bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Genetic Division of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium asiaticum by Species‐Specific SCAR Markers
Authors: Zhang Xu , Ma Hong‐xiang , Zhou Yong‐jin , Xing Jin‐cheng , Chen Jian‐hua , Yu Gui‐hong , Sun Xiao‐bo , Wang Lei 
Published: July 2013

AbstractFusarium head blight (FHB), also called scab, is a devastating and insidious disease of cereals including wheat (Triticum spp.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) worldwide. Apart from direct yield losses, the most serious concern about FHB is the contamination of the crop with mycotoxins, which pose a health risk to human and livestock. Recent research reported that phylogenetic species F. asiaticum (Fa) and F. graminearum (Fg) were the major causal agents of FHB from infected wheat heads in China. To investigate the population structure of Fusarium species in China by species‐specific as well as the chemotype‐specific markers, sequence‐related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers were screened on representative isolates of F. asiaticum‐NIV, F. asiaticum‐ 3ADON and F. graminearum‐15ADON to find amplification products characteristic of either species or chemotypes. Selected amplified fragments were cloned and sequenced so that sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) primer pairs could be developed which permit specific detection of Fusarium species using conventional PCR. Primer pairs SCAR‐Fa1 and SCAR‐Fg1 were confirmed to be able to amplify specific products only in F. asiaticum and F. graminearum isolates, respectively. These species‐specific primers were applied to determine genetic division of F. asiaticum and F. graminearum isolates collected in Yangtze–Huaihe valley. The results indicated that F. asiaticum was the predominant species causing FHB in this wheat production area. It is the first report that SRAP markers were adapted for species characterization in Fusarium isolates.
Process monitoring and visualization solutions for hot-melt extrusion: a review
Authors: Saerens Lien , Vervaet Chris , Remon Jean Paul , De Beer Thomas 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Hot-melt extrusion (HME) is applied as a continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing process for the production of a variety of dosage forms and formulations. To ensure the continuity of this process, the quality of the extrudates must be assessed continuously during manufacturing. The objective of this review is to provide an overview and evaluation of the available process analytical techniques which can be applied in hot-melt extrusion.

Key Findings
Pharmaceutical extruders are equipped with traditional (univariate) process monitoring tools, observing barrel and die temperatures, throughput, screw speed, torque, drive amperage, melt pressure and melt temperature. The relevance of several spectroscopic process analytical techniques for monitoring and control of pharmaceutical HME has been explored recently. Nevertheless, many other sensors visualizing HME and measuring diverse critical product and process parameters with potential use in pharmaceutical extrusion are available, and were thoroughly studied in polymer extrusion. The implementation of process analytical tools in HME serves two purposes: (1) improving process understanding by monitoring and visualizing the material behaviour and (2) monitoring and analysing critical product and process parameters for process control, allowing to maintain a desired process state and guaranteeing the quality of the end product.

Summary
This review is the first to provide an evaluation of the process analytical tools applied for pharmaceutical HME monitoring and control, and discusses techniques that have been used in polymer extrusion having potential for monitoring and control of pharmaceutical HME.
In-vitro evaluation of chronic alcohol effects on expression of drug-metabolizing and drug-transporting proteins
Authors: Theile Dirk , Schmidt Tobias T , Haefeli Walter E , Weiss Johanna 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Objectives
In alcoholics without alcoholic liver disease, boosted drug elimination has been reported. However, mechanistic explanations for this phenomenon remain uncertain. In particular, data on the potential role of drug transporters are sparse.

Methods
Using a well-established in-vitro model for induction of human drug-metabolizing and drug-transporting proteins, we evaluated the potency of ethanol and the major fermentation side-product isopentanol to alter expression and function of these proteins by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and flow cytometry. P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-inhibiting properties of ethanol and isopentanol were investigated via calcein extrusion assay.

Key findings
Ethanol and isopentanol significantly changed expression levels of drug-metabolizing and drug-transporting proteins that normalized within 2 weeks upon withdrawal. Cytochrome P-450 2C19 and Pgp were most strongly induced. Ethanol-induced Pgp at the messenger RNA (mRNA) (twofold to eightfold) and protein level (twofold), but not at the functional level. Both compounds did not inhibit Pgp.

Conclusions
Ethanol is demonstrated to increase mRNA and protein expression of human drug transporters such as Pgp in vitro. Withdrawal of ethanol exposure causes return to non-induced conditions within weeks. Functional consequences of increased Pgp expression in alcoholics need to be evaluated by clinical trials applying selective Pgp substrates such as digoxin.
Metabolic Syndrome in Men with Low Testosterone Levels: Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Comorbidities and with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: García-Cruz Eduardo , Leibar-Tamayo Asier , Romero Javier , Piqueras Marta , Luque Pilar , Cardeñosa Oscar , Alcaraz Antonio 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Testosterone deficiency and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are strongly associated. Patients consulting for sexual dysfunction may have testosterone deficiency, providing a valuable opportunity to assess MetS. The identification of variables predicting MetS is of great importance.

Aims
To identify cardiovascular comorbidities and risk factors, including erectile dysfunction (ED), associated with MetS in men aged ≥45 with total testosterone (TT) &lt; 8 nmol/L (or &lt;12 nmol/L when calculated free testosterone was &lt;250 pmol/L) and to gain further insight into the relationship between both conditions.

Methods
Data were collected from a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study conducted in Spain among men visiting men's health-care offices with a confirmed diagnosis of testosterone deficiency. Subjects with data for MetS assessment were included in this analysis. Other data available were anthropometrics, toxic habits, cardiovascular comorbidities, ED diagnosis, and TT values.

Main Outcome Measures
The MetS harmonized definition was used. Waist circumference threshold was 94 cm. ED was diagnosed and classified using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for MetS.

Results
Mean age was 61.2 ± 8.1 years. Prevalences of ED and MetS were 97.6% and 69%, respectively, both increasing with age. Bivariate analysis showed that moderate or severe ED, obesity, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) were the variables associated with the greatest odds of MetS (OR = 2.672 and 2.514, respectively), followed by alcohol intake (OR = 1.911). Tobacco use, ag,e and testosterone deficiency severity had a minimal effect that disappeared on multivariate analysis. Elevated triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol were MetS risk factors associated with a lower TT level.

Conclusion
The high prevalence of MetS among men with testosterone deficiency highlights the opportunity to assess cardiovascular health in patients consulting for sexual dysfunction. Moderate to severe ED, obesity, PVD, and alcohol intake significantly increase the likelihood of MetS.
Reconstructive Surgery for Female Genital Mutilation Starts Sexual Functioning in Sudanese Woman: A Case Report
Authors: Fazari Atif B.E. , Berg Rigmor C. , Mohammed Wafaa A. , Gailii Enas B. , Elmusharaf Khalifa 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia and/or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or other nontherapeutic reasons.

Aims
The study aims to describe the method of and findings from reconstructive surgery for FGM victims.

Methods
We present a case of a 24-year-old Sudanese female, who had undergone ritual FGM type III as a young girl. She had suffered from a large, vulval mass for the last 6 years and came to the clinic because of apareunia. We performed mass excision and reconstructive surgery of the mutilated genital tissue.

Results
The giant mass was successfully removed. Remaining genital tissues were approximated and sutured, with hemostasis assured for the reconstructed organs on each side.

Conclusion
Reconstructive surgery for women who suffer sexual consequences from FGM is feasible, with a high degree of client acceptance and satisfaction. It restores some of women's natural genital anatomy, and offers the potential for improved female sexuality.
Under pressure: preventing pressure ulcers in critically ill infants
Authors: Schindler Christine A. , Mikhailov Theresa A. , Cashin Susan E. , Malin Shelly , Christensen Melissa , Winters Jill M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether a pressure ulcer prevention bundle was associated with a significant reduction in pressure ulcer development in infants in the pediatric intensive care unit.Design and MethodsQuasi‐experimental design involving 399 infants 0 to 3 months of age at a large tertiary care medical center.ResultsThe implementation of the care bundle was associated with a significant drop in pressure ulcer incidence from 18.8 to 6.8%.Practice ImplicationsPressure ulcers can be prevented in the most vulnerable patients with the consistent implementation of evidence‐based interventions and system supports to assist nurses with the change in practice.
Population structure of the Chagas disease vector, Triatoma infestans, at the urban–rural interface
Authors: Foley Erica A. , Khatchikian Camilo E. , Hwang Josephine , Ancca‐Juárez Jenny , Borrini‐Mayori Katty , Quıspe‐Machaca Victor R. , Levy Michael Z. , Brisson Dustin ,   the Chagas Disease Working Group in Arequipa
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe increasing rate of biological invasions resulting from human transport or human‐mediated changes to the environment has had devastating ecological and public health consequences. The kissing bug, Triatoma infestans, has dispersed through the Peruvian city of Arequipa. The biological invasion of this insect has resulted in a public health crisis, putting thousands of residents of this city at risk of infection by Trypanosoma cruzi and subsequent development of Chagas disease. Here, we show that populations of Tria. infestans in geographically distinct districts within and around this urban centre share a common recent evolutionary history although current gene flow is restricted even between proximal sites. The population structure among the Tria. infestans in different districts is not correlated with the geographical distance between districts. These data suggest that migration among the districts is mediated by factors beyond the short‐range migratory capabilities of Tria. infestans and that human movement has played a significant role in the structuring of the Tria. infestans population in the region. Rapid urbanization across southern South America will continue to create suitable environments for Tria. infestans, and knowledge of its urban dispersal patterns may play a fundamental role in mitigating human disease risk.
Using biogeographical history to inform conservation: the case of Preble's meadow jumping mouse
Authors: Malaney Jason L. , Cook Joseph A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe last Pleistocene deglaciation shaped temperate and boreal communities in North America. Rapid northward expansion into high latitudes created distinctive spatial genetic patterns within species that include closely related groups of populations that are now widely spread across latitudes, while longitudinally adjacent populations, especially those near the southern periphery, often are distinctive due to long‐term disjunction. Across a spatial expanse that includes both recently colonized and long‐occupied regions, we analysed molecular variation in zapodid rodents to explore how past climate shifts influenced diversification in this group. By combining molecular analyses with species distribution modelling and tests of ecological interchangeability, we show that the lineage including the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), a US federally listed taxon of conservation concern, is not restricted to the southern Rocky Mountains. Rather, populations along the Front Range are part of a single lineage that is ecologically indistinct and extends to the far north. Of the 21 lineages identified, this Northern lineage has the largest geographical range and low measures of intralineage genetic differentiation, consistent with recent northward expansion. Comprehensive sampling combined with coalescent‐based analyses and niche modelling leads to a radically different view of geographical structure within jumping mice and indicates the need to re‐evaluate their taxonomy and management. This analysis highlights a premise in conservation biology that biogeographical history should play a central role in establishing conservation priorities.
Molecular characterization of trophic ecology within an island radiation of insect herbivores (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Cratopus)
Authors: Kitson James J. N. , Warren Ben H. , Vincent Florens F. B. , Baider Claudia , Strasberg Dominique , Emerson Brent C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe phytophagous beetle family Curculionidae is the most species‐rich insect family known, with much of this diversity having been attributed to both co‐evolution with food plants and host shifts at key points within the early evolutionary history of the group. Less well understood is the extent to which patterns of host use vary within or among related species, largely because of the technical difficulties associated with quantifying this. Here we develop a recently characterized molecular approach to quantify diet within and between two closely related species of weevil occurring primarily within dry forests on the island of Mauritius. Our aim is to quantify dietary variation across populations and assess adaptive and nonadaptive explanations for this and to characterize the nature of a trophic shift within an ecologically distinct population within one of the species. We find that our study species are polyphagous, consuming a much wider range of plants than would be suggested by the literature. Our data suggest that local diet variation is largely explained by food availability, and locally specialist populations consume food plants that are not phylogenetically novel, but do appear to represent a novel preference. Our results demonstrate the power of molecular methods to unambiguously quantify dietary variation across populations of insect herbivores, providing a valuable approach to understanding trophic interactions within and among local plant and insect herbivore communities.
Multilocus phylogeographic assessment of the California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) suggests alternative patterns of diversification for the California Floristic Province
Authors: Myers E. A. , Rodríguez‐Robles J. A. , DeNardo D. F. , Staub R. E. , Stropoli A. , Ruane S. , Burbrink F. T. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPhylogeographic inference can determine the timing of population divergence, historical demographic processes, patterns of migration, and when extended to multiple species, the history of communities. Single‐locus analyses can mislead interpretations of the evolutionary history of taxa and comparative analyses. It is therefore important to revisit previous single‐locus phylogeographic studies, particularly those that have been used to propose general patterns for regional biotas and the processes responsible for generating inferred patterns. Here, we employ a multilocus statistical approach to re‐examine the phylogeography of Lampropeltis zonata. Using nonparametic and Bayesian species delimitation, we determined that there are two well‐supported species within L. zonata. Ecological niche modelling supports the delimitation of these taxa, suggesting that the two species inhabit distinct climatic environments. Gene flow between the two taxa is low and appears to occur unidirectionally. Further, our data suggest that gene flow was mediated by females, a rare pattern in snakes. In contrast to previous analyses, we determined that the divergence between the two lineages occurred in the late Pliocene (c. 2.07 Ma). Spatially and temporally, the divergence of these lineages is associated with the inundation of central California by the Monterey Bay. The effective population sizes of the two species appear to have been unaffected by Pleistocene glaciation. Our increased sampling of loci for L. zonata, combined with previously published multilocus analyses of other sympatric species, suggests that previous conclusions reached by comparative phylogeographic studies conducted within the California Floristic Province should be reassessed.
Visualization of the Modeled Degradation of Building Flooring Systems in Building Maintenance
Authors: Khosrowshahi Farzad , Ghodous Parisa , Sarshar Marjan 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe development of a maintenance program for construction projects is a highly complex and data‐intensive undertaking. This exercise is characterized by the lack of relevant data on the one hand and the overwhelming amount of extraneous data on the other. The uncertainties and complexities have resulted in increased conservatism in the development of life‐cycle evaluation of building maintenance programming, subsequently, these programs tend to display the symptoms of either the maintenance actions being uneconomical or fall short of providing the appropriate service to the users of the building. The current research project is based on the premise that the visual approach will facilitate a just‐in‐time solution to maintenance scheduling, hence, the use of virtual simulation of the building is proposed. The broader aim of this research is to develop a complete building maintenance program through visualization of buildings as they degrade over time. Here, the focus is on the flooring system and the manner they degrade over time. This requires a better understanding of their pattern and rate of usage. To this end, anthroposophy and anthropocentric descriptions of human movement pattern have been used to describe the behavior of “subjects” and subsequently represent the pattern and density of the degradation of flooring systems. The mathematics representing this behavior has been developed which enables it to be embedded into the proposed overall visual building maintenance model.
An A‐tract at the AtzR binding site assists DNA binding, inducer‐dependent repositioning and transcriptional activation of the PatzDEF promoter
Authors: Porrúa Odil , López‐Sánchez Aroa , Platero Ana I. , Santero Eduardo , Shingler Victoria , Govantes Fernando 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe LysR‐type regulator AtzR activates the Pseudomonas sp. ADP atzDEF operon in response to nitrogen limitation and cyanuric acid. Activation involves repositioning of the AtzR tetramer on the PatzDEF promoter and relaxation of an AtzR‐induced DNA bend. Here we examine the in vivo and in vitro contribution of an A5‐tract present at the PatzDEF promoter region to AtzR binding and transcriptional activation. Substitution of the A‐tract for the sequence ACTCA prevented PatzDEF activation and high‐affinity AtzR binding, impaired AtzR contacts with the activator binding site and shifted the position of the AtzR‐induced DNA bend. Analysis of a collection of mutants bearing different alterations in the A‐tract sequence showed that the extent of AtzR‐dependent activation does not correlate with the magnitude or orientation of the spontaneous DNA bend generated at this site. Our results support the notion that indirect readout of the A‐tract‐associated narrow minor groove is essential for the AtzR–DNA complex to achieve a conformation competent for activation of the PatzDEF promoter. Conservation of this motif in several binding sites of LysR‐type regulators suggests that this mechanism may be shared by other proteins in this family.
Patterns of diet‐related practices and prevalence of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease
Authors: Esmaillzadeh A. , Keshteli A. H. , Feizi A. , Zaribaf F. , Feinle‐Bisset C. , Adibi P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundNo studies have evaluated associations between patterns of diet‐related practices as determined by latent class analysis (LCA) and gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to assess this relationship in a large sample of Iranian adults.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study in 4763 adults, diet‐related practices were assessed in four domains, ‘meal pattern’, ‘eating rate’, ‘intra‐meal fluid intake’, and ‘meal‐to‐sleep interval’, using a pretested questionnaire. LCA was applied to identify classes of diet‐related practices. We defined GERD as the presence of heartburn sometimes, often or always.Key ResultsThe prevalence of GERD in the study population was 23.5% (n = 1120). We identified two distinct classes of meal patterns: ‘regular’ and ‘irregular’, three classes of eating rates: ‘moderate’, ‘moderate‐to‐slow’, and ‘moderate‐to‐fast’, two major classes of fluid ingestion with meals: ‘moderate’ and ‘much intra‐meal drinking’, and two classes regarding the interval between meals and sleeping: ‘short’ and ‘long meal‐to‐sleep’ interval. After adjustment for potential confounders, subjects with ‘irregular meal pattern’ had higher odds of GERD compared with subjects with ‘regular meal pattern’ (OR: 1.21; 1.00–1.46). However, when taking into account BMI, the association disappeared. ‘Long meal‐to‐sleep interval’ was inversely associated with GERD compared with ‘short meal‐to‐sleep interval’ (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57–0.95). ‘Eating rate’ and ‘intra‐meal fluid intake’ were not significantly associated with GERD.Conclusions & InferencesOur data suggest certain associations between dietary patterns and GERD. These findings warrant evaluation in prospective studies to establish the potential value of modifications in dietary behaviors for the management of GERD.
Relationship between photochemical reflectance index and leaf ecophysiological and biochemical parameters under two different water statuses: towards a rapid and efficient correction method using real‐time measurements
Authors: HMIMINA G. , DUFRÊNE E. , SOUDANI K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe use of the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) as a promising proxy of light use efficiency (LUE) has been extensively studied, and some issues have been identified, notably the sensitivity of PRI to leaf pigment composition and the variability in PRI response to LUE because of stress. In this study, we introduce a method that enables us to track the short‐term PRI response to LUE changes because of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) changes. The analysis of these short‐term relationships between PRI and LUE throughout the growing season in two species (Quercus robur L. and Fagus sylvatica L.) under two different soil water statuses showed a clear change in PRI response to LUE, which is related to leaf pigment content. The use of an estimated or approximated PRI0, defined as the PRI of perfectly dark‐adapted leaves, allowed us to separate the PRI variability due to leaf pigment content changes and the physiologically related PRI variability over both daily (PAR‐related) and seasonal (soil water content‐related) scales. The corrected PRI obtained by subtracting PRI0 from the PRI measurements showed a good correlation with the LUE over both of the species, soil water statuses and over the entire growing season.