bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amplicon pyrosequencing reveals the soil microbial diversity associated with invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii DC.)
Authors: Coats V. C. , Pelletreau K. N. , Rumpho M. E.
Published: October 2013

The soil microbial community acts as a reservoir of microbes that directly influences the structure and composition of the aboveground plant community, promotes plant growth, increases stress tolerance and mediates local patterns of nutrient cycling. Direct interactions between plants and rhizosphere‐dwelling microorganisms occur at, or near, the surface of the root. Upon introduction and establishment, invasive plants modify the soil microbial communities and soil biochemistry affecting bioremediation efforts and future plant communities. Here, we used tag‐encoded FLX amplicon 454 pyrosequencing (TEFAP) to characterize the bacterial and fungal community diversity in the rhizosphere of Berberis thunbergii DC. (Japanese barberry) from invasive stands in coastal Maine to investigate effects of soil type, soil chemistry and surrounding plant cover on the soil microbial community structure. Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia were the dominant bacterial phyla, whereas fungal communities were comprised mostly of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota phyla members, including Agaricomycetes and Sordariomycetes. Bulk soil chemistry had more effect on the bacterial community structure than the fungal community. An effect of geographic location was apparent in the rhizosphere microbial communities, yet it was less significant than the effect of surrounding plant cover. These data demonstrate a high degree of spatial variation in the rhizosphere microbial communities of Japanese barberry with apparent effects of soil chemistry, location and canopy cover on the microbial community structure.
Rust disease of eucalypts, caused by Puccinia psidii, did not originate via host jump from guava in Brazil
Authors: Graça Rodrigo N. , Ross‐Davis Amy L. , Klopfenstein Ned B. , Kim Mee‐Sook , Peever Tobin L. , Cannon Phil G. , Aun Cristina P. , Mizubuti Eduardo S. G. , Alfenas Acelino C.
Published: October 2013

The rust fungus, Puccinia psidii, is a devastating pathogen of introduced eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp.) in Brazil where it was first observed in 1912. This pathogen is hypothesized to be endemic to South and Central America and to have first infected eucalypts via a host jump from native guava (Psidium guajava). Ten microsatellite markers were used to genotype 148 P. psidii samples from eucalypts and guava plus five additional myrtaceous hosts across a wide geographic range of south‐eastern Brazil and Uruguay. Principal coordinates analysis, a Bayesian clustering analysis and a minimum‐spanning network revealed two major genetic clusters among the sampled isolates, one associated with guava and another associated with eucalypts and three additional hosts. Multilocus genotypes infecting guava differed by multiple mutational steps at eight loci compared with those infecting eucalypts. Approximate Bayesian computation revealed that evolutionary scenarios involving a coalescence event between guava‐ and eucalypt‐associated pathogen populations within the past 1000 years are highly unlikely. None of the analyses supported the hypothesis that eucalypt‐infecting P. psidii in Brazil originated via host jump from guava following the introduction of eucalypts to Brazil approximately 185 years ago. The existence of host‐associated biotypes of P. psidii in Brazil indicates that this diversity must be considered when assessing the invasive threat posed by this pathogen to myrtaceous hosts worldwide.
Diet of the insectivorous batPipistrellus nathusiiduring autumn migration and summer residence
Authors: Krüger Frauke , Clare Elizabeth L. , Symondson William O. C. , Keišs Oskars , Pētersons Gunārs
Published: October 2013

Migration is widespread among vertebrates, yet bat migration has received little attention and only in the recent decades has a better understanding of it been gained. Migration can cause significant changes in behaviour and physiology, due to increasing energy demands and aerodynamic constraints. Dietary shifts, for example, have been shown to occur in birds before onset of migration. For bats, it is not known if a change in diet occurs during migration, although breeding season–related dietary preference has been documented. It is known that a diet rich in fats and the accumulation of fat deposits do increase the flight range of migratory bats. Some bat species can be regarded as long‐distance migrants, covering up to 2000 km between summer and winter roosting areas.Pipistrellus nathusii(Vespertilionidae), aEuropean long‐distant migrant, travels each year along theBalticSea from north‐easternEurope to hibernate in central and southernEurope. This study presents data on the dietary habits of migratingPipistrellus nathusiicompared with those during the breeding season. We analysed faecal samples from bats on fall migration caught at theOrnithologicalFieldStation inPape,Latvia and from samples collected inNorth‐Latvian summer roosts. We applied both morphological identification and molecular methods, as morphological methods also recognize life stages of prey and can contribute frequency data. The diets of bats on migration and breeding bats were similar, withDiptera andLepidoptera comprising the major prey categories. However, certain prey groups could be explained by the different hunting habitats exploited during migration vs. summer residence.
Genetic consequences of breaking migratory traditions in barnacle geese Branta leucopsis
Authors: Jonker R. M. , Kraus R. H. S. , Zhang Q. , van Hooft P. , Larsson K. , van der Jeugd H. P. , Kurvers R. H. J. M. , van Wieren S. E. , Loonen M. J. J. E. , Crooijmans R. P. M. A. , Ydenberg R. C. , Groenen M. A. M. , Prins H. H. T.
Published: October 2013

Cultural transmission of migratory traditions enables species to deal with their environment based on experiences from earlier generations. Also, it allows a more adequate and rapid response to rapidly changing environments. When individuals break with their migratory traditions, new population structures can emerge that may affect gene flow. Recently, the migratory traditions of the Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis changed, and new populations differing in migratory distance emerged. Here, we investigate the population genetic structure of the Barnacle Goose to evaluate the consequences of altered migratory traditions. We used a set of 358 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to genotype 418 individuals from breeding populations in Greenland, Spitsbergen, Russia, Sweden and the Netherlands, the latter two being newly emerged populations. We used discriminant analysis of principal components, FST, linkage disequilibrium and a comparison of geneflow models using migrate‐n to show that there is significant population structure, but that relatively many pairs of SNPs are in linkage disequilibrium, suggesting recent admixture between these populations. Despite the assumed traditions of migration within populations, we also show that genetic exchange occurs between all populations. The newly established nonmigratory population in the Netherlands is characterized by high emigration into other populations, which suggests more exploratory behaviour, possibly as a result of shortened parental care. These results suggest that migratory traditions in populations are subject to change in geese and that such changes have population genetic consequences. We argue that the emergence of nonmigration probably resulted from developmental plasticity.
Differences in the Skin‐Surface Laser Doppler Signals Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Normal Subjects
Authors: Hsiu Hsin , Hsu Wei‐Chen , Wu Yi‐Fan , Hsu Chia‐Liang , Chen Chih‐Yu
Published: October 2013

Background

Women with PCOS may present abnormal hemodynamic alterations and thus may develop vascular damage. This study performed LDF measurements on the skin surface around the leg to verify if beat‐to‐beat waveform and spectral analysis can help to discriminate the MBF characteristics between PCOS and healthy subjects.

Methods

ECG and LDF signals were obtained noninvasively in PCOS (n = 16) and control (n = 8) subjects. Beat‐to‐beat waveform and spectral analysis was performed on the LDF signals to obtain the AD, FDT, FRT, and REC of five frequency bands.

Results

FRT was significantly larger, AD was significantly smaller, REC of the myogenic‐related band was significantly smaller and REC of the heartbeat‐related band was significantly larger in the PCOS than in the control subjects.

Conclusion

This study is the first to reveal that time‐domain waveform and spectral analysis performed on skin‐surface LDF signals can be used to discriminate the differences in the MBF perfusion condition and the microcirculatory regulatory activities at local vascular beds between PCOS and healthy subjects. These findings may aid the noninvasive early detection of PCOS‐induced vascular damage.
The lipid II flippase RodA determines morphology and growth in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Sieger Boris , Schubert Karin , Donovan Catriona , Bramkamp Marc
Published: October 2013

Lipid II flippases play an essential role in cell growth and the maintenance of cell shape in many rod‐shaped bacteria. The putative lipid II flippase RodA is an integral membrane protein and member of the SEDS (shape, elongation, division and sporulation) protein family. In contrast to its homologues in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis little is known about the role of RodA in actinobacteria. In this study, we describe the localization and function of RodA in Corynebacterium glutamicum, a rod‐shaped, apically growing actinobacterium. RodA‐GFP localizes exclusively at the cell poles. Surprisingly, time‐lapse microscopy revealed that apical cell growth is sustained in a rodA deletion strain. However, growth rates and antibiotic susceptibility are altered. In the absence of RodA, it appears that apical growth is driven by lateral diffusion of lipid II that is likely flipped by the septal flippase, FtsW. Furthermore, we applied a previously described synthetic in vivo system in combination with FRET to identify an interaction between C. glutamicum RodA and the polar growth organizing protein DivIVA.
Structural and mechanistic insights into collagen degradation by a bacterial collagenolytic serine protease in the subtilisin family
Authors: Ran Li‐Yuan , Su Hai‐Nan , Zhao Guo‐Yan , Gao Xiang , Zhou Ming‐Yang , Wang Peng , Zhao Hui‐Lin , Xie Bin‐Bin , Zhang Xi‐Ying , Chen Xiu‐Lan , Zhou Bai‐Cheng , Zhang Yu‐Zhong
Published: October 2013

A number of proteases in the subtilisin family derived from environmental or pathogenic microorganisms have been reported to be collagenolytic serine proteases. However, their collagen degradation mechanisms remain unclear. Here, the degradation mechanism of type I collagen fibres by the S8 collagenolytic protease MCP‐01, from Pseudoalteromonas sp. SM9913, was studied. Atomic force microscopy observation and biochemical analysis confirmed that MCP‐01 progressively released single fibrils from collagen fibres and released collagen monomers from fibrils mainly by hydrolysing proteoglycans and telopeptides in the collagen fibres. Structural and mutational analyses indicated that an enlarged substrate‐binding pocket, mainly composed of loops 7, 9 and 11, is necessary for collagen recognition and that the acidic and aromatic residues on these loops form a negatively charged, hydrophobic environment for collagen binding. MCP‐01 displayed a non‐strict preference for peptide bonds with Pro or basic residues at the P1 site and/or Gly at the P1’ site in collagen. His211 is a key residue for the P1‐basic‐residue preference of MCP‐01. Our study gives structural and mechanistic insights into collagen degradation of the S8 collagenolytic protease, which is helpful in developing therapeutics for diseases with S8 collagenolytic proteases as pathogenic factors and in studying environmental organic nitrogen degradation mechanisms.
Transcriptional coupling of DNA repair in sporulating Bacillus subtilis cells
Authors: Ramírez‐Guadiana Fernando H. , del Carmen Barajas‐Ornelas Rocío , Ayala‐García Víctor M. , Yasbin Ronald E. , Robleto Eduardo , Pedraza‐Reyes Mario
Published: October 2013

In conditions of halted or limited genome replication, like those experienced in sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis, a more immediate detriment caused by DNA damage is altering the transcriptional programme that drives this developmental process. Here, we report that mfd, which encodes a conserved bacterial protein that mediates transcription‐coupled DNA repair (TCR), is expressed together with uvrA in both compartments of B. subtilis sporangia. The function of Mfd was found to be important for processing the genetic damage during B. subtilis sporulation. Disruption of mfd sensitized developing spores to mitomycin‐C (M‐C) treatment and UV‐C irradiation. Interestingly, in non‐growing sporulating cells, Mfd played an anti‐mutagenic role as its absence promoted UV‐induced mutagenesis through a pathway involving YqjH/YqjW‐mediated translesion synthesis (TLS). Two observations supported the participation of Mfd‐dependent TCR in spore morphogenesis: (i) disruption of mfd notoriously affected the efficiency of B. subtilis sporulation and (ii) in comparison with the wild‐type strain, a significant proportion of Mfd‐deficient sporangia that survived UV‐C treatment developed an asporogenous phenotype. We propose that the Mfd‐dependent repair pathway operates during B. subtilis sporulation and that its function is required to eliminate genetic damage from transcriptionally active genes.
Co‐ordinate synthesis and protein localization in a bacterial organelle by the action of a penicillin‐binding‐protein
Authors: Hughes H. Velocity , Lisher John P. , Hardy Gail G. , Kysela David T. , Arnold Randy J. , Giedroc David P. , Brun Yves V.
Published: October 2013

Organelles with specialized form and function occur in diverse bacteria. Within the Alphaproteobacteria, several species extrude thin cellular appendages known as stalks, which function in nutrient uptake, buoyancy and reproduction. Consistent with their specialization, stalks maintain a unique molecular composition compared with the cell body, but how this is achieved remains to be fully elucidated. Here we dissect the mechanism of localization of StpX, a stalk‐specific protein in Caulobacter crescentus. Using a forward genetics approach, we identify a penicillin‐binding‐protein, PbpC, which is required for the localization of StpX in the stalk. We show that PbpC acts at the stalked cell pole to anchor StpX to rigid components of the outer membrane of the elongating stalk, concurrent with stalk synthesis. Stalk‐localized StpX in turn functions in cellular responses to copper and zinc, suggesting that the stalk may contribute to metal homeostasis in Caulobacter. Together, these results identify a novel role for a penicillin‐binding‐protein in compartmentalizing a bacterial organelle it itself helps create, raising the possibility that cell wall‐synthetic enzymes may broadly serve not only to synthesize the diverse shapes of bacteria, but also to functionalize them at the molecular level.
Aligned Cycles in Thomas Adès's Piano Quintet
Authors: Stoecker Philip
Published: October 2013

In this article I investigate aligned cycles in Thomas Adès's Piano Quintet, Op. 20. First identified by Berg in a letter to Schoenberg and later discussed by George Perle and Dave Headlam, an aligned cycle is the result of two or more interval cycles unfolding in the same direction in a note‐against‐note alignment – for example, a rising whole‐tone scale (an interval‐2 cycle) simultaneously with a rising chromatic scale (an interval‐1 cycle). I begin by exploring in more detail the theoretical properties of three‐voice aligned cycles and use concentric circles to show how these cyclic structures generate a closed, tight‐knit family of harmonies. I then reveal how Adès uses aligned cycles to provide harmonic, melodic and motivic material throughout his Quintet. These cyclic structures are combined not only with other kinds of cycles (one‐, two‐ and five‐voice, and multi‐aggregate) but also with the non‐cyclic material in the piece. Finally, I discuss how all the transformations of the different cycles function within the large‐scale formal design of the piece.
Cervical root stimulation in anti‐myelin associated glycoprotein) neuropathy
Authors: Souayah Nizar , Siao Tick Chong Peter
Published: October 2013

We report a heretofore undescribed use of cervical root stimulation (CRS) in the evaluation of a patient with anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG) neuropathy. A 62‐year‐old man developed progressive difficulty walking. His neurological examination was significant for an unsteady gait and mild weakness. Laboratory tests showed elevated anti‐MAG antibody. CRS showed proximal partial motor conduction block (CB) of the right radial nerve and bilateral ulnar nerves. CRS may be useful in the diagnosis of anti‐MAG neuropathy when the demyelinating process predominantly affects the proximal nerve segments of the upper extremities.
A new der(1;7)(q10;p10) leading to a singular 1p loss in a case of glioblastoma with oligodendroglioma component
Authors: Gadji Macoura , Crous‐Tsanaclis Ana‐Maria , Mathieu David , Mai Sabine , Fortin David , Drouin Régen
Published: October 2013

The combined 1p‐/19q‐ deletions in oligodendrogliomas originate from translocation between both chromosomes. In the few cases of oligoastrocytomas and glioblastomas with an oligodendroglioma component (GBMO) where only 1p deletion was described, the origin remains unknown. We report the first case of GBMO, in which a single 1p deletion was detected and was linked to a translocation between chromosomes 1 and 7. Fresh surgical specimens were collected during surgery and the samples were used for cell culture, touch preparation smear slides (TP slides) and DNA extraction. Peripheral venous blood was also collected from the patient. G‐banding using Trypsin and stained with Giemsa (GTG) banding and karyotyping were performed and 1p‐/19q‐, TP53, PTEN and c‐MYC were analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Multicolor FISH (mFISH) and microsatellites analyses were also performed to complete the investigation. Three‐dimensional quantitative FISH (3D‐QFISH) of telomeres was performed on nuclei from TP slides and analyzed using TeloViewTM to determine whether the 3D telomere profile as an assessment of telomere dysfunction and a characterization of genomic instability could predict the disease aggressiveness. An unbalanced chromosomal translocation was found in all metaphases and confirmed by mFISH. The karyotype of the case is: 50∼99,XXX, +der(1;7)(q10;p10),inc[47]

The derivative chromosome was found in all 47 analyzed cells, but the number of derivatives varied from one to four. There was neither imbalance in copy number for genes TP53 and PTEN, nor amplification of c‐MYC gene. We did not find loss of heterozygosity with analysis of microsatellite markers for chromosomes 1p and 19q in tumor cells. The 3D‐telomere profile predicted a very poor prognostic and short‐term survival of the patient and highlights the potential clinical power of telomere signatures as a solid biomarker of GBMO. Furthermore, this translocation between chromosomes 1 and 7 led to a singular 1p deletion in this GBMO and may generate the 1p and 7q deletions.
Exposure to an organophosphate pesticide, individually or in combination with other Gulf War agents, impairs synaptic integrity and neuronal differentiation, and is accompanied by subtle microvascular injury in a mouse model of Gulf War agent exposure
Authors: Ojo Joseph O. , Abdullah Laila , Evans James , Reed Jon Mike , Montague Hannah , Mullan Michael J. , Crawford Fiona C.
Published: October 2013

Gulf War illness (GWI) is a currently untreatable multi‐symptom disorder experienced by 1990–1991 Persian Gulf War (GW) veterans. The characteristic hallmarks of GWI include cognitive dysfunction, tremors, migraine, and psychological disturbances such as depression and anxiety. Meta‐analyses of epidemiological studies have consistently linked these symptomatic profiles to the combined exposure of GW agents such as organophosphate‐based and pyrethroid‐based pesticides (e.g. chlorpyrifos (CPF) and permethrin (PER) respectively) and the prophylactic use of pyridostigmine bromide (PB) as a treatment against neurotoxins. Due to the multi‐symptomatic presentation of this illness and the lack of available autopsy tissue from GWI patients, very little is currently known about the distinct early pathological profile implicated in GWI (including its influence on synaptic function and aspects of neurogenesis). In this study, we used preclinical models of GW agent exposure to investigate whether 6‐month‐old mice exposed to CPF alone, or a combined dose of CPF, PB and PER daily for 10 days, demonstrate any notable pathological changes in hippocampal, cortical (motor, piriform) or amygdalar morphometry. We report that at an acute post‐exposure time point (after 3 days), both exposures resulted in the impairment of synaptic integrity (reducing synaptophysin levels) in the CA3 hippocampal region and altered neuronal differentiation in the dentate gyrus (DG), demonstrated by a significant reduction in doublecortin positive cells. Both exposures also significantly increased astrocytic GFAP immunoreactivity in the piriform cortex, motor cortex and the basolateral amygdala and this was accompanied by an increase in (basal) brain acetylcholine (ACh) levels. There was no evidence of microglial activation or structural deterioration of principal neurons in these regions following exposure to CPF alone or in combination with PB and PER. Evidence of subtle microvascular injury was demonstrated by the reduction of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)‐1 levels in CPF+PB+PER exposed group compared to control. These data support early (subtle) neurotoxic effects on the brain following exposure to GW agents.
Acid reflux episodes sensitize the esophagus to perception of weakly acidic and mixed reflux in non‐erosive reflux disease patients
Authors: Emerenziani S. , Ribolsi M. , Guarino M. P. L. , Balestrieri P. , Altomare A. , Rescio M. P. , Cicala M.
Published: October 2013

Background

Non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients are more sensitive than erosive esophagitis patients to weakly acidic reflux and to the presence of gas in the refluxate. Intra‐esophageal acid perfusion sensitizes esophageal receptors to mechanical and chemical stimuli.

Methods

To establish whether acid sensitization plays a role in the perception of weakly acidic and mixed reflux episodes, 29 NERD patients, responders and 14 non‐responders to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), underwent pH‐impedance monitoring. Non‐responders repeated the study while on PPIs. To assess the effect of acid exposure on symptom perception, the time period with pH below 4 was measured in 15‐ and 30‐minute time‐windows preceding the onset of each reflux episode.

Key Results

Considering weakly acidic and mixed refluxes, both in responder and non‐responder patients (off PPIs), the symptomatic refluxes were preceded by a significantly higher cumulative acid exposure than the asymptomatic refluxes. In all patients, following acid reflux, the percentage of symptomatic weakly acidic reflux episodes was significantly higher than that of asymptomatic refluxes. Non‐responder patients, off‐treatment, were characterized by a lower proportion of weakly acidic reflux and mixed reflux episodes. In the non‐responder patients on PPI, only mixed and weakly symptomatic reflux episodes were preceded by a higher cumulative acid exposure.

Conclusions & Inferences

In NERD patients, spontaneous acid reflux enhances subsequent reflux perception, regardless of acidity or liquid/mixed composition of episodes; in non‐responder patients on PPIs, only the perception of mixed and weakly acidic reflux episodes seems to be mediated by a preceding acid exposure.
The pepper cysteine/histidine‐richDC1 domain proteinCaDC1 binds bothRNAandDNAand is required for plant cell death and defense response
Authors: Hwang In Sun , Choi Du Seok , Kim Nak Hyun , Kim Dae Sung , Hwang Byung Kook
Published: October 2013

Plant defense against microbial pathogens is coordinated by a complex regulatory network. Cysteine/histidine‐richDC1 domain proteins mediate a variety of cellular processes involved in plant growth, development and stress responses.

We identified a pepper (Capsicum annuum) cysteine/histidine‐richDC1 domain protein gene,CaDC1, which positively regulates plant defense during microbial infection, based on gene silencing and transient expression in pepper, as well as ectopic expression inArabidopsis.

Induction ofCaDC1by avirulentXanthomonas campestrispvvesicatoria(Xcv) infection was pronounced at both transcriptional and translational levels in pepper leaves. PurifiedCaDC1 protein bound to bothDNAandRNAin vitro, especially in the presence ofZn2+.CaDC1 was localized to both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, which was required for plant cell death signaling. The nuclear localization ofCaDC1 was dependent on the divergentC1 (DC1) domain.CaDC1silencing in pepper conferred increased susceptibility toXcvinfection, which was accompanied by reduced salicylic acid accumulation and defense‐related gene expression. Ectopic expression ofCaDC1inArabidopsis enhanced resistance toHyaloperonospora arabidopsidis.

CaDC1 binds bothRNAandDNAand functions as a positive regulator of plant cell death andSA‐dependent defense responses.
Reconstructing relative genome size of vascular plants through geological time
Authors: Lomax Barry H. , Hilton Jason , Bateman Richard M. , Upchurch Garland R. , Lake Janice A. , Leitch Ilia J. , Cromwell Avery , Knight Charles A.
Published: October 2013

The strong positive relationship evident between cell and genome size in both animals and plants forms the basis of using the size of stomatal guard cells as a proxy to track changes in plant genome size through geological time.

We report for the first time a taxonomic fine‐scale investigation into changes in stomatal guard‐cell length and use these data to infer changes in genome size through the evolutionary history of land plants.

Our data suggest that many of the earliest land plants had exceptionally large genome sizes and that a predicted overall trend of increasing genome size within individual lineages through geological time is not supported. However, maximum genome size steadily increases from theMississippian (c. 360 million yr ago (Ma)) to the present.

We hypothesise that the functional relationship between stomatal size, genome size and atmosphericCO2may contribute to the dichotomy reported between preferential extinction of neopolyploids and the prevalence of palaeopolyploidy observed inDNAsequence data of extant vascular plants.
Premature and ectopic anthocyanin formation by silencing of anthocyanidin reductase in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
Authors: Fischer Thilo C. , Mirbeth Beate , Rentsch Judith , Sutter Corina , Ring Ludwig , Flachowsky Henryk , Habegger Ruth , Hoffmann Thomas , Hanke Magda‐Viola , Schwab Wilfried
Published: October 2013

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a fruit crop with a distinct biphasic flavonoid biosynthesis. Whereas, in the immature receptacle, high levels of proanthocyanidins accumulate, which are associated with herbivore deterrence and pathogen defense, the prominent color‐giving anthocyanins are primarily produced in ripe ‘fruits’ helping to attract herbivores for seed dispersal.

Here, constitutive experimental down‐regulation of one branch of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis was performed.

As a result, the proportion of epicatechin monomeric units within the proanthocyanidin polymer chains was reduced, but this was not the case for the epicatechin starter unit. Shortened chain lengths of proanthocyanidins were also observed. All enzymatic activities for the production of color‐giving anthocyanins were already present in unripe fruits at levels allowing a striking red anthocyanin phenotype in unripe fruits of theRNAi silencing lines. An immediately recognizable phenotype was also observed for the stigmata of flowers, which is another epicatechin‐forming tissue.

Thus, the down‐regulation ofanthocyanidin reductase(ANR) induced a redirection of the proanthocyanidin pathway, leading to premature and ectopic anthocyanin biosynthesis via enzymatic glycosylation as the alternative pathway. This redirection is also seen in flavonol biosynthesis, which is paralleled by higher pollen viability in silencing lines.ANRi transgenic lines of strawberry provide a versatile tool for the study of the biological functions of proanthocyanidins.
Robust anti‐oxidant defences in the rice blast fungusMagnaporthe oryzaeconfer tolerance to the host oxidative burst
Authors: Samalova Marketa , Meyer Andreas J. , Gurr Sarah J. , Fricker Mark D.
Published: October 2013

Plants respond to pathogen attack via a rapid burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However,ROSare also produced by fungal metabolism and are required for the development of infection structures inMagnaporthe oryzae.

To obtain a better understanding of redox regulation inM. oryzae, we measured the amount and redox potential of glutathione (EGSH), as the major cytoplasmic anti‐oxidant, the rates ofROSproduction, and mitochondrial activity using multi‐channel four‐dimensional (x,y,z,t) confocal imaging of Grx1‐roGFP2 and fluorescent reporters during spore germination, appressorium formation and infection.

High levels of mitochondrial activity andROSwere localized to the growing germ tube and appressorium, butEGSHwas highly reduced and tightly regulated during development. Furthermore, germlings were extremely resistant to external H2O2exposureex planta.EGSHremained highly reduced during successful infection of the susceptible rice cultivarCO39. By contrast, there was a dramatic reduction in the infection of resistant (IR68) rice, but the sparse hyphae that did form also maintained a similar reducedEGSH.

We conclude thatM. oryzaehas a robust anti‐oxidant defence system and maintains tight control ofEGSHdespite substantial oxidative challenge. Furthermore, the magnitude of the host oxidative burst alone does not stress the pathogen sufficiently to prevent infection in this pathosystem.
Dietary phosphorus, serum phosphorus, and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Menon Madhav C. , Ix Joachim H.
Published: October 2013

Recent epidemiologic studies have linked higher serum phosphorus concentrations to cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality. This association has been identified in the general population and in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The risk of adverse outcomes appears to begin with phosphorus concentrations within the upper limit of the normal reference range. Multiple experimental studies have suggested pathogenetic mechanisms that involve direct and indirect effects of high phosphorus concentrations to explain these associations. Drawing from these observations, guideline‐forming agencies have recommended that serum phosphorus concentrations be maintained within the normal reference range in patients with CKD and that dietary phosphorus restriction or use of intestinal phosphate binders should be considered to achieve this goal. However, outside the dialysis population, the links between dietary phosphorus intake and serum phosphorus concentrations, and dietary phosphorus intake and CVD events, are uncertain. With specific reference to the nondialysis populations, this review discusses the available data linking dietary phosphorus intake with serum phosphorus concentrations and CVD events.
Poverty Dynamics of Households in Rural China
Authors: Imai Katsushi S. , You Jing
Published: October 2013

The objective of our study is to identify patterns and causes of households' transitions into and out of poverty using the long household panel data on rural China in 1989–2009. We propose a discrete‐time multi‐spell duration model that not only corrects for unobserved heterogeneity, but also addresses the endogeneity due to dynamic selection associated with household's livelihood strategies. The household choosing farming or out‐migration as a main livelihood strategy was more likely to escape from persistent poverty than those taking local non‐agricultural employment. The present study emphasizes the central role of agriculture in helping the chronically poor escape from poverty.
Size at birth and abdominal adiposity in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Araújo de França G. V. , Restrepo‐Méndez M. C. , Loret de Mola C. , Victora C. G.
Published: October 2013

We performed a systematic literature review on the associations between birth size and abdominal adiposity in adults, while also investigating the role of the adjustment for adult body mass index (BMI). MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS and SciELO databases were searched for articles published up to February 2013. Only prospective studies were included. After screening 2,570 titles, we selected 31 publications for the narrative synthesis, of which 13 were considered to be of high methodological quality. Six main indicators of birth size were identified, and birth weight (BW) was the most extensively studied. Most studies relied on anthropometric measurements as proxies for abdominal fatness or as indicators of body fat distribution. Few studies assessed abdominal adiposity through imaging methods, generally with small sample sizes. Eleven articles could be included in the meta‐analyses. BW was found to be positively associated with waist circumference in adulthood, but the association disappeared after adjustment for adult BMI. In contrast, there was no association between BW and waist‐to‐hip ratio, whereas a strong negative association became evident after controlling for adult BMI. In conclusion, BW seems to be associated with larger adult size in general, including both waist and hip circumferences. The marked change in coefficients after adjustment for adult BMI suggests that post‐natal growth strongly affects relative central adiposity, whereas BW per se does not play a role. Given the potential impact of post‐natal growth, further research is needed to identify different growth trajectories that lead to abdominal adiposity, as well as studies on interactions of foetal and post‐natal growth patterns.
Lactobacillus brevis CD2 inhibits Prevotella melaninogenica biofilm
Authors: Vuotto C , Barbanti F , Mastrantonio P , Donelli G
Published: October 2013

Objective

To evaluate the ability of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus brevis CD2 to inhibit the opportunistic anaerobe Prevotella melaninogenica (PM1), a well‐known causative agent of periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

The inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus CD2 on Prevotella PM1 biofilm was assessed both by exposing the anaerobe to the supernatant of the probiotic strain and by growing the two strains to obtain single or mixed biofilms. The inhibitory effect of CD2 on PM1 was also checked by the agar overlay method.

Results

The development of PM1 biofilm was strongly affected (56% decrease in OD value) by the CD2 supernatant after 96 h. A dose‐dependent biofilm reduction was also observed at 1/10 and 1/100 dilutions of supernatant. Confocal microscopy on the mixed biofilms revealed the ability of CD2 to prevail on PM1, greatly reducing the biofilm of the latter.

Conclusions

It has been hypothesized a multifactorial nature of the inhibition mechanism, the strong adherence ability of CD2 strain together with the released metabolites presumably contributing to the reduction in the PM1 biofilm detected by confocal microscopy.
Association of MMP but not TIMP‐1 gene polymorphisms with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Karasneh JA , Bani‐Hani ME , Alkhateeb AM , Hassan AF , Thornhill MH
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral inflammatory disease induced by genetic and environmental factors. Gelatinases (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9) and their natural inhibitor TIMP‐1 are active players in the inflammatory process. We aimed to determine whether inheritance of specific MMP‐2, MMP‐9, or TIMP‐1 gene polymorphisms is associated with RAS susceptibility.

Subjects and methods

Ninety‐six RAS patients and 153 healthy controls were studied. Five polymorphisms were genotyped: rs17576, rs3918242, and rs11697325 in MMP‐9, MMP‐2 rs2285053, and TIMP‐1 rs6609533. Association was assessed by logistic regression analysis after adjustment for confounding factors. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was assessed using the Haploview program.

Results

MMP‐9 rs11697325 was significantly associated with RAS, with an increase in the AA genotype in patients, determined using χ2 analysis (OR = 2.3, P = 0.006) and adjusted regression analysis (OR = 3.1, P = 0.009). MMP‐9 rs11697325 and rs17576 showed strong LD (D' = 0.95), with an increase in the AA haplotype (P = 0.023) and a decrease in the GA haplotype (P = 0.015) in patients.

Conclusions

This is the first study to investigate the association of MMPs or TIMP‐1 with RAS. We found a significant association between MMP‐9 rs11697325 polymorphisms and RAS. Confirmatory studies in other populations and functional investigations are needed to determine the role of these genes in RAS.
Skin cleansing practices for older people: a systematic review
Authors: Cowdell Fiona , Steventon Katerina
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To locate, summarise and critically analyse current knowledge about skin hygiene practices for older people.

Background

Maintaining personal hygiene for patients is one of the core elements of care in all fields of nursing. However, it is a subject that has been neglected in both research and education. Skin integrity is essential to the health and well‐being of older people. Skin cleansing practices can contribute to the maintenance and promotion of skin integrity. It is therefore essential to have a robust evidence base for such practices.

Design

Literature review by searches of the electronic databases Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Academic Search Premier, psycINFO, Web of Science, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Library, using firstly key words and exclusion criteria, then citations and reference searches. An integrative review method was used. Studies included were alternative bathing protocol or bathing product interventions. Seven studies met the methodological requirements for inclusion.

Conclusions

There is a significant lack of high‐quality research studies to provide a framework for guiding evidence‐based skin cleansing practice. Current guidance is based on clinical expertise rather than on robust trial evidence. A research agenda has been developed which may become the basis for developing evidence‐based, best practice guidelines. Future research must move beyond descriptive studies to include more robust methods of investigation. The lack of intervention studies limits the practice‐guiding implications that can be gained from the current body of research.

Implications for practice

Skin cleansing is one of the cornerstones of nursing practice, however, in the absence of a robust evidence base most such care is currently based on ‘custom and practice’. There is a need to conduct further research into cleansing practices that will maintain or enhance skin health and skin integrity.
EVALUATION UNDER CONTRACT: GOVERNMENT PRESSURE AND THE PRODUCTION OF POLICY RESEARCH
Authors:   THE LSE GV314 GROUP
Published: October 2013

Do governments lean on researchers who evaluate their policies to try to get them to produce politically useful results? Do researchers buckle under such pressure? This article, based on a survey of 205 academics who have recently completed commissioned research for government, looks at the degree to which British government departments seek to produce research that is designed to provide ‘political ammunition’, above all making them ‘look good’ or minimizing criticism of their policies. Looking at different stages in the research process – from deciding which policies to evaluate, shaping the nature and conduct of inquiry, and writing the results – the article finds evidence of government sponsors making significant efforts to produce politically congenial results. For the most part, researchers appear to resist these efforts, though the evidence base (researchers' own accounts of their work) suggests that this conclusion be treated with some caution.
Skin temperature over the carotid artery provides an accurate noninvasive estimation of core temperature in infants and young children during general anesthesia
Authors: Jay Ollie , Molgat‐Seon Yannick , Chou Shirley , Murto Kimmo
Published: October 2013

Background

The accurate measurement of core temperature is an essential aspect of intraoperative management in children. Invasive measurement sites are accurate but carry some health risks and cannot be used in certain patients. An accurate form of noninvasive thermometry is therefore needed. Our aim was to develop, and subsequently validate, separate models for estimating core temperature using different skin temperatures with an individualized correction factor.

Methods

Forty‐eight pediatric patients (0–36 months) undergoing elective surgery were separated into a modeling group (MG, n = 28) and validation group (VG, n = 20). Skin temperature was measured over the carotid artery (Tsk_carotid), upper abdomen (Tsk_abd), and axilla (Tsk_axilla), while nasopharyngeal temperature (Tnaso) was measured as a reference.

Results

In the MG, derived models for estimating Tnaso were: Tsk_carotid + 0.52; Tsk_abd + (0.076[body mass] + 0.02); and Tsk_axilla + (0.081[body mass]−0.66). After adjusting raw Tsk_carotid, Tsk_abd, and Tsk_axilla values in the independent VG using these models, the mean bias (Predicted Tnaso – Actual Tnaso [with 95% confidence intervals]) was +0.03[+0.53, −0.50]°C, −0.05[+1.02, −1.07]°C, and −0.06[+1.21, −1.28°C], respectively. The percentage of values within ±0.5°C of Tnaso was 93.2%, 75.4%, and 66.1% for Tsk_carotid, Tsk_abd, and Tsk_axilla, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for detecting hypothermia (Tnaso < 36.0°C) was 0.88 and 0.91 for Tsk_carotid, 0.61 and 0.76 for Tsk_abd, and 0.91 and 0.73 for Tsk_axilla. Goodness‐of‐fit (R2) relative to the line‐of‐identity was 0.74 (Tsk_carotid), 0.34 (Tsk_abd), and 0.15 (Tsk_axilla).

Conclusions

Skin temperature over the carotid artery, with a simple correction factor of +0.52°C, provides a viable noninvasive estimate of Tnaso in young children during elective surgery with a general anesthetic.
Intrathecal Drug Administration in Chronic Pain Syndromes
Authors: Ver Donck Ann , Vranken Jan H. , Puylaert Martine , Hayek Salim , Mekhail Nagy , Van Zundert Jan
Published: October 2013

Chronic pain may recur after initial response to strong opioids in both patients with cancer and patients without cancer or therapy may be complicated by intolerable side effects. When minimally invasive interventional pain management techniques also fail to provide satisfactory pain relief, continuous intrathecal analgesic administration may be considered.

Only 3 products have been officially approved for long‐term intrathecal administration: morphine, baclofen, and ziconotide. The efficacy of intrathecal ziconotide for the management of patients with severe chronic refractory noncancer pain was illustrated in 3 placebo‐controlled trials. A randomized study showed this treatment option to be effective over a short follow‐up period for patients with pain due to cancer or AIDS. The efficacy of intrathecal opioid administration for the management of chronic noncancer pain is mainly derived from prospective and retrospective noncontrolled trials. The effect of intrathecal morphine administration in patients with pain due to cancer was compared with oral or transdermal treatment in a randomized controlled trial, which found better pain control and fewer side effects with intrathecal opioids. Other evidence is derived from cohort studies. Side effects of chronic intrathecal therapy may either be technical (catheter or pump malfunction) or biological (infection). The most troublesome complication is, however, the possibility of granuloma formation at the catheter tip that may induce neurological damage. Given limited studies, the evidence for intrathecal drug administration in patients suffering from cancer‐related pain is more compelling than that of chronic noncancer pain.
Comparative transcriptome analysis between somatic embryos (SEs) and zygotic embryos in cotton: evidence for stress response functions in SE development
Authors: Jin Fangyan , Hu Lisong , Yuan Daojun , Xu Jiao , Gao Wenhui , He Liangrong , Yang Xiyan , Zhang Xianlong
Published: October 2013

As a product of asexual reproduction in plants, the somatic embryo (SE) differentiates into a new plantlet via a zygotic embryogenesis‐like process. Here, we present the phenotypic and cellular differences between SEs and zygotic embryos (ZEs) revealed by histological section scanning using three parallel development stages of the two types of embryos of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum cv. YZ1), including globular, torpedo and cotyledonary‐stages. To identify the molecular characteristics of SE development in cotton, the digital gene expression system was used to profile the genes active during SE and ZE development. A total of 4242 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in at least one developmental stage. Expression pattern and functional classification analysis based on these DEGs reveals that SE development exhibits a transcriptional activation of stress responses. RT‐PCR analysis further confirmed enhanced expression levels of stress‐related genes in SEs than in ZEs. Experimental stress treatment, induced by NaCl and ABA, accelerated SE development and increased the transcription of genes related to stress response, in parallel with decelerated proliferation of embryogenic calluses under stress treatment. Our data reveal that SE development involves the activation of stress responses, which we suggest may regulate the balance between cell proliferation and differentiation. These results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of SE development and suggest strategies that can be used for regulating the developmental processes of somatic embryogenesis.
A dsRNA‐binding protein MdDRB1 associated with miRNA biogenesis modifies adventitious rooting and tree architecture in apple
Authors: You Chun‐Xiang , Zhao Qiang , Wang Xiao‐Fei , Xie Xing‐Bin , Feng Xiao‐Ming , Zhao Ling‐Ling , Shu Huai‐Rui , Hao Yu‐Jin
Published: October 2013

Although numerous miRNAs have been already isolated from fruit trees, knowledge about miRNA biogenesis is largely unknown in fruit trees. Double‐strand RNA‐binding (DRB) protein plays an important role in miRNA processing and maturation; however, its role in the regulation of economically important traits is not clear yet in fruit trees. EST blast and RACE amplification were performed to isolate apple MdDRB1 gene. Following expression analysis, RNA binding and protein interaction assays, MdDRB1 was transformed into apple callus and in vitro tissue cultures to characterize the functions of MdDRB1 in miRNA biogenesis, adventitious rooting, leaf development and tree growth habit. MdDRB1 contained two highly conserved DRB domains. Its transcripts existed in all tissues tested and are induced by hormones. It bound to double‐strand RNAs and interacted with AtDCL1 (Dicer‐Like 1) and MdDCL1. Chip assay indicated its role in miRNA biogenesis. Transgenic analysis showed that MdDRB1 controls adventitious rooting, leaf curvature and tree architecture by modulating the accumulation of miRNAs and the transcript levels of miRNA target genes. Our results demonstrated that MdDRB1 functions in the miRNA biogenesis in a conserved way and that it is a master regulator in the formation of economically important traits in fruit trees.