bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acidovorax citrulli: generating basic and applied knowledge to tackle a global threat to the cucurbit industry
Authors: BURDMAN SAUL , WALCOTT RON 
Published: June 2012

SummaryAcidovorax citrulli is the causal agent of bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) of cucurbit plants. In recent years, the disease has spread to many parts of the world, mainly via the inadvertent distribution of contaminated commercial seeds. Because of the costly lawsuits filed by growers against seed companies and the lack of efficient management methods, BFB represents a serious threat to the cucurbit industry, and primarily to watermelons and melons. Despite the economic importance of the disease, little is known about the basic aspects of A. citrulli pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the release of the genome of one A. citrulli strain, as well as the optimization of molecular manipulation and inoculation methods, has prompted basic studies and allowed advances towards an understanding of A. citrulli pathogenicity. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge about this important pathogen, with emphasis on its epidemiology and the factors involved in its pathogenicity and virulence.TaxonomyBacteria; Betaproteobacteria; order Burkholderiales; family C
omamonadaceae; genus Acidovorax; species citrulli.Microbiological propertiesGram‐negative, strictly aerobic, rod‐shaped; average dimensions of 0.5 μm × 1.7 μm; motile by means of an ∼5.0‐μm‐long polar flagellum; colonies on King's medium B are round, smooth, transparent and nonpigmented; optimal temperatures for growth around 27–30 °C; induces a hypersensitive response on nonhost tobacco and tomato leaves.Host rangeAcidovorax citrulli strains are pathogenic to various species of the Cucurbitaceae family, including watermelon, melon, squash, pumpkin and cucumber. Significant economic losses have been reported in watermelon and melon.Disease symptomsWatermelon and melon seedlings and fruits are highly susceptible to A. citrulli. Typical seedling symptoms include water‐soaked lesions on cotyledons that are often adjacent to the veins and later become necrotic, lesions on the hypocotyl, and seedling collapse and death. On watermelon fruits, symptoms begin as small, irregular, water‐soaked lesions which later extend through the rind, turn brown and crack. On melon fruits, symptoms are characterized by small, often sunken rind lesions and internal fruit decay. Symptoms on the leaves of mature plants are difficult to diagnose because they are often inconspicuous or similar to those caused by other biotic or abiotic stresses. When they occur, leaf lesions can spread along the midrib and main veins. Lesions appear dark‐brown to black on watermelon and light to reddish‐brown on melon.Useful websitesBacterial fruit blotch of cucurbits at APSnet, http://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/intropp/lessons/prokaryotes/Pages/BacterialBlotch.aspx; bacterial fruit blotch guide from ASTA, http://www.amseed.com/pdfs/DiseaseGuide‐BFB‐English.pdf; Acidovorax citrulli AAC00‐1 genome at JGI, http://genome.jgi‐psf.org/aciav/aciav.info.html.
The effects of sitagliptin on gastric emptying in healthy humans – a randomised, controlled study
Authors: Stevens J. E. , Horowitz M. , Deacon C. F. , Nauck M. , Rayner C. K. , Jones K. L. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe rate of gastric emptying (GE) and subsequent release of the incretin hormones, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) are critical determinants of postprandial glycaemia in health and type 2 diabetes. Slowing of GE may be the dominant mechanism by which exogenous GLP‐1, and some GLP‐1 analogues, improve postprandial glycaemia.AimTo determine the effect of sitagliptin on GE in healthy subjects, and the relationships between GE with glycaemia and incretin hormone secretion.MethodsFifteen volunteers (22.8 ± 0.7 years) were studied on two occasions following 2 days dosing with sitagliptin (100 mg/day) or placebo. GE (scintigraphy), glycaemia and plasma GLP‐1 and GIP (total and intact), insulin and glucagon were measured for 240 min following a mashed potato meal (1808 kJ).ResultsThere was no difference in GE between sitgaliptin and placebo [50% emptying time (T50): P = 0.4]. Mean blood glucose was slightly less (P = 0.02) on sitagliptin. Sitagliptin reduced plasma glucagon between 75 and 120 min (P < 0.05), and increased intact GLP‐1 (P = 0.0002) and intact GIP (P = 0.0001) by approximately twofold, but reduced total GIP (P = 0.0003) and had no effect on total GLP‐1 (P = 0.16) or insulin (P = 0.75). On sitagliptin the initial rise in blood glucose (r = −0.66, P = 0.008) and the intact GIP response (r = −0.66, P = 0.007) were inversely related, whereas the intact GLP‐1 response was related directly (r = 0.52, P = 0.05) to the T50.ConclusionsWhile the effects of sitagliptin on glycaemic control are unlikely to relate to slowing of GE in healthy humans, the rate of GE is a significant determinant of postprandial glycaemia on sitagliptin (Clinical Trial:NCT00501657).
A whole genome scan for QTL affecting milk protein percentage in Italian Holstein cattle, applying selective milk DNA pooling and multiple marker mapping in a daughter design
Authors: Russo V. , Fontanesi L. , Dolezal M. , Lipkin E. , Scotti E. , Zambonelli P. , Dall'Olio S. , Bigi D. , Davoli R. , Canavesi F. , Medugorac I. , Föster M. , Sölkner J. , Schiavini F. , Bagnato A. , Soller M. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryWe report on a complete genome scan for quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting milk protein percentage (PP) in the Italian Holstein‐Friesian cattle population, applying a selective DNA pooling strategy in a daughter design. Ten Holstein‐Friesian sires were chosen, and for each sire, about 200 daughters, each from the high and low tails of estimated breeding value for PP, were used to construct milk DNA pools. Sires and pools were genotyped for 181 dinucleotide microsatellites covering all cattle autosomes. Sire marker allele frequencies in the pools were obtained by shadow correction of peak height in the electropherograms. After quality control, pool data from eight sires were used for all subsequent analyses. The QTL heterozygosity estimate was lower than that of similar studies in other cattle populations. Multiple marker mapping identified 19 QTL located on 14 chromosomes (BTA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 14, 17, 20, 23 and 27). The sires were also genotyped for seven polymorphic sites in six candidate genes (ABCG2, SPP1, casein kappa, DGAT1, GHR and PRLR) located within QTL regions of BTA6, 14 and 20 found in this study. The results confirmed or excluded the involvement of some of the analysed markers as the causative polymorphic sites of the identified QTL. The QTL identified, combined with genotype data of these candidate genes, will help to identify other quantitative trait genes and clarify the complex QTL patterns observed for a few chromosomes. Overall, the results are consistent with the Italian Holstein population having been under long‐term selection for high PP.
First steps: bovine genomics in historical perspective
Authors: Womack James E. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe vision of Morris Soller was instrumental in launching the field of bovine genomics. This study is a review of the early years of bovine gene mapping leading up to the sequencing and assembly of the bovine genome in 2009. A historical perspective of parasexual, linkage and physical mapping is provided with a focus on the contribution of these maps to the eventual assignment and orientation of genes and sequence to cattle chromosomes.
Infiltration of a mixture of immune cells may be related to good prognosis in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Cunha Lucas L. , Morari Elaine C. , Guihen Ana C. T. , Razolli Daniela , Gerhard Renê , Nonogaki Suely , Soares Fernando A. , Vassallo José , Ward Laura S. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryObjectiveImmune responses against differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) have long been recognized. We aimed to investigate the role of immune cell infiltration in the progression of DTC.DesignWe studied 398 patients – 253 with papillary and 13 with follicular thyroid cancers, as well as 132 with nonmalignant tissues.Patients and measurementsImmune cell infiltration was identified using CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68 and FoxP3 immunohistochemical markers. In addition, we assessed colocalization of CD4 and IL‐17 to identify Th17 lymphocytic infiltration and colocalization of CD33 and CD11b to identify infiltration of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC).ResultsImmune cells infiltrated malignant tissues more often than benign lesions. The presence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) concurrent to DTC, CD68+, CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, FoxP3+ and Th17 lymphocytes but not MDSCs was associated with clinical and pathological features of lower tumour aggressiveness and a more favourable patient outcome. A log‐rank test confirmed an association between concurrent CLT, tumour‐associated macrophage infiltration, and CD8+ lymphocytes and an increased in disease‐free survival, suggesting that evidence of these immune reactions is associated with a favourable prognosis.ConclusionOur data suggest that the tumour or peri‐tumoural microenvironment may act to modify the observed pattern of immune response. Immune cell infiltration and the presence of concurrent CLT helped characterize specific tumour histotypes associated with favourable prognostic features.
Combining projected changes in species richness and composition reveals climate change impacts on coastal Mediterranean fish assemblages
Authors: Albouy Camille , Guilhaumon François , Araújo Miguel B. , Mouillot David , Leprieur Fabien 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSpecies Temporal Turnover (STT) is one of the most familiar metrics to assess changes in assemblage composition as a consequence of climate change. However, STT mixes two components in one metric, changes in assemblage composition caused by a process of species loss or gain (i.e. the nestedness component) and changes in assemblage composition caused by a process of species replacement (i.e. the species replacement component). Drawing on previous studies investigating spatial patterns of beta diversity, we propose measures of STT that allow analysing each component (species replacement vs. nestedness), separately. We also present a mapping strategy to simultaneously visualize changes in species richness and assemblage composition. To illustrate our approach, we used the Mediterranean coastal fish fauna as a case study. Using Bioclimatic Envelope Models (BEMs) we first projected the potential future climatic niches of 288 coastal Mediterranean fish species based on a global warming scenario. We then aggregated geographically the species‐level projections to analyse the projected changes in species richness and composition. Our results show that projected changes in assemblage composition are caused by different processes (species replacement vs. nestedness) in several areas of the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, our mapping strategy highlights that the coastal fish fauna in several regions of the Mediterranean Sea could experience a ‘cul‐de‐sac’ effect if exposed to climate warming. Overall, the joint exploration of changes in species richness and composition coupled with the distinction between species replacement and nestedness bears important information for understanding the nature of climate change impacts on biodiversity. These methodological advances should help decision‐makers in prioritizing action in the areas facing the greatest vulnerability to climate.
Determinants of participation in patients with severe haemophilia
Authors: van Genderen F. R. , van Meeteren N. L. U. , Fischer K. , Helders P. J. M. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe multifactorial nature of disability makes it difficult to point out a specific cause for limitations in participation. The conceptual framework of the WHO‐ICF (International Classification of Function, Disability and Health) was used to study the determinants participation in patients with severe haemophilia. Outcome was assessed in a single‐centre cohort of 124 patients with severe haemophilia. Joint mobility and muscle strength of the elbows, knees and ankles, in combination with recent X‐ray findings (N = 39 only) and the MPQ‐DLV pain questionnaire were used to assess Body Functions and Structures. Four performance‐based functional tasks and the HAL questionnaire were used to assess Activities. The IPA questionnaire was used to assess Participation. Stepwise and hierarchical regression analysis adjusted for age and psychological health (Dutch‐AIMS 2) was used to associate the various domains of the ICF. Irrespective of age, joint mobility was an important factor in explaining self‐reported and performance‐based activities. Muscle strength had no significant association with participation. Self‐reported activities showed a stronger association with participation than performance‐based activities. Adjusted for age and psychological health, joint mobility and pain explained none of the variation in participation. Self‐reported activities, however, significantly contributed in explaining participation (25%), whereas performance‐based activities (3%) did not. This study adds to the knowledge of determinants of participation in haemophilia. As the currently used instruments on joint status and activities only partially explain differences in participation, this aspect of clinical outcome should be included to fully assess outcome in haemophilia.
Fine‐tuning the fruit‐tracking hypothesis: spatiotemporal links between fruit availability and fruit consumption by birds in Andean mountain forests
Authors: Blendinger Pedro G. , Ruggera Román A. , Núñez Montellano M. Gabriela , Macchi Leandro , Zelaya Patricia V. , Álvarez M. Eva , Martín Eduardo , Acosta Oriana Osinaga , Sánchez Rocío , Haedo Josefina 
Published: June 2012

Summary
1. The fruit‐tracking hypothesis predicts spatiotemporal links between changes in the abundance of fruit‐eating birds and the abundance of their fleshy‐fruit resources.
2. While the spatial scale of plant–frugivore interactions has been explored to understand mismatches between observed and expected fruit–frugivore patterns, methodological issues such as the consequences of measuring fruit and frugivore abundance rather than fruit availability and fruit consumption have not been evaluated.
3. Here, we explored whether predicted fruit–frugivore spatiotemporal links can be captured with higher accuracy by proximate measurements of interaction strength. We used a 6‐ha grided plot in an Andean subtropical forest to study the link between (i) fruit and fruit‐eating bird abundances; (ii) fruit availability and frequency of fruit consumption; and (iii) covariation between frugivore abundance and frequency of frugivory. We evaluated these links for the entire frugivore assemblage and for the four most important species using data gathered bimonthly along a 2‐year period.
4. Fleshy‐fruit availability and abundance varied sharply temporally and were patchily distributed in mosaics that differed in fruit quantity. Fruit availability and abundance also varied along spatial gradients extended over the whole study plot. We found a strong response of the entire frugivorous bird assemblage to fruit availability over time, and a weakly significant relationship over space at the local scale. The main frugivore species widely differed in their responses to changes in fruit abundance in such a way that response at the assemblage level cannot be seen as the sum of individual responses of each species. Our results suggest that fruit tracking in frugivorous–insectivorous birds may be largely explained by species‐specific responses to changes in the availability of fruits and alternative resources.
5. In agreement with our prediction, more accurate measurements of interaction strength described fruit–frugivore relationships better than traditional measurements. Moreover, we show that covariation between frugivore abundance, frequency of fruit consumption and fruit availability must be included in the fruit‐tracking hypothesis framework to demonstrate (or reject) spatiotemporal fruit tracking. We propose that estimation of nutrient and energy availability in fruits could be a new frontier to understanding the forces driving foraging decisions that lead to fruit tracking.
Effects of Calcium Supplementation During Pregnancy on Maternal, Fetal and Birth Outcomes
Authors: Imdad Aamer , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractGestational hypertensive disorders are the second leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that an inverse relationship exists between calcium intake and development of hypertension in pregnancy. The purpose of this review was to evaluate preventive effect of calcium supplementation during pregnancy on gestational hypertensive disorders and related maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. A literature search was carried out on PubMed, WHOLIS, PAHO and Cochrane Library. Only randomised trials were included in the review. Data were extracted into a standardised Excel sheet. Primary outcomes were pre‐eclampsia, preterm birth and birthweight. Other neonatal outcomes such as neonatal mortality, small‐for‐gestational age and low birthweight were also evaluated. A total of 15 randomised controlled trials were included in this review. Pooled analysis showed that calcium supplementation during pregnancy reduced risk of pre‐eclampsia by 52% [relative risk (RR) 0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34, 0.67] and that of severe pre‐eclampsia by 25% (RR 0.75 [95% CI 0.57, 0.98]). There was no effect on incidence of eclampsia (RR 0.73 [95% CI 0.41, 1.27]). There was a significant reduction for risk of maternal mortality/severe morbidity (RR 0.80 [95% CI 0.65, 0.97]). Calcium supplementation during pregnancy was also associated with a significant reduction in risk of pre‐term birth (RR 0.76 [95% CI 0.60, 0.97]). There was an extra gain of 85 g in the intervention group compared with control (mean difference 85 g [95% CI 37, 133]). There was no effect of calcium supplementation on perinatal mortality (RR 0.90 [95% CI 0.74, 1.09]). There was a statistically non‐significant increased risk of urolithiasis in the intervention group compared with control (RR 1.52 [95% CI 0.06, 40.67]). In conclusion, calcium supplementation during pregnancy is associated with a reduction in risk of gestational hypertensive disorders and pre‐term birth and an increase in birthweight. There is no increased risk of kidney stones.
Effect of Women's Nutrition before and during Early Pregnancy on Maternal and Infant Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramakrishnan Usha , Grant Frederick , Goldenberg Tamar , Zongrone Amanda , Martorell Reynaldo 
Published: June 2012

AbstractCurrent understanding of biologic processes indicates that women's nutritional status before and during early pregnancy may play an important role in determining early developmental processes and ensuring successful pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence for the impact of maternal nutrition before and during early pregnancy (<12 weeks gestation) on maternal, neonatal and child health outcomes and included 45 articles (nine intervention trials and 32 observational studies) that were identified through PubMed and EMBASE database searches and examining review articles. Intervention trials and observational studies show that periconceptional (<12 weeks gestation) folic acid supplementation significantly reduced the risk of neural tube defects. Observational studies suggest that preconceptional and periconceptional intake of vitamin and mineral supplements is associated with a reduced risk of delivering offspring who are low birthweight and/or small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) and preterm deliveries (PTD). Some studies report that indicators of maternal prepregnancy size, low stature, underweight and overweight are associated with increased risks of PTD and SGA. The available data indicate the importance of women's nutrition prior to and during the first trimester of pregnancy, but there is a need for well‐designed prospective studies and controlled trials in developing country settings that examine relationships with low birthweight, SGA, PTD, stillbirth and maternal and neonatal mortality. The knowledge gaps that need to be addressed include the evaluation of periconceptional interventions such as food supplements, multivitamin‐mineral supplements and/or specific micronutrients (iron, zinc, iodine, vitamin B‐6 and B‐12) as well as the relationship between measures of prepregnancy body size and composition and maternal, neonatal and child health outcomes.
Biological Mechanisms for Nutritional Regulation of Maternal Health and Fetal Development
Authors: Wu Guoyao , Imhoff‐Kunsch Beth , Girard Amy Webb 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis review paper highlights mechanisms for nutritional regulation of maternal health and fetal development. Malnutrition (nutrient deficiencies or obesity) in pregnant women adversely affects their health by causing or exacerbating a plethora of problems, such as anaemia, maternal haemorrhage, insulin resistance, and hypertensive disorders (e.g. pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia). Maternal malnutrition during gestation also impairs embryonic and fetal growth and development, resulting in deleterious outcomes, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birthweight, preterm birth, and birth defects (e.g. neural tube defects and iodine deficiency disorders). IUGR and preterm birth contribute to high rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Major common mechanisms responsible for malnutrition‐induced IUGR and preterm birth include: (i) abnormal growth and development of the placenta; (ii) impaired placental transfer of nutrients from mother to fetus; (iii) endocrine disorders; and (iv) disturbances in normal metabolic processes. Activation of a series of physiological responses leading to premature and sustained contraction of the uterine myometrium also results in preterm birth. Recent epidemiologic studies have suggested a link between IUGR and chronic metabolic disease in children and adults, and the effects of IUGR may be carried forward to subsequent generations through epigenetics. While advanced medical therapies, which are generally unavailable in low‐income countries, are required to support preterm and IUGR infants, optimal nutrition during pregnancy may help ameliorate many of these problems. Future studies are necessary to develop effective nutritional interventions to enhance fetal growth and development and alleviate the burden of maternal morbidity and mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries.