bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of sucrose in guard cell regulation
Authors: Daloso Danilo M. , dos Anjos Leticia , Fernie Alisdair R. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe control of stomatal aperture involves reversible changes in the concentration of osmolytes in guard cells. Sucrose has long been proposed to have an osmolytic role in guard cells. However, direct evidence for such a role is lacking. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that sucrose may perform additional roles in guard cells. Here, we provide an update covering the multiple roles of sucrose in guard cell regulation, highlighting the knowledge accumulated regarding spatiotemporal differences in the synthesis, accumulation, and degradation of sucrose as well as reviewing the role of sucrose as a metabolic connector between mesophyll and guard cells. Analysis of transcriptomic data from previous studies reveals that several genes encoding sucrose and hexose transporters and genes involved in gluconeogenesis, sucrose and trehalose metabolism are highly expressed in guard cells compared with mesophyll cells. Interestingly, this analysis also showed that guard cells have considerably higher expression of C4‐marker genes than mesophyll cells. We discuss the possible roles of these genes in guard cell function and the role of sucrose in stomatal opening and closure. Finally, we provide a perspective for future experiments which are required to fill gaps in our understanding of both guard cell metabolism and stomatal regulation.
Understanding the roles of nonstructural carbohydrates in forest trees – from what we can measure to what we want to know
Authors: Hartmann Henrik , Trumbore Susan 
Published: April 2016

SummaryCarbohydrates provide the building blocks for plant structures as well as versatile resources for metabolic processes. The nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), mainly sugars and starch, fulfil distinct functional roles, including transport, energy metabolism and osmoregulation, and provide substrates for the synthesis of defence compounds or exchange with symbionts involved in nutrient acquisition or defence. At the whole‐plant level, NSC storage buffers the asynchrony of supply and demand on diel, seasonal or decadal temporal scales and across plant organs. Despite its central role in plant function and in stand‐level carbon cycling, our understanding of storage dynamics, its controls and response to environmental stresses is very limited, even after a century of research. This reflects the fact that often storage is defined by what we can measure, that is, NSC concentrations, and the interpretation of these as a proxy for a single function, storage, rather than the outcome of a range of NSC source and sink functions. New isotopic tools allow direct quantification of timescales involved in NSC dynamics, and show that NSC‐C fixed years to decades previously is used to support tree functions. Here we review recent advances, with emphasis on the context of the interactions between NSC, drought and tree mortality.

Contents

Summary
386

I.
Introduction
386

II.
NSC in plant function: synthesis, classes, roles and responses to drought
388

III.
Tools and approaches for quantifying NSC dynamics
392

IV.
What is the spatial and temporal distribution of NSC in trees?
392

V.
Studies on the use of NSC in plant functioning – progress towards answering longstanding questions
396

VI.
Summary and conclusion
399

Acknowledgements
399

References
399
A fungal endophyte helps plants to tolerate root herbivory through changes in gibberellin and jasmonate signaling
Authors: Cosme Marco , Lu Jing , Erb Matthias , Stout Michael Joseph , Franken Philipp , Wurst Susanne 
Published: April 2016

Summary

Plant–microbe mutualisms can improve plant defense, but the impact of root endophytes on below‐ground herbivore interactions remains unknown. We investigated the effects of the root endophyte Piriformospora indica on interactions between rice (Oryza sativa) plants and its root herbivore rice water weevil (RWW; Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus), and how plant jasmonic acid (JA) and GA regulate this tripartite interaction.

Glasshouse experiments with wild‐type rice and coi1‐18 and Eui1‐OX mutants combined with nutrient, jasmonate and gene expression analyses were used to test: whether RWW adult herbivory above ground influences subsequent damage caused by larval herbivory below ground; whether P. indica protects plants against RWW; and whether GA and JA signaling mediate these interactions.

The endophyte induced plant tolerance to root herbivory. RWW adults and larvae acted synergistically via JA signaling to reduce root growth, while endophyte‐elicited GA biosynthesis suppressed the herbivore‐induced JA in roots and recovered plant growth.

Our study shows for the first time the impact of a root endophyte on plant defense against below‐ground herbivores, adds to growing evidence that induced tolerance may be an important root defense, and implicates GA as a signal component of inducible plant tolerance against biotic stress.
Framing obesity in UK policy from the Blair years, 1997–2015: the persistence of individualistic approaches despite overwhelming evidence of societal and economic factors, and the need for collective responsibility
Authors: Ulijaszek Stanley J. , McLennan Amy K. 
Published: April 2016

SummarySince 1997, and despite several political changes, obesity policy in the UK has overwhelmingly framed obesity as a problem of individual responsibility. Reports, policies and interventions have emphasized that it is the responsibility of individual consumers to make personal changes to reduce obesity. The Foresight Report ‘Tackling Obesities: Future Choices’ (2007) attempted to reframe obesity as a complex problem that required multiple sites of intervention well beyond the range of personal responsibility. This framing formed the basis for policy and coincided with increasing acknowledgement of the complex nature of obesity in obesity research. Yet policy and interventions developed following Foresight, such as the Change4Life social marketing campaign, targeted individual consumer behaviour. With the Conservative‐Liberal Democrat government of 2011, intervention shifted to corporate and individual responsibility, making corporations voluntarily responsible for motivating individual consumers to change. This article examines shifts in the framing of obesity from a problem of individual responsibility, towards collective responsibility, and back to the individual in UK government reports, policies and interventions between 1997 and 2015. We show that UK obesity policies reflect the landscape of policymakers, advisors, political pressures and values, as much as, if not more than, the landscape of evidence. The view that the individual should be the central site for obesity prevention and intervention has remained central to the political framing of population‐level obesity, despite strong evidence contrary to this. Power dynamics in obesity governance processes have remained unchallenged by the UK government, and individualistic framing of obesity policy continues to offer the path of least resistance. © 2016 World Obesity
Is there a link between passive smoke exposure and early‐onset myopia in preschool Asian children?
Authors: Chua Sharon Yu Lin , Ikram Mohammad Kamran , Tan Chuen Seng , Stone Richard A. , Cai Shirong , Gluckman Peter D , Yap Seng Chong , Yap Fabian , Wong Tien‐Yin , Ngo Cheryl S. , Saw Seang‐Mei ,   The GUSTO Study Group
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the association of passive tobacco smoke exposure with early‐onset myopia among three‐year‐old children in Singapore.MethodsPregnant mothers who attended their first trimester clinic at two major maternity units were recruited into the GUSTO birth cohort. The current analysis comprised 572 three‐year‐old children, who underwent cycloplegic autorefraction and axial length (AL) measurements. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent (SE) of ≤−0.50 dioptres (D). Either parent completed questionnaires describing their child's exposure to passive smoke at six months, one and two years of age.ResultsThere were 197 children (36.2%) who were exposed to passive smoke from birth to before six months. Compared to non‐exposed children, children exposed to any passive smoke from birth to before six months experienced greater myopia prevalence (adjusted OR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.24–6.29; p = 0.01). The odds of myopia in a child was greater if a smoker smokes at home, in the family car, or in the presence of the child (adjusted OR = 3.95; 95% CI: 1.41–11.09; p < 0.01) compared to non‐exposed child. In contrast to myopia, childhood exposure to passive smoke did not systematically shift mean values for SE or AL.ConclusionsIn this prospective birth cohort study, we found that childhood exposure to passive smoke from birth to before six months slightly increased the risk of early‐onset myopia. This may indicate a delayed response to passive smoke exposure before six months and the development of myopia at three years of age. Our study is limited by the small number of myopic children at this young age. Thus, larger prospective studies using more objective cotinine level measures are required to fully establish and understand the influence of tobacco smoke on refractive development in older children.
The value of Tablets as reading aids for individuals with central visual field loss: an evaluation of eccentric reading with static and scrolling text
Authors: Walker Robin , Bryan Lauren , Harvey Hannah , Riazi Afsane , Anderson Stephen J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeTechnological devices such as smartphones and tablets are widely available and increasingly used as visual aids. This study evaluated the use of a novel app for tablets (MD_evReader) developed as a reading aid for individuals with a central field loss resulting from macular degeneration. The MD_evReader app scrolls text as single lines (similar to a news ticker) and is intended to enhance reading performance using the eccentric viewing technique by both reducing the demands on the eye movement system and minimising the deleterious effects of perceptual crowding. Reading performance with scrolling text was compared with reading static sentences, also presented on a tablet computer.MethodsTwenty‐six people with low vision (diagnosis of macular degeneration) read static or dynamic text (scrolled from right to left), presented as a single line at high contrast on a tablet device. Reading error rates and comprehension were recorded for both text formats, and the participant's subjective experience of reading with the app was assessed using a simple questionnaire.ResultsThe average reading speed for static and dynamic text was not significantly different and equal to or greater than 85 words per minute. The comprehension scores for both text formats were also similar, equal to approximately 95% correct. However, reading error rates were significantly (p = 0.02) less for dynamic text than for static text. The participants’ questionnaire ratings of their reading experience with the MD_evReader were highly positive and indicated a preference for reading with this app compared with their usual method.ConclusionsOur data show that reading performance with scrolling text is at least equal to that achieved with static text and in some respects (reading error rate) is better than static text. Bespoke apps informed by an understanding of the underlying sensorimotor processes involved in a cognitive task such as reading have excellent potential as aids for people with visual impairments.
Miniaturized Implantable Loop Recorder in Small Patients: An Effective Approach to the Evaluation of Subjects at Risk of Sudden Death
Authors: PLACIDI SILVIA , DRAGO FABRIZIO , MILIONI MADDALENA , VERTICELLI LETIZIA , TAMBURRI ILARIA , SILVETTI MASSIMO STEFANO , DI MAMBRO CORRADO , RIGHI DANIELA , GIMIGLIANO FABRIZIO , RUSSO MARIO SALVATORE , PALMIERI ROSALINDA , REMOLI ROMOLO , SANTUCCI LORENZO MARIA , TOZZI ALBERTO EUGENIO 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThe etiological diagnosis of syncope and/or palpitations in children is often challenging. However, when noninvasive conventional examinations are inconclusive, the subcutaneous miniaturized implantable loop recorder (ILR) is recommended. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of miniaturized cardiac implantable devices in the early diagnosis of arrhythmias in children ≤6 years.MethodsFrom March 2014 to May 2015, 21 patients (median age 5 years) underwent implantation of miniaturized ILR at our Institution after a complete cardiac work up. Median follow‐up was 10 months.ResultsOne patient underwent device removal for pocket infection and one needed a pocket revision. Eleven (52%) patients did not show any symptom and/or arrhythmia. Eight patients experienced symptoms during ILR monitoring: six had no electrocardiographic abnormalities, two had significant sinus pauses. Two patients had significant arrhythmias without symptoms and in one of these a pacemaker was implanted. The overall diagnostic yield was 47%.ConclusionsMiniaturized ILR could be very useful to make a diagnosis and to decide future management strategies in small patients with undefined symptoms or severe cardiac diseases. Considering its characteristics, miniaturized ILR could start a new era in the diagnosis and follow‐up of young patients with symptomatic and/or malignant arrhythmias.
Epidural insertion height for ureteric reimplant surgery; does location matter?
Authors: Sommerfield David , Ramgolam Anoop , Barker Andrew , Bergesio Ric , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundSurgical correction of vesicoureteric reflux through ureteric reimplantation is a common, highly successful treatment. Postoperative pain can be severe and may relate to somatic wound pain from the lower abdominal incision or from visceral bladder spasm pain.AimTo conduct a prospective quality improvement audit to compare four perioperative analgesic techniques.MethodsObservational data were collected on 217 patients following open ureteroneocystostomy over 5 days. The patients were split into four groups: (i) ‘morphine’ infusion; (ii) ‘caudal’—single‐shot caudal; (iii) ‘epidural’—epidural catheter inserted at T10‐L2 given a bolus, followed by an infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine with fentanyl 2 μg·ml−1; (iv) ‘caudal catheter’—caudal placed epidural catheter was treated similar to the epidural catheter. Data regarding postoperative analgesic interventions were recorded. Intravesical pethidine was used for bladder spasm pain and i.v. morphine for wound pain.ResultsOver the study period, the caudal catheter technique (mean interventions/patient = 1.8 ± 2.6) and the single‐shot caudal (6.1 ± 4) needed significantly less bladder spasm interventions than morphine (9.2 ± 4) and epidural (8.0 ± 4.4) patients. For wound pain, the caudal catheter (8.8 ± 3.3) and epidural groups (11.4 ± 3.2) needed significantly less interventions than morphine (16.1 ± 3) and caudal (15.3 ± 3.3) patients. Overall, caudal catheter patients on average required about half the number of pain interventions and were associated with less high nursing workload.ConclusionsDespite some limitations in data collection and study design, the caudal catheter technique was superior at reducing pain interventions, particularly bladder spasm interventions. Overall epidural analgesia was not superior to a single‐shot caudal followed by opioid infusion. The issue of bladder spasm may be similar to the phenomenon of sacral sparing in obstetric epidural anesthesia. Thus, regional techniques, such as caudal epidural, targeting a better balance between sacral and lumber nerves are required.
Cricoid and left bronchial diameter in the pediatric population
Authors: Wani Tariq M. , Rafiq Mahmood , Terkawi Rayan , Moore‐Clingenpeel Melissa , AlSohaibani Mazen , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundLung isolation in the pediatric population can be problematic. The diameter and length of the right and left mainstem bronchi are not well described in young children. Information regarding these measurements may help determine the appropriate size of endotracheal tubes for endobronchial intubation as well as the development of lung isolation devices for the pediatric population. The present study is based on computed tomography (CT) measurements to evaluate airway dimensions. The goal of this study was to define the relationship between the diameters of the left mainstem bronchus (LMSB) and the cricoid ring, and to study the effect of age, weight, and height on these dimensions.MethodsThe two‐dimensional CT images of 102 children, ranging in age from 1 month to 10 years, undergoing radiological evaluation unrelated to airway symptomatology were examined. The cricoid dimensions (anteroposterior and transverse diameters) were measured using transverse plane images. The LMSB diameter was measured below the carina along the long axis of left main bronchus. Univariate regression analysis was used to determine whether one or more of the variables (age, gender, height, weight) had a predictable relationship with the cricoid and the LMSB diameters.ResultsThe cricoid as well as the LMSB diameters increase with age, height, and weight. The relationship between the cricoid diameter and the LMSB diameter remains constant across all ages with a ratio of 0.78 ± 0.14. This ratio was slightly larger for girls than boys (0.81 ± 0.16 vs 0.77 ± 0.13).ConclusionThe cricoid to LMSB ratio (relationship) remains constant with respect to age, height, and weight.
A pilot study of dexmedetomidine sedation and caudal anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair in infants
Authors: Bong Choon L. , Yeo Angela S. H. , Fabila Teddy , Tan Josephine S. K. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundRecent concerns regarding possible long‐term effects of early anesthesia exposure on neurodevelopment in children have provided an impetus to explore alternative anesthetic techniques using potentially neuroprotective agents. Dexmedetomidine has not been implicated in anesthesia‐induced neurotoxicity and has been shown to be neuroprotective in preclinical studies. We describe a case series of 50 neonates and infants who received dexmedetomidine sedation with caudal anesthesia instead of general endotracheal anesthesia for inguinal hernia surgery.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review on all neonates and infants who underwent inguinal hernia surgery with dexemetomidine sedation and caudal anesthesia in our institution. We started exploring this technique since October 2011 and established a protocol of administering dexmedetomidine 2 mcg·kg−1 over 10 min, followed by 1 mcg·kg−1 over the next 10 min. This led to satisfactory conditions for caudal placement in 20 min, with minimal need for airway intervention during surgery.ResultsThe median gestational age of the infants was 31.4 (28.7, 36.0) weeks and median postconceptual age was 39.7 weeks (IQR 37.8, 45.7) at time of surgery. Of patients, 86% had surgery successfully completed under this technique alone. Seven patients required sevoflurane or nitrous oxide due to failed caudal block (n = 1) or difficult or prolonged surgery (n = 6). After establishing the sedation protocol and excluding patients with large or complicated hernias, the success rate was 96%. Transient intra‐operative apnea or hypoventilation occurred in five patients and postoperative apnea in two patients. All respiratory events were easily reversed and no patient developed significant bradycardia or required intubation.ConclusionsDexmedetomidine sedation with caudal anesthesia is a feasible alternative to spinal or general anesthesia in selected infants undergoing uncomplicated hernia surgery. It avoids the need for endotracheal intubation and may be potentially beneficial in avoiding the unknown effects of general anesthesia on neurodevelopment.
Significant Difference in Hydrogen Isotope Composition Between Xylem and Tissue Water in Populus Euphratica
Authors: Zhao Liangju , Wang Lixin , Cernusak Lucas A. , Liu Xiaohong , Xiao Honglang , Zhou Maoxian , Zhang Shiqiang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDeuterium depletions between stem water and source water have been observed in coastal halophyte plants and in multiple species under greenhouse conditions. However, the location(s) of the isotope fractionation is not clear yet and it is uncertain whether deuterium fractionation appears in other natural environments. In this study, through two extensive field campaigns utilizing a common dryland riparian tree species Populus euphratica Oliv., we showed that no significant δ18O differences were found between water source and various plant components, in accord with previous studies. We also found that no deuterium fractionation occurred during P. euphratica water uptake by comparing the deuterium composition (δD) of groundwater and xylem sap. However, remarkable δD differences (up to 26.4‰) between xylem sap and twig water, root water and core water provided direct evidence that deuterium fractionation occurred between xylem sap and root or stem tissue water. This study indicates that deuterium fractionation could be a common phenomenon in drylands, which has important implications in plant water source identification, palaeoclimate reconstruction based on wood cellulose and evapotranspiration partitioning using δD of stem water.
Polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion and continuous hemodiafiltration in premature neonates with systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Maede Yoshinobu , Ibara Satoshi , Tokuhisa Takuya , Ishihara Chie , Hirakawa Eiji , Matsui Takako , Takahashi Daijiro , Machigashira Seiro , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere have been no previous studies regarding whether combined use of Polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion (PMX‐DHP) and continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) is helpful in the treatment of preterm infants with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and hypercytokinemia.MethodsA retrospective review was carried out of 18 SIRS infants born at gestational week 24–28. Eight with blood interleukin (IL)‐6 ≥ 1000 pg/mL were treated actively with 2 h PMX‐DHP followed by 2 h PMX‐DHP and CHDF. Ten with IL‐6 < 500 pg/mL were treated conventionally (with neither PMX‐DHP nor CHDF) and served as controls.ResultsDemographic characteristics were similar except for IL‐6, arterial‐to‐alveolar oxygen tension ratio (a/APO2), and number of immature neutrophils between the two groups. Baseline a/APO2 was significantly lower in infants with than without active treatment (0.44 vs 0.67, respectively, P = 0.002). After 4 h treatment, the IL‐6 decreased to < 500 pg/mL in all eight infants, and a/APO2 improved significantly to 0.62 (P = 0.006). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia occurred in a similar proportion (63%, 5/8 vs 80%, 8/10, respectively), but the number of days on inhaled oxygen (30 vs 47 days, respectively, P = 0.033) and tracheal intubation (36 vs 51 days, respectively, P = 0.040) was significantly lower in infants with than without active treatment. Prevalence of adverse events was similar (13%, 1/8 vs 50%, 5/10 for active vs conventional treatment, respectively).ConclusionActive treatment with PMX‐DHP and CHDF was helpful in the reduction of days on inhaled oxygen and tracheal intubation in preterm SIRS infants with hypercytokinemia. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted.