bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The shoot regeneration capacity of excised Arabidopsis cotyledons is established during the initial hours after injury and is modulated by a complex genetic network of light signalling
Authors: NAMETH BLAIR , DINKA STEVEN J. , CHATFIELD STEVEN P. , MORRIS ADAM , ENGLISH JENNY , LEWIS DORRETT , ORO ROSALINDA , RAIZADA MANISH N. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTExcised plant tissues (explants) can regenerate new shoot apical meristems in vitro, but regeneration rates can be inexplicably variable. Light affects rates of shoot regeneration, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, excised Arabidopsis cotyledons were dark–light shifted to define the timing of explant light sensitivity. Mutants and pharmacological agents were employed to uncover underlying physiological and genetic mechanisms. Unexpectedly, explants were most light sensitive during the initial hours post‐excision with respect to shoot regeneration. Only ∼100 µmol m−2 s−1 of fluorescent light was sufficient to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in new explants. By 48 h post‐excision, induction of ROS, or quenching of ROS by xanthophylls, increased or decreased shoot regeneration, respectively. Phytochrome A‐mediated signalling suppressed light inhibition of regeneration. Early exposure to blue/UV‐A wavelengths inhibited regeneration, involving photoreceptor CRY1. Downstream transcription factor HY5 mediated explant photoprotection, perhaps by promoting anthocyanin accumulation, a pigment also induced by cytokinin. Surprisingly, early light inhibition of shoot regeneration was dependent on polar auxin transport. Early exposure to ethylene stimulated dark‐treated explants to regenerate, but inhibited light‐treated explants. We propose that variability in long‐term shoot regeneration may arise within the initial hours post‐excision, from inadvertent, variable exposure of explants to light, modulated by hormones.
Dengue in travellers: applicability of the 1975–1997 and the 2009 WHO classification system of dengue fever
Authors: Wieten Rosanne W. , Vlietstra Wytze , Goorhuis Abraham , van Vugt Michèle , Hodiamont Caspar J. , Leenstra Tjalling , de Vries Peter J. , Janssen Saskia , van Thiel Pieter P. , Stijnis Kees , Grobusch Martin P. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectives  The aim of this study was to assess the applicability and benefits of the new WHO dengue fever guidelines in clinical practice, for returning travellers.Methods  We compared differences in specificity and sensitivity between the old and the new guidelines for diagnosing dengue and assessed the usefulness in predicting the clinical course of the disease. Also, we investigated whether hypertension, diabetes or allergies, ethnicity or high age influenced the course of disease.Results  In our setting, the old classification, compared with the new, had a marginally higher sensitivity for diagnosing dengue. The new classification had a slightly higher specificity and was less rigid. Patients with dengue who had warning signs as postulated in the new classification were admitted more often than those who had no warning signs (RR, 8.09 [1.80–35.48]). We did not find ethnicity, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or allergies to be predictive of the clinical course.Conclusions  In our cohort of returned travellers, the new classification system did not differ in sensitivity and specificity from the old system to a clinically relevant degree. The guidelines did not improve identification of severe disease.
Unsustainable funding of high‐burden tuberculosis control programmes: who is responsible?
Authors: Mauch Verena , Baltussen Rob , van der Velden Koos 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe literature suggests that crowding‐out effects of government funding for health happen in low‐income countries with a high HIV burden. In a survey, we investigated the hypothesis that domestic funding for TB control has fallen in 11 low‐income, high‐TB‐burden countries in the context of changes in gross domestic product (GDP), development assistance inflows and national health expenditures. We found that despite rises in GDP per capita between 2003 and 2009, health expenditure as per cent of GDP fell or stayed the same for the majority of these countries. Although TB control budgets increased for all 11 countries in absolute terms, 6 countries reduced government contribution to TB control. For health programmes to become sustainable in the long run, we suggest increases in donor funding for health to be accompanied by requirements to increase domestic funding for health. We thereby attribute responsibility to avoid crowding‐out effects to donors and governments alike. Moreover, it is the responsibility of both to ensure essential items to be funded by government sources to avoid a collapse of programmes once aid is withdrawn.
Clinical and contextual determinants of anthropometric failure at baseline and longitudinal improvements after starting antiretroviral treatment among South African children
Authors: Chhagan Meera K. , Kauchali Shuaib , Van den Broeck Jan 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectives  To describe baseline nutritional anthropometry and its determinants in a cohort of children commencing HAART, and subsequent longitudinal anthropometric trajectories over 2 years.Methods  Prospective observational study in a prepubertal cohort of children commencing HAART in Durban, South Africa.Results  Among 151 children with a median baseline age of 61.3 months (IQR 29.6, 90.1), prevalence of stunting was 54% (95% CI 46, 62) and of underweight, 37% (95% CI 29, 45). There was high prevalence of preceding respiratory and diarrhoeal comorbidities, which were associated with poorer anthropometry. There were significant improvements in height, weight and mid‐upper‐arm circumference z‐scores after initiation of HAART regardless of preceding comorbidities. Stunted children remained shorter on average after 24 months, but younger children had better catch‐up. Children who eventually died had persistently worse anthropometry. Children who were exposed to improved programs for prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT) were younger and had more severe growth impairments at baseline.Conclusion  Anthropometric status of children on HAART is influenced by age, preceding comorbidities, and by programmatic factors. With improved PMTCT programs, infants who would previously have died in infancy are now surviving to commence HAART. Poor outcomes are preceded by persistent anthropometric failure on HAART reaffirming the need for growth velocity monitoring.
How transplant surgeons can overcome the inevitable insufficiency of allograft size during adult living‐donor liver transplantation: strategy for donor safety with a smaller‐size graft and excellent recipient results
Authors: Hori Tomohide , Ogura Yasuhiro , Ogawa Kohei , Kaido Toshimi , Segawa Hajime , Okajima Hideaki , Kogure Takayuki , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSmall‐for‐size grafts are an issue in liver transplantation. Portal venous pressure (PVP) was monitored and intentionally controlled during living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in 155 adult recipients. The indocyanine green elimination rate (kICG) was simultaneously measured in 16 recipients and divided by the graft weight (g) to reflect portal venous flow (PVF). The target PVP was <20 mmHg. Patients were divided by the final PVP (mmHg): Group A, PVP < 12; Group B, 12 ≤ PVP < 15; Group C, 15 ≤ PVP < 20; and Group D, PVP ≥ 20. With intentional PVP control, we performed splenectomy and collateral ligation in 80 cases, splenectomy in 39 cases, and splenectomy, collateral ligation, and additional creation in five cases. Thirty‐one cases received no modulation. Groups A and B showed good LDLT results, while Groups C and D did not. Final PVP was the most important factor for the LDLT results, and the PVP cutoffs for good outcomes and clinical courses were both 15.5 mmHg. The respective kICG/graft weight cutoffs were 3.5580 × 10−4/g and 4.0015 × 10−4/g. Intentional PVP modulation at <15 mmHg is a sure surgical strategy for small‐for‐size grafts, to establish greater donor safety with good LDLT results. The kICG/graft weight value may have potential as a parameter for optimal PVF and a predictor for LDLT results.
The effect of an educational intervention for renal recipients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Urstad Kristin H. , Øyen Ole , Andersen Marit H. , Moum Torbjørn , Wahl Astrid K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimThe purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to test the efficacy of an educational intervention on renal recipient's knowledge, compliance, self‐efficacy, and quality of life.MethodsIn total, 159 renal recipients were randomized to the intervention (N = 77) or control group (N = 82). A total of 139 participants reached second measure point (7–8 wk post‐Tx), and 120 participants reached third measure point (six months post‐Tx). The intervention consisted of five tailored one‐to‐one sessions. Primary outcome was measured by a knowledge questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were measured by “The General‐ Self‐efficacy Scale,” SF‐12 and by number of patient observations (Compliance).ResultsSignificantly higher levels of knowledge were found in the experimental group compared with the control group at both measure points (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004). Compliance was significantly higher in the experimental group at second measure point (p = 0.000). At third measure point, the experimental group reported significantly better scores on self‐efficacy (p = 0.036) and mental score of quality of life (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThis structured, tailored educational intervention, applied in a 7–8 wk post‐transplant period, increased renal recipients’ levels of knowledge on both short and long terms. Furthermore, the intervention was beneficial for patients’ compliance, self‐efficacy, and mental quality of life.
Detecting cryptic speciation in the widespread and morphologically conservative carpet chameleon (Furcifer lateralis) of Madagascar
Authors: FLORIO A. M. , INGRAM C. M. , RAKOTONDRAVONY H. A. , LOUIS E. E. , RAXWORTHY C. J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSpecies delimitation within recently evolved groups can be challenging because species may be difficult to distinguish morphologically. Following the General Lineage Concept, we apply a multiple evidence approach to assess species limits within the carpet chameleon Furcifer lateralis, which is endemic to Madagascar and exported in large numbers for the pet trade. Cryptic speciation within F. lateralis was considered likely because this species (1) has a vast distribution, (2) occupies exceptionally diverse habitats and (3) exhibits subtle regional differences in morphology. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed using nuclear and mitochondrial genes recovered three well‐supported clades corresponding with geography. Morphological results based on canonical variates analysis show that these clades exhibit subtle differences in head casque morphology. Ecological niche modelling results found that these phylogenetic groups also occupy unique environmental space and exhibit patterns of regional endemism typical of other endemic reptiles. Combined, our findings provide diverse yet consistent evidence for the existence of three species. Consequently, we elevate the subspecies F. lateralis major to species rank and name a new species distributed in northern and western Madagascar. Initial ecological divergence, associated with speciation of F. lateralis in humid eastern habitat, fits the Ecographic Constraint model for species diversification in Madagascar. By contrast, the second speciation event provides some support for the Riverine Barrier model, with the Mangoky River possibly causing initial isolation between species. These findings thus support two contrasting models of speciation within closely related species and demonstrate the utility of applying a combined‐evidence approach for detecting cryptic speciation.
Modulation of genes related to specific metabolic pathways in response to cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase knockdown in rice plants
Authors: Ribeiro C. W. , Carvalho F. E. L. , Rosa S. B. , Alves‐Ferreira M. , Andrade C. M. B. , Ribeiro‐Alves M. , Silveira J. A. G. , Margis R. , Margis‐Pinheiro M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAs a central component of the hydrogen peroxide detoxifying system in plant cells, ascorbate peroxidases (APX) play an essential role in the control of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. To characterise the function of cytosolic APX isoforms (OsAPX1 and OsAPX2) in the mechanisms of plant defence, OsAPX1/2 knockdown rice plants were previously obtained. OsAPX1/2 knockdown plants (APx1/2s) exhibited a normal phenotype and development, even though they showed a global reduction of APX activity and increased hydrogen peroxide accumulation. To understand how rice plants compensate for the deficiency of cytosolic APX, expression and proteomic analyses were performed to characterise the global expression pattern of the APx1/2s mutant line compared with non‐transformed plants. Our results strongly suggest that deficiencies in cytosolic APX isoforms markedly alter expression of genes associated with several key metabolic pathways, especially of genes involved in photosynthesis and antioxidant defence. These metabolic changes are compensatory because central physiological processes such as photosynthesis and growth were similar to non‐transformed rice plants. Our analyses showed modulation of groups of genes and proteins related to specific metabolic pathways. Among the differentially expressed genes, the largest number corresponded to those with catalytic activity. Genes related to oxidative stress, carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis and transcription factor‐encoding genes were also modulated. These results represent an important step toward understanding of the role played by cytosolic APX isoforms and hydrogen peroxide in the regulation of metabolism by redox modulation in monocots.
Blue light effects on rose photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis
Authors: Abidi F. , Girault T. , Douillet O. , Guillemain G. , Sintes G. , Laffaire M. , Ahmed H. Ben , Smiti S. , Huché‐Thélier L. , Leduc N. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThrough its impact on photosynthesis and morphogenesis, light is the environmental factor that most affects plant architecture. Using light rather than chemicals to manage plant architecture could reduce the impact on the environment. However, the understanding of how light modulates plant architecture is still poor and further research is needed. To address this question, we examined the development of two rose cultivars, Rosa hybrida‘Radrazz’ and Rosa chinensis‘Old Blush’, cultivated under two light qualities. Plants were grown from one‐node cuttings for 6 weeks under white or blue light at equal photosynthetic efficiencies. While plant development was totally inhibited in darkness, blue light could sustain full development from bud burst until flowering. Blue light reduced the net CO2 assimilation rate of fully expanded leaves in both cultivars, despite increasing stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentrations. In ‘Radrazz’, the reduction in CO2 assimilation under blue light was related to a decrease in photosynthetic pigment content, while in both cultivars, the chl a/b ratio increased. Surprisingly, blue light could induce the same organogenetic activity of the shoot apical meristem, growth of the metamers and flower development as white light. The normal development of rose plants under blue light reveals the strong adaptive properties of rose plants to their light environment. It also indicates that photomorphogenetic processes can all be triggered by blue wavelengths and that despite a lower assimilation rate, blue light can provide sufficient energy via photosynthesis to sustain normal growth and development in roses.
The development of faba bean expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeats (EST‐SSRs) and their validity in diversity analysis
Authors: Akash Muhanad W. , Myers Gerald O. 
Published: June 2012

With 2 figures and 3 tablesAbstractExpressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeats (EST‐SSRs) are gene‐derived SSR markers that are developed using special software to mine complementary DNA (cDNA) clone and EST databases. Three hundred and forty‐nine SSR‐containing ESTs were identified after mining 5031 faba bean EST sequences that correspond to approximately 2.14 Mb. A total of 117 non‐redundant SSR‐containing ESTs were identified, and 34 primer pairs were designed and used to amplify 20 Jordanian accessions: 13 Vicia faba and seven Vicia species. Thirty‐one primers were successfully amplified. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.54 indicated the presence of high polymorphic loci, which were able to discriminate within V. faba and among Vicia species using the unweighted pair‐group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram. The transferability rates of markers ranged from a high of 80.6% in Vicia sativa to a low of 48.4% in Vicia hybrida with an average interspecies transferability of 65.9%. The present study was the first detailed effort to develop and validate a large number of potential SSRs for functional coding sequences in V. faba and related species.
Combination therapy with finasteride and low‐dose dutasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Boyapati Ann , Sinclair Rodney 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTWe report on a 47‐year‐old man who was initially treated with finasteride for androgenetic alopecia. Despite continuous treatment, after year 4 his hair density was not as good as at year 2, and low‐dose dutasteride at 0.5 mg/week was added to the finasteride therapy. This resulted in a dramatic increase in his hair density, demonstrating that combined therapy with finasteride and dutasteride can improve hair density in patients already taking finasteride.
Causes of recurrent or persistent anemia in older people from the results of the São Paulo Ageing & Health Study
Authors: Santos Itamar S , Scazufca Márcia , Lotufo Paulo A , Menezes Paulo R , Benseñor Isabela M 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Anemia is a prevalent condition in older people, and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies identified various causes of anemia in this population. We aimed to determine the frequency and main causes of persistent or recurrent anemia in participants 2 years after their inclusion in the São Paulo Ageing & Health Study (SPAH).Methods:  The SPAH is a cohort study of 2072 individuals aged 65 years or older living in poor neighborhoods of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 2 years after inclusion, participants were reassessed; those with anemia at baseline were eligible for this ancillary study. Individuals were invited to a medical re‐evaluation, including taking blood samples to determine serum iron, ferritin, total iron‐binding capacity, folic acid, vitamin B12, creatinine and transferrin saturation levels, and blood cell and reticulocyte counts. Anemia diagnosis was based on WHO criteria. Information about cause of death before follow‐up assessment was obtained from death certificates.Results:  Of the 203 participants with anemia at inclusion, 97 (47.8%) were reassessed, 48 (23.6%) died before follow‐up assessment, 33 (16.3%) refused to participate and 25 (12.3%) were not traced. A total of 57 (58.8%) of the 97 re‐evaluated participants had persistent or recurrent anemia. Lower baseline hemoglobin was a predictor of anemia during follow up. Major causes of persistent or recurrent anemia at follow up were renal disease (62%) and chronic inflammation (35%).Conclusion:  Anemia was a prevalent and persistent disease in this low‐income sample of older individuals. Micronutrient‐related anemia, chronic blood loss and renal disease are important mechanisms for perpetuating low hemoglobin levels. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 204–208.
Marker‐free site‐specific gene integration in rice based on the use of two recombination systems
Authors: Nandy Soumen , Srivastava Vibha 
Published: June 2012

SummaryTransgene integration mediated by heterologous site‐specific recombination (SSR) systems into the dedicated genomic sites has been demonstrated in a few different plant species. This approach of plant transformation generates a precise site‐specific integration (SSI) structure consisting of a single copy of the transgene construct. As a result, stable transgene expression correlated with promoter strength and gene copy number is observed among independent transgenic lines and faithfully transmitted through subsequent generations. Site‐specific integration approaches use selectable marker genes, removal of which is necessary for the implementation of this approach as a biotechnology application. As SSR systems are also excellent tools for excising marker genes from transgene locus, a molecular strategy involving gene integration followed by marker excision, each mediated by a distinct recombination system, was earlier proposed. Experimental validation of this approach is the focus of this work. Using FLPe‐FRT system for site‐specific gene integration and heat‐inducible Cre‐lox for marker gene excision, marker‐free SSI lines were developed in the first generation itself. More importantly, progeny derived from these lines inherited the marker‐free locus, indicating efficient germinal transmission. Finally, as the transgene expression from SSI locus was not altered upon marker excision, this method is suitable for streamlining the production of marker‐free SSI lines.
RISK AVERSION AND FIELD OF STUDY CHOICE: THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL ABILITY
Authors: De Paola Maria , Gioia Francesca 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTDoes the choice of field of study depend on individual risk aversion? The direction of the relationship between individual risk attitudes and type of university degree chosen is potentially ambiguous. On the one hand, risk averse individuals may prefer degree courses which allow high returns in the labour market; on the other hand, if these degrees expose students to a higher probability of dropping out, those who are more risk averse may be induced to choose less challenging fields. Using data from a sample of students enrolled at a middle‐sized Italian public university in 2009, we find that, controlling for a large number of individual characteristics, more risk averse students are more likely to choose any other field (Humanities, Engineering, and Sciences) rather than Social Sciences. We interpret this result bearing in mind that some of these fields, such as Humanities, involve a reduction in the risk of dropping out, while others (such as Engineering and Sciences) involve a lower risk in the labour market. It also emerges that the effect of risk aversion on degree choice is related to student ability. Risk averse students characterized by high abilities tend to prefer Engineering, while the propensity of risk averse students to enrol in Humanities decreases when ability increases, suggesting that the attention paid to labour market risks and drop‐out risk varies according to student skills.