bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human and porcineTaenia soliuminfections in Mozambique: identifying research priorities
Authors: Afonso S. M. S. , Vaz Y. , Neves L. , Pondja A. , Dias G. , Willingham A. L. , Vilhena M. , Duarte P. C. , Jost C. C. , Noormahomed E. V. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to critically review and summarize available scientific and lay literature, and ongoing studies on human and porcine cysticercosis in Mozambique to identify knowledge gaps and direct immediate and long-term research efforts. Data on the spatial distribution and prevalence of the disease in human and swine populations are scarce and fragmented. Human serological studies have shown that 15–21% of apparently healthy adults were positive for cysticercosis antibodies or antigen, while in neuropsychiatric patients seroprevalence was as high as 51%. Slaughterhouse records indicate a countrywide occurrence of porcine cysticercosis, while studies have shown that 10–35% of pigs tested were seropositive for cysticercosis antibodies or antigen. Current research in Mozambique includes studies on the epidemiology, molecular biology, diagnosis and control of the disease. Future research efforts should be directed at better understanding the epidemiology of the disease in Mozambique, particularly risk factors for its occurrence and spread in human and swine populations, documenting the socio-economic impact of the disease, identifying critical control points and evaluating the feasibility and epidemiological impact of control measures and development of local level diagnostic tools for use in humans and swine.
Assessment of genetic diversity among Sri Lankan rice varieties by AFLP markers
Authors: Rajkumar Gowri , Weerasena Jagathpriya , Fernando Kumudu , Liyanage Athula 
Published: June 2011

Sri Lanka has a valuable repository of germplasm collection due to the availability of a large number of different traditional and improved rice varieties. Molecular techniques can increase the effectiveness of traditional technologies in assessing genetic diversity. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to evaluate the genetic diversity among rice varieties available in the germplasm collection of Plant Genetic Resources Centre, Sri Lanka. AFLP analysis of rice varieties using ten different primer combinations yielded a total of 772 polymorphic bands (98.4%). Genetic similarities were estimated using Jaccard's (J) similarity coefficient. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA)-based dendrogram was constructed. Genetic similarities varied from 0.073 to 0.565. Cluster analysis by genetic similarity divided the accessions into four main groups. The Cophenetic correlation with r = 0.781 indicated high confidence of AFLP data to group the varieties in UPGMA clusters. Principal component analysis further confirmed the patterns obtained by the cluster analysis. The results revealed very high genetic diversity at molecular level among the Sri Lankan rice varieties used in this study.
Genetic diversity among Italian melon inodorus (Cucumis melo L.) germplasm revealed by ISSR analysis and agronomic traits
Authors: Sestili S. , Giardini A. , Ficcadenti N. 
Published: June 2011

The genetic relationships among 13 melon inodorus populations that were collected in southern Italy were assessed using 100 inter-simple-sequence repeat (ISSR) primers and 15 morphological traits. The dihaploid line Nad-1 and the cultivar Charentais-T, both of which belong to the botanical variety cantalupensis, were used as reference accessions in the molecular analysis. A total of 358 polymorphic bands were obtained from 39 of the 100 ISSR primers used, and 15 phenotypic traits were scored and used for genetic-similarity calculations and cluster analysis. The resulting dendrograms based on the ISSR and phenotypic data allowed almost all of the melon genotypes to be distinguished on the basis of the skin colour of the fruits. Mantel's test revealed a good correlation between the morphological and molecular data in their ability to detect genetic relationships among melon ecotypes (r = 0.50, P = 0.99). The data obtained confirm the effectiveness of this approach, and open new perspectives to reveal possible molecular associations with the phenotypic traits analysed.
Allele variation in loci for adaptive response in Bulgarian wheat cultivars and landraces and its effect on heading date
Authors: Kolev Stanislav , Vassilev Dimitar , Kostov Kostadin , Todorovska Elena 
Published: June 2011

Allele composition at the major growth habit (Ppd-D1,Vrn-1, Rht-1andRht8) loci was determined in 52 Bulgarian bread wheat cultivars and landraces, using recently developed diagnostic molecular markers. The study showed that Bulgarian wheat germplasm varies for photoperiod, vernalization and height-reducing genes. The photoperiod-sensitive allele (Ppd-D1b)was the most frequent one in the old cultivars and landraces (90.9%), while the photoperiod-insensitive allele (Ppd-D1a) showed the highest frequency in the modern cultivars (96.71%). The alleles conferring winter growth habit (vrn-A1,vrn-B1andvrn-D1) were more common in both the old (72.7%) and the modern (93.3%) wheat genotypes. The spring alleleVrn-A1cwas not detected in Bulgarian germplasm, while the spring alleleVrn-B1was found only in the old genotypes (13.6%). The semi-dwarfing alleleRht-B1bwas observed in several modern cultivars. Seven allele variants were found in the microsatellite locusXgwm261, closely located to theRht8gene. Among them, alleles of 164, 212 and 216 bp length were specific for the old genotypes studied, while alleles of 192 and 202 bp length were specific for the modern ones. The allele combinationRht-B1b//192 or 202 bp allele (Xgwm261locus)//Ppd-D1a//vrn-A1/vrn–B1/vrn-D1was detected in most of the early-heading modern cultivars. Our study emphasizes on the plasticity of the adaptive response of bread wheat cultivars sown in Bulgaria, as well as on the effect of variation for major growth habit on some yield and reproductive characteristics.
The MYB80 Transcription Factor Is Required for Pollen Development and the Regulation of Tapetal Programmed Cell Death inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Phan Huy Anh , Iacuone Sylvana , Li Song F. , Parish Roger W. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractArabidopsis thaliana MYB80 (formerly MYB103) is expressed in the tapetum and microspores between anther developmental stages 6 and 10. MYB80 encodes a MYB transcription factor that is essential for tapetal and pollen development. Using microarray analysis of anther mRNA, we identified 404 genes differentially expressed in the myb80 mutant. Employing the glucocorticoid receptor system, the expression of 79 genes was changed when MYB80 function was restored in the myb80 mutant following induction by dexamethasone. Thirty-two genes were analyzed using chromatin immunoprecipitation, and three were identified as direct targets of MYB80. The genes encode a glyoxal oxidase (GLOX1), a pectin methylesterase (VANGUARD1), and an A1 aspartic protease (UNDEAD). All three genes are expressed in the tapetum and microspores. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that MYB80 binds to all three target promoters, with the preferential binding site containing the CCAACC motif. TUNEL assays showed that when UNDEAD expression was silenced using small interfering RNA, premature tapetal and pollen programmed cell death occurred, resembling the myb80 mutant phenotype. UNDEAD possesses a mitochondrial targeting signal and may hydrolyze an apoptosis-inducing protein(s) in mitochondria. The timing of tapetal programmed cell death is critical for pollen development, and the MYB80/UNDEAD system may regulate that timing.
Analysis of Arabidopsis JAZ gene expression during Pseudomonas syringae pathogenesis
Authors: DEMIANSKI AGNES J. , CHUNG KWI MI , KUNKEL BARBARA N. 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYThe jasmonates (JAs) comprise a family of plant hormones that regulate several developmental processes and mediate responses to various abiotic and biotic stresses, including pathogens. JA signalling is manipulated by several strains of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, including P. syringae strain DC3000, using the virulence factor coronatine (COR) as a mimic of jasmonyl‐l‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile). To better understand the JA‐Ile‐mediated processes contributing to P. syringae disease susceptibility, it is important to investigate the regulation of JA signalling during infection. In Arabidopsis thaliana, JASMONATE ZIM‐DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins are negative regulators of JA signalling. The transcription factor JASMONATE INSENSITIVE1 (JIN1/ATMYC2) has been implicated in the regulation of JAZ gene expression. To investigate the regulation of JAZ genes during P. syringae pathogenesis, we examined JAZ gene expression during infection of Arabidopsis by DC3000. We found that eight of the 12 JAZ genes are induced during infection in a COR‐dependent manner. Unexpectedly, the induction of the majority of JAZ genes during infection was not dependent on JIN1, indicating that JIN1 is not the only transcription factor regulating JAZ genes. A T‐DNA insertion mutant and an RNA interference line disrupted for the expression of JAZ10, one of the few JAZ genes regulated by JIN1 during infection, exhibited enhanced JA sensitivity and increased susceptibility to DC3000, with the primary effect being increased disease symptom severity. Thus, JAZ10 is a negative regulator of both JA signalling and disease symptom development.
The role of lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan, two glycosylated bacterial microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), in plant innate immunity
Authors: ERBS GITTE , NEWMAN MARI‐ANNE 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYIn an environment that is rich in potentially pathogenic microorganisms, the survival of higher eukaryotic organisms depends on efficient pathogen sensing and rapidly mounted defence responses. Such protective mechanisms are found in all multicellular organisms, and are collectively referred to as ‘innate immunity’. Innate immunity is the first line of defence against invading microorganisms in vertebrates and the only line of defence in invertebrates and plants. Bacterial glycoconjugates, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) from the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria and peptidoglycan (PGN) from the cell walls of both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, have been found to act as elicitors of plant innate immunity. These conserved, indispensable, microbe‐specific molecules are also referred to as ‘microbe‐associated molecular patterns’ (MAMPs). MAMPs are recognized by the plant innate immune system through the action of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). A greater insight into the mechanisms of MAMP recognition and the description of PRRs for different microbial glycoconjugates will have considerable impact on the improvement of plant health and disease resistance. Here, the current knowledge about LPS and PGN as MAMPs is reviewed.
Mesalazine (5‐aminosalicylic acid) alters faecal bacterial profiles, but not mucosal proteolytic activity in diarrhoea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Andrews C. N. , Griffiths T. A. , Kaufman J. , Vergnolle N. , Surette M. G. , Rioux K. P. 
Published: June 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 374–383SummaryBackground  Imbalances in gut luminal bacteria may contribute to the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Aim  To explore select bacteriological and anti‐inflammatory effects of mesalazine (mesalamine; 5‐aminosalicylic acid or 5ASA) and their relation to potential therapeutic effects in IBS.Methods  Prospective pilot study of 12 women with diarrhoea‐predominant IBS. Patients received oral mesalazine (1.5 g b.d.) for 4 weeks followed by a 4‐week washout phase. Molecular profiling of stool bacterial communities and IBS symptoms were assessed before, during and after mesalazine treatment. Colonic mucosal biopsies were assessed for proteolytic activity. Qualitative and quantitative effects of mesalazine on stool microbiota, mucosal proteolytic activity and IBS symptoms were assessed.Results  Faecal bacteria decreased by 46% on mesalazine treatment (P = 0.014), but returned to baseline during washout. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes represented 95% of identified phylotypes, with a trend towards an increase in the proportion of Firmicutes at week 4 in symptomatic responders [median (IQR) 14% (49) increase] compared with nonresponders [median 5% (11) decrease, P = 0.088]. Rectosigmoid mucosal proteolytic activity did not change between baseline and treatment [median 23.2 (17.9) vs. 19.5 (46.7) mU activity/mg tissue, P = 0.433]. Eight of 12 (67%) patients responded favourably to mesalazine based on a global relief questionnaire, with significant decreases in days with discomfort and increases in bowel movement satisfaction.Conclusions  Mesalazine treatment is associated with a decrease in faecal bacteria abundance and rebalancing of the major constituents of the microbiota. Further study of the bacteriological and anti‐inflammatory properties of mesalazine in IBS is warranted.
Predictors of relapse in chronic hepatitis B after discontinuation of anti‐viral therapy
Authors: Liang Y. , Jiang J. , Su M. , Liu Z. , Guo W. , Huang X. , Xie R. , Ge S. , Hu J. , Jiang Z. , Zhu M. , Wong V. W.‐S. , Chan H. L.‐Y. 
Published: June 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 344–352SummaryBackground  Optimal duration of anti‐viral therapy in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains unclear.Aim  To investigate factors that could predict relapse after stopping anti‐viral agents.Methods  Chronic hepatitis B patients who were treated with anti‐viral agents (lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir) and have stopped the treatment were recruited. Anti‐viral agents were stopped according to the recommendations of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver. Virological relapse was defined as an increase in serum HBV DNA to >1000 copies/mL after discontinuation of treatment.Results  Eighty‐four (69 treatment naïve and 15 lamivudine resistant) patients were eligible for this study. Thirty‐seven patients developed virological relapse at 4.3 ± 2.9 (range 1–11) months after discontinuation of therapy. The 1‐year cumulative probability of virological relapse was 42% and 47% in HBeAg (hepatitis B e antigen)‐positive (n = 41) and HBeAg (hepatitis B e antigen)‐negative (n = 43) patients, respectively. On multivariate analysis by Cox proportional hazard model, pre‐existing lamivudine resistance, delayed suppression of HBV DNA to undetectable level during anti‐viral therapy and to a higher HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) level at the end of treatment were associated with virological relapse. Twelve of the 15 (80%) lamivudine resistant patients developed virological relapse. Among the 11 treatment naïve patients who had HBsAg ≤2 log IU/mL at the end of treatment, 1 (9%) of them had virological relapse.Conclusions  Treatment cessation among lamivudine resistant patients is associated with high risk of virological relapse. Serum HBsAg level at the end of treatment and rate of HBV DNA suppression can provide supplementary information to guide the timing of stopping anti‐viral drugs.
Quality of life in paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis: what is important to patients?
Authors: Franciosi J. P. , Hommel K. A. , DeBrosse C. W. , Greenberg A. B. , Greenler A. J. , Abonia J. P. , Rothenberg M. E. , Varni J. W. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground and aims  Current research outcomes in paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) are directed towards histological improvement with no attention to health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). The primary objective of this study was to identify key patient‐reported and parent proxy outcome elements of EoE disease‐specific HRQOL.Methods  The research team comprised clinical allergists and gastroenterologists with expertise in paediatric EoE as well as two PhD psychologists with extensive experience in qualitative research. Focused interview techniques were adapted from the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0™ methodology and the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. A semi‐structured interview guide of open‐ended questions was developed, and extensive review of audio‐taped transcripts was performed.Results  A total of 42 focus interviews were conducted. Child self‐reports were obtained for patients in the 5–7, 8–12 and 13–18 years of age groups, and parent proxy reports were obtained in the 2–4, 5–7, 8–12 and 13–18 years of age groups. We discovered that patients and parents often had different concerns, illustrating unique aspects of EoE‐specific HRQOL that were not captured in generic HRQOL instruments. Specific themes that emerged from these interviews included, but are not limited to: feelings of being different than family and peers, diet and medication adherence, difficulties with eating food and worry about symptoms and illness.Conclusion  Paediatric EoE patient and parent proxy interviews revealed many EoE‐specific aspects of HRQOL that are not captured in generic HRQOL instruments. Outcome measures that reflect patient‐ and parent proxy‐reported HRQOL are a critical need in paediatric EoE.
Parent proxy‐reported quality of life for children with cerebral palsy: is it related to parental psychosocial distress?
Authors: Davis E. , Mackinnon A. , Waters E. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground  Parent‐proxy reports of quality of life (QOL) are often used to guide decisions about children with cerebral palsy (CP), although little is known about the factors that influence parent‐proxy reports. The aim of this study was to examine (i) the relationship between parental psychosocial distress and parent proxy‐reported QOL; and (ii) whether parental psychosocial distress mediates the relationship between child impairment and proxy‐reported QOL.Methods  A sample of 201 primary caregivers of children aged 4–12 years with CP completed the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children, a condition‐specific QOL instrument, and a measure of psychosocial distress, the Kessler 10. The children, evenly distributed by gender (56% male) were sampled across Gross Motor Function Classification System levels (Level I = 18%, II = 28%, III = 14%, IV = 11%, V = 27%).Results  Consistent with the hypotheses, parental distress was negatively correlated with all domains of parent proxy‐reported QOL (r=−0.18 to r=−0.55). The relationship between impairment and proxy‐reported QOL was mediated by parental distress for five of the seven domains of QOL (social well‐being and acceptance, feelings about functioning, participation and physical health, emotional well‐being and self‐esteem, and pain and impact of disability). Child impairment did not predict access to services or family health.Conclusion  This is the first study that assesses the relationship between parental distress and proxy‐reported QOL for children with CP. Although the cross‐sectional nature of the available data precludes any statements of causality, the results suggest that, when using parent proxy, the parents' psychological state should also be measured. This is particularly important when, as is often the case for child disability research, proxy‐reported QOL are the only available data.
The role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin in the immunopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Jariwala S. P. , Abrams E. , Benson A. , Fodeman J. , Zheng T. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryAtopic dermatitis (AD), a skin disease characterized by pruritus and chronic inflammation, results from a complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an IL‐7‐like cytokine, is believed to propagate AD lesions through T helper 2 (Th2) polarization. This paper describes the immunologic mechanisms involving TSLP in the generation of allergic disease. Specifically in AD, TSLP has been shown to be an inducer of myeloid dendritic cells, Th2 responses, mast cells, and natural killer T cells, thereby leading to cytokine secretion and the development of AD. We hope that further understanding of the TSLP pathway and its role in the pathogenesis of AD will lead to improved clinical management of AD in the future.
Cite this as: S. P. Jariwala, E. Abrams, A. Benson, J. Fodeman and T. Zheng, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1515–1520.
The influence of skin contact during alcoholic fermentation on the aroma composition of Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia Istriana Vitis vinifera (L.) grape wines
Authors: Bavčar Dejan , Baša Česnik Helena , Čuš Franc , Košmerl Tatjana 
Published: June 2011

SummaryGrapes from the Vitis vinifera (L.) varieties Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia Istriana were subjected to two skin contact procedures: pomace maceration and whole berry maceration during alcoholic fermentation. Wine free volatile compounds were determined using two extraction techniques coupled to GC; odour activity values were calculated and compared to control wines without skin contact. The highest concentrations of esters and relative fruity impacts were determined in the control wines for both varieties. Pomace maceration was found to be an effective procedure for the extraction of varietal aroma compounds like terpenes, but only in the Malvasia Istriana was their higher impact on floral odour determined. Pomace maceration resulted in higher total phenol and methanol content. Whole berry maceration was less efficient in terpene extraction, and its impact on general wine composition was not so radical. Control wines were chosen as preferred wines for odour and overall impression.
Patients' and health care professionals' attitudes towards the PINK patient safety video
Authors: Davis Rachel E. , Pinto Anna , Sevdalis Nick , Vincent Charles , Massey Rachel , Darzi Ara 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Patients can play an important role in reducing health care harm. Finding strategies to encourage patients to take on an active role in issues related to the quality and safety of their care is therefore essential. The aim of this study was to examine patients' and health care professionals' attitudes towards a video aimed at promoting patient involvement in safety‐related behaviours.Method  A within‐subjects design was used where participants were required to complete a questionnaire pre and post screening of a patient safety video. Participants are 201 patients aged 19–103 years (mean 52) and 95 health care professionals aged 23–48 years (mean 32). Main outcome measures include (i) patients' willingness to participate and perceived importance in participating in safety‐related behaviours; and (ii) health care professionals' willingness to support patient involvement.Results  After watching the video patients elicited more positive attitudes towards asking doctors and nurses if they had washed their hands and notifying them about issues to do with personal hygiene. No significant effects were observed in relation to patients notifying staff if they have not received their medication or if they were in pain or feeling unwell. In relation to health care professionals, doctors and nurses were more willing to support patient involvement in asking about hand hygiene after they had watched the video.Conclusion  Video may be effective at changing patients' and health care professionals' attitudes towards patient involvement in some, but not all safety‐related behaviours. Our findings suggest video may be most effective at encouraging involvement in behaviours patients are less inclined to participate in and health care professionals are less willing to support.