bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Similar local, but different systemic, metabolomic responses of closely related pine subspecies to folivory by caterpillars of the processionary moth
Authors: Rivas‐Ubach A. , Sardans J. , Hódar J. A. , Garcia‐Porta J. , Guenther A. , Oravec M. , Urban O. , Peñuelas J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPlants respond locally and systemically to herbivore attack. Most of the research conducted on plant–herbivore relationships at element and molecular levels have focused on the elemental composition or/and certain molecular compounds or specific families of defence metabolites showing that herbivores tend to select plant individuals or species with higher nutrient concentrations and avoid those with higher levels of defence compounds. We performed stoichiometric and metabolomics, both local and systemic, analyses in two subspecies of Pinus sylvestris under attack from caterpillars of the pine processionary moth, an important pest in the Mediterranean Basin. Both pine subspecies responded locally to folivory mainly by increasing relative concentrations of terpenes and some phenolics. Systemic responses differed between pine subspecies, and most of the metabolites presented intermediate concentrations between those of the affected parts and unattacked trees. Our results support the hypothesis that foliar nutrient concentrations are not a key factor for plant selection by adult female processionary moths for oviposition, since folivory was not associated with any of the elements analysed. Phenolic compounds generally did not increase in the attacked trees, questioning the suggestion of induction of phenolics following folivory attack and the anti‐feeding properties of phenolics. Herbivory attack produced a general systemic shift in pines, in both primary and secondary metabolism, which was less intense and chemically different from the local responses. Local pine responses were similar between pine subspecies, while systemic responses were more distant.
Capitate glandular trichomes in Aldama discolor (Heliantheae – Asteraceae): morphology, metabolite profile and sesquiterpene biosynthesis
Authors: Bombo A. B. , Appezzato‐da‐Glória B. , Aschenbrenner A.‐K. , Spring O. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe capitate glandular trichome is the most common type described in Asteraceae species. It is known for its ability to produce various plant metabolites of ecological and economic importance, among which sesquiterpene lactones are predominant. In this paper, we applied microscopy, phytochemical and molecular genetics techniques to characterise the capitate glandular trichome in Aldama discolor, a native Brazilian species of Asteraceae, with pharmacological potential. It was found that formation of trichomes on leaf primordia of germinating seeds starts between 24 h and 48 h after radicle growth indicates germination. The start of metabolic activity of trichomes was indicated by separation of the cuticle from the cell wall of secretory cells at the trichome tip after 72 h. This coincided with the accumulation of budlein A, the major sesquiterpene lactone of A. discolor capitate glandular trichomes, in extracts of leaf primordia after 96 h. In the same timeframe of 72–96 h post‐germination, gene expression studies showed up‐regulation of the putative germacrene A synthase (pGAS2) and putative germacrene A oxidase (pGAO) of A. discolor in the transcriptome of these samples, indicating the start of sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis. Sequencing of the two genes revealed high similarity to HaGAS and HaGAO from sunflower, which shows that key steps of this pathway are highly conserved. The processes of trichome differentiation, metabolic activity and genetic regulation in A. discolor and in sunflower appear to be typical for other species of the subtribe Helianthinae.
Laboratory and Clinical Evaluation of a Feia Method for Canine Serum Progesterone Assay
Authors: Rota A , Vannozzi I , Marianelli S , Gavazza A , Lubas G 
Published: December 2015

ContentsThe evaluation of progesterone (P4) concentration is a valuable tool in assessing physiological reproductive events and reproductive disorders in bitches. A reliable and rapid (preferable, point of care) determination of P4 is advisable in most cases. Aims of this study were to evaluate a fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) for canine serum P4 concentration by (i) the agreement with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), (ii) the association with vaginal cytology and (iii) the accuracy in the prediction of the parturition date calculated from the estimated day of ovulation. Serum samples were collected from client‐owned bitches presented between 2011 and 2014 for the evaluation of their oestrous cycle, pregnancy or reproductive disorders. The agreement between FEIA and LC/MS/MS, evaluated on 19 samples, was statistically significant (R2 = 95.7%, p < 0.001), although FEIA showed significantly higher values than LC/MS/MS (p < 0.05). In the different phases of oestrous cycle, as determined by vaginal cytology, P4 concentrations (by FEIA) were statistically different (p < 0.05): anoestrus (n = 7) 0.38 ± 0.14 ng/ml, proestrus (n = 14) 1.04 ± 0.67 ng/ml and oestrus (n = 72) 6.8 ± 7.26 ng/ml. Mean pregnancy length from the estimated day of ovulation was 62.9 ± 1.8 days. In 13 of 22 (59.1%), 19 of 22 (86.3%) and 21 of 22 (95.5%) bitches pregnancy lasted 63 ± 1, 63 ± 2 and 63 ± 3 days, respectively. Three pregnancies were outside the 61–65 days range (60, 60 and 67 days). In conclusion, the FEIA method employed can be considered reliable and, in association with vaginal cytology, effective in evaluating the canine oestrous cycle.
Comparison of continuous positive airway pressure and bosentan effect in mildly hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Joyeux‐Faure Marie , Jullian‐Desayes Ingrid , Pepin Jean‐Louis , Cracowski Jean‐Luc , Baguet Jean‐Philippe , Tamisier Renaud , Levy Patrick , Godin‐Ribuot Diane , Launois Sandrine H 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveRandomized controlled trials (RCT) have shown that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has only limited impact on blood pressure (BP). Alternative strategies for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)‐associated hypertension are therefore needed. Endothelin‐1 has been demonstrated a key player in the deleterious cardiovascular consequences of OSA. In OSA, CPAP treatment has never been compared with endothelin receptor antagonist medications. Thus, we assessed the respective efficacy of CPAP and bosentan in reducing 24‐h diastolic BP (DBP) in patients with OSA never treated by either therapy.MethodsIn a crossover pilot study, 16 mildly hypertensive patients (office systolic BP (SBP)/DBP: 142 ± 7/85 ± 8 mm Hg) with severe OSA (55 ± 8 years; body mass index, 29.6 ± 4.2 kg/m2; apnoea–hypopnoea index, 40.8 ± 20.2/h) were randomized to either CPAP (n = 7) or bosentan (125 mg/day, n = 9) first for 4 weeks. After 2‐weeks of washout, the second 4‐week period consisted of the alternative treatment (in crossover). The primary outcome was the 24‐h mean DBP change after treatment.ResultsIn intention‐to‐treat analysis, the mean difference in 24‐h DBP measurements between treatments was −3.1 (−6.9/0.7) mm Hg (median, 25th/75th percentiles) (P = 0.101) with bosentan having a greater effect.ConclusionIn this RCT, in mildly hypertensive patients with OSA, bosentan did not modify 24‐h DBP but only reduced office BP suggesting that Endothelin‐1 blockade does not play a major role in treatment of OSA‐related hypertension.
Extracellular and cellular Hsp72 differ as biomarkers in acute exercise/environmental stress and recovery
Authors: Lee E. C‐H. , Muñoz C. X. , McDermott B. P. , Beasley K. N. , Yamamoto L. M. , Hom L. L. , Casa D. J. , Armstrong L. E. , Kraemer W. J. , Anderson J. M. , Maresh C. M. 
Published: December 2015

Stress‐inducible Hsp72 is a potential biomarker to track risk of exertional heat illness during exercise/environmental stress. Characterization of extracellular (eHsp72) vs cellular Hsp72 (iHsp72) responses is required to define the appropriate use of Hsp72 as a reliable biomarker. In each of four repeat visits, participants (n = 6 men, 4 trials; total n = 24): (a) passively dehydrated overnight, (b) exercised (2 h) with no fluid in a hot, humid environmental chamber, (c) rested and rehydrated (1 h), (d) maximally exercised for 0.5 h, and (e) returned after 24 h of at‐home recovery and rehydration. We measured rectal temperature, hydration status (% body mass loss, urine markers, serum osmolality), and Hsp72 (ELISA, flow cytometry. eHsp72 (circulating) and iHsp72 (CD3+ PBMCs) correlated (P < 0.05) with markers of heat, exercise, and dehydration stresses. eHsp72 immediately post‐exercise (>15% above baseline, P < 0.05) decreased back to baseline levels by 1 h post‐exercise, but iHsp72 expression continued to rise and remained elevated 24 h post‐exercise (~2.5‐fold baseline, P < 0.05). These data suggest that in addition to the classic physiological biomarkers of exercise heat stress, using cellular Hsp72 as an indicator of lasting effects of stress into recovery may be most appropriate for determining long‐term effects of stress on risk for exertional heat illness.
Prevalence and severity of hip and groin pain in sub‐elite male football: a cross‐sectional cohort study of 695 players
Authors: Thorborg K. , Rathleff M. S. , Petersen P. , Branci S. , Hölmich P. 
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to investigate the prevalence of hip and groin pain in sub‐elite male adult football in Denmark and (b) to explore the association between prevalence and duration of hip and groin pain in the previous season with the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) in the beginning of the new season. In total 695 respondents from 40 teams (Division 1–4) were included. Players completed in the beginning of the new season (July–Sept 2011) a self‐reported paper questionnaire on hip and/or groin pain during the previous season and HAGOS. In total 49% (95% CI: 45–52%) reported hip and/or groin pain during the previous season. Of these, 31% (95% CI: 26–36%) reported pain for >6 weeks. Players with the longest duration of pain during the previous season had the lowest HAGOS scores, when assessed at the beginning of the new season, P < 0.001. This study documents that half of sub‐elite male adult football players report pain in the hip and/or groin during a football season. The football players with the longest duration of pain in previous season displayed the lowest HAGOS scores in the beginning of the new season.
King‐Devick Test reference values and associations with balance measures in high school American football players
Authors: Alsalaheen B. , Haines J. , Yorke A. , Diebold J. 
Published: December 2015

The King‐Devick test appears to be a promising tool in screening for concussions. However, limited evidence exists on the baseline associations between the K‐D test and age and baseline screening tools used after concussion. Additionally, there are no published reference values for the K‐D test in high school football players. The K‐D test, the Balance Error Scoring System, and the Limits of Stability (LOS) test were administered to 157 high school football players. Additionally, a subsample of 62 participants completed the test twice to examine the reliability of K‐D test. There was no relationship between the K‐D test and the BESS, or the reaction time and directional control of LOS test. Students aged between 16 and 18 years demonstrated faster K‐D test performance compared to students between 13 and 15 years of age. However, there was no association between K‐D test and history of concussion. The reliability of the K‐D test was (ICC2,1 = 0.89), and the minimal detectable change was 6.10 s. Normative reference values for high school football players are presented in this study.
Decreased renal function and associated factors in cities, towns and rural areas of Tanzania: a community‐based population survey
Authors: Peck Robert , Baisley Kathy , Kavishe Bazil , Were Jackson , Mghamba Janneth , Smeeth Liam , Grosskurth Heiner , Kapiga Saidi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectivesData on renal dysfunction in sub‐Saharan Africa, comparing urban and rural areas, have not yet been reported. Therefore, we aimed to determine the distribution of low estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) in urban and rural Tanzania, to describe factors associated with low eGFR and to quantify fractions attributable to common risk factors.MethodsWe conducted a community‐based survey of 1095 randomly selected Tanzanian adults (≥18 years). A structured questionnaire and examinations were used to document sociodemographic characteristics, diet, physical activity, anthropomorphic measurements and blood pressure. Blood tests were performed for HIV infection, diabetes mellitus and creatinine. eGFR was calculated using two equations recommended for African adults.ResultsSerum creatinine was available for 1043 participants: 170 in Mwanza city, 326 in district towns and 547 in rural areas. Mean age was 35.5 years and 54% were females. The prevalence of eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 in these 3 strata was 2.3% (95% CI = 0.8–6.6%), 7.5% (4.7–11.8%) and 7.4% (5.1–10.6%), respectively. When age standardised to the WHO world population, prevalences were 3.8%, 10.1% and 8.1%. Factors associated with low eGFR included district town residence, older age, greater wealth, less physical activity and hypertension. Only 21% of cases with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 were attributable to HIV, hypertension or diabetes.ConclusionsDecreased renal function is common in Tanzania, particularly in district towns, and unique risk factors for kidney disease may exist in this population. Population‐specific strategies for prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease are needed for Africa.
Diabetic retinopathy in Tanzania: prevalence and risk factors at entry into a regional screening programme
Authors: Cleland Charles R. , Burton Matthew J. , Hall Claudette , Hall Anthony , Courtright Paul , Makupa William U. , Philippin Heiko 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe number of adults with diabetes in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) is expected to almost double by 2035. This study investigated the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its risk factors at entry into a community‐based screening programme.MethodsAll persons with diabetes screened for retinopathy at entry into a screening programme in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania between November 2010 and December 2014 were included. Fundus photographs were taken with a Topcon retinal camera following pupil dilation. Data were collected on BP, random blood sugar, duration of diabetes, BMI and visual acuity on entry.ResultsA total of 3187 persons were screened for DR. The prevalence of any DR was 27.9% (95%CI 26.4–29.5%) with background diabetic retinopathy (BDR), pre‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) having a prevalence of 19.1% (95% CI 17.7–20.4%), 6.0% (95%CI 5.2–6.8%) and 2.9% (95%CI 2.3–3.5%), respectively. Maculopathy was present in 16.1% (95%CI 14.8–17.4%) of participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis for the presence of any DR found independent associations with duration of diabetes (P < 0.0001), systolic BP (P < 0.0001), random blood sugar (P < 0.0001) and attending a government hospital diabetic clinic (P = 0.0339).ConclusionsThis study is the first to present data from a DR screening programme in SSA. The results will provide policymakers with data to aid planning of DR screening and treatment services in the African region. The study highlights the importance of managing comorbidities within DR screening programmes.
WRKY71 accelerates flowering via the direct activation of FLOWERING LOCUS T and LEAFY in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yu Yanchong , Liu Zhenhua , Wang Long , Kim Sang‐Gyu , Seo Pil J. , Qiao Meng , Wang Nan , Li Shuo , Cao Xiaofeng , Park Chung‐Mo , Xiang Fengning 
Published: December 2015

SummaryFlowering is crucial for achieving reproductive success. A large number of well‐delineated factors affecting flowering are involved in complex genetic networks in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the underlying part played by the WRKY transcription factors in this process is not yet clear. Here, we report that WRKY71 is able to accelerate flowering in Arabidopsis. An activation‐tagged mutant WRKY71‐1D and a constitutive over‐expresser of WRKY71 both flowered earlier than the wild type (WT). In contrast, both the RNA interference‐based multiple WRKY knock‐out mutant (w71w8 + 28RNAi) and the dominant repression line (W71‐SRDX) flowered later. Gene expression analysis showed that the transcript abundance of the flowering time integrator gene FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and the floral meristem identity genes LEAFY (LFY), APETALA1 (AP1) and FRUITFULL (FUL) were greater in WRKY71‐1D than in the WT, but lower in w71w8 + 28RNAi and W71‐SRDX. Further, WRKY71 was shown to bind to the W‐boxes in the FT and LFY promoters in vitro and in vivo. The suggestion is that WRKY71 activity hastens flowering via the direct activation of FT and LFY.
Further observations on the clinical significance and inheritance of the low‐frequency platelet antigen HPA‐28bw
Authors: Lucas Geoffrey , Poles Anthony , Woźniak Marcin J. , Gilmore Ruth 
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUNDMost recently described human platelet antigens (HPAs) have been low‐frequency polymorphisms identified in cases of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT). There is limited opportunity to study the clinical significance or different antenatal management strategies in cases involving low‐frequency HPA antibodies because many are single pregnancies. We have previously described a low‐frequency platelet (PLT) antigen, HPA‐28bw, implicated in FMAIT in two of the three infants in the same family. This report describes the outcome of an additional two pregnancies in this family.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe fourth and fifth pregnancies in a HPA‐28bw–alloimmunized mother with a heterozygous partner were investigated to determine the risk of FMAIT. The presence of anti‐HPA‐28bw was assessed by paternal crossmatch studies. Prenatal HPA genotyping of amniocytes was performed to inform antenatal management.RESULTSGPIIb/IIIa antibodies reactive only with paternal PLTs were detected. These antibodies had been previously identified as HPA‐28bw specific using recombinant GPIIb glycoprotein mutated to contain the HPA‐28bw (V740L) mutation. The fetus in the fourth pregnancy did not inherit the HPA‐28bw mutation, no antenatal management was required, and the baby had a normal PLT count. The fetus in the fifth pregnancy did inherit the HPA‐28bw mutation. The mother received IVIG (2 g/kg/week) and prednisolone during pregnancy, and the baby was born with a normal PLT count.CONCLUSIONStudy of this family has provided a unique opportunity to assess the clinical significance of antibodies against the low‐frequency PLT antigen (HPA‐28bw) during five pregnancies and to compare the outcomes of different antenatal treatments.
A cell‐based screening assay to identify pharmaceutical compounds that enhance the regenerative quality of corneal repair
Authors: Gordon Gabriel M. , LaGier Adriana J. , Ponchel Corinne , Bauskar Aditi , Itakura Tatsuo , Jeong Shinwu , Patel Nitin , Fini M. Elizabeth 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study was to develop and validate a simple but quantitative cell‐based assay to identify compounds that might be used pharmaceutically to give tissue repair a more regenerative character. The cornea was used as the model, and some specific aspects of repair in this organ were incorporated into assay design. A quantitative cell‐based assay was developed based on transcriptional promoter activity of fibrotic marker genes ACT2A and TGFB2. Immortalized corneal stromal cells (HTK) or corneal epithelial cells (HCLE) were tested and compared to primary corneal stromal cells. Cells were transiently transfected with constructs containing the firefly luciferase reporter gene driven by transcriptional promoters for the selected fibrotic marker genes. A selected panel of seven chemical test compounds was used, containing three known fibrosis inhibitors: lovastatin (LOV), tyrphostin AG 1296 (6,7‐dimethoxy‐3‐phenylquinoxaline) and SB203580 (4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐(4‐methylsulfinylphenyl)‐5‐(4‐pyridyl)1H‐imidazole), and four potential fibrosis inhibitors: 5‐iodotubercidin (4‐amino‐5‐iodo‐7‐(β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)‐pyrrolo(2,3‐d)pyrimidine), anisomycin, DRB (5,6‐dichloro‐1‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl‐benzimidazole) and latrunculin B. Transfected cells were treated with TGFB2 in the presence or absence of one of the test compounds. To validate the assay, compounds were tested for their direct effects on gene expression in the immortalized cell lines and primary human corneal keratocytes using RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. Three “hits” were validated LOV, SB203580 and anisomycin. This assay, which can be applied in a high throughput format to screen large libraries of uncharacterized compounds, or known compounds that might be repurposed, offers a valuable tool for identifying new treatments to address a major unmet medical need. Anisomycin has not previously been characterized as antifibrotic, thus, this is a novel finding of the study.
Effects of Recording Food Intake Using Cell Phone Camera Pictures on Energy Intake and Food Choice
Authors: Doumit Rita , Long JoAnn , Kazandjian Chant , Gharibeh Nathalie , Karam Lina , Song Huaxin , Boswell Carol , Zeeni Nadine 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe well‐documented increases in obesity and unhealthy dietary practices substantiate the need for evidence‐based tools that can help people improve their dietary habits. The current spread of mobile phone–embedded cameras offers new opportunities for recording food intake. Moreover, the act of taking pictures of food consumed may enhance visual consciousness of food choice and quantity. The present study aimed to assess the effect of using cell phone pictures to record food intake on energy intake and food choice in college students. The effectiveness and acceptability of cell phone picture–based diet recording also was assessed.MethodsA repeated measures crossover design was used. One group of participants entered their food intake online during 3 days based on their memory, although a second group recorded their food intake using cell phone pictures as their reference. Participants then crossed over to complete 3 more days of diet recording using the alternate method. Focus groups were conducted to obtain feedback on the effectiveness and acceptability of cell phone picture–based diet recording.ResultsIntake of meat and vegetable servings were significantly higher in the memory period compared with the cell phone period, regardless of the order. Results from the focus group indicated a positive attitude toward the use of cell phone pictures in recording food intake and an increased awareness of food choice and portion size.Linking Evidence to ActionCell phone pictures may be an easy, relevant, and accessible method of diet self‐monitoring when aiming at dietary changes. Future trials should combine this technique with healthy eating education.