bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunofluorescent characterization of meiotic recombination in human males with variable spermatogenesis
Authors: de Vries M. , Ramos L. , de Boer P. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryHomologous recombination is the key to meiotic functioning. The basis of this process is provided by numerous SPO11‐induced DNA double‐strand breaks. Repair of these breaks occurs via the crossover (CO) and non‐crossover (NCO) pathways. By means of immunofluorescence staining of Replication protein A (RPA) and MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) in combination with the DNA damage marker γH2AX, we studied transitional (CO and NCO) and late (CO) recombination nodules, respectively. Testicular samples were from non‐obstructive azoospermic probands (testicular spermatozoa were found) and probands that had a history of normal fertility prior to a vasectomy. All probands were ICSI candidates. γH2AX foci mostly colocalized with delayed transitional nodules (RPA) for which variation was found among probands. Highest incidences of colocalization were found in patients. The level of MLH1 signal intensity was lower in probands who showed more frequent γH2AX RPA colocalization in late pachytene, suggesting communication between the CO and NCO pathways. Our results suggest the presence of a genetic risk pathway for children conceived from non‐obstructive azoospermic probands and urge for follow‐up studies investigating the level of recombination involved de novo mutations in these children.
Pollinator‐mediated selection in a specialized hummingbird–Heliconiasystem in the Eastern Caribbean
Authors: Temeles E. J. , Rah Y. J. , Andicoechea J. , Byanova K. L. , Giller G. S. J. , Stolk S. B. , Kress W. J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPhenotypic matches between plants and their pollinators often are interpreted as examples of reciprocal selection and adaptation. For the two co‐occurring plant species,Heliconia bihaiandH. caribaeain the Eastern Caribbean, we evaluated for five populations over 2 years the strength and direction of natural selection on corolla length and number of bracts per inflorescence. These plant traits correspond closely to the bill lengths and body masses of their primary pollinators, female or male purple‐throated carib hummingbirds (Eulampis jugularis). InH. bihai, directional selection for longer corollas was always significant with the exception of one population in 1 year, whereas selection on bract numbers was rare and found only in one population in 1 year. In contrast, significant directional selection for more bracts per inflorescence occurred in all three populations of the yellow morph and in two populations of the red morph ofH. caribaea, whereas significant directional selection on corolla length occurred in only one population of the red morph and one population of the yellow morph. Selection for longer corollas inH. bihaimay result from better mechanical fit, and hence pollination, by the long bills of femaleE. jugularis, their sole pollinator. In contrast, competition between males ofE. jugularisfor territories may drive selection for more bracts inH. caribaea. Competitive exclusion of femaleE. jugularisby territorial males also implicates pollinator competition as a possible ecological mechanism for trait diversification in these plants.
On the genetic parameter determining the efficiency of purging: an estimate for Drosophila egg‐to‐pupae viability
Authors: Bersabé D. , García‐Dorado A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe consequences of inbreeding on fitness can be crucial in evolutionary and conservation grounds and depend upon the efficiency of purging against deleterious recessive alleles. Recently, analytical expressions have been derived to predict the evolution of mean fitness, taking into account both inbreeding and purging, which depend on an ‘effective purging coefficient (de)’. Here, we explore the validity of that predictive approach and assay the strength of purging by estimating de for egg‐to‐pupae viability (EPV) after a drastic reduction in population size in a recently captured base population of Drosophila melanogaster. For this purpose, we first obtained estimates of the inbreeding depression rate (δ) for EPV in the base population, and we found that about 40% was due to segregating recessive lethals. Then, two sets of lines were founded from this base population and were maintained with different effective size throughout the rest of the experiment (N = 6; N = 12), their mean EPV being assayed at different generations. Due to purging, the reductions in mean EPV experienced by these lines were considerably smaller than the corresponding neutral predictions. For the 60% of δ attributable to nonlethal deleterious alleles, our results suggest an effective purging coefficient de > 0.02. Similarly, we obtain that de > 0.09 is required to roughly account for purging against the pooled inbreeding depression from lethal and nonlethal deleterious alleles. This implies that purging should be efficient for population sizes of the order of a few tens and larger, but might be inefficient against nonlethal deleterious alleles in smaller populations.
Clinical dietetic practice in the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in a high HIV setting
Authors: Biggs C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn Sub‐Saharan Africa, children commonly present with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) complicated by HIV/AIDS. In 2005, the South African Department of Health implemented the World Health Organization (WHO) Ten Step programme for the inpatient treatment of SAM. Dietary management with F75 and F100 (where the terms F75 and F100 refer to a mixture of milk, sugar, oil and a vitamin and mineral mix) may not be appropriate for relatively well resourced settings such as South Africa.MethodsA structured questionnaire aiming to determine current clinical practice was e‐mailed to all dietitians working in hospitals (n = 53) in KwaZulu‐Natal who routinely treated SAM.ResultsWhen initially refeeding with no diarrhoea (ND), F75 was used exclusively by 16% of dietitians to treat infants, and by 42% of dietitians to treat children. If diarrhoea, 16% of dietitians used F75 to treat infants/children. Acidified infant formula (IF) was given if ND and lactose‐free IF was given if diarrhoea. Children were often started on a lactose‐free F100 equivalent omitting cautious refeeding. Some gave reduced amounts for cautious refeeding; however, the feeds osmolality was too high. The use of partially hydrolysed feeds increased if the child/infant presented with diarrhoea and/or hypoalbuminea. In the post‐initial feeding phase, approximately 14% of dietitians used F100 to treat infants/children. Most gave F100 equivalents as high‐energy infant/paediatric formulas.ConclusionsThe dietetic practices for infants with SAM followed current expert opinion closely rather than the WHO protocol. The omission of cautious refeeding follows neither current expert opinion, nor the WHO protocol, and may predispose to the refeeding syndrome. Limited evidence indicates that partially hydrolysed formulas are less effective than low lactose low osmolality feeds in the treatment of SAM.
Nutritional inadequacies of the gluten‐free diet in both recently‐diagnosed and long‐term patients with coeliac disease
Authors: Shepherd S. J. , Gibson P. R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundLife‐long gluten‐free diet (GFD) is the only recognised treatment for coeliac disease (CD). The present study aimed to determine the nutritional adequacy of the ‘no detectable gluten’ diet.MethodsSeven‐day prospective food intake was assessed in 55 patients who were adherent to a GFD for more than 2 years and in 50 newly‐diagnosed age‐ and sex‐matched patients (18–71 years, 24% male) studied prospectively over 12 months on GFD. Historical precoeliac intake was also assessed in the latter group. Intake was compared with Australian Nutritional Recommendations and the Australian population data.ResultsNutritional intake was similar between groups. Of macronutrients, only starch intake fell over 12 months (26% to 23%, P = 0.04). Fibre intake was inadequate for all except in diet‐experienced men. More than one in 10 of both newly‐diagnosed and experienced women had inadequate thiamin, folate, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium and iron intakes. More than one in 10 newly‐diagnosed men had inadequate thiamin, folate, magnesium, calcium and zinc intakes. Inadequate intake did not relate to nutrient density of the GFD. Inadequacies of folate, calcium, iron and zinc occurred more frequently than in the Australian population. The frequency of inadequacies was similar pre‐ and post‐diagnosis, except for thiamin and vitamin A, where inadequacies were more common after GFD implementation.ConclusionsDietary intake patterns at 12 months on a GFD are similar to longer‐term intake. Dietary inadequacies are common and may relate to habitual poor food choices in addition to inherent deficiencies in the GFD. Dietary education should also address the achievement of adequate micronutrient intake. Fortification of GF foods also need to be considered.
AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)–induced preconditioning in primary cortical neurons involves activation of MCL‐1
Authors: Anilkumar Ujval , Weisová Petronela , Düssmann Heiko , Concannon Caoimhín G. , König Hans‐Georg , Prehn Jochen H. M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNeuronal preconditioning is a phenomenon where a previous exposure to a sub‐lethal stress stimulus increases the resistance of neurons towards a second, normally lethal stress stimulus. Activation of the energy stress sensor, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been shown to contribute to the protective effects of ischaemic and mitochondrial uncoupling‐induced preconditioning in neurons, however, the molecular basis of AMPK‐mediated preconditioning has been less well characterized. We investigated the effect of AMPK preconditioning using 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide riboside (AICAR) in a model of NMDA‐mediated excitotoxic injury in primary mouse cortical neurons. Activation of AMPK with low concentrations of AICAR (0.1 mM for 2 h) induced a transient increase in AMPK phosphorylation, protecting neurons against NMDA‐induced excitotoxicity. Analysing potential targets of AMPK activation, demonstrated a marked increase in mRNA expression and protein levels of the anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 family protein myeloid cell leukaemia sequence 1 (MCL‐1) in AICAR‐preconditioned neurons. Interestingly, over‐expression of MCL‐1 protected neurons against NMDA‐induced excitotoxicity while MCL‐1 gene silencing abolished the effect of AICAR preconditioning. Monitored intracellular Ca2+ levels during NMDA excitation revealed that MCL‐1 over‐expressing neurons exhibited improved bioenergetics and markedly reduced Ca2+ elevations, suggesting a potential mechanism through which MCL‐1 confers neuroprotection. This study identifies MCL‐1 as a key effector of AMPK‐induced preconditioning in neurons.
Phenotyping of Partial Physiological Resistance to Rice Sheath Blight
Authors: Lore Jagjeet Singh , Hunjan Mandeep Singh , Singh Pritpal , Willocquet Laetitia , Sri Srinivasachary , Savary Serge 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the most important rice diseases worldwide especially under irrigated agro‐ecosystems. To date, no rice accession with complete resistance to sheath blight has been reported. However, a number of genotypes with varying levels of resistance have been reported. Twelve genotypes (including mega varieties) viz. Tetep, Jasmine 85, Te‐Qing, Duduruchi, Betichikon, Khatochalani, D‐6766, D‐256, Swarna, Sarju‐52, MTU‐1010 and Samba Mashuri were evaluated for quantitative measurement of partial physiological resistance to sheath blight under controlled conditions using detached tiller method. Three independent experiments, each involving three replications, were conducted. Seven days after inoculation, the following disease variables were measured: number of lesions, lesion length, vertical sheath colonization (VSC) on the tiller, disease severity, relative vertical sheath colonization (RVSC) and survival of the leaf blade. Variation between rice genotypes was observed for all the disease variables. Disease severity and VSC were the two most correlated variables, whereas the number of lesions and mean lesion length were the least correlated variables. The ranking of varieties often differed depending on the disease variable considered. Amongst the genotypes tested, D‐256, Tetep and Jasmin‐85 had the lowest number of lesions and disease severity. Similarly, Tetep and D‐256 showed the lowest levels of RVSC, whilst Jasmine‐85 was found to be intermediate. D‐6766, Samba Mashuri and Betichikon showed the highest levels of disease variables. The fraction of dead leaves ranged from 0.00 to 0.38. No dead leaves were observed in Te‐Qing, Swarna and MTU‐1010. The highest fraction of dead leaves was observed for Betichikon (0.38) followed by Duduruchi and D‐6766 (0.33). Our results suggest that this method in combination with other phenotyping methods could be used to quantify partial resistance to rice sheath blight.
Diagnosing multiple drug hypersensitivity in children
Authors: Atanasković‐Marković Marina , Gaeta Francesco , Gavrović‐Jankulović Marija , Čirković Veličković Tanja , Valluzzi Rocco Luigi , Romano Antonino 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundMultiple drug hypersensitivity (MDH) has been defined as a hypersensitivity to two or more chemically different drugs. Two types ofMDHhave been reported: the first one, which develops to different drugs administered simultaneously and the second type, in which sensitizations develop sequentially. In children, studies which diagnoseMDHon the basis of positive allergologic tests to 2 or more chemically different drugs are lacking.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study evaluating children with histories ofMDHby skin tests, patch tests, serum‐specific IgE assays, and drug provocation tests.ResultsAMDHwas diagnosed in 7 (2.5%) of the 279 children evaluated who completed the study. The responsible drugs were β‐lactams (penicillins and cephalosporins) in 5 episodes, ibuprofen and anticonvulsants in 3, and erythromycin, fentanyl, methylprednisolone, and cotrimoxazole in 1. Sensitivity to 2 chemically different drugs was diagnosed in 6 children and to 3 drugs in 1 child. Two of the 7 children presented the first type ofMDH, whereas 5 displayed the second one.ConclusionsMDHcan occur in children, even to drugs other than antibiotics. It is crucial to evaluate children with histories ofMDHusing bothin vivoandin vitroallergologic tests, including challenges. In fact, such approach allows the physician to confirm the diagnosis ofMDHin a small percentage of children with histories ofMDH, as well as to rule it out in the great majority of them.
Ultraviolet Reflection Irradiances and Exposures in The Constructed Environment For Horizontal, Vertical and Inclined Surfaces
Authors: Turner Joanna , Parisi Alfio V. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUltraviolet (UV) reflection in the urban constructed environment is not well understood for topical issues such as measuring and modeling the received UV exposure due to that UV reflection for outdoor workers. Both predominantly specular and diffuse reflecting surface types have been identified and investigated for the erythemal UV reflection ratio variation due to solar zenith angle and orientation. This paper presents relationships between erythemal UV reflection ratios measured for non‐horizontal and horizontal surfaces, with predominantly specular surface types indicating stronger relationships with solar zenith angles than diffuse reflecting surfaces types. Erythemal UV exposures caused by the same reflecting surface types at three inclinations are also investigated. Non‐horizontal surfaces can increase erythemal UV exposures compared to erythemal UV exposures received from the same horizontal surface by factors of 1.07–1.46 for specific body sites and by 1.01–1.70 for averages of group body sites for zinc aluminium coated steel sheeting.
Prevalence and aetiology of juvenile skeletal fluorosis in the south‐west of the Hai district, Tanzania – a community‐based prevalence and case–control study
Authors: Jarvis Helen G. , Heslop Peta , Kisima John , Gray William K. , Ndossi Godwin , Maguire Anne , Walker Richard W. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIntroductionFluorosis is endemic throughout the East African Rift valley, including parts of Tanzania. The aim of the study was to identify all cases of deforming juvenile skeletal fluorosis (JSF) in a northern Tanzanian village and to document the extent of dental fluorosis (DF).MethodsDoor‐to‐door prevalence survey of all residents of the village. Residents were assessed for the presence of DF and JSF. Those with JSF and randomly selected controls from the same age range were further assessed for possible JSF risk factors.ResultsThe village had a population of 1435. DF was endemic within the population, being present in 911 (75.5%; 95% CI, 73.0–77.9) of dentate individuals who were examined (n = 1207). JSF was present in 56 of 1263 people examined, giving a prevalence of 4.4% (95% CI, 3.3–5.6) and was more common in males. Low body mass index, drinking predominantly well water 3 years previously, not being weaned on bananas, the use of fluoride salts in cooking during childhood and drinking more cups of tea per day were independent predictors of JSF.ConclusionsJuvenile skeletal fluorosis is a common and preventable public health problem. Providing clean, low‐fluoride, piped water to affected communities is of obvious health benefit.
Capsular Gene Typing of Streptococcus agalactiae Compared to Serotyping by Latex Agglutination
Authors: Yao Kaihu , Poulsen Knud , Maione Domenico , Rinaudo C. Daniela , Baldassarri Lucilla , Telford John L. , Sørensen Uffe B. Skov ,   Members of the DEVANI Study Group, Kilian Mogens 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

We evaluated three different PCR-based capsular gene typing methods applied to 312 human and bovine
Streptococcus agalactiae
(group B
Streptococcus
[GBS]) isolates and compared the results to serotyping results obtained by latex agglutination. Among 281 human isolates 27% could not be typed by latex agglutination. All 312 isolates except 5 could be typed by the three PCR methods combined. Two of these methods were multiplex assays. Among the isolates that were typeable by both latex agglutination and capsular gene typing, 94% showed agreement between the two methods. However, each of the PCR methods showed limitations. One of the methods did not include all 10 recognized serotypes, one misidentified eight isolates of serotypes Ib and IV as serotype Ia, and one did not distinguish between serotypes VII and IX. For five isolates that showed aberrant patterns in the capsular gene typing, long-range PCR targeting the
cps
operon disclosed large insertions or deletions affecting the
cps
gene cluster. A sensitive flow cytometric assay based on serotype-specific antibodies applied to 76 selected isolates that were nontypeable by latex agglutination revealed that approximately one-half of these did express capsular polysaccharide. A procedure for convenient and reliable capsular gene typing to be included in epidemiological and surveillance studies of
S. agalactiae
is proposed.
Reproducibility of Linear Array for Human Papillomavirus Genotyping
Authors: Koshiol Jill , Dunn S. Terence , Walker Joan L. , Zuna Rosemary E. , Schiffman Mark , Sherman Mark E. , Gold Michael A. , Allen Richard A. , Zhang Roy , Wang Sophia S. , Wentzensen Nicolas 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT
We conducted a Linear Array test/retest analysis using cytologic specimens from 198 women. A total of 67.2% of samples had the same human papillomavirus (HPV) types detected in both tests (type-specific positive agreement was 83.3% overall [Kappa = 0.9] and 86.8% for carcinogenic types [Kappa = 0.92]). Discordance was highest with a low hybridization signal strength. Overall, Linear Array was highly reproducible.
Pandemic 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Virus Carrying a Q136K Mutation in the Neuraminidase Gene Is Resistant to Zanamivir but Exhibits Reduced Fitness in the Guinea Pig Transmission Model
Authors: Kaminski Michael M. , Ohnemus Annette , Staeheli Peter , Rubbenstroth Dennis 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT
Resistance of influenza A viruses to neuraminidase inhibitors can arise through mutations in the neuraminidase (NA) gene. We show here that a Q136K mutation in the NA of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus confers a high degree of resistance to zanamivir. Resistance is accompanied by reduced numbers of NA molecules in viral particles and reduced intrinsic enzymatic activity of mutant NA. Interestingly, the Q136K mutation strongly impairs viral fitness in the guinea pig transmission model.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Post-Cancer Fatigue and Well-Being for Women Recovering from Breast Cancer: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Smith Caroline , Carmady Bridget , Thornton Charlene , Perz Janette , Ussher Jane M 
Published: November 2012

Objective To determine the feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture in managing fatigue and well-being in breast cancer survivors. Methods A randomised controlled trial compared acupuncture was with sham acupuncture and wait list controls was performed in Sydney, Australia. A total of 30 women with fatigue following breast cancer treatment participated in the trial. Women received six sessions of acupuncture over 8 weeks. Outcomes related to an assessment of interest to participate in the trial and identification of appropriate recruitment strategies, appropriateness of eligibility criteria and compliance with treatment attendance. Clinical outcomes assessed fatigue and well-being. In-depth interviews were undertaken with seven women, who described their experience of acupuncture. Results Our study demonstrated feasibility with appropriate trial entry criteria, good acceptability and treatment compliance with the study interventions, and with the completion of outcome forms. There was a significant reduction in fatigue for women receiving acupuncture compared with control after 2 weeks mean difference (MD) 5.3, 95% CI 4.5 to 6.2, p=0.05, and a significant improvement in well-being at 6 weeks for acupuncture compared with the sham and wait list control, MD 2.7, 95% CI 2.1 to 3.2, p=0.006. Women described their experience of acupuncture positively, and interview data may also offer explanations for the improved outcomes of well-being, with women reporting an improvement in sleep, mood and relaxation. Conclusions Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by people recovering from treatment, and an appropriately powered trial to evaluate the effect of acupuncture is needed. Clinical Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12610000720011.