bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Root responses to nutrients and soil biota: drivers of species coexistence and ecosystem productivity
Authors: de Kroon Hans , Hendriks Marloes , van Ruijven Jasper , Ravenek Janneke , Padilla Francisco M. , Jongejans Eelke , Visser Eric J. W. , Mommer Liesje 
Published: December 2011

Summary1. Although a major part of plant biomass is underground, we know little about the contribution of different species to root biomass in multispecies communities. We summarize studies on root distributions and plant responses to species‐specific soil biota and formulate three hypotheses to explain how root responses may drive species coexistence and ecosystem productivity.2. Recent studies suggest that root growth of some species may be stimulated in species mixtures compared with monocultures without hampering the growth of other species, leading to below‐ground overyielding. Further studies suggest that these responses are the result of reduced impairment of growth by species‐specific plant pathogens that accumulate in monocultures.3. First, we hypothesize that due to pathogen‐constrained growth, monocultures are ‘under‐rooted’, i.e. they do not have enough roots for optimal acquisition of nutrients. Although elevated root production in mixtures represents a cost to the plant, improved nutrition will eventually result in improved plant performance.4. Second, due to the plant species specificity of the soil biotic communities, we suggest that plant species in mixtures develop an intransitive competitive network in which none of the species is competitively superior to all other species. Competitive intransitivity is proposed as a mechanism of species coexistence.5. As a final hypothesis, we suggest that pathogen‐mediated root overproduction in species mixtures determines the patterns of community productivity and overyielding, both directly, by improving plant performance, and indirectly, by releasing more carbon into the soil, resulting in enhanced availability of nutrients.6. Synthesis.Recent evidence suggests that species coexistence and ecosystem productivity may be the result of an interplay between pathogen‐driven plant responses and nutritional consequences. We suggest that responses of the roots are an important yet mostly overlooked intermediary between soil biota and plant community responses to biodiversity.
Residue depletion of albendazole and its metabolites in aquacultured yellow perch (Perca flavescens)
Authors: YU D. , EVANS E. R. , HASBROUCK N. , REIMSCHUESSEL R. , SHAIKH B. 
Published: December 2011

Yu, D., Evans, E. R., Hasbrouck, N., Reimschuessel, R., Shaikh, B. Residue depletion of albendazole and its metabolites in aquacultured yellow perch (Perca flavescens). J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 560–562.Metabolism and residue depletion studies are conducted to determine the marker residue (MR) of a drug in a target tissue of food animals. The MR is used to monitor potential unauthorized use of drugs. The current work is a continuation of our efforts to study metabolism and depletion profiles of albendazole in multiple finfish species to determine a common MR. The results of this study suggest that albendazole sulfone metabolite could potentially serve as MR for albendazole in yellow perch muscle, similar to channel catfish and hybrid striped bass as reported previously by us.
A reflective analysis of medical education research on self‐regulation in learning and practice
Authors: Brydges Ryan , Butler Deborah 
Published: December 2011

Medical Education 2012: 46: 71–79Objectives  In the health professions we expect practitioners and trainees to engage in self‐regulation of their learning and practice. For example, doctors are responsible for diagnosing their own learning needs and pursuing professional development opportunities; medical residents are expected to identify what they do not know when caring for patients and to seek help from supervisors when they need it, and medical school curricula are increasingly called upon to support self‐regulation as a central learning outcome. Given the importance of self‐regulation in both health professions education and ongoing professional practice, our aim was to generate a snapshot of the state of the science in medical education research in this area.Methods  To achieve this goal, we gathered literature focused on self‐regulation or self‐directed learning undertaken from multiple perspectives. Then, with support from a multi‐component theoretical framework, we created an overarching map of the themes addressed thus far and emerging findings. We built from that integrative overview to consider contributions, connections and gaps in research on self‐regulation to date.Results and conclusions  Based on this reflective analysis, we conclude that the medical education community’s understanding about self‐regulation will continue to advance as we: (i) consider how learning is undertaken within the complex social contexts of clinical training and practice; (ii) think of self‐regulation within an integrative perspective that allows us to combine disparate strands of research and to consider self‐regulation across the training continuum in medicine, from learning to practice; (iii) attend to the grain size of analysis both thoughtfully and intentionally, and (iv) most essentially, extend our efforts to understand the need for and best practices in support of self‐regulation.
Educators must consider patient outcomes when assessing the impact of clinical training
Authors: Dauphinee W Dale 
Published: December 2011

Medical Education 2011: 46: 13–20Context  The concept of outcomes has been used in health care for over 140 years. The use of outcomes in assessing quality of care regained prominence in the 1960s based on Donabedian’s framework of structures, processes and outcomes. In the 1990s, the use of outcomes in medical education gained great favour, although the outcomes used were not carefully defined. Recently, a debate has ensued about the costs and, thus, sustainability of current health care programmes, focusing on the (non‐)necessity of services, missed prevention opportunities and the efficiency of treatment programmes. Measurements using education outcomes and health care outcomes must take these issues into account, preferably from a common framework. As health care becomes increasingly costly and even inefficient, issues of effectiveness are often neglected in policy making.Methods  This paper uses peer‐reviewed evidence and an outcomes framework to explore the implications of current realities for the makers of education policy in the health professions and for the staff who train health professionals.Discussion  If the ultimate impacts of practices and policies in health professions education are not considered, how will we know if our education structures, processes and outcomes are optimal? This essay examines this question from the perspectives of three related issues. The first refers to the need for a common framework if the outcomes of patient and community care are to be evaluated properly. The second perspective refers to whether it is feasible to consider both patient‐based outcomes and patient‐reported outcomes in assessing the impact of education programmes, especially at more advanced levels of training. The third perspective concerns the challenges and limitations that may be encountered in focusing on patient outcomes as a measure of the impact of education. The concluding discussion suggests how the results of such longer‐term impact studies should be interpreted as key validity checks on the quality and effectiveness of medical education and clinical education if we are to address the validity and efficiency of outcomes used in education and training.Medical Education 2012:

46:

13–20
Monitoring endangered freshwater biodiversity using environmental DNA
Authors: THOMSEN PHILIP FRANCIS , KIELGAST JOS , IVERSEN LARS L. , WIUF CARSTEN , RASMUSSEN MORTEN , GILBERT M. THOMAS P , ORLANDO LUDOVIC , WILLERSLEV ESKE 
Published: December 2011

AbstractFreshwater ecosystems are among the most endangered habitats on Earth, with thousands of animal species known to be threatened or already extinct. Reliable monitoring of threatened organisms is crucial for data‐driven conservation actions but remains a challenge owing to nonstandardized methods that depend on practical and taxonomic expertise, which is rapidly declining. Here, we show that a diversity of rare and threatened freshwater animals—representing amphibians, fish, mammals, insects and crustaceans—can be detected and quantified based on DNA obtained directly from small water samples of lakes, ponds and streams. We successfully validate our findings in a controlled mesocosm experiment and show that DNA becomes undetectable within 2 weeks after removal of animals, indicating that DNA traces are near contemporary with presence of the species. We further demonstrate that entire faunas of amphibians and fish can be detected by high‐throughput sequencing of DNA extracted from pond water. Our findings underpin the ubiquitous nature of DNA traces in the environment and establish environmental DNA as a tool for monitoring rare and threatened species across a wide range of taxonomic groups.
RNA targeting to a specific ER sub‐domain is required for efficient transport and packaging of α‐globulins to the protein storage vacuole in developing rice endosperm
Authors: Washida Haruhiko , Sugino Aya , Doroshenk Kelly A. , Satoh‐Cruz Mio , Nagamine Ai , Katsube‐Tanaka Tomoyuki , Ogawa Masahiro , Kumamaru Toshihiro , Satoh Hikaru , Okita Thomas W. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryStudies focusing on the targeting of RNAs that encode rice storage proteins, prolamines and glutelins to specific sub‐domains of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as well as mis‐localization studies of other storage protein RNAs, indicate a close relationship between the ER site of RNA translation and the final site of protein deposition in the endomembrane system in developing rice endosperm. In addition to prolamine and glutelin, rice accumulates smaller amounts of α‐globulins, which are deposited together with glutelin in the protein storage vacuole (PSV). In situ RT‐PCR analysis revealed that α‐globulin RNAs are not distributed to the cisternal ER as expected for a PSV‐localized protein, but instead are targeted to the protein body‐ER (PB‐ER) by a regulated process requiring cis‐sorting sequences. Sequence alignments with putative maize δ‐zein cis‐localization elements identified several candidate regulatory sequences that may be responsible for PB‐ER targeting. Immunocytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of α‐globulin on the periphery of the prolamine protein bodies and packaging in Golgi‐associated dense vesicles, as well as deposition and storage within peripheral regions of the PSV. Mis‐targeting of α‐globulin RNAs to the cisternal ER dramatically alters the spatial arrangement of α‐globulin and glutelin within the PSV, with the accompanying presence of numerous small α‐globulin particles in the cytoplasm. These results indicate that α‐globulin RNA targeting to the PB‐ER sub‐domain is essential for efficient transport of α‐globulins to the PSV and its spatial arrangement in the PSV. Such RNA localization prevents potential deleterious protein–protein interactions, in addition to performing a role in protein targeting.
Nodule numbers are governed by interaction between CLE peptides and cytokinin signaling
Authors: Mortier Virginie , De Wever Eva , Vuylsteke Marnik , Holsters Marcelle , Goormachtig Sofie 
Published: December 2011

SummaryCLE peptides are involved in the balance between cell division and differentiation throughout plant development, including nodulation. Previously, two CLE genes of Medicago truncatula, MtCLE12 and MtCLE13, had been identified whose expression correlated with nodule primordium formation and meristem establishment. Gain‐of‐function analysis indicated that both MtCLE12 and MtCLE13 interact with the SUPER NUMERIC NODULES (SUNN)‐dependent auto‐regulation of nodulation to control nodule numbers. Here we demonstrate that cytokinin, which is essential for nodule organ formation, regulates MtCLE13 expression. In addition, simultaneous knockdown of MtCLE12 and MtCLE13 resulted in an increase in nodule number, implying that both genes play a role in controlling nodule number. Additionally, a weak link may exist with the ethylene‐dependent mechanism that locally controls nodule number.
Fermentation kinetics of sainfoin hay with and without PEG
Authors: Calabrò S. , Guglielmelli A. , Iannaccone F. , Danieli P. P. , Tudisco R. , Ruggiero C. , Piccolo G. , Cutrignelli M. I. , Infascelli F. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe in vitro gas production technique was applied to evaluate the biological activity of tannins in sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) hay cut at four progressive phenological stages. The buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) rumen fluid was used as inoculum, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was added as specific binding agent and an alfalfa hay (AH) was used as control. All samples were analysed for chemical composition and condensed tannin (CTs). According to the phenological stage of sainfoin, crude protein gradually decreased [from 219 to 122 g/kg dry matter (DM)] and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased (from 391 to 514 g/kg DM). Condensed tannins showed the highest value at the first phenological stage [31.5 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g DM], and their level significantly decreased at the subsequent growth stages. Gas production and fermentation rate were significantly affected by substrate type and PEG addition. The first stage of sainfoin showed the lowest value of gas and volatile fatty acids production and the slowest fermentation kinetics compared with the other samples, when incubated without PEG, because of the CTs effect. The incubation with PEG improved the fermentation process of the first stage of sainfoin, but no effect was registered on AH, where CTs were not detected. Among the sainfoin samples, the slowest kinetics with PEG was observed in the hay harvested at the fourth stage, probably due to its chemical composition. The use of PEG allowed to verify the effect of tannins on the in vitro fermentation characteristics of sainfoin hay.
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Enhances the Pre‐Implantation Embryo Development by Reducing Apoptosis in Pigs
Authors: Kim J‐S , Song B‐S , Lee K‐S , Kim D‐H , Kim S‐U , Choo Y‐K , Chang K‐T , Koo D‐B 
Published: December 2011

ContentsApoptosis is an important determinant of the normal development of pre‐implantation embryos in vitro. Recently, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐mediated apoptosis has been extensively investigated in a wide variety of diseases. Efficient functioning of the ER is essential for most cellular activities and survival. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an endogenous bile acid, has been reported to attenuate ER stress‐mediated cell death by interrupting the classic pathways of apoptosis. Therefore, in this study, the anti‐apoptotic effect of TUDCA on ER stress‐induced apoptosis was examined in pre‐implantation pig embryos. Also, tunicamycin was used to investigate the effects of ER stress on pig embryo development. After in vitro maturation and fertilization, presumptive pig embryos were cultured in NCSU‐23 medium supplemented with TUDCA or TM for 6 days at 39°C, 5% CO2 in air. All data were analysed using one‐way anova and Duncan’s multiple range test in the statistical analysis system (SAS). In addition, we also determined the optimal TM and TUDCA concentrations. Samples were treated with TM at concentrations of 0, 1, 2 or 5 μm and with TUDCA at concentrations of 0, 100, 200 or 300 μm. When TM was used during in vitro culture, only 8.2% (8/97) of the embryos developed to the blastocyst stage when the treatment concentration was 1 μm compared with 27.4% (28/102) of the embryos in the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the frequency of blastocyst formation and the number of cells were higher when treated with 200 μm TUDCA compared with the control group (32.8% and 39.5 vs 22.2% and 35.6, p < 0.05). Moreover, the developmental rate to the blastocyst stage embryo in the group treated with TM and TUDCA was not significantly different from that of the control group (17.8%, 26/142 vs 24.9%, 36/145). Furthermore, the blastocyst cell number was enhanced (31.9 vs 36.9) and apoptosis reduced (TUNEL‐positive nuclei number, 6.0 vs 3.2) by TUDCA treatment in pig embryos. In the real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR analysis, the expression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐XL gene was shown to be increased in the blastocyst stage because of TUDCA treatment, whereas expression of pro‐apoptotic Bax was decreased. In addition, we also found that TUDCA decreased the rate of TM‐induced apoptosis in the pre‐implantation stage. Taken together, our results indicate that TUDCA improves the developmental competence of pig embryos by modulating ER stress‐induced apoptosis during the pre‐implantation stage.
Prevention of neonatal group B streptococcus disease in the 21st century
Authors: Clifford Vanessa , Garland Suzanne M , Grimwood Keith 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThere have been significant reductions in early‐onset neonatal group B streptococcus (GBS) disease following implementation of maternal intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) policies. Nevertheless, GBS remains a leading cause of neonatal sepsis in Australia and New Zealand resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality, particularly among preterm infants. In the United States, the universal screening‐based approach for identifying women for IAP results in apparently lower rates of early‐onset neonatal GBS infection than risk‐based assessment. In addition, IAP has altered the profile of newborn infants who develop early‐onset disease. Many affected infants lack the typical intrapartum risk factors for GBS infection, are born to mothers with a negative GBS screen or represent missed opportunities for prevention. Clinicians should remain alert for signs of sepsis in any newborn infant. We provide an update of GBS preventative management strategies in the perinatal period taking into account recent United States, Australian and New Zealand guidelines.
Will introducing the new World Health Organization growth reference to Australia reduce breastfeeding rates: why not a randomised controlled trial first?
Authors: Binns Colin , Lee Mi Kyung 
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The aim is to review the implications of the introduction of new World Health Organisation (WHO) growth reference into Australia, and in particular its potential effects on breastfeeding rates in the first six months of life.Methods:  A review of the velocity and trajectory of growth in the new WHO Growth Reference compared to the growth references most commonly used in Australia.Results:  The World Health Organisation has recommended the universal use of its new growth reference. However, in the first 6 months of life, the critical period for the maintenance of breastfeeding, the new WHO reference is heavier than the reference previously used in Australia. This may mean that more infants will be classified as having poor growth. It is likely that these infants will be given additional feeds or even may cease being breastfed. Maintenance of breastfeeding is important for minimising short‐, medium‐ and long‐term risks.Conclusions:  Before the introduction of a new growth reference is contemplated, a randomised controlled trial should be conducted to be sure that there will be no adverse effect on breastfeeding.
Ocular consequences of blunt trauma in two species of nocturnal raptors (Athene noctua and Otus scops)
Authors: Seruca Cristina , Molina‐López Rafael , Peña Teresa , Leiva Marta 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjective  To determine the type, prevalence, and prognosis of ocular and periocular lesions in free‐living little owls (LO) and scops owls (SO), injured by blunt trauma.Procedures  Medical records from LO and SO with ocular or periocular lesions secondary to blunt trauma were reviewed. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed in all birds. Short protocol electroretinography (ERG) and ocular ultrasound were performed as dictated by the case.Results  During the study period, a total of 158 LO and 99 SO with blunt trauma were admitted. Among these, 43 LO (27.8%) and 27 SO (27.3%) had ocular or periocular lesions. Bilateral injuries (72.1% LO and 81.5% SO) were more common than unilateral. Common findings in both species were: corneal erosions/superficial ulcers, anterior and posterior uveitis, cataracts, hyphema, posterior synechia, vitreal hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. Electroretinography was performed in 32 LO and eight SO, which had posterior segment lesions or opacity of the transparent media. Normal to nonrecordable b‐wave amplitudes were observed. Follow‐up was available in 13 LO and 11 SO. Among these, nine LO (14 eyes) and 10 SO (17 eyes) had resolution of the clinical signs following medical treatment.Conclusions  Ocular lesions are common in LO and SO injured by blunt trauma. Electroretinography is a valuable diagnostic tool to assess the severity of retinal dysfunction secondary to blunt trauma and to determine the response to medical treatment. A complete ophthalmic examination is a determining factor in the early management of trauma in these species.
Canine corneal fibroblast and myofibroblast transduction with AAV5
Authors: Bosiack Ann P. , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Gupta Rangan , Mohan Rajiv R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjective  The aims of this study were (1) to determine the efficacy of adeno‐associated vector serotype 5 (AAV5) for delivering gene therapy to canine corneal fibroblasts (CCFs) and myofibroblasts (CCMs) using enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker gene and (2) to evaluate the cytotoxicity of AAV5 to CCFs and CCMs using an in vitro model.Methods  Healthy donor canine corneas were used to generate primary CCFs by growing cultures in minimal essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Canine corneal myofibroblasts were produced by growing cultures in serum‐free medium containing transforming growth factor β1 (1 ng/mL). An AAV5 titer (6.5 × 1012 μg/mL) expressing GFP under control of hybrid cytomegalovirus + chicken β‐actin promoters (AAV5‐gfp) was used to transduce CCF and CCM cultures. Delivered gene expression in CCFs and CCMs was quantified using immunocytochemistry, fluorescent microscopy, and real‐time PCR. Transduction efficacy of the AAV5 vector was determined by counting DAPI‐stained nuclei and EGFP‐positive cells in culture. Phase‐contrast microscopy, trypan blue, and dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were used to determine the toxicity and safety of AAV5 in this canine corneal model.Results  Topical AAV5 application successfully transduced a significant population of CCFs (42.8%; P < 0.01) and CCMs (28%; P < 0.01). Tested AAV5 did not affect CCF or CCM phenotype or cellular viability and did not cause significant cell death.Conclusions  The tested AAV5 is an effective and safe vector for canine corneal gene therapy in this in vitro model. In vivo studies are warranted.