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Background: Viral diseases cause significant damage to crop yield and quality. While fungi- and bacteria-induced diseases can be controlled by pesticides, no effective approaches are available to control viruses with chemicals as they use the cellular functions of their host for their infection cycle. The conventional method of viral disease control is to use the inherent resistance of plants through breeding. However, the genetic sources of viral resistance are often limited. Recently, genome editing technology enabled the publication of multiple attempts to artificially induce new resistance types by manipulating host factors necessary for viral infection. Main body: In this review, we first outline the two major (R gene-mediated and RNA silencing) viral resistance mechanisms in plants. We also explain the phenomenon of mutations of host factors to function as recessive resistance genes, taking the eIF4E genes as examples. We then focus on a new type of virus resistance that has been repeatedly reported recently due to the widespread use of genome editing technology in plants, facilitating the specific knockdown of host factors. Here, we show that (1) an in-frame mutation of host factors necessary to confer viral resistance, sometimes resulting in resistance to different viruses and that (2) certain host factors exhibit antiviral resistance and viral-supporting (proviral) properties. Conclusion: A detailed understanding of the host factor functions would enable the development of strategies for the induction of a new type of viral resistance, taking into account the provision of a broad resistance spectrum and the suppression of the appearance of resistance-breaking strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate events in the molecular arms race between the host and pathogen in evaluating plant immunity, a zigzag model is useful for uncovering aspects common to different host-pathogen interactions. By analogy of the steps in virus-host interactions with the steps in the standard zigzag model outlined in recent papers, we may regard RNA silencing as pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) against viruses, RNA silencing suppressors (RSSs) as effectors to overcome host RNA silencing and resistance gene (R-gene)-mediated defense as effector-triggered immunity (ETI) recognizing RSSs as avirulence proteins. However, because the standard zigzag model does not fully apply to some unique aspects in the interactions between a plant host and virus, we here defined a model especially designed for viruses. Although we simplified the phenomena involved in the virus-host interactions in the model, certain specific interactive steps can be explained by integrating additional host factors into the model. These host factors are thought to play an important role in maintaining the efficacy of the various steps in the main pathway of defense against viruses in this model for virus-plant interactions. For example, we propose candidates that may interact with viral RSSs to induce the resistance response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A route for the asymmetric synthesis of (−)-stenine, a member of the Stemona alkaloid family used as folk medicine in Asian countries, is described. The key features of the sequence employed include stereoselective transformations on a cyclohexane ring controlled by a chiral auxiliary unit and an intramolecular Mitsunobu reaction to construct the perhydroindole ring system. By using an intermediate in the route to (−)-stenine, an asymmetric synthesis of 9a- epi-stenine was also executed. The C(9a) stereocenter in 9a- epi-stenine was installed by using a Staudinger/aza-Wittig reaction of a keto-azide precursor followed by reduction of the resulting imine. The results of this effort demonstrate the applicability of the chiral auxiliary based strategy to the preparation of naturally occurring alkaloids that contain highly functionalized cyclohexane cores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracking virus infection in plants is useful to assess plant susceptibility or resistance. The recombinant cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) expressing a 2b-fused green fluorescent protein (GFP, 25 kDa) gradually loses (within weeks) the GFP gene in plants. Here, we constructed CMV expressing a flavin-based small fluorescent protein (iLOV, 10 kDa). CMV-iLOV still retains iLOV after 28 dpi in upper leaves of inoculated Nicotiana benthamiana and allows long-term monitoring of its distribution in plants. Using CMV-iLOV, we showed that pot1, a recessive allele for resistance to potyviruses, does not confer CMV resistance in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two recessive resistance genes against Clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV), cyv1 and cyv2, have been previously reported. We recently screened resistant peas from a separate set of pea lines and classified them into two groups according to their distinct modes of resistance. We later revealed that one group carries cyv2, encoding eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), in linkage group (LG) VI. We explored the possibility that the resistance gene, tentatively designated non- cyv2, that confers resistance to the other group, was actually cyv1. We found that PI 236493, which carries cyv1, had restricted cell-to-cell movement of ClYVV similar to that in non- cyv2 peas including PI 429853. PI 429853 was crossed with susceptible line PI 250438. Mapping of F progeny revealed that non- cyv2 was 4 cM from the simple sequence repeat marker AB40, whose loci are close to cyv1, mo, and sbm- 2 mapped in LG II, which mediates resistance to other potyviruses. Moreover, PI 429853 crossed with PI 236493 produced F progeny resistant to ClYVV, raising the possibility that non- cyv2 is allelic to cyv1. Because mo was previously mapped with eIF( iso) 4E in LG II, we examined the possibility that non- cyv2, cyv1, and mo encoded eIF(iso)4E. However, there was no difference in the nucleotide sequence of the eIF(iso)4E-coding region between susceptible and resistant pea lines. The eIF( iso) 4E gene was equivalently expressed in both PI 429853 and PI 250438 before and after ClYVV infection. Our results suggest that these resistance genes are unlikely to encode eIF(iso)4E on LG II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA silencing (RNAI) induced by virus-derived double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which is in a sense regarded as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) of viruses, is a general plant defense mechanism. To counteract this defense, plant viruses express RNA silencing suppressors (RSSs), many of which bind to dsRNA and attenuate RNAi. We showed that the tobacco calmodulin-like protein, rgs-CaM, counterattacked viral RSSs by binding to their dsRNA-binding domains and sequestering them from inhibiting RNAi. Autophagy-like protein degradation seemed to operate to degrade RSSs with the sacrifice of rgs-CaM. These RSSs could thus be regarded as secondary viral PAMPs. This study uncovered a unique defense system in which an rgs-CaM-mediated countermeasure against viral RSSs enhanced host antiviral RNAi in tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many plant viruses encode suppressors of RNA silencing, including the helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro) of potyviruses. Our previous studies showed that a D-to-Y mutation at amino acid position 193 in HC-Pro (HC-Pro-D193Y) drastically attenuated the virulence of clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) in legume plants. Furthermore, RNA-silencing suppression (RSS) activity of HC-Pro-D193Y was significantly reduced in Nicotiana benthamiana. Here, we examine the effect of expression of heterologous suppressors of RNA silencing, i.e., tomato bushy stunt virus p19, cucumber mosaic virus 2b, and their mutants, on the virulence of the ClYVV point mutant with D193Y (Cl-D193Y) in pea. P19 and 2b fully and partially complemented Cl-D193Y multiplication and virulence, including lethal systemic HR in pea, respectively, but the P19 and 2b mutants with defects in their RSS activity did not. Our findings strongly suggest that the D193Y mutation exclusively affects RSS activity of HC-Pro and that RSS activity is necessary for ClYVV multiplication and virulence in pea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double-stranded RNAs formed in secondary structures and replicative intermediates of viral genomes are thought to strongly elicit RNA silencing. This phenomenon is known as virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). VIGS is a powerful tool for modifying gene expression in host plants. We constructed a virus vector based on White clover mosaic virus (WClMV) and demonstrated VIGS of phytoene desaturase (PDS) in pea. Photobleaching of tissues, caused by VIGS of PDS, was observed in restricted areas of upper leaves and stems. We confirmed that the PDS mRNA and subgenomic RNAs of WClMV were reduced in the photobleached tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desymmetrization of symmetric compounds is a useful approach to obtain chiral building blocks. Readily available precursors with a prochiral unit could be converted into complex molecules with multiple stereogenic centers in a single step. In this review, recent advances in the desymmetrization of symmetric dienes in the diastereotopic group differentiating reaction and its synthetic application are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a criterion for the energy measures of regular Dirichlet forms on post-critically finite self-similar sets to be singular with respect to every self-similar measure. A probabilistic interpretation of the singularity is also discussed. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification 60G30 (primary), 28A80, 31C25, 60J60 (secondary). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs that silence gene expression. In animal cells, miRNAs bind to the 3' untranslated regions of specific mRNAs and inhibit their translation. Although some targets of a handful of miRNAs are known, the number and identities of mRNA targets in the genome are uncertain, as are the developmental functions of miRNA regulation. To identify the global range of miRNA-regulated genes during oocyte maturation of Drosophila, we compared the proteome from wild-type oocytes with the proteome from oocytes lacking the dicer-1 gene, which is essential for biogenesis of miRNAs. Most identified proteins appeared to be subject to translation inhibition. Their transcripts contained putative binding sites in the 3' untranslated region for a subset of miRNAs, based on computer modeling The fraction of genes subject to direct and indirect repression by miRNAs during oocyte maturation appears to be small (4%), and the genes tend to share a common functional relationship in protein biogenesis and turnover. The preponderance of genes that control global protein abundance suggests this process is under tight control by miRNAs at the onset of fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Arabidopsis thaliana plants with mutations in the genes encoding eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF4E) or isoform of eIF4E (eIF(iso)4E) were tested for susceptibility to Clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV), a member of the genus Potyvirus. ClYVV accumulated in both inoculated and upper uninoculated leaves of mutant plants lacking eIF(iso)4E, but not in mutant plants lacking eIF4E. In contrast, Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), another member of the genus Potyvirus, multiplied in mutant plants lacking eIF4E but not in mutant plants lacking eIF(iso)4E. These results suggest the selective involvement of members of the eIF4E family in infection by potyviruses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The RNase III enzyme Dicer processes RNA into si-RNAs and miRNAs, which direct a RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to cleave mRNA or block its translation (RNAi). We have characterized mutations in the Drosophila dicer-1 and dicer-2 genes. Mutation in dicer-1 blocks processing of miRNA precursors, Whereas dicer-2 mutants are defective for processing siRNA precursors. It has been recently found that Drosophila Dicer-1 and Dicer-2 are also components of siRNA-dependent RISC (siRISC). We find that Dicer-1 and Dicer-2 are required for siRNA-directed mRNA cleavage, though the RNase III activity of Dicer-2 is not required. Dicer-1 and Dicer-2 facilitate distinct steps in the assembly of siRISC. However, Dicer-I but not Dicer-2 is essential for miRISC-directed translation repression. Thus, siRlSCs and miRISCs are different with respect to Dicers in Drosophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of small RNAs as key regulators of mRNA turnover and translation has been well established. Recent advances indicate that the small RNAs termed microRNAs play important roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. Moreover, the microRNA mechanism is an efficient means to regulate production of a diverse range of proteins. As new microRNAs and their mRNA targets rapidly emerge, it is becoming apparent that RNA-based regulation of mRNAs may rival ubiquitination as a mechanism to control protein levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nucleotide sequences containing the genetic determinants of the endochitinase of Gliocladium virences as weal as those of Trichoderma harzianum, T. hamatum. T. viride and T. pseudokoningii were determined. The ORFs of 1287 or 1293 nucleotides were interrupted by throe introns. The deduced amino acid sequences of endochitinase of G. virens were highly homologous to those of Trichoderma species (82-97% identity), although the culture filtrates from G, virens showed a much stronger inhibitory effect on growth of Helicobasidium mompa than those from Trichoderma species. Phylogenic analysis showed that these sequences could be divided into three clusters regardless of genus or species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) has been pursued as a prime target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this report, we describe the discovery of BACE1 inhibitors with a 1-amino-3,4-dihydro-2,6-naphthyridine scaffold. Leveraging known inhibitors 2a and 2b , we designed the naphthyridine-based compounds by removing a structurally labile moiety and incorporating pyridine rings, which showed increased biochemical and cellular potency, along with reduced basicity on the amidine moiety. Introduction of a fluorine atom on the pyridine culminated in compound 11 which had improved cellular activity as well as further reduced basicity and demonstrated a robust and sustained cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ reduction in dog. The crystal structure of compound 11 bound to BACE1 confirmed van der Waals interactions between the fluorine on the pyridine and Tyr71 in the flap. [Display omitted] • A 1-amino-3,4-dihydro-2,6-naphthyridine BACE1 inhibitor offering robust and sustained CSF Aβ reduction was identified. • Incorporation of fluoropyridines reduced basicity with increased biochemical and cellular potency, which led to significant central activity. • X-ray analysis confirmed the key interactions of the fluoropyridine moiety with BACE1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which compared gene diagnostic methods for the practical diagnosis of chrysanthemum stunt viroid (CSVd) in chrysanthemum plants. Background on CSVd; Methodology; Results and discussion.

Background: Viruses are the major threat to commercial potato (Solanum tuberosum) production worldwide. Because viral genomes only encode a small number of proteins, all stages of viral infection rely on interactions between viral proteins and host factors. Previously, we presented a list of the most important candidate genes involved in potato plants' defense response to viruses that are significantly activated in resistant cultivars. Isolated from this list, Aspartic Protease Inhibitor 5 (API5) is a critical host regulatory component of plant defense responses against pathogens. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of StAPI5 in defense of potato against potato virus Y and potato virus A, as well as its ability to confer virus resistance in a transgenic susceptible cultivar of potato (Desiree). Potato plants were transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens via a construct encoding the potato StAPI5 gene under the control of the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Results: Transgenic plants overexpressing StAPI5 exhibited comparable virus resistance to non-transgenic control plants, indicating that StAPI5 functions in gene regulation during virus resistance. The endogenous StAPI5 and CaMV 35S promoter regions shared nine transcription factor binding sites. Additionally, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductivity, and maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II were significantly higher in virus-infected transgenic plants than in wild-type plants. Conclusion: Overall, these findings indicate that StAPI5 may be a viable candidate gene for engineering plant disease resistance to viruses that inhibit disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of a 70-year-old woman with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary with functioning stroma is presented. The symptom was postmenopausal bleeding. The preoperative level of serum estradiol was as high as 162.4 pg/mL, and serum gonadotropin levels were suppressed. The endometrial tissue showed hyperplastic changes. The surgical specimens consisted of a multilocular cystic ovarian tumor of 95 mm in diameter and an enlarged uterus. Histologically, the tumor was composed of proliferating, atypical, columnar cancer cells resembling early secretory endometrial cells, and condensation of plumed stromal cells resembling theca lutein cells. The diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma of the ovary with functioning stroma was made. After surgery, the serum levels of estradiol decreased and of follicle-stimulating hormone increased. Almost all types of ovarian tumor have been reported to be associated with endocrine abnormalities. Mucinous epithelial ovarian tumors most commonly present with estrogenic stroma, although the frequency of endometrioid adenocarcinoma with functioning stroma is very low. Here, a rare case with the patient's clinical course and histopathologic findings is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is the most important non-grain food crop in the world. Viruses, particularly potato virus Y (PVY) and potato virus A (PVA), are among the major agricultural pathogens causing severe reduction in potato yield and quality worldwide. Virus infection induces host factors to interfere with its infection cycle. Evaluation of these factors facilitates the development of intrinsic resistance to plant viruses. In this study, a small G-protein as one of the critical signaling factors was evaluated in plant response to PVY and PVA to enhance resistance. For this purpose, the gene expression dataset of G-proteins in potato plant under five biotic (viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and insects) and four abiotic (cold, heat, salinity, and drought) stress conditions were collected from gene expression databases. We reduced the number of the selected G-proteins to a single protein, StSAR1A, which is possibly involved in virus inhibition. StSAR1A overexpressed transgenic plants were created via the Agrobacterium-mediated method. Real-time PCR and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests of transgenic plants mechanically inoculated with PVY and PVA indicated that the overexpression of StSAR1A gene enhanced resistance to both viruses. The virus-infected transgenic plants exhibited a greater stem length, a larger leaf size, a higher fresh/dry weight, and a greater node number than those of the wild-type plants. The maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, stomatal conductivity, and net photosynthetic rate in the virus-infected transgenic plants were also obviously higher than those of the control. The present study may help to understand aspects of resistance against viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The first asymmetric total syntheses of the (+)- and (−)-cryptocaryones are described. Removal of the acetal unit of the enone acetal 5, which was obtained in our previous study from the cyclohexadiene acetal 3, afforded the enone acetal 8 in a one-pot procedure. The acylation of 8 with cinnamoyl chloride and subsequent hydrolysis of the resulting acetal gave the lactol 11. Its oxidation with NIS and tetra-n-butylammonium iodide (TBAI) finally furnished the natural (+)-cryptocaryone 2. The same procedure from ent-3 afforded the unnatural one 1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Leaf blotting to detect proteins and investigate their spatial distribution in leaves has so far mainly been used to detect viral coat proteins that accumulate abundantly in infected leaves, but rarely to detect endogenous plant proteins. We improved the method for detecting endogenous proteins. We found that microperforating leaves with bundled pins before blotting, then pressing leaves with a rolling pin onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes enabled even blotting of sap. This microperforated leaf blotting (mPLB) was also suitable for use with nylon membranes to detect leaf RNA. The mPLB revealed that accumulation of two endogenous proteins, calmodulin-like rgs-CaM and actin, was respectively positively and negatively associated with that of viral coat protein in tobacco leaves infected with cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). When a tobacco plant primed with benzothiadiazole was inoculated with CMV, mPLB showed that the infection was restricted to some areas of the leaf and that in these areas the mRNA encoding tobacco pathogenesis-related protein 1, an indicator of salicylic acid-mediated immune responses, was induced. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of mPLB for investigating the spatial distribution of endogenous and viral gene expression in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AGO2-deficient plants infected with potato virus X show systemic necrosis. • Systemic necrosis was associated with reduction of the CCS1 mRNA level. • Genetic proof implicates CCS1 in systemic necrosis. RNA silencing is a prominent antiviral defense mechanism in plants. When infected with a virus, RNA silencing–deficient plants tend to show exacerbated symptoms along with increased virus accumulation. However, how symptoms are exacerbated is little understood. Here, we investigated the role of the copper chaperon for superoxide dismutase (CCS) 1, in systemic necrosis observed in Argonaute (AGO)2-silenced tomato plants infected with potato virus X (PVX). While infection with the UK3 strain of PVX induced mosaic symptoms in tomato plants, systemic necrosis occurred when AGO2 was silenced. The CCS1 mRNA level was reduced and micro RNA398 (miR398), which potentially target CCS1, was increased in AGO2-knockdown tomato plants infected with PVX-UK3. Ectopic expression of CCS1 using recombinant PVX attenuated necrosis, suggesting that CCS1 alleviates systemic necrosis by activating superoxide dismutases to scavenge reactive oxygen species. Previous reports have indicated a decrease in the levels of CCS1 and superoxide dismutases along with an increased level of miR398 in plants infected with other viruses and viroids, and thus might represent shared regulatory mechanisms that exacerbate symptoms in these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pea carrying cyvl, a recessive gene for resistance to Clover yellow vein virus (C1YVY), C1YW isolate Cl-no30 was restricted to the initially infected cells, whereas isolate 90-1 Br2 overcame this resistance. We mapped the region responsible for breaking of cyvl-mediated resistance by examining infection of cyvl pea with chimeric viruses constructed from parts of Cl-no30 and 90-1 Br2. The breaking of resistance was attributed to the P3 cistron, which is known to produce two proteins: P3, from the main open reading frame (ORF), and P3N-PIPO, which has the N-terminal part of P3 fused to amino acids encoded by a small open reading frame (ORF) called PIPO in the +2 reading frame. We introduced point mutations that were synonymous with respect to the P3 protein but nonsynonymous with respect to the P3N-PIPO protein, and vice versa, into the chimeric viruses. Infection of plants with these mutant viruses revealed that both P3 and P3N-PIPO were involved in overcoming cyvl-mediated resistance. Moreover, P3N-PIPO quantitatively affected the virulence of Cl-no30 in cyvl pea. Additional expression in trans of the P3N-PIPO derived from Cl-no30, using White clover mosaic virus as a vector, enabled Cl-no30 to move to systemic leaves in cyvl pea. Susceptible pea plants infected with chimeric ClYW possessing the P3 cistron of 90-1 Br2, and which were therefore virulent toward cyvl pea, accumulated more P3N-PIPO than did those infected with Cl-no30, suggesting that the higher level of P3N-PIPO in infected cells contributed to the breaking of resistance by 90-1 Br2. This is the first report showing that P3N-PIPO is a virulence determinant in plants resistant to a potyvirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammals lacking BLOC-3 have impaired formation of melanosomes, a type of lysosome-related organelle (LRO), and, in earlier work, we found that a subunit of the BLOC-3 complex inhibits loading of Argonaute (Ago) proteins with small ribonucleic acids (RNAs) in Drosophila melanogaster cells. Small RNAs such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) direct Ago proteins to repress the stability of messenger RNA transcripts. In this paper, we show that BLOC-3 is required for biogenesis of Drosophila LROs called pigment granules. Other complexes that sort cargo to pigment LROs also negatively regulate siRNA activity. However, regulation is not obligately linked to biogenesis of LROs but instead to specific cargo-sorting processes. Negative regulation is also not linked to sorting into all LROs but only a specific class of pigment LRO. Thus, regulation of siRNA activity is tied to sorting of specific types of cargo to particular LROs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammals lacking BLOC-3 have impaired formation of melanosomes, a type of lysosome-related Morganelle (LRO), and, in earlier work, we found that a subunit of the BLOC-3 complex inhibits loading of Argonaute (Ago) proteins with small ribonucleic acids (RNAs) in Drosophila melanogaster cells. Small RNAs such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) direct Ago proteins to repress the stability of messenger RNA transcripts. In this paper , we show that BLOC-3 is required for biogenesis of Drosophila LROs called pigment granules. Other complexes that sort cargo to pigment LROs also negatively regulate siRNA activity. However , regulation is not obligately linked to biogenesis of LROs but instead to specific cargo-sorting processes. Negative regulation is also not linked to sorting into all LROs but only a specific class of pigment LRO. Thus, regulation of siRNA activity is tied to sorting of specific types of cargo to particular LROs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The same mutant allele of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E ( eIF4E) that confers resistance to Pea seed-borne mosaic virus ( sbm-1) and the white lupine strain of Bean yellow mosaic virus ( wlv) also confers resistance to Clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) in pea. The eIF4E genes from several pea lines were isolated and sequenced. Analysis of the eIF4E amino acid sequences from several resistant lines revealed that some lines, including PI 378159, have the same sequence as reported for sbm-1 and wlv. When eIF4E from a susceptible pea line was expressed from a ClYVV vector after mechanical inoculation of resistant PI 378159, the virus caused systemic infection, similar to its effects in susceptible line PI 250438. The resistance to ClYVV in line PI 378159 was characterized through a cross with PI 193835, which reportedly carries cyv-2. Mechanical inoculation of the F1 progeny with ClYVV resulted in no infection, indicating that the resistance gene in PI 378159 is identical to cyv-2 in PI 193835. Furthermore, particle bombardment of pea line PI 193835 with infectious cDNA of ClYVV (pClYVV/C3-S65T) resulted in the same resistance mode as that described for PI 378159. These results demonstrate that the resistance to ClYVV conferred by cyv-2 is mediated by eIF4E and that cyv-2 is identical to sbm-1 and wlv. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torsion of a nongravid uterus is extremely rare. Most cases of uterine torsion occur during pregnancy. Here we report a case of nongravid uterus torsion with a large adnexal mass. A 73-year-old woman presented at the emergency room with acute abdominal pain. A preoperative diagnosis of torsion of an ovarian cyst was made and laparotomy was performed. The left ovary was twisted 360° in a clockwise rotation, and the uterine corpus had also undergone a 360° rotation. Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were carried out. Although a preoperative diagnosis of uterine torsion was not possible, it is noteworthy that in the contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images the uterine cervix was intensely enhanced, while the uterine corpus was not. This is the first report to show the magnetic resonance imaging findings of a twisted uterus. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intravenous leiomyomatosis with cardiac extension is an extremely rare uterine tumor. We report here a case of a patient with a uterine leiomyoma which extended into the right atrium through the left ovarian vein, progressing into the left renal vein along the inferior vena cava. Complete one-stage removal of the tumor was performed using cardiopulmonary bypass, and the patient has shown a favorable outcome. Successful therapy for intravenous leiomyomatosis is dependent on total surgical excision of the tumor, cessation of ovarian function and avoidance of postoperative estrogen replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary infection of a plant with a pathogen that causes high accumulation of salicylic acid in the plant typically via a hypersensitive response confers enhanced resistance against secondary infection with a broad spectrum of pathogens, including viruses. This phenomenon is called systemic acquired resistance (SAR), which is a plant priming for adaption to repeated biotic stress. However, the molecular mechanisms of SAR-mediated enhanced inhibition, especially of virus infection, remain unclear. Here, we show that SAR against cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) involves a calmodulin-like protein, rgs-CaM. We previously reported the antiviral function of rgs-CaM, which binds to and directs degradation of viral RNA silencing suppressors (RSSs), including CMV 2b, via autophagy. We found that rgs-CaM-mediated immunity is ineffective against CMV infection in normally growing tobacco plants but is activated as a result of SAR induction via salicylic acid signaling. We then analyzed the effect of overexpression of rgs- CaM on salicylic acid signaling. Overexpressed and ectopically expressed rgs-CaM induced defense reactions, including cell death, generation of reactive oxygen species, and salicylic acid signaling. Further analysis using a combination of the salicylic acid analogue benzo-(1,2,3)-thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester (BTH) and the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 revealed that rgs-CaM functions as an immune receptor that induces salicylic acid signaling by simultaneously perceiving both viral RSS and Ca2+ influx as infection cues, implying its autoactivation. Thus, secondary infection of SAR-induced tobacco plants with CMV seems to be effectively inhibited through 2b recognition and degradation by rgs-CaM, leading to reinforcement of antiviral RNA silencing and other salicylic acid-mediated antiviral responses. IMPORTANCE Even without an acquired immune system like that in vertebrates, plants show enhanced whole-plant resistance against secondary infection with pathogens; this so-called systemic acquired resistance (SAR) has been known for more than half a century and continues to be extensively studied. SAR-induced plants strongly and rapidly express a number of antibiotics and pathogenesis-related proteins targeted against secondary infection, which can account for enhanced resistance against bacterial and fungal pathogens but are not thought to control viral infection. This study showed that enhanced resistance against cucumber mosaic virus is caused by a tobacco calmodulin-like protein, rgs-CaM, which detects and counteracts the major viral virulence factor (RNA silencing suppressor) after SAR induction. rgs-CaM-mediated SAR illustrates the growth versus defense trade-off in plants, as it targets the major virulence factor only under specific biotic stress conditions, thus avoiding the cost of constitutive activation while reducing the damage from virus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peas carrying the cyv1 recessive resistance gene are resistant to clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) isolates No.30 (Cl-No.30) and 90-1 (Cl-90-1) but can be infected by a derivative of Cl-90-1 (Cl-90-1 Br2). The main determinant for the breaking of cyv1 resistance by Cl-90-1 Br2 is P3N-PIPO produced from the P3 gene via transcriptional slippage, and the higher level of P3N-PIPO produced by Cl-90-1 Br2 than by Cl-No.30 contributes to the breaking of resistance. Here we show that P3N-PIPO is also a major virulence determinant in susceptible peas that possess another resistance gene, Cyn1, which does not inhibit systemic infection with ClYVV but causes hypersensitive reaction-like lethal systemic cell death. We previously assumed that the susceptible pea cultivar PI 226564 has a weak allele of Cyn1. Cl-No.30 did not induce cell death, but Cl-90-1 Br2 killed the plants. Our results suggest that P3N-PIPO is recognized by Cyn1 and induces cell death. Unexpectedly, heterologously strongly expressed P3NPIPO of Cl-No.30 appears to be recognized by Cyn1 in PI 226564. The level of P3N-PIPO accumulation from the P3 gene of Cl- No.30 was significantly lower than that of Cl-90-1 Br2 in a Nicotiana benthamiana transient assay. Therefore, Cyn1-mediated cell death also appears to be determined by the level of P3N-PIPO. The more efficiently a ClYVV isolate broke cyv1 resistance, the more it induced cell death systemically (resulting in a loss of the environment for virus accumulation) in susceptible peas carrying Cyn1, suggesting that antagonistic pleiotropy of P3N-PIPO controls the resistance breaking of ClYVV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Cr-N thin films, which have a gauge factor of about 16 and a temperature coefficient of resistivity close to zero, are a promising new next-generation strain gauge material. In this paper, the fabrication and characterization of a single-module system of the load vector sensor using the Cr-N strain-sensitive thin films, which can be applied to sole sensors, are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors including efficacy of postoperative chemotherapy in Japanese patients with uterine carcinosarcoma. Methods: We conducted a retrospective survey of seven medical facilities in the Tohoku Gynecologic Cancer Unit. Results: A total of 45 patients who had undergone hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were enrolled. No significant difference was observed in overall survival according to patient age (≤50 years vs >50 years) or retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (performed vs. not performed). However, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (stage I/II vs stage III/IV) and postoperative chemotherapy (provided vs not provided) were significant prognostic factors in both univariate and multivariate analyses for the 25-month median follow-up period. Conclusions: Our results revealed that postoperative chemotherapy should be considered for all uterine carcinosarcoma stages in Japanese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paclitaxel and carboplatin (PC) have shown antitumor activity in carcinosarcoma of the uterus (CS). The purpose of this prospective multi-institutional study was to determine the response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) and to assess the toxicity of paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with CS. Methods: We conducted a phase II study in which patients were administered paclitaxel 175 mg/m over a 3-h period followed by carboplatin (area under the serum concentration-time curve = 6) intravenously over a 30-min period on day 1 of each treatment cycle (3 weeks) until disease progression or adverse effects prohibited further therapy. Eligible patients had histologically confirmed, advanced stage (III or IV), persistent or recurrent measurable disease, and no prior chemotherapy. Results: Six patients were enrolled between February 2006 and April 2009. The median age of the patients was 61 (range 48-77) years; one patient was stage IIIC (17 %) and five were stage IVB (83 %). Three patients (50 %) (1 at stage IIIC and 2 at stage IVB) received total abdominal hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as part of the initial treatment; five (83 %) had homologous tumors and one (17 %) had a heterologous tumor. The median cycle number administered was 4.8 (range 2-7). The RR was 66.7 % (complete response, 2; partial response, 2); the PFS was 9.1 months and OS was not reached. The frequently observed Grade 4 toxicities were neutropenia (3 patients, 50 %). Manageable neutropenic sepsis developed in one patient. Conclusion: This is the first prospective multi-institutional study in Asia showing that PC may be effective and tolerable for the treatment of advanced or recurrent CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mixed infection of pea (Pisum sativum) with Clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV) and White clover mosaic virus (WClMV) led to more severe disease symptoms (a phenomenon called viral synergism). Similar to the mixed ClYVV/WClMV infection, a WClMV-based vector encoding P3N-PIPO of ClYVV exacerbated the disease symptoms. Infection with the WClMV vector encoding ClYVV HC-Pro (a suppressor of RNA silencing involved in potyviral synergisms), also resulted in more severe symptoms, although to a lesser extent than infection with the vector encoding P3N-PIPO. Viral genomic RNA accumulated soon after inoculation (at 2 and 4 days) at higher levels in leaves inoculated with WClMV encoding HC-Pro but at lower levels in leaves inoculated with WClMV encoding P3N-PIPO than in peas infected with WClMV encoding GFP. Our results suggest that ClYVV P3N-PIPO is involved in the synergism between ClYVV and WClMV during pea infection through an unknown mechanism different from suppression of RNA silencing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The iodocyclization of γ,δ-unsaturated alcohols in the presence of a silyl enol ether produced cis-2,5-disubstituted tetrahydrofurans in one pot via siloxy intermediates. N-Iodosuccinimide (NIS) effectively worked as an activator of the double bonds in the substrates and the silyl enol ether. Application to an expedient synthesis of the adjacent bis-tetrahydrofuran core of Annonaceous acetogenins with a cis/threo/cisrelative stereochemistry is also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small RNAs direct RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs) to regulate stability and translation of mRNAs. RISCs associated with target mRNAs often accumulate in discrete cytoplasmic foci known as GW-bodies. However, RISC proteins can associate with membrane compartments such as the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we show that GW-bodies are associated with late endosomes (multivesicular bodies, MVBs). Blocking the maturation of MVBs into lysosomes by loss of the tethering factor HPS4 (ref. 5) enhances short interfering RNA (siRNA)- and micro RNA (miRNA)-mediated silencing in Drosophila melanogaster and humans. It also triggers over-accumulation of GW-bodies. Blocking MVB formation by ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) depletion results in impaired miRNA silencing and loss of GW-bodies. These results indicate that active RISCs are physically and functionally coupled to MVBs. We further show that MVBs promote the competence of RISCs in loading small RNAs. We suggest that the recycling of RISCs is promoted by MVBs, resulting in RISCs more effectively engaging with small RNA effectors and possibly target RNAs. It may provide a means to enhance the dynamics of RNA silencing in the cytoplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel double intramolecular iodoetherification of σ-symmetric diene acetals from (R,R)-hydrobenzoin occurred in highly diastereoselective manners to give tetrahydrofuran moieties with multiple chiral centers in a one-pot operation. The chemoselective discrimination of the two iodomethyl functions in the products was attained in various reactions. The reaction was applied to the concise asymmetric syntheses of rubrenolide and rubrynolide, in which the unit from the chiral auxiliary worked as a template to achieve the chemoselectivity and as the protecting group of the hydroxyl function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether para-aortic lymphadenectomy improves disease-related survival (DRS) in stage IIIc endometrial cancer. Methods: A total of 63 patients with stage IIIc endometrial carcinoma underwent primary radical surgery in the Tohoku Gynecologic Cancer Unit from 1993 to 2004. All patients had modified radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, systemic pelvic lymph node (PLN) adenectomy, and with or without para-aortic lymph node (PAN) adenectomy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. DRS was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and the log-rank test. Independent prognostic factors were determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis using a forward stepwise selection. Results: There were no statistical differences in age distribution and histopathological prognostic factors between PLN adenectomy group (n =25) and PLN+PAN adenectomy group (n =38). On univariate analysis, architectural grade (p =0.026), peritoneal cytology (p =0.033), and the number of PLN positive sites (≤1 or ≥2) (p =0.010) were related to poor DRS. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, the number of positive PLN sites was related to DRS (p =0.040). In positive PLN≥2 sites group (n =33), PAN adenectomy significantly improved DRS compared to PLN adenectomy alone (p =0.011). The incidence of initial PAN recurrence was higher in the PLN adenectomy group (6/25) than in the PLN+PAN adenectomy group (1/38) (p =0.013, Odds Ratio=11.68). Conclusions: The number of positive PLN site is an independent prognostic factor in stage IIIc endometrial cancer. PAN adenectomy decreased the incidence of PAN recurrence and may improve DRS in patients with ≥2 positive PLN sites. A large prospective clinical trial needs to be conducted to establish the strategy of PAN adenectomy before or intra-operative treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN) removed hydroxyethyl units from 2-hydroxyethyl ethers and 2-hydroxyethyl amines to produce alcohols and amines in good yields. Especially, removal of the 2-hydroxyethyl ethers from C 2-symmetric diols, chiral 2,3-butanediol and chiral hydrobenzoin, was very useful for asymmetric syntheses using C 2-symmetric diols. The reactions using dual abilities of CAN, i.e., the ability for removal of the 2-hydroxyethyl unit and the ability for acetal hydrolysis by a single electron transfer, were also achieved successfully. The reaction conditions were very mild and efficient, and many functional groups, which can be affected under normal conditions, were unaffected during the reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To examine the correlation between the pulsatility and resistance indices (PI and RI) of the intraovarian artery on the day of follicle aspiration and the oocyte quality, intrafollicular oxidative stress, and luteinization. Pulsatility index and RI on the day of hCG administration also were measured. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Obstetrics and gynecology department of a university medical school in Japan. Patient(s): Thirty-five patients in an IVF-ET program. Intervention(s): The PI and RI of the intraovarian artery were measured by transvaginal color ultrasonographic pulsed wave Doppler on the day of hCG administration and the day of follicle aspiration. Follicular fluids and the granulosa cells were collected at follicle aspiration. Main Outcome Measure(s): The PI and RI of the intraovarian artery blood flow on the day of hCG administration and of follicle aspiration, as well as the rate of development of mature oocytes, follicular fluid steroid levels, and the incidence of apoptosis in the granulosa cells. Result(s): The PI and RI on the day of follicle aspiration were correlated positively with the rate of mature oocytes retrieved (PI: r = 0.429; RI: r = 0.348), were correlated negatively with the incidence of apoptotic mural (PI: r = -0.383; RI: r = -0.459) and cumulus (PI: r = -0.378; RI: r = -0.469) granulosa cells, and were negatively correlated with the concentration of P in the follicular fluid (PI: r = -0.429; RI: r = -0.359). The PI and RI on the day of hCG administration were negatively correlated only with the total number of retrieved oocytes (PI: r = -0.393; RI: r = -0.374). Conclusion(s): The PI and RI of the intraovarian artery blood flow measured on the day of follicle aspiration may be good indicators of the follicle luteinization and oxidation as well as of oocyte quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Aortic stiffness, determined by the pulse wave velocity (PWV), is an independent marker of cardiovascular risk. PWV is mainly influenced by age-associated alterations of arterial wall structure and blood pressure (BP). To determine the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on arterial compliance in normotensive, postmenopausal women, we examined the effects of HRT on PWV. Methods: Fifty-six postmenopausal women aged 50–70 years were recruited into the present retrospective study from the patients visiting our menopause clinic. Twenty-seven women who were prescribed HRT (14 on estrogen alone and 13 on estrogen plus progestogen) for several months to 6 years and an age-matched group of 29 women not on HRT were studied (Study 1). Nine postmenopausal women were also studied before and at 4 weeks of the treatment of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) (Study 2). Brachial to ankle PWV (baPWV), which is correlated with aortic PWV, was determined using an automatic device, BP-203PRE. Results: In Study 1, PWV was significantly correlated with age in both groups (controls: r=0.392, P=0.035; HRT group: r=0.471, P=0.013), and HRT significantly lowered the PWV value at all ages examined (Mean±S.D. of baPWV in controls: 1382.2±114.1; HRT: 1245.3±124.8, P=0.0001). In Study 2, baPWV decreased significantly after ERT (P<0.05), without a significant change in systolic BP (P=0.851). Conclusions: Estrogen appears to improve arterial compliance independently of BP within 4 weeks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In plants, the RNA silencing system functions as an antiviral defense mechanism following its induction with virus-derived double-stranded RNAs. This occurs through the action of RNA silencing components, including Dicer-like (DCL) nucleases, Argonaute (AGO) proteins, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RDR). Plants encode multiple AGOs, DCLs, and RDRs. The functions of these components have been mainly examined in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. In this study, we investigated the roles of DCL2, DCL4, AGO2, AGO3 and RDR6 in tomato responses to viral infection. For this purpose, we used transgenic tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Moneymaker), in which the expression of these genes were suppressed by double-stranded RNA-mediated RNA silencing. Methods: We previously created multiple DCL (i.e., DCL2 and DCL4) (hpDCL2.4) and RDR6 (hpRDR6) knockdown transgenic tomato plants and here additionally did multiple AGO (i.e., AGO2 and AGO3) knockdown plants (hpAGO2.3), in which double-stranded RNAs cognate to these genes were expressed to induce RNA silencing to them. Potato virus X (PVX) and Y (PVY) were inoculated onto these transgenic tomato plants, and the reactions of these plants to the viruses were investigated. In addition to observation of symptoms, viral coat protein and genomic RNA were detected by western and northern blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Host mRNA levels were investigated by quantitative RT-PCR. Results: Following inoculation with PVX, hpDCL2.4 plants developed a more severe systemic mosaic with leaf curling compared with the other inoculated plants. Systemic necrosis was also observed in hpAGO2.3 plants. Despite the difference in the severity of symptoms, the accumulation of PVX coat protein (CP) and genomic RNA in the uninoculated upper leaves was not obviously different among hpDCL2.4, hpRDR6, and hpAGO2.3 plants and the empty vector-transformed plants. Moneymaker tomato plants were asymptomatic after infection with PVY. However, hpDCL2.4 plants inoculated with PVY developed symptoms, including leaf curling. Consistently, PVY CP was detected in the uninoculated symptomatic upper leaves of hpDCL2.4 plants through western blotting. Of note, PVY CP was rarely detected in other asymptomatic transgenic or wild-type plants. However, PVY was detected in the uninoculated upper leaves of all the inoculated plants using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions. These findings indicated that PVY systemically infected asymptomatic Moneymaker tomato plants at a low level (i.e., no detection of CP via western blotting). Conclusion: Our results indicate that the tomato cultivar Moneymaker is susceptible to PVX and shows mild mosaic symptoms, whereas it is tolerant and asymptomatic to systemic PVY infection with a low virus titer. In contrast, in hpDCL2.4 plants, PVX-induced symptoms became more severe and PVY infection caused symptoms. These results indicate that DCL2, DCL4, or both contribute to tolerance to infection with PVX and PVY. PVY CP and genomic RNA accumulated to a greater extent in DCL2.4-knockdown plants. Hence, the contribution of these DCLs to tolerance to infection with PVY is at least partly attributed to their roles in anti-viral RNA silencing, which controls the multiplication of PVY in tomato plants. The necrotic symptoms observed in the PVX-infected hpAGO2.3 plants suggest that AGO2, AGO3 or both are also distinctly involved in tolerance to infection with PVX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction. : Bisphosphonates are an effective treatment for bone metastases from breast cancer. However, it is unclear whether they are effective for bone metastases from endometrial carcinoma. Case. : A 70-year-old woman previously treated for endometrial carcinoma was referred to our hospital due to osteolytic destruction of the left ischial tuberosity. Technetium-99m-HMDP bone scintigraphy revealed abnormal uptake in the ischium. Biopsy revealed a metastatic bone tumor, but computed tomography scans did not show general metastatic spread. The patient received intravenous administration of pamidronate and three cycles of chemotherapy (epirubicin + paclitaxel + carboplatin). Three years later, the bone lesion showed prominent sclerotic changes with no evidence of disease recurrence radiologically. Conclusion. : Pamidronate may prevent skeletal complications in selected patients with bone metastasis due to endometrial carcinoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents chemical equations related to the article "Selective Formation of trans/threo/cis and cis/threo/cis Bis-tetrahydrofurans from the Same Diene Diols" by T. Oki and others, published in the journal "Heterocycles" in 2014.

A correction to the article "Silencing by Small RNAs Is Linked to Endosomal Trafficking," that was published online in the August 16, 2009 issue is presented.