bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Pathogenicity and AFLP to Characterize Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. momordicae Isolates from Bitter Gourd in China
Authors: Chen Zhen‐Dong , Huang Ru‐Kui , Li Qi‐Qin , Wen Jun‐Li , Yuan Gao‐Qing 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) cultivated in China is regarded as an important vegetable crop and is of considerable economic importance. However, it is susceptible to fusarium wilt, which causes heavy economic losses. Forty‐eight isolates were isolated from diseased bitter gourd plants that displayed typical fusarium wilt symptoms. Based on the morphological features, the rDNA internal transcribed space (ITS) sequences, pathogenicity and host biotypes, all of the isolates tested were pathogenic to the susceptible bitter gourd plants species (cv. ‘Guinongke No. 2’) and were identified as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. momordicae (FOM). Our results classified different isolates as slightly, moderately or highly virulent. Among the isolates tested, 43 isolates slightly infected bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria var. clavata), whereas they did not infect other species from the family Cucurbitaceae. Genetic diversity among 48 isolates was characterized using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. The number of bands amplified by each primer pairs ranged from 41 to 66, with sizes ranging from 200 to 500 bp. A total of 366 bands were observed, out of which 363 were polymorphic (99.14%). The Nei's genetic identity of the six geographical populations varied from 0.7362 to 0.9707. The mean Nei's gene diversity index (H = 0.2644) and the mean Shannon's information index (I = 0.4071) at species level were higher than ones at populations level, indicated that the variation within populations was greater than that among populations. The Nei's GST (0.5103) and gene flow (Nm = 0.4923) revealed that genetic differentiation was mainly among populations and few gene exchanges. The dendrogram obtained from AFLP marker showed that there was a good correlation between isolates from different geographical locations and their pathogenicity. The AFLP marker effectively distinguished the high virulent isolates from the less virulent isolates. The highly virulent isolates were distinctly separated in different clusters, which indicated a significantly high correlation with the geographical origin in the AFLP dendrogram. The pathogenicity and molecular marker analysis confirmed the presence of variation in virulence as well as genetic diversity among the FOM isolates studied.
Grapevine Viruses' Detection and Sanitary Selection in Grapevine Germplasm of Calabria (Southern Italy)
Authors: Leo Giovanna , Luison Davide , Grande Saverio Bruno , Albanese Giuliana , Faggioli Francesco 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA survey of grapevine viruses present in the region of Calabria (southern Italy) was carried out, and the sanitary selection was conducted on various indigenous varieties. Serological (ELISA) and molecular (multiplex RT‐PCR) tests were used to detect the viruses included in the Italian certification programme: Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), Grapevine leafroll associated virus 1 (GLRaV‐1), Grapevine leafroll associated virus 2 (GLRaV‐2), Grapevine leafroll associated virus 3 (GLRaV‐3), Grapevine virus A (GVA), Grapevine virus B (GVB) and Grapevine fleck virus (GFkV). The frequency with which the above viruses have been detected was 37.4, 32.6, 12.8, 7.7, 7.3, 1.9 and 0.3%, respectively, for GVA, GLRaV‐3, GFLV, GFKV, GLRaV‐1, GLRaV‐2 and GVB. ArMV was never found. The sanitary selection allowed for the detection of 6 putative clones of ‘Arvino’, 2 of ‘Magliocco dolce’ and 2 of the rootstock ‘17–37’ free of the above‐mentioned viruses. The necessary process for the commercialization of these clones as ‘certified’ propagation material was accomplished, and their official approval by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture is currently in progress.
Contamination of Groundnut in South‐Western Nigeria by Aflatoxigenic Fungi and Aflatoxins in Relation to Processing
Authors: Afolabi Clement G. , Ezekiel Chibundu N. , Kehinde Iyabode A. , Olaolu Ayodeji W. , Ogunsanya Olaide M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractGroundnut is commonly consumed in its roasted form by many Nigerians. This study was therefore conducted to determine the levels of aflatoxin in roasted groundnut retailed in south‐western Nigeria with a view to assessing the fitness of the processed nut for human consumption. The effects of roasting and de‐coating as alternative methods for reducing the ‘aflatoxin scare’ in the nut were further assessed on aflatoxigenic fungal load and aflatoxin content of the nuts. Forty‐eight samples of retailed raw and roasted groundnut were collected and assessed by mycological and thin‐layer chromatographic analysis for changes in aflatoxigenic fungal population and aflatoxin concentration, respectively. Consequently, 480 isolates of the Aspergillus section Flavi group, A. flavus L strain (n = 410), A. tamarii (n = 56), A. parasiticus (n = 7) and A. parvisclerotigenus (n = 7), were recovered from all samples. Aflatoxigenic isolates of A. flavus L strain (58.8%) had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher incidence than the non‐aflatoxigenic isolates (41.2%). Aflatoxins were detected in 43 (89.6%) of the samples. Approximately 25% of all samples exceeded the 20 ng/g limit for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) adopted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control while 83 and 79% of all samples contained AFB1 and total aflatoxins above the European Union limits of 2 and 4 ng/g, respectively. Aflatoxin concentrations in the raw and coated samples were as much as five times higher than those in the roasted and de‐coated nuts, respectively. However, no significant difference was recorded between aflatoxin levels in the coated and de‐coated samples. This study has shown that roasting of groundnut and testa removal (de‐coating) are effective processing interventions that can significantly lower aflatoxin quantities in the kernels, thus making it fit for human consumption.
Characteristics of hepatic fatty acid compositions in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Yamada Kazutoshi , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Sunagozaka Hajime , Arai Kuniaki , Yamashita Tatsuya , Takeshita Yumie , Misu Hirofumi , Takamura Toshinari , Kitamura Seiko , Zen Yoh , Nakanuma Yasuni , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. Recent studies have suggested that the quality of fat accumulated in the liver is associated with the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we investigated the fatty acid composition in liver tissue and its association with the pathology in NAFLD patients.MethodsOne hundred and three patients diagnosed with NAFLD [simple steatosis (SS): 63, NASH: 40] were examined and their hepatic fatty acids were measured using gas chromatography. In addition, relationships between the composition and composition ratios of various fatty acids and patient backgrounds, laboratory test values, histology of the liver, and expression of fat metabolism‐related enzymes were investigated.ResultsThe C16:1n7 content, the C16:1n7/C16:0 and C18:1n9/C18:0 ratios were increased and the C18:0/C16:0 ratio was decreased in the NASH group. The C18:0/C16:0 and C18:1n9/C18:0 ratios were associated with the steatosis score in liver tissue, and the C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio was associated with the lobular inflammation score. The expressions levels of genes: SCD1, ELOVL6, SREBP1c, FAS and PPARγ were enhanced in the NASH group. In multivariate analysis, the C18:0/C16:0 ratio was the most important factor that was correlated with the steatosis score. In contrast, the C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio was correlated with lobular inflammation.ConclusionThe fatty acid composition in liver tissue and expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism were different between the SS and NASH groups, suggesting that the acceleration of fatty acid metabolism is deeply involved in pathogenesis of NASH.
Roles of plant hormones in the regulation of host–virus interactions
Authors: Alazem Mazen , Lin Na‐Sheng 
Published: September 2014

SummaryHormones are tuners of plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. They are involved in various complicated networks, through which they modulate responses to different stimuli. Four hormones primarily regulate plant defence to pathogens: salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene (Et) and abscisic acid (ABA). In susceptible plants, viral infections result in hormonal disruption, which manifests as the simultaneous induction of several antagonistic hormones. However, these antagonistic hormones may exhibit some sequential accumulation in resistant lines. Virus propagation is usually restricted by the activation of the small interfering RNA (siRNA) antiviral machinery and/or SA signalling pathway. Several studies have investigated these two systems, using different model viruses. However, the roles of hormones other than SA, especially those with antagonistic properties, such as ABA, have been neglected. Increasing evidence indicates that hormones control components of the small RNA system, which regulates many processes (including the siRNA antiviral machinery and the microRNA system) at the transcriptional or post‐transcriptional level. Consequently, cross‐talk between the antagonistic SA and ABA pathways modulates plant responses at multiple levels. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the different roles of hormones in the regulation of plant–virus interactions, which are helping us to elucidate the fine tuning of viral and plant systems by hormones.
Losing connections and receiving support to reconnect: experiences of frail older people within care programmes implemented in primary care settings
Authors: Bindels Jill , Cox Karen , De La Haye Jean , Mevissen Ger , Heijing Servé , van Schayck Onno C.P. , Widdershoven Guy , Abma Tineke A. 
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate whether care provided in the care programmes matched the needs of older people.BackgroundCare programmes were implemented in primary‐care settings in the Netherlands to identify frail older people and to prevent further deterioration of health.Design and methodsIn total, 23 older people participated in in‐depth interviews. Within this study, three older people participated as co‐researchers; they gathered and analysed the data together with the academic researchers. Content analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsTwo categories emerged from the data: ‘Losing connections’ and ‘Receiving support to reconnect.’ ‘Losing connections’ reflects the needs of older people and ‘Receiving support to reconnect’ reflects their experience and the appreciated aspects of the provided care. A relationship of trust with the practice nurse (PN) appeared to be an important aspect of care, as it fostered the sharing of feelings and issues other than physical or medical problems that could not be shared with the general practitioner. The PNs are experienced as connectors, who help to restore feelings of connectedness and older peoples’ access to resources in the community.ConclusionsThe relationship with the PN was experienced as valuable because of the feelings of ‘connectedness’ it created. Through this connectedness, older people could discuss feelings of loneliness, depression and frustration in receiving and acquiring the appropriate resources and services with the PNs. Furthermore, the relationship with the PN helped the older people to gain access to other health professionals and services.Implications for practiceThe results imply that care for frail older people should include an awareness of the importance of the trusting relationship. Nurses can play a vital role in creating a trusting relationship and are able to bridge the gap between older people and other professionals and services.
Eigencorneas: application of principal component analysis to corneal topography
Authors: Rodríguez Pablo , Navarro Rafael , Rozema Jos J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine the minimum number of orthonormal basis functions needed to accurately represent the great majority of corneal topographies from a normal population.MethodsPrincipal Component Analysis was applied to the elevation topographies of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces and central thickness of 368 eyes of 184 healthy subjects. PCA was applied directly to the input elevation data points and after fitting them to Zernike polynomials (up to 8th order, 8 mm diameter). The anterior and posterior surfaces, as well as right eye and left eye data, were analysed both separately and jointly. A threshold based on the amount of explained variance (99%) was applied to determine the minimum number of basis functions (eigencorneas) or degrees of freedom (DoF) in the population.ResultsThe eigenvectors directly obtained from elevation data resemble Zernike polynomials. The separate principal component analysis on the Zernike coefficients of anterior and posterior surfaces yielded 5 and 9 DoF, respectively. An additional reduction to 11 DoF (instead of 15 DoF) was achieved when performing a joint PCA that included both surfaces as well as central thickness. Finally, a further reduction was obtained by pooling right and left eye data together, to only 18 DoF.ConclusionsThe combination of Zernike fit and Principal Component Analysis yields a strong reduction of dimensionality of elevation topography data, to only 19 independent parameters (18 DoF plus population average), which indicates a high degree of correlation existing between anterior and posterior surfaces, and between eyes. The resulting eigencorneas are especially well suited for practical applications, as they are uncorrelated and orthonormal linear combinations of Zernike polynomials.
Anti‐infective proteins in breast milk and asthma‐associated phenotypes during early childhood
Authors: Zhang Guicheng , Lai Ching Tat , Hartmann Peter , Oddy Wendy H. , Kusel Merci M. H. , Sly Peter D. , Holt Patrick G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of breast milk feeding on susceptibility to asthma in childhood is highly controversial, due in part to failure of the majority of studies in the area to adequately account for key confounders exemplified by respiratory infection history, plus the effects of recall bias.MethodsAs part of a prospective cohort study on the role of respiratory infections in asthma development in high‐risk children, we measured the concentration of a panel of anti‐infective proteins in maternal milk samples and analyzed associations between these and subsequent atopy‐, infection‐, and asthma‐related outcomes prospectively to age 10 years.ResultsWe observed significant but transient inverse associations between the concentration of milk proteins and susceptibility to upper respiratory infections in year 1 only, and parallel but positive transient associations with early lower respiratory infections and atopy. No associations were seen with asthma‐related outcomes.ConclusionsBreast milk feeding may influence the expression of inflammatory symptoms associated with respiratory infections and atopy in early life, but these effects appear to be inconsistent and transient. The heterogeneous nature of breast‐feeding effects suggests it may influence systemic immunoinflammatory function at several different levels.
Sarcocystosis in a Stillborn Lamb
Authors: Agerholm JS , Dubey JP 
Published: September 2014

ContentsConfirmed congenital sarcocystosis has been reported extremely rarely in domestic ruminants. Sarcocystosis was diagnosed in a stillborn lamb with microscopic lesions predominantly in the central nervous system and placenta. Encephalitis was characterized by multiple foci of glial nodules some with central necrosis, perivascular cuffing and vascular occlusion, while placental lesions consisted of multifocal necroses, inflammation and mild calcification. Immature and mature schizonts were found in vascular endothelium of several organs. It is suggested that the protozoa were Sarcocystis tenella based on their morphology, location and as this is the most pathogenic Sarcocystis sp. parasitizing sheep.
The Induction of a Secondary Corpus Luteum on Day 12 Post‐Ovulation can Delay the Time of Luteolysis in High‐Producing Holstein Cows
Authors: Saint‐Dizier M , Legendre A‐C , Driancourt M‐A , Chastant‐Maillard S 
Published: September 2014

ContentsLuteolysis before the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy is one cause of low fertility in high‐producing dairy cows. The objective of this study was to assess whether induction of a secondary corpus luteum (CL) late in the luteal phase would delay the time of luteolysis. Twenty high‐producing Holstein cows were synchronized to ovulation (Day 0) with the Ovsynch protocol and received hCG (1500 IU im) on Day 12. Corpora lutea formation (as evaluated by ultrasonography) and plasma P4 concentrations were monitored from Days 4 to 36. hCG treatment induced the formation of one secondary CL (CL2) in 11 of 20 cows (55%) from the dominant follicle (mean diameter: 14.2 ± 0.9 mm) of two‐wave (3/11) and three‐wave (8/11) cycles. The maximal diameter of the CL2 (23.3 ± 1.9 mm) was reached approximately 6 days after hCG treatment and was correlated with its structural lifespan (p < 0.01). Cows that formed a CL2 after hCG had higher mean plasma P4 concentrations on Day 14 (+4.5 ng/ml) and Day 18 (+3.0 ng/ml) compared with cows without CL2 (p < 0.05). The structural regression of CL2 begun approximately 8 days after that of the CL1, and the median time at which the first drop in circulating P4 levels occurred was later in cows that formed a CL2 than in those that did not (Day 26 vs Day 18; p < 0.01). Thus, the induction of a CL2 by hCG on Day 12 might reduce the risk of premature luteolysis in high‐producing dairy cows after insemination.
Relationships between ventilatory impairment, sleep hypoventilation and type 2 respiratory failure
Authors: Hillman David , Singh Bhajan , McArdle Nigel , Eastwood Peter 
Published: September 2014

AbstractConditions that increase load on respiratory muscles and/or reduce their capacity to cope with this load predispose to type 2 (hypercapnic) respiratory failure. In its milder forms, this imbalance between load and capacity may primarily manifest as sleep hypoventilation which, if untreated, can increase the likelihood of wakeful respiratory failure. Such problems are commonly seen in progressive respiratory neuromuscular disorders, morbid obesity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, either separately or together. Identifying patients at risk can be important in determining whether and when to intervene with treatments such as non‐invasive ventilatory assistance. Measurements of wakeful respiratory function are fundamental to this risk assessment. These issues are reviewed in this paper.
Differential injurious effects of ambient and traffic‐derived particulate matter on airway epithelial cells
Authors: Kumar Rakesh K. , Shadie Alexander M. , Bucknall Martin P. , Rutlidge Helen , Garthwaite Linda , Herbert Cristan , Halliburton Brendan , Parsons Kristy S. , Wark Peter A.B. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveExposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) may promote development of childhood asthma and trigger acute exacerbations of existing asthma via injury to airway epithelial cells (AEC).MethodsWe compared the response of AEC to ambient particulates with median aerodynamic diameters of <10 μm or <2.5 μm from the Sydney metropolitan region (Sydney PM10 or PM2.5), to traffic‐derived particulates from the exhaust stack of a motorway tunnel or to inert carbon black as a control.ResultsSydney PM10 strongly stimulated messenger RNA expression and secretion of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) by mouse tracheal AEC. In contrast, traffic‐derived particulates did not. Similarly, PM10 stimulated expression of IL6, IL8 and IL1B by human AEC. Mass spectrometric analysis showed that PM10 contained much higher levels of elements associated with dusts of geological origin. In contrast, tunnel soot contained much higher levels of various organic compounds, notably including long straight‐chain alkanes and diesel‐derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Sydney PM2.5, as well as PM10 collected during a period including a major dust storm, both of which contained relatively lower levels of iron but similar levels of other crustal elements, did not stimulate expression or secretion of CXCL1 by mouse AEC.ConclusionsAmbient PM10 is likely to be more important than traffic‐derived PM in causing injury to AEC leading to production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The injurious effects may be related to the presence of iron in the coarse fraction of airborne PM. These findings are likely to be relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma.
Optimal Insurance With Costly Internal Capital
Authors: Jaffee Dwight , Walden Johan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe introduce costly internal capital into a standard insurance model, in which a risk‐averse policyholder buys insurance from a risk‐neutral insurer with limited liability. The unique optimal contract and internal capital lead to a strictly positive probability for insurer default. Some risks are uninsurable in that the insurer chooses not to provide insurance against such risks. An increase in the cost of capital may lead to a higher optimal amount of internal capital. The results extend to multiple policyholders in a symmetric setting. Our extension of the classical model to include costly internal capital provides a fruitful approach to many real world insurance markets.
Risk Culture: What It Is and How It Affects an Insurer's Risk Management
Authors: Roeschmann Angela Zeier 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis article conceptualizes risk culture and sheds light on the role it plays in insurers’ risk management frameworks. The article follows a cognitive, dynamic approach, arguing that risk culture is the product of organizational learning about what has or has not worked for it in the past. Within their local context, the members of a group learn which of the typically centrally prescribed formal risk management policies and procedures and which espoused risk philosophies actually work in practice in the sense of behavior that is formally or informally encouraged or discouraged, rewarded or punished. While the formal risk management framework defines which processes to use, which limits to obey, and which values to aspire to, it is the risk culture that defines which rules and norms are perceived to be rational and important. The insurance literature commonly argues, and practice suggests, that it is necessary to achieve consistency in order to effectively embed risk management. Nevertheless, inconsistent basic assumptions at the deepest level of risk culture are a likely feature of local subgroups. However, what is rational and efficient to one subgroup might be random and dangerous for the organization as a whole.
Insurance Rating Games: Strikes, Spares, and Bags
Authors: Ahlgrim Kevin C. , Jones James R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCarefully designed classroom activities and games can be used to increase student engagement, motivation, and learning. This article describes two games that have been used with students of risk management and insurance to help highlight the intricacies of insurance pricing. These two games, bowling insurance and bags insurance, help students experience the challenging nature of premium determination in risk transfer contracts and also connect the various actions taken by insurers during the insurance transaction.