bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot Test of a Preconception and Midwifery Care Promotion Program for College Women
Authors: DeJoy Sharon Bernecki 
Published: May 2014

IntroductionCollege campuses remain an underused setting for implementing the 10 strategies for promoting preconception health proposed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This setting can also be used to educate young women about their options for care in future pregnancies, including midwifery care. To address these needs, the author and 2 peer educators developed and pilot‐tested a multiweek health education program for college women.MethodsWomen from a small public liberal arts college in the mid‐Atlantic region of the United States were recruited to participate in the pilot program, which offered 6 hours of education over 4 weeks in an interactive, participant‐led format. Of 26 women who participated, 20 completed at least 3 of the 4 sessions, as well as the pre‐ and posttests.ResultsThe program group reported greater awareness of the importance of preconception health and an increased preference for midwifery care in future pregnancies. Program participants experienced an increase in knowledge about preconception health, midwifery care, and risks associated with cesarean birth, labor induction, and preterm birth, but did not report a statistically significant change in behavior related to preconception health, including lifestyle changes and immunizations.DiscussionFurther research should be conducted with a larger sample, longer follow‐up, and a more rigorous evaluation design to assess the potential contributions of this promising pilot program.
The F pilus mediates a novel pathway of CDI toxin import
Authors: Beck Christina M. , Diner Elie J. , Kim Jeff J. , Low David A. , Hayes Christopher S. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryContact‐dependent growth inhibition (CDI) is a widespread form of inter‐bacterial competition that requires direct cell‐to‐cell contact. CDI+ inhibitor cells express CdiA effector proteins on their surface. CdiA binds to specific receptors on susceptible target bacteria and delivers a toxin derived from its C‐terminal region (CdiA‐CT). Here, we show that purified CdiA‐CT536 toxin from uropathogenic Escherichia coli 536 translocates into bacteria, thereby by‐passing the requirement for cell‐to‐cell contact during toxin delivery. Genetic analyses demonstrate that the N‐terminal domain of CdiA‐CT536 is necessary and sufficient for toxin import. The CdiA receptor plays no role in this import pathway; nor do the Tol and Ton systems, which are exploited to internalize colicin toxins. Instead, CdiA‐CT536 import requires conjugative F pili. We provide evidence that the N‐terminal domain of CdiA‐CT536 interacts with F pilin, and that pilus retraction is critical for toxin import. This pathway is reminiscent of the strategy used by small RNA leviviruses to infect F+ cells. We propose that CdiA‐CT536 mimics the pilin‐binding maturation proteins of leviviruses, allowing the toxin to bind F pili and become internalized during pilus retraction.
The past, present and future of secondary metabolite research in the Dothideomycetes
Authors: Muria‐Gonzalez Mariano Jordi , Chooi Yit‐Heng , Breen Susan , Solomon Peter S. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe Dothideomycetes represents a large and diverse array of fungi in which prominent plant pathogens are over‐represented. Species within the Cochliobolus, Alternaria, Pyrenophora and Mycosphaerella (amongst others) all cause diseases that threaten food security in many parts of the world. Significant progress has been made over the past decade in understanding how some of these pathogens cause disease at a molecular level. It is reasonable to suggest that much of this progress can be attributed to the increased availability of genome sequences. However, together with revealing mechanisms of pathogenicity, these genome sequences have also highlighted the capacity of the Dothideomycetes to produce an extensive array of secondary metabolites, far greater than originally thought. Indeed, it is now clear that we appear to have only scratched the surface to date in terms of the identification of secondary metabolites produced by these fungi. In the first half of this review, we examine the current status of secondary metabolite research in the Dothideomycetes and highlight the diversity of the molecules discovered thus far, in terms of both structure and biological activity. In the second part of this review, we survey the emerging techniques and technologies that will be required to shed light on the vast array of secondary metabolite potential that is encoded within these genomes. Experimental design, analytical chemistry and synthetic biology are all discussed in the context of how they will contribute to this field.
Susceptibility of Culicoides species biting midges to deltamethrin‐treated nets as determined under laboratory and field conditions in the Balearic Islands, Spain
Authors: DEL RÍO R. , BARCELÓ C. , PAREDES‐ESQUIVEL C. , LUCIENTES J. , MIRANDA M. A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCulicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of several arboviruses, including bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV), which cause diseases in, respectively, sheep and cattle, and horses, and have economic repercussions mainly as a result of trade restrictions. Insecticides can be used to reduce vector populations and hence the spread of disease. Despite the economic importance of these diseases, relatively few studies have evaluated the efficacy of commercially available insecticides and the effectiveness of treated nets against Culicoides species. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the insecticidal effect of commercially available polyethylene nets (ZeroVector®) treated with deltamethrin (4.4 g/kg ± 15%) on Culicoides species. Laboratory and field trials were conducted in Culicoides populations collected in Majorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The present study shows that deltamethrin‐treated nets provoke high and rapid mortality (90–100%) in Culicoides midges under laboratory conditions and increase mortality by 13% when deployed in the field.
Life history parameters of the cattle long‐nosed sucking louse, Linognathus vituli
Authors: COLWELL D. D. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCattle sucking lice, Linognathus vituli (L.) (Phthiraptera: Linognathidae), were obtained from naturally infected cattle and maintained within ‘arenas’ affixed to the backs of cattle confined in controlled environment chambers maintained at a constant temperature of 15 °C. Temperatures measured within the arenas at an ambient temperature of 15 °C were constant at about 34 °C and only slightly above the temperature on nearby skin. The effect of temperature on egg development was determined using a gradient of temperatures between 25 °C and 41 °C. Eggs did not develop at temperatures of < 26 °C or > 39 °C. Survival of eggs was highest at temperatures of 30 °C and 35 °C. The earliest hatch was observed at 5 days post‐oviposition (at 33–35 °C). Development was extended to as long as 13 days at the lower temperatures. Kaplan–Meier survival probabilities were compared for lice kept at two densities in the arenas and showed there to be no effect of density on louse survival. Similarly, the mean number of eggs/louse/day over an 8‐day period was not influenced by louse density.
Mediator subunit 16 functions in the regulation of iron uptake gene expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wu Huilan , Wang Ning , Fan Huajie , Chen Chunlin , Cui Yan , Liu Hongfei , Ling Hong‐Qing 
Published: May 2014

Summary

Iron is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, and its absorption is tightly controlled. Under iron limitation, FIT dimerizes with the four Ib bHLH proteins and activates the expression of iron uptake genes. However, how the dimerized complex activates downstream genes remains unclear.

Using forward genetics, a low‐iron‐sensitive mutant was screened. The corresponding gene (MED16) was isolated, and its biological functions in iron homeostasis were characterized using approaches such as gene expression, protein subcellular localization, protein–protein interaction and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

Lesion of MED16 significantly reduced FRO2 and IRT1 expression in Arabidopsis roots. The MED16 mutants showed a low shoot iron concentration and severe leaf chlorosis under iron limitation, whereas it grew normally as wild‐type under iron sufficiency. Furthermore, we showed that MED16 interacted with FIT and improved the binding of the FIT/Ib bHLH complex to FRO2 and IRT1 promoters under iron‐deficient conditions. Additionally, we found that many iron‐deficient response genes, which are regulated by FIT, were also controlled by MED16.

In conclusion, MED16 is involved in the iron deficiency response, and modulates the iron uptake gene expression under iron limitation. Our results increase the understanding of the molecular regulation mechanisms underlying iron uptake and homeostasis in plants.
How light competition between plants affects their response to climate change
Authors: van Loon Marloes P. , Schieving Feike , Rietkerk Max , Dekker Stefan C. , Sterck Frank , Anten Niels P. R. 
Published: May 2014

Summary

How plants respond to climate change is of major concern, as plants will strongly impact future ecosystem functioning, food production and climate. Here, we investigated how vegetation structure and functioning may be influenced by predicted increases in annual temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentration, and modeled the extent to which local plant–plant interactions may modify these effects.

A canopy model was developed, which calculates photosynthesis as a function of light, nitrogen, temperature, CO2 and water availability, and considers different degrees of light competition between neighboring plants through canopy mixing; soybean (Glycine max) was used as a reference system.

The model predicts increased net photosynthesis and reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration under atmospheric CO2 increase. When CO2 elevation is combined with warming, photosynthesis is increased more, but transpiration is reduced less. Intriguingly, when competition is considered, the optimal response shifts to producing larger leaf areas, but with lower stomatal conductance and associated vegetation transpiration than when competition is not considered. Furthermore, only when competition is considered are the predicted effects of elevated CO2 on leaf area index (LAI) well within the range of observed effects obtained by Free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments.

Together, our results illustrate how competition between plants may modify vegetation responses to climate change.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of experimental clinical evidence on initial aligning archwires and archwire sequences
Authors: Papageorgiou S. N. , Konstantinidis I. , Papadopoulou K. , Jäger A. , Bourauel C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess treatment effects and potential side effects of different archwires used on patients receiving orthodontic therapy. Electronic and manual unrestricted searches were conducted in 19 databases including MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar until April 2012 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi‐RCTs. After duplicate study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment with the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and narrative analysis, mean differences (MDs) with confidence intervals (CIs) of similar studies were pooled using a random‐effects model and evaluated with GRADE. A total of 16 RCTs were included assessing different archwire characteristics on 1108 patients. Regarding initial archwires, meta‐analysis of two trials found slightly greater irregularity correction with an austenitic‐active nickel‐titanium (NiTi) compared with an martensitic‐stabilized NiTi archwire (corresponding to MD: 1.11 mm, 95% CI: −0.38 to 2.61). Regarding archwire sequences, meta‐analysis of two trials found it took patient treated with a sequence of martensitic‐active copper‐nickel‐titanium (CuNiTi) slightly longer to reach the working archwire (MD: 0.54 months, 95% CI: −0.87 to 1.95) compared with a martensitic‐stabilized NiTi sequence. However, patients treated with a sequence of martensitic‐active CuNiTi archwires reported general greater pain intensity on the Likert scale 4 h and 1 day after placement of each archwire, compared with a martensitic‐stabilized NiTi sequence. Although confidence in effect estimates ranged from moderate to high, meta‐analyses could be performed only for limited comparisons, while inconsistency might pose a threat to some of them. At this point, there is insufficient data to make recommendations about the majority of initial archwires or for a specific archwire sequence.
Vision impairment and dual sensory problems in middle age
Authors: Dawes Piers , Dickinson Christine , Emsley Richard , Bishop Paul N. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Edmondson‐Jones Mark , McCormack Abby , Fortnum Heather , Moore David R. , Norman Paul , Munro Kevin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPurposeVision and hearing impairments are known to increase in middle age. In this study we describe the prevalence of vision impairment and dual sensory impairment in UK adults aged 40–69 years in a very large and recently ascertained data set. The associations between vision impairment, age, sex, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity are reported.MethodsThis research was conducted using the UK Biobank Resource, with subsets of UK Biobank data analysed with respect to self‐report of eye problems and glasses use. Better‐eye visual acuity with habitually worn refractive correction was assessed with a logMAR chart (n = 116 682). Better‐ear speech reception threshold was measured with an adaptive speech in noise test, the Digit Triplet Test (n = 164 770). Prevalence estimates were weighted with respect to UK 2001 Census data.ResultsPrevalence of mild visual impairment (VA >0.1 logMAR (6/7.5, 20/25) and ≥0.48 (6/18, 20/60)) and low vision (VA >0.48 (6/18, 20/60) and ≥1.3 (6/120, 20/400)) was estimated at 13.1% (95% CI 12.9–13.4) and 0.8% (95% CI 0.7–0.9), respectively. Use of glasses was 88.0% (95% CI 87.9–88.1). The prevalence of dual sensory impairment was 3.1% (95% CI 3.0–3.2) and there was a nine‐fold increase in the prevalence of dual sensory problems between the youngest and oldest age groups. Older adults, those from low socioeconomic and ethnic minority backgrounds were most at risk for vision problems.ConclusionsMild vision impairment is common in middle aged UK adults, despite widespread use of spectacles. Increased likelihood of vision impairment with older age and with ethnic minorities is of concern given ageing and more ethnically diverse populations. Possible barriers to optometric care for those from low socioeconomic and ethnic minority backgrounds may require attention. A higher than expected prevalence of dual impairment suggests that hearing and vision problems share common causes. Optometrists should consider screening for hearing problems, particularly among older adults.
Genetic and functional analysis of tocopherol biosynthesis pathway genes from rapeseed (Brassica napusL.)
Authors: Fritsche Steffi , Wang Xingxing , Nichelmann Lars , Suppanz Ida , Hadenfeldt Silke , Endrigkeit Jessica , Meng Jinling , Jung Christian 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBrassica napus L. is one of the most important oilseed crops in the world. Improving oil quality by increasing vitamin E content is a major target of rapeseed breeding. Vitamin E compounds, or tocopherols, are lipid‐soluble antioxidants that are essential nutrients for mammals. In this study, we report the characterization of rapeseed orthologs of the Arabidopsis tocopherol genesVTE1,VTE2andPDS1. For each gene, at least two homologous sequences were found, and their expression was analysed in different tissues from three rapeseed genotypes. Genetic complementation experiments demonstrated thatBnaX.VTE1.bandBnaA.VTE2.bhomologs are capable of recovering seed γ‐tocopherol in Arabidopsis mutants. Overexpression of the genes in Arabidopsis Col‐0 shifted the seed tocopherol composition towards higher α‐tocopherol without increasing the total tocopherol content. To address the functionality ofBnPDS1sequences, we performed overexpression tests inEscherichia coliand enzymatic activity analyses. Overall, our results show that the identified sequences from rapeseed are functional orthologs of the ArabidopsisVTEgenes and thus have considerable potential as molecular markers for selecting rapeseed with improved seed oil quality.
Phenotypic evaluation of floral and flowering traits with relevance for hybrid breeding in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Langer Simon M. , Longin C. Friedrich H. , Würschum Tobias 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHybrid breeding is a promising approach to increase the yield potential in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The profitability of wheat hybrids highly depends on a cost‐efficient system for hybrid seed production for which an adequate outcrossing in the male pool is of utmost importance. Employing a set of 51 elite winter wheat lines, we developed and evaluated phenotyping methods for floral and flowering traits with relevance for improved cross‐pollination. We observed significant genotypic variances and high heritabilities for most traits, including important traits like pollen mass and anther extrusion. Our results suggest the utility of the developed phenotyping approaches for applied plant breeding and the potential of the traits to assist in the design of the male ideotype for increased cross‐fertilization.
Decatenation checkpoint‐defective melanomas are dependent on PI3K for survival
Authors: Brooks Kelly , Ranall Max , Spoerri Loredana , Stevenson Alex , Gunasingh Gency , Pavey Sandra , Meunier Fred , Gonda Thomas J. , Gabrielli Brian 
Published: May 2014

SummaryMelanoma cell lines are commonly defective for the G2‐phase cell cycle checkpoint that responds to incomplete catenation of the replicated chromosomes. Here, we demonstrate that melanomas defective for this checkpoint response are less sensitive to genotoxic stress, suggesting that the defective cell lines compensated for the checkpoint loss by increasing their ability to cope with DNA damage. We performed an siRNA kinome screen to identify kinases responsible and identified PI3K pathway components. Checkpoint‐defective cell lines were three‐fold more sensitive to small molecule inhibitors of PI3K. The PI3K inhibitor PF‐05212384 promoted apoptosis in the checkpoint‐defective lines, and the increased sensitivity to PI3K inhibition correlated with increased levels of activated Akt. This work demonstrates that increased PI3K pathway activation is a necessary adaption for the continued viability of melanomas with a defective decatenation checkpoint.
Rhododendrol, a depigmentation‐inducing phenolic compound, exerts melanocyte cytotoxicity via a tyrosinase‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Sasaki Minoru , Kondo Masatoshi , Sato Kohji , Umeda Mai , Kawabata Keigo , Takahashi Yoshito , Suzuki Tamio , Matsunaga Kayoko , Inoue Shintaro 
Published: May 2014

SummaryRhododendrol, an inhibitor of melanin synthesis developed for lightening/whitening cosmetics, was recently reported to induce a depigmentary disorder principally at the sites of repeated chemical contact. Rhododendrol competitively inhibited mushroom tyrosinase and served as a good substrate, while it also showed cytotoxicity against cultured human melanocytes at high concentrations sufficient for inhibiting tyrosinase. The cytotoxicity was abolished by phenylthiourea, a chelator of the copper ions at the active site, and by specific knockdown of tyrosinase with siRNA. Hence, the cytotoxicity appeared to be triggered by the enzymatic conversion of rhododendrol to active product(s). No reactive oxygen species were detected in the treated melanocytes, but up‐regulation of the CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein gene responsible for apoptosis and/or autophagy and caspase‐3 activation were found to be tyrosinase dependent. These results suggest that a tyrosinase‐dependent accumulation of ER stress and/or activation of the apoptotic pathway may contribute to the melanocyte cytotoxicity.
Subcutaneous Granuloma Annulare of the Penis Associated with a Urethral Anomaly: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fathi Khaled , Harangi Ferenc , Kravjak Andras , Pinter Andras 
Published: May 2014

AbstractGranuloma annulare (GA) is an uncommon benign inflammatory skin condition, most often found on the extremities of young females. The subcutaneous variant of GA involving the penis is very rare. We report a case of subcutaneous GA associated with a urethral anomaly in a 15‐year‐old boy that persisted for a year. Treatment options are discussed with a review of the current literature.
Latent entry and spread ofColletotrichum acutatum(species complex) in strawberry fields
Authors: Debode J. , Van Hemelrijck W. , Xu X.‐M. , Maes M. , Creemers P. , Heungens K. 
Published: May 2014

Anthracnose, caused byColletotrichum acutatum(species complex), has become a troublesome problem in strawberry production worldwide. This paper reports (i) an optimized sampling method combined with a real‐timePCRtechnique to detect the latent presence ofC. acutatumin cold‐stored strawberry plants used as planting material in several European countries, and (ii) a study of the spread ofC. acutatumfollowing a point inoculation under field conditions. Screening of different parts of planting material suggested thatC. acutatumis most likely to be present on runners and old petioles. In addition, in seven out of nine batches of planting material from different nurseries, latent infection byC. acutatumwas detected in at least one of five replicate samples. Field experiments in 2009 and 2010 showed extensive latent within‐field spread of the pathogen on strawberry leaves, with a within‐row dispersal distance up to at least 1·75 m in 1 week. A straw ground cover between the rows did not decreaseC. acutatumspread, probably because introduced (and/or subsequent) inoculum was confined to the plant bed (within the row) and was not present between the beds. Moreover, the number ofC. acutatumspores on the symptomless leaves, as estimated using a real‐timePCRmethod, was significantly (P < 0·05) correlated with the incidence of fruit rot at harvest and post‐harvest (r = 0·56–0·66). These results illustrate the importance of detecting latent infections in planting material and strawberry leaves in the field.
Dominance of a single clonal lineage in the Phytophthora infestans population from northern Shaanxi, China revealed by genetic and phenotypic diversity analysis
Authors: Tian Y. , Sun J. , Li H. , Wang G. , Ma Y. , Liu D. , Quan J. , Shan W. 
Published: May 2014

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is the most serious disease of potato worldwide. To understand the P. infestans population structure in northern Shaanxi, an emerging potato production region in China, 125 single‐lesion isolates were randomly collected from farmers' fields in 2009 and characterized phenotypically and genotypically. A mating type assay showed that 94 isolates were A1 mating type. Virulence determination of selected isolates on a set of differential potato lines containing R1 to R11, respectively, showed the presence of two pathotypes, of which the pathotype lacking avirulence genes Avr3, Avr4 and Avr10 was dominant. Isolates lacking all avirulence factors Avr1 to Avr11 were detected but at lower frequency (13·6%). Analysis for mtDNA haplotype showed all 61 examined isolates were IIa. A total of seven multilocus genotypes were distinguished among 125 isolates, as determined with seven polymorphic microsatellite markers. The genotype SG‐1 was dominant in the population with a frequency of 75·2% and was present throughout the region. Analysis of the phenotypic and genotypic structures of P. infestans populations indicated strict clonal reproduction of the pathogen and suggested that sexual reproduction probably does not occur. Potential implications for disease management are discussed.