bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global Identification of Targets of theArabidopsisMADS Domain Protein AGAMOUS-Like15
Authors: Zheng Yumei , Ren Na , Wang Huai , Stromberg Arnold J. , Perry Sharyn E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAGAMOUS-Like15 (AGL15) is a MADS domain transcriptional regulator that promotes somatic embryogenesis by binding DNA and regulating gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis previously identified DNA fragments with which AGL15 associates in vivo, and a low-throughput approach revealed a role for AGL15 in gibberellic acid catabolism that is relevant to embryogenesis. However, higher throughput methods are needed to identify targets of AGL15. Here, we mapped AGL15 in vivo binding sites using a ChIP-chip approach and the Affymetrix tiling arrays for Arabidopsis thaliana and found that ∼2000 sites represented in three biological replicates of the experiment are annotated to nearby genes. These results were combined with high-throughput measurement of gene expression in response to AGL15 accumulation to discriminate responsive direct targets from those further downstream in the network. LEAFY COTYLEDON2, FUSCA3, and ABA INSENSITIVE3, which encode B3 domain transcription factors that are key regulators of embryogenesis, were identified and verified as direct target genes of AGL15. Genes identified as targets of the B3 genes are also targets of AGL15, and we found that INDOLEACETIC ACID-INDUCED PROTEIN30 is involved in promotion of somatic embryo development. The data presented here and elsewhere suggest that much cross-regulation occurs in gene regulatory networks underpinning embryogenesis.
Why and how terrestrial plants exchange gases with air
Authors: Cieslik S. , Omasa K. , Paoletti E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis work is intended as a review of gas exchange processes between the atmosphere and the terrestrial vegetation, which have been known for more than two centuries since the discovery of photosynthesis. The physical and biological mechanisms of exchange of carbon dioxide, water vapour, volatile organic compounds emitted by plants and air pollutants taken up by them, is critically reviewed. The role of stomatal physiology is emphasised, as it controls most of these processes. The techniques used for measurement of gas exchange fluxes between the atmosphere and vegetation are outlined.
Solving the barriers to diabetes education through the use of multimedia
Authors: Isarankura‐Na‐Ayudhya Chartchalerm , Nantasenamat Chanin , Dansethakul Prabhop , Saetum Pradermchai , Laosrivijit Sirikul , Prachayasittikul Virapong 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects > 180 million people worldwide. It is persistent in Thai communities in spite of much effort in prevention and control. This study examined the knowledge capacity of villagers in the Klongmai community of Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, regarding diabetes by way of action research. A health status assessment and a survey of the community were carried out and used as the basis for designing an educational video on diabetes that is accessible regardless of age and educational background. Evaluations of the pre‐ and poststudy questionnaires were carried out using statistical analysis. The results indicated that the devised educational materials were effective in encouraging the community's self‐awareness and perception of diabetes at the significance level of 0.05. Most importantly, the participants demonstrated proficiency in adapting the knowledge gained from the workshop to their own lifestyle.
Carpet weaving: an occupational risk for onychomycosis?
Authors: Kaçar N , Ergin Ş , Ergin Ç , Arslan Ş , Erdoğan BŞ 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground Some occupations carry a risk for fungal infections.Objective To investigate the prevalence of onychomycosis in carpet weavers.Methods Seventy‐seven weavers (the mean age ± SD = 32.97 ± 12.38) from three factories and 77 controls (the mean age ± SD = 38.32 ± 12.38) were examined for onychomycosis. Samples from nails and the carpets, which were being weaved, were taken for mycological investigations.Results Direct microscopic examination of only two controls’ normal‐appearing nails was positive. Fungal growth was observed in the culture of four weavers’ normal‐appearing nails. It was watched over that most of the weavers had polished‐appearing nails and were using a glue containing cynoacrylate to restore their broken nails due to weaving.Conclusion The fungal growth observed in weavers’ nails has been accepted as colonization. There is no data about the presence of fungi on normal‐appearing nails. So, we thought that the weavers with fungal colonization should be followed for the development of onychomycosis.
Soy intake and risk of endocrine‐related gynaecological cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Myung S‐K , Ju W , Choi HJ , Kim SC ,   The Korean Meta‐Analysis (KORMA) Study Group
Published: September 2009

Background Epidemiology studies have reported associations between soy intake and the risk of endocrine‐related gynaecological cancers. However, to date there have been no quantitative meta‐analyses reported regarding this topic.Objectives We investigated the quantitative associations between soy food intake and the risk of endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer by a meta‐analysis of case–control studies and cohort studies.Search strategy We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library during October 2008 using common keywords related to soy intake and endometrial or ovarian cancer. Two evaluators independently reviewed and selected articles, based on predetermined selection criteria.Selection criteria Included studies met all of the following criteria: (1) a case–control study or cohort study (to date, no randomized controlled trials have been reported); (2) investigated the associations between ‘soy or soy product intake’ and ‘endometrial cancer’ or ‘ovarian cancer’; (3) reported outcome measures with adjusted odds ratios (OR) or relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Data collection and analysis We investigated the associations between the overall soy intake (highest versus lowest intake) and the risk of endocrine‐related gynaecological cancers (endometrial or ovarian cancer) as the main analysis. We also performed subgroup analyses by type of cancer (endometrial or ovarian), type of study design (case–control or cohort) and type of soy intake (soy foods or soy constituents).Main results Out of 477 articles that met our initial criteria, a total of seven epidemiology studies consisting of five case–control studies and two cohort studies were included in the final analyses. Compared with the lowest soy intake, the OR for the highest soy intake was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.53–0.72) of all endocrine‐related cancers among seven studies; 0.70 for endometrial cancer (95% CI, 0.57–0.86) and 0.52 for ovarian cancer (95% CI, 0.42–0.66) in the fixed‐effects meta‐analyses. The subgroup analyses by study design showed similar findings among the case–control studies (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.53–0.73) and the cohort studies (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.36–0.90).Author’s conclusions The results of the current study showed protective effects of soy intake on the risk for endocrine‐related gynaecological cancers. Additional larger prospective studies are now needed.
Regulation of PINK1 by NR2B‐containing NMDA receptors in ischemic neuronal injury
Authors: Shan Yuexin , Liu Baosong , Li Lijun , Chang Ning , Li Lei , Wang Hanbin , Wang Dianshi , Feng Hua , Cheung Carol , Liao Mingxia , Cui Tianyuan , Sugita Shuzo , Wan Qi 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDysfunction of PTEN‐induced kinase‐1 (PINK1) is implicated in neurodegeneration. We report here that oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD), anin vitroinsult mimicking ischemic neuron injury, resulted in a significant reduction of PINK1 protein expression in cultured cortical neurons. The decrease of PINK1 expression was blocked by the antagonists of NMDA receptors. We revealed that the overactivation of NR2B‐containing NMDA receptors (NR2BRs) was responsible for the OGD‐induced PINK1 reduction. The overactivated NR2BRs also inhibited the phosphorylation, but not the protein expression, of the cell survival‐promoting kinase Akt after OGD insult, indicating that OGD‐induced reduction of PINK1 protein is specific in the injury paradigm. We further showed that enhancing the protein expression of PINK1 antagonized OGD‐induced reduction of Akt phosphorylation, suggesting that Akt may be a downstream target of PINK1 in ischemic neuron injury. Importantly, we provided evidence that both NR2BR antagonist and PINK1 over‐expression protected against OGD‐induced neuronal death. These results suggest that the overactivation of NR2BRs may contribute to ischemic neuron death through suppressing PINK1‐dependent survival signaling. Thus, selectively antagonizing NR2BR signal pathway‐induced neurotoxicity may be a potential neuroprotection strategy.
Long‐Term Effects of Minimum Drinking Age Laws on Past‐Year Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders
Authors: Norberg Karen E. , Bierut Laura J. , Grucza Richard A. 
Published: September 2009

Background: Many studies have found that earlier drinking initiation predicts higher risk of later alcohol and substance use problems, but the causal relationship between age of initiation and later risk of substance use disorder remains unknown.Method: We use a “natural experiment” study design to compare the 12‐month prevalence ofDiagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition,alcohol and substance use disorders among adult subjects exposed to different minimum legal drinking age laws minimum legal drinking age in the 1970s and 1980s. The sample pools 33,869 respondents born in the United States 1948 to 1970, drawn from 2 nationally representative cross‐sectional surveys: the 1991 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiological Survey (NLAES) and the 2001 National Epidemiological Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Analyses control for state and birth year fixed effects, age at assessment, alcohol taxes, and other demographic and social background factors.Results: Adults who had been legally allowed to purchase alcohol before age 21 were more likely to meet criteria for an alcohol use disorder [odds ratio (OR) 1.31, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 1.15 to 1.46,p < 0.0001] or another drug use disorder (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.44,p = 0.003) within the past‐year, even among subjects in their 40s and 50s. There were no significant differences in effect estimates by respondent gender, black or Hispanic ethnicity, age, birth cohort, or self‐reported age of initiation of regular drinking; furthermore, the effect estimates were little changed by inclusion of age of initiation as a potential mediating variable in the multiple regression models.Conclusion: Exposure to a lower minimum legal purchase age was associated with a significantly higher risk of a past‐year alcohol or other substance use disorder, even among respondents in their 40s or 50s. However, this association does not seem to be explained by age of initiation of drinking, per se. Instead, it seems plausible that frequency or intensity of drinking in late adolescence may have long‐term effects on adult substance use patterns.
Body weight and serum albumin change after prosthodontic treatment among institutionalized elderly in a long‐term care geriatric hospital
Authors: Kanehisa Yayoi , Yoshida Mitsuyoshi , Taji Tsuyoshi , Akagawa Yasumasa , Nakamura Hideo 
Published: September 2009

Abstract –  Objectives:  An important purpose of denture treatment is the improvement of nutritional intake. This is especially important for the dependent elderly who have a high risk of protein‐energy malnutrition. To evaluate the impact of denture treatment on such a population, we compared body weight as an indicator of nutritional status before and 6 months after prosthodontic treatment.Methods:  This study was conducted in a long‐term care geriatric hospital in Hiroshima, Japan from October 2004 to September 2006. One hundred and four patients received complete or partial denture treatment in both jaws. Nineteen patients were lost to the study because of the development of severe physical conditions or death. Among the remaining 85 patients, 66 used their new prostheses and 19 did not. Body weight and serum albumin levels were examined at prosthesis insertion and 6 months after treatment.Results:  Six months after prosthodontic treatment body weight changes were significantly different between users and non‐users regardless of denture type and, in addition, serum albumin level were significantly increased among individuals using partial denture in either or both jaws (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  It can be concluded that prosthodontic treatment may improve the nutritional status of institutionalized elderly.
A ventral prefrontal-amygdala neural system in bipolar disorder: a view from neuroimaging research
Authors: Womer Fay Y. , Kalmar Jessica H. , Wang Fei , Blumberg Hilary P. 
Published: September 2009

In the past decade, neuroimaging research has identified key components in the neural system that underlies bipolar disorder (BD). The ventral prefrontal cortex (VPFC) and amygdala are highly interconnected structures that jointly play a central role in emotional regulation. Numerous research groups have reported prominent structural and functional abnormalities within the VPFC and amygdala supporting their essential role in a neural system underlying the emotional dysregulation that is a core feature of BD. Findings in BD also include those in brain regions interconnected with the VPFC and amygdala, including the ventral striatum, hippocampus and the cerebellum. Abnormalities in these regions may contribute to symptoms that reflect disruption in functions sub-served by these structures, including motivational, mnemonic and psychomotor functions.This article will first review leads from behavioural neurology that implicated these neural system abnormalities in BD. It will then review findings from structural and functional imaging studies to support the presence of abnormalitieswithinthese neural system components in BD. It will also review new findings from studies using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) that provide increasing evidence of abnormalities in the connectionsbetweenthese neural system components in BD. Emerging data supporting differences in this neural system during adolescence, as well as potential beneficial effects of treatment on structure and function will also be presented. Finally, the article will discuss the implications for future investigations, including those for early identification and treatment of BD.
Different Responses of Plant Growth and Antioxidant System to the Combination of Cadmium and Heat Stress in Transgenic and Non‐transgenic Rice
Authors: Zhao Feng‐Yun , Liu Wen , Zhang Shi‐Yong 
Published: September 2009

Abstract A comparative study of just cadmium (Cd) or heat and their combination treatments on some physiological parameters and the antioxidant systems in transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Zhonghua No.11) carrying glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST, EC. 2.5.1.18) and catalase1 (CAT1, EC. 1.11.1.6) and non‐transgenics was conducted. The results revealed improved resistance in the transgenics to Cd and the combined Cd and heat stress than non‐transgenics. Data showed that the activities of CAT, GST, superoxide dismutase (EC.1.15.1.1) and all components of the ascorbate‐glutathione cycle measured in the stressed transgenics shoots are significantly different from those of non‐transgenics. Results indicated that co‐expression of GST and CAT1 had an important effect on the antioxidant system, in particular, the whole ascorbate‐glutathione cycle. The less oxidative damage induced by Cd and the stress combination in the transgenics resulted not only from the GST and CAT1 transgene but also from the coordination of the whole ascorbate‐glutathione cycle.
Induction of Protection against Paraquat‐induced Oxidative Damage by Abscisic Acid in Maize Leaves is Mediated through Mitogen‐activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Ding Hai‐Dong , Zhang Xiao‐Hua , Xu Shu‐Cheng , Sun Li‐Li , Jiang Ming‐Yi , Zhang A‐Ying , Jin Yin‐Gen 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade has been shown to be important components in stress signal transduction pathway. In the present study, protection of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) against paraquat‐generated oxidative toxicity by abscisic acid (ABA), its association with MAPK and ZmMPK5, a candidate for MAPK were investigated. Treatment of maize leaves with exogenous ABA led to significant decreases in the content of malondialdehyde, the percentage of ion leakage and the level of protein oxidation (in terms of carbonyl groups) under paraquat (PQ) stress. However, such decreases were blocked by the pretreatment with two MAPK kinase inhibitors PD98059 and U0126. The damage caused by PQ was further aggravated by inhibitors. Two inhibitors also suppressed the total activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11), and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2). Besides, treatment with PQ stimulated the activation of a 46 kDa MAPK, which was identified as ZmMPK5 by in‐gel kinase assay with immunoprecipitation. These results reveal that ABA‐induced protection against PQ‐generated oxidative damage is mediated through MAPK cascade in maize leaves, in which ZmMPK5, a candidate for MAPK, is demonstrated to be involved.
Differential Neonatal and Postneonatal Infant Mortality Rates Across US Counties: The Role of Socioeconomic Conditions and Rurality
Authors: Sparks P. Johnelle , McLaughlin Diane K. , Stokes C. Shannon 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:
Purpose:

To examine differences in correlates of neonatal and postneonatal infant mortality rates, across counties, by degree of rurality. Methods: Neonatal and postneonatal mortality rates were calculated from the 1998 to 2002 Compressed Mortality Files from the National Center for Health Statistics. Bivariate analyses assessed the relationship between neonatal and postneonatal mortality by Urban Influence (UI) codes. Multivariable, weighted least‐squares regression models included measures of county socioeconomic conditions, health services and environmental risks. Findings: The bivariate analysis indicated neonatal and postneonatal mortality was significantly higher in the most nonmetropolitan counties compared to the most metropolitan counties. However the relationship was not linear across the Urban Influence codes. In the multivariable models, a nonmetropolitan advantage was observed for counties not adjacent to metropolitan areas for neonatal mortality. However, postneonatal mortality rates were higher in the most rural nonmetropolitan counties. Conclusions: Certain characteristics of nonmetropolitan counties not adjacent to metropolitan counties and with an urban area of 2,500 population or more are protective against neonatal mortality (UI = 7, UI = 8). This may indicate that just having access to health services is more important to creating a protective effect for these nonmetropolitan counties than having a high concentration of medical facilities. The nonmetropolitan, not adjacent (UI = 9) disadvantage observed for postneonatal mortality supports the idea that the isolation of these areas combined with the combination of risk factors across the most nonmetropolitan counties leads to poorer postneonatal health outcomes in these areas.
Quantification of the Relative Effects of Temperature, pH, and Water Activity on Inactivation of
Escherichia coli
in Fermented Meat by Meta-Analysis
Authors: McQuestin Olivia J. , Shadbolt Craig T. , Ross Tom 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Outbreaks of
Escherichia coli
infections linked to fermented meats have prompted much research into the kinetics of
E. coli
inactivation during fermented meat manufacture. A meta-analysis of data from 44 independent studies was undertaken that allowed the relative influences of pH, water activity (a
w
), and temperature on
E. coli
survival during fermented meat processing to be investigated. Data were reevaluated to determine rates of inactivation, providing 484 rate data points with various pH (2.8 to 6.14), a
w
(0.75 to 0.986), and temperature (−20 to 66°C) values, product formulations, and
E. coli
strains and serotypes. When the data were presented as an Arrhenius model, temperature (0 to 47°C) accounted for 61% of the variance in the ln(inactivation rate) data. In contrast, the pH or a
w
measured accounted for less than 8% of variability in the data, and the effects of other pH- and a
w
-based variables (i.e., total decrease and rates of reduction of those factors) were largely dependent on the temperature of the process. These findings indicate that although temperatures typically used in fermented meat manufacture are not lethal to
E. coli
per se, when other factors prevent
E. coli
growth (e.g., low pH and a
w
), the rate of inactivation of
E. coli
is dominated by temperature. In contrast, inactivation rates at temperatures above ∼50°C were characterized by smaller
z
values than those at 0 to 47°C, suggesting that the mechanisms of inactivation are different in these temperature ranges. The Arrhenius model developed can be used to improve product safety by quantifying the effects of changes in temperature and/or time on
E. coli
inactivation during fermented meat manufacture.
Quadruplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection and Identification of
Vibrio cholerae
O1 and O139 Strains and Determination of Their Toxigenic Potential
Authors: Huang Jianwei , Zhu Yumei , Wen Huixin , Zhang Jiafeng , Huang Shijie , Niu Jianjun , Li Qingge 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Vibrio cholerae
is a natural inhabitant of the aquatic environment. However, its toxigenic strains can cause potentially life-threatening diarrhea. A quadruplex real-time PCR assay targeting four genes, the cholera toxin gene (
ctxA
), the hemolysin gene (
hlyA
), O1-specific
rfb
, and O139-specific
rfb
, was developed for detection and differentiation of O1, O139, and non-O1, non-O139 strains and for prediction of their toxigenic potential. The specificity of the assay was 100% when tested against 70 strains of
V. cholerae
and 31 strains of non-
V. cholerae
organisms. The analytical sensitivity for detection of toxigenic
V. cholerae
O1 and O139 was 2 CFU per reaction with cells from pure culture. When the assay was tested with inoculated water from bullfrog feeding ponds, 10 CFU/ml could reliably be detected after culture for 3 h. The assay was more sensitive than the immunochromatographic assay and culture method when tested against 89 bullfrog samples and 68 water samples from bullfrog feeding ponds. The applicability of this assay was confirmed in a case study involving 15 bullfrog samples, from which two mixtures of nontoxigenic O1 and toxigenic non-O1/non-O139 strains were detected and differentiated. These data indicate that the quadruplex real-time PCR assay can both rapidly and accurately detect/identify
V. cholerae
and reliably predict the toxigenic potential of strains detected.