bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of Dehydroascorbate Reductase Confers Enhanced Tolerance to Salt Stress in Rice Plants (Oryza sativaL.japonica)
Authors: Kim Y. S. , Kim I. S. , Shin S. Y. , Park T. H. , Park H. M. , Kim Y. H. , Lee G. S. , Kang H. G. , Lee S. H. , Yoon H. S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR, EC 1.8.5.1) helps to maintain redox pools of ascorbate (AsA) by recycling dehydroascorbate (DHA) to AsA. To investigate whether DHAR influences the acquired tolerance of rice plants to abiotic stresses,cDNAencodingDHAR(OsDHAR1) was isolated from rice and used to developOsDHAR1‐overexpressing transgenic rice plants regulated by a maize ubiquitin promoter. The incorporation and expression of the transgene was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and semi‐quantitative reverse transcription PCR, real‐time PCR, Western blot and enzyme activity. The overexpression ofOsDHAR1greatly increased the DHAR activity and the AsA/DHA ratio, following increase in AsA content and decrease in DHA content. In addition, the enzyme activity of monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase and ascorbate peroxidase, which are related to the ascorbate–glutathione systems, was enhanced in the presence and the absence of salt stress in homozygous transgenic rice plants (OsDHAR1‐OX1,‐OX2) harbouringUbi::OsDHAR1. In addition,OsDHAR1‐expressing transgenic rice plants enhanced the redox state by reducing both hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde levels under salt and methyl viologen (MV) stress conditions, which led to better plant growth, ion leakage and quantum yield (Fv/Fm). Therefore, our results show that the overexpression ofOsDHAR1increases the adaptation of rice plants to salt stress, by maintaining the AsA pool, ion homoeostasis and redox homoeostasis. Finally, the findings of this study indicate thatOsDHAR1plays an important role in attenuating the deleterious effects of various abiotic stresses.
CuInSe2 Formation from CuSe/In2Se3 and Cu2Se/In2Se3 Powders: Reaction Kinetics and Mechanisms
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Hsiang , Hsiang Hsing‐I , Chen Ming‐Hung , Chen Chih‐Cheng 
Published: May 2014

CuInSe2 (CIS) powders were synthesized using CuSe, Cu2Se, and In2Se3 as the raw materials. The formation mechanisms and reaction kinetics from CuSe/In2Se3 and Cu2Se/In2Se3 powders in a selenium atmosphere were investigated. It was observed that the formation temperature of α‐CIS powders synthesized using Cu2Se/In2Se3 as the raw materials was higher than that using CuSe/In2Se3. Both reactions for Cu2Se/In2Se3 and CuSe/In2Se3 mixtures follow one‐dimensional diffusion‐controlled reactions with apparent activation energies of 124.3 and 73.2 kJ/mol, respectively. For both mixtures the indium‐rich β‐CIS phase resulting from Cu+ ion diffusion toward the In2Se3 phase was observed. The particle size and morphology of the newly formed CIS was similar to In2Se3, which indicated that the CIS formation kinetics may be dominated by the diffusion of Cu+ ions. The Cu–Se liquid phase resulting from the peritectic decomposition of CuSe2 and CuSe at a relatively low temperature may promote Cu+ diffusion into the In2Se3 surface, assisting CIS formation.
The effects of keyword cues and 3R strategy on children's e‐book reading
Authors: Liang T.‐H. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractVarious studies have found that electronic books (e‐books) promote learning, but few works have examined the use of e‐books along with an adaptive reading strategy for children. The current study implemented a method to extract keyword cues from e‐books to support e‐book reading with the read, recite and review (3R) strategy, and then examined the impact of this on children's reading performance. A pilot work recruited 76 first‐graders, developed the related reading tests and questionnaires. These were later used in assessing the effects of different interventions on the reading performances and perspectives of 74 first‐graders in the main study. Based on the findings of this work, the 3R strategy can be used as an effective approach to guide children's reading with e‐books. In addition, the use of keyword cues incorporated with retrieval practice can provide support with regard to Chinese characters and phonetic information in order to aid children's memorization of the story, thus promoting both phonological awareness and reading comprehension.
A prospective case–control study of non‐healing wounds of the lower limbs – the value of biopsies for ulcerating carcinoma
Authors: Gil T. , Pistunovich Y. , Kulikovsky M. , Elmalah I. , Krausz Y. , Mettanes I. , Lavi I. , Har‐shai Y. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn some leg ulcer patients there is cancer that is responsible for lack of healing of such a wound.AimThis study was aimed at prospective analysis of histopathology of non‐healing wounds (NHWs) in the patient presenting with high and low suspicion for ulcerating carcinoma.Material and methodsForty patients with NHWs were enrolled and had been prospectively divided into two groups: 25 patients with high suspicion for ulcerating carcinoma according to their medical history and physical examination, and the second group of 15 patients without suspicion for malignancy (control group). All NHWs were photographed and underwent biopsies.ResultsIn the control group biopsies did not reveal cancers. On the contrary, in 10 patients (40%) from high suspicion group biopsies revealed cancers: seven basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), one – malignant melanoma, one – Bowen's disease and one – squamous cell carcinomas. Histopathology of six of seven BCCs suggested that non‐healing benign wound might have preceded malignancy. We found that leg ulcers which were small (wound area less than 3 cm2), longstanding (duration 24 ≤ weeks), presenting with granulation tissue covering ≥75% of the wound area, with a dull pink appearance of the granulation tissue, or an atypical clinical presentation, can actually be an ulcerating carcinoma. Dull pink granulation tissue or an atypical clinical presentation of ulceration, as a single clinical finding, suggested an underlying malignancy with a statistical significance (71.5% vs. 0%; P = 0.001 and 27.8% vs. 0%; P = 0.0049 respectively).ConclusionsPrevalence of malignancy, primarily: BCCs in NHWs, may be higher than expected and clinical features suggestive of such a nature of ulcer are an indication for diagnostic biopsy.
Impact of psoriasis severity on family income and quality of life
Authors: Hawro T. , Zalewska A. , Hawro M. , Kaszuba A. , Królikowska M. , Maurer M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a common disease and the costs of its therapy, medical care and loss of productivity are a major financial burden for patients and society. The financial status of psoriasis patients and its relationship with disease severity and quality of life (QoL) remains ill characterized.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the economic status of psoriasis patients and to investigate its correlation with disease severity and its impact on QoL.MethodsA total of 83 (45 male) psoriasis patients, treated at a Polish specialty clinic, were assessed for their financial and employment status. QoL was measured with a generic (WHOQOL‐BREF) and a skin disease‐related QoL instrument (dermatology life quality index – DLQI). The effects of demographic and clinical variables, including disease severity measured by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), on the family income of patients were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. The mediating effect of family income between PASI and QoL was assessed by using the Baron and Kenny's procedure.ResultsPatients' family income correlate negatively with psoriasis severity (Spearman's rho = −0.356; P < 0.01). Disease severity in patients with a family income below the social minimum was significantly higher (PASI: 20.5 ± 12.2) than in patients with a higher family income (PASI: 11.7 ± 7.7, P < 0.001). We found that education, disease severity and age predict 50% of the variability in family income (P < 0.001). Disease severity showed the second strongest impact on income after education (P < 0.01). Family income was found to link disease severity to global QoL impairment (P < 0.05).ConclusionDisease severity negatively affects the financial status of psoriasis patients, which in turn, is a mediator of global QoL impairment. Our findings are alarming and call for long‐term solutions that equalize employment opportunities for patients with psoriasis.
Intraspecific divergence and evolution of a life‐history trade‐off along a successional gradient in Hawaii's Metrosideros polymorpha
Authors: Morrison K. R. , Stacy E. A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe importance of environmental gradients in the diversification of long‐lived tree species is poorly understood. Two morphologically distinct varieties of the endemic Hawaiian tree, 'ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), are the canopy dominants at alternate extremes of a successional gradient formed by the recurring disturbance of lava flows on east Hawai'i Island. The maintenance of these varieties despite hybridization may be due to disruptive selection at either end of the successional gradient. To test this hypothesis, seeds from three, replicate monotypic stands of each variety on east Hawai'i Island were germinated and the resulting seedlings grown under four combinations of light and nitrogen levels in a greenhouse, and at early‐ and late‐successional field sites. Growth and survivorship measures revealed differential fitness of these varieties in high‐ and low‐light environments in the greenhouse with corresponding differential fitness in early‐ and late‐successional field sites. Unique light‐by‐nitrogen interaction effects on growth were observed in each variety, and only the late‐successional variety appeared to be nitrogen limited. These two varieties exhibit the classic plant life‐history trade‐off between fast growth in high light and high survivorship in shade, but notably within a single tree species. These findings strongly implicate a role for Hawaii's striking environmental heterogeneity in the emergence of at least two endemic forms of this woody genus.
Wound healing of osteotomy defects prepared with piezo or conventional surgical instruments: a pilot study in rabbits
Authors: Ma Li , Mattheos Nikos , Sun Yan , Liu Xi Ling , Yip Chui Ying , Lang Niklaus Peter 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the wound‐healing process following osteotomies performed with either conventional rotary burs or piezoelectric surgery in a rabbit model.MethodsTwo types of osteotomy window defects of the nasal cavities were prepared on the nasal bone of 16 adult New Zealand white rabbits with either a conventional rotary bur or piezo surgery. The defects were covered with a resorbable membrane. Four animals were killed at 1, 2, 3, and 5 weeks after the surgical procedure, respectively. Histological and morphometric evaluations were performed to assess the volumetric density of various tissue components: the blood clot, vascularized structures, provisional matrix, osteoid, mineralized bone, bone debris, residual tissue, and old bone.ResultsSignificantly more bone debris was found at 1 week in the conventionally‐prepared defects compared to the piezo surgically‐prepared defects. At 2 and 3 weeks, a newly‐formed hard tissue bridge, mainly composed of woven bone, was seen; however, no statistically‐significant differences were observed. At 5 weeks, the defects were completely filled with newly‐formed bone.ConclusionThe defects prepared by piezo surgery showed a significantly decreased proportion of bone debris at 1 week, compared to conventional rotary bur defect.
Analysis of salivary secretor status in patients with oral submucous fibrosis: a case‐control study
Authors: Hallikeri Kaveri , Udupa Ravichandra , Guttal Krutika , Naikmasur Venktesh 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimMany individuals have various tobacco‐related habits, yet only some develop clinical manifestation of lesions. This raises the question of whether there any inherent or host risk factors involved in the pathogenesis which need to be further investigated. The aim of the present study was to analyze the ABO antigen, secretor status, and blood groups of patients.MethodsThe study consisted of 99 participants, with 33 patients allocated to three groups: (a) patients with a tobacco‐related habit and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF); (b) patients with a tobacco‐related habit, but no lesions; and (c) healthy controls. A total of 1 mL unstimulated saliva was collected in a sterile test tube, and the Wiener agglutination test was performed to analyze the ABO antigen in all three groups.ResultsAll of the OSF patients were non‐secretors, whereas 84.8% were non‐secretors in the group of individuals with habits as compared to 15.2% in the healthy group. A statistically‐significant difference was observed between the OSF and healthy groups. The patients in the OSF group were predominantly blood‐group A, followed by groups O, B, and AB.ConclusionThere is a correlation between salivary secretor status and the development of OSF. Thus, non‐secretors are at greater risk of and more prone to the development of oral lesions. Blood‐groups A and O predominate over the B and AB blood groups.
Orofacial adverse effects of biological agents
Authors: Georgakopoulou Eleni A. , Scully Crispian 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBiological agents (BA) are increasingly used effectively in the treatment of a range of disorders, but to date, their application in diseases affecting the orofacial region has been fairly limited. Several orofacial adverse effects related to BA have been recently reported. However, the evidence for such adverse reactions is not always strong, and some of the adverse effects of BA have only been reported in case reports or case series. Most reactions to BA reported thus far have been in association with antitumor necrosis factor‐α agents, which is not surprising, as these are the most widely‐used BA. In the present study, the orofacial adverse effects are reported with various BA in order to sensitize clinicians to the possibilities. In addition, we briefly summarize the mode of action and indications of these BA. As the use and range of BA increases, the number and diversity of adverse effects might well increase. Despite the adverse effects of biological agents, these may often be less serious than the adverse effects of the more traditional immunosuppressive agents.
Facial dysplasia in wild chimpanzees
Authors: Krief Sabrina , Krief Jean‐Michel , Seguya Andrew , Couly Gérard , Levi Giovanni 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAt least 10% of the Sebitoli chimpanzee community of the Kibale National Park (Uganda) present a characteristic facial phenotype with flattened nose, reduced nostrils, and concave mid‐face. Affected individuals do not present skin lesions, and also young infants are affected. We suggest, therefore, a congenital origin of this defect.
Mu‐opioid receptor splice variants: sex‐dependent regulation by chronic morphine
Authors: Verzillo Vittorio , Madia Priyanka A. , Liu Nai‐Jiang , Chakrabarti Sumita , Gintzler Alan R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe gene encoding the mu‐opioid receptor (MOR) generates a remarkable diversity of subtypes, the functional significance of which remains largely unknown. The structure of MOR could be a critical determinant of MOR functionality and its adaptations to chronic morphine exposure. As MOR antinociception has sexually dimorphic dimensions, we determined the influence of sex, stage of estrus cycle, and chronic systemic morphine on levels of MOR splice variant mRNA in rat spinal cord. Chronic systemic morphine influenced the spinal expression of mRNA encoding rMOR‐1B2 and rMOR‐1C1 in a profoundly sex‐dependent fashion. In males, chronic morphine resulted in a twofold increase in expression levels of rMOR‐1B2 and rMOR‐1C1 mRNA. This effect of chronic morphine was completely absent in females. Increased density of MOR protein in spinal cord of males accompanied the chronic morphine‐induced increase in MOR variant mRNA, suggesting that it reflected an increase in corresponding receptor protein. These results suggest that tolerance/dependence results, at least in part, from different adaptational strategies in males and females. The signaling consequences of the unique composition of the C‐terminus tip of rMOR‐1C1 and rMOR‐1B2 could point the way to defining the molecular components of sex‐dependent tolerance and withdrawal mechanisms.
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Chronic systemic morphine increases levels of mRNA encoding two splice variants of mu‐opioid receptor (MOR), MOR‐1B2 and MOR‐1C1, variants differing from rMOR‐1 in their C‐terminal (and phosphorylation sites therein) and thus possibly signaling sequelae. This adaptation is sex‐specific. It occurs in the spinal cord of males, but not females, indicating the importance of sex‐specific mechanisms for and treatments of tolerance and addiction.
Improvement of pulmonary absorptions of poorly absorbable drugs using Gelucire 44/14 as an absorption enhancer
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Huang Xiaoyan , Mi Jie , Huo Yayu , Wang Guan , Xing Jianfeng , Gao Yang 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to evaluate the absorption-enhancing effects of Gelucire 44/14 on the pulmonary absorption of different poorly absorbable drugs and relative mechanism of action.

Methods
Absorption-enhancing effect of Gelucire 44/14 were examined by an in-vivo pulmonary absorption experiment in rats, and the membrane toxicity of Gelucire 44/14 was evaluated by measuring levels of protein and dehydrogenase (LDH) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and morphological observation.

Key findings
Pulmonary absorptions of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextrans, insulin and calcitonin were enhanced by Gelucire 44/14 (0.1–2.0%, w/v) in a concentration-dependent manner, and the maximal absorption-enhancing effect was obtained when the concentration of Gelucire 44/14 increased to 2.0% (w/v). Furthermore, Gelucire 44/14 neither increase the levels of protein and LDH in BALF nor change morphology of lung compared with control group. In addition, a well correlation between the absorption-enhancing effect and surface tension of insulin solution in the presence of Gelucire 44/14 was observed, suggesting Gelucire 44/14-mediated decrease in the surface tension of the gas-liquid interface in alveolar tissue was possible one of the improving mechanisms of Gelucire 44/14.

Conclusion
Gelucire 44/14 was a potential and safe absorption enhancer for improving the absorption of poorly absorbable drugs including insulin and calcitonin by pulmonary delivery.
First trimester multivitamin/mineral use is associated with reduced risk of pre‐eclampsia among overweight and obese women
Authors: Vanderlelie Jessica , Scott Rani , Shibl Rania , Lewkowicz Jessica , Perkins Anthony , Scuffham Paul A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe use of pregnancy‐specific multivitamin supplements is widely recommended to support maternal homeostasis during pregnancy. Our objective was to investigate whether multivitamin use during pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of pre‐eclampsia. The effect of multivitamin use on incidence of pre‐eclampsia in lean and overweight/obese women was analysed using data collected between 2006 and 2011 as part of the Environments for Healthy Living Project, Griffith University, Australia. A total of 2261 pregnancies were included in the analysis with pre‐eclampsia reported in 1.95% of subjects. Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 was associated with a 1.97‐fold [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93, 4.16] increase in pre‐eclampsia risk. First trimester multivitamin use was reported by 31.8% of women and after adjustment, was associated with a 67% reduction in pre‐eclampsia risk (95%CI: 0.14, 0.75). Stratification by BMI demonstrated a 55% reduction in pre‐eclampsia risk (95%CI: 0.30, 0.86) in overweight (BMI: 25–29.9) and 62% risk reduction (95%CI: 0.16, 0.92) in obese (BMI: ≥30) cohorts that supplemented with multivitamins in the first trimester of pregnancy. This finding may be particular to the Australian population and reflect inherent nutritional deficits. First trimester folate supplementation was found to reduce pre‐eclampsia incidence [adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 0.42 95%CI: 0.13, 0.98] and demonstrated significance upon stratification by overweight status for women with BMI >25 (AOR 0.55 95%CI: 0.31, 0.96). These results support the hypothesis that multivitamin supplementation may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of pre‐eclampsia during pregnancy and be of particular importance for those with a BMI ≥25.
Comparison between Solanum torvum Sw. and S. melongena L. after Ralstonia solanacearum inoculation
Authors: Aribaud M. , Noirot M. , Fock‐Bastide I. , Vaniet S. , Kodja H. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is one of the most devastating plant diseases, affecting some economically important Solanaceae crops. In contrast, Solanum torvum, also known as wild eggplant, does not wilt when infested with R. solanacearum. In order to describe the mechanism underlying the response of S. torvum, it was compared with the cultivated eggplant, S. melongena, when both were infected with the same R. solanacearum strain. No wilting occurred in S. torvum, although the bacteria colonised roots and stems in both species within the first 24 h. There were marked differences beyond 24 h, consisting of high bacterial mortality in S. torvum. Using the calli model, our investigations revealed an increase in cell wall monoamine oxidase activity in S. torvum after R. solanacearum inoculation, which did not occur in S. melongena.
Floral development in Scutellaria pinnatifida (Lamiaceae): the ontogenetic basis for sepal reduction
Authors: Naghiloo S. , Gohari G.R. , Nikzat Siahkolaee S. , Dadpour M.R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe Scutellaria is a Labiatae genus (subfamily Scutellarioideae) with a highly specialised floral structure. The genus is characterised by a peculiar two‐lobed calyx with a projecting appendage, named the scutellum. Here, we present a detailed analysis of floral development, using epi‐illumination light microscopy, to clarify open questions about its floral organisation. Floral whorls appeared in an acropetal sequence, with a marked temporal overlap of petal and stamen appearance. Organ appearance in each whorl proceeded unidirectionally from the abaxial to the adaxial side. Significant developmental features included the formation of the scutellum, reduction of sepal lobes and formation of a three‐lobed nectary disc. Our study revealed that both loss of organ initiation and fusion of primordia are responsible for the reduction in sepal members in Scutellaria. The nectary structure was markedly different from most other studied Lamiaceae.
Risky (Agri‐) Business: Risk Assessment, Analysis and Management as Bio‐political Strategies
Authors: Mason Karla 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis article explores risk assessment, analysis and management as strategic responses to the threat of animal disease outbreaks. Such strategies, and the techniques, technologies and practices they give rise to, are conceptualised here as thoroughly bio‐political strategies which induce particular disciplinary effects. These effects are critically explored along three key analytical dimensions: space, place and mobility. This analysis is carried out through a deconstructive reading of both the discourses and practices associated with risk assessment, analysis and management. Whilst the deployment of these strategies acts to classify, categorise, control, order, render visible, distribute (or fix) in space, a heterogeneous array of agents (human and non‐human) and objects, as the article argues, these strategies do not merely delimit or inhibit. Rather, their deployment effects a proliferation of opportunities for resistance, negotiation, transgression and misappropriation, not to mention technical failure. Such strategies are therefore characterised as much by congenital failure and indeterminacy as by efficacy and completion.