bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial dynamics of meningococcal meningitis in Niger: observed patterns in comparison with measles
Authors: BHARTI N. , BROUTIN H. , GRAIS R. F. , FERRARI M. J. , DJIBO A. , TATEM A. J. , GRENFELL B. T. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYThroughout the African meningitis belt, meningococcal meningitis outbreaks occur only during the dry season. Measles in Niger exhibits similar seasonality, where increased population density during the dry season probably escalates measles transmission. Because meningococcal meningitis and measles are both directly transmitted, we propose that host aggregation also impacts the transmission of meningococcal meningitis. Although climate affects broad meningococcal meningitis seasonality, we focus on the less examined role of human density at a finer spatial scale. By analysing spatial patterns of suspected cases of meningococcal meningitis, we show fewer absences of suspected cases in districts along primary roads, similar to measles fadeouts in the same Nigerien metapopulation. We further show that, following periods during no suspected cases, districts with high reappearance rates of meningococcal meningitis also have high measles reintroduction rates. Despite many biological and epidemiological differences, similar seasonal and spatial patterns emerge from the dynamics of both diseases. This analysis enhances our understanding of spatial patterns and disease transmission and suggests hotspots for infection and potential target areas for meningococcal meningitis surveillance and intervention.
Patient and carer participation in old age psychiatry in England. Part I: a systemic perspective of the historical and policy context
Authors: Benbow Susan Mary 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTBackground: Patient and carer participation in old age psychiatry is less developed than in other areas of mental health. What can we learn from the historical context about increasing participation and how can it be conceptualized?Methods: The historical and policy context of patient and carer participation in the National Health Service is reviewed and related to the development of old age psychiatry in England and the parallel development of the mental health user movement.Results: Systemic theory is offered as a way of understanding how partnership between healthcare professionals, patients and carers might lead to service evolution by bringing a range of perspectives together in order to co-construct a mutually influenced outcome. It is further suggested that this might empower not only patients and carers but also healthcare staff at a time when they are under increasing pressures.Conclusions: Old age psychiatry patients and carers struggle to be heard but have much to offer to services in partnership with healthcare professionals as partners and allies in service development.
Omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid and procyanidins inhibit cyclo-oxygenase activity and attenuate NF-κB activation through a p105/p50 regulatory mechanism in macrophage inflammation
Authors: Martinez-Micaelo Neus , González-Abuín Noemi , Terra Ximena , Richart Cristobal , Ardèvol Anna , Pinent Monserrat , Blay Mayte 
Published: October 2011

The inflammatory response has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Along these lines, the modulation of inflammation by consuming bioactive food compounds, such as ω−3 fatty acids or procyanidins, is a powerful tool to promote good health. In the present study, the administration of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and B1, B2 and C1 procyanidins, alone or in combination, prevented the inflammatory response induced by the LPS (lipopolysaccharide) endotoxin in human macrophages and brought them to the homoeostatic state. DHA and B1 were strong and selective negative regulators of cyclo-oxygenase 1 activity, with IC50 values of 13.5 μM and 8.0 μM respectively. Additionally, B2 and C1 were selective inhibitors of pro-inflammatory cyclo-oxygenase 2 activity, with IC50 values of 9.7 μM and 3.3 μM respectively. Moreover, DHA and procyanidins prevented the activation of the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) cascade at both early and late stages with shared mechanisms. These included inhibiting IκBα (inhibitor of NF-κB α) phosphorylation, inducing the cytoplasmic retention of pro-inflammatory NF-κB proteins through p105 (NF-κB1) overexpression, favouring the nuclear translocation of the p50–p50 transcriptional repressor homodimer instead of the p50–p65 pro-inflammatory heterodimer, inhibiting binding of NF-κB DNA to κB sites and, finally, decreasing the release of NF-κB-regulated cytokines and prostaglandins. In conclusion, DHA and procyanidins are strong and selective inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase activity and NF-κB activation through a p105/p50-dependent regulatory mechanism.
Structure of the mRNA splicing complex component Cwc2: insights into RNA recognition
Authors: Lu Peilong , Lu Guifeng , Yan Chuangye , Wang Li , Li Wenqi , Yin Ping 
Published: October 2011

The Prp19-associated complex [NTC (nineteen complex)] plays a crucial role in intron removal during premature mRNA splicing in eukaryotes. Only one component of the NTC, Cwc2, is capable of binding RNA. In the present study we report the 1.9 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) X-ray structure of the Cwc2 core domain, which is both necessary and sufficient for RNA binding. The Cwc2 core domain contains two sub-domains, a CCCH-type ZnF (zinc finger) and a RRM (RNA recognition motif). Unexpectedly, the ZnF domain and the RRM form a single folding unit, glued together by extensive hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. Structure-guided mutational analysis revealed that the intervening loop [known as the RB loop (RNA-binding loop)] between ZnF and RRM plays an essential role in RNA binding. In addition, a number of highly conserved positively charged residues on the β-strands of RRM make an important contribution to RNA binding. Intriguingly, these residues and a portion of the RB loop constitute an extended basic surface strip that encircles Cwc2 halfway. The present study serves as a framework for understanding the regulatory function of the NTC in RNA splicing.
Caspase pathway of elaidic acid (9t‐C18:1)‐induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Qiu Bin , Hu Jiang‐Ning , Liu Rong , Fan Ya‐Wei , Li Jing , Li Yu , Deng Ze‐Yuan 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAlthough TFAs (trans fatty acids) do have effects on many endothelial functions, systemic inflammation and immune disorders, only limited experimental evidence is available that TFAs participate in the pathogenesis of endothelial cell apoptosis. HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) were grown in medium with elaidic acid (9t‐C18:1) at 50, 100, 200 and 400 μmol/l for 24 h. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and caspase 3, 8 and 9 activities by colorimetric assay and their mRNA expression by qRT‐PCR (quantitative real‐time PCR). Results showed that 9t‐C18:1 induced apoptosis of HUVEC in a dose‐dependent manner. The activities and mRNA expression of caspases 8, 9 and 3 were significantly increased compared with that of the control. Z‐IETD‐FMK and Z‐LEHD‐FMK inhibited the activation of caspase 3 and apoptosis induced by 9t‐C18:1. Also Z‐IETD‐FMK inhibited the activation of caspase 9. mRNA expressions of Bid and Smac (second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspase)/DIABLO [direct IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis)‐binding protein with low pI] were also significantly elevated. We conclude that 9t‐C18:1 induces apoptosis of HUVEC through activating caspases 8, 9 and 3. The death receptor pathway and the mitochondrial pathway both participated in the apoptosis course induced by 9t‐C18:1.
Climate change and the current 'food crisis'.
Authors: Gregory P. J. , Ingram J. S. I. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Many reasons are being advanced for the current 'food crisis' including financial speculation, increased demand for grains, export bans on selected foodstuffs, inadequate grain stocks, higher oil prices, poor harvests and the use of crop lands for the production of biofuels. This paper reviews the present knowledge of recorded impacts of climate change and variability on crop production, in order to estimate its contribution to the current situation. Many studies demonstrate increased regional temperatures over the last 40 years (often through greater increases in minimum rather than maximum temperatures), but effects on crop yields are mixed. Distinguishing climate effects from changes in yield resulting from improved crop management and genotypes is difficult, but phenological changes affecting sowing, maturity and disease incidence are emerging. Anthropogenic factors appear to be a significant contributory factor to the observed decline in rainfall in southwestern and southeastern Australia, which reduced tradable wheat grain during 2007. Indirect effects of climate change through actions to mitigate or adapt to anticipated changes in climate are also evident. The amount of land diverted from crop production to biofuel production is small but has had a disproportionate effect on tradable grains from the USA. Adaptation of crop production practices and other components of the food system contributing to food security in response to variable and changing climates have occurred, but those households without adequate livelihoods are most in danger of becoming food insecure. Overall, we conclude that changing climate is a small contributor to the current food crisis but cannot be ignored.
Alternative crops for biodiesel feedstock.
Authors: Razon L. F. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Biodiesel, the name popularly given to fatty acid alkyl esters, has become an attractive option for the replacement of petroleum diesel ('petrodiesel'). While its overall impact on the greenhouse effect continues to be debated, other qualities of biodiesel are unquestioned. Biodiesel is biodegradable, generally non-toxic and has superior lubricity to petrodiesel. Overall emissions are greatly reduced. The bulk of the feedstock for its production comes from renewable resources and when biodiesel is used as a blend (up to 20%); no changes are required for existing diesel engines. However, it is still too costly and about 60-80% of the cost for biodiesel comes from the feedstock. Concerns have been raised about the propriety of using food for fuel. Proposed alternative feedstock such as
Jatropha curcas
address some of these concerns but have their own disadvantages. This paper is a comprehensive review of recent progress on alternative crops for feedstock and addresses the issues that may ultimately lead to their success or failure: engine performance, yield, fatty acid profile, unique minor components, unique fatty acids, toxicity and harvestability. The use of agricultural wastes, used or waste oil and microbial fats is also discussed. The conclusion is reached that a blend of oils and used oils may be the best approach for the immediate future while genetically modified plants and microalgae may provide a longer term solution.
Establishment of urban trees.
Authors: Bühler O. , Balder H. , Kristoffersen F. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Trees are an integral part of the urban green structure, providing a number of beneficial effects exceeding purely architectural and aesthetic functions. However, as growth conditions in cities differ considerably from growth conditions at natural sites, urban tree establishment has always demanded special knowledge and procedures, and urban trees require intensive maintenance in the establishment period after planting. The challenging growth conditions of urban trees are reflected in increased tree mortality rates and reduced tree growth and vitality compared with trees in non-disturbed sites. This paper is a review of selected parts of the establishment process of urban trees, focusing on the difficult sites along streets or in paved areas. It addresses research with regard to the selection of species, preparation of the planting site and provisions that can be taken after planting in order to ensure a fast and safe establishment.
Protein nutrition and nitrogen balance in buffalo cows.
Authors: Campanile G. , Neglia G. , Vecchio D. , Palo R. di , Gasparrini B. , Zicarelii L. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The buffalo species represents the mainstay of the rural economy of small farmers in many developing countries, and is also an important source of protein. Because of its area of origin, it shows some peculiar characteristics regarding protein requirements and nitrogen balance. Therefore, this review aims at clarifying some aspects of protein digestibility and, consequently, manure management in buffalo cows.
Comparison of antimicrobial treatments for citrus juices.
Authors: Valero M. , Micol V. , Saura D. , Muñoz N. , Lorente J. , Martí N. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Citrus juices are the most popular fruit juices, orange being the predominant processed juice by the beverage industry worldwide. Although thermal processing remains the most widely employed pasteurization technique, there is growing interest in the development of alternative techniques that minimize changes in organoleptic and nutritional properties. Ohmic heating, an electromagnetic technique, appears to be promising and effective in juice processing. Novel non-thermal techniques offering potential include high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), high-intensity pulsed electric fields (HIPEF), radio frequency electric fields (RFEF), ultrasound, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and ozonation, among others. Antimicrobial efficiencies of thermal and non-thermal processes applied alone or in combination with conventional and novel non-thermal technologies to control pathogenic micro-organisms in orange juice are discussed.
First Report of Sorghum mosaic virus Causing Mosaic in Miscanthus sinensis
Authors: Grisham M. P. , Maroon-Lango C. J. , Hale A. L. 
Published: October 2011

Miscanthus is being evaluated as a bioenergy feedstock because of its potentially significant biomass production, perennial habit, and lack of major diseases and pests. It is also a valuable parent in sugarcane breeding programs as a source of cold tolerance. In May 2010, mosaic symptoms were observed on a clone of Miscanthus sinenesis Anderss. maintained at the USDA, ARS, Sugarcane Research Unit. All plants of the Miscanthus clone in our germplasm collection are from vegetative cuttings of the original infected plant and show mosaic symptoms. Leaves from the ratoon of a single plant tested positive in a reverse transcription-PCR with the Potyvirus Group PCR Test (Agdia, Inc., Elkhart, IN) with two primer sets, Poty-F1/Poty-R1 and Poty-F2/Poty-R2. After sequencing the potyvirus amplicons, a BLAST search in GenBank revealed that these sequences had the highest identities (81 and 69%) with Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) at the nucleic acid level and a 72 and 95% similarity at the amino acid level. Extracts from the Miscanthus clone prepared by the indirect extraction buffer (Agdia) containing sodium carbonate also tested positive for potyvirus by indirect ELISA with the ‘universal’ potyvirus monoclonal antibody, PTY1. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SrMV on Miscanthus. The only other member of the genus Potyvirus reported on Miscanthus is Sugarcane mosaic virus (1,2). Mosaic caused by SrMV could become an economically important disease of Miscanthus if this crop is grown for bioenergy feedstock on large areas. An SrMV-infected Miscanthus crop could pose a threat to established crops of susceptible sugarcane and sorghum since the virus is transmitted in a nonpersistent manner by several aphids, as well as, contributing to geographic shifts of the pathogen. References: (1) B. O. Agindotan et al. J. Virol. Methods 169:119, 2010. (2) D.-L. Xu et al. Arch. Virol. 153:1031, 2008.
Shifts in Cell-type Expression Accompany a Diminishing Role of Spinal P38-Mapkinase Activation over Time during Prolonged Postoperative Pain
Authors: Huang Liang , Gao Yong-Jing , Wang Jeffrey , Strichartz Gary 
Published: October 2011

Background
Surgery often causes prolonged postoperative pain, the mechanisms of which are unknown. The authors investigated the role of p38, a pain-associated mitogen-activated protein kinase, in induction and maintenance of such pain.

Methods
Male rats were subjected to the skin-muscle incision retraction procedure at the saphenous region; the procedure causes ~4 weeks of secondary tactile hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral plantar region, indicating central sensitization. The spinal cord was sectioned from L3 and L4 + L5 vertebral segments and stained for activated p38 (P-p38) at postoperative day 3 (POD 3), just as secondary hyperalgesia develops; at PODs 10-12, the time of maximum hyperalgesia; and at POD 35, after the resolution of hyperalgesia. Some sections were costained for microglia, astrocytes, and neurons. Intrathecal injections of a P-p38 inhibitor were performed at POD 2 or POD 9, and subsequent changes in pain were monitored.

Results
Skin-muscle incision retraction increased the numbers of dorsal horn P-p38 positive cells in L3 by ~3-fold and in L4 + L5 by ~7-fold from POD 3 to PODs 11-12. This increase was accompanied by a shift from microglia to neurons, resulting in a ~20-fold increase in P-p38-positive neurons in L4-L5 over this time. No P-p38 was detected in astrocytes. A P-p38 inhibitor given at POD 2 prevented development of secondary hypersensitivity, but when given at POD 9 the same dose gave weak relief of pain for less than 3 h.

Conclusions
Spinal P-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, activated after incision retraction, is important for the induction of prolonged pain, but despite increased pain near the time of maximum pain, its functional importance for the maintenance of pain is not great.
Safe and Effective Procedural Sedation for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Children
Authors: van Beek Elke J.A.H. , Leroy Piet L.J.M. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of the study was to assess, by a review of published evidence, the safest and most effective way to provide procedural sedation (PS) in children undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE).Methods:The databases MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase were used. Search terms “endoscopy, gastrointestinal” or “endoscopy, digestive system” were combined with “sedation,” “conscious sedation,” “moderate sedation,” “deep sedation,” and “hypnotics and sedatives.” The final review was restricted to studies reporting specifically on safety (incidences of adverse events) and/or effectiveness (time characteristics, need for supplemental sedation, need for restraint, procedural success, provider satisfaction, and patient comfort) of PS for GIE in children younger than 18 years.Results:The search yielded 182 references and the final selection included 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 15 non‐RCTs. Six sedation categories were identified: propofol, opioid/benzodiazepine, premedication, ketamine‐, sevoflurane‐, and midazolam‐based. Only a few RCTs have compared different categories. Opioid/benzodiazepine‐ and propofol‐based PS have a similar safety profile and a low incidence of major adverse events. Propofol‐based sedation turned out to be the most effective regimen, with effectiveness comparable to general anesthesia. The addition of midazolam, fentanyl, remifentanil, and/or ketamine to propofol may increase the effectiveness without creating more adverse events. Data on midazolam‐, ketamine‐ and sevoflurane‐based sedation were generally too limited to draw conclusions.Conclusions:Despite a lack of RCTs containing all aspects of effectiveness and safety, the present evidence indicates propofol‐based PS to be the best practice for PS in children undergoing GIE. Propofol can be safely administered by specifically trained nonanesthesiologists.
A Versatile Monosaccharide Transporter That Operates in the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal FungusGlomussp Is Crucial for the Symbiotic Relationship with Plants
Authors: Helber Nicole , Wippel Kathrin , Sauer Norbert , Schaarschmidt Sara , Hause Bettina , Requena Natalia 
Published: October 2011

AbstractFor more than 400 million years, plants have maintained a mutualistic symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. This evolutionary success can be traced to the role of these fungi in providing plants with mineral nutrients, particularly phosphate. In return, photosynthates are given to the fungus, which support its obligate biotrophic lifestyle. Although the mechanisms involved in phosphate transfer have been extensively studied, less is known about the reciprocal transfer of carbon. Here, we present the high-affinity Monosaccharide Transporter2 (MST2) from Glomus sp with a broad substrate spectrum that functions at several symbiotic root locations. Plant cell wall sugars can efficiently outcompete the Glc uptake capacity of MST2, suggesting they can serve as alternative carbon sources. MST2 expression closely correlates with that of the mycorrhiza-specific Phosphate Transporter4 (PT4). Furthermore, reduction of MST2 expression using host-induced gene silencing resulted in impaired mycorrhiza formation, malformed arbuscules, and reduced PT4 expression. These findings highlight the symbiotic role of MST2 and support the hypothesis that the exchange of carbon for phosphate is tightly linked. Unexpectedly, we found that the external mycelium of AM fungi is able to take up sugars in a proton-dependent manner. These results imply that the sugar uptake system operating in this symbiosis is more complex than previously anticipated.
Effects of habitat loss and limitation on effective population size and inbreeding rates of Walia ibex (Capra walie) in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Kefyalew , Dessie Tadelle , Mekasha Yoseph 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe effects of habitat loss and limitation on effective population size and inbreeding rates of Walia ibex (Capra walie) were assessed at Simien Mountains National Park. Total direct census was conducted in 2009. Historical data were obtained from park offices and literatures. Effective population sizes (Ne), inbreeding rates (ΔF) and heterozygosity losses to the whole and subdivided population per habitat were estimated. Correlations (r) between the two repeated direct censuses were positive (r = 0.99, P < 0.01). The mean Ne and ΔF (%/year) per study sites were 65.34 ± 59.45 and 0.0286 ± 0.032, respectively. The ΔF of the whole population of C. walie was 0.228 ± 0.011. The ΔF was negatively correlated with Ne (r = −0.799, P < 0.05). The mean ΔF per fragmented habitat ranged from 0.3 (Cheneck) to 7.7% (Buait ras). The highest ΔFs per year were observed in Buait ras (7.7%), Adarmaz (7.4%) and Sankaber (4.5%). The mean heterozygosity loss per total population was 0.235 ± 0.42, which was about 23.5%. The differences in Ne and ΔF among the population per habitat were the results of habitat limitation, which in turn reduce the genetic variability and foster losses of heterozygosity.