bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transinfected Wolbachia have minimal effects on male reproductive success in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Turley Andrew P , Zalucki Myron P , O’Neill Scott L , McGraw Elizabeth A 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background

Wolbachia are maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria that manipulate the reproductive success of their insect hosts. Uninfected females that mate with Wolbachia infected males do not reproduce due to cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI results in the increased frequency of Wolbachia-infected individuals in populations. Recently, two Wolbachia strains, the benign w Mel and virulent w MelPop have been artificially transinfected into the primary vector of dengue virus, the mosquito Ae. aegypti where they have formed stable infections. These Wolbachia infections are being developed for a biological control strategy against dengue virus transmission. While the effects of Wolbachia on female Ae. aegypti have been examined the effects on males are less well characterised. Here we ascertain and compare the effects of the two strains on male fitness in resource-limited environments that may better approximate the natural environment.

Methods
A series of population mating trials were conducted to examine the effect of Wolbachia infection status (with strains w Mel and w MelPop) and male larval nutrition on insemination frequency, remating rates, the fecundity of females, the hatch rates of eggs and the wing length and fertility of males.

Results

w Mel and w MelPop infections reduce the fecundity of infected females and w MelPop reduces the viability of eggs. Low nutrition diets for males in the larval phase affects the fecundity of w Mel-infected females. Neither strain of Wolbachia affected sperm quality or viability or the ability of males to successfully mate multiple females.

Conclusions
The benign strain of Wolbachia, w Mel causes similar reductions in fecundity as the more virulent, w MelPop, and neither are too great that they should not still spread given the action of CI. The ability of Wolbachia-infected males to repeat mate as frequently as wildtype mosquitoes indicates that they will be very good agents of delivering CI in field release populations.
Ultra-wide-field retinal imaging in the management of non-infectious retinal vasculitis
Authors: Leder Henry A , Campbell John P , Sepah Yasir J , Gan Theresa , Dunn James P , Hatef Elham , Cho Brian , Ibrahim Mohamed , Bittencourt Millena , Channa Roomasa , Do Diana V , Nguyen Quan Dong 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study is to describe and quantify the benefit of ultra-wide-field imaging and fluorescein angiography (FA) in the management of non-infectious retinal vasculitis. In this prospective observational cohort series, patients with non-infectious retinal vasculitis were evaluated and enrolled by four investigators from the Divisions of Retina and Ocular Immunology at the Wilmer Eye Institute. In each patient, disease activity and the need for management changes were assessed, based on clinical examination with or without standard (60°) imaging and then with the addition of ultra-wide-field pseudo-color scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) images and FA using the Optos ultra-wide-field SLO (Optos Panoramic 200MA™, Optos PLC, Dunfermline, Scotland, UK). A standardized questionnaire was completed by each investigator at the time of the clinical evaluation.
The primary outcome was the percentage of patients whose management was changed by clinical examination and standard FA, compared with clinical examination plus ultra-wide-field imaging. The secondary outcome was the percentage of patients whose disease was determined to be active based on each modality.

Results
Seventy-one visits from 23 patients were reviewed and analyzed. Based on examination plus ultra-wide-field imaging and ultra-wide-field angiography, disease activity was detected in 48/71 (68%) compared with 32/71 (45%) based on examination and standard FA (P = 0.0095). Based on the clinical examination alone, the decision to alter management was made in 4 of 71 visits (6%), and an additional 3 of 71 (4%) based on simulated standard FA. The addition of ultra-wide-field SLO pseudo-color images altered management in an additional 10/71 visits (14%), and 36/71 (51%) with the addition of ultra-wide-field FA.

Conclusions
Ultra-wide-field fluorescein imaging and angiography can provide additional information that may be important and relevant in the management of retinal vasculitis.
Polymorphisms in migraine-associated gene, atp1a2, and ischemic stroke risk in a biracial population: the genetics of early onset stroke study
Authors: Harriott Andrea M , Dueker Nicole , Cheng Yu-Ching , Ryan Kathleen A , O’Connell Jeffrey R , Stine O Colin , McArdle Patrick F , Wozniak Marcella A , Stern Barney J , Mitchell Braxton D , Kittner Steven J , Cole John W 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
In a recent meta-analysis migraine was associated with a two-fold increase in stroke risk. While the mechanism driving this association is unknown, one intriguing hypothesis is that migraineurs are genetically predisposed to developing ischemic stroke. Mutations in the ATP1A2 gene are implicated in familial hemiplegic migraine type II and increase the severity of ischemic brain injury in animal models. To further explore these observations, we assessed the association between ATP1A2 polymorphisms, migraine, and the risk of ischemic stroke in participants of the Genetics of Early-Onset Stroke Study, a population-based case–control study of ischemic stroke among men and women aged 15–49. Using responses to a headache symptoms questionnaire, subjects were classified as having no migraine, or migraine with or without visual aura. Evaluating a total of 134 ATP1A2 polymorphisms genotyped using a combination of Illumina platforms (Cardiovascular Gene-centric 50 K SNP Array and HumanOmni1-Quad_v1-0_B Bead Chip), only one polymorphism (rs2070704) demonstrated a nominally significant association with stroke in an age-, gender-, ethnicity-adjusted model (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71-0.98, p = 0.025) and in a vascular risk factor model adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and myocardial infarction (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.63-0.89, p = 0.001). Ethnicity-stratified analyses demonstrated a significant association for rs2070704 among African-Americans (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.53-0.90, p = 0.005) but not Caucasians (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.64-1.04, p = 0.107). These associations were unchanged when migraine subtypes were included as co-variates. We did not observe an association between ATP1A2 polymorphisms and migraine. While our results do not demonstrate a strong relationship between ATP1A2 polymorphisms and migraine associated stroke risk, the results are hypothesis generating and indicate that an association between ATP1A2 polymorphisms and stroke risk may exist. Additional studies are required.
Acetate adaptation of clostridia tyrobutyricum for improved fermentation production of butyrate
Authors: Jaros Adam M , Rova Ulrika , Berglund Kris A 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755 is an acidogenic bacterium capable of utilizing xylose for the fermentation production of butyrate. Hot water extraction of hardwood lingocellulose is an efficient method of producing xylose where autohydrolysis of xylan is catalysed by acetate originating from acetyl groups present in hemicellulose. The presence of acetic acid in the hydrolysate might have a severe impact on the subsequent fermentations. In this study the fermentation kinetics of C. tyrobutyricum cultures after being classically adapted for growth at 26.3 g/L acetate equivalents were studied. Analysis of xylose batch fermentations found that even in the presence of high levels of acetate, acetate adapted strains had similar fermentation kinetics as the parental strain cultivated without acetate. The parental strain exposed to acetate at inhibitory conditions demonstrated a pronounced lag phase (over 100 hours) in growth and butyrate production as compared to the adapted strain (25 hour lag) or non-inhibited controls (0 lag).
Additional insight into the metabolic pathway of xylose consumption was gained by determining the specific activity of the acetate kinase (AK) enzyme in adapted versus control batches. AK activity was reduced by 63% in the presence of inhibitory levels of acetate, whether or not the culture had been adapted.
Nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice of Iranian households and primary health care staff: NUTRIKAP Survey
Authors: Azemati Bahar , Heshmat Ramin , Sanaei Maryam , Salehi Forouzan , Sadeghi Farzaneh , Ghaderpanahi Maryam , Mirarefin Mojde , Abdollahi Zahra , Rezaei Hemami Mohsen , Larijani Bagher 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study is to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of Iranian households and health staff on nutrition at province level. The sampling method in NUTRIKAP survey for households in each province is single-stage cluster sampling and the size of clusters is equal. The sampling method for health staff in each province is stratified random sampling. Samples are selected from physicians, health experts, health technicians, nutritionists and health assistants (Behvarz). Overall, 14136 people in 57 clusters in each province and 480 health staff over the country participate in this survey. The necessary data will be gathered by the structured questionnaire and the interview with the eligible person in each household. Data gathering from health staff will be carried out by self-administered questionnaire. The results of this study can help the bureau of community nutrition to provide the proper interventions to improve nutritional health of households.
Racial and Ethnic Variation in Unmarried Young Adults’ Motivation to Avoid Pregnancy
Authors: Hayford Sarah R. , Guzzo Karen Benjamin 
Published: February 2013

ContextRacial and ethnic differences in unintended fertility are well documented, but mechanisms underlying these differences are poorly understood. To identify the factors that may contribute to such disparities, differences in distal characteristics theoretically linked to unintended fertility—such as the motivation to avoid a pregnancy—need to be identified.MethodsData on sexual and reproductive attitudes and behavior among a sample of 1,573 unmarried men and women aged 18–29 came from the 2009 National Survey of Reproductive and Contraceptive Knowledge. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine two measures of motivation: one cognitive (perceived importance of avoiding pregnancy) and one affective (predicted feelings about experiencing an unplanned pregnancy).ResultsSeventy‐seven percent of young adults reported that avoiding pregnancy is very important, and 34% would be very upset if they were to experience an unplanned pregnancy. In multivariate analyses, the cognitive measure of motivation was not associated with race and ethnicity. The affective measure, however, was: Foreign‐born Hispanics would be less upset than whites, and blacks would be more upset than whites, if they were to experience an unplanned pregnancy (coefficients, –1.7 and 0.5, respectively).ConclusionsDifferences in motivation to avoid pregnancy—particularly in predicted emotional responses to an unplanned pregnancy—should be further investigated as a potential factor in Hispanics’ relatively high rates of unintended births. Future research should also examine connections between motivation to avoid pregnancy and reproductive behavior.
The Human Gut Microbiome and Body Metabolism: Implications for Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Devaraj Sridevi , Hemarajata Peera , Versalovic James 
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND
Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes are major public health challenges. Recently, interest has surged regarding the possible role of the intestinal microbiota as potential novel contributors to the increased prevalence of these 3 disorders.

CONTENT
Recent advances in microbial DNA sequencing technologies have resulted in the widespread application of whole-genome sequencing technologies for metagenomic DNA analysis of complex ecosystems such as the human gut. Current evidence suggests that the gut microbiota affect nutrient acquisition, energy harvest, and a myriad of host metabolic pathways.

CONCLUSION
Advances in the Human Microbiome Project and human metagenomics research will lead the way toward a greater understanding of the importance and role of the gut microbiome in metabolic disorders such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
The nucleolus: a raft adrift in the nuclear sea or the keystone in nuclear structure?
Authors: O’Sullivan Justin M. , Pai Dave A. , Cridge Andrew G. , Engelke David R. , Ganley Austen R.D. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe nucleolus is a prominent nuclear structure that is the site of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription, and hence ribosome biogenesis. Cellular demand for ribosomes, and hence rRNA, is tightly linked to cell growth and the rRNA makes up the majority of all the RNA within a cell. To fulfill the cellular demand for rRNA, the ribosomal RNA (rDNA) genes are amplified to high copy number and transcribed at very high rates. As such, understanding the rDNA has profound consequences for our comprehension of genome and transcriptional organization in cells. In this review, we address the question of whether the nucleolus is a raft adrift the sea of nuclear DNA, or actively contributes to genome organization. We present evidence supporting the idea that the nucleolus, and the rDNA contained therein, play more roles in the biology of the cell than simply ribosome biogenesis. We propose that the nucleolus and the rDNA are central factors in the spatial organization of the genome, and that rapid alterations in nucleolar structure in response to changing conditions manifest themselves in altered genomic structures that have functional consequences. Finally, we discuss some predictions that result from the nucleolus having a central role in nuclear organization.
Transport of substrates into peroxisomes: the paradigm of β-lactam biosynthetic intermediates
Authors: Martín Juan-Francisco , García-Estrada Carlos , Ullán Ricardo V. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPeroxisomes are ubiquitous organelles that enclose catalases, fatty acid-oxidizing enzymes, and a variety of proteins involved in different cellular processes. Interestingly, the late enzymes involved in penicillin biosynthesis, and the isopenicillin N epimerization enzymes involved in cephalosporin biosynthesis are located inside peroxisomes in the producer fungi Penicillium chrysogenum and Acremonium chrysogenum. Peroxisome proteins are targeted to those organelles by peroxisomal targeting signals located at the C-terminus (PTS1) or near the N-terminal end (PTS2) of those proteins. Peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs) are largely recruited by the interaction with specific sequences in the Pex19 protein. The compartmentalization into peroxisomes of several steps of the biosynthesis of penicillin, cephalosporin, and other secondary metabolites raises the question of how the precursors and/or intermediates of the biosynthesis of β-lactam antibiotics are transported into peroxisomes and the mechanisms of secretion of the final products (penicillin or cephalosporin) from peroxisomes to the extracellular medium. Recent advances in peroxisome proteomics, immunoelectron microscopy, and fluorescence labeling have shown that the transport of these intermediates is mediated by membrane proteins of the major facilitator superfamily class (drug/H+ antiporters) containing 12 transmembrane-spanning domains (TMS). In some cases, the transport of the substrates (e.g., fatty acids) or intermediates may be mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Knowledge on the transport and secretion mechanisms is of paramount importance to understand the complex mechanisms of cell differentiation and their crosstalk with the biosynthesis of different secondary metabolites that act as biochemical signals between the producer cells and also as communication signals with competing microorganisms (e.g., antimicrobial agents or plant elicitors).
Vegetative and reproductive morphology of Polysiphonia tripinnata (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta): a new record from the European Atlantic coast
Authors: Díaz-Tapia Pilar , Bárbara Ignacio , Berecibar Estíbaliz 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Polysiphonia tripinnata, a member of the Rhodomelaceae originally described from the Mediterranean Sea, is newly recorded off the European Atlantic coast. It was collected mostly from sand-covered rocks between the low intertidal zone and the upper subtidal zone of 18 sites from the Iberian Peninsula. Most locations were from the southern Iberian Peninsula; nevertheless, it was also found at three sites on the northern coast (Galicia and Basque Country). In this work, the vegetative and reproductive morphologies of P. tripinnata are described and for the first time a detailed description of female structures is provided. Polysiphonia tripinnata is distinguished from its congeners by its decumbent robust thalli attached to the substratum by abundant rhizoids cut off from the pericentral cells; axes are ecorticate with (14–) 17–19 (–20) pericentral cells; branches of indeterminate and/or determinate growth are alternately arranged and form in the axils of trichoblasts, which are borne on every segment; carpogonial branches are four-celled, cystocarps are globose; tetrasporangia are formed in spiral series. The type material of P. tripinnata has been examined and a lectotype is designated for the species. Differences between P. tripinnata and similar species are discussed. Moreover, COI-5P sequences of P. tripinnata as well as Polysiphonia nigra and Boergeseniella spp. are provided to allow subsequent assignment to these entities using the DNA barcode tool.
A novel weighted cumulative delta-check method for highly sensitive detection of specimen mix-up in the clinical laboratory
Authors: Yamashita Teppei , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Miyamoto Ayaho 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background: We sought to detect specimen mix-up by developing a new cumulative delta-check method applicable to a mixture of test items with heterogeneous units and distribution patterns.

Methods: The distributions of all test results were successfully made Gaussian using power transformation. Values were then standardized into z-score (zx) based on reference interval (RI) so that limits of RI take zx=±1.96. To find a weight for summing absolute value of delta between current and previous zx (Dz), we evaluated the distribution of Dz. Its central portion was always regarded as Gaussian despite the presence of symmetrical long tails. Thus, an adjusted SD (aSD) representing the center was estimated with an iterative method. By setting 1/aSD2 as a weight factor, we computed a weighted mean of Dz as an index for specimen mix-up (wCDI).

Results: The performance of wCDI was evaluated, using a model laboratory database consisting of 32 basic test items, by a simulation study generating artificial cases of mix-up. When wCDI was computed from three commonly ordered test sets consisting of 6–9 items each, its diagnostic efficiency in detecting the artificial cases was 0.937–0.967 expressed as area under ROC curves (AUC). When the performance of wCDI was evaluated simply by the number of test items (p) included in the computation, AUC gradually increased from 0.944 (p=5) to 0.976 (p=8). However, when p≥10, AUC stayed at approximately 0.98.

Conclusions: wCDI was proven to be highly effective in uncovering cases of specimen mix-up. The diagnostic efficiency of wCDI depends only on the number of test items included in the computation.
Quantification of mobilized copper(II) levels in micronized copper-treated wood by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy
Authors: Xue Wei , Kennepohl Pierre , Ruddick John N.R. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Sapwood sawdust from southern pine was treated with micronized copper (MC) under various conditions and the mobilized copper(II) (Cumob) concentrations were determined in the treated wood by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The spectral parameters for the copper sulfate (CuSO4)-treated sapwood and those of the MC-treated sapwood were very similar. A linear correlation was found between the intensities of copper (Cu) EPR spectra and those of Cu energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in a series of CuSO4-treated sapwood reference samples. Thus, the EPR signal intensities could be reliably correlated to the mass of reacted Cu present using this calibration curve. The amount of the Cumob in sawdust treated by MC suspensions increased during the first 2–3 days after the initial treatment and then reached a maximum during the 7-day monitoring period. In the case of the treatment with MC alone or MC azole, an increased MC concentration led to an elevated amount of Cu (to a maximum of ∼0.23% Cu) solubilized by the sapwood. If the wood was treated with MC quat, the Cumob initially increased, but at higher concentrations the Cumob content decreased, due to the interference by the quat cobiocide on the acid reaction between the wood and the basic Cu carbonate. An examination of commercially-treated wood confirmed the laboratory observations.
Mimicking of the strength loss in the Vasa: model experiments with iron-impregnated recent oak
Authors: Norbakhsh Shahin , Bjurhager Ingela , Almkvist Gunnar 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Previous studies of the oak wood of the 17th century warship the Vasa have shown significant changes in the chemical and mechanical properties compared with recent oak. The most important factors contributing to these changes are the incorporation of iron compounds during waterlogging and the uptake of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the course of the 17 years of preservation treatment. To investigate the effect of iron-dependent oxidative degradation reactions, recent oak wood samples were impregnated with aqueous iron(II) chloride solution (0.1 M) and thereafter exposed to air or pure oxygen at controlled relative humidity in long-term experiments followed by tensile strength (TS) measurements. The iron-impregnated samples exposed to oxygen displayed significant effects already after 1 week and the reduction in TS was ~50% after 1 year. The samples treated with additional PEG displayed less TS reduction, whereas the addition of cysteine had no effect. The size exclusion chromatography of treated samples showed that the average molecular weight of holocellulose had decreased. The results confirm that iron compounds have a detrimental effect in wood and indicate that PEG might act as an antioxidant for the degradation processes. Concerning the Vasa, it may be concluded that most degradation related to iron compounds and oxidative processes have taken place during the first period of conservation when the wood was exposed to oxygen in a still very humid state. Thus, the current rate of oxidative degradation under the present relatively dry museum conditions should be relatively low.