bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using a selective fast turn-around bioassay for population density determination of Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Meinecke Annabell , Hermann Andreas , Westphal Andreas 
Published: April 2013

In Central Europe, Heterodera schachtii is kept below threshold levels by cover-cropping with resistant crucifers and crop rotation with non-hosts. Determining population densities of H. schachtii in soil is critical when implementing resistant and tolerant sugar beet cultivars in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. Soil extraction of the cysts followed by egg counts or extraction of the second-stage juveniles (J2) facilitated by the chemical stimulant acetox can be unsatisfactory in mixed field populations of cyst nematodes. In contrast to H. schachtii, nematodes typically present in sugar beet soils, e.g., Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis, H. avenae, H. filipjevi, Meloidogyne hapla, M. incognita and Pratylenchus penetrans, rarely penetrated radish roots. In this bioassay, equivalents of 50 g of soil dry weight were adjusted to 10-20% moisture, seeded with Raphanus sativus cv. Saxa 3, and incubated at a day-night (16:8 h) cycle of 28/23°C for 4 days before J2 in radish roots were enumerated. In different soil types, penetration by H. schachtii reflected the inoculation levels. When inoculated with mixes of H. schachtii with H. avenae or H. filipjevi, counts of H. schachtii were similar to those in soils with H. schachtii only. When comparing three methods in three soils spiked with H. schachtii cysts, the bioassay and the extraction method were lightly impacted by the soil texture but results of the acetox method varied with texture. When implemented for field samples from Franconia, the radish bioassay and the acetox method provided results related to cyst and egg extraction data. The radish bioassay provided a quick and easy method for quantifying H. schachtii in the presence of other nematode species in a wide range of soil types. Including this assay in IPM programmes may serve as an alternative to standard methods and will improve the decision making in sustainable production systems.
Colonial Revenue Policies and the Impact of the Transition to Independence in South East Asia
Authors: Booth Anne 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first part examines trends in revenue policies across South East Asia in the early decades of the twentieth century. It is argued that, by the 1920s, there were quite striking differences in revenue policies and performance across the region. The paper examines the reasons for these differences, paying particular attention to the conflicting demands placed on the various colonial administrations by conditions within the colonies, as well as by the changing priorities of the metropolitan governments. The second aim of the paper is to examine the impact of the transition to independence on revenue policy and performance. It is often thought that in most parts of Asia, the advent of political independence led to a greatly expanded role for government in the economy. While it is true that many newly independent countries had ambitious plans for government as the lead actor in promoting rapid economic development, in fact in several countries in South East Asia, it proved very difficult to increase revenues in real terms. The reasons for this are explored in the paper.
Delivering the Incredible Years parent programme to foster carers in Wales: reflections from group leader supervision
Authors: Hutchings Judy , Bywater Tracey 
Published: April 2013

Growing numbers of children in the UK enter the care system with significant emotional and behavioural problems. The recent increase in numbers of children and the reduction in residential children’s homes have contributed to a growth in foster carer provision. As a result, carers are looking after more vulnerable children. Challenging child behaviours and carers’ lack of skill in dealing with them are the two most common reasons for placement breakdown and foster carers need comprehensive support and additional training to avoid this happening. This article describes carer-specific issues discussed during group leader supervision during a small platform trial of the Incredible Years (IY) parent programme delivered to foster carers in three local authorities in Wales (Bywater et al, 2010). The positive trial results, which are summarised, included reductions in children’s challenging behaviour and carer depression. Issues related to the specific challenges of looking after a fostered child, which were discussed by leaders in preparing for groups and raised by the carers attending, were explored and are presented here. The beneficial effects of the programme on child behaviour and carer mental health, coupled with carer and leader feedback, confirmed the relevance and effectiveness of the IY parent programme for dedicated foster carer groups.
Novel porous Al2O3-SiO2-TiO2 bone grafting materials: Formation and characterization
Authors: Naga Salma M , El-Kady Abeer M , El-Maghraby Hesham F , Awaad Mohamed , Detsch Rainer , Boccaccini Aldo R 
Published: April 2013

The present article deals with the development of 3D porous scaffolds for bone grafting. They were prepared based on rapid fluid infiltration of Al2O3-SiO2 sol into a polyethylene non-woven fabric template structure. Titanium dioxide in concentration equal to 5 wt% was added to the Al2O3-SiO2 mixture to produce Al2O3-SiO2-TiO2 composite scaffolds. The prepared scaffolds are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and three-point bending test techniques. The bioactivity of the produced bodies is discussed, including the in vitro and in vivo assessments. The produced scaffolds exhibit mean total porosity of 66.0% and three-point bending strength of 7.1 MPa. In vitro studies showed that MG-63 osteoblast-like cells attach and spread on the scaffolds surfaces. Furthermore, cells grew through the scaffolds and start to produce extra-cellular matrix. Additionally, in vivo studies revealed the ability of the porous scaffolds to regenerate bone tissue in femur defects of albino rats 5 months post surgery. Histological analysis showed that the defect is almost entirely filled with new bone. The formed bone is characterized as a mature bone. The produced bone grafts are intended to be used as bone substitute or bone filler as their degradation products caused no inflammatory effects.
Increased incidence of multiple sclerosis in the Veneto region, Italy
Authors: Puthenparampil M , Seppi D , Rinaldi F , Federle L , Calabrese M , Perini P , Gallo P ,   on behalf of the Multiple Sclerosis Epidemiology Veneto Study Group (MuSEV**)
Published: April 2013

Background: To what extent the progressive increase in the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) observed in the province of Padova over the period 1970–1999 was an expression of a real increased risk of developing MS remained unclear. Objective: The objective of this paper is to update the epidemiological figures of MS and probe whether the risk of having MS has increased in the province of Padova during the decade 2000–2009. Methods: All patients born in Italy and having a diagnosis of MS or possible MS identified through analysis of all available sources of information were included in the study. The incidence and prevalence rates between 2000 and 2009 were obtained and compared with our previously published data. Results: On 31 December 2009, the overall prevalence was 139.5/100,000, 192.0±9.5 for females and 83.9±6.3 for males. During the decade 2000–2009, the overall incidence rate of MS was 5.5±0.5, 7.4±0.8 for females and 3.5±0.6 for males. The onset-diagnosis delay, the female/male ratio and the mean age at onset did not significantly change compared to the prior period of observation. Conclusion: Our findings support the hypothesis of a real increased risk of developing MS in the province of Padova. Moreover, the actual prevalence of 1.4/1000 makes our region a high-risk geographical area for MS. The role played by exogenous factors in determining susceptibility to MS needs to be thoroughly investigated.
1054 revisited: response to Ryder
Authors: Kolbaba Tia 
Published: April 2013

J. R. Ryder’s analysis of the events of 1054 and of Greek rebaptism of Latins in the Middle Ages makes several points about my article of 2005 in this journal. I am grateful to the editors for this chance to respond. I have chosen to respond to four issues that are crucial to my article and to Ryder’s critique:
1.Ryder maintains that my account of the events of 1053–1054 follows a tradition of playing down ‘the provocative aspects of Greek activity’.2.Ryder is worried that my arguments might be taken as conclusive in some broad way in spite of my emphasis on limited and specific situations.3.Ryder emphasizes that the sources surrounding the events of 1054 need more attention – perhaps some re-editing, certainly some re-reading. With regard to my article, this seems primarily to mean that my conclusions are premature, given the state of the evidence.4.Ryder points out various inconsistencies in my arguments about rebaptism of Latins.
Immunogenetics shows that not all MBL are equal: the larger the clone, the more similar to CLL
Authors: Vardi Anna , Dagklis Antonis , Scarfò Lydia , Jelinek Diane , Newton Darren , Bennett Fiona , Almeida Julia , Rodriguez-Caballero Arancha , Allgood Sallie , Lanasa Mark , Cortelezzi Agostino , Orlandi Ester , Veronese Silvio , Montillo Marco , Rawstron Andy , Shanafelt Tait , Orfao Alberto , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Ghia Paolo 
Published: April 2013

Key Points
Low-count and high-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) have distinct immunogenetic signatures, with only the latter resembling CLL. Rather than a true premalignant condition, low-count MBL may merely reflect immune senescence or result from persistent antigen stimulation.
The Thr224Asn mutation in the VPS45 gene is associated with the congenital neutropenia and primary myelofibrosis of infancy
Authors: Stepensky Polina , Saada Ann , Cowan Marianne , Tabib Adi , Fischer Ute , Berkun Yackov , Saleh Hani , Simanovsky Natalia , Kogot-Levin Aviram , Weintraub Michael , Ganaiem Hamam , Shaag Avraham , Zenvirt Shamir , Borkhardt Arndt , Elpeleg Orly , Bryant Nia J. , Mevorach Dror 
Published: April 2013

Key Points
VPS45 is a new gene associated with severe infections and bone marrow failure in infancy that can be treated by bone marrow transplantation. The mutation affects intracellular storage and transport and results in increased programmed cell death in neutrophils and bone marrow.
Immune responses to AAV vectors: overcoming barriers to successful gene therapy
Authors: Mingozzi Federico , High Katherine A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractGene therapy products for the treatment of genetic diseases are currently in clinical trials, and one of these, an adeno-associated viral (AAV) product, has recently been licensed. AAV vectors have achieved positive results in a number of clinical and preclinical settings, including hematologic disorders such as the hemophilias, Gaucher disease, hemochromatosis, and the porphyrias. Because AAV vectors are administered directly to the patient, the likelihood of a host immune response is high, as shown by human studies. Preexisting and/or recall responses to the wild-type virus from which the vector is engineered, or to the transgene product itself, can interfere with therapeutic efficacy if not identified and managed optimally. Small-scale clinical studies have enabled investigators to dissect the immune responses to the AAV vector capsid and to the transgene product, and to develop strategies to manage these responses to achieve long-term expression of the therapeutic gene. However, a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of immunogenicity of AAV vectors, and of potential associated toxicities, is still lacking. Careful immunosurveillance conducted as part of ongoing clinical studies will provide the basis for understanding the intricacies of the immune response in AAV-mediated gene transfer, facilitating safe and effective therapies for genetic diseases.
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates from equine infectious endometritis belong to a distinct genetic group
Authors: Rasmussen Camilla Dooleweerdt , Haugaard Maria Mathilde , Petersen Morten Roenn , Nielsen Jesper Møller , Pedersen Hanne Gervi , Bojesen Anders Miki 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is the pathogen most commonly isolated from the uterus of mares. S. zooepidemicus is an opportunistic pathogen and part of the resident flora in the caudal reproductive tract. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a genotypically distinct subpopulation of S. zooepidemicus is associated with endometritis in the mare, by genotyping and comparing uterine S. zooepidemicus strains with isolates from the vagina and clitoral fossa. Mares with (n = 18) or without (n = 11) clinical symptoms of endometritis were included. Uterine samples were obtained using a guarded endometrial biopsy punch, whereas a swab was used to recover samples from the cranial vagina and the clitoral fossa. If S. zooepidemicus was present, up to three colonies were selected from each anatomical location (max. 9 isolates per mare). Bacterial isolates were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). S. zooepidemicus was isolated from the endometrium of 12 mares. A total of 88 isolates were analyzed by PFGE: 31 from the endometrium, 26 from the cranial vagina and 31 isolates from the clitoral fossa. For MLST 21 isolates were chosen. Results demonstrated a higher genetic similarity of the isolates obtained from infectious endometritis compared to isolates obtained from the caudal reproductive tract. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that a genetically distinct group of S. zooepidemicus is associated with infectious endometritis in the mare.
Association of CAD, a multifunctional protein involved in pyrimidine synthesis, with mLST8, a component of the mTOR complexes
Authors: Nakashima Akio , Kawanishi Ippei , Eguchi Sumiko , Yu Eugene Hsin , Eguchi Satoshi , Oshiro Noriko , Yoshino Ken-ichi , Kikkawa Ushio , Yonezawa Kazuyoshi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
mTOR is a genetically conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, which controls cell growth, proliferation, and survival. A multifunctional protein CAD, catalyzing the initial three steps in de novo pyrimidine synthesis, is regulated by the phosphorylation reaction with different protein kinases, but the relationship with mTOR protein kinase has not been known.

Results
CAD was recovered as a binding protein with mLST8, a component of the mTOR complexes, from HEK293 cells transfected with the FLAG-mLST8 vector. Association of these two proteins was confirmed by the co-immuoprecipitaiton followed by immunoblot analysis of transfected myc-CAD and FLAG-mLST8 as well as that of the endogenous proteins in the cells. Analysis using mutant constructs suggested that CAD has more than one region for the binding with mLST8, and that mLST8 recognizes CAD and mTOR in distinct ways. The CAD enzymatic activity decreased in the cells depleted of amino acids and serum, in which the mTOR activity is suppressed.

Conclusion
The results obtained indicate that mLST8 bridges between CAD and mTOR, and plays a role in the signaling mechanism where CAD is regulated in the mTOR pathway through the association with mLST8.
Transcriptome characterisation of Pinus tabuliformis and evolution of genes in the Pinusphylogeny
Authors: Niu Shi-Hui , Li Zhe-Xin , Yuan Hu-Wei , Chen Xiao-Yang , Li Yue , Li Wei 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis) is an indigenous conifer species in northern China but is relatively underdeveloped as a genomic resource; thus, limiting gene discovery and breeding. Large-scale transcriptome data were obtained using a next-generation sequencing platform to compensate for the lack of P. tabuliformis genomic information.

Results
The increasing amount of transcriptome data on Pinus provides an excellent resource for multi-gene phylogenetic analysis and studies on how conserved genes and functions are maintained in the face of species divergence. The first P. tabuliformis transcriptome from a normalised cDNA library of multiple tissues and individuals was sequenced in a full 454 GS-FLX run, producing 911,302 sequencing reads. The high quality overlapping expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were assembled into 46,584 putative transcripts, and more than 700 SSRs and 92,000 SNPs/InDels were characterised. Comparative analysis of the transcriptome of six conifer species yielded 191 orthologues, from which we inferred a phylogenetic tree, evolutionary patterns and calculated rates of gene diversion. We also identified 938 fast evolving sequences that may be useful for identifying genes that perhaps evolved in response to positive selection and might be responsible for speciation in the Pinus lineage.

Conclusions
A large collection of high-quality ESTs was obtained, de novo assembled and characterised, which represents a dramatic expansion of the current transcript catalogues of P. tabuliformis and which will gradually be applied in breeding programs of P. tabuliformis. Furthermore, these data will facilitate future studies of the comparative genomics of P. tabuliformis and other related species.
Identification and characterization of two wheat Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3/ SHAGGY-like kinases
Authors: Bittner Thomas , Campagne Sarah , Neuhaus Gunther , Rensing Stefan A , Fischer-Iglesias Christiane 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundPlant Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3/ SHAGGY-like kinases (GSKs) have been implicated in numerous biological processes ranging from embryonic, flower, stomata development to stress and wound responses. They are key regulators of brassinosteroid signaling and are also involved in the cross-talk between auxin and brassinosteroid pathways. In contrast to the human genome that contains two genes, plant GSKs are encoded by a multigene family. Little is known about Liliopsida resp. Poaceaein comparison toBrassicaceaeGSKs. Here, we report the identification and structural characterization of two GSK homologs namedTaSK1andTaSK2in the hexaploid wheat genome as well as a widespread phylogenetic analysis of land plant GSKs.ResultsGenomic and cDNA sequence alignments as well as chromosome localization using nullisomic-tetrasomic lines provided strong evidence for three expressed gene copies located on homoeolog chromosomes forTaSK1as well as forTaSK2. Predicted proteins displayed a clear GSK signature.In vitrokinase assays showed that TaSK1 and TaSK2 possessed kinase activity. A phylogenetic analysis of land plant GSKs indicated that TaSK1 and TaSK2 belong to clade II of plant GSKs, theArabidopsismembers of which are all involved in Brassinosteroid signaling. Based on a single ancestral gene in the last common ancestor of all land plants, paralogs were acquired and retained through paleopolyploidization events, resulting in six to eight genes in angiosperms. More recent duplication events have increased the number up to ten in some lineages.ConclusionsTo account for plant diversity in terms of functionality, morphology and development, attention has to be devoted to Liliopsida respPoaceaeGSKs in addition toArabidopsisGSKs. In this study, molecular characterization, chromosome localization, kinase activity test and phylogenetic analysis (1) clarified the homologous/paralogous versus homoeologous status ofTaSKsequences, (2) pointed out their affiliation to the GSK multigene family, (3) showed a functional kinase activity, (4) allowed a classification in clade II, members of which are involved in BR signaling and (5) allowed to gain information on acquisition and retention of GSK paralogs in angiosperms in the context of whole genome duplication events. Our results provide a framework to explore Liliopsida respPoaceaeGSKs functions in development.
Low sex hormone-binding globulin is associated with hypertension: a cross-sectional study in a Swedish population
Authors: Daka Bledar , Rosen Thord , Jansson Per Anders , Larsson Charlotte A , Råstam Lennart , Lindblad Ulf 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and hypertension in a Swedish population.

Methods
The study is based on a random sample of a Swedish population of men and women aged 30–74 years (n=2,816). Total testosterone, oestradiol and SHBG were measured in 2,782 participants. Free androgen index was then calculated according to the formula FAI=100 × (Total testosterone)/SHBG. Hypertension was diagnosed according to JNC7.

Results
In men, but not in women, significant association between SHBG and both diastolic (diastolic blood pressure: β=−0.143 p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure β=−0.114 p<0.001) was found. The association was still significant after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides, high density lipoproteins (HDL) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (diastolic blood pressure: β=−0.113 p<0.001; systolic blood pressure β=−0.093 p=0.001). An inverse association was observed between SHBG and hypertension in both men (B=−0.024 p<0.001) and women (B=−0.022 p<0.001). The association was still significant in women older than 50 years after adjustments for age, BMI, physical activity, CRP and alcohol consumption (B=−0.014, p=0.008).

Conclusion
In conclusion, these results show a strong association between SHBG and blood pressure independent of major determinants of high blood pressure. This association might be addressed to direct effects of SHBG in endothelial cells through the receptor for SHBG. If this is confirmed by other observational and experimental studies, it might become a new field for the development of therapies for lowering blood pressure.
Post-dengue parkinsonism
Authors: Azmin Shahrul , Sahathevan Ramesh , Suehazlyn Zainudin , Law Zhe Kang , Rabani Remli , Nafisah Wan Yahya , Tan Hui Jan , Norlinah Mohamed Ibrahim 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Dengue is a common illness in the tropics. Equally common are neurological complications that stem from dengue infection. However, to date, parkinsonism following dengue has not been reported in medical literature.

Case presentation
A previously well 18-year old man developed parkinsonism, in addition to other neurological symptoms following serologically confirmed dengue fever. Alternative etiologies were excluded by way of imaging and blood investigations.

Conclusions
The authors detail the first reported case of parkinsonism complicating dengue fever. Keeping rare presentations of common illnesses in mind, it behoves clinicians to consider parkinsonism as a complication following dengue infection. This would prevent injudicious treatment with L-dopa and dopamine agonists. Immunosuppression with steroids has been shown to be helpful in certain cases.