bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional and functional variation of NF‐YC1 in genetically diverse accessions of Phaseolus vulgaris during the symbiotic association with Rhizobium etli
Authors: Mazziotta L. , Reynoso M. A. , Aguilar O. M. , Blanco F. A. , Zanetti M. E. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPhaseolus vulgaris (common bean) is an agronomic important legume crop native to America, where two centres of genetic diversification (GD) are recognised, one in Mesoamerica and the other in the south Andes. Mesoamerican bean accessions have preferential and more efficient nodulation with Rhizobium etli strains carrying the allele nodC type‐α, which is predominant in soils of Mesoamerica. It was previously demonstrated that the host nuclear factor NF‐YC1, which is involved in nodule formation and rhizobial infection, contributes to this preferential selection and enhances nodulation in the domesticated accession NAG12 from Mesoamerica. Here, we show that both domesticated and wild Mesoamerican beans exhibit higher nodulation performance with a nodC type‐α than with a nodC type‐δ strain. Transcripts of NF‐YC1 significantly increased in roots of these accessions 24 h post‐inoculation (hpi) with the nodC type‐α strain. On the other hand, accessions from the Andean GD centre formed a higher number of nodules with a strain carrying the nodC type‐δ, which is predominant in Andean soils. However, NF‐YC1 transcript levels did not exhibit significant changes in Andean accessions upon inoculation with the nodC type‐δ strain, at least at 24 hpi. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated gene silencing of NF‐YC1 in the domesticated Andean accession Alubia showed that NF‐YC1 or a closely related member of this family is required for nodule formation and bacterial infection, in agreement with observations in Mesoamerican common beans. Isolation and sequencing of the full‐length ORF of NF‐YC1 from Alubia revealed that it was identical to the sequence previously identified in the Mesoamerican accession NAG12. Interestingly, overexpression of NF‐YC1 had a negative impact on nodule formation in the Alubia accession, independently of the R. etli lineage. Our findings suggest that transcriptional and functional variation of NF‐YC1 occurs among genetically diverse bean accessions, which might positively or negatively contribute to the fine‐tuning mechanisms that regulate nodule formation in the common bean–R. etli symbiosis.
Arabidopsis thaliana transgenics overexpressing IBR3 show enhanced susceptibility to the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Huang T.‐Y. , Desclos‐Theveniau M. , Chien C.‐T. , Zimmerli L. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe gene, indole‐3‐butyric acid (IBA)‐RESPONSE (IBR) 3, is thought to participate in peroxisomal β‐oxidation of IBA to indole‐3‐acetic acid. Here we show that IBR3 may also play a role in Arabidopsis thaliana defence response to microbial pathogens. IBR3 is up‐regulated during infection by virulent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 bacteria. Although mutant ibr3‐4 did not show a pathogen phenotype, lines overexpressing IBR3 demonstrated enhanced susceptibility to Pst DC3000. Increased susceptibility phenotypes of IBR3 overexpressors were correlated with defective SA defence signalling and impairment of pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) activation. Notably, reactive oxygen species production was reduced in IBR3 overexpressors after treatment with the microbe‐associated molecular patterns flg22 and efl26. Later PTI responses, such as accumulation of FRK1 transcripts and callose deposition were also reduced in transgenics overexpressing IBR3 after inoculation with the Type III secretion system deficient bacterial mutant Pst DC3000 hrcC or treatment with flg22 or elf26. Importantly, overexpression of IBR3 did not affect indole‐3‐acetic acid content or auxin‐responsive gene expression. These results suggest a novel role for IBR3 in A. thaliana defence response against bacterial pathogens.
Modifications of a conserved regulatory network involving INDEHISCENT controls multiple aspects of reproductive tissue development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kay P. , Groszmann M. , Ross J. J. , Parish R. W. , Swain S. M. 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Disrupting pollen tube growth and fertilization in Arabidopsis plants leads to reduced seed set and silique size, providing a powerful genetic system with which to identify genes with important roles in plant fertility.

A transgenic Arabidopsis line with reduced pollen tube growth, seed set and silique growth was used as the progenitor in a genetic screen to isolate suppressors with increased seed set and silique size.

This screen generated a new allele of INDEHISCENT (IND), a gene originally identified by its role in valve margin development and silique dehiscence (pod shatter). IND forms part of a regulatory network that involves several other transcriptional regulators and involves the plant hormones GA and auxin. Using GA and auxin mutants that alter various aspects of reproductive development, we have identified novel roles for IND, its paralogue HECATE3, and the MADS box proteins SHATTERPROOF1/2 in flower and fruit development.

These results suggest that modified forms of the regulatory network originally described for the Arabidopsis valve margin, which include these genes and/or their recently evolved paralogs, function in multiple components of GA/auxin‐regulated reproductive development.
Nanofibrous structured biomimetic strategies for skin tissue regeneration
Authors: Jayarama Reddy Venugopal , Radhakrishnan Sridhar , Ravichandran Rajeswari , Mukherjee Shayanti , Balamurugan Ramalingam , Sundarrajan Subramanian , Ramakrishna Seeram 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMimicking porous topography of natural extracellular matrix is advantageous for successful regeneration of damaged tissues or organs. Nanotechnology being one of the most promising and growing technology today shows an extremely huge potential in the field of tissue engineering. Nanofibrous structures that mimic the native extracellular matrix and promote the adhesion of various cells are being developed as tissue‐engineered scaffolds for skin, bone, vasculature, heart, cornea, nervous system, and other tissues. A range of novel biocomposite materials has been developed to enhance the bioactive or therapeutic properties of these nanofibrous scaffolds via surface modifications, including the immobilization of functional cell‐adhesive ligands and bioactive molecules such as drugs, enzymes, and cytokines. In skin tissue engineering, usage of allogeneic skin is avoided to reestablish physiological continuity and also to address the challenge of curing acute and chronic wounds, which remains as the area of exploration with various biomimetic approaches. Two‐dimensional, three‐dimensional scaffolds and stem cells are presently used as dermal regeneration templates for the treatment of full‐thickness skin defects resulting from injuries and severe burns. The present review elaborates specifically on the fabrication of nanofibrous structured strategies for wound dressings, wound healing, and controlled release of growth factors for skin tissue regeneration.
Superior effect of combination vs. single steroid therapy in keloid disease: A comparative in vitro analysis of glucocorticoids
Authors: Syed Farhatullah , Bayat Ardeshir 
Published: November 2012

AbstractKeloid disease (KD) is a fibroproliferative disorder of unknown etiology. Current use of corticosteroid injection is partially beneficial with 80% recurrence rate. Additionally, the efficacy of different steroids, alone or in combination as opposed to monotherapy, in treating KD remains unclear. Here, we compared the single and combined efficacy of glucocorticoids—dexamethasone (Dex), triamcinolone (TAC), and methylprednisolone (Medrol)—on primary keloid fibroblasts (KFs) (n = 27) and normal skin (n = 19) fibroblasts at cellular, protein, and messenger RNA levels in vitro. Our results demonstrated that cytotoxicity to steroids was dose dependent. Cell spreading, attachment, and proliferation were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by Medrol and TAC. Migration and invasion properties of KF were inhibited significantly (p < 0.05) by Medrol and TAC compared with Dex. At both protein and messenger RNA levels, keloid‐associated fibrotic markers were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by Medrol and TAC compared with Dex. However, vascular endothelial growth factor expression was significantly (p = 0.01) decreased by Dex compared with TAC and Medrol. Medrol and TAC caused significant (p < 0.04) apoptosis, whereas Dex inhibited the UV‐induced apoptosis and up‐regulated survivin. Blocking of glucocorticoid receptor by RU486 inhibited cytoprotective property of Dex and apoptotic properties of TAC and Medrol. Double treatment with Dex + TAC and Dex + Medrol significantly (p < 0.05) induced apoptosis. In conclusion, this is the first study to report the efficacy of three well‐known steroids on KF and suggest that combination may be superior than using a single steroid in treating KD.
Management of Persistent Pain in Older Adults: The MOBILIZE Boston Study
Authors: Stewart Carrie , Leveille Suzanne G. , Shmerling Robert H. , Samelson Elizabeth J. , Bean Jonathan F. , Schofield Pat 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of pharmacological (PS) and nonpharmacological (NPS) pain management approaches used by older adults with persistent pain and to identify characteristics associated with use of these approaches.DesignPopulation‐based cohort.SettingUrban and suburban communities in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.ParticipantsSeven hundred sixty‐five adults aged 64 and older underwent a home interview and clinic examination. Those reporting any persistent pain were included in this analysis (N = 599).MeasurementsAll prescription and nonprescription medications were recorded during the home interview. NPS modalities for pain management were assessed using a modification of the Pain Management Inventory. The baseline assessment included extensive measures of pain, health, and functioning.ResultsMore than one‐third (37.5%) of participants reported using both PS and NPS modalities. Thirty‐one percent reported use of NPS modalities alone, and 11.5% used PS modalities alone. NPS modalities (68.4%) were reported more frequently than PS modalities (49%). Women (odds ratio (OR) = 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–3.82), individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.6–5.9), and individuals with moderate to severe pain (OR = 5.02, 95% CI = 2.23–11.28) were more likely to report combined use of PS and NPS modalities. Characteristics associated with individual NPS modalities varied greatly.ConclusionOnly one‐third of older adults with persistent pain reported pain management strategies consistent with current guidelines. Further research is required to understand reasons behind choices, barriers to adherence, and the benefits of multiple modalities that older adults with persistent pain use.
Information and consumer perception of the “organic” attribute in fresh fruits and vegetables
Authors: Smed Sinne 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUsing a double hurdle model on panel data from 3,200 Danish households (monthly observations for 2002–2007), we study the effects of health‐related media information on the demand for organic fruit and vegetables. We find that “negative” information about pesticides contained in conventional fruit and vegetables mainly influences the probability of a consumer entering the organic market, not the quantities consumed by households that are already active on the organic market. “Positive” information that links health and the consumption of organic food influences both steps of the decision process. Our dataset includes information about consumers’ media habits, which allows us to disentangle the direct effects of media information from the indirect effects of this information as it is disseminated through the population. Our results suggest that directly obtained information is the main type of information influencing consumers, while information loadings by dissemination through the population have almost no effect on consumption.
Alteration of affective Theory of Mind in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Poletti Michele , Bonuccelli Ubaldo 
Published: November 2012

The concept of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) concerns a population of older individuals at high risk of developing probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). Impairments of the cognitive component of Theory of Mind (ToM), that is the inference about other people's beliefs, have been well documented in AD; on the contrary, controversial findings have been reported on the affective component of ToM (inference about other's feelings), a process mainly based on medial portions of the prefrontal cortex. The current study aimed at evaluating the affective component of ToM in aMCI subjects. Twenty aMCI subjects and 20 age‐matched healthy controls (HC) underwent a standard neuropsychological assessment and the assessment of affective ToM with the full 36‐item version of reading the mind in the eyes (RME). Although aMCI subjects had formal impaired performances only in memory tasks, HC outperformed aMCI subjects in several cognitive tasks, including also the RME (mean RME scores 21.7 ± 3.0 vs. 17.0 ± 3.8%; 60.3% of correct answers vs. 47.2%). The lower RME performance of aMCI patients provides the first empirical evidence that aMCI may be associated with difficulties in tasks of affective ToM, in accordance with recent findings of early difficulties of aMCI patients in other processes that are mainly dependent on the medial prefrontal cortex, such as reversal learning and decision making under ambiguity. Findings of the current study need further empirical confirmation in larger samples of aMCI patients and also the investigation of other MCI subtypes is needed.
Volatiles Profiling in Medicinal Licorice Roots Using Steam Distillation and Solid‐Phase Microextraction (SPME) Coupled to Chemometrics
Authors: Farag Mohamed A. , Wessjohann Ludger A. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) is a plant of considerable commercial importance in traditional medicine and for the flavor and sweets industry. Although Glycyrrhiza species are very competitive targets for phytochemical studies, very little is known about the volatiles composition within that genus, although such knowledge can be suspected to be relevant for understanding the olfactory and taste properties. To provide insight into Glycyrrhiza species aroma composition and for its use in food and pharmaceutical industry, volatile constituents from G. glabra, G. inflata, and G. echinata roots were profiled using steam distillation and solid‐phase microextraction. Two phenols, thymol and carvacrol, were found exclusively in essential oil and headspace samples of G. glabra, and with highest amounts for samples that originated from Egypt. In G. echinata oil, (2E, 4E)‐decadienal (21%) and β‐caryophyllene oxide (24%) were found as main constituents, whereas 1α, 10α‐epoxyamorpha‐4‐ene (13%) and β‐dihydroionone (8%) predominated G. inflata. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses clearly separated G. echinata and G. inflata from G. glabra; with phenolics and aliphatic aldehydes contributing mostly for species segregation.Practical Application:  Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has large economic, nutritional, and medicinal values. The data presented in this article help in licorice quality control analysis to identify G. glabra from its closely allied species. The presence of thymol and carvacrol exclusively in G. glabra suggests that these volatiles could serve as chemotaxonomic markers and also might be considered as potentially relevant for taste.
Folate Content and Composition of Vegetables Commonly Consumed in China
Authors: Shohag M. J. I. , Wei Yanyan , Yu Ning , Lu Lingli , Zhang Jie , He Zhenli , Patring Johan , Yang Xiaoe 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  Folate deficiency increases the risk of chronic diseases, including neural tube defects (NTDs) in infants, megaloblastic anemia, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers in adults. China is the most NTDs prevalent area in the world. Folate deficiency in China can be reduced by proper supply of fresh leafy green vegetables but little is known about the folate content and vitamers in the vegetables commonly consumed by Chinese population. The purposes of this study were first to analyze most commonly consumed important vegetables that contribute to folate intake in the Chinese population and second to estimate the significance of selected vegetables as a source of dietary folate intake. Folate content and vitamers forms in vegetables were analyzed using a valid liquid chromatography method. Monoenzyme treatment was used for leafy green and some fruit vegetables, and dienzyme treatment for some root vegetables. Total folate content in commonly consumed vegetables ranged from 14.78 to 145.54 μg/100 g in edible portion with an average of 61.99 μg/100 g. The highest folate content (>140 μg/100 g) was found in pak choi and spinach. Total folate contents in leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, and root vegetables were in the range of 17.22 to 145.54 μg/100g, 18.14 to 86.04 μg/100g, and 14.78 to75.81 μg/100g, respectively. The considerable variations in folate content were found in different types of vegetables commonly consumed by Chinese population. Leafy vegetables are a better source of folate than fruit and root vegetables commonly consumed by Chinese population.Practical Application:  Data from this research would facilitate to accurately establish the actual folate intake by Chinese population. Our folate composition data on vegetables can be incorporated into the national food databases. Availability of such data is essential for estimating folate intake and defining an optimal level for fortification program in China.
Assessing local patients' knowledge and awareness of radiation dose and risks associated with medical imaging: A questionnaire study
Authors: Sin Ho‐kwan , Wong Chun‐Sing , Huang Bingsheng , Yiu Ka‐ling , Wong Wai‐lam , Chu Yiu Ching Tiffany 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIntroductionTo assess the awareness of radiation dose and associated risks caused by radiological procedures among local patients.MethodsAll subjects were recruited by randomly sampling the patients receiving radiological examinations. These subjects were stratified on age, sex and education. The questionnaire was in Chinese and consisted of 28 questions mostly in multiple choice/true‐or‐false format, divided into three sections examining demographic data, radiation knowledge/awareness and expectations.ResultsA total of 173 questionnaires were returned (83 females and 84 females; mean age of 53). Of these, 32.6% had attended college, 32.6% had completed matriculation and 24.4% secondary school. Most subjects underwent CT (75), MRI (70) and PET‐CT (18). Education significantly affected the radiation knowledge (P = 0.013). 60.7% and 32.7% were not aware of the radiation‐free nature of MRI and USG, respectively. Respectively, 45.4% and 43.5% were of the misconception that Barium enema and Barium swallow studies do not involve radiation. Moreover, 77.6% and 87.9% were aware of the radiation‐laden nature of CT and plain X‐rays, respectively. Furthermore, 34% and 50%, respectively, think that they are not exposed to radiation at home and on a plane. Regarding the fatal cancer risk from CT, 17.8% chose the correct answer and 62% underestimated the risk. 32.2% correctly estimated the equivalent dose of CT in terms of number of conventional X‐rays and 43.2% underestimated the dose. Most (98.2%) were told of the indication, and 42.7% were told the associated radiation dose.ConclusionPatient radiation awareness is unsatisfactory. There is need to increase patient radiation awareness, and to provide them with the necessary information.
Novel High‐Temperature Antiferroelectric‐Based Dielectric NaNbO3–NaTaO3 Solid Solutions Processed in Low Oxygen Partial Pressures
Authors: Kobayashi Keisuke , Ryu Minoru , Doshida Yutaka , Mizuno Youichi , Randall Clive A. 
Published: November 2012

The (1−x)NaNbO3–(x)NaTaO3 solid solution was investigated for x ≤ 0.4 in terms of new high‐temperature and high‐permittivity dielectric system that is suitable for base metal inner electrode capacitor applications. The addition of Ta significantly enhanced the resistivity of the dielectric, resulting in superior resistivity than the dielectrics‐formulated BaTiO3 systems that dominate the multilayer ceramic capacitor dielectric devices. The voltage dependence of the permittivity was also superior to BaTiO3‐based materials, providing higher capacitance at higher temperatures. A transmission electron microscopy study illustrated that the grains had so‐called core‐shell structure. According to the electron diffraction analysis, the core region had an inhomogeneous structure between antiferroelectric and ferroelectric phases, and shell region had an incommensurate ferroelectric‐like structure. The core and shell region had Nb‐ and Ta‐rich composition, respectively, and their interface was compositionally sharp, implying that shell region was formed via a liquid phase during the sintering process with an incongruent Ta dissolution reprecipitation. We anticipate that these or similar materials based on the alkali‐niobate perovskites can be further enhanced to provide capacitor solutions from 150°C to 250°C, which is an important range for a number of new AC–DC invertor and engine control units.
Transgenic zebrafish model of the C43G human insulin gene mutation
Authors: Eames Stefani C , Kinkel Mary D , Rajan Sindhu , Prince Victoria E , Philipson Louis H 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe human insulin gene/preproinsulin protein mutation C43G disrupts disulfide bond formation and causes diabetes in humans. Previous in vitro studies showed that these mutant proteins are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), are not secreted and are associated with decreased secretion of wild‐type insulin. The current study extends this work to an in vivo zebrafish model. We hypothesized that C43G‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) would be retained in the ER, disrupt β‐cell function and lead to impaired glucose homeostasis.Materials and MethodsIslets from adult transgenic zebrafish expressing GFP‐tagged human proinsulin mutant C43G (C43G‐GFP) or wild‐type human proinsulin (Cpep‐GFP) were analyzed histologically across a range of ages. Blood glucose concentration was determined under fasting conditions and in response to glucose injection. Insulin secretion was assessed by measuring circulating GFP and endogenous C‐peptide levels after glucose injection.ResultsThe majority of β‐cells expressing C43G proinsulin showed excessive accumulation of C43G‐GFP in the ER. Western blotting showed that C43G‐GFP was present only as proinsulin, indicating defective processing. GFP was poorly secreted in C43G mutants compared with controls. Despite these defects, blood glucose homeostasis was normal. Mutant fish maintained β‐cell mass well into maturity and secreted endogenous C‐peptide.ConclusionsIn this model, the C43G proinsulin mutation does not impair glucose homeostasis or cause significant loss of β‐cell mass. This model might be useful for identifying potential therapeutic targets for proper trafficking of intracellular insulin or for maintenance of β‐cell mass in early‐stage diabetic patients.