bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a critical nitrogen dilution curve for forage brassicas
Authors: Fletcher A.L. , Chakwizira E. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractDefining the critical nitrogen concentration (Nc; g N kg−1) for maximum growth of forage brassicas will aid in the fertilizer management of these crops. Typically, the Nc value decreases with increasing crop biomass. In this paper, we used a nitrogen (N) response experiment with kale (Brassica oleracea) to define a critical N dilution (Nc = 55·3 × biomass−0·47). However, at biomass <3·4 t ha−1, a constant NC of 31·2 g N kg−1 was found. This N dilution curve compared favourably with published data sets for a range of forage brassicas but was substantially different from the established N dilution curve for oilseed rape (Brassica napus). This study also found a strong relationship (R2 = 0·81) between the nitrogen nutrition index (NNI) and the NO3 content of forage brassicas from a range of data sets. The NNI is the actual N concentration of the shoot as a ratio of the Nc from the established curve. The relationship between NNI and NO3 contents was significantly different between leafy forage brassica crops and root forage brassicas. For each 0·1 increase in NNI, the proportion of total N that was in the form of NO3 increased by 2·7% for leaf/stem brassicas and 0·60% for root crop brassicas. The critical dilution curve defined in this study can be used to manage fertilizer N in forage brassica crops, so that growth can be maximized but the risk of high NO3 concentrations in the forage can be minimized.
Inverted patterns of genetic diversity in continental and island populations of the heather Erica scoparia s.l.
Authors: Désamoré A. , Laenen B. , González‐Mancebo J.M. , Jaén Molina R. , Bystriakova N. , Martinez‐Klimova E. , Carine M. A. , Vanderpoorten A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim  Using the heather Erica scoparia s.l. as a model, this paper aims to test theoretical predictions that island populations are genetically less diverse than continental ones and to determine the extent to which island and continental populations are connected by pollen‐ and seed‐mediated gene flow.Location  Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Atlantic fringe of Europe.Methods  Patterns of genetic diversity are described based on variation at two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) loci and one nuclear DNA (nDNA) locus for 109 accessions across the entire distribution range of the species. Global patterns of genetic differentiation were investigated using principal coordinates analysis. Genetic differentiation between island and continental areas, estimations of pollen‐ and seed‐mediated gene flow, and the presence of phylogeographical signal were assessed by means of Fst/NST (continental scale) and Fij/Nij (local scale). Extant and past distribution ranges of the species were inferred from niche modelling using layers describing present and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) macroclimatic conditions.Results  The Azores exhibited a significantly higher genetic diversity than the continent. The lowest levels of genetic differentiation were observed between the Azores and the western Mediterranean, and the diversity observed in the Azores resulted from at least two colonization waves. Within the Azores, kinship coefficients showed a significant and much steeper decrease with geographical distance in the cpDNA than in the nDNA. The distribution predicted by LGM models was markedly different from the current potential distribution, particularly in western Europe, where no suitable areas were predicted by LGM models, and along the Atlantic coast of the African continent, where LGM models predicted highly suitable climatic conditions.Main conclusions  The higher diversity observed in Azorean than in continental populations is inconsistent with MacArthur and Wilson’s equilibrium model and derived theoretical population genetic expectations. This inverted pattern may be the result of extinction on the continent coupled with multiple island colonization events and subsequent allopatric diversification and lineage hybridization in the Azores. The results highlight the role of allopatric diversification in explaining diversification on islands and suggest that this process has played a much more significant role in shaping Azorean biodiversity than previously thought.
Family quality of life in Nigeria
Authors: Ajuwon P. M. , Brown I. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  The limited literature that exists about intellectual disabilities (ID) in Nigeria suggests that perceptions of ID may be shaped by social and cultural beliefs, and that socio‐economic factors have prevented the development of policy and services. The present study sought to explore these suggestions in more detail by administering the Family Quality of Life Survey, an instrument used extensively throughout the world to collect comprehensive data on family quality of life. Its specific purposes were: (1) to describe the family quality of life of Nigerian families that have a son or daughter with ID and (2) to provide some initial ideas about the relationship between the families' life experiences and government policy and provision of services.Method  Eighty main caregivers from 80 families that received services for their sons and daughters with ID from two community agencies volunteered to participate. Two trained assistants administered the Family Quality of Life Survey in accordance with the administration methods set out by the Survey authors. Quantitative data and explanatory comments were also collected.Results  Regarding the first study purpose, all nine life domains of the Family Quality of Life Survey were rated as important. The two main outcome measures, Attainment and Satisfaction, showed that three domains (Family relationships, Influence of values and Health) were sources of quality for families, but that three domains (Support from services, Support from others and Leisure) detracted from family quality of life. Measures of Opportunities, Initiative and Stability were somewhat related to one another, and with the two main outcome measures. Participants' explanatory comments suggested that the main caregivers perceived some domains to make their lives better and others did not. Regarding the second study purpose, it was only possible with the data available to make suggestions, but it seemed that there is a strong need for the development of government policy and services, and for education and training.Conclusions  The results of this study suggest that some areas of family life contribute to quality of life for Nigerian families and other areas of life are problematic for families. Although this study is not representative of all Nigerian families that have a son or daughter with ID, it provides important initial information on the family experience with disability in Nigeria.
Does meal ingestion enhance sensitivity of visceroperception assessment in irritable bowel syndrome?
Authors: Ludidi S. , Conchillo J. M. , Keszthelyi D. , Koning C. J. , Vanhoutvin S. A. , Lindsey P. J. , Leufkens A. M. , Kruimel J. W. , Jonkers D. M. , Masclee A. A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Visceral hypersensitivity is frequently observed in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Previous studies have shown that administration of a meal can aggravate symptoms or increase visceroperception in IBS patients. We investigated whether meal ingestion could increase the sensitivity of the barostat procedure for the detection of visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients.Methods  Seventy‐one IBS patients and 30 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. All subjects underwent a barostat procedure under fasted and postprandial conditions to measure visceroperception. Urge, discomfort, and pain were scored on a visual analog scale. Furthermore, percentages of hypersensitive IBS patients and HC were calculated and dynamic rectal compliance was assessed.Key Results  In IBS patients, urge, discomfort, and pain scores were significantly increased postprandially vs the fasted state. The HC showed increased scores for urge and pain only. Rectal dynamic compliance remained unaltered in both groups. Postprandial hypersensitivity percentages did not significantly differ vs the fasted state in IBS patients, nor in HC.Conclusions & Inferences  Postprandial barostat measurement enhances visceroperception in IBS but has no added value to detect visceral hypersensitivity in individual IBS patients.
CD36 c.1264 T>G Null Mutation Impairs Acquisition of IgG Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum MSP1‐19 Antigen and is Associated with Higher Malaria Incidences in Tanzanian Children
Authors: Kajeguka D. , Mwanziva C. , Daou M. , Ndaro A. , Matondo S. , Mbugi E. , Dolmans W. , Chilongola J. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPolymorphisms in genes that encode crucial signalling molecules have been proposed as factors that influence susceptibility to, and outcome of malaria. We studied the role of a mutation, c.1264 T>G, that causes CD36 deficiency on IgG responses to MSP‐119 antigen and malaria incidence. Children were genotyped for the c.1264 T>G mutation at the beginning of the study using PCR‐RFLP. IgG levels [optical density (OD) readings] and per cent seropositivity to MSP‐119 were determined at baseline by ELISA. Children were followed for 12 months for acquisition of anti‐MSP‐119 IgG antibody and malaria incidence. We observed a significant increase in the production of anti‐MSP‐119 IgG antibody in normal and heterozygous children during the 12 months of follow‐up, but not in homozygous mutants. Normal children had a significantly lower malaria incidence rate compared to other genotypes (χ2 = 115.59; P < 0.01). We conclude that the presence of the c.1264 T>G mutation that leads to CD36 deficiency is closely associated with reduced IgG production and higher malaria incidence. It is most likely that deficiency of CD36 which is known to modulate dendritic cell function suppresses the production of protective IgG antibodies directed to Plasmodium falciparum MSP‐119 antigen, which predisposes to the acquisition of clinical malaria in children.
IL‐10 Contributes to the Suppressive Function of Tumour‐Associated Myeloid Cells and Enhances Myeloid Cell Accumulation in Tumours
Authors: Wang L.‐X. , Talebian F. , Liu J.‐Q. , Khattabi M. , Yu L. , Bai X.‐F. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractStudies have revealed that tumour‐associated myeloid cells (TAMC) are one of the major sources of IL‐10 in tumour‐bearing mice. However, the significance of TAMC‐derived IL‐10 in tumour immunity is poorly understood. Here, we show that IL‐10 blockade or IL‐10 deficiency reduces the capacity of TAMC in suppressing the proliferation of P1A‐specific CD8 T cells. In the spleen, IL‐10‐deficient and wild‐type (WT) mice bearing large tumour burdens have similar TAMC populations. The tumours from IL‐10‐deficient mice, however, have reduced numbers of TAMC compared with tumours from their WT counterparts. IL‐10−/−RAG‐2−/− mice also had reduced numbers of TAMC compared with tumours from IL‐10+/+RAG‐2−/− mice; therefore, the reduction in TAMC in IL‐10‐deficient tumours was not because of adaptive immune response in tumours. Adoptively transferred tumour antigen–specific CD8 T cells expanded more efficiently within tumours in IL‐10−/−RAG‐2−/− mice than in tumours from IL‐10+/+RAG‐2−/− mice. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte adoptive transfer therapy prevented tumour evasion in IL‐10−/−RAG‐2−/− mice more efficiently than in IL‐10+/+RAG‐2−/− mice. Thus, IL‐10 enhances the accumulation of myeloid cells in tumours, and TAMC‐derived IL‐10 suppresses the activation and expansion of tumour antigen–specific T cells.
LEAFY controls Arabidopsis pedicel length and orientation by affecting adaxial–abaxial cell fate
Authors: Yamaguchi Nobutoshi , Yamaguchi Ayako , Abe Mitsutomo , Wagner Doris , Komeda Yoshibumi 
Published: November 2011

SummaryPedicel length and orientation (angle) contribute to the diversity of inflorescence architecture, and are important for optimal positioning of the flowers. However, relatively little is known about pedicel development. We previously described the Arabidopsis CORYMBOSA1 (CRM1)/BIG gene, which affects inflorescence architecture by controlling pedicel elongation and orientation. Here, we performed a suppressor screen using the partial loss‐of‐function allele crm1‐13 to identify genes and pathways that affect pedicel development. We identified a hypomorph allele of the meristem identity regulator LEAFY (LFY) as the suppressor. Consistent with this, crm1 pedicels had elevated LFY levels and conditional gain of LFY function produced downward‐bending pedicels. Steroid activation of 35S:LFY‐GR plants caused a reduction in the cortical cell length in the abaxial domain and additional defects associated with adaxialization. Further analyses of loss of LFY function revealed that LFY is required for reduced cortical cell elongation at the adaxial side of the pedicel base. Defects in conditional LFY gain‐of‐function pedicels were correlated with decreased BREVIPEDICELLUS (BP) expression, while ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2), a transcriptional repressor of BP, and REVOLUTA, a promoter of adaxial cell fate, were highly and ectopically expressed in LFY gain‐of‐function pedicels. LFY bound to cis‐regulatory regions upstream of AS2, and as2 mutations partially suppressed the pedicel length and orientation defects caused by increased LFY activity. These data suggest that LFY activity promotes adaxial cell fate and hence the proper orientation and length of the pedicel partly by directly activating AS2 expression, which suppresses BP expression.
Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching reveals high cycling dynamics of plasma membrane aquaporins in Arabidopsis roots under salt stress
Authors: Luu Doan‐Trung , Martinière Alexandre , Sorieul Mathias , Runions John , Maurel Christophe 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe constitutive cycling of plant plasma membrane (PM) proteins is an essential component of their function and regulation under resting or stress conditions. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants that express GFP fusions with AtPIP1;2 and AtPIP2;1, two prototypic PM aquaporins, were used to develop a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) approach. This technique was used to discriminate between PM and endosomal pools of the aquaporin constructs, and to estimate their cycling between intracellular compartments and the cell surface. The membrane trafficking inhibitors tyrphostin A23, naphthalene‐1‐acetic acid and brefeldin A blocked the latter process. By contrast, a salt treatment (100 mm NaCl for 30 min) markedly enhanced the cycling of the aquaporin constructs and modified their pharmacological inhibition profile. Two distinct models for PM aquaporin cycling in resting or salt‐stressed root cells are discussed.
A case of an apparent infestation by Proisotoma spp. springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) in a cat
Authors: Beccati Massimo , Gallo Maria G. , Chiavassa Elisa , Peano Andrea 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis case report is presumed to be the first case of infestation of a cat by springtails which are small arthropods closely related to insects. The organisms, found by skin scrapings, were identified as Proisotoma spp. (Collembola: Isotomidae). The cat presented with dermatological lesions (itchy, furfuraceous dermatitis), and we speculate that they were due to this infestation. The pathogenic role of the Collembola was hypothesized because of the large number of organisms, the presence of eggs indicating an active reproduction cycle, the lack of other pathogens (fleas, mites or lice) and the clinical recovery accompanied by the disappearance of Collembola following treatment. The owner seemed to be affected by the infestation, because a few days after having purchased the cat, she developed a pruriginous papular dermatitis on the neck and the arms, which disappeared shortly after treatment of the kitten and a careful washing of all of its toys and other accoutrements.
Biological efficacy and stability of diluted ticarcillin–clavulanic acid in the topical treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
Authors: Bateman Fiona L. , Moss Susan M. , Trott Darren J. , Shipstone Michael A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractTopical compounded Timentin® diluted with an inactive vehicle has been reported to be effective in the treatment of otitis externa caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The aims of this study were to determine the biological efficacy of Timentin® (ticarcillin and clavulanic acid) when diluted in the carrier vehicle Methopt® against P. aeruginosa and to determine the efficacy and stability of Timentin® aqueous stock concentrate solution. Timentin® stock concentrate was tested against four P. aeruginosa isolates on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28; then after 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12 months of storage at 4 or −20°C. The diluted Timentin®–Methopt® solutions were tested against all isolates after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 21, 24 and 28 days of storage at 24 or 4°C. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels for all strains were determined using the broth microdilution method. The MIC of the stock solution remained relatively constant and acceptable throughout the study when stored at −20°C and was also acceptable for shorter time periods (6–9 months) when stored at 4°C. The MIC for the diluted Timentin®–Methopt® solution remained relatively constant and acceptable throughout the study for all four bacterial strains, with no difference between the solutions stored at 4 or 24°C. The results of this study indicate that storage of the Timentin® stock solution at −20°C does not compromise efficacy for at least 12 months and that Timentin® diluted in Methopt® was stable for 28 days when stored at either 4 or 24°C.
Assessing the conceptual clarity and evidence base of quality criteria/standards developed for evaluating decision aids
Authors: McDonald Heather , Charles Cathy , Gafni Amiram 
Published: November 2011

AbstractContext  Promoting patient participation in treatment decision making is of increasing interest to researchers, clinicians and policy makers. Decision aids (DAs) are advocated as one way to help achieve this goal. Despite their proliferation, there has been little agreement on criteria or standards for evaluating these tools. To fill this gap, an international collaboration of researchers and others interested in the development, content and quality of DAs have worked over the past several years to develop a checklist and, based on this checklist, an instrument for determining whether any given DA meets a defined set of quality criteria.Objective/Methods  In this paper, we offer a framework for assessing the conceptual clarity and evidence base used to support the development of quality criteria/standards for evaluating DAs. We then apply this framework to assess the conceptual clarity and evidence base underlying the International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) checklist criteria for one of the checklist domains: how best to present in DAs probability information to patients on treatment benefits and risks.Conclusion  We found that some of the central concepts underlying the presenting probabilities domain were not defined. We also found gaps in the empirical evidence and theoretical support for this domain and criteria within this domain. Finally, we offer suggestions for steps that should be undertaken for further development and refinement of quality standards for DAs in the future.
Assessing quality of a worksite health promotion programme from participants’ views: findings from a qualitative study in Malaysia
Authors: Liau Siow‐Yen , Hassali Mohamed‐Azmi A. , Shafie Asrul A. , Ibrahim Mohamed‐Izham M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  An assessment of the process and outcomes of a health promotion programme is necessary for the continuous improvement of a programme.Objective  To explore the participants’ perceptions of the quality and effectiveness of the ‘Love Your Heart Programme’.Design  A qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews with a purposive sample of participants of the ‘Love Your Heart’ programme. Interviews were based on an interview guide that grouped questions into four main subgroups: structure, process, immediate outcomes and impact. The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the principles of grounded theory.Results  A total of 17 interviews were conducted. The participants were satisfied with the structural aspects of the programme. Different opinions arose regarding the ideal frequency and duration of the programme. The content of the seminars was thought to be too general. There was also a lack of interest in the ‘Road to a Healthy Heart’ booklet. All of the respondents had positive opinions about the communication skills and attitude of the health educator. The potential advantages and disadvantages of participating in the programme were discussed. Finally, the respondents expressed their satisfaction with the programme and the impact it had on them.Discussion and conclusions  In general, the participants who were interviewed held the programme, and the health educator conducted the programme in high regard. The suggestions that were received can be used to further improve the acceptability and feasibility of the programme.
Effects of the ruminal comminution rate and microbial contamination of particles on accuracy of in situ estimates of ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of feedstuffs
Authors: Arroyo J. M. , González J. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryEffects of considering the comminution rate (kc) and the correction of microbial contamination (using 15N techniques) of particles in the rumen on estimates of ruminally undegraded fractions and their intestinal digestibility were examined generating composite samples (from rumen‐incubated residues) representative of the undegraded feed rumen outflow. The study used sunflower meal (SFM) and Italian ryegrass hay (RGH) and three rumen and duodenum cannulated wethers fed with a 40:60 RGH to concentrate diet (75 g DM/kgBW0.75). Transit studies up to the duodenum with Yb‐SFM and Eu‐RGH marked samples showed higher kc values (/h) in SFM than in RGH (0.577 vs. 0.0892, p = 0.034), whereas similar values occurred for the rumen passage rate (kp). Estimates of ruminally undegraded and intestinal digestibility of all tested fractions decreased when kc was considered and also applying microbial correction. Thus, microbial uncorrected kp‐based proportions of intestinal digested undegraded crude protein overestimated those corrected and kc−kp‐based by 39% in SFM (0.146 vs. 0.105) and 761% in RGH (0.373 vs. 0.0433). Results show that both kc and microbial contamination correction should be considered to obtain accurate in situ estimates in grasses, whereas in protein concentrates not considering kc is an important source of error.