bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chloroplast DNA diversity in Calluna vulgaris (heather) populations in Europe
Authors: Rendell S , Ennos R. A 
Published: March 2003

AbstractVariation in the chloroplast genome of Calluna vulgaris (heather), the dominant species of northwest European heath communities, was analysed using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR–RFLPs) and microsatellites. No length polymorphisms were detected in the 100–200 base pair (bp) fragments amplified by the conserved microsatellite primers, and sequencing revealed that the repeat regions were interrupted relative to the corresponding sequence in Nicotiana tabacum. In contrast, PCR–RFLP analysis revealed high levels of haplotype diversity within populations (hS = 0.443, hT = 0.842), as well as substantial differentiation between populations (GST = 0.473). Diversity and differentiation were higher in southern Europe than in northern Europe. Interpreted in the light of data from allozyme studies and pollen core records, the results suggest that the main glacial refugia for C. vulgaris were located in southwest Europe, including northern Spain, the Pyrenees and the Massif Central region of France. There is also evidence for diffuse survival of the species at more northerly latitudes.
Phylogeographical structure and regional history of the dusky‐footed woodrat,Neotoma fuscipes
Authors: Matocq Marjorie D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe dusky‐footed woodrat,Neotoma fuscipes, is a medium‐sized rodent that inhabits low elevation woodland habitats along the Pacific coast of North America from Oregon, throughout California and into Baja California. Analyses of mitochondrial sequence variation throughout the distribution reveal substantial phylogeographical structure withinN. fuscipes. The major mitochondrial lineages are largely concordant with previously identified morphological subdivisions within the taxon. The geographical distribution of distinct clades suggests that a combination of topographic barriers and the expansion and contraction of suitable habitat during the past 2 million years, especially along particular mountain ranges, have played a major role in the diversification ofN. fuscipes. Furthermore, relatively low levels of genetic variation across the northern half of the distribution suggest that dusky‐footed woodrats may have only recently expanded into this region.
Cross‐species microsatellite markers for elucidating population genetic structure in Arabidopsis and Arabis (Brassicaeae)
Authors: Clauss M. J. , Cobban H. , Mitchell‐Olds T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSpecies closely related to model organisms present the opportunity to efficiently apply molecular and functional tools developed by a large research community to taxa with different ecological and evolutionary histories. We complied 42 microsatellite loci that amplify under common conditions in four closely related Arabidopsis: A. thaliana; A. halleri; A. lyrata ssp. lyrata; and A. lyrata ssp. petraea, as well as in one more distantly related crucifer; Arabis drummondii. Variation at these loci is amenable to a diversity of applications including population genetics, phylogeographical analyses, mapping of inter and intraspecific crosses, and recombination mapping. Our analysis of microsatellite variation illustrates significant differences in population genetic parameters among three Arabidopsis species. A population of A. thaliana, an inbreeding annual plant associated with disturbed habitats, was highly monomorphic (P = 8% percent polymorphic loci) and only 0.2% heterozygous for 648 locus‐by‐individual combinations. A population of the self‐incompatible perennial herb, A. halleri, was more genetically variable (P = 71%) and had an excess of heterozygosity that may reflect a recent population bottleneck associated with human‐mediated founder events. A population of the self‐incompatible perennial herb, A. lyrata ssp. petraea, was even more genetically variable (P = 86%) and appeared to be at mutation‐drift equilibrium. Population structure estimated from neutrally evolving loci provides an empirical expectation against which hypotheses of adaptive evolution at functional loci can be tested.
Nephrotic syndrome and mizoribine in children
Authors: Honda Masataka 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: The treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS) has recently made dramatic progress. The ultimate purpose of treatment is that patients can lead a normal, disease‐free life with no adverse effects from treatment. However, clear treatment guidelines remain to be established in the children with frequent relapsing NS (FRNS) and steroid‐resistant NS (SRNS). The frequent use or large dose of steroids may lead to a serious adverse effect. Immunosuppressive drugs including cyclophasphamide and cyclosporin have been used to induce lasting remission, thereby sparing patients from further exposure to steroids. However, these drugs have both acute and chronic side‐effects. Mizoribine is a relatively safe and effective immunosuppressant. The report discusses the role of mizoribine in FRNS and SRNS in children.Methods: The papers in experimental and clinical studies about mizoribine in NS were reviewed. Our experiences of mizoribine were also added.Results: Mizoribine has been reported as an effective and safe drug for patients with FRNS. However, the efficacy of mizoribine has differed among various reports, depending on the dose given. There have yet to be any conclusive reports on the effects of mizoribine in SRNS in children.Conclusions: Better results might be obtained if the doses of mizoribine increased in children with FRNS. When 5 mg/kg was used, no serious adverse effects were seen, therefore this dose may be safe and effective. An investigation of appropriate, effective and safe doses of mizoribine should be examined in the future. In patients with SRNS, large doses of mizoribine of more than 5 mg/kg might be effective, while the combined use of mizoribine and cyclosporin or methylpredonisolone pulse therapy might also be even more effective. Further studies are called for to examine the use of large doses of mizoribine.
Multiparametric flow cytometric analysis in a breast cancer cell line (MCF‐7)
Authors: Lee Gui Se Ra , Ryu Ki Sung , Rha Jong Gu , Kim Soo Pyung , Namkoong Sung Eun , Han Ku Taek 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective:To investigate whether multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of solid tumor specimens, including gynecologic tumors, which were stained triply with phycoerythrin (PE), fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and propidium iodide (PI), can be performed simultaneously without interference from normal diploid cell populations and spectral overlap on a standard flow cytometer.Methods:MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines and heterogeneous cell populations mixed with MCF‐7 cells and human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were fixed with 1% paraformaldehyde and permeabilized with 100% methanol. Cytokeratin and several proliferation‐associated cellular antigens (proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p53, c‐erbB/2 and c‐myc) were labeled with PE and FITC, which was followed by DNA staining using PI. These labeled cells were measured on a standard FACScan flow cytometer equipped with a 488 nm single laser.Results:The coefficient of variation (CV) of the G0G1 peak of MCF‐7 cells was 4.3 and the cell cycle phase fractions of G0G1, S and G2M were 44.9, 45.9 and 9.2%, respectively. Fluorescein isothiocyanate, PE and PI fluorescences were detected without interference. The MCF‐7 cells expressed cytokeratin, PCNA, p53, c‐erbB/2 and c‐myc antigen. In the heterogeneous population of MCF‐7 cells mixed with PBL, two cellular populations were clearly separated into diploid PBL and aneuploid MCF‐7 cells without interference. The CV of G0G1 peak of PBL was 2.3 and the G0G1, S and G2M phase fractions were 85.5, 2.7 and 11.8%, respectively. The DNA index of MCF‐7 cells was 1.7, which indicated that the MCF‐7 cell line was composed of tumor cells with aneuploid DNA. The CV of the G0G1 peak of the MCF‐7 cells was 4.2, and the cell cycle phase fractions were 47.5% for G0G1, 42.3% for S, and 10.2% for G2M. The MCF‐7 cells expressed cytokeratin, but the PBL did not.Conclusions:Multiparameter flow cytometer analysis was useful to determine DNA ploidy status, phase fraction of the cell cycle and expression of cellular antigens and selective cytokeratin expression allowed epithelial originated tumor cells to be differentiated from normal stromal cells. This analysis could be performed without interference of spectral overlaps of fluorochromes using software‐based algorithmic compensation of spectral overlaps. Thus, this method offers new possibilities for multiparameter flow cytometric analysis and its use should be extended to future studies of the diagnosis, treatment and prediction of prognosis of the neoplasm.
Cesarean section rate: The effect of age and parity
Authors: Qublan Hussein , Alghoweri Ahmad , Al‐Taani Mohammad , Abu‐Khait Sami , Abu‐Salem Areej , Merhej Ahmad 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective: To determine the impact of age and parity on Cesarean section rate.Methods: Between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 1998, 7671 women delivered in two Jordanian

military hospitals (Prince Rhashed Hospital (PRH) and Prince Zaid Hospital (PZH)).

A total of 717 Cesarean sections were performed during the same period. Patients

who underwent Cesarean section were divided into three age groups: (i) <25 years

(n = 140); (ii) 25–35 years (n = 231); and (iii) >35 years

(n = 346). In addition, these patients were divided into five parity (P) groups:

(i) P0 (n = 85); (ii) P1 (n = 68); (iii) P2 (n = 83); (iv) P3

(n = 106); and (v) >P3 (n = 375). Information abstracted included maternal characteristics and indications for Cesarean section. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson’s Chi‐squared test to evaluate the association between age, parity and Cesarean section.Results: Of 7671 deliveries conducted during the study period, 717 Cesarean sections were

performed, giving an incidence of 9.3%. The Cesarean section rate in the

<25, 25–35 and >35 years age groups was 5.2, 6.9, and 20.9%,

respectively. The Cesarean section rate in the P0–>P3 parity groups was

8.5, 7.1, 7.4, 6.3 and 12.9%, respectively. According to the indications,

a statistically significant increase in Cesarean section rates with increasing maternal

age and parity (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) was observed.Conclusion: The Cesarean section rate was positively influenced by increasing maternal age and parity.
Anti‐E alloimmunization in pregnancy: Management dilemmas
Authors: To William W.K. , Ho San‐Ni , Mok Ka Ming 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCompared to anti‐D alloimmunization, anti‐E alloimmunization is a less common cause of hemolytic diseases of the newborn. Being a less potent immunogen, clinical manifestations of anti‐E alloimmunization are more variable and usually of less severity. However, the clinical obstetric management of these cases of anti‐E alloimmunization is just as challenging. We report here the management of a patient with anti‐E alloimmunization to illustrate the controversies of invasive and non‐invasive monitoring in the management of such cases.
Infection structures of biotrophic and hemibiotrophic fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Perfect Sarah E. , Green Jonathan R. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBiotrophic plant pathogenic fungi are one of the major causes of crop losses. The infection processes they exhibit are typified by infected host plant cells remaining alive for several days. This requires the development of specialized infection structures such as haustoria which are produced by obligate biotrophs, and intracellular hyphae which are produced by many hemibiotrophs. These infection hyphae are surrounded by the host plant plasma membrane, and in the case of haustoria the extrahaustorial membrane differs biochemically and structurally from the normal membrane. An interfacial matrix separates haustoria and intracellular hyphae from the invaginated membrane and this seems to be characteristic of biotrophic interactions. There is clear evidence for molecular differentiation of the haustorial plasma membrane in powdery mildews and rusts in comparison with the other fungal membranes. Relatively few pathogenicity genes related to biotrophy, and the switch from biotrophy to necrotrophy in hemibiotrophs, have been identified.
Sugar‐beet powdery mildew (Erysiphe betae)
Authors: Francis Sally 
Published: March 2003

Summary Erysiphe betae causes sugar‐beet powdery mildew, a serious fungal foliar disease resulting in sugar yield losses of up to 30%. The fungus occurs world‐wide in all regions where sugar beet is grown and it also infects other edible beet crops, e.g. beetroots (garden beets). Unlike other powdery mildews, E. betae has so far received relatively little attention from pathologists and the precise mechanisms by which it infects its host remain unclear. Sources of genetic resistance have been identified in cultivated and wild Beta germplasm and molecular markers developed linked to Pm, the only single major R gene described so far, and also to QTL.Taxonomy:  Erysiphe betae (Vañha) Weltz.—Kingdom Fungi, Subdivision Ascomycotina, Class Pyrenomycetes, Order Erysiphales, Family Erysiphaceae, Genus Erysiphe.Identification:  Superficial persistent mycelium; unbranched erect conidiophores; conidia ripen singly, are hyaline, ovoid, 30–50 µm × 15–20 µm; cleistothecia globose, dark brown/black, 80–120 µm in diameter; mostly 4–8 asci per cleistothecium, mostly 2 or 3 spores per ascus.Host range:  A monophagous parasite specific to Beta species.Disease symptoms:  Infected foliage and inflorescences bear numerous powdery, white colonies. Under favourable environmental conditions the colonies coalesce, host tissue develops chlorosis and usually senesces early. Cleistothecia develop on heavily infected leaves in late summer and are small black/dark brown globose bodies resting on the mycelial surface.Control:  Chemical control and partial genetic resistance.
Isolation of infection‐specific sequence tags expressed during early stages of maize anthracnose disease development
Authors: Sugui Janyce A. , Deising Holger B. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThirteen infection‐specifically expressed sequence tags (ESTs) corresponding to genes activated during early stages of the interaction between the hemibiotrophic fungus and causal agent of anthracnose Colletotrichum graminicola, and its host, Zea mays, have been cloned. Six fungal ESTs appear to have a function in reprogramming the protein pattern and/or fungal infection structure differentiation and three plant ESTs seem to be involved in pathogen recognition and mediation of defense responses. Four ESTs share no similarity with known sequences in the database and may thus represent hitherto unknown genes that play a role in the C. graminicola—maize interaction. This report adds to the understanding of early stages of the infection, i.e. the biotrophic and beginning necrotrophic phase of disease development, and provides the basis for future functional gene analyses.
Hydrophobins and the interactions between fungi and plants
Authors: Whiteford James R. , Spanu Pietro D. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryHydrophobins are small proteins thought to be ubiquitous in filamentous fungi. They are usually secreted and are found on the outer surfaces of cell walls of hyphae and conidia where they mediate interactions between the fungus and the environment. We review here what is currently known about the primary and secondary structure of these proteins, as well as their post‐translational modifications. We also discuss the diverse functions of hydrophobins in biology and development, with particular attention to fungi involved in pathogenesis and symbiosis.
Applications of recombinant antibodies in plant pathology
Authors: Ziegler Angelika , Torrance Lesley 
Published: March 2003

SummaryAdvances in molecular biology have made it possible to produce antibody fragments comprising the binding domains of antibody molecules in diverse heterologous systems, such asEscherichia coli, insect cells, or plants. Antibody fragments specific for a wide range of antigens, including plant pathogens, have been obtained by cloning V‐genes from lymphoid tissue, or by selection from large naive phage display libraries, thus avoiding the need for immunization. The antibody fragments have been expressed as fusion proteins to create different functional molecules, and fully recombinant assays have been devised to detect plant viruses. The defined binding properties and unlimited cheap supply of antibody fusion proteins make them useful components of standardized immunoassays. The expression of antibody fragments in plants was shown to confer resistance to several plant pathogens. However, the antibodies usually only slowed the progress of infection and durable ‘plantibody’ resistance has yet to be demonstrated. In future, it is anticipated that antibody fragments from large libraries will be essential tools in high‐throughput approaches to post‐genomics research, such as the assignment of gene function, characterization of spatio‐temporal patterns of protein expression, and elucidation of protein–protein interactions.
Differential roles of geminivirus Rep and AC4 (C4) in the induction of necrosis in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Van Wezel Rene , Dong Xiangli , Blake Patrick , Stanley John , Hong Yiguo 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe replication‐associated protein (Rep) of two distinct begomoviruses, the bipartite African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and the monopartite Tomato yellow leaf curl virus‐China (TYLCV‐C), elicits a reaction resembling a hypersensitive response (HR), associated with the induction of local necrosis and a systemic burst of hydrogen peroxide production, when expressed from a potato virus X vector in Nicotiana benthamiana. Transient expression of the ACMV Rep after Agrobacterium infiltration of N. benthamiana also triggered an HR‐like response. We have identified a region of the ACMV Rep, referred to as the HR‐like determinant domain (HRD, amino acids 119–179) that is essential for induction of the phenotype. Two additional regions have been identified (amino acids 1–85 and 86–118) that have various effects on the Rep‐mediated phenotype, suggesting that structural constraints are imposed on the functional HRD. The co‐expression of Rep with either AC4 or C4, expressed from overlapping open reading frames, triggers systemic necrosis in infected‐tissues, but AC4 or C4 alone is neither an inducer nor enhancer of the HR‐like phenotype. We propose that ACMV AC4 and TYLCV‐C C4 may counter the plant defence mechanism that is initiated by the Rep‐mediated local HR‐like phenotype.
Alfalfa mosaic virus: coat protein‐dependent initiation of infection
Authors: Bol John F. 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYTaxonomy:  Alfalfa mosaic virus
(AMV) is the type species of the genus
Alfamovirus
and belongs to the family
Bromoviridae. In this family, the tripartite RNA genomes of bromo‐, cucumo‐ and probably oleaviruses are infectious as such, whereas infection with the three genomic RNAs of alfamo‐ and ilarviruses requires addition to the inoculum of a few molecules of coat protein (CP) per RNA molecule. RNAs 1 and 2 encode the replicase proteins P1 and P2, RNA 3 encodes the movement protein and CP. CP is translated from the subgenomic RNA 4. Physical properties:  RNAs 1 (3.65 kb), 2 (2.6 kb) and 3 (2.2 kb) are separately encapsidated into bacilliform particles which are 19 nm wide and 35–56 nm long. In addition, the virus preparations contain spheroidal particles each containing two copies of RNA 4 (0.88 kb). Virus particles contain 16–17% RNA and are mainly stabilized by protein–RNA interactions. The 3′‐termini of the viral RNAs contain a homologous sequence of 145 nucleotides that can adopt two alternative conformations: one represents a high‐affinity binding site for CP, the other resembles a tRNA‐like structure and is required for minus‐strand promoter activity. Hosts:  AMV mostly infects herbaceous plants, but several woody species are included in the natural host range. The experimental and natural host ranges include over 600 species in 70 families. At least 15 aphid species are known to transmit the virus in the stylet‐borne or non‐persistent manner. Economic importance:  AMV is a significant pathogen in alfalfa and sweet clover and can spread from these forages to neighbouring crops like pepper, tobacco or soybean. The recent introduction of the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) in the mid‐west states of the USA has increased the incidence of AMV in soybean. AMV occurs world‐wide in potato and is referred to as ‘calico mosaic’ because of its characteristic symptoms on the foliage. However, the economic importance of AMV in potato is limited. Useful websites:  <http://www.socgenmicrobiol.org.uk/JGV/080/1089/0801089A.PDF> review paper;<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTVdb/ICTVdB/10010001.htm> host range and physical properties; <http://mmtsb.scripps.edu/viper/1amv.html> structural information.
Milk ingredients as nutraceuticals
Authors: Steijns Jan M 
Published: March 2003

Cow’s milk is considered as a basic food in many diets, and is rich in a variety of essential nutrients. With today’s sophisticated analytical, biochemical and cell‐biological research tools, the presence of many other (minor) compounds with biological activity has been demonstrated. Achievements in separation techniques in the dairy industry and enzyme technology offer opportunities to isolate, concentrate or modify these compounds, so that their application in functional foods, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals and medical foods has become possible.Within the sequence of amino acids of a dietary protein, specific peptides may be located with specific biological activity. Peptides from casein may be used to enhance the solubility of minerals such as calcium and zinc—and hence increase the bioavailability of these minerals—or to reduce the activity of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme, which is involved in vasoconstriction and (hence) blood pressure.Immunoglobulins from vaccinated cows may be considered as natural antimicrobials with certain advantages over synthetic antibiotics. Lactoferrin is an example of a minor milk protein that has been studied in great detail: it is becoming increasingly clear that it is important for the nonspecific defence against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Oligosaccharides, glycolipids and glycoproteins containing sialic acid residues may have a role as anti‐infectives.Components such as growth factors may also be considered for future product development, because of the economies of scale used in the dairy industry.
Postgraduate training in Public Health Medicine: St George's Hospital Medical School Library Public Health Information Service
Authors: Rook Rosemary , Adshead Fiona 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis article examines the development of the St George's Hospital Medical School Library public health information service. Begun in 1997 as a pilot project to support Public Health Specialist Registrars in South Thames West, it is now an established part of postgraduate training in the region.An outline of the service is described, including the evolution of the post of Public Health Librarian. Issues influencing the development of the service, and the establishment of the Librarian as part of the public health network are discussed.This is a transferable model of public health information provision, which as a centralized resource makes best use of available funding. As a LIS model it is an effective and efficient way of maximizing resources, and delivering a service to a specialist user group that is spread across a wide geographical area.