bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silencing of the Rac1 GTPaseMtROP9inMedicago truncatulaStimulates Early Mycorrhizal and Oomycete Root Colonizations But Negatively Affects Rhizobial Infection
Authors: Kiirika Leonard Muriithi , Bergmann Hannah Friederike , Schikowsky Christine , Wimmer Diana , Korte Joschka , Schmitz Udo , Niehaus Karsten , Colditz Frank 
Published: March 2012

AbstractRAC/ROP proteins (ρ-related GTPases of plants) are plant-specific small G proteins that function as molecular switches within elementary signal transduction pathways, including the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation during early microbial infection via the activation of NADPH oxidase homologs of plants termed RBOH (for respiratory burst oxidase homolog). We investigated the role of Medicago truncatula Jemalong A17 small GTPase MtROP9, orthologous to Medicago sativa Rac1, via an RNA interference silencing approach. Composite M. truncatula plants (MtROP9i) whose roots have been transformed by Agrobacterium rhizogenes carrying the RNA interference vector were generated and infected with the symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus Glomus intraradices and the rhizobial bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti as well as with the pathogenic oomycete Aphanomyces euteiches. MtROP9i transgenic lines showed a clear growth-reduced phenotype and revealed neither ROS generation nor MtROP9 and MtRBOH gene expression after microbial infection. Coincidently, antioxidative compounds were not induced in infected MtROP9i roots, as documented by differential proteomics (two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis). Furthermore, MtROP9 knockdown clearly promoted mycorrhizal and A. euteiches early hyphal root colonization, while rhizobial infection was clearly impaired. Infected MtROP9i roots showed, in part, extremely swollen noninfected root hairs and reduced numbers of deformed nodules. S. meliloti nodulation factor treatments of MtROP9i led to deformed root hairs showing progressed swelling of its upper regions or even of the entire root hair and spontaneous constrictions but reduced branching effects occurring only at swollen root hairs. These results suggest a key role of Rac1 GTPase MtROP9 in ROS-mediated early infection signaling.
Engaging fathers in child welfare services: a narrative review of recent research evidence
Authors: Maxwell Nina , Scourfield Jonathan , Featherstone Brid , Holland Sally , Tolman Richard 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIt is widely recognized as problematic that there are generally low levels of engagement with child welfare services from biological and social fathers. The result can be limited resources for children's care and potentially poor risk assessment and management. This paper reviews the published research from 2000 to 2010 about the barriers to and facilitators of better father engagement, as well as the very limited evidence on the effectiveness of work with maltreating fathers. There is relatively little known about what works in engaging men, but there are some promising indicators from family support and child protection practice contexts. These include early identification and early involvement of fathers; a proactive approach, including an insistence on men's involvement with services; and the use of practical activities. In the light of what is known about the characteristics of maltreating fathers, there is a logical fit with cognitive‐behavioural approaches. Although there is no direct evidence of the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in this context, its effectiveness in allied fields of practice would suggest that it may hold some promise for the initial engagement of fathers who pose a risk to children.
The role of seasonal grass pollen on childhood asthma emergency department presentations
Authors: Erbas B. , Akram M. , Dharmage S. C. , Tham R. , Dennekamp M. , Newbigin E. , Taylor P. , Tang M. L. K. , Abramson M. J. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackgroundFew studies have focused on the role of grass pollen on asthma emergency department (ED) presentations among children. None have examined whether a dose‐response effect exists between grass pollen levels and these asthma exacerbations.ObjectivesTo examine the association between increasing ambient levels of grass pollen and asthma ED presentations in children. To determine whether these associations are seen only after a thunderstorm, or whether grass pollen levels have a consistent influence on childhood asthma ED visits during the season.MethodsA short time series ecological study was conducted for asthma presentations to ED among children in Melbourne, Victoria, and grass pollen, meteorological and air quality measurements recorded during the selected 2003 period. A semi‐parametric Poisson regression model was used to examine dose‐response associations between daily grass pollen levels and mean daily ED attendance for asthma.ResultsA smoothed plot suggested a dose‐response association. As ambient grass pollen increased to about 19 grains/m3, the same day risk of childhood ED presentations also increased linearly (P < 0.001). Grass pollen levels were also associated with an increased risk in asthma ED presentations on the following day (lag 1, P < 0.001).ConclusionThis is the first study to establish a clear relationship between increased risk of childhood asthma ED attendance and levels of ambient grass pollen below 20 grains/m3, independent of any impact of thunderstorm‐associated asthma. These findings have important implications for patient care, such as asthma management programs that notify the general public regarding periods of high grass pollen exposure, as well as defining the timing of initiation of pollen immunotherapy.
Fetal growth and risk of childhood asthma and allergic disease
Authors: Tedner S. G. , Örtqvist A. K. , Almqvist C. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryIntroductionEarly genetic and environmental factors have been discussed as potential causes for the high prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in the western world, and knowledge on fetal growth and its consequence on future health and disease development is emerging.ObjectiveThis review article is an attempt to summarize research on fetal growth and risk of asthma and allergic disease. Current knowledge and novel findings will be reviewed and open research questions identified, to give basic scientists, immunologists and clinicians an overview of an emerging research field.MethodsPubMed‐search on pre‐defined terms and cross‐references.ResultsSeveral studies have shown a correlation between low birth weight and/or gestational age and asthma and high birth weight and/or gestational age and atopy. The exact mechanism is not yet clear but both environmental and genetic factors seem to contribute to fetal growth. Some of these factors are confounders that can be adjusted for, and twin studies have been very helpful in this context. Suggested mechanisms behind fetal growth are often linked to the feto‐maternal circulation, including the development of placenta and umbilical cord. However, the causal link between fetal growth restriction and subsequent asthma and allergic disease remains unexplained. New research regarding the catch‐up growth following growth restriction has posited an alternative theory that diseases later on in life result from rapid catch‐up growth rather than intrauterine growth restrictionper se. Several studies have found a correlation between a rapid weight gain after birth and development of asthma or wheezing in childhood.Conclusion and clinical relevanceAsthma and allergic disease are multifactorial. Several mechanisms seem to influence their development. Additional studies are needed before we fully understand the causal links between fetal growth and development of asthma and allergic diseases.
Analytical wavefront curvature correction to plane‐wave reflection coefficients for a weak‐contrast interface
Authors: Alulaiw Badr , Gurevich Boris 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTMost amplitude versus offset (AVO) analysis and inversion techniques are based on the Zoeppritz equations for plane‐wave reflection coefficients or their approximations. Real seismic surveys use localized sources that produce spherical waves, rather than plane waves. In the far‐field, the AVO response for a spherical wave reflected from a plane interface can be well approximated by a plane‐wave response. However this approximation breaks down in the vicinity of the critical angle. Conventional AVO analysis ignores this problem and always utilizes the plane‐wave response. This approach is sufficiently accurate as long as the angles of incidence are much smaller than the critical angle. Such moderate angles are more than sufficient for the standard estimation of the AVO intercept and gradient. However, when independent estimation of the formation density is required, it may be important to use large incidence angles close to the critical angle, where spherical wave effects become important. For the amplitude of a spherical wave reflected from a plane fluid‐fluid interface, an analytical approximation is known, which provides a correction to the plane‐wave reflection coefficients for all angles. For the amplitude of a spherical wave reflected from a solid/solid interface, we propose a formula that combines this analytical approximation with the linearized plane‐wave AVO equation. The proposed approximation shows reasonable agreement with numerical simulations for a range of frequencies. Using this solution, we constructed a two‐layer three‐parameter least‐squares inversion algorithm. Application of this algorithm to synthetic data for a single plane interface shows an improvement compared to the use of plane‐wave reflection coefficients.
Amino acid profile, protein digestibility, thermal and functional properties of Conophor nut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) defatted flour, protein concentrate and isolates
Authors: Gbadamosi Saka O. , Abiose Sumbo H. , Aluko Rotimi E. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryFunctional properties, amino acid compositions, in vitro protein digestibility, electrophoretic and thermal characteristics of conophor defatted flour (CDF), conophor protein concentrate (CPC), isoelectric protein isolate (CII) and neutral protein isolate (CNI) were evaluated. The isolates (CII and CNI) showed significantly lower (P < 0.05) water and oil absorption capacities, emulsifying and gelling capacities, but higher emulsion stability and foaming capacity. In vitro protein digestibility, enthalpy and denaturation temperature varied between 52.28% and 73.4%, 1.62–4.04 J g−1 protein and 79.7–89.3 °C, respectively. The native proteins were comprised of subunits with molecular weights ranging between 15.3 and 129.3 kDa. The major amino acids in all the samples were aspartic acid, glutamic acid and arginine, whereas the percentages of essential amino acids in CDF, CPC, CII and CNI were 39.35%, 40.46%, 44.54% and 46.04%, respectively. Conophor protein products could be used as functional ingredients in food formulations and for enriching low quality protein diets.
The meaning of resilience to persons living with chronic pain: an interpretive qualitative inquiry
Authors: West Caryn , Stewart Lee , Foster Kim , Usher Kim 
Published: March 2012

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of resilience, or adaptation in the face of adversity, to people living with chronic pain.Background.  Little research on the usefulness of resilience, strength‐based approach to health care has been undertaken to date in the area of pain yet this approach has recently been proposed as a new model for chronic pain management. However, the meaning of resilience to people with chronic pain remains unknown.Design.  An interpretive qualitative design using in‐depth interviews and phenomenological type analysis was undertaken.Methods.  Purposive sampling and in‐depth interviewing were undertaken to develop a rich description of the experience.Results.  The findings from this study revealed that while living with chronic pain is generally a negative experience, the participants also told positive stories around the following themes: (i) Recognising individual strength; (ii) Looking for the positives in life; (iii) Accepting the pain; and (iv) Learning to accept help.Conclusion.  Chronic pain influences all aspects of life. Resilient individuals with chronic pain recognise the value of remaining positive, accepting help and learning to live with the pain.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important for health professionals to recognise the role of supporting positive attributes in people living with chronic pain as a way of enhancing resilience.
Sensorimotor cortical activation in patients with sleep bruxism
Authors: KERVANCIOGLU BEDIA B. , TEISMANN INGA K. , RAIN MELANIE , HUGGER SYBILLE , BOECKMANN JOANNE A. , YOUNG PETER , SCHWINDT WOLFRAM , PANTEV CHRISTO , DOERING STEPHAN 
Published: March 2012

SummarySleep bruxism is assumed to be triggered by a dysfunctional subcortical and cortical network. This study investigates sensorimotor cortical activation in patients with sleep bruxism during clenching and chewing. Nine polysomnographically diagnosed patients and nine healthy control subjects underwent magnetoencephalography (MEG). During clenching and chewing, patients with bruxism revealed significantly larger event‐related desynchronization in the somatomotor area (Brodmann area 4) than healthy subjects. Group differences in the muscle activity were ruled out by electromyography (EMG) assessments during MEG. This result might be regarded as a consequence of increased sensorimotor cortical representation of the tongue and chewing musculature due to an enhanced parafunctional muscle activity in bruxers potentially triggered by occlusal factors. Alternatively, a secondary activation of cortical structures during sleep bruxism in the context of an activated network of subcortical and cortical structures might lead to increased cortical representation of the chewing musculature via use dependent plasticity.
A RelA‐dependent two‐tiered regulated proteolysis cascade controls synthesis of a contact‐dependent intercellular signal in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Konovalova Anna , Löbach Stephanie , Søgaard‐Andersen Lotte 
Published: March 2012

SummaryProteolytic cleavage of precursor proteins to generate intercellular signals is a common mechanism in all cells. In Myxococcus xanthus the contact‐dependent intercellular C‐signal is a 17 kDa protein (p17) generated by proteolytic cleavage of the 25 kDa csgA protein (p25), and is essential for starvation‐induced fruiting body formation. p25 accumulates in the outer membrane and PopC, the protease that cleaves p25, in the cytoplasm of vegetative cells. PopC is secreted in response to starvation, therefore, restricting p25 cleavage to starving cells. We focused on identifying proteins critical for PopC secretion in response to starvation. PopC secretion depends on the (p)ppGpp synthase RelA and the stringent response, and is regulated post‐translationally. PopD, which is encoded in an operon with PopC, forms a soluble complex with PopC and inhibits PopC secretion whereas the integral membrane AAA+ protease FtsHD is required for PopC secretion. Biochemical and genetic evidence suggest that in response to starvation, RelA is activated and induces the degradation of PopD thereby releasing pre‐formed PopC for secretion and that FtsHD is important for PopD degradation. Hence, regulated PopC secretion depends on regulated proteolysis. Accordingly, p17 synthesis depends on a proteolytic cascade including FtsHD‐dependent degradation of PopD and PopC‐dependent cleavage of p25.
Influence of liver‐disease etiology on long‐term quality of life and employment after liver transplantation
Authors: Åberg Fredrik , Höckerstedt Krister , Roine Risto P. , Sintonen Harri , Isoniemi Helena 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe etiology of liver disease would expectedly affect health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and employment after liver transplantation (LT), but studies are scarce. We sent the 15D HRQoL instrument and an employment questionnaire to all 401 adult LT patients alive in Finland in 2007. The response rate was 89% (n = 353; mean of eight yr since LT). In age‐adjusted analysis, patients transplanted for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC; n = 56), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC; n = 72), acute liver failure (ALF; n = 76), alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 38), or liver tumor (n = 22) exhibited comparable HRQoL, whereas the combined group of miscellaneous chronic liver diseases (n = 89) exhibited significantly higher HRQoL scores (p = 0.003). Among working‐aged patients (20–65 yr at LT), employment rates were highest in the PSC (56%) group and lowest in the ALF (39%) and PBC (29%) groups. In age‐adjusted logistic regression, patients with PSC or alcoholic cirrhotics were 2.4‐ and 2.5‐fold more likely to resume work after LT than patients with PBC. In conclusion, HRQoL scores late after LT were in general relatively high and comparable among disease groups. Patients with PSC or alcoholic cirrhosis were most likely to resume work after LT. The relatively low employment among patients with ALF may merit enhanced rehabilitation efforts.
Multiple cis‐regulatory elements are involved in the complex regulation of the sieve element‐specific MtSEO‐F1 promoter from Medicago truncatula
Authors: Bucsenez M. , Rüping B. , Behrens S. , Twyman R. M. , Noll G. A. , Prüfer D. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe sieve element occlusion (SEO) gene family includes several members that are expressed specifically in immature sieve elements (SEs) in the developing phloem of dicotyledonous plants. To determine how this restricted expression profile is achieved, we analysed the SE‐specific Medicago truncatula SEO‐F1 promoter (PMtSEO‐F1) by constructing deletion, substitution and hybrid constructs and testing them in transgenic tobacco plants using green fluorescent protein as a reporter. This revealed four promoter regions, each containing cis‐regulatory elements that activate transcription in SEs. One of these segments also contained sufficient information to suppress PMtSEO‐F1 transcription in the phloem companion cells (CCs). Subsequent in silico analysis revealed several candidate cis‐regulatory elements that PMtSEO‐F1 shares with other SEO promoters. These putative sieve element boxes (PSE boxes) are promising candidates for cis‐regulatory elements controlling the SE‐specific expression of PMtSEO‐F1.
Isolation and characterisation of Chrysanthemum crassum SOS1, encoding a putative plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporter
Authors: Song A. , Lu J. , Jiang J. , Chen S. , Guan Z. , Fang W. , Chen F. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA full‐length cDNA homologue of SOS1 (salt overly sensitive 1) was isolated from the salinity‐tolerant species Chrysanthemum crassum and found to encode a Na+/H+ antiporter, using degenerate PCR and RACE‐PCR. The 3752‐bp sequence comprised a 3438 bp open reading frame, encoding a 127‐kDa protein with 12 transmembrane domains within its N terminal portion, and a hydrophilic cytoplasmic tail in its C‐terminal portion. CcSOS1 appears to be a plasma membrane protein, and shares ∼62% identity at the peptide level with its Arabidopsis thaliana homologue. Expression of CcSOS1 in the roots of C. crassum was sensitive to salinity stress, while in the leaves CcSOS1 was down‐regulated in the presence of abscisic acid. CcSOS1 transcript abundance was reduced in both roots and leaves of plants exposed to low temperature, while it was increased in leaves (but not in roots) after drought stress. CcSOS1 expression was not regulated in the presence of CaCl2. A heterologous complementation assay in yeast suggested that CcSOS1 directs Na+ efflux, mimicking the function of the endogenous NHA1 protein. Thus CcSOS1 appears to encode a salinity‐inducible plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporter. This gene may be useful in transgenic approaches to improving the salinity tolerance of related ornamental species.
Seasonal, sex and live weight variations in feed and water consumptions of adult captive African Giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse – 1840) kept individually in cages
Authors: Dzenda T. , Ayo J. O. , Lakpini C. A. M. , Adelaiye A. B. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryAdult African Giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse) (AGRs) (n = 231) of both sexes (117 bucks, 114 does) were live‐trapped in the wild in Zaria, Nigeria. Live weight (LW), daily feed consumption (FC) and water consumption (WC) of the AGRs were measured during the cold‐dry (CDS), hot‐dry (HDS) and rainy (RS) seasons for 2 years with the aim of determining seasonal, sex and LW variations. Feed consumption was significantly different (p < 0.001) between all the seasons, with the lowest mean value recorded during the HDS, while the highest was obtained during the RS. Water consumption was also lowest (p < 0.001) during the HDS but did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between the CDS and RS. Both feed and water consumptions were higher (p < 0.01) in the males (bucks) than the females (does) during the CDS and HDS, but the sex difference was not significant (p > 0.05) during the RS. Feed consumption correlated positively (p < 0.0001) with WC and relative humidity, but negatively (p < 0.0001) with LW, ambient temperature and heat index. In conclusion, both feed and water consumptions in AGRs decrease with increased seasonal heat and adult LW and are lower in does than in bucks during the dry seasons (CDS and HDS). Intervention may be indicated during the HDS to improve feed and water consumptions for optimal performance of the AGRs.
Comparison of two exhaled nitric oxide analyzers: The NIOX MINO hand‐held electrochemical analyzer and the NOA280i stationary chemiluminescence analyzer
Authors: KIM SANG‐HEON , MOON JI‐YONG , KWAK HYUN JUNG , KIM SA IL , PARK DONG WON , KIM JEE WOO , KIM TAE HYUNG , SOHN JANG WON , SHIN DONG HO , PARK SUNG SOO , YOON HO JOO 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Measurement of the fraction of nitric oxide (FeNO) in exhaled air is useful in the management of asthma. A new hand‐held nitric oxide (NO) analyzer, the NIOX MINO, is simple and easy to use in clinical practice. In this study, FeNO values measured using the NIOX MINO were compared with those obtained using a stationary chemiluminescence analyzer, the Sievers NOA280i.Methods:  FeNO was measured in 100 adults, using both the NIOX MINO and the NOA280i. Nine (9.0%) of these subjects had asthma. The first acceptable measurement with the NIOX MINO and the mean of two acceptable measurements with the NOA280i were compared.Results:  There was a significant correlation between FeNO concentrations measured with the two devices (r = 0.876, P < 0.001). A Bland–Altman plot showed a high degree of agreement between the two devices: the mean inter‐device difference was 3.3 parts per billion (ppb), and the 95% limits of agreement were −7.0 and 13.6 ppb. In addition, the mean relative difference was 14.5%, with the 95% limits of agreement being −33.7 and 62.7%. The mean value (± standard error of the mean) for FeNO as measured with the NIOX MINO (18.8 ± 0.9 ppb) was significantly lower than that measured with the NOA280i (22.1 ± 1.2 ppb, P < 0.001).Conclusions:  There was a significant correlation, but only moderate agreement, between FeNO values measured with the NIOX MINO and those measured with the NOA280i, with the NIOX MINO values being significantly lower than the NOA280i values. Significant differences in FeNO values obtained with these two NO analyzers should be considered when interpreting the results of FeNO measurements.