bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cesium‐insensitive mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sheahan John J. , Ribeiro‐Neto Leonidio , Sussman Michael R. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe molecular analysis of solute transport across the plasma membrane in animals and microorganisms has been aided by the analysis of well‐defined transport mutants. To obtain mutant plants with genetic defects in cation transport, the inhibitory effect of monovalent cations (Li+, Na+, Rb+, and Cs+) on Arabidopsis thaliana seed germination was tested. Cesium was unique in that at low concentrations it strongly inhibited seedling development. In this report it is demonstrated that cesium is a competitive inhibitor for potassium transport in A. thaliana and its toxicity is closely tied to the level of potassium supplied. Conditions were obtained to maximize the cesium‐sensitivity for seed germination in a large population, and selection for resistance using M2 seeds derived from ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)‐treated plants yielded several dozen resistant plants. Seeds derived from these plants yielded cesium‐Insensitive mutant lines with heritable changes in energy‐dependent potassium uptake. In progeny from a backcross to wild‐type plants, at least one of the lines showed the segregation ratio expected for a single‐gene recessive mutation and an RFLP analysis mapped the mutant locus to the top of chromosome 4.
The origin of the bifunctional dihydrofolate reductasethymidylate synthase isogenes of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lazar Gabor , Zhang Hong , Goodman Howard M. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryIn most prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TS) are encoded by independent genes. Evidence is presented here that the higher plant Arabidopsis thaliana has two bifunctional DHFR‐TS genes. The structure of the genes, DHFR at the amino terminus and TS at the carboxy terminus, is identical to their organization in protozoa, the only other known organisms with bifunctional genes. Sequence alignments suggest that the bifunctional genes from protozoa and higher plants may have different evolutionary origins. The positions of the introns support the complementary hypothesis that the DHFR domain of the bifunctional plant genes and the monofunctional DHFR gene of vertebrates derive from a common, intron‐containing progenitor, although the structure (bifunctional or monofunctional) of the ancestral gene remains indeterminate. Comparison of the two bifunctional genes of Arabidopsis indicates that the DHFR and TS domains evolved at different rates; each following the evolutionary history of their monofunctional counterparts. In contrast to the DHFR domain, the evolution of the TS domain shows a higher level of nucleotide and amino acid sequence conservation, but a remarkable variability in the intron positions.
Chloroplast transformation in plants: polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment of protoplasts is an alternative to biolistic delivery systems
Authors: O'Neill Carmel , Horváth Gábor V. , Horváth Éva , Dix Philip J. , Medgyesy Péter 
Published: February 2005

SummaryNicotiana plumbaginifolia protoplasts were directly transformed by PEG treatment with a cloned 16S rRNA gene isolated from a double antibiotic‐resistant Nicotiana tabacum plastid mutant. Putative plastid transformants were selected in cell culture by their spectinomycin resistance and identified by their unselected streptomycin resistance. Alternatively, cell lines were selected in the presence of both antibiotics. The cell line (and its regenerated plants) selected solely for spectinomycin resistance demonstrated an extensive segregation of streptomycin resistance in subsequent tests, while the double‐selected line showed stable resistance for both antibiotics. The resistance markers were inherited maternally. In the putative plastid transformants the origin of the resistance mutations was identified by the absence of an Aatll site, missing in the donor N. tabacum plastid gene (spectinomycin resistance site) but present in that of wild‐type N. plumbaginifolia, and a sequence analysis of the particular nucleotide changes in both resistance sites. Restriction enzyme analysis of total plastid DNA (ptDNA), and the recloning and full sequencing of the fragment introduced, investigated in one of the plastid transformants, showed no DNA rearrangements accompanied with the integration process. Sequence analysis indicated a targeted, homologous integration of the DNA fragment introduced but an unexpectedly complete homology of the parental ptDNA sequences in this region prevented the location of borders. Although the frequency of plastid transformant colonies (2 × 10−5) should still be improved, this method for stable chloroplast DNA transformation is comparable with or more efficient than the particle bombardment techniques.
Regulation of the expression of rbcS and other photosynthetic genes by carbohydrates: a mechanism for the ‘sink regulation’ of photosynthesis?
Authors: Krapp Anne , Hofmann Bettina , Schäfer Christian , Stitt Mark 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThese experiments were carried out to investigate whether accumulation of carbohydrate leads to decreased expression of genes involved in photosynthesis. Addition of glucose to autotrophic cell suspension cultures of Chenopodium led to a large and reversible decrease of the steady state transcript levels of rbcS, cab and atp‐& within 5 h, but did not decrease 18S rRNA or transcript for two glycolytic enzymes. Run‐on transcription in isolated nuclei showed that transcription rate had been decreased. [35S]Methionine feeding showed that de novo synthesis of Rubisco was inhibited. Decreased rbcS transcript was also found after feeding glucose to detached leaves, and in transgenic plants expressing invertase in the apoplast to inhibit phloem transport, and in leaves on intact tobacco and potato plants which were cold‐girdled to decrease export. The decrease of rbcS transcript level occurred within 12 h of coldgirdling. Comparison of carbohydrate content and rbcS transcript level indicated that carbohydrate content per se is not the direct signal for regulation of gene expression. Feeding of transported analogues indicates that metabolism rather than transport of the sugars is required. Over‐expression of rbcS was found in low CO2, again indicating metabolic control of expression. It is proposed that photosynthetic gene expression is inhibited by metabolic factors related to high carbohydrate content, and that this represents a basic mechanism for the ‘sink regulation’ of photo‐synthesis.
The MsK family of alfalfa protein kinase genes encodes homologues of shaggy/glycogen synthase kinase‐3 and shows differential expression patterns in plant organs and development
Authors: Pay Aniko , Jonak Claudia , Bögre Laszlo , Meskiene Irute , Mairinger Theresia , Szalay Aladar , Heberle‐Bors Erwin , Hirt Heribert 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThis paper reports on the isolation of a novel class of plant serine/threonine protein kinase genes, MsK‐1, MsK‐2 and MsK‐3. They belong to the superfamily of cdc2‐like genes, but show highest identity to the Drosophila shaggy and rat GSK‐3 proteins (65–70%). All of these kinases share a highly conserved catalytic protein kinase domain. Different amino‐terminal extensions distinguish the different proteins. The different plant kinases do not originate from differential processing of the same gene as is found for shaggy, but are encoded by different members of a gene family. Similarly to the shaggy kinases, the plant kinases show different organ‐specific and stage‐specific developmental expression patterns. Since the shaggy kinases play an important role in intercellular communication in Drosophila development, the MsK kinases are expected to perform a similar function in plants.
Functional analysis and RFLP‐mediated mapping of the Mlg resistance locus in barley
Authors: Görg Regina , Hollricher Karin , Schulze‐Lefert Paul 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe semi‐dominantly acting allele of the Mlg locus in barley confers a race‐specific resistance to the causal agent of powdery mildew, Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei. High resolution genetic mapping via RFLP analysis enabled us to identify a set of markers on chromosome 4 which are either tightly linked or co‐segregate with the resistance function. Comparison of marker distances in segregating F2 populations originating from different genotypes revealed an unex‐pected variation of recombination frequencies in the vicinity of the locus. Based on near‐isogenic lines carrying either resistance gene Mlg or Mla12 and a cell‐type specific analysis it was demonstrated that Mlg acts at an earlier stage of fungal development than Mla12. A time‐course analysis of the early infection process combined with gene dosage experiments provided strong evidence that attacked cells retain viability after the defence response and that hypersensitive cell death (HR) is a secondary consequence, but not causally required for Mlg‐mediated arrest of fungal growth. It is speculated that gene dosage experiments may provide a means to separate primary from secondary defence reactions.
Evaluation of food‐pollen cross‐reactivity by nose–mouth cross‐challenge in pollinosis with oral allergy syndrome
Authors: Marcucci F. , Frati F. , Sensi L. , Cara G. D. , Novembre E. , Bernardini R. , Canonica G. W. , Passalacqua G. 
Published: February 2005

Background:  Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is often associated with pollen‐induced rhinitis, and there are preferential associations between causative substances. If OAS and rhinitis are both immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐mediated and there are cross‐reacting proteins, it is expected that similar reactions can be elicited in the nose and mouth. In order to test this hypothesis we performed a series of ‘cross‐challenges’ with foods and pollens in both the nose and the mouth.Methods:  Nine patients with ascertained OAS due to vegetables and rhinitis due to pollens were studied. On the first day a nasal challenge with pollen extracts and an oral challenge with fresh food was carried out. After a week, washout nasal challenge with food and an oral challenge with pollens were performed. Immediate symptoms, mucosal tryptase and soluble eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were assessed after each challenge.Results:  The administration of pollen into the nose and food into the mouth elicited symptoms as expected, but the cross‐challenge had no clinical effect. In parallel, tryptase and ECP increased after nasal challenge with pollens, whereas foods did not elicit a measurable response.Conclusion:  The cross‐reactivity between foods and pollens, when evaluated at the shock organ, was not clinically evident. This data can be explained with a low concentration of cross‐reagent epitopes in pollen extracts and food homogenized because of degradation. The different behaviour upon challenge suggests that different immunological mechanisms may act in the nose and mouth.
Nasal polyposis and its impact on quality of life: comparison between the effects of medical and surgical treatments
Authors: Alobid I. , Benítez P. , Bernal‐Sprekelsen M. , Roca J. , Alonso J. , Picado C. , Mullol J. 
Published: February 2005

Background:  Nasal polyposis (NP) is not a life‐threatening disorder but may have a great impact on the quality of life (QoL). The objective of this study: (i) to investigate the health burden incurred by NP compared with the Spanish general population using the Short Form‐36 Health Survey (SF‐36) questionnaire; (ii) to compare the QoL outcome after medical or surgical treatment; and (iii) to assess and compare the effect of medical and surgical treatment on nasal symptoms.Methods:  About 109 patients with nasal polyps were included. Fifty‐three patients were randomly allocated to receive oral prednisone for 2 weeks and 56 to undergo endoscopic sinus surgery. All patients administered intranasal budesonide for 12 months. Patients were evaluated for nasal symptoms, polyp size, and QoL.Results:  In comparison with the Spanish general population, patients with NP had worse scores on all SF‐36 domains except for physical functioning. Nonasthmatic patients with NP had better QoL than asthmatic patients with NP on role physical functioning, body pain, and vitality (P < 0.05). At 6 and 12 months, a significant improvement on all of SF‐36 domains was observed after both medical and surgical treatment reaching the levels of general population (P < 0.05). Nasal symptoms and polyp size improved after both medical and surgical treatment at 6 and 12 months (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  These results suggest that NP has considerable impact on a patient's QoL and that both medical and surgical treatment led to similar effects in improving QoL.
A new tool to assess and monitor the burden of chronic cough on quality of life: Chronic Cough Impact Questionnaire
Authors: Baiardini I. , Braido F. , Fassio O. , Tarantini F. , Pasquali M. , Tarchino F. , Berlendis A. , Canonica G. W. 
Published: February 2005

Introduction:  Chronic cough, one of the most frequent causes for a patient to consult a medical practitioner, limits the course of normal activities in everyday life of the patient affected (work, physical activities, social relations, night sleep). By now, there are few validated questionnaires for the evaluation of the impact of this symptom in the patient's quality of life (QoL). For this reason, we created a new questionnaire for the assessment of QoL in patients affected by chronic cough (Chronic Cough Impact Questionnaire, CCIQ).Materials and methods:  In the development procedure of CCIQ an initial questionnaire of 40 items was compiled and given to a first pool of 170 patients, each coming to our attention because of chronic cough; then the 25 most significant items were detected and converted into questions evaluating the answers on a Likert scale of five steps. Consequently, this final questionnaire underwent a validation procedure to assess its construct validity, internal consistency, reliability, and responsiveness. 95 patients (44.2% F, 55.8% M) were evaluated (age 53.69 ± 11.7 years).Results:  Following a statistical analysis, CCIQ showed a four‐dimensional structure and good levels of internal consistency for the extracted factors: sleep/concentration (79.98), relationship (86.98), daily life impact (69.04), and mood (65.41). In stable conditions CCIQ showed a good reliability, ranged between 0.67 and 0.88. Responsiveness to clinical changes was accomplished.Discussion:  These results provide evidence that CCIQ has specificity enough for being a valid tool for detecting the relative burden of cough on subjective well‐being, and for obtaining a global evaluation both of chronic cough impact and of treatments for it, taking into account the patient's point of view. The CCIQ was easily and quickly filled in by the patients while waiting, and it was accepted by the patients.
Diagnosis and management of simple ovarian cysts: An audit
Authors: Simcock B , Anderson N 
Published: February 2005

SummarySimple ovarian cysts are common. The aim of clinical management is to optimize the treatment of malignant and premalignant cysts while minimizing intervention for cysts likely to resolve spontaneously. In this retrospective study, ovarian cysts over 30 mm in diameter were detected in 90 women. Of this population, 75 were premenopausal, 13 postmenopausal, and two had undergone a hysterectomy. Thirteen women presented acutely. Family history of breast, ovary or colon cancer was not ascertained in any of the women. None had CA125 levels performed. In 22 cases, the cyst was aspirated; only 10 of these had follow‐up ultrasound. Laparotomy was performed in 25 premenopausal women, the two perimenopausal women and eight postmenopausal women. Average cyst size was 71 mm (range 40–80 mm) in the laparoscopy group, and 72 mm (range 36–180 mm) in the laparotomy group. After initial diagnosis at ultrasound, a follow‐up scan was performed 4–16 weeks later. The final diagnosis was ovarian neoplasm in 13 and hydrosalpinx in two. None had a malignancy. Documentation at ultrasound was often inadequate, and management of the women with an ovarian cyst was haphazard. Guidelines on management of simple ovarian cysts are likely to improve clinical practice.
Absence of adverse early quality of life outcomes of radiation therapy in breast conservation therapy for early breast cancer
Authors: Back M , Ahern V , Delaney G , Graham P , Steigler A , Wratten C ,   for the New South Wales Breast Radiation Oncology Group
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe New South Wales Breast Radiation Oncology Group has completed a prospective multicentre study of the impact of radiation therapy (RT) on acute toxicity and quality of life (QoL) in women with early breast cancer treated with breast conservation therapy. The patient group received adjuvant breast tangential RT after wide local excision of breast cancer. Acute toxicity and cosmesis was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐30) and Perceived Adjustment to Chronic Illness Scale (PACIS) were the QoL instruments used. Of 175 women, 34.3% described lethargy leading to a significant disruption to normal activity during RT. At week 6, this had reduced to 7.5% reporting significant lethargy. No negative effects on QoL were noted over the time period of RT; EORTC demonstrated no difference (P = 0.79). PACIS recorded a significant improvement in functioning (P < 0.001) from baseline to week 6. Univariate analysis on potential predictive patient, tumour and treatment factors demonstrated an association of baseline pre‐RT breast discomfort with worse lethargy (P = 0.03), EORTC (P < 0.01) and PACIS (P < 0.01) measures. This study confirms the minimal impact of RT on patient functioning at 6 weeks post‐treatment.
Trichoptysis caused by intrapulmonary teratoma: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Alper F , Kaynar H , Kantarci M , Onbas O , Polat P , Erdogan F , Akgun M , Okur A 
Published: February 2005

SummaryWe describe a 9‐year‐old child with a history of trichoptysis caused by intrapulmonary teratoma and we present the CT and MRI findings of the teratoma. A heterogeneous mass containing cystic and solid elements was detected on both CT and MRI scans. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of teratoma. Teratomas arising from lung parenchyma, as in this case, are extremely rare in childhood. In the thoracic region, the most common localization of teratomas is the anterior mediastinal compartment. We also discuss the CT and MRI findings and the differential diagnosis of teratomas.
Gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to erosion of the duodenal wall by a biliary stent
Authors: Dunshea TJ , Little AF 
Published: February 2005

SummaryComplications from improperly placed biliary stents are not uncommon. Free loose wires from the ends of an uncovered stent can irritate and damage adjacent mucosal surfaces. Effective management can be achieved via percutaneous placement of a second stent to alter the orientation of the original stent.
Learning effect of isokinetic measurements in healthy subjects, and reliability and comparability of Biodex and Lido dynamometers
Authors: Lund H. , Søndergaard K. , Zachariassen T. , Christensen R. , Bülow P. , Henriksen M. , Bartels E. M. , Danneskiold‐Samsøe B. , Bliddal H. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe aim of this study was to examine the learning effect during a set of isokinetic measurements, to evaluate the reliability of the Biodex System 3 PRO dynamometer, and to compare the Biodex System 3 PRO and the Lido Active dynamometers on both extension and flexion over the elbow and the knee at 60° s−1. Thirteen (nine women, four men) healthy participants were measured five times using the Biodex and once using the Lido dynamometer. The intervals between the first four tests were 20 min, and 1 week between tests 4 and 5. Between Biodex and Lido measurements there was a 20 min time interval. When comparing the first five measurements (Biodex), no systematic effect over time and an excellent reliability were found with respect to elbow and knee flexion and extension. No difference in muscle strength (Nm) between the Biodex and Lido was observed for knee flexion (P = 0·59), knee extension (P = 0·18) and elbow extension (P = 0·63). However, elbow flexion showed a 14·8% (95% CI: 11·2–18·4%; P = 0·0001) higher peak torque on Biodex. In conclusion, no learning effect was observed and the Biodex proved to be a highly reliable isokinetic dynamometer. A difference was observed when comparing Biodex and Lido on elbow flexion, but the difference did not outrange the expected variation found with a typical isokinetic measurement, which is why both sets of equipment seem applicable in clinical practice.
Parasympathetic dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy assessed by heart rate variability: comparison between short‐term and 24‐h measurements
Authors: Mörner Stellan , Wiklund Urban , Rask Peter , Olofsson Bert‐Ove , Kazzam Elsadig , Waldenström Anders 
Published: February 2005

SummaryIn this study, we evaluate cardiac autonomic function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by assessing heart rate variability (HRV), comparing a short‐term laboratory method with an ambulatory (24‐h) method, in patients with and without beta‐blockade. Reduced HRV is a risk factor for adverse events in some cardiac diseases, but is not a proven risk indicator in HCM. Analysis of HRV has been based on either short‐ or long‐term electrocardiographic recordings and previous studies in HCM have shown conflicting results. There is no consensus on which method to prefer, and we evaluate, for the first time, both short‐ and long‐term analyses in patients with HCM. Long‐ and short‐term HRV analyses were performed in 43 patients with HCM. They were divided in two groups, 22 patients on beta‐blockade and 21 non‐treated patients. As controls, 121 healthy subjects were used. Young patients without beta‐blockade showed a reduction in HRV parameters reflecting parasympathetic function, both in the short‐ and long‐term registrations, which was attenuated by beta‐blockade. Parasympathetic autonomic regulation was found to be impaired in young patients with HCM. This may be of clinical relevance as abnormal autonomic function might be a substrate for malignant dysrhythmias. The impairment was attenuated by beta‐blockade, which might indicate a clinically useful effect. We also show that short‐ and long‐term methods yield similar results, suggesting that a short‐term registration might be sufficient to assess HRV in patients with HCM.