bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Premature and ectopic anthocyanin formation by silencing of anthocyanidin reductase in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
Authors: Fischer Thilo C. , Mirbeth Beate , Rentsch Judith , Sutter Corina , Ring Ludwig , Flachowsky Henryk , Habegger Ruth , Hoffmann Thomas , Hanke Magda‐Viola , Schwab Wilfried 
Published: October 2013

SummaryStrawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a fruit crop with a distinct biphasic flavonoid biosynthesis. Whereas, in the immature receptacle, high levels of proanthocyanidins accumulate, which are associated with herbivore deterrence and pathogen defense, the prominent color‐giving anthocyanins are primarily produced in ripe ‘fruits’ helping to attract herbivores for seed dispersal.Here, constitutive experimental down‐regulation of one branch of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis was performed.As a result, the proportion of epicatechin monomeric units within the proanthocyanidin polymer chains was reduced, but this was not the case for the epicatechin starter unit. Shortened chain lengths of proanthocyanidins were also observed. All enzymatic activities for the production of color‐giving anthocyanins were already present in unripe fruits at levels allowing a striking red anthocyanin phenotype in unripe fruits of theRNAi silencing lines. An immediately recognizable phenotype was also observed for the stigmata of flowers, which is another epicatechin‐forming tissue.Thus, the down‐regulation ofanthocyanidin reductase(ANR) induced a redirection of the proanthocyanidin pathway, leading to premature and ectopic anthocyanin biosynthesis via enzymatic glycosylation as the alternative pathway. This redirection is also seen in flavonol biosynthesis, which is paralleled by higher pollen viability in silencing lines.ANRi transgenic lines of strawberry provide a versatile tool for the study of the biological functions of proanthocyanidins.
Robust anti‐oxidant defences in the rice blast fungusMagnaporthe oryzaeconfer tolerance to the host oxidative burst
Authors: Samalova Marketa , Meyer Andreas J. , Gurr Sarah J. , Fricker Mark D. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryPlants respond to pathogen attack via a rapid burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However,ROSare also produced by fungal metabolism and are required for the development of infection structures inMagnaporthe oryzae.To obtain a better understanding of redox regulation inM. oryzae, we measured the amount and redox potential of glutathione (EGSH), as the major cytoplasmic anti‐oxidant, the rates ofROSproduction, and mitochondrial activity using multi‐channel four‐dimensional (x,y,z,t) confocal imaging of Grx1‐roGFP2 and fluorescent reporters during spore germination, appressorium formation and infection.High levels of mitochondrial activity andROSwere localized to the growing germ tube and appressorium, butEGSHwas highly reduced and tightly regulated during development. Furthermore, germlings were extremely resistant to external H2O2exposureex planta.EGSHremained highly reduced during successful infection of the susceptible rice cultivarCO39. By contrast, there was a dramatic reduction in the infection of resistant (IR68) rice, but the sparse hyphae that did form also maintained a similar reducedEGSH.We conclude thatM. oryzaehas a robust anti‐oxidant defence system and maintains tight control ofEGSHdespite substantial oxidative challenge. Furthermore, the magnitude of the host oxidative burst alone does not stress the pathogen sufficiently to prevent infection in this pathosystem.
Poverty Dynamics of Households in Rural China
Authors: Imai Katsushi S. , You Jing 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe objective of our study is to identify patterns and causes of households' transitions into and out of poverty using the long household panel data on rural China in 1989–2009. We propose a discrete‐time multi‐spell duration model that not only corrects for unobserved heterogeneity, but also addresses the endogeneity due to dynamic selection associated with household's livelihood strategies. The household choosing farming or out‐migration as a main livelihood strategy was more likely to escape from persistent poverty than those taking local non‐agricultural employment. The present study emphasizes the central role of agriculture in helping the chronically poor escape from poverty.
Size at birth and abdominal adiposity in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Araújo de França G. V. , Restrepo‐Méndez M. C. , Loret de Mola C. , Victora C. G. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryWe performed a systematic literature review on the associations between birth size and abdominal adiposity in adults, while also investigating the role of the adjustment for adult body mass index (BMI). MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS and SciELO databases were searched for articles published up to February 2013. Only prospective studies were included. After screening 2,570 titles, we selected 31 publications for the narrative synthesis, of which 13 were considered to be of high methodological quality. Six main indicators of birth size were identified, and birth weight (BW) was the most extensively studied. Most studies relied on anthropometric measurements as proxies for abdominal fatness or as indicators of body fat distribution. Few studies assessed abdominal adiposity through imaging methods, generally with small sample sizes. Eleven articles could be included in the meta‐analyses. BW was found to be positively associated with waist circumference in adulthood, but the association disappeared after adjustment for adult BMI. In contrast, there was no association between BW and waist‐to‐hip ratio, whereas a strong negative association became evident after controlling for adult BMI. In conclusion, BW seems to be associated with larger adult size in general, including both waist and hip circumferences. The marked change in coefficients after adjustment for adult BMI suggests that post‐natal growth strongly affects relative central adiposity, whereas BW per se does not play a role. Given the potential impact of post‐natal growth, further research is needed to identify different growth trajectories that lead to abdominal adiposity, as well as studies on interactions of foetal and post‐natal growth patterns.
Lactobacillus brevis CD2 inhibits Prevotella melaninogenica biofilm
Authors: Vuotto C , Barbanti F , Mastrantonio P , Donelli G 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the ability of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus brevis CD2 to inhibit the opportunistic anaerobe Prevotella melaninogenica (PM1), a well‐known causative agent of periodontitis.Materials and MethodsThe inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus CD2 on Prevotella PM1 biofilm was assessed both by exposing the anaerobe to the supernatant of the probiotic strain and by growing the two strains to obtain single or mixed biofilms. The inhibitory effect of CD2 on PM1 was also checked by the agar overlay method.ResultsThe development of PM1 biofilm was strongly affected (56% decrease in OD value) by the CD2 supernatant after 96 h. A dose‐dependent biofilm reduction was also observed at 1/10 and 1/100 dilutions of supernatant. Confocal microscopy on the mixed biofilms revealed the ability of CD2 to prevail on PM1, greatly reducing the biofilm of the latter.ConclusionsIt has been hypothesized a multifactorial nature of the inhibition mechanism, the strong adherence ability of CD2 strain together with the released metabolites presumably contributing to the reduction in the PM1 biofilm detected by confocal microscopy.
Association of MMP but not TIMP‐1 gene polymorphisms with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Karasneh JA , Bani‐Hani ME , Alkhateeb AM , Hassan AF , Thornhill MH 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesRecurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral inflammatory disease induced by genetic and environmental factors. Gelatinases (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9) and their natural inhibitor TIMP‐1 are active players in the inflammatory process. We aimed to determine whether inheritance of specific MMP‐2, MMP‐9, or TIMP‐1 gene polymorphisms is associated with RAS susceptibility.Subjects and methodsNinety‐six RAS patients and 153 healthy controls were studied. Five polymorphisms were genotyped: rs17576, rs3918242, and rs11697325 in MMP‐9, MMP‐2 rs2285053, and TIMP‐1 rs6609533. Association was assessed by logistic regression analysis after adjustment for confounding factors. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was assessed using the Haploview program.ResultsMMP‐9 rs11697325 was significantly associated with RAS, with an increase in the AA genotype in patients, determined using χ2 analysis (OR = 2.3, P = 0.006) and adjusted regression analysis (OR = 3.1, P = 0.009). MMP‐9 rs11697325 and rs17576 showed strong LD (D' = 0.95), with an increase in the AA haplotype (P = 0.023) and a decrease in the GA haplotype (P = 0.015) in patients.ConclusionsThis is the first study to investigate the association of MMPs or TIMP‐1 with RAS. We found a significant association between MMP‐9 rs11697325 polymorphisms and RAS. Confirmatory studies in other populations and functional investigations are needed to determine the role of these genes in RAS.
Skin cleansing practices for older people: a systematic review
Authors: Cowdell Fiona , Steventon Katerina 
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectivesTo locate, summarise and critically analyse current knowledge about skin hygiene practices for older people.BackgroundMaintaining personal hygiene for patients is one of the core elements of care in all fields of nursing. However, it is a subject that has been neglected in both research and education. Skin integrity is essential to the health and well‐being of older people. Skin cleansing practices can contribute to the maintenance and promotion of skin integrity. It is therefore essential to have a robust evidence base for such practices.DesignLiterature review by searches of the electronic databases Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Academic Search Premier, psycINFO, Web of Science, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Library, using firstly key words and exclusion criteria, then citations and reference searches. An integrative review method was used. Studies included were alternative bathing protocol or bathing product interventions. Seven studies met the methodological requirements for inclusion.ConclusionsThere is a significant lack of high‐quality research studies to provide a framework for guiding evidence‐based skin cleansing practice. Current guidance is based on clinical expertise rather than on robust trial evidence. A research agenda has been developed which may become the basis for developing evidence‐based, best practice guidelines. Future research must move beyond descriptive studies to include more robust methods of investigation. The lack of intervention studies limits the practice‐guiding implications that can be gained from the current body of research.Implications for practiceSkin cleansing is one of the cornerstones of nursing practice, however, in the absence of a robust evidence base most such care is currently based on ‘custom and practice’. There is a need to conduct further research into cleansing practices that will maintain or enhance skin health and skin integrity.
Skin temperature over the carotid artery provides an accurate noninvasive estimation of core temperature in infants and young children during general anesthesia
Authors: Jay Ollie , Molgat‐Seon Yannick , Chou Shirley , Murto Kimmo 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe accurate measurement of core temperature is an essential aspect of intraoperative management in children. Invasive measurement sites are accurate but carry some health risks and cannot be used in certain patients. An accurate form of noninvasive thermometry is therefore needed. Our aim was to develop, and subsequently validate, separate models for estimating core temperature using different skin temperatures with an individualized correction factor.MethodsForty‐eight pediatric patients (0–36 months) undergoing elective surgery were separated into a modeling group (MG, n = 28) and validation group (VG, n = 20). Skin temperature was measured over the carotid artery (Tsk_carotid), upper abdomen (Tsk_abd), and axilla (Tsk_axilla), while nasopharyngeal temperature (Tnaso) was measured as a reference.ResultsIn the MG, derived models for estimating Tnaso were: Tsk_carotid + 0.52; Tsk_abd + (0.076[body mass] + 0.02); and Tsk_axilla + (0.081[body mass]−0.66). After adjusting raw Tsk_carotid, Tsk_abd, and Tsk_axilla values in the independent VG using these models, the mean bias (Predicted Tnaso – Actual Tnaso [with 95% confidence intervals]) was +0.03[+0.53, −0.50]°C, −0.05[+1.02, −1.07]°C, and −0.06[+1.21, −1.28°C], respectively. The percentage of values within ±0.5°C of Tnaso was 93.2%, 75.4%, and 66.1% for Tsk_carotid, Tsk_abd, and Tsk_axilla, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for detecting hypothermia (Tnaso < 36.0°C) was 0.88 and 0.91 for Tsk_carotid, 0.61 and 0.76 for Tsk_abd, and 0.91 and 0.73 for Tsk_axilla. Goodness‐of‐fit (R2) relative to the line‐of‐identity was 0.74 (Tsk_carotid), 0.34 (Tsk_abd), and 0.15 (Tsk_axilla).ConclusionsSkin temperature over the carotid artery, with a simple correction factor of +0.52°C, provides a viable noninvasive estimate of Tnaso in young children during elective surgery with a general anesthetic.
Intrathecal Drug Administration in Chronic Pain Syndromes
Authors: Ver Donck Ann , Vranken Jan H. , Puylaert Martine , Hayek Salim , Mekhail Nagy , Van Zundert Jan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractChronic pain may recur after initial response to strong opioids in both patients with cancer and patients without cancer or therapy may be complicated by intolerable side effects. When minimally invasive interventional pain management techniques also fail to provide satisfactory pain relief, continuous intrathecal analgesic administration may be considered.Only 3 products have been officially approved for long‐term intrathecal administration: morphine, baclofen, and ziconotide. The efficacy of intrathecal ziconotide for the management of patients with severe chronic refractory noncancer pain was illustrated in 3 placebo‐controlled trials. A randomized study showed this treatment option to be effective over a short follow‐up period for patients with pain due to cancer or AIDS. The efficacy of intrathecal opioid administration for the management of chronic noncancer pain is mainly derived from prospective and retrospective noncontrolled trials. The effect of intrathecal morphine administration in patients with pain due to cancer was compared with oral or transdermal treatment in a randomized controlled trial, which found better pain control and fewer side effects with intrathecal opioids. Other evidence is derived from cohort studies. Side effects of chronic intrathecal therapy may either be technical (catheter or pump malfunction) or biological (infection). The most troublesome complication is, however, the possibility of granuloma formation at the catheter tip that may induce neurological damage. Given limited studies, the evidence for intrathecal drug administration in patients suffering from cancer‐related pain is more compelling than that of chronic noncancer pain.
Comparative transcriptome analysis between somatic embryos (SEs) and zygotic embryos in cotton: evidence for stress response functions in SE development
Authors: Jin Fangyan , Hu Lisong , Yuan Daojun , Xu Jiao , Gao Wenhui , He Liangrong , Yang Xiyan , Zhang Xianlong 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAs a product of asexual reproduction in plants, the somatic embryo (SE) differentiates into a new plantlet via a zygotic embryogenesis‐like process. Here, we present the phenotypic and cellular differences between SEs and zygotic embryos (ZEs) revealed by histological section scanning using three parallel development stages of the two types of embryos of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum cv. YZ1), including globular, torpedo and cotyledonary‐stages. To identify the molecular characteristics of SE development in cotton, the digital gene expression system was used to profile the genes active during SE and ZE development. A total of 4242 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in at least one developmental stage. Expression pattern and functional classification analysis based on these DEGs reveals that SE development exhibits a transcriptional activation of stress responses. RT‐PCR analysis further confirmed enhanced expression levels of stress‐related genes in SEs than in ZEs. Experimental stress treatment, induced by NaCl and ABA, accelerated SE development and increased the transcription of genes related to stress response, in parallel with decelerated proliferation of embryogenic calluses under stress treatment. Our data reveal that SE development involves the activation of stress responses, which we suggest may regulate the balance between cell proliferation and differentiation. These results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of SE development and suggest strategies that can be used for regulating the developmental processes of somatic embryogenesis.
A dsRNA‐binding protein MdDRB1 associated with miRNA biogenesis modifies adventitious rooting and tree architecture in apple
Authors: You Chun‐Xiang , Zhao Qiang , Wang Xiao‐Fei , Xie Xing‐Bin , Feng Xiao‐Ming , Zhao Ling‐Ling , Shu Huai‐Rui , Hao Yu‐Jin 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAlthough numerous miRNAs have been already isolated from fruit trees, knowledge about miRNA biogenesis is largely unknown in fruit trees. Double‐strand RNA‐binding (DRB) protein plays an important role in miRNA processing and maturation; however, its role in the regulation of economically important traits is not clear yet in fruit trees. EST blast and RACE amplification were performed to isolate apple MdDRB1 gene. Following expression analysis, RNA binding and protein interaction assays, MdDRB1 was transformed into apple callus and in vitro tissue cultures to characterize the functions of MdDRB1 in miRNA biogenesis, adventitious rooting, leaf development and tree growth habit. MdDRB1 contained two highly conserved DRB domains. Its transcripts existed in all tissues tested and are induced by hormones. It bound to double‐strand RNAs and interacted with AtDCL1 (Dicer‐Like 1) and MdDCL1. Chip assay indicated its role in miRNA biogenesis. Transgenic analysis showed that MdDRB1 controls adventitious rooting, leaf curvature and tree architecture by modulating the accumulation of miRNAs and the transcript levels of miRNA target genes. Our results demonstrated that MdDRB1 functions in the miRNA biogenesis in a conserved way and that it is a master regulator in the formation of economically important traits in fruit trees.
Genotype analysis of the wheat semidwarf Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b ancestral lineage
Authors: Wilhelm Edward P. , Boulton Margaret I. , Barber Tobias E. S. , Greenland Andy J. , Powell Wayne 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn wheat, semidwarfism resulting from reduced height (Rht)‐B1b and Rht‐D1b was integral to the ‘green revolution’. The principal donors of these alleles are ‘Norin 10’, ‘Seu Seun 27’ and ‘Suwon 92’ that, according to historical records, inherited semidwarfism from the Japanese landrace ‘Daruma’. The objective of this study was to examine the origins of Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b by growing multiple seed bank sources of cultivars comprising the historical pedigrees of the principal donor lines and scoring Rht‐1 genotype and plant height. This revealed that ‘Norin 10’ and ‘Suwon 92’ sources contained Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b, but the ‘Seu Seun 27’ source did not contain a semidwarf allele. Neither Rht‐B1b nor Rht‐D1b could be definitively traced back to ‘Daruma’, and both ‘Daruma’ sources contained only Rht‐B1b. However, ‘Daruma’ remains the most likely donor of Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b. We suggest that the disparity between historical pedigrees and Rht‐1 genotypes occurs because the genetic make‐up of seed bank sources differs from that of the cultivars actually used in the pedigrees. Some evidence also suggests that an alternative Rht‐D1b donor may exist.
High‐resolution array‐CGH in patients with oculocutaneous albinism identifies new deletions of the TYR, OCA2, and SLC45A2 genes and a complex rearrangement of the OCA2 gene
Authors: Morice‐Picard Fanny , Lasseaux Eulalie , Cailley Dorothée , Gros Audrey , Toutain Jérome , Plaisant Claudio , Simon Delphine , François Stéphane , Gilbert‐Dussardier Brigitte , Kaplan Josseline , Rooryck Caroline , Lacombe Didier , Arveiler Benoit 
Published: October 2013

SummaryOculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is caused by mutations in six different genes, and their molecular diagnosis encompasses the search for point mutations and intragenic rearrangements. Here, we used high‐resolution array‐comparative genome hybridization (CGH) to search for rearrangements across exons, introns and regulatory sequences of four OCA genes: TYR, OCA2, TYRP1, and SLC45A2. We identified a total of ten new deletions in TYR, OCA2, and SLC45A2. A complex rearrangement of OCA2 was found in two unrelated patients. Whole‐genome sequencing showed deletion of a 184‐kb fragment (identical to a deletion previously found in Polish patients), whereby a large portion of the deleted sequence was re‐inserted after severe reshuffling into intron 1 of OCA2. The high‐resolution array‐CGH presented here is a powerful tool to detect gene rearrangements. Finally, we review all known deletions of the OCA1–4 genes reported so far in the literature and show that deletions or duplications account for 5.6% of all mutations identified in the OCA1–4 genes.
Is cannabis neurotoxic for the healthy brain? A meta‐analytical review of structural brain alterations in non‐psychotic users
Authors: Rocchetti Matteo , Crescini Alessandra , Borgwardt Stefan , Caverzasi Edgardo , Politi Pierluigi , Atakan Zerrin , Fusar‐Poli Paolo 
Published: October 2013

AimsDespite growing research in the field of cannabis imaging, mostly in those with a psychotic illness, the possible neurotoxic effects of smoked cannabis on the healthy brain have yet to be fully understood. There appears to be a need to evaluate the existing imaging data on the neuroanatomical effects of cannabis use on non‐psychotic populations.MethodsWe conducted a meta‐analytical review to estimate the putative neurotoxic effect of cannabis in non‐psychotic subjects who were using or not using cannabis. We specifically tested the hypothesis that cannabis use can alter grey and white matter in non‐psychotic subjects.ResultsOur systematic literature search uncovered 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis. The overall database comprised 362 users and 365 non‐users. At the level of the individual studies there is limited and contrasting evidence supporting a cannabis‐related alteration on the white and grey matter structures of non‐psychotic cannabis users. However, our meta‐analysis showed a consistent smaller hippocampus in users as compared to non‐users. Heterogeneity across study designs, image acquisition, small sample sizes and limited availability of regions of interest to be included in the meta‐analysis may undermine the core findings of this study.ConclusionsOur results suggest that in the healthy brain, chronic and long‐term cannabis exposure may exert significant effects in brain areas enriched with cannabinoid receptors, such as the hippocampus, which could be related to a neurotoxic action.