bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topical application of the Wnt/β‐catenin activator methyl vanillate increases hair count and hair mass index in women with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Tosti Antonella , Zaiac Martin N. , Canazza Agnese , Sanchis‐Gomar Fabian , Pareja‐Galeano Helios , Alis Rafael , Lucia Alejandro , Emanuele Enzo 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundActivation of the WNT/β‐catenin pathway has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methyl vanillate (MV) − a safe plant‐derived ingredient – has been recently shown to activate the WNT/β‐catenin signaling.Objectives Two distinct substudies were conducted. First, we designed a 6‐month, uncontrolled, open‐label clinical study to investigate whether topically applied MV may increase hair count and hair mass index (HMI) in female AGA. Second, we conducted a molecular study on the effect of MV on WNT10B mRNA expression in scalp biopsies of women with AGA.MethodsA total of 20 Caucasian women (age range: 25−57 years) with AGA (Sinclair grade 1−2) were included. The research product was an alcohol‐free formulation supplied in the form of a spray containing 0.2% MV as the active ingredient.ResultsIn the clinical study, hair count and HMI were found to increase at 6 months by 6% (P < 0.01) and 12% (P < 0.001), respectively, compared with baseline. No participant discontinued treatment due to adverse effects, and the overall patient satisfaction was good. At the molecular level, the topical application of the research product resulted in a 32% increase in WNT10B mRNA expression levels in the temporal scalp area (P < 0.001).ConclusionOur pilot data suggest that topical MV can increase hair count and HMI by inducing WNT10B expression in the scalp, potentially serving as a novel treatment strategy for female AGA.
Differences in autonomic neural activity during exercise between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Authors: Nakagaki Akemi , Inami Takayuki , Minoura Tetsuji , Baba Reizo , Iwase Satoshi , Sato Motohiko 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimTo test the hypothesis that autonomic neural activity in pregnant women during exercise varies according to gestational age.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study involved 20 healthy women in their second (n = 13) or third (n = 7) trimester of pregnancy. Incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed with an electromagnetic cycle ergometer. Heart rate variability was analyzed by frequency analysis software.ResultsThe low‐frequency to high‐frequency (LF/HF) ratio, an indicator of the sympathetic nervous system, was significantly higher in third trimester than in second trimester subjects (P < 0.05) at 1, 2, and 3 min of incremental exercise testing. In contrast, the HF/total power ratio, an indicator of rapidly acting parasympathetic activity, was significantly higher in second trimester than in third trimester subjects (P < 0.05) at 2 and 3 min. In addition, a negative correlation was found between gestational age and the ‘accumulation half‐time’ of the LH/HF ratio, the time point at which the sum of the LF/HF ratio reached 50% of that accumulated in the total 6 min of exercise testing (r = −0.49, P = 0.028).ConclusionsThe autonomic response to exercise in pregnant women differs between the second and third trimesters. These differences should be considered when prescribing exercise to pregnant women.
School Health Promotion Policies and Adolescent Risk Behaviors in Israel: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Tesler Riki , Harel‐Fisch Yossi , Baron‐Epel Orna 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDHealth promotion policies targeting risk‐taking behaviors are being implemented across schools in Israel. This study identified the most effective components of these policies influencing cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption among adolescents.METHODSLogistic hierarchical linear model (HLM) analysis of data for 5279 students in 95 Jewish public schools from the Health Behavior in School‐Aged Children (HBSC) 2010‐2011 survey in Israel enabled simultaneous estimation of the relationship between student‐ and school‐level variables (health promotion policy) to alcohol consumption and smoking behavior. Principals of participating schools also were interviewed to ascertain their degree of adoption and implementation of a health promotion policy.RESULTSMost of the variance in adolescent risk behaviors is explained by student‐level variables: negative perceptions of school, lack of parental support for school issues, and more time spent with friends. Among the school‐level policy measures, parental participation in health promotion intervention programs was repeatedly associated with lower rates of risk behaviors, over and above student characteristics.CONCLUSIONSSchool health promotion policies should focus on parents' involvement in intervention programs and should seek to improve students' perceptions of school and their sense of well‐being to promote resilience. Further research is needed to identify additional factors that may increase the effectiveness of school health promotion policies.
Systematic Review of School‐Based Interventions to Modify Dietary Behavior: Does Intervention Intensity Impact Effectiveness?
Authors: Racey Megan , O'Brien Charlene , Douglas Sabrina , Marquez Olivia , Hendrie Gilly , Newton Genevieve 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDOwing to the associations between diet and health, it is important that effective health promotion strategies establish healthful eating behaviors from an early age. We reviewed the intensity of school‐based interventions aimed to modify dietary behavior in preadolescent and adolescents and related intervention characteristics to effectiveness.METHODSOur systematic literature search of 8 databases sought to identify interventions measuring dietary intake in school settings to students aged 9 to 18. We evaluated these studies for effectiveness, intensity, intervention category, and follow‐up measures.RESULTSOf the 105 interventions 81 were found to be effective immediately postintervention, irrespective of intensity. Studies that were 6 weeks to 5 months in duration, targeted students' environment or group (alone or in combination), and reached students only in schools were more effective. Only one‐fifth of interventions conducted a follow‐up measure, and a majority showed a loss of effectiveness from postintervention to follow‐up.CONCLUSIONSWe identified characteristics of effective interventions. These findings may inform the development of future interventions targeting dietary behavior in preadolescents and adolescents in the school‐based setting.
Association Between Markers of Classroom Environmental Conditions and Teachers' Respiratory Health
Authors: Claudio Luz , Rivera Glory A. , Ramirez Olivia F. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDStudies have assessed health in schoolchildren. Less is known about the environmental and occupational health of teachers.METHODSA cross‐sectional survey of teachers was conducted in 24 randomly selected public elementary schools. Questionnaire included sociodemographic information, healthcare, school conditions, and health outcomes. Chi‐square and logistic regression were used to analyze bivariate relationships. Multivariable logistic regression model was created for each health outcome, adjusted for sex and smoking to calculate estimates of association (OR) for variables that were significant in bivariate analysis.RESULTSResponse rate was 71.2 % (N = 797). Classroom conditions significantly associated with respiratory symptoms included having no windows or windows that do not open were associated with asthma or colds (OR 2.0); carpeting was associated with having asthma, itchy eyes, and eye irritation (OR 1.9); mold or water damage was associated with respiratory infections, eye irritation (OR 2.1), nasal congestion (OR 2.4), and sore throat (OR 2.7); visible dust was associated with frequent colds (OR 2.2), nasal congestion (OR 1.7), and sore throat (1.9).CONCLUSIONSAsthma, respiratory infections, colds, eye irritation, nasal congestion, and sore throat were associated with the classroom environment. Results indicate that the school environment could affect teachers' respiratory health. Further assessments are necessary to establish causation.
Dietary levels of protein and free amino acids affect pancreatic proteases activities, amino acids transporters expression and serum amino acid concentrations in starter pigs
Authors: Morales A. , Buenabad L. , Castillo G. , Vázquez L. , Espinoza S. , Htoo J. K. , Cervantes M. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe dietary contents of crude protein and free amino acids (AA) may affect the protein digestion and AA absorption in pigs. Trypsin and chymotrypsin activities, AA serum concentrations and expression of AA transporters in the small intestine of pigs fed a low protein, AA‐supplemented (19.2%, LPAA) or a high protein (28.1%, HP), wheat‐soybean meal diet were measured in two 14‐d trials. The LPAA diet contained free L‐Lys, L‐Thr, DL‐Met, L‐Leu, L‐Ile, L‐Val, L‐His, L‐Trp and L‐Phe. All pigs were fed the same amount of feed (890 and 800 g/d for trial 1 and 2 respectively). In trial 1, samples of mucosa (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) and digesta (duodenum and jejunum) were collected from 14 pigs (17.2 ± 0.4 kg); in trial 2, blood samples were collected from 12 pigs (12.7 ± 0.3 kg). The trypsin and chymotrypsin activities in both intestinal segments were higher in pigs fed the HP diet (p < 0.01). Trypsin activity was higher in jejunum than in duodenum regardless the dietary treatment (p < 0.05). Pigs fed the LPAA diet expressed more b0,+AT in duodenum, B0AT1 in ileum (p < 0.05), and tended to express more y+LAT1 in duodenum (p = 0.10). In pigs fed the LPAA diet, the expression of b0,+AT was higher in duodenum than in jejunum and ileum (p < 0.01), but no difference was observed in pigs fed the HP diet. Ileum had the lowest b0,+AT expression regardless the diet. The serum concentrations of Lys, Thr and Met were higher in LPAA pigs while serum Arg was higher in HP pigs (p < 0.05). Serum concentrations of AA appear to reflect the AA absorption. In conclusion, these data indicate that the dietary protein contents affect the extent of protein digestion and that supplemental free AA may influence the intestinal site of AA release and absorption, which may impact their availability for growth of young pigs.
L1 Grammar Instruction and Writing: Metalinguistic Activity as a Teaching and Research Focus
Authors: Fontich Xavier 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSome authors have noted a lack of conceptual clarity in the field of L1 grammar instruction for writing. Here ‘metalinguistic activity’ is proposed as a concept that can contribute conceptual clarity by relating metalinguistic activity both to the reflexivity that languages afford (i.e., using language to refer to language itself) and to a sociocultural approach to languages (i.e., languages consist of semiotic tools that underpin our psychological development). I discuss how this notion is approached by Grup de Recerca sobre Ensenyament i Aprenentatge de Llengües (GREAL), the Research Group on Teaching and Learning Languages at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain), and describe their seminal study of secondary students' metalinguistic activity in the context of writing. Results show that metalinguistic activity emerges at different levels (procedural, with common language, and with metalanguage). While it may not lead to students automatically writing better texts, metalinguistic activity does help them to engage in sustained discussion about text choices in the context of text production, something considered of utmost importance in educating good writers. In conclusion, I indicate the theoretical relevance of this concept and suggest the need for more research on how to implement it effectively in the classroom.
Unmanned aerial vehicles and Geographical Information System integrated analysis of vegetation in Trasimeno Lake, Italy
Authors: Venturi Sara , Di Francesco Silvia , Materazzi Filippo , Manciola Piergiorgio 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis study examined the potential of using high‐resolution image data acquired by micro‐UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) for analysing large‐scale environmental and hydraulic parameters. A procedure based on image data acquisition and processing is discussed and applied to a test case, Trasimeno Lake. This lake was selected for this study because of its importance in cultural, environmental and social context. This study focused on the temporal and spatial scale extension of reed beds (Common Reed). The Common Reed can strongly influence the ecological balance of the lake and particularly its evapotranspiration levels, which significantly influence the lake's water balance. Moreover, the lake provides valuable ecosystem services, including phytoremediation water treatment and the absorption of carbon (carbon sink). A presentation of the study area from a geographical and morphological perspective is provided; then, the platform (UAV and sensors) and the processing system of the images are discussed. The results concerning the accuracy of the method for the construction of georeferenced orthophotographs, and the preliminary results obtained from flights performed at different times and growing seasons of reed beds of Trasimeno Lake, are presented. This study also provides convincing evidence that the orthophotographs obtained with a low‐cost UAV system can be used to analyse changes in the extension of the Phragmites australis (Common Reed) of Trasimeno Lake, and the alteration of some environmental parameters of the vegetation, in a temporal and spatial scale. It also highlights that this system can be used to facilitate analyses performed by traditional remote sensing method.
On the role of hydrological processes on the water balance of Lake Bolsena, Italy
Authors: Di Francesco Silvia , Biscarini Chiara , Montesarchio Valeria , Manciola Piergiorgio 
Published: April 2016

AbstractLakes or reservoirs are complex environmental systems, and the sustainable management of their water resources requires advanced hydrological modelling techniques of the main state parameters (water levels and volumes, temperature, pollution level, etc.) to forecast the impacts of human activities on their natural context. Bolsena Lake in northern Lazio is a typical Italian lake environment, being a source of both environmental and economic wealth for the neighbouring area, drawing tourists and providing drinking and irrigation water. The complexity of this hydrogeological and anthropogenic system, and the current technical/scientific relevance of the several water emergencies that have occurred at the lake over the past decade, highlighted the need for a solid plan to manage the possible extreme scenarios that can affect the lake basin, including mitigation of decreases in the lake levels and for controlling lake water quality and water flow rates. The objective of this study was to assess the water budget of Lake Bolsena, accounting for the various jointly involved components, in order to model the lake levels, and to examine possible future scenarios that consider both natural and anthropogenic basin factors. Hydrometeorological data are analysed for setting such scenarios. An open‐source computational model (CEQUEAU) was calibrated with the available data and then used to evaluate possible outcomes. The model simulation results demonstrated the developed hydrological model is capable of predicting water‐level fluctuations with a good accuracy for both drought and flood events, identifying it as a valuable tool for basin/lake and lake/river management and simulations.
The genetic diversity of SMLS (Sitobion miscanthi L type symbiont) and its effect on the fitness, mitochondrial DNA diversity and Buchnera aphidicola dynamic of wheat aphid, Sitobion miscanthi (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Li Tong , Wu Xu‐Jin , Jiang Yue‐Li , Zhang Li , Duan Yun , Miao Jin , Gong Zhong‐Jun , Wu Yu‐Qing 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSMLS (Sitobion miscanthi L type symbiont) is a recently discovered aphid secondary symbiont. Using evidence extracted from 16S rRNA sequences, previous studies indicate that SMLS is the most widely distributed and most recently transferred secondary symbiont in Chinese Sitobion miscanthi populations. Here, we further investigated genetic diversity among SMLS geographic strains with multiloci data. Furthermore, the influence of SMLS on S. miscanthi was uncovered with ecological and evolutionary evidence. The results indicated that there was limited influence of infection with SMLS on variation and evolutionary patterns of S. miscanthi mitochondrial DNA. By hemolymph injection, the SMLS‐infected and SMLS‐uninfected S. miscanthi clones with the identical genetic background were built in this study. Although similar Buchnera aphidicola dynamics were observed between SMLS‐infected and SMLS‐uninfected S. miscanthi population, B. aphidicola density of SMLS‐infected S. miscanthi population was always significantly higher than SMLS‐uninfected ones. The results of fitness measurements indicated that under laboratory rearing conditions, transfection of SMLS could confer modest advantages to some fitness components of S. miscanthi, that is, total number of offspring, longevity, age of first reproduction and weight of adult. However, as SMLS is not strictly associated with S. miscanthi, further investigations are needed to uncover the mechanisms responsible for this inconceivable association.
A new piperidinol derivative targeting mycolic acid transport in Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Dupont Christian , Viljoen Albertus , Dubar Faustine , Blaise Mickaël , Bernut Audrey , Pawlik Alexandre , Bouchier Christiane , Brosch Roland , Guérardel Yann , Lelièvre Joël , Ballell Lluis , Herrmann Jean‐Louis , Biot Christophe , Kremer Laurent 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe natural resistance of Mycobacterium abscessus to most commonly available antibiotics seriously limits chemotherapeutic treatment options, which is particularly challenging for cystic fibrosis patients infected with this rapid‐growing mycobacterium. New drugs with novel molecular targets are urgently needed against this emerging pathogen. However, the discovery of such new chemotypes has not been appropriately performed. Here, we demonstrate the utility of a phenotypic screen for bactericidal compounds against M. abscessus using a library of compounds previously validated for activity against M. tuberculosis. We identified a new piperidinol‐based molecule, PIPD1, exhibiting potent activity against clinical M. abscessus strains in vitro and in infected macrophages. Treatment of infected zebrafish with PIPD1 correlated with increased embryo survival and decreased bacterial burden. Whole genome analysis of M. abscessus strains resistant to PIPD1 identified several mutations in MAB_4508, encoding a protein homologous to MmpL3. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that while de novo mycolic acid synthesis was unaffected, PIPD1 strongly inhibited the transport of trehalose monomycolate, thereby abrogating mycolylation of arabinogalactan. Mapping the mutations conferring resistance to PIPD1 on a MAB_4508 tridimensional homology model defined a potential PIPD1‐binding pocket. Our data emphasize a yet unexploited chemical structure class against M. abscessus infections with promising translational development possibilities.
A pulse‐chase strategy for EdU labelling assay is able to rapidly quantify cell division orientation
Authors: Yin Xiaofeng , Tsukaya Hirokazu 
Published: April 2016

Summary

Measurement of the direction of cell division is an important, yet difficult, task to analyse how a plant organ acquires its final shape from an initially small group of cells. We introduce a method that rapidly and easily quantifies cell division direction and is applicable to all plant species.

A pulse‐chase strategy for 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) labelling assay was established and was shown to be successful for leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) and Juncus prismatocarpus.

By optimization of the pulse and chase periods, most of the signals obtained were sets of daughter nuclei. For Arabidopsis, the optimal time was a 45‐min pulse and a 7‐h chase. For J. prismatocarpus, the optimal time was a 2‐h pulse and a 13.5‐h chase. The positions of the daughter nuclei were used to quantify cell division direction in the Arabidopsis leaf primordia. Overall, cell division along the proximal–distal axis was more frequent than along the medial–lateral axis. In petiole, major vein, minor vein and margin areas, the major cell division direction seemed to be coincident with the direction of auxin flow.

The advantages of our method over the few methods used previously are discussed. We anticipate that it will provide opportunities to study plant development in the near future.
Prasiola (Prasiolales, Trebouxiophyceae) in Japan: a survey of freshwater populations and new records of marine taxa
Authors: Sutherland Judy E. , Miyata Masahiko , Ishikawa Motoyasu , Nelson Wendy A. 
Published: April 2016

SUMMARYRecent collections from marine and freshwater locations have enabled the investigation of diversity of Prasiola in Japan. Sequence data from the rbc
L and tuf
A markers revealed the presence of three marine species and one freshwater species. Prasiola delicata was confirmed to occur on Daikokujima, Prasiola calophylla was found for the first time in Japan from Hokkaido, and a species within the P. meridionalis/linearis/stipitata complex was found on both Hokkaido and Daikokujima. Collections from a range of populations of freshwater Prasiola, identified here as P. japonica, were found to be conspecific and identical in rbc
L and tuf
A sequences to freshwater collections from Nepal, Korea, and China.
The Restorer‐of‐fertility‐like 2 pentatricopeptide repeat protein and RNase P are required for the processing of mitochondrial orf291 RNA in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fujii Sota , Suzuki Takamasa , Giegé Philippe , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Koizuka Nobuya , Shikanai Toshiharu 
Published: April 2016

SummaryEukaryotes harbor mitochondria obtained via ancient symbiosis events. The successful evolution of energy production in mitochondria has been dependent on the control of mitochondrial gene expression by the nucleus. In flowering plants, the nuclear‐encoded pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) superfamily proteins are widely involved in mitochondrial RNA metabolism. Here, we show that an Arabidopsis nuclear‐encoded RNA‐binding protein, Restorer‐of‐fertility‐like PPR protein 2 (RFL2), is required for RNA degradation of the mitochondrial orf291 transcript via endonucleolytic cleavage of the transcript in the middle of its reading frame. Both in vivo and in vitro, this RNA cleavage requires the activity of mitochondrial proteinaceous RNase P, which is possibly recruited to the site by RFL2. The site of RNase P cleavage likely forms a tRNA‐like structure in the orf291 transcript. This study presents an example of functional collaboration between a PPR protein and an endonuclease in RNA cleavage. Furthermore, we show that the RFL2‐binding region within the orf291 gene is hypervariable in the family Brassicaceae, possibly correlated with the rapid evolution of the RNA‐recognition interfaces of the RFL proteins.