bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ERF transcription factor TaERF3 promotes tolerance to salt and drought stresses in wheat
Authors: Rong Wei , Qi Lin , Wang Aiyun , Ye Xingguo , Du Lipu , Liang Hongxia , Xin Zhiyong , Zhang Zengyan 
Published: January 2014

SummarySalinity and drought are major limiting factors of wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity worldwide. Here, we report the function of a wheat ERF transcription factor TaERF3 in salt and drought responses and the underlying mechanism of TaERF3 function. Upon treatment with 250 mm NaCl or 20% polyethylene glycol (PEG), transcript levels of TaERF3 were rapidly induced in wheat. Using wheat cultivar Yangmai 12 as the transformation recipient, four TaERF3‐overexpressing transgenic lines were generated and functionally characterized. The seedlings of the TaERF3‐overexpressing transgenic lines exhibited significantly enhanced tolerance to both salt and drought stresses as compared to untransformed wheat. In the leaves of TaERF3‐overexpressing lines, accumulation levels of both proline and chlorophyll were significantly increased, whereas H2O2 content and stomatal conductance were significantly reduced. Conversely, TaERF3‐silencing wheat plants that were generated through virus‐induced gene silencing method displayed more sensitivity to salt and drought stresses compared with the control plants. Real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR analyses showed that transcript levels of ten stress‐related genes were increased in TaERF3‐overexpressing lines, but compromised in TaERF3‐silencing wheat plants. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that the TaERF3 protein could interact with the GCC‐box cis‐element present in the promoters of seven TaERF3‐activated stress‐related genes. These results indicate that TaERF3 positively regulates wheat adaptation responses to salt and drought stresses through the activation of stress‐related genes and that TaERF3 is an attractive engineering target in applied efforts to improve abiotic stress tolerances in wheat and other cereals.
Conversion of the genic male sterility (GMS) system of bell pepper (Capsicum annuumL.) to cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS)
Authors: Mulyantoro  , Ou Shang‐Ling , Chen Shu‐Yun , Liu Szu‐Chien , Lo Tzu‐Chuan , Wahyono Andi , Chen Sz‐Yun , Ku Hsin‐Mei 
Published: January 2014

AbstractNon‐pungent bell pepper (Capsicum annuumL.) lacks the cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) nuclear restorer allele,Rf, andCMScannot be employed in its F1hybrid seed production. To demonstrate that the genic male sterility (GMS) system in non‐pungent bell pepper can be converted to theCMSmale sterility system, the conversion ofGMStoCMSfor non‐pungent bell pepper lineGC3 was conducted by introgression of S‐type cytoplasm and theRfallele from tropical pungent donors. After morphological traits were evaluated, two lines fromBC1F1containing S‐type cytoplasm and four lines fromBC2F2containingRfallele, phenotypically similar toGC3, were obtained and could be employed asCMSmale sterile lines and restorer lines for non‐pungent bell pepper. Four molecular markers potentially linked to traits of interest were also evaluated inBC1F1andBC1F2populations. This is the first time thatGMShas been successfully converted toCMSin bell pepper, a significant contribution for bell pepper hybrid seed production.
Triggers of Spontaneous Preterm Delivery – Why Today?
Authors: Hernández‐Díaz Sonia , Boeke Caroline E. , Romans Anna Thornton , Young Brett , Margulis Andrea V. , McElrath Thomas F. , Ecker Jeffrey L. , Bateman Brian T. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundOur goal is to study the triggers of spontaneous preterm delivery using a case‐crossover design.MethodsIn a pilot study, we enrolled 50 women with spontaneous preterm labour (PTL) and 50 with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) between 2011 and 2012. To assess non‐transient risk factors, we also enrolled a control group of 158 pregnant women at their regular prenatal care visits matched to cases by gestational age and calendar time. The index time was defined as the onset of PTL/PPROM (for cases) or interview (for controls). Detailed data were collected through structured interviews regarding factors of interest during the 72 h that preceded the index time. Within case subjects, we compared the frequency of transient factors from 0 to 24 h before index time with that from 48 to 72 h before index time, and estimated matched odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsPreviously hypothesised chronic risk factors for spontaneous preterm delivery, including mood disorders and stressful events, were more common among cases than among controls. Within cases, skipped meals [OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.2, 15.2], disturbed sleep [OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.5, 13.3], sexual activity [OR 6.0, 95% CI 0.7, 69.8], and intake of spicy foods [OR 7.0, 95% CI 1.6, 30.8] were associated with an increased risk for PTL/PPROM within the subsequent 24 h. For physical exertion and other potential risk factors evaluated, the OR was close to the null.ConclusionSkipping meals and disturbed sleep may be associated with imminent PTL/PPROM; sexual activity and spicy food may trigger PTL/PPROM in susceptible women. Larger case‐crossover studies will be able to evaluate the impact of modifiable risk factors and acute predictors of PTL/PPROM, and might help guide obstetrical management.
International Reserves and the Composition of Foreign Equity Investment
Authors: Qian Xingwang , Steiner Andreas 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper studies the effect of central banks' international reserve hoardings on the composition of foreign equity investment. Specifically, it examines whether reserves affect the share of foreign portfolio equity investment (PEI) in total foreign equity investment, which includes both PEI and foreign direct investment (FDI). Foreign investors' decisions regarding the location and the type of equity capital investment might be influenced by a country's level of international reserves. In a simple theoretical model, it is shown that higher reserves, thanks to their ability to lower exchange rate risk, reduce the risk premium of PEI. Hence, higher reserves are expected to increase the inflow of PEI relative to FDI. This hypothesis is tested for a sample of 76 developing countries during the period 1980–2010 using different estimation methods, model specifications and data samples. The results suggest that higher levels of reserves are associated with a larger share of PEI relative to FDI. This result points to a collateral benefit of reserves that has been neglected so far. Reserves may contribute to develop domestic financial markets and facilitate domestic firms' access to foreign portfolio equity financing. In addition, this paper finds a strong negative effect of the global financial crisis beginning in 2008 on the share of PEI, which confirms the hypothesis that PEI is more crisis‐dependent than FDI.
Maize germinal cell initials accommodate hypoxia and precociously express meiotic genes
Authors: Kelliher Timothy , Walbot Virginia 
Published: January 2014

SummaryIn flowering plants, anthers are the site of de novo germinal cell specification, male meiosis, and pollen development. Atypically, anthers lack a meristem. Instead, both germinal and somatic cell types differentiate from floral stem cells packed into anther lobes. To better understand anther cell fate specification and to provide a resource for the reproductive biology community, we isolated cohorts of germinal and somatic initials from maize anthers within 36 h of fate acquisition, identifying 815 specific and 1714 significantly enriched germinal transcripts, plus 2439 specific and 2112 significantly enriched somatic transcripts. To clarify transcripts involved in cell differentiation, we contrasted these profiles to anther primordia prior to fate specification and to msca1 anthers arrested in the first step of fate specification and hence lacking normal cell types. The refined cell‐specific profiles demonstrated that both germinal and somatic cell populations differentiate quickly and express unique transcription factor sets; a subset of transcript localizations was validated by in situ hybridization. Surprisingly, germinal initials starting 5 days of mitotic divisions were enriched significantly in >100 transcripts classified in meiotic processes that included recombination and synapsis, along with gene sets involved in RNA metabolism, redox homeostasis, and cytoplasmic ATP generation. Enrichment of meiotic‐specific genes in germinal initials challenges current dogma that the mitotic to meiotic transition occurs later in development during pre‐meiotic S phase. Expression of cytoplasmic energy generation genes suggests that male germinal cells accommodate hypoxia by diverting carbon away from mitochondrial respiration into alternative pathways that avoid producing reactive oxygen species (ROS).
A dynamic mathematical model of red blood cell clinical demand to assess the impact of prolonged blood shortages and transfusion restriction policies
Authors: McQuilten Zoe K. , Mercer Geoff , Phillips Louise , Luangwilai Thiansiri , Brown Richard , Ozolins Ieva , Cheng Allen C. , Wood Erica M. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundEstimating change in clinical demand for red blood cells (RBCs) from a disaster, as well as triaging introduced in response, is essential to plan effectively for a major blood shortage. We aimed to develop a RBC demand model to assess the impact of restriction policies on RBC use and patient outcomes.Study Design and MethodsA compartmental dynamic model was developed in which patients require RBCs acutely (within 1 hr), urgently (24 hr), semiurgently (1‐7 days), or nonurgently; outcomes included death or remaining at or transitioning to more or less urgent categories. A mathematical model was developed with transitions governed by differential equations and calibrated to a baseline scenario of adequate blood supply (using population‐based hospital data sets, registries, and RBC issues). Distribution into urgency categories was based on a prospective study of 5132 randomly selected RBC units. Scenarios when the blood supply is limited compared to baseline were investigated. Transition rates between urgency categories under these scenarios were established by clinician survey.ResultsIn the baseline 21‐day scenario, patients requiring the most RBCs were other surgery (2162, 22%), medical anemia (1916, 12%), malignant hematology (1092, 16%), and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (1115, 8%). A policy of withholding RBCs for all nonurgent indications results in an estimated reduction of only 1007 (11.2%) RBC units and, if extended to semiurgent, a reduction of 2567 (28.5%) RBC units.ConclusionsBased on this model, restrictions that withhold transfusion from nonurgent patients have minimal impact on RBC demand and may not be sufficient to address changed demand and/or decreased supply during a prolonged disaster.
A new blood group antigen is defined by anti‐CD59, detected in a CD59‐deficient patient
Authors: Anliker Markus , von Zabern Inge , Höchsmann Britta , Kyrieleis Henriette , Dohna‐Schwake Christian , Flegel Willy A. , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Weinstock Christof 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundCD59 is a cell surface glycoprotein of approximately 20 kDa limiting the lytic activity of the terminal complement complex C5b‐9. Although CD59 is known as a red blood cell (RBC) antigen defined by monoclonal antibodies, it so far has not been identified as a blood group antigen, since the description of a human alloantibody was missing. In this study we show the presence of an anti‐CD59 in a patient affected by a homozygous CD59 deficiency.Study Design and MethodsRBC CD59 and CD55 were determined by flow cytometry or by the column agglutination technique using monoclonal antisera. Commercially available His‐tagged recombinant soluble CD59 protein was used to inhibit anti‐CD59.ResultsSeven cases of an isolated CD59 deficiency due to three distinct null alleles of the CD59 gene have been published so far. Recently we described the CD59‐null allele c.146delA in a young child of heterozygous parents. Her plasma contained an alloantibody directed against the high‐prevalence RBC antigen CD59. The antibody specificity was identified using soluble recombinant human CD59 protein, which blocked the reactivity of the patient's antibody and of monoclonal anti‐CD59 but not of monoclonal anti‐CD55. In addition, RBC alloantibodies such as anti‐K, anti‐C, anti‐c, or anti‐Fya remained unaffected. Therefore, inhibition by recombinant CD59 is a useful diagnostic tool to detect alloantibodies in the presence of anti‐CD59.ConclusionThis is the first demonstration of a human anti‐CD59 alloantibody, which defines CD59 as an RBC blood group antigen. CD59 represents a candidate for a new blood group system.
Evaluation of peripheral blood stem cell quality in products transported by traditional courier or commercial overnight shipping services
Authors: Howard Alan , Chitphakdithai Pintip , Waller Edmund K. , Harris Wayne , Rosenthal Hilary , Nelson Wanda , Majhail Navneet , Navarro Willis , Waldvogel Stephanie , Lisy Joel , Uecker Jeff , Miller John , Spellman Stephen R. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundPeripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) products have traditionally been transported from the collection center to a transplant center using validated volunteer courier–based procedures. Evolving airline service strategies and security policies have complicated this model of product transport. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of transporting PBSC products using commercial overnight shipping services, while maintaining product quality, compared to courier‐transported products.Study Design and MethodsFive PBSC products were collected from healthy volunteer donors and divided to evaluate product quality when transported either by volunteer courier or by commercial overnight shipping service. Products were evaluated on the day of collection and at 24, 48, and 72 hours postcollection for total nucleated cell (TNC) count, cell viability, progenitor cell numbers, and progenitor cell lineage growth potential (colony‐forming units [CFUs]) to assess product composition and quality associated with each cohort.ResultsNo delivery delays were encountered and all products were received intact. Measurements of product composition and quality demonstrated no differences in TNC count (p = 0.893), cell viability (p = 0.409), CD34+ progenitor cell content (p = 0.509), or CFU–granulocyte‐macrophage growth potential (p = 0.827).ConclusionsWe found no difference in product viability, progenitor cell content, or product potency in PBSC products transported either by volunteer courier or by commercial overnight shipping.
The completeness of intervention descriptions in published National Institute of Health Research HTA-funded trials: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Douet Lisa , Milne Ruairidh , Anstee Sydney , Habens Fay , Young Amanda , Wright David 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess whether National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA)-funded randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in theHTAjournal were described in sufficient detail to replicate in practice.SettingRCTs published in theHTAjournal.Participants98 RCTs published in theHTAjournal up to March 2011. Completeness of the intervention description was assessed independently by two researchers using a checklist, which included assessments of participants, intensity, schedule, materials and settings. Disagreements in scoring were discussed in the team; differences were then explored and resolved.Primary and secondary outcome measuresProportion of trials rated as having a complete description of the intervention (primary outcome measure). The proportion of drug trials versus psychological and non-drug trials rated as having a complete description of the intervention (secondary outcome measures).ResultsComponents of the intervention description were missing in 68/98 (69.4%) reports. Baseline characteristics and descriptions of settings had the highest levels of completeness with over 90% of reports complete. Reports were less complete on patient information with 58.2% of the journals having an adequate description. When looking at individual intervention types, drug intervention descriptions were more complete than non-drug interventions with 33.3% and 30.6% levels of completeness, respectively, although this was not significant statistically. Only 27.3% of RCTs with psychological interventions were deemed to be complete, although again these differences were not significant statistically.ConclusionsEnsuring the replicability of study interventions is an essential part of adding value in research. All those publishing clinical trial data need to ensure transparency and completeness in the reporting of interventions to ensure that study interventions can be replicated.
Why do patients develop severe pressure ulcers? A retrospective case study
Authors: Pinkney Lisa , Nixon Jane , Wilson Lyn , Coleman Susanne , McGinnis Elizabeth , Stubbs Nikki , Dealey Carol , Nelson Andrea , Patterson Malcolm , Keen Justin 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesThis study focuses on the ways in which the organisational context can influence the development of severe pressure ulcers. Severe pressure ulcers are important indicators of failures in the organisation and delivery of treatment and care. We have a good understanding of patients’ risk factors, but a poor understanding of the role played by the organisational context in their development.SettingThe study was undertaken in six sites in Yorkshire, England. The settings were sampled in order to maximise diversity, and included patients’ own homes, acute hospital medical and surgical wards, a community hospital and a nursing home during a period of respite care.ParticipantsData were collected about eight individuals who developed severe pressure ulcers, using a retrospective case study design. The data sources included interviews with individuals with severe pressure ulcers, and with staff who had treated and cared for them, and clinical notes.Results4 accounts indicated that specific actions by clinicians contributed to the development of severe pressure ulcers. Seven of the 8 accounts indicated that they developed in organisational contexts where (1) clinicians failed to listen and respond to the patients’ or carers’ observations about their risks or the quality of their treatment and care, (2) clinicians failed to recognise and respond to clear signs that a patient had a pressure ulcer or was at risk of developing one and (3) services were not effectively coordinated.ConclusionsPatient accounts could only be partially explained in terms of specific events or sequences of events. The findings support the conclusion that there was general acceptance of suboptimal clinical practices in 7 of the 8 contexts where patients developed severe pressure ulcers.
A randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of advance care planning on the quality of end-of-life care and communication in patients with COPD: the research protocol
Authors: Houben Carmen H M , Spruit Martijn A , Wouters Emiel F M , Janssen Daisy J A 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionRecent research shows that advance care planning (ACP) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is uncommon and poorly carried out. The aim of the present study was to explore whether and to what extent structured ACP by a trained nurse, in collaboration with the chest physician, can improve outcomes in Dutch patients with COPD and their family.Methods and analysisA multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial in patients with COPD who are recently discharged after an exacerbation has been designed. Patients will be recruited from three Dutch hospitals and will be assigned to an intervention or control group, depending on the randomisation of their chest physician. Patients will be assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The intervention group will receive a structured ACP session by a trained nurse. The primary outcomes are quality of communication about end-of-life care, symptoms of anxiety and depression, quality of end-of-life care and quality of dying. Secondary outcomes include concordance between patient's preferences for end-of-life care and received end-of-life care, and psychological distress in bereaved family members of deceased patients. Intervention and control groups will be compared using univariate analyses and clustered regression analysis.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was received from the Medical Ethical Committee of the Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, the Netherlands (NL42437.060.12). The current project provides recommendations for guidelines on palliative care in COPD and supports implementation of ACP in the regular clinical care.Clinical trial registration numberNTR3940.
A weak sense of coherence is associated with a higher mortality risk
Authors: Super Sabina , Verschuren W M Monique , Zantinge Else M , Wagemakers M Annemarie E , Picavet H Susan J 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundSense of coherence (SOC) is a health-promoting resource within the salutogenic theory that reflects an individual's coping ability. The association between SOC and mental health has been confirmed, but its association with mortality is less clear. We examined the association between SOC and all-cause mortality in an adult Dutch population.MethodsBetween 1996 and 1998, a postal questionnaire, including the three-item SOC scale, was completed by 12 024 men and women aged 20–65 years, who had participated in a health examination (MORGEN project) 6 months to 3 years earlier. Vital status was recorded up to November 2011; in total, 603 deaths were registered (5%). The participants were divided into three groups with a weak (21.1%), intermediate (60.3%) or strong (18.6%) SOC. Cox proportional hazard models were used with an intermediate SOC as the reference group. Adjustments were made for sex, age, socioeconomic factors, indicators of health status and lifestyle.ResultsA weak SOC, as compared with an intermediate SOC, was associated with a higher all-cause mortality risk after, on average, 13.5 years of follow-up and adjusted for sex and age (HR=1.40, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.70). After additional adjustments, the higher all-cause mortality risk remained statistically significant (HR=1.27, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.59). Mortality risk for the strong SOC group did not differ from that for the intermediate group.ConclusionsA weak SOC was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Health promotion focusing on strengthening SOC may be a promising new strategy, potentially affecting not only mental health but also mortality.