bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of Tyrophagus putrescentiae on Fusarium poae transmission and fungal community in stored barley in a laboratory experiment
Authors: Hubert Jan , Nesvorná Marta , Kopecký Jan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe effect of Tyrophagus putrescentiae on Fusarium poae transmission and fungal community composition was studied in nonsterile barley grain. The experiments included following treatments: control barley without mites; barley containing 10 or 50 mites without preincubation on F. poae (Tp10 and Tp50); barley containing 10 or 50 mites after preincubation on F. poae (FTp10 and FTp50). The number of mites, successful transfer of F. poae, and changes in the fungal communities were examined after 21 d of experiment. Increase of deoxynivalenol (DON) content in the barley was chosen as a criterion of successful F. poae transfer. The preincubation of T. putrescentiae on F. poae increased DON level approximately to 800 and 300 μg/kg of grain for FTp10 and FTp50, respectively. T. putrescentiae population growth in FTp10 was lower than in Tp10, while no difference was found between FTp50 and Tp50. Fungal communities were compared by amplification, cloning and sequencing of ITS fragments, and operational taxonomic units (OTU) analysis. The OTU analysis did not support the transfer of F. poae via mites. From the analyzed clones, only 13 cloned sequences clustered with F. poae in an OTU defined at distance level 0.07. The related clones originated from FTp10, Tp10, Tp50 and control treatments, but not from FTp50. However, the presence of F. poae in FTp50 was confirmed by PCR amplification with specific primers. The observation may be explained by different effect of mite population density, that is, in the high density, (FTp50 treatment) the fungus was overgrazed, while the lower population density (FTp10) supported F. poae transfer.
Encounters with aphid predators or their residues impede searching and oviposition by the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae)
Authors: Almohamad Raki , Hance Thierry 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntraguild predation (IGP) can be an important factor influencing the effectiveness of aphid natural enemies in biological control. In particular, aphid parasitoid foraging could be influenced by the presence of predators. This study investigated the effect of larvae of the predatory hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus DeGeer (Diptera: Syrphidae) and the multicolored Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on the foraging behavior of the aphid parasitoid, Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) in choice experiments using a leaf disc bioassay. Wasp response to chemical tracks left by those predator larvae was also tested. Parasitoid behavior was recorded using the Observer (Noldus Information Technology, version 5.0, Wageningen, the Netherlands). The experiments were conducted under controlled environmental conditions using leaves of the broad bean plant, Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae) with Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae) as the host complex. A. ervi females avoided aphid patches when larvae of either predator were present. A similar avoidance response was shown by A. ervi to aphid patches with E. balteatus larval tracks, whereas no significant response was observed to tracks left by H. axyridis larvae. It was concluded that IG predator avoidance shown by the aphid parasitoid A. ervi may be a factor affecting their distribution among host patches.
Floristic variation in ecotonal areas: Patterns, determinants and biogeographic origins of subtropical forests in South America
Authors: Gonçalves Erivelton Tomazzoni , Souza Alexandre F. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe present the first quantification of forest community composition and its relationship with environmental factors in South American subtropical Atlantic Forests. In this region, rain, seasonally dry and mixed forests form an ecotonal zone near the parallel of latitude 30°S. To investigate how well current knowledge on climatic effects and biogeographic distribution apply to subtropical ecotones, we tested the following expectations: (i) there is a floristic longitudinal gradient correlated to altitudinal and climatic gradients; (ii) climatic variables are more important than soil factors in shaping floristic composition; and (iii) there are three floristic regions in the southernmost limit of the Atlantic Forest biome that are expected to be distinct in composition, structure and biogeographical origin. We examined floristic composition and its relationship with environmental factors across 52 1‐ha permanent study areas in subtropical Brazil, containing in total 269 tree species ≥ 9.5 dbh (diameter at breast height). Climatic data, related to rainfall seasonality and temperature, as well as soil properties, were compiled from published sources or global data banks. Expectations one and two were confirmed, but expectation three was only partially met. Hierarchical cluster analysis divided the southernmost Atlantic Forests into four major groups (Rain, Seasonally Dry, Western Mixed and Eastern Mixed Forests). Overall, the tested environmental variables differed significantly among the four regions. Using indicator species analysis, we distinguished 46 indicator species, which had significant environmental preferences for one floristic region. These species can be used as indicators of environmental conditions or to determine to which floristic region a certain forest belongs. Biogeographic distributions differed between floristic groups, supporting the interpretation that Eastern Mixed Forests are relict forests of a temperate forest of Andean origin that occurred during colder palaeoclimates. Western Mixed Forests represent the main floristic ecotone between Seasonally dry and Eastern Mixed Forests.
Genes involved in muscle lipid composition in 15 European Bos taurus breeds
Authors: Dunner S. , Sevane N. , Garcia D. , Levéziel H. , Williams J. L. , Mangin B. , Valentini A. ,   GeMQual Consortium
Published: April 2013

SummaryConsumers demand healthy and palatable meat, both factors being affected by fat composition. However, red meat has relatively high concentration of saturated fatty acids and low concentration of the beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids. To select animals prone to produce particular fat types, it is necessary to identify the genes influencing muscle lipid composition. This paper describes an association study in which a large panel of candidate genes involved in adipogenesis, lipid metabolism and energy homoeostasis was tested for effects on fat composition in 15 European cattle breeds. Sixteen genes were found to have significant effects on different lipid traits, and among these, CFL1 and MYOZ1 were found to have large effects on the ratio of 18:2/18:3, CRI1 on the amount of neutral adrenic acid (22:4 n‐6), MMP1 on docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n‐3) and conjugated linoleic acid, PLTP on the ratio of n‐6:n‐3 and IGF2R on flavour. Several genes – ALDH2, CHRNE, CRHR2, DGAT1, IGFBP3, NEB, SOCS2, SUSP1, TCF12 and FOXO1 – also were found to be associated with both lipid and organoleptic traits although with smaller effect. The results presented here help in understanding the genetic and biochemical background underlying variations in fatty acid composition and flavour in beef.
Insights into the genetic history of Green‐legged Partridgelike fowl: mtDNA and genome‐wide SNP analysis
Authors: Siwek M. , Wragg D. , Sławińska A. , Malek M. , Hanotte O. , Mwacharo J. M. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe Green‐legged Partridgelike (GP) fowl, an old native Polish breed, is characterised by reseda green‐coloured shanks rather than yellow, white, slate or black commonly observed across most domestic breeds of chicken. Here, we investigate the origin, genetic relationships and structure of the GP fowl using mtDNA D‐loop sequencing and genome‐wide SNP analysis. Genome‐wide association analysis between breeds enables us to verify the genetic control of the reseda green shank phenotype, a defining trait for the breed. Two mtDNA D‐loop haplogroups and three autosomal genetic backgrounds are revealed. Significant associations of SNPs on chromosomes GGA24 and GGAZ indicate that the reseda green leg phenotype is associated with recessive alleles linked to the W and Id loci. Our results provide new insights into the genetic history of European chicken, indicating an admixd origin of East European traditional breeds of chicken on the continent, as supported by the presence of the reseda green phenotype and the knowledge that the GP fowl as a breed was developed before the advent of commercial stocks.
Living Longer Living Stronger™: A community‐delivered strength training program improving function and quality of life
Authors: Vrantsidis Freda , Hill Keith , Haralambous Betty , Renehan Emma , Ledgerwood Kay , Pinikahana Jaya , Harper Stephanie , Penberthy Mitsuko 
Published: April 2013

AimThis study investigated changes in function and quality of life for older adults participating in Living Longer Living Stronger™, a community‐delivered strength training program for people aged over 50.MethodsAssessments were conducted at baseline, 4 and 8 months using measures of function, balance, mobility, strength, mental health and quality of life.ResultsThirty‐five participants (mean age 66 years, 69% female) completed 4 months of the program; 24 completed 8 months. Using repeated‐measures anova, significant improvements were found at 4 and 8 months for step test, gait stride length, 6‐minute walk test, timed sit to stand, physical performance test and reported health transition (SF‐36). At 4 months (n = 35), vitality (SF‐36), quality of life and left shoulder abductor strength significantly improved; at 8 months (n = 24), role physical and mental health (SF‐36) and gait velocity significantly improved.ConclusionThe program appears to be an effective community‐delivered strength training program.
Changes in cerebral tissue oxygen saturation during anaesthetic‐induced hypotension: an interpretation based on neurovascular coupling and cerebral autoregulation
Authors: Meng L. , Gelb A. W. , McDonagh D. L. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThere is currently no consensus regarding how to intervene in anaesthetic‐induced hypotension. Whether or not the balance between cerebral oxygen supply and demand is maintained lacks adequate elucidation. It is thus intriguing to explore how cerebral tissue oxygen saturation is affected by anaesthetic‐induced hypotension. Thirty‐three patients scheduled for elective non‐neurosurgical procedures were included in this study. Physiological measurements were performed immediately before induction with propofol and fentanyl and after tracheal intubation. Mean (SD) Bispectral index decreased from 84.3 (9.3) to 24.4 (8.0) (p < 0.001). Mean arterial pressure decreased from 84.4 (10.6) mmHg to 53.6 (11.4) mmHg (p < 0.001). However, cerebral tissue oxygen saturation remained stable (67.0 (9.4) % vs 67.5 (7.8) %, p = 0.6). These results imply that the fine balance between cerebral oxygen supply and demand is not disrupted by anaesthetic‐induced hypotension. An interpretation based on neurovascular coupling and cerebral autoregulation is proposed.
B‐type natriuretic peptide for assessment of haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants
Authors: Mine Kenji , Ohashi Atsushi , Tsuji Shoji , Nakashima Jun‐ichi , Hirabayashi Masato , Kaneko Kazunari 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimHaemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) is frequently observed in premature infants. This study was conducted to explore whether the blood BNP can be a valuable biomarker to assess the necessity of treatment for hsPDA in premature infants.MethodsSerial measurements of the blood BNP were performed during the first 5 days of life in premature infants with hsPDA (Group I) and those without hsPDA (Group N). The definition of the hsPDA was the PDA requiring treatment, such as indomethacin administration and/or surgical ligation.ResultsForty‐six subjects were enrolled. Compared with Group N, Group I showed significantly higher level of blood BNP at postnatal 24–96 h and demonstrated the peak value at postnatal 24–48 h. With the ROC curve using the data at postnatal 24–48 h in Group I, we deduced the predictive value of 250 pg/mL of blood BNP for indomethacin treatment. Similarly, with the ROC curve using the maximal value of blood BNP within the first 5 days of life, the predictive value of 2000 pg/mL for surgical ligation was deduced.ConclusionsBlood BNP during early postnatal period can be a useful biomarker to assess the necessity of treatment for hsPDA in premature infants.
Systematic review: the efficacy of nutritional interventions to counteract acute gastrointestinal toxicity during therapeutic pelvic radiotherapy
Authors: Wedlake L. J. , Shaw C. , Whelan K. , Andreyev H. J. N. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBackgroundRadiotherapy‐induced damage to noncancerous gastrointestinal mucosa has effects on secretory and absorptive functions and can interfere with normal gastrointestinal physiology. Nutrient absorption and digestion may be compromised. Dietary manipulation is an attractive option for the prevention and management of symptoms.AimTo synthesise the evidence for the use of elemental formula low‐ or modified‐fat diets, fibre, lactose restriction and probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics to protect the gastrointestinal tract during pelvic radiotherapy.MethodsFour electronic databases were searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCT), controlled trials (CT) and case series in adult patients receiving radiotherapy for pelvic cancers employing nutritional interventions to reduce gastrointestinal toxicity were included. Methodological quality was assessed using a bespoke tool.ResultsTwenty‐two original studies (2446 patients) were identified. Study quality was highly variable with only 37% scoring ≥10 points (maximum 17: bespoke scale). Few studies assessed compliance with the intervention. End‐points varied and included symptom scales (IBDQ, CTC, Bristol Stool and RTOG). Evidence from RCTs was weak for elemental, low‐ or modified‐fat, fibre and low‐lactose interventions with 1/4, 3/4, 1/2, 0/1 trials respectively reporting favourable outcomes. Evidence for probiotics as prophylactic interventions was more promising (4/5 favourable), but dose, strains and methodologies varied.ConclusionsThere is insufficient high‐grade evidence to recommend nutritional intervention during pelvic radiotherapy. Total replacement of diet with elemental formula may be appropriate in severe toxicity. Probiotics offer promise, but cannot be introduced into clinical practice without rigorous safety analysis, not least in immunocompromised patients. The methodological quality of nutritional intervention studies needs to be improved.
Diversity in Structural Consequences of MexZ Mutations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jahandideh Samad 
Published: April 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis. The high level of intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa is attributable to the low permeability of its outer membrane in combination with the expression of several multidrug resistance efflux systems. MexZ, the negative regulator of the MexXY efflux pump, is found to be the most frequently mutated gene in P. aeruginosa isolated from cystic fibrosis patient lungs, confirming its importance in multidrug resistance. Structural consequences of four MexZ mutations, including L25P, G46V, P151L, and S202F, have been explored based on the known structure of MexZ using both molecular modeling and molecular dynamics methods. According to obtained results, G46V mutation, which completely abolishes the ability of MexZ binding to DNA, occurs in a specific evolutionary conserved region of MexZ. In addition, the most fluctuation values occur in DNA‐binding domain and Helix4. The obtained results explore details of diversity in structural consequences of MexZ mutations in P. aeruginosa.
Glatiramer acetate attenuates the pro-migratory profile of adhesion molecules on various immune cell subsets in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sellner J , Koczi W , Harrer A , Oppermann K , Obregon-Castrillo E , Pilz G , Wipfler P , Afazel S , Haschke-Becher E , Trinka E , Kraus J 
Published: April 2013

Summary
An altered expression pattern of adhesion molecules (AM) on the surface of immune cells is a premise for their extravasation into the central nervous system (CNS) and the formation of acute brain lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). We evaluated the impact of glatiramer acetate (GA) on cell-bound and soluble AM in the peripheral blood of patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). Fifteen patients treated de novo with GA were studied on four occasions over a period of 12 months. Surface levels of intracellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, ICAM-3, lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 and very late activation antigen (VLA)-4 were assessed in T cells (CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD4+), B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T cells (NK T) and monocytes by five-colour flow cytometry. Soluble E-selectin, ICAM-1, ICAM-3, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1, P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 were determined with a fluorescent bead-based immunoassay. The pro-migratory pattern in RRMS was verified by comparison with healthy controls and was characterized by up-regulation of LFA-1 (CD3+CD4+ T cells, B cells), VLA-4 (CD3+CD8+ T cells, NK cells), ICAM-1 (B cells) and ICAM-3 (NK cells). Effects of GA treatment were most pronounced after 6 months and included attenuated levels of LFA-1 (CD3+CD4+) and VLA-4 (CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, NK, NK T, monocytes). Further effects included lowering of ICAM-1 and ICAM-3 levels in almost all immune cell subsets. Soluble AM levels in RRMS did not differ from healthy controls and remained unaltered after GA treatment. The deregulated pro-migratory expression profile of cell-bound AM is altered by GA treatment. While this alteration may contribute to the beneficial action of the drug, the protracted development and unselective changes indicate more secondary immune regulatory phenomena related to these effects.
Mild neonatal hyperthyrotrophinaemia: 10‐year experience suggests the condition is increasingly common but often transient
Authors: Oren Asaf , Wang Michael K. , Brnjac Lori , Mahmud Farid H. , Palmert Mark R. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryObjectiveTo examine a large population of infants with mild neonatal hyperthyrotrophinaemia (MNH) and determine prevalence, clinical characteristics and treatment history.MethodsRetrospective study of infants with MNH followed at The Hospital for Sick Children between 2000 and 2011. MNH was defined by an abnormal newborn screen followed by thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) between 5 and 30 mU/l and normal free T4 (FT4) on confirmatory tests.ResultsMild neonatal hyperthyrotrophinaemia represented 22·3% of patients (103/462; 60 boys, 43 girls) within our clinic. Incidence increased from two of 20 in 2000 to 31 of 74 cases in 2010. Seventy eight percent of patients started L‐thyroxine (initial dose: 8·3 ± 2·5 mcg/kg). The treated group had higher confirmatory TSH levels (P = 0·001) and had undergone thyroid scintigraphy more often (P = 0·0001) compared with the nontreated group. Evidence of overtreatment was detected in 45% of thyroid function tests obtained during treatment. Among the treated infants who had reached 3 years of age, 45% (N = 14) underwent a trial‐off medication. Compared with those not trialled‐off therapy, these infants were less likely to have had dose escalations during treatment (P = 0·001). The trial‐off treatment was successful in 50% of cases. In the subset of infants with confirmatory TSH >10 mU/l, trial‐off therapy was successful in 40%. None of the assessed variables predicted success of trial‐off therapy.ConclusionsMild neonatal hyperthyrotrophinaemia is an increasingly common diagnosis. It is more common in males and is often transient, but predictors of success of trial‐off therapy were not identified. Further studies are needed to determine optimum L‐thyroxine dosing and to determine whether treatment improves neurocognitive outcomes.
Impact of Ketamine on Neuronal Network Dynamics: Translational Modeling of Schizophrenia‐Relevant Deficits
Authors: Kocsis Bernat , Brown Ritchie E. , McCarley Robert W. , Hajos Mihaly 
Published: April 2013

SummarySubanesthetic doses of the psychomimetic, ketamine, have been used for many years to elicit behavioral effects reminiscent of schizophrenia in both healthy humans and in animal models of the disease. More recently, there has been a move toward the use of simple neurophysiological measures (event‐related potentials, brain oscillations) to assay the functional integrity of neuronal circuits in schizophrenia as these measures can be assessed in patients, healthy controls, intact animals, and even in brain slices. Furthermore, alterations of these measures are correlated with basic information processing deficits that are now considered central to the disease. Thus, here we review recent studies that determine the effect of ketamine on these measures and discuss to what extent they recapitulate findings in patients with schizophrenia. In particular, we examine methodological differences between human and animal studies and compare in vivo and in vitro effects of ketamine. Ketamine acts on multiple cortical and subcortical sites, as well as on receptors other than the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor. Acute ketamine models' changes correlated with psychotic states (e.g. increased baseline gamma‐band oscillations), whereas chronic ketamine causes cortical circuit changes and neurophysiological deficits (e.g. impaired event‐related gamma‐band oscillations) correlated with cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.
Inflammation marker, damage marker and anabolic hormone responses to resistance training with vascular restriction in older males
Authors: Karabulut Murat , Sherk Vanessa D. , Bemben Debra A. , Bemben Michael G. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe goal of this study was to examine anabolic hormone, muscle damage marker and inflammation marker responses to two types of resistance training protocols in older men. Thirty‐six healthy older males (mean age = 56·6 ± 0·6 years) completed 6 weeks of high‐intensity resistance training (HI‐RT), low‐intensity resistance training with vascular restriction (LI‐BFR) or no exercise control group (CON) three times per week. Three upper body exercises were performed by both exercise groups at the same intensity (at 80% 1‐RM), but lower body exercises were performed by the HI‐RT group at 80% 1‐RM and by the LI‐BFR group at 20% 1‐RM with vascular restriction. Resting serum creatine kinase (CK), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3) and testosterone (T) were measured before and after training. No significant group differences in resting CK, IL‐6, IGF‐I, IGFBP‐3 and T were detected following training (P>0·05). In addition, there were no significant changes in muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA), but a trend for significant decreases in the percent changes in thigh subcutaneous fat (P = 0·051). Although training‐induced anabolic hormone response did not reach statistical significance, our findings on CK and IL‐6 indicated that the LI‐BFR training protocol was safe and well tolerated for older men to perform to improve muscular strength.