bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Soil‐borne Actinomycetes for Biological Control against Fusarium Wilt of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) caused by Fusarium solani fsp pisi
Authors: Soltanzadeh Mahboobeh , Soltani Nejad Meysam , Shahidi Bonjar Gholam Hosein 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBlack root rot, caused by Fusarium solani f.sp. pisi, is a devastating soil‐borne disease in chickpea in Iran with no effective control measures. With the aim of finding applicable biocontrol agents to alleviate the malady, isolates of Actinomycetes isolated from soil and their antagonistic effect against F. solani f.sp. pisi were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. More than 100 Actinomycetes isolates were screened for their antifungal activities against the pathogen. The most active isolates were evaluated in greenhouse for their biocontrol performance. Based on the results of dual cultures in screening evaluations, the size of inhibition zone of fungal growth, and the most effective antagonist isolates (S3, S12 and S40) were selected for further studies. Identity of active isolates was determined, in this regard, 16S rDNA of isolates were amplified using universal bacterial primers FD1 and RP2. The PCR products were purified and sequenced. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA was then performed using NCBI BLAST method. Comparison of the near full length 16S rRNA sequence of isolates to GenBank sequences demonstrated that isolates S3 and S12 were most similar to Streptomyces antibioticus, while isolate S40 was most similar to Streptomyces peruviensis. Biocontrol studies of these isolates in control of the disease in greenhouse significantly decreased the disease severity. Actinomycetes isolate S12 demonstrated the greatest effect in reducing disease than the other two. Results of this research are at preliminary stage for developing biocontrol agents. These data can be utilized as a platform for future studies with the aim of commercializing these biocontrol products and hoping to step towards sustainable agriculture.
Occurrence and Characterization of a 16SrII‐D Subgroup Phytoplasma Associated with Parsley Witches’ Broom Disease in Iran
Authors: Salehi Mohammad , Esmailzadeh Hosseini Seyyed Alireza , Salehi Elham , Bertaccini Assunta 
Published: October 2016

AbstractDuring 2010–2013 surveys for the presence of phytoplasma diseases in Yazd province (Iran), a parsley witches’ broom (PrWB) disease was observed. Characteristic symptoms were excessive development of short spindly shoots from crown buds, little leaf, yellowing, witches’ broom, stunting, flower virescence and phyllody. The disease causative agent was dodder transmitted from symptomatic parsley to periwinkle and from periwinkle to periwinkle by grafting inducing phytoplasma‐type symptoms. Expected length DNA fragments of nearly 1800 and 1250 bp were, respectively, amplified from naturally infected parsley and experimentally inoculated periwinkle plants in direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using phytoplasma primer pair P1/P7 or nested PCR using the same primer pair followed by R16F2n/R16R2 primers. Restriction fragment length polymorphism and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the phytoplasma associated with PrWB disease in Yazd province belong to 16SrII‐D phytoplasma subgroup. This is the first report of association of a 16SrII‐related phytoplasma with PrWB disease in Iran.
VdSho1 Regulates Growth, Oxidant Adaptation and Virulence in Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Qi Xueyin , Zhou Shuai , Shang Xiaoguang , Wang Xinyu 
Published: October 2016

AbstractVerticillium dahliae infection leads to Verticillium wilt in cotton and other dicotyledon crops. To reduce the loss of economic crops, more attention has been focused on the key genes involved in pathogenicity of this soil‐borne plant fungal pathogen. Sho1 encodes a conserved tetraspan transmembrane protein which is a key element of the two upstream branches of the HOG‐MAPK pathway in fungi. Sho1 is required for full virulence in a wide variety of pathogenic fungi. In this study, sho1 mutant in V. dahliae (designated ΔVdsho1) was generated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation. ΔVdsho1 strain was highly sensitive to menadione (at concentration of 120 μm) and hydrogen peroxide (at concentration of 250 μm), displayed delayed spore germination and reduced spore production compared with the wild type and the complemented strains. During infection of host cotton plants, ΔVdsho1 exhibited impaired ability of root attachment and invasive growth. Results from the present work suggest that VdSho1 controls external sensing, virulence and multiple growth‐related traits in V. dahliae and might serve as a potential target for control of Verticillium wilt.
Retention strategies for health disparities preventive trials: findings from the Early Childhood Caries Collaborating Centers
Authors: Garcia Raul I. , Tiwari Tamanna , Ramos‐Gomez Francisco , Heaton Brenda , Orozco Mario , Rasmussen Margaret , Braun Patricia , Henshaw Michelle , Borrelli Belinda , Albino Judith , Diamond Courtney , Gebel Christina , Batliner Terrence S. , Barker Judith C. , Gregorich Steven , Gansky Stuart A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo identify successful strategies for retention of participants in multiyear, community‐based randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aiming to reduce early childhood caries in health disparities populations from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds and across diverse geographic settings.MethodsFour RCTs conducted by the Early Childhood Caries Collaborating Centers (EC4), an initiative of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, systematically collected information on the success of various strategies implemented to promote participant retention in each RCT. The observational findings from this case series of four RCTs were tabulated and the strategies rated by study staff.ResultsParticipant retention at 12 months of follow‐up ranged from 52.8 percent to 91.7 percent, and at 24 months ranged from 53.6 percent to 85.9, across the four RCTs. For the three RCTs that had a 36‐month follow‐up, retention ranged from 53.6 percent to 85.1 percent. Effectiveness of different participant retention strategies varied widely across the RCTs.ConclusionsFindings from this case series study may help to guide the design of future RCTs to maximize retention of study participants and yield needed data on effective interventions to reduce oral health disparities.
Family Caregivers of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Experiences with Medicaid Managed Care Long‐Term Services and Supports in the United States
Authors: Williamson Heather J. , Perkins Elizabeth A. , Acosta Annie , Fitzgerald Maureen , Agrawal Jui , Massey Oliver T. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA majority of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities need the support of a family caregiver. In the USA, more states are transitioning to a managed care model to provide long‐term services and supports (LTSS) and family caregivers are vital partners in the successful management of LTSS. This study's purpose is to illustrate the lived experience of receiving LTSS in a managed care model from the family caregiver perspective. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were completed with 16 caregivers in four states with Medicaid managed LTSS (MLTSS). The themes include the importance of the family caregiver as supported and active partners in the provision of MLTSS, the family caregiver experiences with care coordination and access to services in MLTSS, and the family caregivers’ overall impression of MLTSS. Results indicate caregiver advocacy is critical to coordinating needed MLTSS and family support services help caregiver's maintain their vital role in the MLTSS system. Access to services and care coordination in MTLSS varies depending on state of residence. Some caregivers experienced less flexibility in the provision of services and supports and limited access to services making it more complicated for them to feel supported in their caregiving role. Care coordination in MLTSS was largely seen as paperwork processing function. Family caregivers can provide a wealth of knowledge from lived experiences on best practices for MLTSS. Given the move to more home and community‐based services, the role of the family caregiver as an active partners in MLTSS will remain the reality for many individuals with IDD. Family caregivers are a key component in MLTSS and more needs to be done to encourage their involvement in the design and oversight of MLTSS. More research is needed to explore best practices for effective stakeholder engagement in the provision of MLTSS.
Mothers' understanding of the term ‘exclusive breastfeeding’: a systematic review
Authors: Still Ruth , Marais Debbie , Hollis Jenna Louise 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThere is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the term exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among health professionals. The purpose of this review was to examine the best available literature on mothers' understanding of the term EBF. A systematic search of eight electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CDSR, CENTRAL, Cab Abstracts, Scopus and African Index Medicus) was conducted (Protocol registration in PROSPERO: CRD42015019402). All study designs were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if they: (1) involved mothers aged 18 years or older; (2) assessed mothers' knowledge/understanding/awareness of the term ‘EBF’; (3) used the 1991 WHO definition of EBF and (4) were published between 1988 and 2015. Two reviewers retrieved articles, assessed study quality and performed data extraction. Of the 1700 articles identified, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative findings were pooled to calculate a proportion rate of 70.9% of mothers who could correctly define EBF, although the range varied between 3.1 and 100%. Qualitative findings revealed three themes: (1) EBF was understood by mothers as not mixing two milks; (2) the term ‘exclusive’ in EBF was incorrectly understood as not giving breast milk and (3) mothers believing that water can be given while exclusively breastfeeding. Research investigating aspects of self‐reported EBF may consequently be unreliable. A standardised tool to assess mothers' knowledge of EBF could provide more accurate data. Public health campaigns should emphasise EBF to target mothers, while addressing the education of health professionals to ensure that they do not provide conflicting advice.
Opsins have evolved under the permanent heterozygote model: insights from phylotranscriptomics of Odonata
Authors: Suvorov Anton , Jensen Nicholas O. , Sharkey Camilla R. , Fujimoto M. Stanley , Bodily Paul , Wightman Haley M. Cahill , Ogden T. Heath , Clement Mark J. , Bybee Seth M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractGene duplication plays a central role in adaptation to novel environments by providing new genetic material for functional divergence and evolution of biological complexity. Several evolutionary models have been proposed for gene duplication to explain how new gene copies are preserved by natural selection, but these models have rarely been tested using empirical data. Opsin proteins, when combined with a chromophore, form a photopigment that is responsible for the absorption of light, the first step in the phototransduction cascade. Adaptive gene duplications have occurred many times within the animal opsins’ gene family, leading to novel wavelength sensitivities. Consequently, opsins are an attractive choice for the study of gene duplication evolutionary models. Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) have the largest opsin repertoire of any insect currently known. Additionally, there is tremendous variation in opsin copy number between species, particularly in the long‐wavelength‐sensitive (LWS) class. Using comprehensive phylotranscriptomic and statistical approaches, we tested various evolutionary models of gene duplication. Our results suggest that both the blue‐sensitive (BS) and LWS opsin classes were subjected to strong positive selection that greatly weakens after multiple duplication events, a pattern that is consistent with the permanent heterozygote model. Due to the immense interspecific variation and duplicability potential of opsin genes among odonates, they represent a unique model system to test hypotheses regarding opsin gene duplication and diversification at the molecular level.
Good relations with technology: Empirical ethics and aesthetics in care
Authors: Pols Jeannette 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis article is a written version of the lecture for the IPONS conference in Stockholm. The article starts from the claim that there is no such thing as technology, only different variations of technologies. These technologies, plural, all have their specific workings that we can only learn about by studying these empirically, by analysing the relations between people and their technologies. These relations are always unpredictable, as it is not given beforehand what values the participants pursue. Studying and understanding the workings of healthcare technology is a crucial task for nursing studies, as nurses are often key actors in making these devices work. The article hands the reader some tools to engage in the study of technologies in practice, using an empirical ethics approach.
Acceptability of mHealth Technology for Self‐Monitoring Eating and Activity among Rural Men
Authors: Eisenhauer Christine M. , Hageman Patricia A. , Rowland Sheri , Becker Betsy J. , Barnason Susan A. , Pullen Carol H. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo examine rural men's use and perceptions of mobile and wireless devices to self‐monitor eating and physical activity (mHealth).Design and SampleMen in this 3‐week pilot study used FitBit One® to log daily food intake and monitor activity. A companion application (app) allowed activity monitoring of fellow participants. Health‐related text messages were received 1–3 times daily. A purposive sample of 12 rural men (ages 40–67) was recruited by community leaders.Measures(1) baseline heart rate, blood pressure, and BMI, (2) FitBit One® usage, (3) investigator‐generated surveys on acceptability of mHealth, and (4) focus group on experience with mHealth.ResultsMen were overweight (n = 3) or obese (n = 9) and 9 of 12 were hypertensive. Nine of twelve wore FitBit One® all 21 days. Eleven of 12 men logged food, with 9 of 12 doing this at least 15 of 21 days. Self‐monitoring and daily text messaging increased awareness of energy intake and output. Companion app's food log needed targeting for rural foods. Rotating seasons (occupational, religious, recreational) and weak cellular signals created contextual barriers to self‐monitoring eating and activity.ConclusionsFitBit One® and text messaging were perceived as useful among the rural men, while the companion apps require adaptation to reflect dietary norms.
Determination of the normal reference interval for anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) in bitches and use of AMH as a potential predictor of litter size
Authors: Hollinshead FK , Walker C , Hanlon DW 
Published: October 2016

ContentsAnti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a reliable endocrine marker of ovarian reserve in many species with extensive literature in both humans and cattle. However, there are no known hormonal predictors of ovarian reserve and potential reproductive performance in the bitch. A prospective cohort study was performed involving 155 intact bitches of various ages (range 1.2–7.6 years) and breeds that were presented for routine breeding management over a one‐year period. All bitches were artificially inseminated with frozen or fresh semen using the transcervical insemination (TCI) technique. AMH concentrations were measured using a commercially available canine AMH ELISA (Ansh Labs®, Texas, USA), which we validated prior to performing the study. The reference interval (RI) for AMH for all bitches in the study, regardless of body weight, was 2.9–21.1 ng/ml. There was a significant effect of bitch size and age on AMH concentrations. The RI for giant breeds was significantly (p < .01) lower (1.75–15.6 ng/ml) than small‐sized (5.6–24.2 ng/ml), medium‐sized (4.3–23.7 ng/ml) and large‐sized (4.3–21.0 ng/ml) bitches. The mean AMH concentration in bitches less than 4 years of age was 12.4 ng/ml, whereas the mean AMH concentration in bitches older than 4 years of age was 10.5 ng/ml (p < .05). For each additional year of age above 1 year of age, AMH concentrations fell by 0.5 ng/ml. There was no effect of AMH concentration on the whelping rate. Smaller breeds had smaller litters (and higher AMH concentrations), but within each breed size category, bitches with higher AMH concentrations had significantly larger litter sizes (p < .01). For each 1 ng/ml increase in AMH, litter size increased by 0.3 pups/litter. In conclusion, we determined a normal reference interval for AMH in bitches based on body weight using a canine‐specific assay. In agreement with findings in humans and other species, we found that there is a decline in AMH concentrations with advancing age in bitches. Finally, the significant positive correlation between AMH concentrations and litter size indicates that AMH may be a useful management tool for the selection of bitches in breeding programmes.
Freeze‐dried spermatozoa: A future tool?
Authors: Olaciregui M , Gil L 
Published: October 2016

ContentsCryopreservation has been routinely used to preserve sperm of human and different animal species. However, frozen sperm storage for a long time brings many inconveniences because of liquid nitrogen. Many attempts have been made to overcome the disadvantages of the current cryopreservation method. Freeze‐drying has been proposed as alternative method for sperm preservation to achieve the ability to store sperm doses indefinitely at ambient temperature or in ordinary refrigerators. At present, it has been reported successfully sperm freeze‐drying on many animal species including canine and feline. It is well known that during freeze‐drying process, sperm DNA could be damaged, but if suitable protection is provided, the sperm nucleus could preserve the ability to activate the oocyte and embryos could be generated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Many factors influence the freeze‐drying efficacy, so current researches have been conducted to find strategies to control these factors to maintain the sperm DNA integrity. This review describes the latest method of sperm freeze‐drying for practical application in preserving and transporting genetic resources. In addition, the approaches to improve the efficiency of the technique were studied. We demonstrated that the DNA integrity of freeze‐dried dog sperm is affected by the composition of the freeze‐drying solution as well as the temperature and period of storage. Further studies are necessary to refine freeze‐drying protocol in order to protect the DNA and maintain the sperm functionality and obtain offspring from freeze‐dried sperm.
A Second-Order Semiparametric Method for Survival Analysis, With Application to An Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Jiang Fei , Ma Yanyuan , Jack Lee J. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryMotivated by the recent acquired immune deficiency syndrome clinical trial study A5175, we propose a semiparametric framework to describe time-to-event data, where only the dependence of the mean and variance of the time on the covariates are specified through a restricted moment model. We use a second-order semiparametric efficient score combined with a non-parametric imputation device for estimation. Compared with an imputed weighted least squares method, the approach proposed improves the efficiency of the parameter estimation whenever the third moment of the error distribution is non-zero. We compare the method with a parametric survival regression method in the A5175 study data analysis. In the data analysis, the method proposed shows a better fit to the data with smaller mean-squared residuals. In summary, this work provides a semiparametric framework in modelling and estimation of survival data. The framework has wide applications in data analysis.
Risk factors for bleb-related infection following trabeculectomy surgery: ocular surface findings—a case–control study
Authors: Rai Poornima A , Barton Keith , Murdoch Ian E 
Published: October 2016

PurposeBleb-related infection (BRI) is a devastating complication of trabeculectomy surgery. The aim of this study was to identify ocular risk factors for BRI with specific emphasis on ocular surface parameters. It has been suggested that the frequency has increased since the introduction of antimetabolites, particularly mitomycin C.DesignA case–control study.MethodA clinical study of BRI following trabeculectomy surgery to investigate risk factors by documenting historical data review from patients records, self-reported questionnaire specific to ocular surface symptoms and a repeat detailed clinical examination of the lid, ocular surface and tear film.ResultsTwenty-eight cases and 31 controls were assessed. The overwhelming risk factor for development of BRI was chronic blepharitis (multivariate analysis OR 16.3 (1.687 to 157.44) p=0.016). No increased risk was identified with the antimetabolite used during trabeculectomy surgery (p=0.38) or the type of conjunctival reflection adopted for surgery (p=0.38). Neither age (p=0.32) nor dry eyes (p=0.13) were identified as risk factors.ConclusionAn increased risk of BRI was identified in eyes with chronic blepharitis. To minimise the risk of infection following trabeculectomy surgery, it may be advisable to manage the lid disease in these patients prior to performing trabeculectomy surgery or offer an alternative treatment such as a shunt.Trial registration numberRAIQ1001.
Dietary fat guidelines have no evidence base: where next for public health nutritional advice?
Authors: Harcombe Zoë 
Published: October 2016

IntroductionNational dietary guidelines were introduced in 1977 and 1983, by the US and UK governments, with the aim of reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. The 2 specific dietary fat recommendations were to reduce total fat and saturated fat consumption to 30% and 10% of total energy intake, respectively.Methods4 systematic reviews (3 with meta-analysis) were undertaken to examine the evidence for these dietary fat guidelines: (1) randomised controlled trial (RCT) and (2) prospective cohort (PC) evidence at the time the guidelines were introduced; and (3) RCT and (4) PC evidence currently available. This narrative review examines all evidence collated.ResultsThe RCT and PC evidence available to the dietary committees did not support the introduction of the dietary fat guidelines. The RCT and PC evidence currently available does not support the extant recommendations. Furthermore, the quality of the evidence is so poor that it could not be relied on had it provided support.ConclusionsDietary fat guidelines have prevailed for almost 40 years. The evidence base at the time of their introduction has been examined for the first time and found lacking. Evidence currently available provides no additional support. Public health opinion differed when the guidelines were introduced. Opposition to the guidelines is becoming more strident. Substantial increases in diet-related illness over the past four decades, particularly obesity and type 2 diabetes, indicate that a review of dietary advice is warranted.