bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal anemia control and anemia in children aged 6–23 months in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Wilunda Calistus , Tanaka Shiro , Esamai Fabian , Kawakami Koji 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIt is unclear whether routine prenatal anemia control interventions can reduce anemia risk in young children. This study examines the associations between prenatal iron supplementation and/or deworming and anemia in children aged 6–23 months in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). We analyzed data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2003 and 2014 in 25 SSA countries. The surveys collected data on prenatal iron supplementation and deworming and determined children's hemoglobin levels through blood testing. We assessed the associations between prenatal iron supplementation and/or deworming and anemia using multinomial logistic regression. The study included 31,815 mother–child pairs: 25.0%, 41.4%, and 4.8% of children had mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively. Compared with children whose mothers did not take iron and deworming drugs prenatally, the risk of moderate/severe anemia was reduced among children whose mothers took only iron supplements for ≥6 months (odds ratio [OR]: 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45–0.76); only deworming drugs (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.56–0.93); deworming drugs plus iron for <6 months (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.67–0.93); and deworming drugs plus iron for ≥6 months (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.59–0.99). Prenatal use of only iron for <6 months was not associated with moderate/severe anemia. Prenatal iron and/or deworming drugs had no effect on mild anemia. Prenatal anemia control interventions are associated with reduced risk of moderate/severe anemia but not with mild anemia in young children in SSA. Iron supplements should be taken for ≥6 months or with deworming drugs prenatally to reduce moderate/severe anemia risk in children.
Utilization of glycerophosphodiesters by Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jorge Ana Maria , Schneider Jonathan , Unsleber Sandra , Göhring Nadine , Mayer Christoph , Peschel Andreas 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe facultative pathogen Staphylococcus aureus colonizes the human anterior nares and causes infections of various organ systems. Which carbon, energy, and phosphate sources can be utilized by S. aureus in nutrient‐poor habitats has remained largely unknown. We describe that S. aureus secretes a glycerophosphodiesterase (glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase, EC 3.1.4.46), GlpQ, degrading the glycerophosphodiester (GPD) head groups of phospholipids such as human phosphatidylcholine (GroPC). Deletion of glpQ completely abolished the GroPC‐degrading activity in S. aureus culture supernatants. GroPC has been detected in human tissues and body fluids probably as a result of phospholipid remodelling and degradation. Notably, GroPC promoted S. aureus growth under carbon‐ and phosphate‐limiting conditions in a GlpQ‐dependent manner indicating that GlpQ permits S. aureus to utilize GPD‐derived glycerol‐3‐phosphate as a carbon and phosphate sources. Thus, S. aureus can use a broader spectrum of nutrients than previously thought which underscores its capacity to adapt to the highly variable and nutrient‐poor surroundings.
The recombinant protein rSP03B is a valid antigen for screening dog exposure to Phlebotomus perniciosus across foci of canine leishmaniasis
Authors: KOSTALOVA T. , LESTINOVA T. , MAIA C. , SUMOVA P. , VLKOVA M. , WILLEN L. , POLANSKA N. , FIORENTINO E. , SCALONE A. , OLIVA G. , VERONESI F. , CRISTÓVÃO J. M. , COURTENAY O. , CAMPINO L. , GRADONI L. , GRAMICCIA M. , VOLF P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe frequency of sandfly–host contacts can be measured by host antibody levels against sandfly salivary proteins. Recombinant salivary proteins are suggested to represent a valid replacement for salivary gland homogenate (SGH); however, it is necessary to prove that such antigens are recognized by antibodies against various populations of the same species. Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the main vector of Leishmania infantum (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) in southwest Europe and is widespread from Portugal to Italy. In this study, sera were sampled from naturally exposed dogs from distant regions, including Campania (southern Italy), Umbria (central Italy) and the metropolitan Lisbon region (Portugal), where P. perniciosus is the unique or principal vector species. Sera were screened for anti‐P. perniciosus antibodies using SGH and 43‐kDa yellow‐related recombinant protein (rSP03B). A robust correlation between antibodies recognizing SGH and rSP03B was detected in all regions, suggesting substantial antigenic cross‐reactivity among different P. perniciosus populations. No significant differences in this relationship were detected between regions. Moreover, rSP03B and the native yellow‐related protein were shown to share similar antigenic epitopes, as canine immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding to the native protein was inhibited by pre‐incubation with the recombinant form. These findings suggest that rSP03B should be regarded as a universal marker of sandfly exposure throughout the geographical distribution of P. perniciosus.
The digital generation and nursing robotics: A netnographic study about nursing care robots posted on social media
Authors: Eriksson Henrik , Salzmann‐Erikson Martin 
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to present the functionality and design of nursing care robots as depicted in pictures posted on social media. A netnographic study was conducted using social media postings over a period of 3 years. One hundred and Seventy‐two images were analyzed using netnographic methodology. The findings show that nursing care robots exist in various designs and functionalities, all with a common denominator of supporting the care of one's own and others’ health and/or well‐being as a main function. The results also show that functionality and design are influenced by recent popular sci‐fi/cartoon contexts as portrayed in blockbuster movies, for example. Robots'designs seem more influenced by popular sci‐fi/cartoon culture than professional nursing culture. We therefore stress that it is relevant for nursing researchers to critically reflect upon the development of nursing care robots as a thoughtful discussion about embracing technology also might generate a range of epistemological possibilities when entering a postmodern era of science and practice.
On the young age of intraspecific herbaceous taxa
Authors: Levin Donald A. , Scarpino Samuel V. 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Dated phylogenies rarely include the divergence times of sister intraspecific taxa, and when they do little is said about this subject.

We show that over 90% of the intraspecific plant taxa found in a literature search are estimated to be 5 million yr old or younger, with only 4% of taxa estimated to be over 10 million yr old or older.

A Bayesian analysis of intraspecific taxon ages indicates that indeed these taxa are expected to be < 10 million yr old. This result for the young age of intraspecific taxa is consistent with the earlier observation that post‐pollination reproductive barriers develop between 5 and 10 million yr after lineage splitting, thus leading to species formation.

If lineages have not graduated to the species level of divergence by 10 million yr or so, they are likely to have gone extinct by that time as a result of narrow geographical distributions, narrow niche breadths, and relatively small numbers across populations.
The Handle Wagging the Cup. Formal Aspects of Alcohol Consumption in the Transfer of Ideology: Anatolia and the Aegean Towards the End of the Third Millennium BC
Authors: Ünlü Elif 
Published: October 2016

SummaryFermented drinks have been socially and economically important since their advent, not only because they are functionally significant in preserving calories, but also as value‐added foodstuffs incorporated into symbolically important ceremonies and feasts to increase the social value of an individual or a group's status. Towards the end of the third millennium BC, just as wine was becoming an important commodity, the manifestation of this emphasis on the communal consumption of alcoholic beverages can be observed in the material culture of Anatolia and the Aegean with the so‐called ‘west Anatolian drinking set’ consisting of drinking cups with characteristically oversized handles and beak‐spouted pitchers. Against the backdrop of the socio‐economic reasons for the distribution of this particular drinking set over a wide geographical area, the focus of this article is on their impact upon the prevailing local pottery traditions and the local adaptation of these vessels into the traditional repertoire where the importance of the oversized handles is recognized.
Identification of fungal candidates for asthma protection in a large population‐based study
Authors: Mueller‐Rompa Susanne , Janke Tobias , Schwaiger Karin , Mayer Melanie , Bauer Johann , Genuneit Jon , Braun‐Fahrlaender Charlotte , Horak Elisabeth , Boznanski Andrzej , von Mutius Erika , Ege Markus J. ,   the GABRIELA study group
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundExposure to molds has been related to asthma risk both positively and negatively, depending on the environmental setting. The pertinent results are based on generic markers or culturing methods although the majority of present fungi cannot be cultured under laboratory conditions. The aim of the present analysis was to assess environmental dust samples for asthma‐protective fungal candidates with a comprehensive molecular technique covering also non‐cultivable and non‐viable fungi.MethodsMattress dust samples of 844 children from the GABRIELA study were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction–single‐strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) of the fungus‐specific internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Known asthma candidate species were tested for their associations with asthma, and further gel positions were sought to explain the above. As a second, data‐driven, analysis, we tested the association of each individual gel position with asthma.ResultsIn the hypothesis‐driven approach, Penicillium chrysogenum emerged with an odds ratio of 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.66–0.96; p = 0.020). The effect size was changed by 39% toward the null when adjusting for the two bands 683 (DNA of Metschnikowia sp., Aureobasidium spp.) and 978 (DNA of Epicoccum spp., Galactomyces spp., uncultured Penicillium). The data‐driven approach yielded an additional band (containing DNA of Pseudotaeniolina globosa) with reduced risk of asthma (OR = 0.80 [0.66–0.96], p = 0.012).ConclusionsA large population‐based study revealed several fungal taxa with inverse associations with childhood asthma. Molds produce a variety of bioactive compounds with detrimental but also beneficial immunoregulatory capacities, which renders them promising targets for further asthma research.
Computed Tomography‐Guided Percutaneously Controlled Ablation of the Thoracic Paravertebral Nerve Due to Thoracic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Yang Li‐Qiang , Gong Wei‐Yi , Wang Xiao‐Ping , Dou Zhi , Zeng Yuan‐Jie , Ni Jia‐Xiang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundPatients with thoracic neuropathic pain often do not respond to medication and physical therapy. Coblation technology has been demonstrated to have potential for pain management.MethodsFifteen patients underwent computed tomography‐guided percutaneous coblation to ablate the thoracic paravertebral nerve for their medication‐resistant thoracic neuropathic pain. The pain intensity was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) 1 day before surgery and 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, and the difference between preoperative and postoperative VAS values was determined to evaluate the pain relief effectiveness. Patients who achieved > 50% pain relief were defined as responders, and the ratio in all patients was calculated. The number of patients who reported mild pain (VAS ≤ 3) was recorded, and the ratio in all responders was calculated. In addition, adverse effects were also recorded to investigate the security of procedure.ResultsTwelve (80%) responders achieved > 50% pain relief. The VAS score of responders significantly decreased from 7.42 ± 1.38 before surgery to 2.17 ± 1.11 (P = 0.000), 1.92 ± 1.16 (P = 0.000), 1.75 ± 0.97 (P = 0.000), and 1.58 ± 1.08 (P = 0.000) at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. The number of responders with mild pain was 10 (83.3%), 11 (91.7%), 12 (100%), and 12 (100%) at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. All responders and 1 nonresponder reported slight numbness after the surgery.ConclusionPercutaneous thoracic paravertebral nerve coblation guided by computed tomography is a potential method for the treatment of thoracic neuropathic pain.
Rapid and convenient gel‐free screening of SCAR markers in wheat using SYBR green‐based melt‐profiling
Authors: Vishwakarma Gautam , Saini Ajay , Das Bikram Kishore , Bhagwat Suresh Gopal , Jawali Narendra 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers that are highly desirable in crop breeding for marker‐assisted selection (MAS) are routinely analysed by gel‐based methods that are low‐throughput, time‐consuming and laborious. In this study, we showed a rapid and convenient method for analysis of SCAR markers in a gel‐free manner. Seven SCAR markers, linked to rust resistance genes (Sr24, Sr26 and Sr31) and seed quality traits (Pina, Pinb and Glu‐D1) in wheat (Triticum aestivum), were amplified on a real‐time PCR machine using custom reaction mixture. Subsequently, melting curve analysis was performed, to assess the specificity of amplicons. Using the amplicon‐specific melt‐profiles, the presence/absence of SCAR markers was analysed in fifteen genotypes and five F2 populations. Unlike the fluorescence‐based in‐tube detection methods, the present method used the amplicon‐specific melt‐profiles to evaluate the status of the SCAR markers, thus eliminating the need for gel‐based analysis. Results also showed feasibility of multiplex analysis of two markers with well‐separated melting profiles. Overall, the approach is a rapid, convenient and cost‐effective method for high‐throughput screening of SCAR markers.
System analysis of metabolism and the transcriptome in Arabidopsis thaliana roots reveals differential co‐regulation upon iron, sulfur and potassium deficiency
Authors: Forieri Ilaria , Sticht Carsten , Reichelt Michael , Gretz Norbert , Hawkesford Malcolm J. , Malagoli Mario , Wirtz Markus , Hell Ruediger 
Published: October 2016

AbstractDeprivation of mineral nutrients causes significant retardation of plant growth. This retardation is associated with nutrient‐specific and general stress‐induced transcriptional responses. In this study, we adjusted the external supply of iron, potassium and sulfur to cause the same retardation of shoot growth. Nevertheless, limitation by individual nutrients resulted in specific morphological adaptations and distinct shifts within the root metabolite fingerprint. The metabolic shifts affected key metabolites of primary metabolism and the stress‐related phytohormones, jasmonic, salicylic and abscisic acid. These phytohormone signatures contributed to specific nutrient deficiency‐induced transcriptional regulation. Limitation by the micronutrient iron caused the strongest regulation and affected 18% of the root transcriptome. Only 130 genes were regulated by all nutrients. Specific co‐regulation between the iron and sulfur metabolic routes upon iron or sulfur deficiency was observed. Interestingly, iron deficiency caused regulation of a different set of genes of the sulfur assimilation pathway compared with sulfur deficiency itself, which demonstrates the presence of specific signal‐transduction systems for the cross‐regulation of the pathways. Combined iron and sulfur starvation experiments demonstrated that a requirement for a specific nutrient can overrule this cross‐regulation. The comparative metabolomics and transcriptomics approach used dissected general stress from nutrient‐specific regulation in roots of Arabidopsis.
Resetting of the circannual rhythm of the varied carpet beetle Anthrenus verbasci by low‐temperature pulses
Authors: Miyazaki Yosuke , Watari Yasuhiko , Numata Hideharu 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe varied carpet beetle Anthrenus verbasci L. has a circannual pupation rhythm and pupates in the spring in the wild. The change in photoperiod acts as a predominant zeitgeber for this rhythm. However, it is unclear whether the change in ambient temperature acts as a zeitgeber. The present study examines the effects of low‐temperature pulses on this circannual rhythm by exposing larvae kept under constant short‐day conditions (LD 12 : 12 h) at 20 °C to a lower temperature of 15, 10 or 5 °C for 8 or 12 weeks at various phases. Larval development and pupation are suppressed during exposure to low temperature, with this pupation being induced in sufficiently grown larvae within 2 months of a return to 20 °C. These results are attributed to the exogenous suppression and stimulation of pupation, rather than being related to the circannual rhythm (i.e. masking of the circannual rhythm by temperature). Furthermore, long‐term observations demonstrate the existence of phase‐dependent phase shifts of circannual rhythm as a result of low‐temperature pulses. Circannual phase response curves to low temperature are constructed on the basis of the phase shifts obtained. A low‐temperature pulse as a winter signal can reset the circannual rhythm of A. verbasci. It is probable that both temperature and photoperiod play a role in the entrainment of this circannual rhythm to a natural year.
Environmental gradients shape the genetic structure of two medicinal Salvia species in Jordan
Authors: Al‐Gharaibeh M. M. , Hamasha H. R. , Rosche C. , Lachmuth S. , Wesche K. , Hensen I. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Environmental gradients, and particularly climatic variables, exert a strong influence on plant distribution and, potentially, population genetic diversity and differentiation. Differences in water availability can cause among‐population variation in ecological processes and can thus interrupt populations’ connectivity and isolate them environmentally. The present study examines the effect of environmental heterogeneity on plant populations due to environmental isolation unrelated to geographic distance.

Using AFLP markers, we analyzed genetic diversity and differentiation among 12 Salvia spinosa populations and 13 Salvia syriaca populations from three phytogeographical regions (Mediterranean, Irano‐Turanian and Saharo‐Arabian) representing the extent of the species’ geographic range in Jordan. Differences in geographic location and climate were considered in the analyses.

For both species, flowering phenology varied among populations and regions. Irano‐Turanian and Saharo‐Arabian populations had higher genetic diversity than Mediterranean populations, and genetic diversity increased significantly with increasing temperature. Genetic diversity in Salvia syriaca was affected by population size, while genetic diversity responded to drought in S. spinosa. For both species, high levels of genetic differentiation were found as well as two well‐supported phytogeographical groups of populations, with Mediterranean populations clustering in one group and the Irano‐Turanian and Saharo‐Arabian populations in another. Genetic distance was significantly correlated to environmental distance, but not to geographic distance.

Our data indicate that populations from moist vs. arid environments are environmentally isolated, where environmental gradients affect their flowering phenology, limit gene flow and shape their genetic structure. We conclude that environmental heterogeneity may act as driver for the observed variation in genetic diversity.
Abscisic acid regulates seed germination of Vellozia species in response to temperature
Authors: Vieira B. C. , Bicalho E. M. , Munné‐Bosch S. , Garcia Q. S. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

The relationship between the phytohormones, gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) and light and temperature on seed germination is still not well understood. We aimed to investigate the role of the ABA and GA on seed germination of Vellozia caruncularis, V. intermedia and V. alutacea in response to light/dark conditions on different temperature.

Seeds were incubated in GA (GA3 or GA4) or ABA and their respective biosynthesis inhibitors (paclobutrazol – PAC, and fluridone – FLU) solutions at two contrasting temperatures (25 and 40 °C). Furthermore, endogenous concentrations of active GAs and those of ABA were measured in seeds of V. intermedia and V. alutacea during imbibition/germination.

Exogenous ABA inhibited the germination of Vellozia species under all conditions tested. GA, FLU and FLU + GA3 stimulated germination in the dark at 25 °C (GA4 being more effective than GA3). PAC reduced seed germination in V. caruncularis and V. alutacea, but did not affect germination of V. intermedia at 40 °C either under light or dark conditions. During imbibition in the dark, levels of active GAs decreased in the seeds of V. intermedia, but were not altered in those of V. alutacea. Incubation at 40 °C decreased ABA levels during imbibition in both V. caruncularis and V. alutacea.

We conclude that the seeds of Vellozia species studied here require light or high temperature to germinate and ABA has a major role in the regulation of Vellozia seed germination in response to light and temperature.
Cross‐modal distractors modulate oscillatory alpha power: the neural basis of impaired task performance
Authors: Weise Annekathrin , Hartmann Thomas , Schröger Erich , Weisz Nathan , Ruhnau Philipp 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUnexpected novel sounds capture one's attention, even when irrelevant to the task pursued (e.g., playing video game). This often comes at a cost to the task (e.g., slower responding). The neural basis for this behavioral distraction effect is not well understood and is subject of this study. Our approach was motivated by findings from cuing paradigms suggesting a link between modulations in oscillatory activity and voluntary attention shifts. The current study tested whether oscillatory activity is also modulated by a task‐irrelevant auditory distractor, reflecting a neural signature of an involuntary shift of attention and accounting for the impaired task performance. We reanalyzed magnetoencephalographic data collected via an auditory‐visual distraction paradigm in which a task‐relevant visual stimulus was preceded by a task‐irrelevant sound on each trial. In 87.5% this was a regular sound (Standard); in 12.5% this was a novel sound (Distractor). We compared nonphase locked oscillatory activity in a time window prior to the visual target as a function of the experimental manipulation (Distractor, Standard). We found low power in the pretarget time window for Distractors compared to Standards in the alpha and beta frequency bands. Importantly, individual alpha power correlated with response speed on a trial‐by‐trial basis for the Distractor only. Sources were localized to the occipital cortex, and also to the parietal and supratemporal cortices. These findings support our hypothesis that the distractor‐related alpha power modulation indexes an involuntary shift of attention which accounts for the impaired task performance.