose: (1→3)‐β‐glucan (callose) synthase activity. Analysis of the proteins released from membranes by EDTA treatment shows that the most abundant proteins comprise a family of at least three polypeptides (p34) which resemble annexins. This resemblance includes similarity in size (about 34 kDa), sequence homology, Ca2+‐dependent precipitation or interaction with the plasma membrane, and ability to serve as a substrate for phosphorylation by endogenous protein kinase(s) which also bind to the membranes in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. A purified fraction of these annexins binds to, and inhibits, the activity of a partially purified cotton fiber callose synthase. These findings suggest that one possible function of annexin(s) in plants is to modulate the activity and/or localization of callose synthase.
Mobility of the maize transposable element En/Spm in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cardon Guillermo H. , Frey Monika , Saedler Heinz , Gierl Alfons 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe autonomous element En‐1 of the maize En/Spm transposable element system is capable of frequent somatic and germinal excision in the heterologous host Arabidopsis thaliana. The pattern of En‐homologous transcripts generated in transgenic Arabidopsis resembles En transcription in maize. An excision reporter construct based on NPT‐II gene (pKEn2) can be used reliably for the isolation of En‐1 germinal revertants by seed germination on kanamycin‐containing medium. Re‐insertion after germinal excision is apparently frequent. A dSpm receptor element can be efficiently trans‐activated in Arabidopsis either by En‐1 or by expressing cDNAs of tnpA and tnpD. Excision and re‐insertion of En/Spm take place with similar characteristics as in maize. This is the first description of En/Spm transposition in Arabidopsis and the parameters analysed here suggest that transposon tagging with En should be feasible in this species.
A novel fingerprint method for analyzing the expression of complex multigene families of very low transcript abundance
Authors: Bohl Susanne , Apel Klaus 
Published: February 2005

SummaryA novel RNA fingerprint method has been developed based on the polymerase chain reaction to identify individual mRNA species derived from different members of a complex multigene family of very low trannscript abundance. Using this method, changes in the composition of complex thionin mRNA populations and in the appearance of individual thionin mRNA species in different organs and in response to external stimuli were detected in Hordeum murinum. A single nucleotide exchange within the transcribed DNA may be sufficient to allow the distinction between otherwise identical transcripts.
Validation of sperm sexing in the cattle (Bos taurus) by dual colour fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Habermann F.A. , Winter A. , Olsaker I. , Reichert P. , Fries R. 
Published: February 2005

SummarySeparation of X‐ and Y‐bearing sperm cells, together with artificial insemination using sex‐specific semen, makes it possible to pre‐determine the sex of calves. This has the potential to considerably improve cattle breeding, genetic resource management and particularly the efficiency of dairy and meat production. However, the broad use of sexed semen will depend on availability, price, fertilizability and in particular the actual sorting purity of sperm doses. To validate the accuracy of sperm sexing in Bos taurus, we have developed a simple, fast and reliable dual colour fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test, where Y‐bearing spermatozoa are identified by a DNA fragment hybridizing to a large pericentromeric repetitive DNA block on the bovine Y chromosome (locus DYZ1, Yp13–q12). To avoid an underestimation of Y signals, we used a second DNA probe identifying a large subcentromeric block of complex repetitive DNA on the bovine autosome 6 (locus D6Z1, 6q12–15) as a positive control. Bovine sperm were fixed with methanol:acetic acid and denatured by simply immersing in 3 m NaOH, yielding consistent hybridization results and good preservation of sperm morphology. The FISH protocol was evaluated on unsorted sperm as well as on sperm samples sexed using the Beltsville technology, which separates X‐ and Y‐bearing spermatozoa by staining with Hoechst 33342 and flow sorting according to their DNA content (Johnson et al. 1987).
Phylogenetic analysis and species allocation of individual equids using microsatellite data
Authors: Krüger K. , Gaillard C. , Stranzinger G. , Rieder S. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe taxonomic status of all equid species is not completely unravelled. This is of practical relevance for conservation initiatives of endangered, fragmented equid populations, such as the Asiatic wild asses (in particular Equus hemionus onager and E. hemionus kulan). In this study, a marker panel consisting of 31 microsatellite loci was used to assess species demarcation and phylogeny, as well as allocation of individuals (n = 120) to specific populations of origin (n = 11). Phylogenetic analysis revealed coalescence times comparable with those previously published from fossil records and mtDNA data. Using Bayesian approaches, it was possible to distinguish between the studied equids, although individual assignment levels varied. The observed results support the maintenance of separate captive conservation herds for E. hemionus onager and E. hemionus kulan. The first molecular genetic results for E. hemionus luteus remained contradictory, as they unexpectedly indicated a closer genetic relationship between E. hemionus luteus and E. kiang holderi compared with the other hemiones.
A canine X chromosome painting probe applied to four canid species: close relationship of a heterochromatic‐like sequence between the dog and the blue fox
Authors: Pieńkowska‐Schelling A. , Zawada M. , Schelling C. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryMicrodissection of chromosomes is an invaluable tool to physically isolate single chromosomes, chromosome‐arms or chromosome‐bands and, subsequently generate painting probes with which numerical or structural aberrations of chromosomes can be studied. In addition, such painting probes can be used to compare karyotypic relationships among mammalian species. For the present study a canine whole X chromosome painting probe was prepared by means of conventional microdissection and degenerate‐oligonucleotide‐primed PCR. The application of this paint to the chromosomes of the domestic dog, red fox, blue fox and Chinese raccoon dog revealed hybridization to the entire X chromosome and the pseudo‐autosomal region of the Y chromosome in all four species analysed. In the blue fox the same paint revealed additional strong hybridization signals on the heterochromatic arms after low‐stringent posthybridization washes. The present study indicates the existence of an ancient canid heterochromatic‐like DNA sequence, which survived in the proximal part of the X chromosome of all species studied and, in addition, was involved in the formation of heterochromatic arms in the blue fox.
Hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis in stress‐susceptible and stress‐resistant pigs: endocrine responses to corticotrophin‐releasing factor and vasopressin*
Authors: Hari J.J. , Pliska V. 
Published: February 2005

SummarySwiss Landrace pigs selected into genetically well‐characterized low and high tissue fat lines (f and F respectively) react differently to exogenous and endogenous stressors. Response of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA) axis to i.v. administered ovine corticotrophin‐releasing factor (oCRF) and lysine vasopressin (LVP) in young females, intact and pretreated with dexamethasone or metyrapone, leads to the conclusion that different stress susceptibility of the two lines correlates with the sensitivity of pituitary corticotrophs to oCRF stimulation. Total amount of ACTH released after stimulation with submaximal oCRF doses was roughly equal in both lines, and cortisol level is even lower in the f‐line, most likely due to the considerably enhanced metabolic clearance rate of cortisol (lower half‐life of plasma cortisol compared with F‐line). LVP‐stimulated ACTH release is comparable with that of oCRF is stronger in the f‐line. Combined effect of oCRF and LVP is rather additive than synergistic but the half‐life ratio cortisol/ACTH after this stimulation is about four times higher than for stimulation by LVP and oCRF separately. In cases of externally stimulated HPA axis, cortisol plasma concentration tightly cross‐correlates with that of ACTH.
Virtual colonoscopy: Issues in implementation
Authors: Mendelson R , Ramsay D , Edwards J , Forbes G 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe following issues and requirements related to the implementation of a CT colonography (CTC) service are important: (i) policies are needed regarding the indications for CTC. Concomitant with this is the need for education of potential referrers and patients. Expectations of the procedure, particularly by general practitioners, may be unrealistic and indications for referral may otherwise be inappropriate. At present there is not general acceptance of CTC for screening asymptomatic persons; (ii) a flexible approach to CT protocols is useful, dependant on the indication for and clinical context of referral, the age and body habitus of the patient; (iii) attention to the issues related to the special skills required by the reporting radiologist. While there is a temptation to regard CTC interpretation as an extension of skills used in interpreting other cross‐sectional images, there is a need to realise that there are skills required specific to CTC and there should be adequate provision for training; (iv) matters related to reporting, such as reporting format, and lesions that will be reported/not reported; and (v) informed consent from the patient. Information should be provided with regard to the limitations of CTC, the implications of a positive finding and radiation dosage.