bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Tiller Bud Outgrowth in thetinMutant of Wheat Is Associated with Precocious Internode Development
Authors: Kebrom Tesfamichael H. , Chandler Peter M. , Swain Steve M. , King Rod W. , Richards Richard A. , Spielmeyer Wolfgang 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTillering (branching) is a major yield component and, therefore, a target for improving the yield of crops. However, tillering is regulated by complex interactions of endogenous and environmental signals, and the knowledge required to achieve optimal tiller number through genetic and agronomic means is still lacking. Regulatory mechanisms may be revealed through physiological and molecular characterization of naturally occurring and induced tillering mutants in the major crops. Here we characterize a reduced tillering (tin, for tiller inhibition) mutant of wheat (Triticum aestivum). The reduced tillering in tin is due to early cessation of tiller bud outgrowth during the transition of the shoot apex from the vegetative to the reproductive stage. There was no observed difference in the development of the main stem shoot apex between tin and the wild type. However, tin initiated internode development earlier and, unlike the wild type, the basal internodes in tin were solid rather than hollow. We hypothesize that tin represents a novel type of reduced tillering mutant associated with precocious internode elongation that diverts sucrose (Suc) away from developing tillers. Consistent with this hypothesis, we have observed upregulation of a gene induced by Suc starvation, downregulation of a Suc-inducible gene, and a reduced Suc content in dormant tin buds. The increased expression of the wheat Dormancy-associated (DRM1-like) and Teosinte Branched1 (TB1-like) genes and the reduced expression of cell cycle genes also indicate bud dormancy in tin. These results highlight the significance of Suc in shoot branching and the possibility of optimizing tillering by manipulating the timing of internode elongation.
The cost‐effectiveness of UK parenting programmes for preventing children's behaviour problems – a review of the evidence
Authors: Stevens Madeleine 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTParenting programmes are widely used in the UK, promoted in policy documents as a cost‐effective way for children's services to address behaviour problems and thereby the longer‐term costs associated with conduct disorders, particularly antisocial behaviour and criminality. To explore whether these programmes are a cost‐effective component of family intervention, this paper examines evidence from cost‐effectiveness studies based on randomized controlled trials, modelling studies estimating longer‐term costs and outcomes, and studies estimating costs of UK parenting programmes, including evidence from routine practice. Findings indicate that parenting programmes have the potential to be cost‐saving in the long term; however, gaps in the evidence include: lack of follow‐up of families who drop out of programmes, absence of control groups in longer‐term follow‐ups, and little information about costs and effects of programmes in routine practice. The size of savings resulting from implementation of effective parenting programmes will depend on the extent to which families likely to be most costly to society attend and experience lasting benefit.
Three models of collaborative child protection: what is their influence on short stays in foster care?
Authors: Garcia Antonio , Puckett Alan , Ezell Mark , Pecora Peter J. , Tanoury Theresa , Rodriguez Wenceslao 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe paper articulates three models of collaboration between child protection services and law enforcement agencies on investigations of child maltreatment, and examines the relative impact of each model on child removals and short‐term foster care placements. An extensive review of the research literature is used to derive lessons for jurisdictions using the different models. Promising strategies from several jurisdictions are described as they relate to collaborative investigations, child removal and short‐term placements. Finally, we provide recommendations to improve child protection investigations and reduce the use of short‐term foster care placements.
Is measurement of maternal serum TSH sufficient screening in early pregnancy? A case for more randomized trials
Authors: Ghassabian Akhgar , Tiemeier Henning 
Published: July 2012

SummaryDuring the past decades, observational studies have demonstrated a relationship between thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy and a range of adverse outcomes in both mother and offspring. However, results from the few randomized trials of screening for thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women have not shown any benefit for women or their children. Before implementing screening in pregnant women at population level, randomized trials are needed to show that screening with subsequent intervention is effective for mothers or children. Here, we review the literature and argue that the findings from existing trials are not conclusive. Until such conclusive evidence from randomized trials is available, the best advice to the clinician is to screen only high‐risk pregnant women. Such women, for example those with symptoms or a history of thyroid problems, should be screened using trimester‐specific reference ranges for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. We recommend new prospective randomized trials that combine different thyroid parameters as the screening tool, apply trimester‐specific ranges for thyroid hormones and examine whether screening and intervention during the first trimester of pregnancy will improve neuropsychological outcomes in the offspring.
Independent association of elevated serum hepatocyte growth factor levels with development of insulin resistance in a 10‐year prospective study
Authors: Tsukagawa Eri , Adachi Hisashi , Hirai Yuji , Enomoto Mika , Fukami Ako , Ogata Kinuka , Kasahara Akiko , Yokoi Kanako , Imaizumi Tsutomu 
Published: July 2012

SummaryObjectiveHepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptors form a hybrid complex with insulin receptors in the liver of mice, which lead to robust signalling to regulate glucose metabolism. Serum HGF levels are high in subjects with metabolic syndrome and/or obesity. Accordingly, we prospectively investigated the relationship between HGF and the development of insulin resistance (IR) in a general population without IR at baseline.MethodsA total of 1492 subjects received health examinations. After excluding subjects with diabetes and/or IR (n = 402) at baseline, the remaining subjects (n = 1090) were followed‐up 10 years later. Complete data sets were available from 716 subjects for prospective analysis. Logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with the development of IR after 10 years.ResultsIn subjects without diabetes at baseline, serum HGF levels were higher (0·26 ± 0·10 ng/ml, n = 259) in subjects with IR than without it (0·22 ± 0·09 ng/ml, n = 1090). After deleting subjects who developed liver disease during follow‐up, 188 were found to have developed IR at 10 years after the original screening. HGF (P < 0·05), age (P < 0·001), homoeostasis model assessment index (P < 0·001), HDL‐c (P < 0·05; inversely) and hypertensive medication (P < 0·05) were significantly associated with the development of IR by multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. A significant (P < 0·05) relative risk [1·75 (95%CI: 1·01–3·12)] for the development of IR was observed in the highest (≥0·30 ng/ml) vs the lowest categories (<0·15 ng/ml) of HGF after adjustments for confounders.ConclusionsOur 10‐year prospective study suggests that elevated serum HGF levels were significantly associated with the development of IR.
Comparing the potential for dispersal via waterbirds of a native and an invasive brine shrimp
Authors: SÁNCHEZ MARTA I. , HORTAS FRANCISCO , FIGUEROLA JORDI , GREEN ANDY J. 
Published: July 2012

Summary1. Migratory waterbirds are likely to have a major role in the spread of many exotic aquatic invertebrates by passive dispersal. However, in the field, this has so far only been confirmed in the case of the American brine shrimp Artemia franciscana, which is spreading quickly around the Mediterranean region.2. We compared experimentally the capacity of A. franciscana and the native brine shrimp Artemia parthenogenetica to disperse via migratory shorebirds. After Artemia resting eggs (cysts) were fed to Redshank Tringa totanus and Dunlin Calidris alpina, we compared the proportion that survived gut passage, their hatchability and their retention time within the gut. We also tested the ability of cysts to stick to the feathers of Black‐tailed Godwit Limosa limosa.3. The proportion of ingested cysts retrieved from faeces was the same for each Artemia species (8%), and there were no significant differences in retention time (mean 1.2 h and maximum 10 h for A. parthenogenetica, 1.4 and 12 h for A. franciscana) or hatchability (11% versus 14%). The two shorebird species showed similar retention times and retrieval rates, but cysts recovered from Dunlin had a significantly higher hatchability. Only one of the 1000 A. parthenogenetica cysts and three of the 1000 A. franciscana cysts stuck to feathers.4. These results indicate that both non‐native and native brine shrimps have a similar high capacity for endozoochory via birds, and that the invasiveness of A. franciscana is probably explained by its competitive superiority owing to high fecundity and release from cestode parasitism. Owing to their different migratory behaviour, Redshank and Dunlin are likely to have different roles as brine shrimp vectors. Brine shrimps provide a suitable model for understanding the role of birds in the dispersal of exotic aquatic invertebrates.
Conflict and containment events in inpatient psychiatric units
Authors: Ross Jamie , Bowers Len , Stewart Duncan 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  To describe the types and frequency of conflict behaviours exhibited by patients during the first 2 weeks of admission to acute psychiatric units, the methods staff use to manage them and bring to the surface underlying common patterns.Background.  Many studies have investigated the prevalence and impact of psychiatric inpatient aggression. Much of the research to date has studied conflict and containment behaviours separately; however, some studies have reported relationships between certain behaviours suggesting that there are complex causal links between conflict and containment behaviours.Design.  A cross‐sectional survey of conflict and containment events.Methods.  Nursing notes were accessed for 522 patients during the first 2 weeks of admission, in 84 wards in 31 hospitals in the South East of England. Conflict and containment events occurring during this period were recorded retrospectively.Results.  Factor analysis revealed six patterns of conflict behaviour, which were related to containment methods and patient demographic factors. These factors confirm some previously reported patterns of conflict.Conclusions.  This study brings to light underlying common patterns of disruptive behaviour by psychiatric inpatients. The reasons for these remain obscure, but may relate to (1) national variations in policy and practice shaping static structural differences of interest between patients and staff and (2) normal developmental age and gender‐specific behaviours.Relevance to clinical practice.  Conflict behaviour patterns may be differently motivated and therefore require different management strategies by staff. There is a need for awareness by clinical staff to the fact that different types of conflict behaviours may be co‐occurring or indicative of each other. Clinical staff should consider that implementation of and changes to hospital policies have the potential to change the nature and frequencies of certain conflict behaviours by patients.
Arabidopsis thaliana ASN2 encoding asparagine synthetase is involved in the control of nitrogen assimilation and export during vegetative growth
Authors: GAUFICHON LAURE , MASCLAUX‐DAUBRESSE CÉLINE , TCHERKEZ GUILLAUME , REISDORF‐CREN MICHÈLE , SAKAKIBARA YUKIKO , HASE TOSHIHARU , CLÉMENT GILLES , AVICE JEAN‐CHRISTOPHE , GRANDJEAN OLIVIER , MARMAGNE ANNE , BOUTET‐MERCEY STÉPHANIE , AZZOPARDI MARIANNE , SOULAY FABIENNE , SUZUKI AKIRA 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTWe investigated the function of ASN2, one of the three genes encoding asparagine synthetase (EC 6.3.5.4), which is the most highly expressed in vegetative leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. Expression of ASN2 and parallel higher asparagine content in darkness suggest that leaf metabolism involves ASN2 for asparagine synthesis. In asn2‐1 knockout and asn2‐2 knockdown lines, ASN2 disruption caused a defective growth phenotype and ammonium accumulation. The asn2 mutant leaves displayed a depleted asparagine and an accumulation of alanine, GABA, pyruvate and fumarate, indicating an alanine formation from pyruvate through the GABA shunt to consume excess ammonium in the absence of asparagine synthesis. By contrast, asparagine did not contribute to photorespiratory nitrogen recycle as photosynthetic net CO2 assimilation was not significantly different between lines under both 21 and 2% O2. ASN2 was found in phloem companion cells by in situ hybridization and immunolocalization. Moreover, lack of asparagine in asn2 phloem sap and lowered 15N flux to sinks, accompanied by the delayed yellowing (senescence) of asn2 leaves, in the absence of asparagine support a specific role of asparagine in phloem loading and nitrogen reallocation. We conclude that ASN2 is essential for nitrogen assimilation, distribution and remobilization (via the phloem) within the plant.
Distribution and characterization of Streptomyces species causing potato common scab in Germany
Authors: Leiminger J. , Frank M. , Wenk C. , Poschenrieder G. , Kellermann A. , Schwarzfischer A. 
Published: July 2012

Field‐grown potatoes showing scab infections were sampled in two successive years and analysed for prevailing Streptomyces strains. In 2008 and 2009, 293 Streptomyces isolates were collected in Germany and analysed for morphology, pathogenicity and strain type. Isolates varied in mycelium colour, sporulation and pigmentation. Based on their morphology, no clear differentiation of species was possible. At the genetic level, sampled isolates, as well as a number of type strains from culture collections, were characterized by PCR using 16S rRNA‐specific primers and PCR‐RFLP of the 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region with Hpy99I. Using this fingerprinting approach, Streptomyces species could be differentiated genotypically. The data from this study show that diversity among scab‐causing species in Germany is much higher than previously thought. Isolates belonged to various Streptomyces spp. previously associated with common scab. This is apparently the first report of pathogenic strains of S. europaeiscabiei, S. stelliscabiei, S. acidiscabiei, S. turgidiscabiei and S. bottropensis within Germany. Streptomyces europaeiscabiei was the predominant species found. Other scab‐causing species were identified, but their local distribution was uneven. For most of the isolates, the presence of the txtAB gene was demonstrated, indicating pathogenicity. This analysis is one of the first reports to examine the distribution of common scab‐causing species in Germany.
A comparison of neuropeptide expression in skin with allergic contact dermatitis in human and mouse
Authors: Lim Yun Young , Kim Hyeong Mi , Lee Hye In , Mun Seog‐Kyun , Kim Chan Woong , Kim Myeung Nam , Kim Beom Joon 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a manifestation of a cell‐mediated immune response, but its mechanism remains unknown. Recently, we investigated whether ACD involves various neuropeptides. Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide that is known to act as a neurokinin receptor when the immune response is initiated. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is a distinct typical neuropeptide and, with SP, induces the immune response. Neuropeptides in neurogenic inflammation are regulated by the inactivation of receptors and enzymes that can cause neuropeptide degradation (e.g. angiotensin‐converting enzyme [ACE]), but no enzyme that can degrade SP and CGRP has yet been reported.Methods  We investigated changes in the expression of SP and CGRP, as representative of typical neuropeptides, in ACD skin in mouse and human and the effect of ACE expression on the degradation of these neuropeptides using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot assay. We also examined the relationship between ACD and neuropeptides in skin tissue from human ACD subjects and mice with induced ACD by analyzing cytokine expression and the results of hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence assay.Results  Expression of SP, CGRP, and ACE was higher in skin tissues from animals with acute ACD than in normal animal skin. However, CGRP expression in human skin with acute ACD was lower than in normal skin, unlike expression of SP and ACE, both of which were higher in ACD human skin than in normal human skin.Conclusions  We found different patterns of neuropeptide expression in human versus mouse skin. These neuropeptide activities were influenced by an increase in neuropeptide degrading enzymes. Our findings show that when SP is produced, expression of CGRP is suppressed in human skin with ACD. The reduction of CGRP expression in patients with acute ACD is caused by mast cells activated by SP.
A comparison of the contrast stains, Chicago blue, chlorazole black, and Parker ink, for the rapid diagnosis of skin and nail infections
Authors: Tambosis Evanthia , Lim Christopher 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  The cheapest, most rapid method for the diagnosis of mycotic skin and nail infections is direct examination of samples using a KOH preparation. The standard KOH wet mount lacks a color contrast. Various contrast dyes are available. Parker ink is one which has been extensively used, however in recent times the stain no longer provides a suitable color contrast. Two other dyes that are available are Chicago blue and chlorazole black.Methods  100 samples of skin or nails were prospectively examined using Chicago blue, chlorazole black, and Parker ink‐KOH stains. The samples were also cultured, with culture being the diagnostic gold standard.Results  The sensitivities and specificities of the Chicago blue, chlorazole black and Parker ink stains were 78% & 96%; 63% & 97%; and 48% and 96%, respectively.Conclusion  The Chicago blue‐KOH stain provides a good color contrast and is a suitable replacement for the Parker ink‐KOH stain. It is suitable for use in the dermatologist’s office or in the laboratory.
Comparison of lateral thermal injury and healing of porcine skin incisions performed by CO2‐laser, monopolar electrosurgery and radiosurgery: a preliminary study based on histological and immunohistochemical results
Authors: Schoinohoriti Ourania K. , Chrysomali Evanthia , Tzerbos Fotis , Ιatrou Ioannis 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  Despite the wide application of lasers and electrosurgery in dermatology, the pertinent literature provides conflicting data regarding the lateral thermal injury (LTI) associated with these instruments and its effects on wound healing. This study aims to quantitate the LTI produced by CO2‐laser, monopolar electrosurgery (MES), and radiosurgery (MRS) and determine its effects on the healing process (re‐epithelialization and inflammatory response) of incisional wounds.Methods  Five adult swine of similar weight (22.8–25 kg) were submitted to standardized full‐thickness incisions on the lateral abdominal skin by the above instruments (at settings similar to those used in clinical practice) and scalpel (control group). Full‐thickness specimens from the surgical site were harvested immediately afterwards and 48 hours later (days 1 and 3). The animals were euthanized by intravenous administration of propofol and pentobarbital. All specimens were formalin fixed, paraffin embedded, cut, and stained with hematoxylin‐eosin to quantitate the extent of LTI and inflammatory infiltration. Sections of day 3 were stained with the MIB‐1 monoclonal antibody to detect Ki‐67 as a marker of epithelial cell proliferation adjacently to the incisions.Results  LTI was most extensive in the CO2‐laser‐group but did not differ significantly between MES‐ and MRS‐groups. Immunohistochemistry ascertained significantly greater epithelial cell proliferation in the CO2‐laser‐group. Inflammatory infiltration was significantly greater in the CO2‐laser‐group, when compared with the controls but did not differ significantly between the MES/MRS and control groups.Conclusion  CO2 laser incisions exhibit more extensive LTI, epithelial cell proliferation, and inflammatory response. Confirmation of these findings requires a greater sample.
The leprosy agents Mycobacterium lepromatosis and Mycobacterium leprae in Mexico
Authors: Han Xiang Y. , Sizer Kurt Clement , Velarde‐Félix Jesús S. , Frias‐Castro Luis O. , Vargas‐Ocampo Francisco 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  Mycobacterium leprae was the only known cause of leprosy until 2008, when a new species, named Mycobacterium lepromatosis, was found to cause diffuse lepromatous leprosy (DLL), a unique form of leprosy endemic in Mexico.Methods  We sought to differentiate the leprosy agents among 120 Mexican patients with various clinical forms of leprosy and to compare their relative prevalences and disease features. Archived skin biopsy specimens from these patients were tested for both M. leprae and M. lepromatosis using polymerase chain reaction‐based species‐specific assays.Results  Etiologic species were confirmed in 87 (72.5%) patients, of whom 55 were infected with M. lepromatosis, 18 with M. leprae, and 14 with both organisms. The endemic regions of each agent differed but overlapped. Patients with M. lepromatosis were younger and were distributed across more states; their clinical diagnoses included DLL (n = 13), lepromatous leprosy (LL) (n = 34), and eight other forms of leprosy. By contrast, the diagnoses of patients with M. leprae did not include DLL but did include LL (n = 15) and three other forms of leprosy. Thus, M. lepromatosis caused DLL specifically (P = 0.023). Patients with M. lepromatosis also showed more variable skin lesions; the extremities were the most common sites of biopsy in these patients. Finally, patients with dual infections manifested all clinical forms and accounted for 16.1% of all species‐confirmed cases.Conclusions  Mycobacterium lepromatosis is another cause of leprosy and is probably more prevalent than M. leprae in Mexico. It mainly causes LL and also specifically DLL. Dual infections caused by both species may occur in endemic areas.
Genetic aspects of sodium channelopathy in small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Hoeijmakers JGJ , Merkies ISJ , Gerrits MM , Waxman SG , Faber CG 
Published: July 2012

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a disorder typically dominated by neuropathic pain and autonomic dysfunction, in which the thinly myelinated Aδ‐fibers and unmyelinated C‐fibers are selectively injured. The diagnosisSFNis based on a reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density and/or abnormal thermal thresholds in quantitative sensory testing. The etiologies ofSFNare diverse, although no apparent cause is frequently seen.Recently,SCN9A‐gene variants (single amino acid substitutions) have been found in ∼30% of a cohort of idiopathicSFNpatients, producing gain‐of‐function changes in sodium channelNaV1.7, which is preferentially expressed in small diameter peripheral axons. Functional testing showed that these variants altered fast inactivation, slow inactivation or resurgent current and rendered dorsal root ganglion neurons hyperexcitable. In this review, we discuss the role ofNaV1.7 in pain and highlight the molecular genetics and pathophysiology ofSCN9A‐gene variants inSFN. With increasing knowledge regarding the underlying pathophysiology inSFN, the development of specific treatment in these patients seems a logical target for future studies.