bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Bacillus thuringiensis strain isolated from the gut of Malabari goat is effective against Tetranychus macfarlanei
Authors: Neethu K. B. , Priji P. , Unni K. N. , Sajith S. , Sreedevi S. , Ramani N. , Anitha K. , Rosana B. , Girish M. B. , Benjamin S. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study illustrates a novel strain (designated as BPU5) of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolated from the rumen of Malabari goat, capable of producing polymorphic δ‐endotoxin crystals concomitantly with sporulation in Luria–Bertani medium (LB), and the δ‐endotoxin was efficient to combat Tetranychus macfarlanei, a devastating mite. Polymorphic δ‐endotoxin crystals produced were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and monitored its production concomitantly with sporulation in LB with or without sugar supplements. Toxicity of the δ‐endotoxin was assessed on T. macfarlanei using leaf disc bioassay method. Mortality rate was determined by comparing the survival of mites on the diet (prepared in 10% sucrose and powdered rice husk) containing different concentrations (1–10 mg/ml) of 72‐h‐old crude pellet (dried mixture of δ‐endotoxin (17 mg/g pellet), endospores and a few vegetative cells) or control diet with autoclaved pellet. The maximum production (1.39 mg/ml) of δ‐endotoxin was observed at 72 h in LB. Among the sugars (glucose, sucrose, maltose or lactose) tested as additional carbon source, glucose (8 g/l) enhanced (1.82 mg/ml) the production of δ‐endotoxin by 30%. The lethal concentration (LC50) required to kill 50% mites was estimated as 8.024 mg/ml. The δ‐endotoxin produced by B. thuringiensis BPU5 is shown to efficiently combat T. macfarlanei, a devastating mite infesting agricultural fields.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of mortality from liver cancer: A clinical‐based cohort and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pang Qing , Qu Kai , Zhang Jingyao , Xu Xinsen , Liu Sushun , Song Sidong , Wang Ruitao , Zhang Lingqiang , Wang Zhixin , Liu Chang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough the influence of cigarette smoking on the incident risk of liver cancer has been determined, the association between smoking and liver cancer mortality remains uncertain.MethodsWe searched Pubmed, EmBase, and Web of Science databases to obtain eligible studies. Hazard ratio (HR) value and 95% confidential intervals (CI) were pooled by using a random‐effects model, and dose–response analyses were conducted to quantify associations between smoking and mortality from liver cancer.ResultsA total of 27 articles involving four million participants from seven countries by retrieval (published 1986–2014) were finally included. Pooled HR values for liver cancer mortality was 1.45 (95% CI: 1.33–1.59), 1.22 (95% CI: 1.11–1.34) and 1.16 (95% CI: 1.01–1.32) for current, former, and ever smokers, respectively, when compared with nonsmokers. The risk increased by 7.1% (95% CI: 1.4–13.2) for per additional 10 cigarettes per day and by 5.2% (95% CI: 0.02–11.2) for per additional 10 pack‐years. In our population recruiting 597 patients with liver cancer, smoking status was further identified as a significant determinant factor of tumor size and serum level of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, but not a significant prognostic factor.ConclusionsCigarette smoking, especially current smoking, significantly increased mortality risk from liver cancer.
Reduced gland mucin‐specific O‐glycan in gastric atrophy: A possible risk factor for differentiated‐type adenocarcinoma of the stomach
Authors: Yamada Shigenori , Okamura Takuma , Kobayashi Satoshi , Tanaka Eiji , Nakayama Jun 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsO‐glycans exhibiting terminal α1,4‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (αGlcNAc) are attached to MUC6 in gastric gland mucins and serve as a tumor suppressor for gastric adenocarcinoma. Gastric atrophy is associated with risk for gastric cancer. However, the significance of αGlcNAc expression in pyloric glands of chronic atrophic gastritis remains unknown. Here, we asked whether reduced αGlcNAc expression in chronic atrophic gastritis is associated with risk for gastric cancer.MethodsWe quantitatively analyzed expression of αGlcNAc relative to MUC6 in pyloric glands by immunohistochemistry in 67 patients with normal mucosa, 70 with chronic atrophic gastritis, 68 with intramucosal differentiated‐type adenocarcinoma, and 11 with intramucosal undifferentiated‐type adenocarcinoma. We also compared the Ki‐67 labeling index in gastric epithelial cells between chronic atrophic gastritis and normal gastric mucosa with respect to αGlcNAc reduction.ResultsIn normal pyloric mucosa, αGlcNAc was co‐expressed with MUC6. By contrast, in chronic atrophic gastritis, pyloric gland αGlcNAc expression was significantly reduced relative to MUC6. In intramucosal gastric cancer, αGlcNAc expression in pyloric glands found just beneath differentiated‐type adenocarcinoma was also reduced relative to MUC6. However, pyloric glands present beneath undifferentiated‐type adenocarcinoma exhibited no αGlcNAc decrease. The Ki‐67 labeling index in chronic atrophic gastritis showing αGlcNAc reduction was significantly increased relative to that in normal gastric mucosa.ConclusionsBecause αGlcNAc prevents the gastric cancer development, reduced αGlcNAc expression in chronic atrophic gastritis is a possible risk factor for differentiated‐type adenocarcinoma of the stomach.
Optimizing use of the structural chemical analyser (variable pressure FESEM‐EDX raman spectroscopy) on micro‐size complex historical paintings characterization
Authors: GUERRA I. , CARDELL C. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe novel Structural Chemical Analyser (hyphenated Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an X‐ray detector) is gaining popularity since it allows 3‐D morphological studies and elemental, molecular, structural and electronic analyses of a single complex micro‐sized sample without transfer between instruments. However, its full potential remains unexploited in painting heritage where simultaneous identification of inorganic and organic materials in paintings is critically yet unresolved. Despite benefits and drawbacks shown in literature, new challenges have to be faced analysing multifaceted paint specimens. SEM−Structural Chemical Analyser systems differ since they are fabricated ad hoc by request. As configuration influences the procedure to optimize analyses, likewise analytical protocols have to be designed ad hoc. This paper deals with the optimization of the analytical procedure of a Variable Pressure Field Emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with an X‐ray detector Raman spectroscopy system to analyse historical paint samples. We address essential parameters, technical challenges and limitations raised from analysing paint stratigraphies, archaeological samples and loose pigments. We show that accurate data interpretation requires comprehensive knowledge of factors affecting Raman spectra. We tackled: (i) the in‐FESEM−Raman spectroscopy analytical sequence, (ii) correlations between FESEM and Structural Chemical Analyser/laser analytical position, (iii) Raman signal intensity under different VP‐FESEM vacuum modes, (iv) carbon deposition on samples under FESEM low‐vacuum mode, (v) crystal nature and morphology, (vi) depth of focus and (vii) surface‐enhanced Raman scattering effect. We recommend careful planning of analysis strategies prior to research which, although time consuming, guarantees reliable results. The ultimate goal of this paper is to help to guide future users of a FESEM‐Structural Chemical Analyser system in order to increase applications.
The Effects of Melatonin on Brain Arginine Vasotocin: Relationship with Sex and Seasonal Differences in Melatonin Receptor Type 1 in Green Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea)
Authors: Howard C. M. , Lutterschmidt D. I. 
Published: May 2015

The neuroendocrine mechanisms by which animals synchronise their physiological state with environmental cues are vital to timing life‐history events appropriately. One important endocrine transducer of environmental cues in vertebrates is the pineal hormone melatonin, the secretion of which is directly sensitive to photoperiod and temperature. Melatonin modulates arginine vasotocin (AVT)‐immunoreactive (‐IR) cell number in the brain of green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) during the summer breeding season, and this modulation is sexually dimorphic. In the present study, we investigated whether the influence of melatonin on vasotocin varies seasonally. We show that treatment of nonreproductive male green treefrogs with melatonin‐filled silastic implants for 4 weeks during the winter does not alter vasotocin‐IR cell number in any brain region (i.e. nucleus accumbens, amygdala, preoptic area, suprachiasmatic nucleus or ventral hypothalamus). Taken together, these results suggest that the influence of melatonin on AVT is associated with sex and seasonal variation in melatonin receptor expression. We tested this hypothesis by using immunohistochemistry to characterise the distribution of melatonin receptor type 1 (MT1, also known as Mel1a) in the brain of reproductive and nonreproductive male and female frogs. We quantified MT1‐IR cell number in regions known to contain AVT cell populations. Reproductive males had significantly more MT1‐IR cells than nonreproductive males in all brain regions, including the combined nucleus accumbens, diagonal band of Broca and septum, striatum, amygdala, combined preoptic area and suprachiasmatic nucleus, as well as the ventral hypothalamus. In the accumbens region, where the effect of melatonin on AVT is known to be sexually dimorphic, males had significantly more MT1‐IR cells than females during the summer breeding season. Based on these findings, we suggest that MT1 plays a role in mediating the interactions between melatonin and vasotocin that regulate seasonal and sexually dimorphic changes in sociosexual behaviour.
Pegylated interferon alfa for chronic hepatitis B: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim V. , Abreu R. M. , Nakagawa D. M. , Baldassare R. M. , Carrilho F. J. , Ono S. K. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryConventional interferon alfa and nucleos(t)ide analogues, such as lamivudine, are frequently used for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment, but are associated with adverse effects and viral resistance. Here we performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluating all studies of pegylated interferon alfa (PEG‐IFNα) treatment in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients with CHB. We searched electronic databases – PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and LILACS – for randomized controlled trials evaluating PEG‐IFNα therapy between 1999 and September 2014. Virological response was the primary outcome. We identified 14 studies involving 2829 patients. Our analysis revealed that PEG‐IFNα + lamivudine combination therapy produced better virological and biochemical responses than PEG‐IFNα monotherapy in HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients at the end of treatment. PEG‐IFNα + adefovir dipivoxil achieved better seroconversion rate than PEG‐IFNα in HBeAg‐positive patients at the end of treatment. The present findings demonstrated a beneficial response rate following PEG‐IFNα combination therapy with nucelos(t)ides among HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients with CHB. Further trials are needed to investigate simultaneous and sequential therapy strategies.
Linking root traits to nutrient foraging in arbuscular mycorrhizal trees in a temperate forest
Authors: Eissenstat David M. , Kucharski Joshua M. , Zadworny Marcin , Adams Thomas S. , Koide Roger T. 
Published: May 2015

Summary

The identification of plant functional traits that can be linked to ecosystem processes is of wide interest, especially for predicting vegetational responses to climate change. Root diameter of the finest absorptive roots may be one plant trait that has wide significance. Do species with relatively thick absorptive roots forage in nutrient‐rich patches differently from species with relatively fine absorptive roots?

We measured traits related to nutrient foraging (root morphology and architecture, root proliferation, and mycorrhizal colonization) across six coexisting arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) temperate tree species with and without nutrient addition.

Root traits such as root diameter and specific root length were highly correlated with root branching intensity, with thin‐root species having higher branching intensity than thick‐root species. In both fertilized and unfertilized soil, species with thin absorptive roots and high branching intensity showed much greater root length and mass proliferation but lower mycorrhizal colonization than species with thick absorptive roots. Across all species, fertilization led to increased root proliferation and reduced mycorrhizal colonization.

These results suggest that thin‐root species forage more by root proliferation, whereas thick‐root species forage more by mycorrhizal fungi. In mineral nutrient‐rich patches, AM trees seem to forage more by proliferating roots than by mycorrhizal fungi.
A randomized controlled trial of ProRoot MTA, OrthoMTA and RetroMTA for pulpotomy in primary molars
Authors: Kang C‐M , Kim S‐H , Shin Y , Lee H‐S , Lee J‐H , Kim GT , Song JS 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of the newly developed OrthoMTA and RetroMTA, compared to conventionally used ProRoot MTA, for pulpotomy in primary teeth.Material and MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial, 151 molars from 102 children, who met the inclusion criteria and were 3–10 years old, were enrolled. Ultimately, 143 teeth were divided in a randomized, single‐blind manner into three groups according to the planned treatment: RetroMTA (n = 49 teeth), OrthoMTA (n = 47 teeth) or ProRoot MTA (n = 47 teeth). Clinical and radiographic follow‐up examinations were conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.ResultsBy the end of the study period, 109 teeth were evaluated at 12 months. The radiographic success rates in these three groups were 100%, 94.7% and 94.7%, respectively; the corresponding clinical success rates were 100%, 97.4% and 100%. The Kaplan–Meier survival function curves relative to clinical and radiographic cumulative survival rates did not differ significantly between the three groups.ConclusionsThe success rates of RetroMTA, OrthoMTA and ProRoot MTA are indistinguishable, indicating that pulpotomy can be carried out successfully in primary molars with the newly developed materials.
Monitoring the impact of cow's milk allergy on children and their families with the FLIP questionnaire – a six‐month follow‐up study
Authors: Mikkelsen Andrea , Mehlig Kirsten , Borres Magnus P. , Oxelmark Lena , Björkelund Cecilia , Lissner Lauren 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundMany children with cow's milk allergy (CMA) develop tolerance, but, challenges in daily life may remain. Using the Food hypersensitivity famiLy ImPact questionnaire (FLIP), we sought to monitor changes in the impact of CMA over time.MethodsFamilies of children with CMA, who participated in the validation of the FLIP, were re‐approached 6 months later for follow‐up. Change in reported difficulties was assessed by paired sample t‐test and mixed models, stratifying by outgrown vs. persistent CMA.ResultsImpact on families with children who had outgrown CMA (n = 20) decreased in the FLIP's total score (p = 0.0001) and in two subscales; Health and Emotions (p = 0.0001) and Everyday Life (p = 0.0001). In contrast, no significant improvements were registered in nutritional concerns. Impact on the group with persistent CMA (n = 57) was unchanged at follow‐up except for more impact on Everyday Life (p = 0.001). In the final analysis comparing longitudinal changes in the groups, the strongest differences were observed for the subscales Health & Emotions and Everyday Life; for the Nutrition subscale, the between‐group changes also differed, but to lesser extent.ConclusionsWe have documented the varying impact of CMA on parents and children over time. Families who were still affected continued to experience impact in daily life. Despite development of tolerance, families who were no longer affected revealed continuing nutritional concerns. Follow‐ups should be offered even after outgrown CMA to encourage progression to unrestricted diet, to prevent eating disorders and to promote healthy growth.
Mining new resources for grape resistance against Botryosphaeriaceae: a focus on Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris
Authors: Guan X. , Essakhi S. , Laloue H. , Nick P. , Bertsch C. , Chong J. 
Published: May 2015

Botryosphaeria dieback is an important grapevine trunk disease with global impact. Susceptibility differences between grape varieties manifest as different expression of canopy symptoms in the field. However, the cause of these dieback symptoms and their relation with wood necrosis remain only partially understood. As a first step towards future strategies for resistance breeding, wood necrosis was investigated over a large selection of the Vitaceae family members following artificial inoculation of the Botryosphaeriaceae fungi Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia seriata into woody internodes. Large variation of resistance levels was found, with good performance in several accessions from V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris, the ancestor of cultivated grapevine. To get insight into the mechanisms of this apparent resistance, expression of defence genes was studied in V. vinifera cv. Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and different V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris genotypes, in both green and necrotic areas of inoculated woods. Resistance to Botryosphaeriaceae in V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris correlated with earlier and higher induction of some defence genes, both in green and necrotic wood. Moreover, leaves of several V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris accessions were also less susceptible to necrosis induced by treatment with a culture filtrate of Botryosphaeriaceae, compared to commercial cultivars of V. vinifera. The results show that V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris provides interesting genetic resources for breeding new varieties with enhanced resistance to botryosphaeria dieback.
Phakopsora myrtacearum sp. nov., a newly described rust (Pucciniales) on eucalypts in eastern and southern Africa
Authors: Maier W. , McTaggart A. R. , Roux J. , Wingfield M. J. 
Published: May 2015

Outbreaks of a rust disease in eucalypt forestry plantations and nurseries in Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa occurred between 2009 and 2014. The pathogen was identified using morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses as an undescribed species in the Phakopsoraceae. A systematic study, based on nuclear ribosomal DNA, showed that it is a species of Phakopsora, herein named Phakopsora myrtacearum sp. nov. This new species of rust is the second validly described species on Eucalyptus, along with Puccinia psidii. Phakopsora myrtacearum is distinguished from P. psidii by leaf symptoms, morphology of the urediniospores and distinct phylogenetic placement. Phakopsora myrtacearum has been found on three species of Eucalyptus in Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa, and it may have future negative implications for commercial forestry in these areas.
SSR assessment of Phytophthora infestans populations on tomato and potato in British gardens demonstrates high diversity but no evidence for host specialization
Authors: Stroud J. A. , Shaw D. S. , Hale M. D. , Steele K. A. 
Published: May 2015

Phytophthora infestans populations can differ in composition as a result of host specialization on tomato and potato hosts. In Great Britain many amateur gardeners grow outdoor tomatoes but there is little or no commercial tomato production outdoors. This study analysed isolates of P. infestans from British gardens with 12 multiplexed simple sequence repeat markers that are used to monitor the disease on commercial potato crops. Samples of P. infestans from tomato hosts were collected in 3 years and from potato in 1 year from across Great Britain. Seven previously unreported clonal lineages were detected in garden populations and higher frequencies of unique clonal lineages (28–40%) were present compared with populations from British commercial potato crops reported elsewhere. Garden populations had a lower proportion (11–48% less) of the most common lineages (13_A2 and 6_A1) that together made up at least 86% of the commercial potato populations during the sampling period. Host species accounted for only 2·0% of molecular variance detected between garden potato‐ and tomato‐hosted samples. No significant difference in clonal lineage composition was found between host species in Great Britain and this could be due to the whole P. infestans population overwintering on potato. British garden populations on both hosts were much more diverse than those on commercial potato crops; this finding may be influenced by less frequent fungicide use by gardeners and a higher diversity of unsprayed susceptible potato cultivars, enabling metalaxyl‐sensitive and less aggressive genotypes to survive in gardens.
Colour Doppler Ultrasonography as a Tool to Assess Luteal Function in Santa Inês Ewes
Authors: Figueira LM , Fonseca JF , Arashiro EKN , Souza‐Fabjan JMG , Ribeiro ACS , Oba E , Viana JHM , Brandão FZ 
Published: May 2015

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate luteal dynamics in the Santa Inês ewes using colour Doppler (CD) ultrasonography. Oestrus was synchronized in nulliparous females (n = 18), and subsequently, they were only teased (n = 6) or teased and mated (n = 12). Blood samples were collected daily for plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations. Ultrasonographic images of corpora lutea (CL) in CD mode were obtained for further analysis in its largest diameter. The CD mode allowed an early sequential monitoring of CL that was visualized by the first time 0.77 ± 0.62 days after ovulation, with luteal area 29.68 ± 13.21 mm2. During the luteogenesis, a progressive increase was observed, followed by a plateau of luteal area, vascularization area and plasma concentrations of P4 reaching maximum values in D11 (124.0 ± 38.0 mm2, 52.78 ± 24.08 mm2 and 11.23 ± 4.89 ng/ml, respectively). In the luteolysis, the plasma concentrations of P4 decreased sharply, whereas luteal and vascularization area gradually. The vascularization area was positively correlated with plasma concentrations of P4 during the luteogenesis (r = 0.22) and luteolysis (r = 0.48). The luteal dynamics of Santa Inês ewes showed patterns similar to those observed in other sheep breeds studied. The CD ultrasonography has the potential to be used as a tool to assess luteal function in sheep.