bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MoSwi6, an APSES family transcription factor, interacts with MoMps1 and is required for hyphal and conidial morphogenesis, appressorial function and pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: QI ZHONGQIANG , WANG QI , DOU XIANYING , WANG WEI , ZHAO QIAN , LV RUILI , ZHANG HAIFENG , ZHENG XIAOBO , WANG PING , ZHANG ZHENGGUANG 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYThe Magnaporthe oryzae mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) MoMps1 plays a critical role in the regulation of various developmental processes, including cell wall integrity, stress responses and pathogenicity. To identify potential effectors of MoMps1, we characterized the function of MoSwi6, a homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Swi6 downstream of MAPK Slt2 signalling. MoSwi6 interacted with MoMps1 both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a possible functional link analogous to Swi6–Slt2 in S. cerevisiae. Targeted gene disruption of MoSWI6 resulted in multiple developmental defects, including reduced hyphal growth, abnormal formation of conidia and appressoria, and impaired appressorium function. The reduction in appressorial turgor pressure also contributed to an attenuation of pathogenicity. The ΔMoswi6 mutant also displayed a defect in cell wall integrity, was hypersensitive to oxidative stress, and showed a significant reduction in transcription and activity of extracellular enzymes, including peroxidases and laccases. Collectively, these roles are similar to those of MoMps1, confirming that MoSwi6 functions in the MoMps1 pathway to govern growth, development and full pathogenicity.
Placement of coiled catheters into the paravertebral space*
Authors: Luyet C. , Meyer C. , Herrmann G. , Hatch G. M. , Ross S. , Eichenberger U. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThere are conflicting results with regard to the use of catheter‐based techniques for continuous paravertebral block. Local anaesthetic spread within the paravertebral space is limited and the clinical effect is often variable. Discrepancies between needle tip position and final catheter position can also be problematic. The aim of this proof‐of‐concept study was to assess the reliability of placing a newly developed coiled catheter in human cadavers. Sixty Tuohy needles and coiled catheters were placed under ultrasound guidance, three on each side of the thoracic vertebral column in 10 human cadavers. Computed tomography was used to assess needle tip and catheter tip locations. No catheter was misplaced into the epidural, pleural or prevertebral spaces. The mean (SD) distance between catheter tips and needle tips was 8.2 (4.9) mm. The median (IQR [range]) caudo‐cephalad spread of contrast dye injectate through a subset of 20 catheters was 4 (4–5[3–8]) thoracic segments. All catheters were removed without incident. Precise paravertebral catheter placement can be achieved using ultrasound‐guided placement of a coiled catheter.
Genetic markers on BTA14 predictive for residual feed intake in beef steers and their effects on carcass and meat quality traits
Authors: Lindholm‐Perry A. K. , Kuehn L. A. , Snelling W. M. , Smith T. P. L. , Ferrell C. L. , Jenkins T. G. , Andy King D. , Shackelford S. D. , Wheeler T. L. , Freetly H. C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryWith the high cost of feed for animal production, genetic selection for animals that metabolize feed more efficiently could result in substantial cost savings for cattle producers. The purpose of this study was to identify DNA markers predictive for differences among cattle for traits associated with feed efficiency. Crossbred steers were fed a high‐corn diet for 140 days and average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and residual feed intake (RFI) phenotypes were obtained. A region on chromosome 14 was previously associated with RFI in this population of animals. To develop markers with the highest utility for predicting an animal's genetic potential for RFI, we genotyped additional markers within this chromosomal region. These polymorphisms were genotyped on the same animals (n = 1066) and tested for association with ADFI, ADG and RFI. Six markers within this region were associated with RFI (P ≤ 0.05). After conservative correction for multiple testing, one marker at 25.09 Mb remained significant (P = 0.02) and is responsible for 3.6% of the RFI phenotypic variation in this population of animals. Several of these markers were also significant for ADG, although none were significant after correction. Marker alleles with positive effects on ADG corresponded to lower RFI, suggesting an effect increasing growth without increasing feed intake. All markers were also assessed for their effects on meat quality and carcass traits. All of the markers associated with RFI were associated with adjusted fat thickness (AFT, P ≤ 0.009) and three were also associated with hot carcass weight (HCW, P ≤ 0.003). Marker alleles associated with lower RFI were also associated with reduced AFT, and if they were associated for HCW, the effect was an increase in weight. These markers may be useful as prediction tools for animals that utilize feed more efficiently; however, validation with additional populations of cattle is required.
Mapping and fine mapping of quantitative trait loci for the number of vertebrae in a White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian intercross resource population
Authors: Ren D. R. , Ren J. , Ruan G. F. , Guo Y. M. , Wu L. H. , Yang G. C. , Zhou L. H. , Li L. , Zhang Z. Y. , Huang L. S. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe number of vertebrae is associated with body size and meat production in pigs. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the number of vertebrae, phenotypic values were measured in 1029 individuals from a White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian intercross F2 population. A whole genome scan was performed with 194 microsatellite markers in the F2 population. Four genome‐wide significant QTL and eight chromosome‐wide significant QTL for the number of vertebrae were identified on pig chromosomes (SSC) 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 and 12. The most significant QTL was detected on SSC7 with a confidence interval of 1 cM, explaining 42.32% of the phenotypic variance in the thoracic vertebral number. The significant QTL on SSC1, 2 and 7 confirmed previous reports. A panel of 276 animals representing seven Western and Chinese breeds was genotyped with 34 microsatellite markers in the SSC7 QTL region. No obvious selective sweep effect was observed in the tested breeds, indicating that intensive selection for enlarged body size in Western commercial breeds did not wipe out the genetic variability in the QTL region. The Q alleles for increased vertebral number originated from both Chinese Erhualian and White Duroc founder animals. A haplotype block of approximately 900 kb was found to be shared by all Q‐bearing chromosomes of F1 sires except for one distinct Q chromosome. The critical region harbours the newly reported VRTN gene associated with vertebral number. Further investigations are required to confirm whether VRTN or two other positional candidate genes, PROX2 and FOS, cause the QTL effect.
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma with an interfollicular pattern of proliferation shows a favourable prognosis: a study of the Osaka Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Wada Naoki , Zaki Mona A A , Kohara Masaharu , Ogawa Hiroyasu , Sugiyama Haruo , Nomura Shosaku , Matsumura Itaru , Hino Masayuki , Kanakura Yuzuru , Inagaki Hiroshi , Morii Eiichi , Aozasa Katsuyuki 
Published: February 2012

Wada N, Zaki M A A, Kohara M, Ogawa H, Sugiyama H, Nomura S, Matsumura I, Hino M, Kanakura Y, Inagaki H, Morii E & Aozasa K  (2012) Histopathology 60, 924–932  Diffuse large B cell lymphoma with an interfollicular pattern of proliferation shows a favourable prognosis: a study of the Osaka Lymphoma Study GroupAims:  ]Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occasionally shows an interfollicular pattern of proliferation (DLBCL‐IF) preserving lymphoid follicles. In this study, clinicopathological findings in 31 cases of DLBCL‐IF were analysed.Methods and results:  The study group comprised 20 males and 11 females, with ages ranging from 41 to 87 (median 69) years. The primary site was lymph node in 25 cases, and unknown in six due to advanced stage at diagnosis. Eight cases were clinical Stage I, 10 were Stage II, four Stage III, and nine Stage IV. A polymorphous pattern of proliferation containing large B cells and inflammatory cells was found in about 60% of cases. The overall survival rate of the DLBCL‐IF patients was better than that of a DLBCL control group (log‐rank test; P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that an interfollicular pattern of proliferation showed marginal significance for favourable prognosis (P = 0.069). Immunohistochemical double staining with antibodies for HLA‐DR/CD68 (markers for M1‐tumour‐associated macrophage [M1‐TAM]) or CD163/CD68 (M2‐TAM) revealed that all DLBCL‐IF patients with a low M2 count were alive at the end of observation.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that DLBCL‐IF is a clinicopathological entity distinct from ordinary DLBCL. The possible origin of tumour cells in DLBCL‐IF from marginal zone B cells is discussed.
Circulating lymphocyte subsets in different clinical situations after renal transplantation
Authors: van de Berg Pablo J. E. J. , Hoevenaars Eveline C. , Yong Si‐La , van Donselaar‐van der Pant Karlijn A. M. I. , van Tellingen Anne , Florquin Sandrine , van Lier René A. W. , Bemelman Fréderike J. , ten Berge Ineke J. M. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryPhenotypic characterization of T and B lymphocytes allows the discrimination of functionally different subsets. Here, we questioned whether changes in peripheral lymphocyte subset distribution reflect specific clinical and histopathological entities after renal transplantation. Sixty‐five renal transplant recipients with either histologically proven (sub)clinical acute rejection or chronic allograft dysfunction, or without abnormalities were studied for their peripheral lymphocyte subset composition and compared with 15 healthy control individuals. Naive, memory and effector CD8+ T‐cell counts were measured by staining for CD27, CD28 and CD45RO/RA. In addition, we studied the CD25+ CD4+ T‐cell population for its composition regarding regulatory Foxp3+ CD45RO+ CD127– cells and activated CD45RO+ CD127+ cells. Naive, non‐switched and switched memory B cells were defined by staining for IgD and CD27. We found a severe decrease in circulating effector‐type CD8+ T cells in recipients with chronic allograft dysfunction at 5 years after transplantation. Percentages of circulating CD25+ CD127low CD4+ regulatory T cells after transplantation were reduced, but we could not detect any change in the percentage of CD127+ CD45RO+ CD4+ activated T cells in patients at any time or condition after renal transplantation. Regardless of clinical events, all renal transplant recipients showed decreased total B‐cell counts and a more differentiated circulating B‐cell pool than healthy individuals. The changes in lymphocyte subset distribution probably reflect the chronic antigenic stimulation that occurs in these transplant recipients. To determine the usefulness of lymphocyte subset‐typing in clinical practice, large cohort studies are necessary.
Gonadal and extragonadal germ cell tumours in the United States, 1973–2007
Authors: Stang A. , Trabert B. , Wentzensen N. , Cook M. B. , Rusner C. , Oosterhuis J. W. , McGlynn K. A. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryGerm cell tumours (GCTs) most often arise in the gonads, but some develop extragonadally. The aim of this study was to examine gender‐ and race‐specific trends in incidence and survival of gonadal (GGCTs) and extragonadal GCTs (EGCTs) in the US from 1973 to 2007. We also examined the topographical distribution of EGCTs by race and gender. We estimated age‐specific and age‐standardized incidence rates and 5‐year relative survival rates (RSR) of GCTs using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program (SEER nine registries). GCTs and their topographical sites were identified using ICD‐O morphology and topography codes. Of 21 170 GCTs among males, 5.7% were extragonadal (Whites 5.5%; Blacks 16.3%). Of 2093 GCTs among females, 39.3% were extragonadal (Whites, 36.9%; Blacks 51.0%). The incidence of GGCT was much higher among White (56.3/1 000 000) than Black males (10.0/1 000 000), while there was no difference in incidence between White and Black females (3.2/1 000 000). The rates of EGCT among men and women of both races were similar (range:1.9–3.4/1 000 000). The most frequent extragonadal sites were mediastinum among males and placenta among females. The 5‐year RSR of testicular GCT was higher among Whites (97%) than Blacks (90%), as was the 5‐year RSR of ovarian GCT (Whites, 92%; Blacks 85%). In general, the 5‐year RSRs of EGCTs were lower than the 5‐year RSRs of GGCTs. The different incidence trends of GGCTs and EGCTs and distinct age‐specific incidence patterns by anatomical site of EGCTs suggest that GGCTs and EGCTs may have different aetiologies.
Do men with prostate abnormalities (prostatitis/benign prostatic hyperplasia/prostate cancer) develop immunity to spermatozoa or seminal plasma?
Authors: Hoover P. , Naz R. K. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryProstate is an immunocompetent and not an immunoprivileged organ. It has an active immunologic armamentarium. There are three major prostate abnormalities namely, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. In all these abnormalities, infection/inflammation has been implicated. As infection/inflammation of the male genital tract can also be involved in induction of antisperm antibodies (ASA), this study was conducted to examine if these prostate abnormalities lead to the formation of ASA. Sera were obtained from normal healthy men (n = 20), men with chronic prostatitis (n = 20), men with BPH (n = 25), men with prostate cancer (n = 25) and immunoinfertile men (n = 10). The presence of antisperm antibodies against lithium diiodosalicylate (LIS)‐solubilized human sperm extract (HSE), seminal plasma and synthetic peptides based upon sperm‐specific antigens namely fertilization antigen (FA‐1) and YLP12, were analysed using the sperm immobilization technique (SIT), tray agglutination technique (TAT), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunobead binding technique (IBT). All the sera from normal men and men with prostate abnormalities (chronic prostatitis/BPH/prostate cancer) were found to be negative in SIT and TAT. In ELISA, a few sera from men having prostate abnormalities (4–24%) showed a weak positive immunoreactivity (2–3 SD units) with some of the spermatozoa/seminal plasma antigens. Majority of the samples did not show any immunoreactivity (<2 SD units) in ELISA. Even the samples that showed a weak positive immunoreactivity in ELISA did not bind to live human sperm in IBT, indicating lack of sperm binding antibodies in these sera. In all these assays, the sera from immunoinfertile men were positive. Our findings indicate that chronic prostatitis, BPH and prostate cancer do not induce antibodies to spermatozoa, sperm‐specific antigens and seminal plasma components. Although prostate is an immunologically competent organ, and its abnormalities cause a rise in circulating prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), it appears that there is no concomitant induction of immunity to spermatozoa/seminal components including sperm‐specific fertility‐related antigens, thus not causing ASA‐induced immunoinfertlity. This is the first study to our knowledge reporting the absence of ASA in men with BPH and prostate cancer.
Pectic oligosaccharides production from orange peel waste by enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Martínez Sabajanes Martina , Yáñez Remedios , Alonso José L. , Parajó Juan C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryOrange peel waste (OPW) was evaluated as a raw material for the enzymatic production of pectic oligosaccharides. In a preliminary step, free sugars and other water‐soluble compounds were extracted from OPW to obtain a substrate for enzymatic hydrolysis (EHS), to achieve two objectives: (i) removal of sugars and impurities, and (ii) production of a sugar‐rich stream suitable for further utilisation, according to the ‘biorefinery’ philosophy. EHS was treated with hydrolytic enzymes (pectinases and cellulases), and the effects of selected operational variables (enzyme charges and reaction time) on selected dependent variables (measuring the conversions of polysaccharides into mono‐ and oligosaccharides, and liquor recovery) were assessed. Mathematical models were developed for this purpose. Under selected conditions, the models predicted that 100 kg of EHS yielded 7.5 kg of gluco‐oligosaccharides, 4.5 kg of galacto‐oligosaccharides, 6.3 kg of arabino‐oligosaccharides and 13 kg of oligogalacturonides (contained in 991.6 kg of liquor).
Simplifying the savanna: the trajectory of fire‐sensitive vegetation mosaics in northern Australia
Authors: Russell‐Smith Jeremy , Edwards Andrew C. , Price Owen F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim  Fire is a key agent in savanna systems, yet the capacity to predict fine‐grained population phenomena under variable fire regime conditions at landscape scales is a daunting challenge. Given mounting evidence for significant impacts of fire on vulnerable biodiversity elements in north Australian savannas over recent decades, we assess: (1) the trajectory of fire‐sensitive vegetation elements within a particularly biodiverse savanna mosaic based on long‐term monitoring and spatial modelling; (2) the broader implications for northern Australia; and (3) the applicability of the methodological approach to other fire‐prone settings.Location  Arnhem Plateau, northern Australia.Methods  We apply data from long‐term vegetation monitoring plots included within Kakadu National Park to derive statistical models describing the responses of structure and floristic attributes to 15 years of ambient (non‐experimental) fire regime treatments. For a broader 28,000 km2 region, we apply significant models to spatial assessment of the effects of modern fire regimes (1995–2009) on diagnostic closed forest, savanna and shrubland heath attributes.Results  Significant models included the effects of severe fires on large stems of the closed forest dominant Allosyncarpia ternata, stem densities of the widespread savanna coniferous obligate seeder Callitris intratropica, and fire frequency and related fire interval parameters on numbers of obligate seeder taxa characteristic of shrubland heaths. No significant relationships were observed between fire regime and eucalypt and non‐eucalypt adult tree components of savanna. Spatial application of significant models illustrates that more than half of the regional closed forest perimeters, savanna and shrubland habitats experienced deleterious fire regimes over the study period, except in very dissected terrain.Main conclusions  While north Australia’s relatively unmodified mesic savannas may appear structurally intact and healthy, this study provides compelling evidence that fire‐sensitive vegetation elements embedded within the savanna mosaic are in decline under present‐day fire regimes. These observations have broader implications for analogous savanna mosaics across northern Australia, and support complementary findings of the contributory role of fire regimes in the demise of small mammal fauna. The methodological approach has application in other fire‐prone settings, but is reliant on significant long‐term infrastructure resourcing.
Weight, body mass index and behaviour change in a commercially run lifestyle programme for young people
Authors: Stubbs J. , Pallister C. , Avery A. , Allan J. , Lavin J. 
Published: February 2012

How to cite this article
Stubbs J., Pallister C., Avery A., Allan J. & Lavin J. (2012) Weight, body mass index and behaviour change in a commercially run lifestyle programme for young people. J Hum Nutr Diet.25, 161–166AbstractBackground:  There are few practical, scalable, community‐based solutions that provide ongoing support to combat the recent rapid rise in obesity in young people. A commercial weight management organisation (CWMO) has developed a tailored version of its programme for young people. The present study assessed the programme’s impact on self‐reported body weight, body mass index (BMI; kg m−2) and health‐related behaviour changes in participating young people.Methods:  Seventy‐nine current young members completed a web‐based questionnaire on age, height, weight and self‐reported eating and activity behaviours for when they joined the programme and at the time of survey. Inclusion criteria were age 11–15 years old and membership for at least 1 month. Subjects completed the questionnaire online via the CWMO website. This was a retrospective observational study without a control group. All data were self‐reported.Results:  Mean (SD) age was 13.4 (1.4) years and start weight was 78.5 (16.7) kg; 67% were >99th centile for BMI. Mean (SD) attendance was 23 (19) weeks; weight change was −5.0 (4.5) kg; BMI change was −2.5 (2.0) kg m−2; and BMI Z‐score change was −0.5 (0.4) (all P < 0.001). Height increased by 0.01 (0.03) m (P < 0.01); however, height Z‐score remained unchanged. Regression analysis showed that BMI Z‐score change was related to increased fruit and vegetable intake (P = 0.012), as well as a decrease in avoidance of moderate and intense activity (both P < 0.003).Conclusions:  This programme for overweight and obese young people helped implement behaviour and lifestyle changes that were associated with significant reductions in self‐reported weight and BMI Z‐score, without compromising growth in height.
Faecal short chain fatty acids in healthy subjects participating in a randomised controlled trial examining a soluble highly viscous polysaccharide versus control
Authors: Reimer R. A. , Pelletier X. , Carabin I. G. , Lyon M. R. , Gahler R. J. , Wood S. 
Published: February 2012

How to cite this article
Reimer R.A., Pelletier X., Carabin I.G., Lyon M.R., Gahler R.J. & Wood S. (2012) Faecal short chain fatty acids in healthy subjects participating in a randomised controlled trial examining a soluble highly viscous polysaccharide versus control. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 373–377AbstractBackground:  Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced by the bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre and have been linked with intestinal health. The present study examined faecal SCFA concentrations in subjects consuming a novel soluble highly viscous polysaccharide (HVP) or control for 3 weeks. A total of 54 healthy adults participated in a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.Methods:  Subjects were randomised to consume HVP or control (skim milk powder). A dose of 5 g day−1 was consumed in the first week, followed by 10 g day−1 in the second and third weeks (n = 27 per group). The primary outcome was SCFA concentrations in faecal samples collected at baseline (visit 1, V1), at 1 week (V2) and at 3 week (V3).Results:  The reduction in faecal acetate from V1 to V3 in control subjects was not observed in subjects consuming HVP. There were no differences in propionate, butyrate, valerate or caproate concentrations. There was a significant treatment effect (P = 0.03) for total SCFA, with higher concentrations observed in subjects consuming HVP versus control.Conclusions:  HVP is a viscous functional fibre that may influence gut microbial fermentation. Further work is warranted to examine the fermentative properties of HVP and possible links with appetite regulation and reduced serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.