bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel protein kinase involved in Na+ exclusion revealed from positional cloning
Authors: ROY S. J. , HUANG W. , WANG X. J. , EVRARD A. , SCHMÖCKEL S. M. , ZAFAR Z. U. , TESTER M. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTSalinity is a major abiotic stress which affects crop plants around the world, resulting in substantial loss of yield and millions of dollars of lost revenue. High levels of Na+ in shoot tissue have many adverse effects and, crucially, yield in cereals is commonly inversely proportional to the extent of shoot Na+ accumulation. We therefore need to identify genes, resistant plant cultivars and cellular processes that are involved in salinity tolerance, with the goal of introducing these factors into commercially available crops. Through the use of an Arabidopsis thaliana mapping population, we have identified a highly significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) linked to Na+ exclusion. Fine mapping of this QTL identified a protein kinase (AtCIPK16), related to AtSOS2, that was significantly up‐regulated under salt stress. Greater Na+ exclusion was associated with significantly higher root expression of AtCIPK16, which is due to differences in the gene's promoter. Constitutive overexpression of the gene in Arabidopsis leads to plants with significant reduction in shoot Na+ and greater salinity tolerance. amiRNA knock‐downs of AtCIPK16 in Arabidopsis show a negative correlation between the expression levels of the gene and the amount of shoot Na+. Transgenic barley lines overexpressing AtCIPK16 show increased salinity tolerance.
Stomatal encryption by epicuticular waxes as a plastic trait modifying gas exchange in a Mediterranean evergreen species (Quercus coccifera L.)
Authors: ROTH‐NEBELSICK ANITA , FERNÁNDEZ VICTORIA , PEGUERO‐PINA JOSÉ JAVIER , SANCHO‐KNAPIK DOMINGO , GIL‐PELEGRÍN EUSTAQUIO 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThe adaptive benefit of stomatal crypts remains a matter of controversy. This work studies the effect on gas exchange of cuticular rims that overarch the stomatal pore in the Mediterranean species Quercus coccifera L. growing under Mediterranean (lower relative humidities and high summer temperatures) or oceanic conditions (higher daily relative humidities and mild temperatures). After microscopic assessment of the leaf surfaces and stomatal architecture, the impact of the cuticular ‘cup’ on gas exchange was evaluated by employing three‐dimensional finite element models. Here, we provide evidence for a high plasticity of the Q. coccifera cuticular cup, with much larger vents under oceanic conditions compared to small vents under Mediterranean conditions. This structure adds a substantial fixed resistance thereby strongly decreasing gas exchange under Mediterranean conditions. The cuticular cup, which also increases leaf internal humidity, might buffer the rapid changes in vapour pressure deficit (VPD) often observed under Mediterranean conditions. Since water loss of guard and adjacent epidermal cells regulates stomatal aperture, we suggest that this structure allows an efficient regulation of stomatal conductance and optimum use of resources under high VPD. This study provides evidence that plasticity of stomatal architecture can be an important structural component of hydraulic adaptation to different climate conditions.
UVB radiation and 17‐hydroxygeranyllinalool diterpene glycosides provide durable resistance against mirid (Tupiocoris notatus) attack in field‐grown Nicotiana attenuata plants
Authors: ĐINH SƠN TRƯỜNG , GÁLIS IVAN , BALDWIN IAN T. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTDepending on geographical location, plants are exposed to variable amounts of UVB radiation and herbivore attack. Because the role(s) of UVB in the priming and/or accumulation of plant defence metabolites against herbivores are not well understood, we used field‐grown Nicotiana attenuata plants to explore the effects of UVB on herbivore performance. Consistent with previous reports, UVB‐exposed plants accumulated higher levels of ultraviolet (UV)‐absorbing compounds (rutin, chlorogenic acid, crypto‐chlorogenic acid and dicaffeoylspermidine). Furthermore, UVB increased the accumulation of jasmonic acid, jasmonoyl‐L‐isoleucine and abscisic acid, all phytohormones which regulate plant defence against biotic and abiotic stress. In herbivore bioassays, N. attenuata plants experimentally protected from UVB were more infested by mirids in three consecutive field seasons. Among defence metabolites measured, 17‐hydroxygeranyllinalool diterpene glycosides (HGL‐DTGs) showed strongly altered accumulation patterns. While constitutive HGL‐DTGs levels were higher under UVB, N. attenuata plants exposed to mirid bugs (Tupiocoris notatus) had still more HGL‐DTGs under UVB, and mirids preferred to feed on HGL‐DTGs‐silenced plants when other UVB protecting factors were eliminated by UVB filters. We conclude that UVB exposure not only stimulates UV protective screens but also affects plant defence mechanisms, such as HGL‐DTGs accumulation, and modulates ecological interactions of N. attenuata with its herbivores in nature.
Variation between hospitals in rates of reported transfusion reactions: is a high reporting rate an indicator of safer transfusion?
Authors: Wiersum‐Osselton J. C. , van Tilborgh‐de Jong A. J. W. , Zijlker‐Jansen P. Y. , van de Watering L. M. G. , Brand A. , van der Bom J. G. , Schipperus M. R. 
Published: August 2012

Background and objectives  It has been suggested that the rate of reported transfusion reactions is positively correlated with safety of the transfusion chain in a hospital. We evaluated this assumption in the Transfusion Reactions in Patients Dutch National Hemovigilance Office database taking reported incorrect blood component transfused as a proxy for unsafe transfusion.Methods  Reports from 2006 to 2010 and annual numbers of transfused blood components from the 103 hospitals were analysed. The rate of transfusion reactions per 1000 blood components was calculated per hospital. Logistic regression analysis was performed between reporting of at least one incorrect blood component and tertile of transfusion reaction rate.Results  Out of the 103 hospitals, 101 had complete data in some and 93 in all 5 years. In all, 72 had reported at least one incorrect blood component transfused; this was associated with blood use level and also with rate of reported transfusion reactions: odds ratio 4·2 (95% confidence interval, 1·3–13·7) in the highest vs. the lowest tertile after adjustment for blood use level.Conclusion  Hospitals in the Netherlands which report more transfusion reactions per 1000 units are also more likely to have reported incorrect blood component transfused. The data do not support that hospitals with a higher rate of transfusion reaction reports are safer.
Relationship between social capital and test seeking among blood donors in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira C. D. L. , Goncalez T. , Wright D. , Rocha P. C. , Miranda C. , Capuani L. , Carneiro‐Proietti A. B. , Proietti F. A. , de Almeida‐Neto C. , Larsen N. M. , Sampaio D. , Custer B. ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II), International Component
Published: August 2012

Background and Objectives Higher risk of HIV infection could be associated with test seeking, which is one motivation for donating blood. Cognitive social capital is defined as the social support, trust and co‐operation that guide community behaviour. Structural social capital refers to an individual’s participation in institutions and organizations. The association between social capital and test seeking was assessed.Materials and Methods A survey of over 7500 donors in three Brazilian blood centres was conducted. Test seeking was classified into four non‐overlapping categories (non‐test seeker, possible, presumed and self‐disclosed test seekers) using one direct and two indirect questions. Social capital was summarized into cognitive and structural categorizations. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.Results Compared with non‐test seekers (62% of survey respondents), cognitive social capital was higher for each category of test seeking (OR = 1.1, 7.4, 7.1,P < 0.05 respectively). Male gender, lower education and lower income were also significantly associated with test seeking.Conclusion As test seekers appear to have strong social networks, blood banks may leverage this to convince them to seek testing at other locations.
Population Structure and Management of Podosphaera pannosaAssociated with Peach Powdery Mildew in Oman
Authors: Al‐Sadi Abdullah M. , Al‐Raisi Ibtihal J. , Al‐Azri Masood , Al‐Hasani Hamoud , Al‐Shukaili Mohammed S. , Al‐Shuraiqi Saif M. , Al‐Fahdi Khater O. , Deadman Mike L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn 2004, severe powdery mildew infection on peach occurred in Al‐Jabal Al‐Akdhar, Oman, and resulted in substantial yield losses to growers. This study was conducted to investigate occurrence, causal agents, genetic diversity and efficacy of azoxystrobin in management of this disease. Powdery mildew was observed on all farms and peach trees in Al‐Jabal Al‐Akdhar. Disease symptoms were first observed on shoots in April, followed by appearance on fruits. Disease severity reached its peak between May and June. Morphological and molecular identification of 22 powdery mildew isolates indicated that all belong to Podosphaera pannosa. Podosphaera pannosa reproduced the same symptoms upon inoculation on peach leaves. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms analysis of 35 isolates of P. pannosa from five different villages using four primer pair combinations produced 688 polymorphic loci and 35 different genotypes. Populations of P. pannosa were found to have low levels of gene diversity (H = 0.1858), which suggests that P. pannosa has been recently introduced into Al‐Jabal Al‐Akdhar. Analysis of molecular variance showed low levels of genetic differentiation among populations from the different villages, implying the introduction of P. pannosa into the different villages via common sources as well as frequent movement of pathogen inoculum among the different villages. Evaluating the efficacy of azoxystrobin showed that azoxystrobin is as efficacious as thiophanate‐methyl in managing the disease, with sulphur being the least efficacious. The study is the first to report the presence of P. pannosa in Oman. Also reported are its genetic diversity and its management under commercial conditions.
Characterization of resistance to Synchytrium endobioticum in cultivated potato accessions from the collection of Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry
Authors: Khiutti Alexander , Afanasenko Olga , Antonova Olga , Shuvalov Oleg , Novikova Lubov , Krylova Ekaterina , Chalaya Nadezhda , Mironenko Nina , Spooner David M. , Gavrilenko Tatjana 
Published: August 2012

With 7 figures and 1 table
AbstractThe causal agent of potato wart (Synchytrium endobioticum) is an obligate parasitic chytrid fungus. It is included as a quarantine pathogen in 55 countries, with losses in susceptible cultivars reaching 50–100%. The aim of our study was to characterize the resistance to S. endobioticum pathotype 1 in cultivated potatoes from a well‐characterized subset of the Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry collection and to determine whether this resistance is associated with cultivated potato species taxonomy, with ploidy, with geographic distance or with a molecular marker Nl25‐1400 proposed for molecular screening for resistance to pathotype 1 of S. endobioticum. Within the diversity of 52 landrace genotypes, our work shows a lack of such predictive associations with wart resistance. High intraspecific variation of wart diseases resistance allows the selection of extremely resistant and susceptible genotypes available for future genetic and breeding studies.
Conducting a paediatric multi‐centre RCT with an industry partner: Challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Maskell Jessica , Newcombe Peter , Martin Graham , Kimble Roy 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThere are many benefits of multi‐centred research including large sample sizes, statistical power, timely recruitment and generalisability of results. However, there are numerous considerations when planning and implementing a multi‐centred study.This article reviews the challenges and successes of planning and implementing a multi‐centred prospective randomised control trial involving an industry partner. The research investigated the impact on psychosocial functioning of a cosmetic camouflage product for children and adolescents with burn scarring.Multi‐centred studies commonly have many stakeholders. Within this study, six Australian and New Zealand paediatric burn units as well as an industry partner were involved. The inclusion of an industry partner added complexities as they brought different priorities and expectations to the research. Further, multifaceted ethical and institutional approval processes needed to be negotiated. The challenges, successes, lessons learned and recommendations from this study regarding Australian and New Zealand ethics and research governance approval processes, collaboration with industry partners and the management of differing expectations will be outlined.Recommendations for future multi‐centred research with industry partners include provision of regular written reports for the industry partner; continual monitoring and prompt resolution of concerns; basic research practices education for industry partners; minimisation of industry partner contact with participants; clear roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders and utilisation of single ethical review if available.
Delayed diagnosis of developmental dislocation of the hip: the Western Australian experience
Authors: Lisle Ryan , Boekelaar Michelle , Stannage Katherine , Whitewood Colin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground:  A delay in the diagnosis of developmental dislocation of the hip has many long‐term consequences. This retrospective study was undertaken in order to establish an incidence of late‐presenting developmental dislocation of the hip in Western Australia, and investigate possible causes for missed diagnoses.Method:  Data were collected retrospectively from 1 January to 31 December 2010. Theatre records were searched for operative descriptions including the words ‘arthrogram hip’, ‘EUA hip’, ‘closed reduction hip’, ‘open reduction hip’ and ‘spica’. Medical records were checked to establish the demographic details and background history of cases identified. Delayed diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) was defined as a dislocated hip requiring operative reduction, diagnosed at age greater than 3 months.Results:  Seventeen children with 21 dislocated hips were identified. Age at diagnosis ranged from 6 months to 5 years. Girls accounted for 88.2% (15/17) and the left hip was involved two‐thirds of the time (14/21). Bilateral dislocations were found in four children.Conclusion:  This study has identified an incidence of late‐presenting developmental hip dislocation of approximately three times the previously established rate. Possible reasons for this are explored. Additional retrospective audit is now underway, and changes are already in place to ensure that infants with DDH born in Western Australia are identified and treated as early as possible.
Evaluation of neonatal outcomes in elective repeat cesarean delivery at term according to weeks of gestation
Authors: Ertuğrul Serkan , Gün İsmet , Müngen Ercüment , Muhçu Murat , Kılıç Selim , Atay Vedat 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  Our aim is to evaluate the association between gestational age at delivery and neonatal outcomes in elective cesarean delivery.Material and Methods:  A total of 1784 viable singleton pregnancies that were delivered by elective caesarean section at term were included in the study. All pregnancies were categorized according to the number of completed weeks of gestation (37+0–6, 38+0–6, 39+0–6 and ≥40+0 weeks). In this study, the patient groups compared in terms of demographic characteristics and neonatal outcomes.Results:  The rates of the neonatal intensive care unit admission were 8.7%. When maternal and neonatal characteristics were statistically analyzed, the incidence of advanced maternal age and previous cesarean delivery increased as gestational age at delivery decreased; the incidence of nuchal cord and delivering a baby of ≥4000 g at birth increased as gestational age at delivery increased. As compared with deliveries at 39 weeks, cesarean delivery at 37 weeks of gestation had significantly higher risk, including that of neonatal intensive care unit admission, transient tachypnea of the newborn after delivery and O2 support. There was one perinatal death observed in the study.Conclusions:  According to the results of our study, compared to elective cesarean delivery after 37 weeks of gestation, elective cesarean delivery at 37 weeks of gestation was associated with a statistically significant increase in neonatal mortality. Therefore, elective cesarean delivery should not be performed at 37 weeks of gestation and 39 weeks of gestation appears to be the ideal timing for elective cesarean delivery.
SHP‐2 phosphatase promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation through inhibiting interferon‐β production
Authors: Meng Fei , Zhao Xiaoyun , Zhang Shulan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Src‐homology‐2‐domain‐containing protein, tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP‐2) on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells.Material and Methods:  A total of 45 patients with cervical cancer (stage I–III), 32 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and 20 healthy subjects were consecutively recruited. The levels of SHP‐2 and interferon (IFN)‐β expression in cervical tissues were characterized by immunohistochemistry and statistically analyzed by logistic regression. Following knockdown of SHP‐2 expression by a siRNA or pre‐treatment with a specific peptide, the effect of SHP‐2 expression in THP‐1 cells on the growth and survival of SiHa cells and on IFN‐β production was determined by co‐culture assays, 3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiazol (‐z‐y 1)‐3,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, and enzyme immunosorbent assay.Results:  The levels of SHP‐2 expression in cervical cancer tissues were significantly higher than that in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and uterine myoma tissues (P < 0.05, respectively), and negatively correlated with the levels of IFN‐β expression in these tissues (R = −0.582, P < 0.05). Knockdown of SHP‐2 expression with SHP‐2 siRNA or treatment with the SHP‐2‐specific blocking peptide in THP‐1 cells significantly increased the production of IFN‐β (P < 0.05, respectively) and inhibited the proliferation of SiHa cells in a co‐culture system of THP‐1 and SiHa cells (P < 0.05, respectively).Conclusions:  SHP‐2 phosphatase promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation through inhibiting IFN‐β production.
Efficacy of intra‐umbilical oxytocin in the management of retained placenta: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Samanta Ajanta , Roy Samir Ghosh , Mistri Pallab Kumar , Mitra Anirban , Pal Ranjan , Naskar Animesh , Bhattacharya Sanjay Kumar , Pal Partha Pratim , Pande Arindam 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  Retained placenta is an important cause of maternal mortality. The present study was aimed to determine the efficacy of umbilical injection of oxytocin as a treatment modality in this condition.Material and Methods:  This was a single‐center randomized controlled trial incorporating 58 women with retained placenta of more than 30 min, equally distributed into two study arms of intra‐umbilical injection of oxytocin (50 IU oxytocin diluted with normal saline [NS] to a total volume 30 mL) and intra‐umbilical injection of NS (30 mL). Primary outcome was expulsion of the placenta within 30 min following intervention. All the data were analyzed on an intention‐to‐treat basis.Results:  The success rate in the intra‐umbilical oxytocin group was 51.72% compared to 20.69% in the control arm. This difference in the primary outcome was statistically significant with a P‐value < 0.05 (P = 0.014) favoring intra‐umbilical oxytocin infusion with an efficacy rate of 1.5 and a number‐needed‐to‐treat of 3. The peripartum bleeding complications were more in the NS group with a statistically higher (P < 0.001) requirement of extra oxytocin to control post‐partum bleeding. There were no differences between the two groups in respect to other secondary outcomes, such as post‐partum fever, antibiotic requirement and hospital stay.Conclusion:  Umbilical vein injection of 50 IU oxytocin in 30 mL of NS delivered effectively via the umbilical cord with milking in cases of retained placenta seems a simple and promising technique to reduce the incidence of a potentially morbid procedure and other complications.
Effect of local gentamicin–collagen on perineal wound complications and cancer recurrence after abdominoperineal resection: a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Collin Å. , Gustafsson U.‐M. , Smedh K. , Påhlman L. , Graf W. , Folkesson J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim  Perineal wound sepsis is a common problem after abdominoperineal resection of the rectum (APR), with a reported incidence of 10–15% in previously non‐irradiated patients, 20–30% in patients given preoperative radiation and 50% among patients submitted to preoperative radiation combined with chemotherapy. The local application of gentamicin–collagen was evaluated to determine whether its use in the perineal wound reduced risk complications and had an effect on cancer recurrence.Method  In this prospective multicentre (seven hospitals) randomized controlled trial, 102 patients undergoing APR due to cancer or benign disease were randomized into two groups including surgery with gentamicin–collagen (GS+, n = 52) or surgery without gentamicin–collagen (GS−, n = 50). Patients were followed at 7, 30 and 90 days and at 1 and 5 years.Results  There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding perineal wound complications, infectious or non‐infectious, or cancer recurrence.Conclusion  There was no statistically significant effect on perineal wound complications or cancer recurrence following the local administration of gentamicin–collagen during APR.