bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signs and identification of fungal root‐rot pathogens in tropical Eucalyptus pellita plantations
Authors: Agustini L. , Francis A. , Glen M. , Indrayadi H. , Mohammed C. L. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThis study describes and identifies the fungi associated with root‐rot disease in Eucalyptus pellita, associated anecdotally with a species of Phellinus. Macro‐ and microscopic morphological observations and DNA analysis were used to identify sporocarps and fungal cultures growing from symptomatic root samples. Investigation of 12 sites in Central Sumatra revealed that red root‐rot disease caused by species of Ganoderma (most commonly Ganoderma philippii) was as prevalent as root disease caused by Phellinus noxius. The study also detected the presence of several potential fungal agents of root rot at any one site. Fungal signs such as absence/presence of sporocarps were a poor indicator of root‐rot incidence in stands. Instead, fungal isolation from infected roots was essential to obtain accurate identification of active pathogens.
Familial thrombotic risk based on the genetic background of Protein C Deficiency in a Portuguese Study
Authors: Fidalgo Teresa , Martinho Patrícia , Salvado Ramon , Manco Licínio , Oliveira Ana C. , Pinto Catarina S. , Gonçalves Elsa , Marques Dalila , Sevivas Teresa , Martins Natália , Ribeiro Maria Letícia 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionInherited protein C (PC) deficiency is a well‐known risk factor for venous thrombosis (VT). Plasma PC levels are reliable in moderate to severe deficiencies; however, in mildly deficient individuals, the levels may overlap with those considered normal. Genetic studies of PROC, which encodes PC, could help identify carriers; genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have shown that approximately 50% of phenotypic variation in PC deficiency is caused by the cumulative effects of mutations in several other loci, namely in the PROCR.Patients and methodsWith the main objective of determining the genotype/phenotype correlation in 59 Portuguese individuals from 26 unrelated families with history of thrombosis and repeatedly low/borderline PC plasma levels, we conducted a molecular study by direct sequencing of PROC; PROC promoter haplotypes and PROCR c.4600A>G polymorphism (rs867186), which are known to influence plasma PC concentrations, were also screened.ResultsTwelve different PROC mutations were identified, one of them not previously reported, p.Cys105Arg. The mutation types and locations as well as haplotype combinations correlated with the phenotypic severity. The most frequent mutation, p.Arg199X, correlated with the CGTC haplotype and was identified in nine families containing patients with higher numbers of VT episodes. This mutation in homozygous individuals for the CGTC haplotype is a significant risk factor for VT in Portuguese.ConclusionThese genetic family studies allowed the identification of the unknown carriers and individuals at a higher thrombotic risk within each family, thus permitting the evaluation of the need for prophylactic measures, particularly in at‐risk situations.
Soil, food security and human health: a review
Authors: Oliver M. A. , Gregory P. J. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryDirect effects of soil or its constituents on human health are through its ingestion, inhalation or absorption. The soil contains many infectious organisms that may enter the human body through these pathways, but it also provides organisms on which our earliest antibiotics are based. Indirect effects of soil arise from the quantity and quality of food that humans consume. Trace elements can have both beneficial and toxic effects on humans, especially where the range for optimal intake is narrow. We focus on four trace elements (iodine, iron, selenium and zinc) whose deficiencies have substantial effects on human health. As the world's population increases issues of food security become more pressing, as does the need to sustain soil fertility and minimize its degradation. Lack of adequate food and food of poor nutritional quality lead to differing degrees of under‐nutrition, which in turn causes ill health. Soil and land are finite resources and agricultural land is under severe competition from other uses. Relationships between soil and health are often difficult to extricate because of the many confounding factors present. Nevertheless, recent scientific understanding of soil processes and factors that affect human health are enabling greater insight into the effects of soil on our health. Multidisciplinary research that includes soil science, agronomy, agricultural sustainability, toxicology, epidemiology and the medical sciences will facilitate the discovery of new antibiotics, a greater understanding of how materials added to soil used for food production affect health and deciphering of the complex relationships between soil and human health.
Quantifying dung carbon incorporation by earthworms in pasture soils
Authors: Schon N. L. , Mackay A. D. , Gray R. A. , Dodd M. B. , van Koten C. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe effect of different earthworm functional groups on the incorporation of maize (C4 plant) dung into a soil (C3 organic matter background) sown with ryegrass (C3 plant) was explored by using differences in the carbon (C) isotope ratios (12C and 13C) between plant and soil samples in a field mesocosm study. The abundance of earthworms increased with dung inputs, reaching over 4000 earthworms per m2, presumably because of the increased food resources used. The amount of dung C incorporated into the soil profile in the presence of earthworms was dependent on the amount of organic matter deposited on the soil surface (925–4620 g C m−2) and reached rates of 1200 g C m−2 annually in the treatment receiving repeat dung applications. Dung incorporation was largely concentrated in the surface 0–75 mm, although small amounts of dung‐derived C were observed to a depth of 300 mm. This was especially so in the presence of anecic earthworms, equating to an extra 70 g C m−2 annually for the 150–300 mm depth increment. It is important to note, in calculating C incorporation rates from earthworms, that only 10–20% of the soil surface in grazed pastures is covered by dung. After 444 days, less than 32% of the applied dung was detected within the upper 300 mm of the soil profile. This study emphasized the need for all three earthworm functional groups to be present within the soil in order to maximize the amount of surface dung that could be incorporated into soil organic matter.
Eslicarbazepine acetate as adjunctive therapy in patients with uncontrolled partial‐onset seizures: Results of a phase III, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Sperling Michael R. , Abou‐Khalil Bassel , Harvey Jay , Rogin Joanne B. , Biraben Arnaud , Galimberti Carlo A. , Kowacs Pedro A. , Hong Seung Bong , Cheng Hailong , Blum David , Nunes Teresa , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício ,   the 304 Study Team
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) in patients with refractory partial‐onset seizures.MethodsThis randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, parallel‐group, phase III study was conducted at 173 centers in 19 countries, including the United States and Canada. Eligible patients were aged ≥16 years and had uncontrolled partial‐onset seizures despite treatment with 1–2 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). After an 8‐week baseline period, patients were randomized to once‐daily placebo (n = 226), ESL 800 mg (n = 216), or ESL 1,200 mg (n = 211). Following a 2‐week titration period, patients received ESL 800 or 1,200 mg once‐daily for 12 weeks. Seizure data were captured and documented using event‐entry or daily entry diaries.ResultsStandardized seizure frequency (SSF) during the maintenance period (primary end point) was reduced with ESL 1,200 mg (p = 0.004), and there was a trend toward improvement with ESL 800 mg (p = 0.06), compared with placebo. When data for titration and maintenance periods were combined, ESL 800 mg (p = 0.001) and 1,200 mg (p < 0.001) both reduced SSF. There were no statistically significant interactions between treatment response and geographical region (p = 0.38) or diary version (p = 0.76). Responder rate (≥50% reduction in SSF) was significantly higher with ESL 1,200 mg (42.6%, p < 0.001) but not ESL 800 mg (30.5%, p = 0.07) than placebo (23.1%). Incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and TEAEs leading to discontinuation increased with ESL dose. The most common TEAEs were dizziness, somnolence, nausea, headache, and diplopia.SignificanceAdjunctive ESL 1,200 mg once‐daily was more efficacious than placebo in adult patients with refractory partial‐onset seizures. The once‐daily 800 mg dose showed a marginal effect on SSF, but did not reach statistical significance. Both doses were well tolerated. Efficacy assessment was not affected by diary format used.
Improving the accuracy of recombinant protein production through integration of bioinformatics, statistical and mass spectrometry methodologies
Authors: Ragionieri Lapo , Vitorino Rui , Frommlet Joerg , Oliveira José L. , Gaspar Paulo , Ribas de Pouplana Lluís , Santos Manuel A. Silva , Moura Gabriela Ribeiro 
Published: December 2014

Heterologous protein production is a key technology for biotechnological, health sciences and many other research fields. Various approaches have been developed for its optimization, but the research emphasis has been on optimization of protein yield rather than protein quality. In this study, we have established a workflow for synthetic gene optimization for heterologous protein expression that combines bioinformatics, laboratory experiments, mass spectrometry and statistical analysis. Two gene primary structure analysis platforms, Anaconda and EuGene, and multivariate optimization methods were employed to re‐design the Plasmodium falciparum lysyl‐tRNA synthetase gene for optimal expression in Escherichia coli. Synthetic genes were expressed from common vectors, and amino acid mis‐incorporations in the expressed proteins were detected and quantified using mass spectrometry. The association between the identified amino acid mis‐incorporations and 23 gene variables was then analysed. The synthetic genes yielded significantly higher levels of protein relative to the wild‐type gene, but 71 amino acid mis‐incorporation sites were observed along the whole protein and across the synthetic genes that were statistically associated with specific codons and protein secondary structures. The optimization method that led to production of the most accurate protein was based on a multivariate approach that combined variables that are known to influence mRNA translation.
Prostate hyperplasia caused by long‐term obesity is characterized by high deposition of extracellular matrix and increased content of MMP‐9 and VEGF
Authors: Silva Silas Amâncio , Gobbo Marina Guimarães , Pinto‐Fochi Maria Etelvina , Rafacho Alex , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Almeida Eduardo Alves , Góes Rejane Maira , Ribeiro Daniele Lisboa 
Published: December 2014

SummaryRecent studies have shown a positive association of cancer and obesity, but the morphological and molecular mechanisms involved in this relationship are still unknown. This study analysed the impact of long‐term obesity on rat prostate, focusing on stromal changes. Male adult Wistar rats were treated with high‐fat diet to induce obesity, while the control group received a balanced diet. After 30 weeks of feeding, the ventral prostate was analysed by immunohistochemistry for cell proliferation, smooth muscle α‐actin, vimentin, chondroitin sulphate and metalloproteinases (MMP‐2 and 9). The content of androgen receptor (AR), oestrogen receptors (ERs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured by Western blotting, and activity of catalase and Glutathione‐S‐Transferase (GST) were quantified by enzymatic assay. Long‐term obesity decreased testosterone plasma levels by 70% and resulted in stromal prostate hyperplasia, as evidenced by increased collagen fibres. Such stromal hyperplasia was associated with increased number of blood vessels and raised VEGF content, and increased expression of chondroitin sulphate, vimentin, α‐actin and MMP‐9. In spite of the high cell density in prostate, the proliferative activity was lower in the prostates of obese rats, indicating that hyperplasia was established during the early phases in this obesity model. AR levels increased significantly, whereas the ERα decreased in this group. Moreover, the levels of catalase and GST were changed considerably. These findings indicate that long‐term obesity, besides disturbing the antioxidant control, causes intense stromal remodelling and release of factors that create an environment that can promote proliferative disorders in the gland, culminating with diffuse hyperplasia.
Exogenous connexin43‐expressing autologous skeletal myoblasts ameliorate mechanical function and electrical activity of the rabbit heart after experimental infarction
Authors: Antanavičiūtė Ieva , Ereminienė Eglė , Vysockas Vaidas , Račkauskas Mindaugas , Skipskis Vilius , Rysevaitė Kristina , Treinys Rimantas , Benetis Rimantas , Jurevičius Jonas , Skeberdis Vytenis A. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryAcute myocardial infarction is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. For regeneration of the rabbit heart after experimentally induced infarction we used autologous skeletal myoblasts (SMs) due to their high proliferative potential, resistance to ischaemia and absence of immunological and ethical concerns. The cells were characterized with muscle‐specific and myogenic markers. Cell transplantation was performed by injection of cell suspension (0.5 ml) containing approximately 6 million myoblasts into the infarction zone. The animals were divided into four groups: (i) no injection; (ii) sham injected; (iii) injected with wild‐type SMs; and (iv) injected with SMs expressing connexin43 fused with green fluorescent protein (Cx43EGFP). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was evaluated by 2D echocardiography in vivo before infarction, when myocardium has stabilized after infarction, and 3 months after infarction. Electrical activity in the healthy and infarction zones of the heart was examined ex vivo in Langendorff‐perfused hearts by optical mapping using di‐4‐ANEPPS, a potential sensitive fluorescent dye. We demonstrate that SMs in the coculture can couple electrically not only to abutted but also to remote acutely isolated allogenic cardiac myocytes through membranous tunnelling tubes. The beneficial effect of cellular therapy on LVEF and electrical activity was observed in the group of animals injected with Cx43EGFP‐expressing SMs. L‐type Ca2+ current amplitude was approximately fivefold smaller in the isolated SMs compared to healthy myocytes suggesting that limited recovery of LVEF may be related to inadequate expression or function of L‐type Ca2+ channels in transplanted differentiating SMs.
Effect of waxy flour blends on dough rheology and bread quality
Authors: Blake Laura H. , Jenner Colin F. , Barber Andrew R. , Gibson Robert A. , O'Neill Brian K. , Nguyen Q. Dzuy 
Published: December 2014

SummaryAlthough much research has been conducted on wheat flour dough rheology, the principal focus has been the role of the protein fraction. Starch is the main component of flour and plays a key role in dough dynamic properties, particularly during heating. This study assesses the effect of two different waxy flours, a durum and a bread wheat, and their blends with commercial bakers' flour on dough rheology during heating with a concurrent investigation into baking performance. Both waxy flour blends produced similar effects on dough rheological behaviour despite differences in protein content, acting to delay gelatinisation and reduce storage modulus. The main effects in bread were to increase loaf expansion during baking and reduce loaf firmness. It is postulated these effects are largely water mediated, with the higher swelling ability of the waxy starch granules reducing overall water availability and driving complete gelatinisation to higher temperatures.
Dielectric Properties of Ultra‐Low Sintering Temperature Al2O3–BBSZ Glass Composite
Authors: Chen Mei‐Yu , Juuti Jari , Hsi Chi‐Shiung , Chia Chih‐Ta , Jantunen Heli 
Published: December 2014

Ceramic composites of B2O3–Bi2O3–SiO2–ZnO (BBSZ) glass mixed with Al2O3 (10–50 vol%) were sintered at 450°C, and their microstructural and dielectric properties investigated. Dense structures were obtained when the Al2O3 content was lower than 30 vol%. Raman, XRD, and FESEM showed the existence of a secondary phase, Bi24Si2O40, in all samples. The dielectric properties of the composite with 30 vol% addition of Al2O3 showed good dielectric properties with εr of 14.8 and 20.8 and 32.5 at 100 kHz and 100 MHz and 1 GHz, respectively. The tanδ values at the same frequencies were 0.004 and 0.006 and 0.016. The results show that BBSZ glass with different amounts of Al2O3 exhibit widely applicable relative permittivity values and affordable loss and are thus promising candidates for ultra‐low sintering temperature applications.
Health Inequity in People with Intellectual Disabilities: From Evidence to Action Applying an Appreciative Inquiry Approach
Authors: Naaldenberg Jenneken , Banks Roger , Lennox Nick , Ouellette‐Kunz Hélène , Meijer Marijke , Lantman‐de Valk Henny van Schrojenstein 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThe current understanding of health inequities in people with intellectual disabilities does not readily translate into improvements in health status or health care. To identify opportunities for action, the 2013 IASSIDD health SIRG conference organized ten intensive workshops.Materials and methodsThe workshops each addressed separate topics, a workshop of self advocated was included as well. Workshop reports were analyzed using a qualitative thematical analysis approach.ResultsA total of 134 participants attended the workshops. The analysis of the workshop reports resulted in three main themes: approach, know‐how and visibility and a pervasive theme, that of person‐centered support.ConclusionEveryone that can contribute to better care should be empowered and facilitated to do so, environments should be accessible and inclusive in nature. Sharing experiences, expertise and data sources within and outside intellectual disabilities care and research were mentioned as ways forward. Strong (policy) visions, felt urgency and shared responsibility are required.
Health and Disability: Partnerships in Health care
Authors: Tracy Jane , McDonald Rachael 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundDespite awareness of the health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disability, their health status remains poor. Inequalities in health outcomes are manifest in higher morbidity and rates of premature death. Contributing factors include the barriers encountered in accessing and receiving high‐quality health care.AimsThis paper outlines health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disability and focuses on the opportunities medical education provides to address these. Strategies to ensure that health professional education is inclusive of and relevant to people with disabilities are highlighted.ConclusionsThe barriers experienced by people with intellectual disabilities to the receipt of high‐quality health care include the attitudes, knowledge and skills of doctors. Improving medical education to ensure doctors are better equipped is one strategy to address these barriers. Improving health enhances quality of life, enables engagement and optimizes opportunities to participate in and contribute to the social and economic life of communities.Accessible AbstractPeople with intellectual disabilities sometimes find it difficult to get the healthcare they need to stay well.Teaching student doctors about what people with disabilities want and need can help these students become better doctors.Good doctors help people get well and stay healthy and active. When people feel well they can enjoy their lives and join in activities in their community.This article talks about some of the things doctors need to learn, and some ways to teach them. People with disabilities have a very important role in teaching student doctors.
A one‐step rectification of sperm cell targeting ensures the success of double fertilization
Authors: Huang Jilei , Ju Yan , Wang Xiangfeng , Zhang Quan , Sodmergen   
Published: December 2014

AbstractSuccessful fertilization in animals depends on competition among millions of sperm cells, whereas double fertilization in flowering plants usually involves just one pollen tube releasing two immobile sperm cells. It is largely a mystery how the plant sperm cells fuse efficiently with their female targets within an embryo sac. We show that the initial positioning of sperm cells upon discharge from the pollen tube is usually inopportune for gamete fusions and that adjustment of sperm cell targeting occurs through release and re‐adhesion of one sperm cell, while the other connected sperm cell remains in stagnation. This enables proper adhesion of each sperm cell to a female gamete and coordinates the gamete fusions. Our findings reveal inner embryo sac dynamics that ensure the reproductive success of flowering plants and suggest a requirement for sperm cell differentiation as the basis of double fertilization.
Changes in management and outcomes for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes over the last 50 years
Authors: Fairchild Jan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractOver the 50 years from 1964 to 2014, outcomes for children with type 1diabetes have improved significantly, because of both technological advancements and changes in management philosophy. For the child with type 1 diabetes in 2014, intensive management with multiple daily injections or insulin pump therapy and the support of a specialist multidisciplinary team is now standard care. The main treatment goal is no longer the avoidance of hypoglycaemia, but the minimisation of hyperglycaemia and glucose variability, thereby reducing the risk of microvascular complications. However, the inherent burden of care and diligence required by patients and families, if they are to maintain optimal diabetes control, have not changed and may even have increased. While the long sought‐after cure for diabetes remains elusive, artificial pancreas or closed‐loop systems hold the most promise for improving the burden of care in the near term for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Voter Turnout and Political Rents
Authors: ALDASHEV GANI 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIs the decline in voter turnout an indicator of a worse health of a representative democracy? We build a simple probabilistic‐voting model with endogenous turnout to address this question. We find that a lower turnout caused by a higher cost of voting implies higher political rents. Contrarily, a lower turnout caused by a higher ideological mobility of voters or by a lower expressive benefit of voting implies lower political rents. If voters have a civic‐duty motive to vote that depends on the level of rents, multiple equilibria (a high‐rents low‐turnout and a low‐rents high‐turnout) arise.