bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LACCASE Is Necessary and Nonredundant with PEROXIDASE for Lignin Polymerization during Vascular Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Qiao , Nakashima Jin , Chen Fang , Yin Yanbin , Fu Chunxiang , Yun Jianfei , Shao Hui , Wang Xiaoqiang , Wang Zeng-Yu , Dixon Richard A. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The evolution of lignin biosynthesis was critical in the transition of plants from an aquatic to an upright terrestrial lifestyle. Lignin is assembled by oxidative polymerization of two major monomers, coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol. Although two recently discovered laccases, LAC4 and LAC17, have been shown to play a role in lignin polymerization in Arabidopsis thaliana, disruption of both genes only leads to a relatively small change in lignin content and only under continuous illumination. Simultaneous disruption of LAC11 along with LAC4 and LAC17 causes severe plant growth arrest, narrower root diameter, indehiscent anthers, and vascular development arrest with lack of lignification. Genome-wide transcript analysis revealed that all the putative lignin peroxidase genes are expressed at normal levels or even higher in the laccase triple mutant, suggesting that lignin laccase activity is necessary and nonredundant with peroxidase activity for monolignol polymerization during plant vascular development. Interestingly, even though lignin deposition in roots is almost completely abolished in the lac11 lac4 lac17 triple mutant, the Casparian strip, which is lignified through the activity of peroxidase, is still functional. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that lignin laccase genes have no orthologs in lower plant species, suggesting that the monolignol laccase genes diverged after the evolution of seed plants.
Variation in the Implementation of California's Full Service Partnerships for Persons with Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Gilmer Todd P. , Katz Marian L. , Stefancic Ana , Palinkas Lawrence A. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveThis study examined variation in the implementation of California's Full Service Partnerships (FSPs), which are supported housing programs that do “whatever it takes” to improve outcomes among persons with serious mental illness who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.Data Sources/SettingNinety‐three FSPs in California.Study DesignA mixed methods approach was selected to develop a better understanding of the complexity of the FSP programs. The design structure was a combined explanatory and exploratory sequential design (qual→QUAN→qual) where a qualitative focus group was used to develop a quantitative survey that was followed by qualitative site visits. The survey was used to describe the breadth of variation based on fidelity to the Housing First model, while the site visits were used to provide a depth of information on high‐ versus low‐fidelity programs.Principal FindingsWe found substantial variation in implementation among FSPs. Fidelity was particularly low along domains related with housing and service philosophy, indicating that many FSPs implemented a rich array of services but applied housing readiness requirements and did not adhere to consumer choice in housing.ConclusionsThere remains room for improvement in the recovery‐orientation of FSPs. Fortunately, we have identified several processes by which program managers and counties can increase the fidelity of their programs.
The association of asthma, nasal allergies, and positive skin prick tests with obesity, leptin, and adiponectin
Authors: Newson R. B. , Jones M. , Forsberg B. , Janson C. , Bossios A. , Dahlen S.‐E. , Toskala E. M. , Al‐Kalemji A. , Kowalski M. L. , Rymarczyk B. , Salagean E. M. , van Drunen C. M. , Bachert C. , Wehrend T. , Krämer U. , Mota‐Pinto A. , Burney P. , Leynaert B. , Jarvis D. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundCross‐sectional and longitudinal reports show that obese adults have more asthma than non‐obese adults. A proposed mechanism is via effects of adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) on the immune system.ObjectiveWe wished to measure the associations of asthma and other atopic diseases with serum adipokine levels and to find whether the associations with asthma were strong enough to rule out the possibility that they are secondary to the association of fatness measures with asthma.MethodsThe Global Asthma and Allergy Network of Excellence (GA2LEN) clinical follow‐up survey is a clinical survey, embedded in a larger multi‐centre cross‐sectional postal survey, involving, with a case/control design, enrichment of the sample with subjects with asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We recorded serum leptin or adiponectin in 845 men and 1110 women in 15 centres and also anthropometric measures of fatness including body mass index and waist/hip ratio, current asthma, and specific skin prick and IgE sensitisation. We used inverse sampling‐probability‐weighted rank and regression statistics to measure population associations of disease outcomes with adipokines in males and females, adjusting for confounders (area, age, smoking history, and number of elder siblings) and also mutually adjusting associations with adipokines and fatness measures.ResultsOne thousand nine hundred and fifty‐five subjects aged 16–77 years had information on leptin or adiponectin levels. Leptin and leptin/adiponectin ratio were positively associated with the level of asthma, especially in females (Somers’ D of leptin by asthma score, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.08–0.30; P = 0.00079). These associations were attenuated after adjusting for confounders and became non‐significant after additionally adjusting for fatness measures and multiple comparisons.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceAsthma levels are positively associated with serum leptin. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that this association is secondary to associations of both with fatness measures.
Impaired postprandial response of the insulin‐like growth factor system in maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: Reinhard Mark , Frystyk Jan , Jespersen Bente , Randers Else , Bjerre Mette , Christiansen Jens S. , Flyvbjerg Allan , Bibby Bo M. , Ivarsen Per 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObjectivePatients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) have reduced circulating free and bioactive insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) due to increased IGF‐binding proteins (IGFBPs). This study investigated the postprandial response of the IGF system in HD patients compared with matched healthy subjects.Design and PatientsIn a crossover study, twelve nondiabetic HD patients were assigned in a random order to three 10‐h study days: (1) a non‐HD day with one meal served at baseline (NHDM1), (2) an HD day with one meal served during HD (HDM1) and (3) an HD day with two meals served during and after HD, respectively (HDM2). Twelve healthy controls conducted session 1.ResultsAfter the baseline meal, insulin concentrations changed similarly in HD patients and controls, whereas hyperglycaemia was more prolonged in HD patients (P < 0·001). Postprandial IGFBP‐1 showed greater reductions from baseline in controls (−76% [−81; −70%], mean [95% confidence intervals], P < 0·001) than in patients on non‐HD days (−45% [−57; −30%], P < 0·001). In the latter group, the response was even more attenuated during HD (−22% [−38; −1%] and −24% [−40; −4%], P ≤ 0·041). After the second meal on HDM2 days, IGFBP‐1 further decreased (−50% [−61; −37%], P < 0·001), whereas IGFBP‐1 returned to baseline levels on the other study days. Consistently, at the end of the study days, bioactive IGF‐I was significantly above baseline only on HDM2 days (+22% [+5; +43%], P = 0·012).ConclusionsHD patients were unable to suppress IGFBP‐1 to the same extent as healthy controls, which may increase the risk of protein–energy wasting in maintenance HD. A second meal after HD, however, effectively suppressed IGFBP‐1 and increased bioactive IGF‐I.
Mutational and structural characteristics of four novel heterozygous C‐propeptide mutations in the proα1(I) collagen gene in Chinese osteogenesis imperfecta patients
Authors: Lu Yanqin , Ren Xiuzhi , Wang Yanzhou , Li Tianyou , Li Fuhui , Wang Shifu , Xu Chao , Wu Guohua , Li Hu , Li Gongchao , Zhao Fei , Wang Ziqiang , Mo Xinkai , Han Jinxiang 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObjectiveOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) with C‐propeptide mutations in proα1(I) collagen gene are rarely reported. We report four novel C‐propeptide mutations in COL1A1 gene from Chinese OI patients.MethodsClinical characteristics and radiographic findings were described for four OI patients with C‐propeptide mutations in proα1(I) collagen gene. Mutations were identified by traditional DNA sequencing based on PCR. The locations of mutations were mapped, and in silico prediction was conducted to analyse their effects on protein structure. Histology studies of skin, bone and muscle tissues were performed.ResultsAll four C‐propeptide heterozygous mutations identified were in the COL1A1 gene. Heterozygous mutation of c.4021C>T (p.Q1341X) disrupted the chain recognition sequences and was found in patients with type IV OI. Mutations of c.3893C>A (p.T1298N) and c.3897C>A (p.C1299X) impeded the formation of disulphide bonds and were associated with type IV OI phenotype. Missense mutation of c.3835A>C (p.N1279H) disrupted Ca2+ binding and led to a severe type III OI phenotype. In silico programs predicted damaging effects for the patients with type III OI and the creation of an exonic splicing enhancer hexamer sequence for the type IV patients. Expansion of the bone marrow cavity and disorganization of osteocyte alignment was evident in bone specimens; and muscle atrophy and enlargement of intramuscular connective tissue were found in muscle specimens.ConclusionsFour novel C‐propeptide mutations in proα1(I) collagen gene were identified in Chinese OI patients, and their clinical severity ranged from moderate type IV to severe type III. In silico prediction of the mutation effect and histological characteristics of tissue specimens was in accordance with the OI phenotypes.
Pelvic ultrasound findings in prepubertal girls with precocious adrenarche born appropriate for gestational age
Authors: Uçar Ahmet , Erol Oğuz Bulent , Yekeler Ensar , Yildiz Ismail , Bozlak Serdar , Saka Nurçin , BaŞ Firdevs , Poyrazoğlu Şükran , Bundak Rüveyde , Kubat Uzum Ayse , Gul Nurdan , Darendeliler Feyza 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundPrecocious adrenarche (PA) refers to the clinical onset of excess androgen in girls before the age of 8. It is associated with an increased risk of functional ovarian hyperandrogenism after puberty. PA may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We compared pelvic ultrasound (US) findings of girls with PA born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) to healthy body mass index (BMI)‐matched peers to determine whether US findings in AGA‐born PA girls are associated with PCOS antecedents.Subjects and methodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study on 56 AGA‐born girls with PA (6·9 ± 0·6 years) and 33 BMI‐matched prepubertal AGA‐born peers (7·1 ± 1·0 years). Hormonal data, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISIcomp) and pelvic US findings were compared. Associations of pelvic US findings with clinical and metabolic data were investigated.ResultsPrecocious adrenarche girls had greater height and bone age‐adjusted uterine length (UL; P = 0·01) and UL standard deviation score (SDS) (P = 0·02) than BMI‐matched peers. Mean ovarian volume (MOV), MOV SDS, uterine volume, uterine cross‐sectional area and ovarian morphology were similar between the groups (P > 0·05). MOV and MOV SDS correlated with ISIcomp (r = −0·683, P < 0·001; r = −0·760, P < 0·001; respectively). Correlations of pelvic US findings with other biochemical data did not reach significance (P > 0·05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that in girls with PA, ISIcomp had the most significant effect on MOV SDS (R2 = 0·731, β = −4·784, P = 0·001).ConclusionsAppropriate for gestational age‐born PA girls have greater UL measurements than AGA‐born BMI‐matched peers. In AGA‐born girls with PA, decreasing insulin sensitivity is strongly and independently associated with an increase in MOV. Longitudinal follow‐up of our cohort after menarche will allow us to establish how many AGA‐born girls with PA will ultimately develop PCOS.
The effects of exercise training on arterial stiffness in coronary artery disease patients: a state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Oliveira Norton Luis , Ribeiro Fernando , Alves Alberto Jorge , Campos Lilibeth , Oliveira José 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe purpose of this state‐of‐the‐art review was to examine the effects of exercise training on arterial stiffness (AS) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A PubMed and SCOPUS literature search was conducted up to March of 2013. Two authors performed the selection of the studies and the subsequent data extraction (e.g. information on study design, exercise programme characteristics and outcome measures). Of 34 papers identified, only five studies met the inclusion criteria, with no one being a randomized controlled trial. Within the selected studies, the sample size varied between 28 and 119 patients, with mean ages ranging from 48 to 67 years old in patients with CAD after an acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Although all studies utilized the aerobic exercise mode, the other characteristics of the exercise programmes varied largely between the studies: programme length (from 6 to 20 weeks), exercise duration (15–20 to 50 min) and exercise intensity, which was based on heart rate reserve (40 to 85%) or heart rate at anaerobic threshold or ventilatory threshold. All the three studies evaluating pulse wave velocity, as well as one of two studies that assessed the augmentation index, reported significant reductions on those variables after exercise training. Results indicated that the majority of the AS and related measures improved after the different exercise training programmes. However, these results need to be confirmed in future randomized clinical studies controlling potential confounders.
Prevalence and Spectrum of Conditions Associated with Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Ong Kevin , Yu Gannon , Jue John 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundData regarding the prevalence and spectrum of conditions associated with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are limited to small cohorts.MethodsWe retrospectively identified all patients with severe native tricuspid valve regurgitation in a large echocardiogram database between January 2004 and December 2010. Patients were classified into 1 of 3 groups based on the echocardiogram results: (1) organic TR; (2) functional TR; and (3) idiopathic TR.ResultsSevere TR was identified in 768 (1.2%, 72 ± 16 years, 64.3% females) of 63, 472 consecutive patients referred for transthoracic echocardiography. The conditions associated with severe TR could be established in 91% of patients. The remaining 9% were classified as idiopathic severe TR with these patients being older (78 ± 10 years) and having a higher frequency of atrial fibrillation (63.8%) compared to patients with organic (65 ± 22 years; 31%) or functional severe TR (73 ± 16 years; 47.8%). Overall, organic severe TR was identified in 11.3% of all cases. Functional severe TR occurred in 79.7% of the overall cohort and was related to pulmonary hypertension and/or left‐sided heart disease.ConclusionSevere TR occurred with a prevalence of 1.2% in our patients referred for echocardiography and was more common in females. Functional severe TR was the most common etiology with only a minority of cases secondary to organic severe TR. Idiopathic severe TR was found in a small proportion of patients who were older and more likely to have atrial fibrillation.
Premature loss of primary anterior teeth due to trauma – potential short‐ and long‐term sequelae
Authors: Holan Gideon , Needleman Howard L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTraumatic dental injuries (TDIs) can result in the premature loss of primary anterior teeth due to an immediate avulsion, extraction later after the injury because of poor prognosis or late complications, or early exfoliation. There are a number of potential considerations or sequelae as a result of this premature loss that have been cited in the dental literature, which include esthetics, quality of life, eating, speech development, arch integrity (space loss), development and eruption of the permanent successors, and development of oral habits. This article provides a comprehensive review of the dental literature on the possible consequences of premature loss of maxillary primary incisors following TDI.
Contrasting Alternative Hypotheses to Explain Rut‐Induced Hypophagia in Territorial Male Chamois
Authors: Corlatti Luca , Bassano Bruno 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMale ungulates in temperate environments often show a severe reduction in time spent foraging during the mating season. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain this phenomenon but, so far, no study investigated the proximate mechanisms underlying rut‐induced hypophagia in ungulates using alternative mating tactics (AMTs). Between the pre‐rut and post‐rut of 2011 and 2012, we collected data on activity budgets, parasite burden and androgen levels of territorial and non‐territorial male Alpine chamois Rupicapra r. rupicapra in the Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy). We aimed to investigate whether AMTs showed similar reduction in time spent foraging during the mating period and to test the predictions underlying alternative hypotheses that may explain rut‐induced hypophagia. Only territorial males showed a significant reduction in time spent foraging during the rut; the lack of correlation between proportion of time spent foraging and androgen metabolites or parasite burden did not fully support the physiological and the parasite hypotheses, while the foraging constraint, the energy‐saving and the physical rest hypotheses could not be discounted. Territorial males decreased the time spent lying down from the pre‐rut to the rut, but not their foraging‐to‐lying‐down ratio. During the mating period, we found negative correlations between time spent foraging or lying down and time spent rutting. Our data suggest that territorial males’ behaviour is more consistent with the foraging constraint hypothesis than with the energy‐saving hypothesis previously suggested. Yet, during the rut territorial males did not maximise their foraging time, and the optimisation of their energy balance could rather depend upon feeding on relatively high‐quality plants. This suggestion – possibly named ‘forage quality hypothesis’ – now requires further investigations. This work showed that alternative mating behaviours may underlie different patterns of foraging strategies: we suggest that tests of alternative hypotheses to explain rut‐induced hypophagia within ungulate populations should not ignore the occurrence of AMTs.
Associations between Non‐Lethal Injury, Body Size, and Foraging Ecology in an Amphibian Intraguild Predator
Authors: Mott Cy L. , Steffen Michael A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTheoretical treatments of intraguild predation and its effects on behavioral interactions regard the phenomenon as a size‐structured binary response wherein predation among competitors is completely successful or completely unsuccessful. However, intermediate outcomes occur when individuals escape intraguild (IG) interactions with non‐lethal injuries. While the effects of wounds for prey include compromised mobility and increased predation risk, the consequences of similar injuries among top predators are not well understood, despite the implications for species interactions. Using an amphibian IG predator, Ambystoma opacum (Caudata: Ambystomatidae), we examined associations between non‐lethal injuries and predator body size, foraging strategy, microhabitat selection, and intraspecific agonistic interactions. Wounds were common among IG predators, generally increasing in frequency throughout larval ontogeny. Non‐lethal injuries were associated with differences in predator body size and behavior, with injured predators exhibiting smaller body sizes, increased use of benthic microhabitats, reduced agonistic displays, and increased risk of intraspecific aggression. While such effects were not ultimately associated with reduced foraging success, non‐lethal injury could contribute to niche partitioning between injured and healthy predators via habitat selection, but injured predators likely continue to exert predatory pressure on IG and basal prey populations. Our results indicate that studies of top‐down population regulation should incorporate injury‐related modifications to both prey and predator behavior and size structure.
Antilisterial effect of two bioprotective cultures in a model system of Iberian chorizo fermentation
Authors: Ortiz Sagrario , López Victoria , Garriga Margarita , Martínez‐Suárez Joaquín V. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThis study reports the different effects of two bioprotective cultures on the growth of different Listeria monocytogenes strains by a rapid assay simulating the first stage of Iberian chorizo fermentation. Ground pork with or without protective cultures was inoculated with L. monocytogenes and incubated under two different conditions simulating the traditional, slow fermentation temperature (7 °C, 1 day) and a high, fast fermentation temperature (20 °C, 1 day), followed in both cases by storage at 7 °C for 13 days. Both bioprotective cultures reduced the growth of L. monocytogenes by at least 2 log CFU g−1 at the end of both incubation periods compared with a noninoculated culture control lot. The best results were obtained with the strain Lactobacillus sakei CTC494, which exerted a bactericidal effect on L. monocytogenes under both conditions assayed, achieving a 5.4‐log reduction after 14 days compared with the control when the initial temperature was 20 °C.
Effects of high‐pressure homogenisation on physicochemical characteristics of partially skimmed milk
Authors: Pedras Marcelo M. , Tribst Alline A. L. , Cristianini Marcelo 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe changes in partially skimmed milk (0.5% fat) physicochemical properties and proteins after high‐pressure homogenisation (HPH) at 100, 200 and 300 MPa were investigated. Processing parameters and changes in pH, ethanol precipitation stability, lightness, whey protein denaturation, hydrophobicity and viscosity were evaluated. No significant differences were found between milk pH and nonprotein nitrogen content before and after HPH. Ethanol stability, lightness and hydrophobicity increased when pressure was increased from 100 MPa to 300 MPa. Whey protein denaturation, evaluated through noncasein nitrogen, occurred only at 200 to 300 MPa, and viscosity increased just at 300 MPa. Therefore, HPH changed some milk physicochemical characteristics, mainly those related to protein content. These results highlight that HPH processing is a promising technology to improve partially skimmed milk mouth feel being suitable for dairy products manufacturing.