bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aridity shapes cyanogenesis cline evolution in white clover (Trifolium repens L.)
Authors: Kooyers Nicholas J. , Gage Lily R. , Al‐Lozi Amal , Olsen Kenneth M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAdaptive differentiation between populations is often proposed to be the product of multiple interacting selective pressures, although empirical support for this is scarce. In white clover, populations show adaptive differentiation in frequencies of cyanogenesis, the ability to produce hydrogen cyanide after tissue damage. This polymorphism arises through independently segregating polymorphisms for the presence/absence of two required cyanogenic components, cyanogenic glucosides and their hydrolysing enzyme. White clover populations worldwide have evolved a series of recurrent, climate‐associated clines, with higher frequencies of cyanogenic plants in warmer locations. These clines have traditionally been hypothesized to reflect a fitness trade‐off between chemical defence in herbivore‐rich areas (warmer climates) and energetic costs of producing cyanogenic components in areas of low herbivore pressure (cooler climates). Recent observational studies suggest that cyanogenic components may also be beneficial in water‐stressed environments. We investigated fitness trade‐offs associated with temperature‐induced water stress in the cyanogenesis system using manipulative experiments in growth chambers and population surveys across a longitudinal precipitation gradient in the central United States. We find that plants producing cyanogenic glucosides have higher relative fitness in treatments simulating a moderate, persistent drought stress. In water‐neutral treatments, there are energetic costs to producing cyanogenic components, but only in treatments with nutrient stress. These fitness trade‐offs are consistent with cyanogenesis frequencies in natural populations, where we find clinal variation in the proportion of plants producing cyanogenic glucosides along the precipitation gradient. These results suggest that multiple selective pressures interact to maintain this adaptive polymorphism and that modelling adaptation will require knowledge of environment‐specific fitness effects.
Spatial and temporal expression patterns of auxin response transcription factors in the syncytium induced by the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hewezi Tarek , Piya Sarbottam , Richard Geoffrey , Rice J. Hollis 
Published: January 2014

SummaryPlant‐parasitic cyst nematodes induce the formation of a multinucleated feeding site in the infected root, termed the syncytium. Recent studies point to key roles of the phytohormone auxin in the regulation of gene expression and establishment of the syncytium. Nevertheless, information about the spatiotemporal expression patterns of the transcription factors that mediate auxin transcriptional responses during syncytium formation is limited. Here, we provide a gene expression map of 22 auxin response factors (ARFs) during the initiation, formation and maintenance stages of the syncytium induced by the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii in Arabidopsis. We observed distinct and overlapping expression patterns of ARFs throughout syncytium development phases. We identified a set of ARFs whose expression is predominantly located inside the developing syncytium, whereas others are expressed in the neighbouring cells, presumably to initiate specific transcriptional programmes required for their incorporation within the developing syncytium. Our analyses also point to a role of certain ARFs in determining the maximum size of the syncytium. In addition, several ARFs were found to be highly expressed in fully developed syncytia, suggesting a role in maintaining the functional phenotype of mature syncytia. The dynamic distribution and overlapping expression patterns of various ARFs seem to be essential characteristics of ARF activity during syncytium development.
Excess adiposity and survival in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Parkin Edward , O'Reilly Derek A , Sherlock David J , Manoharan Prakash , Renehan Andrew G 
Published: January 2014

SummaryExcess adiposity is an established risk factor for incident colorectal cancer (CRC) but whether this association extrapolates to poorer survival is unclear. We undertook a systematic review to examine relationships between measures of adiposity and survival in patients with CRC. For distinction, we included pre‐diagnosis exposure and CRC‐related mortality. We performed dose‐response meta‐analyses and assessed study quality using eight domains of bias. Six study categories were identified based on (i) timing of adiposity measurement relative to survival analysis time zero and (ii) clinical setting. Several types of adiposity measurements were reported; body mass index (BMI) was the commonest. For pre‐diagnosis cohorts, baseline BMI negatively impacted on CRC‐related mortality in men only (risk estimate per 5 kg m−2 = 1.19, 95% confidence intervals: 1.14–1.25). The other groups were pre‐diagnosis BMI but diagnosis as time zero; population‐based cohorts; treatment cohorts; observational analyses within adjuvant chemotherapy trials; patients with metastatic CRC – each had several biases (e.g. treatment selection, reverse causality) and sources of confounding (e.g. chemotherapy ‘capping’). Overall, there was insufficient evidence for a strong link between adiposity and survival. These findings demonstrate an important principle: an established link between an exposure (here, adiposity) and increased cancer incidence does not necessarily extrapolate into an inferior post‐treatment outcome.
A systematic review of persuasive marketing techniques to promote food to children on television
Authors: Jenkin G. , Madhvani N. , Signal L. , Bowers S. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe ubiquitous marketing of energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor food and beverages is a key modifiable influence on childhood dietary patterns and obesity. Much of the research on television food advertising is focused on identifying and quantifying unhealthy food marketing with comparatively few studies examining persuasive marketing techniques to promote unhealthy food to children. This review identifies the most frequently documented persuasive marketing techniques to promote food to children via television. A systematic search of eight online databases using key search terms identified 267 unique articles. Thirty‐eight articles met the inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis of the reviewed studies revealed the most commonly reported persuasive techniques used on television to promote food to children. These were the use of premium offers, promotional characters, nutrition and health‐related claims, the theme of taste, and the emotional appeal of fun. Identifying and documenting these commonly reported persuasive marketing techniques to promote food to children on television is critical for the monitoring and evaluation of advertising codes and industry pledges and the development of further regulation in this area. This has a strong potential to curbing the international obesity epidemic besieging children throughout the world.
A review of the nutritional value of legumes and their effects on obesity and its related co‐morbidities
Authors: Rebello C. J. , Greenway F. L. , Finley J. W. 
Published: January 2014

SummarySince the 1970s, the proportion of overweight and obese people in the United States has grown at an alarming rate. An awareness of the consequences of obesity on the health and well‐being of individuals is evident in the plethora of strategic plans at the local and national levels, most of which have largely fallen short of their goals. If interventions continue to be unsuccessful, it is estimated that approximately three of four Americans will be overweight or obese by 2020. Prevention of excess weight gain can be accomplished with relatively small changes in lifestyle behaviours to control body weight. Small sustainable changes are perhaps better than efforts to achieve larger changes that cannot be sustained. Legumes can be a valuable food by which the needs of the undernourished or under‐served populations could be met. They can be incorporated into meat products, such as sausages and burgers, to lower the energy density of these foods while providing important nutrients. Replacing energy‐dense foods with legumes has been shown to have beneficial effects on the prevention and management of obesity and related disorders, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. This review explores the nutritional value and obesity‐related health benefits of legume consumption while focusing on pulses.
Depression in informal caregivers of persons with dementia
Authors: D'Aoust Rita F. , Brewster Glenna , Rowe Meredeth A. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundWorldwide, there are more than 35 million individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Many of these individuals are cared for at home by unpaid caregivers who often report high levels of depressive symptoms and depression. The majority of studies conducted to predict which caregivers are at risk for depression have examined non‐modifiable risk factors. Therefore, it is important to discover modifiable factors that may be associated with risk for depression in caregivers.ObjectivesThe aims of this research were to identify a set of factors that are modifiable and known to be associated with high levels of depression/depressive symptomology (D/DS) in other populations and to determine whether these factors are predictive of D/DS after controlling for non‐modifiable, demographic, and clinical factors.DesignSecondary data analysis.MethodsFifty‐three participants provided direct care to a person with dementia with night‐time activity. Inclusion criteria included not undergoing treatment for sleep disorders; living with the care recipient; and a Mini‐Mental Status Exam score > 27. Baseline data collected by questionnaires, sleep diary and actigraphy.ResultsIn multivariate analyses of the modifiable factors, only high levels of negative affect predicted higher levels of depressive symptomatology. When non‐modifiable factors were included in the model, negative affect and high levels of perceived caregiver burden predicted 52.6% of the variance in depressive symptomology. In secondary analyses, wake after sleep onset misperception was associated with higher depression scores.ConclusionsWhile negative affect had a moderate effect on depressive symptoms, modifiable factors often associated with depressive symptoms in other studies were not associated with caregiver depression in this study. Possibly caregivers’ overall poor sleep causes a floor effect and masks a potential relationship.Implications for practiceBoth caregivers’ affect and perceived burden are strongly related to depressive symptoms, so healthcare practitioners need to frequently assess both so as to provide timely interventions.
Family caregivers’ assessments of caring for a relative with dementia: a comparison of urban and rural areas
Authors: Ehrlich Kethy , Boström Anne‐Marie , Mazaheri Monir , Heikkilä Kristiina , Emami Azita 
Published: January 2014

AimThis study aimed to describe and compare urban and rural family caregivers’ reactions to caring for a relative with dementia and to examine the associations between caregiving and socio‐demographic factors.BackgroundMost studies on family caregivers’ experiences caring for older people with dementia have been conducted in urban areas, and little is known about the experiences of family caregivers living in rural areas.DesignA cross‐sectional study design was used.MethodsA total of 102 caregivers (response rate 85%) from urban (n = 57) and rural (n = 46) areas completed the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) Scale and demographic information. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and linear regression models.ResultsOverall, family caregivers reported high satisfaction even if they also reported high impact on finances and daily living. Rural caregivers experienced a higher negative impact on finances but reported more support from family members than urban caregivers. Age, gender and relationship were significantly associated with four of the five CRA subscales. Educational level and geographical setting were not associated with any of the CRA subscales.ConclusionsThe results of the study raise questions about the financial situation of older female caregivers and on the expectations of built‐in family structures in urban and rural areas. Further studies focusing on the meaning and constitution of a family would help us to understand how these factors influence family caregiving both in rural and urban areas.Implications for practiceTo provide person‐centred care and to avoid stereotyped caregiving, a better picture of traditions in family caregiving can improve a more differentiated and appropriate professional caregiving pliable with the cultural context in which it is carried out.
Awareness of impending death for residents of long‐term care facilities
Authors: Cable‐Williams Beryl , Wilson Donna 
Published: January 2014

AimTo explore awareness of impending death for very old persons in long‐term care facilities.BackgroundThe trajectories of decline that are associated with chronic progressive diseases in advanced old age have few prognostic markers. Consequently, it is difficult to determine when to start palliative or end‐of‐life care.DesignMixed methods.MethodsData were collected in three long‐term care facilities in Canada. Statistical data were subjected to basic descriptive analysis. Qualitative data were collected using methods commonly associated with ethnography including interviews, focus groups, observations and artefact review. Constant‐comparative analysis of qualitative data occurred as data were collected.ResultsA 2‐stage layered awareness of impending death was identified: first generalised and then clinical awareness. Generalised awareness was characterised by an understanding of human mortality and an understanding of the person's nearness to the end of an expected lifespan. Care routines and use of resources were not influenced by this early awareness. Clinical awareness of impending death was later acknowledged when health status changes suggested that death was likely within a few hours or days. The care then changed substantially to palliative in nature.ConclusionsDespite an awareness that death occurs naturally at the end of a long life and/or long illness, a serious decline towards death was not noticed or acknowledged until the last few hours or days of life, thus limiting palliative care to late‐stage pain and symptom management.Implications for practiceAlthough this late‐stage awareness of impending death is arguably the first necessary step for a change in nursing homes to a palliative‐oriented approach to care for people who are nearing death in late life, timely acknowledgement of the potential for death is needed to facilitate improvements in care for residents of long‐term facilities.
Pectic arabinan side chains are essential for pollen cell wall integrity during pollen development
Authors: Cankar Katarina , Kortstee Anne , Toonen Marcel A.J. , Wolters‐Arts Mieke , Houbein Rudolf , Mariani Celestina , Ulvskov Peter , Jorgensen Bodil , Schols Henk A. , Visser Richard G.F. , Trindade Luisa M. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryPectin is a complex polysaccharide and an integral part of the primary plant cell wall and middle lamella, contributing to cell wall mechanical strength and cell adhesion. To understand the structure–function relationships of pectin in the cell wall, a set of transgenic potato lines with altered pectin composition was analysed. The expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in pectin acetylation, degradation of the rhamnogalacturonan backbone and type and length of neutral side chains, arabinan and galactan in particular, has been altered. Upon crossing of different transgenic lines, some transgenes were not transmitted to the next generation when these lines were used as a pollen donor, suggesting male sterility. Viability of mature pollen was severely decreased in potato lines with reduced pectic arabinan, but not in lines with altered galactan side chains. Anthers and pollen of different developmental stages were microscopically examined to study the phenotype in more detail. Scanning electron microscopy of flowers showed collapsed pollen grains in mature anthers and in earlier stages cytoplasmic protrusions at the site of the of kin pore, eventually leading to bursting of the pollen grain and leaking of the cytoplasm. This phenomenon is only observed after the microspores are released and the tapetum starts to degenerate. Timing of the phenotype indicates a role for pectic arabinan side chains during remodelling of the cell wall when the pollen grain is maturing and dehydrating.
Identification of molecular markers linked to salt‐tolerant genes at germination stage of rice
Authors: Mardani Z. , Rabiei B. , Sabouri H. , Sabouri A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAn F2 : 4 population derived from the cross between salt‐tolerant variety ‘Gharib’ (indica) and salt‐sensitive variety Sepidroud (indica) was used to determine the germination traits. The seeds were treated with 80 mm NaCl (salt stress), and 11 traits were determined as indicators for salt‐tolerant including germination rate, germination percentage, radicle length, plumule length, coleoptile length, plumule fresh and dry weight, radicle fresh and dry weight and coleoptile fresh and dry weight. A linkage map of 2475.7 cM with an average interval of 10.48 cM was constructed using 105 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and 131 SSR markers. As many as that 17 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected related to germination traits under salt stress condition; some of them are being reported for first time. Also, overlapping of QTLs related to salt tolerance was observed in this study. The identification of genomic regions associated with salt‐tolerant and its components under salt stress will be useful for marker‐based approaches to improve salt‐tolerant for farmers in salt‐prone rice environments.
Expression profiles of Pr5CS1 and Pr5CS2 genes and proline accumulation under salinity stress in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Li Huiying , Guo Huijuan , Zhang Xunzhong , Fu Jinmin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractProline is an important osmoprotectant in plant in response to osmotic stresses. Delta 1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) is a key enzyme in proline biosynthesis. In this study, two P5CS genes (PrP5CS1 and PrP5CS2) were isolated for the first time from perennial ryegrass. Expression analysis revealed that the transcript of PrP5CS1 in leaves was significantly up‐regulated in two ryegrass cultivars exposed to 255 mm NaCl. The up‐regulated level of PrP5CS1 was higher in salt‐tolerant ‘Overdrive’ than in sensitive ‘Pizzazz’. PrP5CS2 was significantly induced in ‘Overdrive’ but suppressed in ‘Pizzazz’ by NaCl treatment. In stems, however, there was no significant transcript change for both genes under salt treatment. The proline accumulation was significantly induced in both cultivars after salt treatment, and it was higher in ‘Overdrive’ than in ‘Pizzazz’ after 2 days of salt treatment. The results suggested that both genes are salt inducible and may be associated with salt‐stress tolerance in perennial ryegrass.
Development and study of a maize cultivar rich in anthocyanins: coloured polenta, a new functional food
Authors: Lago Chiara , Cassani Elena , Zanzi Cecilia , Landoni Michela , Trovato Riccardo , Pilu Roberto 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAmong the phytonutrients, anthocyanins have been extensively studied because of their antioxidant power, the characteristic supposedly responsible for their capacity for chronic disease prevention. Anthocyanins can also be synthesized in maize even though in Europe the colourless varieties have always been preferred. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a new polenta variety of maize rich in anthocyanins, bred by a recurrent selection scheme, to increase the antioxidant power of this food. The recurrent selection was based on the anthocyanin content and other specific traits of the kernel. The coloured polenta obtained was analysed by TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) analysis and DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging ability, before and after cooking. The results obtained showed that even though cooking reduced the anthocyanin content by about 22%, the remaining anthocyanins exhibited twofolds higher antioxidant capacity, expressed as ARP (antiradical power) using acetone/water extraction buffer in DPPH assay, compared to the colourless control. Furthermore, our data showed that the anthocyanin content did not alter the taste of the coloured polenta.
A comprehensive study of thiol reduction gene expression under stress conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: BELIN C. , BASHANDY T. , CELA J. , DELORME‐HINOUX V. , RIONDET C. , REICHHELD J. P. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThiol reduction proteins are key regulators of the redox state of the cell, managing development and stress response programs. In plants, thiol reduction proteins, namely thioredoxin (TRX), glutaredoxin (GRX), and their respective reducers glutathione reductase (GR) and thioredoxin reductase (TR), are organized in complex multigene families. In order to decipher the function of the different proteins, it is necessary to have a clear picture of their respective expression profiles. By collecting information from gene expression databases, we have performed a comprehensive in silico study of the expression of all members of different classes of thiol reduction genes (TRX, GRX) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Tissue expression profiles and response to many biotic and abiotic stress conditions have been studied systematically. Altogether, the significance of our data is discussed with respect to published biochemical and genetic studies.
Cadmium induces two waves of reactive oxygen species in Glycine max (L.) roots
Authors: PÉREZ‐CHACA MARÍA VERÓNICA , RODRÍGUEZ‐SERRANO MARÍA , MOLINA ALICIA S. , PEDRANZANI HILDA E. , ZIRULNIK FANNY , SANDALIO LUISA M. , ROMERO‐PUERTAS MARÍA C. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is a non‐essential heavy metal that may be toxic or even lethal to plants as it can be easily taken up by the roots and loaded into the xylem to the leaves. Using soybean roots (Glycine max L.) DM 4800, we have analysed various parameters related to reactive oxygen metabolism and nitric oxide (NO) during a 6 day Cd exposure. A rise in H2O2 and NO, and to a lesser extent O2·− content was observed after 6 h exposure with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation and carbonyl group content. Both oxidative markers were significantly reduced after 24 h. A second, higher wave of O2·− production was also observed after 72 h of exposure followed by a reduction until the end of the treatment. NOX and glicolate oxidase activity might be involved in the initial Cd‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and it appears that other sources may also participate. The analysis of antioxidative enzymes showed an increase in glutathione‐S‐transferase activity and in transcript levels and activity of enzymes involved in the ascorbate‐glutathione cycle and the NADPH‐generating enzymes. These results suggest that soybean is able to respond rapidly to oxidative stress imposed by Cd by improving the availability of NADPH necessary for the ascorbate‐glutathione cycle.