bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uneven Distribution of Mating‐Type Alleles Among Togninia minima Isolates, One of the Causal Agents of Leaf Stripe Disease on Grapevines in Northwest Iran
Authors: Narmani Abolfazl , Arzanlou Mahdi , Babai‐Ahari Asadollah 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTogninia minima is the main fungal species associated with grapevine leaf stripe disease worldwide. This species is mainly known from its asexual state in nature; nevertheless, a biallelic heterothallic mating strategy has been confirmed for this species based on in vitro crossing studies. There are no data available on the incidence of an active sexual cycle within the populations of this species in many grapevine‐producing countries as well as Iran. The possibility of a clandestine sexual cycle within the Iranian isolates of T. minima was evaluated by analysing the distribution and frequency of the mating‐type alleles on a microspatial and a macrogeographical scales. Towards this aim, a total of 90 T. minima isolates were recovered from grapevines with esca disease from the vineyards in north and north‐western Iran. A multiplex PCR method previously designed by authors was applied for simultaneous identification and determination of the mating‐type alleles in T. minima populations. The results on the screening of mating‐type alleles using multiplex PCR method revealed the mating‐type identity of 77 isolates as Mat1‐2 and 23 isolates as Mat1‐1. Our results showed that both Mat1‐1 and Mat1‐2 isolates are present in a single vineyard and even on single vines. The distribution of mating‐type alleles in the sampled area skewed from the 1 : 1 ratio (77 : 23); however, co‐occurrence of both mating types in a single vineyard and even on single vines is suggestive for the presence of an active sexual cycle for T. minima in north‐western Iran.
The Role of “Ikiiki (Psychological Liveliness)” in the Relationship between Stressors and Stress Responses among Japanese University Students
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Tsuda Akira 
Published: January 2016

Abstract“Ikiiki: psychological liveliness” is a concept indigenous to Japan that resembles the concepts of subjective well‐being (SWB) and psychological well‐being (PWB) in Western culture. We investigated the role of ikiiki in the relationship between stressors and stress responses. We also examined whether SWB or PWB had greater impacts on this relationship to perhaps redefine ikiiki. Participants were 303 university students who completed the Psychological Lively Scale‐Revised and a questionnaire assessing perceived stressors and stress responses. Structural equation modeling confirmed the buffering effect of the SWB factor of ikiiki against stress via reductions in perceived stressors and stress responses (comparative fit index = .971; root mean square error of approximation = .099; standardized root mean square residual = .033). A hypothetical circular model was also suggested in which ikiiki is enhanced through reduction of stress responses while the SWB factor of ikiiki affects the stress process. These results showed the importance of ikiiki in discussing Japanese mental health. The results can also inform the directions of future research and stress‐management interventions; interventions could for instance, aim to develop ikiiki to enhance mental health.
A Review of Posttraumatic Growth and Help‐Seeking Behavior in Cancer Survivors: Effects of Distal and Proximate Culture
Authors: Matsui Tomoko , Taku Kanako 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRecent studies have shown that cancer survivors experience severe psychological distress, but some also experience personal growth, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Help‐seeking behavior (HSB) is critical for cancer survivors to better cope with stress and possibly experience PTG. The existing theoretical models of PTG and HSB assume that cancer survivors, regardless of their cultural background or personality, will receive benefit from actively interacting with others. The purpose of this review article is to critically examine this assumption and to propose that the roles of distal and proximate cultures need to be considered in further understanding the psychological mechanisms of PTG and HSB. Future studies should identify the culture‐specific meanings and implications of experiencing PTG and engaging in HSB.
The power and promise of RNA‐seq in ecology and evolution
Authors: Todd Erica V. , Black Michael A. , Gemmell Neil J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractReference is regularly made to the power of new genomic sequencing approaches. Using powerful technology, however, is not the same as having the necessary power to address a research question with statistical robustness. In the rush to adopt new and improved genomic research methods, limitations of technology and experimental design may be initially neglected. Here, we review these issues with regard to RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). RNA‐seq adds large‐scale transcriptomics to the toolkit of ecological and evolutionary biologists, enabling differential gene expression (DE) studies in nonmodel species without the need for prior genomic resources. High biological variance is typical of field‐based gene expression studies and means that larger sample sizes are often needed to achieve the same degree of statistical power as clinical studies based on data from cell lines or inbred animal models. Sequencing costs have plummeted, yet RNA‐seq studies still underutilize biological replication. Finite research budgets force a trade‐off between sequencing effort and replication in RNA‐seq experimental design. However, clear guidelines for negotiating this trade‐off, while taking into account study‐specific factors affecting power, are currently lacking. Study designs that prioritize sequencing depth over replication fail to capitalize on the power of RNA‐seq technology for DE inference. Significant recent research effort has gone into developing statistical frameworks and software tools for power analysis and sample size calculation in the context of RNA‐seq DE analysis. We synthesize progress in this area and derive an accessible rule‐of‐thumb guide for designing powerful RNA‐seq experiments relevant in eco‐evolutionary and clinical settings alike.
A novel sweet potato potyvirus open reading frame (ORF) is expressed via polymerase slippage and suppresses RNA silencing
Authors: Untiveros Milton , Olspert Allan , Artola Katrin , Firth Andrew E. , Kreuze Jan F. , Valkonen Jari P. T. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA genome of viruses in the genus Potyvirus encodes a large polyprotein that is cleaved to yield 10 mature proteins. The first three cleavage products are P1, HCpro and P3. An additional short open reading frame (ORF), called pipo, overlaps the P3 region of the polyprotein ORF. Four related potyviruses infecting sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) are predicted to contain a third ORF, called pispo, which overlaps the 3′ third of the P1 region. Recently, pipo has been shown to be expressed via polymerase slippage at a conserved GA6 sequence. Here, we show that pispo is also expressed via polymerase slippage at a GA6 sequence, with higher slippage efficiency (∼5%) than at the pipo site (∼1%). Transient expression of recombinant P1 or the ‘transframe’ product, P1N‐PISPO, in Nicotiana benthamiana suppressed local RNA silencing (RNAi), but only P1N‐PISPO inhibited short‐distance movement of the silencing signal. These results reveal that polymerase slippage in potyviruses is not limited to pipo expression, but can be co‐opted for the evolution and expression of further novel gene products.
Caries and Candida colonisation in adult patients in Basque Country (Spain)
Authors: De‐la‐Torre Janire , Marichalar‐Mendia Xabier , Varona‐Barquin Aketza , Marcos‐Arias Cristina , Eraso Elena , Aguirre‐Urizar José Manuel , Quindós Guillermo 
Published: January 2016

SummaryCandida albicans is one of the most frequent pathogens of the oral cavity, as a major cause of opportunistic disease. Moreover, Candida could be a cofactor of common oral diseases, such as dental caries. The aim of this study was to analyse the oral yeast colonisation in adults with dental caries and to evaluate its relationship with this clinical entity. We studied 190 patients distributed into controls (58 patients) and patients with caries (132 patients). Oral samples were collected by oral rinse and cultured in a chromogenic agar. C. albicans was the most prevalent species isolated from oral specimens in both groups. Patients with caries had a greater Candida colonisation (74 patients, 56.1%), than persons without caries (18 patients, 31%, P < 0.01). Patients with caries were significantly more colonised by non‐C. albicans species than individuals without caries (P = 0.006). Moreover, the diversity of Candida species was richer in patients suffering from caries. The odds ratio of the colonisation of patients with caries was 3.144 (95% CI 1.525–5.478). There is a significant clinical correlation between dental caries and oral Candida colonisation in adults.
Family‐based interventions to increase physical activity in children: a systematic review, meta‐analysis and realist synthesis
Authors: Brown H. E. , Atkin A. J. , Panter J. , Wong G. , Chinapaw M. J. M. , van Sluijs E. M. F. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryObjectiveFamily‐based interventions represent a potentially valuable route to increasing child physical activity (PA) in children. A dual meta‐analysis and realist synthesis approach examined existing interventions to assist those developing programmes to encourage uptake and maintenance of PA in children.DesignStudies were screened for inclusion based on including participants aged 5–12 years, having a substantive aim of increasing PA by engaging the family and reporting on PA outcome. Duplicate data extraction and quality assessment were conducted. Meta‐analysis was conducted in STATA. Realist synthesis included theory development and evidence mapping.ResultsForty‐seven studies were included, of which three received a ‘strong’ quality rating, 21 ‘moderate’ and 23 ‘weak’. The meta‐analysis (19 studies) demonstrated a significant small effect in favour of the experimental group (standardized mean difference: 0.41; 95%CI 0.15–0.67). Sensitivity analysis, removing one outlier, reduced this to 0.29 (95%CI 0.14–0.45). Realist synthesis (28 studies) provided insight into intervention context (particularly, family constraints, ethnicity and parental motivation), and strategies to change PA (notably, goal‐setting and reinforcement combined).ConclusionThis review provides key recommendations to inform policy makers and other practitioners in developing evidence‐based interventions aimed at engaging the family to increase PA in children, and identifies avenues for future research.
Nitric oxide function in plant abiotic stress
Authors: Fancy Nurun Nahar , Bahlmann Ann‐Kathrin , Loake Gary J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAbiotic stress is one of the main threats affecting crop growth and production. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin plant responses against environmental insults will be crucial to help guide the rational design of crop plants to counter these challenges. A key feature during abiotic stress is the production of nitric oxide (NO), an important concentration dependent, redox‐related signalling molecule. NO can directly or indirectly interact with a wide range of targets leading to the modulation of protein function and the reprogramming of gene expression. The transfer of NO bioactivity can occur through a variety of potential mechanisms but chief among these is S‐nitrosylation, a prototypic, redox‐based, post‐translational modification. However, little is known about this pivotal molecular amendment in the regulation of abiotic stress signalling. Here, we describe the emerging knowledge concerning the function of NO and S‐nitrosylation during plant responses to abiotic stress.
Early predictive echocardiographic features of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in preterm VLBW infants
Authors: Polat Tugcin Bora , Celik Istemi Han , Erdeve Omer 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) preterm infants due to significant left‐to‐right shunting, which leads to pulmonary edema/hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, acute renal failure and necrotizing enterocolitis. In this prospective study, echocardiography was carried out in VLBW preterm infants soon after birth and at the end of 72 h to evaluate the relationship between early ductal anatomic features and significant ductal shunt during follow up.MethodsPreterm infants with a gestational age ≤ 28 weeks, birthweight < 1000 g and who had ductal patency during the first 6–12 h of life underwent color Doppler echocardiograms through the first 3 days after birth.ResultsFifty‐eight patients were enrolled. The DA remained open in 42 preterm infants (72.4%) and was hemodynamically significant in 36 (62%) at the end of 72 h postnatal age. The preterm infants with hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) had shorter ductal length from aortic to pulmonary insertion and from ductal constriction to pulmonary insertion in the initial exam. Cut‐offs for these lengths were 5.2 and 1.7 mm, respectively. These parameters had significant univariate correlation with ductal closure time after treatment.ConclusionsEchocardiographic features such as short ductal length and short or absent ductal constriction area can be used to predict hsPDA for early decision making strategies in VLBW preterm infants.
Can Mycosporine‐Like Amino Acids Act as Multifunctional Compounds in Gymnodinium catenatum (Dinophyceae)?
Authors: Vale Paulo 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMAAs originating from Gymnodinium catenatum were subjected to H2O2 oxidation, light and heat. Shinorine and porphyra‐334 were the more resistant to all treatments, mycosporine‐glycine (MYGL) was the least resistant to oxidation and heat, whereas palythene and M‐370 were the least resistant to light. MYGL and M‐311 were similarly resistant to photodegradation and oxidation in the dark and low temperature, but M‐311 was more resistant to oxidation under light or heat. The ratio M‐370/M‐365 changed from 29:1 to 6:1 ratio after 240 h of exposure to fluorescent light, indicating that M‐365 could represent the M‐370 cis‐isomer. The role of MAAs as antioxidants and/or osmolytes was evaluated by studying effects of abrupt salinity reduction. Both increases or decreases in concentrations were observed and were dependent on the MAA initial concentration and its chemical structure. The relative increase in MAAs with a known antioxidant capacity (MYGL, palythene) followed an exponential decay trend related to initial concentration. The relative decrease in highly polar MAAs (shinorine, porphyra‐334, M‐332) with a suspected osmolyte role followed a rise to a maximum with the increase in initial concentration. Whether or not MAAs play a significant role in osmoregulation, their loss can occur upon hypoosmotic shock.
Comparison ofUVProtection Properties of Cotton Fabrics Treated with Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts ofAchyranthes asperaandAlhagi maurorumPlants
Authors: Nazir Ahsan , Saleem Muhammad Asad , Nazir Faiza , Hussain Tanveer , Faizan Muhammad Qasim , Usman Muhammad 
Published: January 2016

AbstractUVradiations are high‐energy radiations present in sunlight that can damage human skin. Protection against these radiations becomes vital especially in those areas of the globe whereUVindex is quite high that makes the inhabitants more prone to dangerous effects ofUVradiations. Clothing materials are good blockers ofUVradiations, particularly when the fabric cover factor is high and/or the fabrics contain suitableUV‐blocking finishes. In this study, effect of application of aqueous and methanolic extracts of two different plants,i.e.,Achyranthes asperaandAlhagi maurorumonUVprotection properties of cotton fabric was investigated. The results showed that the fabric samples treated with extracts of both the plants have excellentUVprotection properties as indicated by their ultraviolet protection factor. It was concluded that both the aqueous and methanolic plant extracts are very effective in blockingUVAandUVBradiations, when applied on cotton fabrics. TheUVprotection performance ofAchyranthes asperaextracts was much better as compared to that ofAlhagi maurorum, and methanolic extracts of both the plants outperformed the aqueous extracts in terms ofUVprotection.
Reversal of cerebral glucose hypometabolism on positron emission tomography with electroconvulsive therapy in an elderly patient with a psychotic episode
Authors: Hassamal Sameer , Jolles Paul , Pandurangi Ananda 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAB, a 74‐year‐old Caucasian woman, was admitted for acute onset of psychosis, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Pharmacotherapy was unsuccessful and the patient was referred for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Pre‐ECT, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography showed extensive frontal, parietal, and temporal cortical hypometabolism suggestive of a neurodegenerative disease. After eight ECT sessions, the psychotic and anxiety symptoms as well as the cognitive impairment resolved. The rapid improvement in symptoms was more suggestive of a psychotic episode rather than dementia. Two days after the ECT course, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET/computed tomography showed improvements in cerebral cortical hypometabolism, especially in the left parietal cortex, left temporal/occipital cortex. and bifrontal regions. At a follow‐up visit 2 months after the ECT course, the psychotic episode was still in remission, and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET/computed tomography continued to show improved cerebral cortical hypometabolism in these areas. This case illustrated the effect of ECT in reversing cerebral glucose hypometabolism on PET. The improvement in cerebral glucose hypometabolism may represent the neurophysiological mechanism of ECT in the treatment of a psychotic episode. Improved cerebral glucose hypometabolism was present 2 months post‐ECT, which suggests that ECT caused sustained functional neural changes.
Patterns of hippocampal atrophy differ among Alzheimer's disease, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and late‐life depression
Authors: Joko Taisuke , Washizuka Shinsuke , Sasayama Daimei , Inuzuka Shin , Ogihara Tomomi , Yasaki Takehiko , Hagiwara Tetsuya , Sugiyama Nobuhiro , Takahashi Tohru , Kaneko Tomoki , Hanihara Tokiji , Amano Naoji 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThis study investigated whether the characteristic changes in hippocampal atrophy seen in coronal scans are useful for differentiating Alzheimer's disease (AD), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsSubjects included 58 patients with AD, 33 with aMCI, 20 with MDD, and 22 normal controls, all aged 60 years or older. For each subject, eight coronal short TI inversion recovery images perpendicular to the hippocampal longitudinal axis were obtained. Images were manually measured using the conventional region of interest method of quantitative analysis.ResultsThe overall trend in the corrected volumes of the hippocampus was AD < aMCI < MDD < normal controls. We found atrophy in all slices in AD, atrophy centred on the hippocampal head in aMCI, and atrophy in the slice of the hippocampal body 12 mm from the amygdala in MDD.ConclusionsThe present study suggested that our method of comparing hippocampal atrophy by region may be useful in distinguishing AD, aMCI, MDD, and normal controls.
Comparing Cerebralcare Granule and aspirin for neurological dysfunction in acute stroke in real‐life practice
Authors: Zhao Luqing , Liao Lianming , Hu Fengyun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundCerebralcare Granule (CG) is a polyherbal Chinese medicine that has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in experimental models of stroke. We compared the efficacy and safety of CG with aspirin in patients with acute stroke.MethodsFor this open‐label, controlled trial, we recruited patients with angiographically confirmed strokes and US National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of 4–22 within 2 weeks of symptom onset; recruitment was performed at 55 sites in China. Patients received CG or aspirin. The primary efficacy end‐point was neurological function. Analyses were done by intention to treat. Patients were measured for NIHSS, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Mini‐Mental State Examination scores and Barthel index at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment.ResultsBetween January 2013 and January 2014, we treated 1963 patients with CG and 1288 patients with aspirin. Baseline NIHSS, Mini‐Mental State Examination, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were comparable between the two groups. Patients in the CG group had a greater improvement than the aspirin group in terms of NIHSS (P < 0.01) and Barthel index at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, patients in the CG group had a greater improvement than the aspirin group in terms of Mini‐Mental State Examination (P < 0.01) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (P < 0.05). Adverse reactions were similar between the two groups.ConclusionsThis large‐scale, controlled trial indicated that CG may be a useful treatment in the management of post‐stroke patients.
Rapid eye movement sleep without atonia may help diagnose Lewy body disease in middle‐aged and older patients with somatic symptom disorder
Authors: Munechika Takayuki , Fujishiro Hiroshige , Okuda Masato , Iwamoto Kunihiro , Torii Youta , Iritani Shuji , Ozaki Norio 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundLewy body disease (LBD), including Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), is defined pathologically as degeneration in the central and peripheral nervous system associated with Lewy bodies. Somatic symptom disorder often predates the clinical diagnosis of PD and DLB. It is crucial to make an initial diagnosis of LBD in patients with psychiatric symptoms because administering psychotropic drugs often causes or exacerbates extrapyramidal signs. Given the close association between rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder and LBD, REM sleep without atonia on polysomnography may help to diagnose LBD in middle‐aged and older patients with somatic symptom disorder.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical profiles of five patients with an initial diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder who exhibited REM sleep without atonia on polysomnography. There were three men and two women, with a mean age of 68.4 years (range: 55.0–78.0 years). The mean Mini‐Mental State Examination score was 26 (range: 22–30).ResultsOnly two patients had a clinical history of dream‐enacting behaviour and fulfilled the clinical criteria for REM sleep behaviour disorder, but clinical conditions in the other three patients corresponded to subclinical REM sleep behaviour disorder. Final clinical diagnoses were made as probable DLB in three patients; two patients did not meet the clinical criteria for PD or DLB. Neurological examinations revealed mild extrapyramidal signs in these two patients, and their scores on the motor component of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale were 8 and 5 points, and their Mini‐Mental State Examination scores were 30 points. Neither patient exhibited dream‐enacting behaviour, but both had constipation. Cardiac 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy revealed mild increased washout rates.Discussion
REM sleep without atonia may provide an opportunity to identify LBD in patients with somatic symptom disorder, even before they fulfil the clinical criteria for PD or DLB. Continued follow‐up will be needed to determine whether these psychiatric patients are in the prodromal stage of PD or DLB.