bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gingival tissue autophagy pathway gene expression profiles in periodontitis and aging
Authors: Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Kirakodu Sreenatha , Novak Michael J. , Dawson Dolph , Stromberg Arnold J. , Orraca Luis , Gonzalez‐Martinez Janis , Burgos Armando , Gonzalez Octavio A.
Published: August 2020

Objective

We hypothesized that autophagy‐related genes will be differentially expressed in periodontitis, suggesting an impaired gingival autophagic response associated with disease.

Background

Autophagy is a cellular physiologic mechanism to maintain tissue homeostasis, while deficient autophagic responses increase inflammation and susceptibility to infection.

Methods

Rhesus monkeys [<3 years to 23 years of age (n = 34)] were examined for periodontal health and naturally occurring periodontitis. Gingival tissues samples were obtained from healthy or diseased sites, total RNA was isolated, and the Rhesus Gene Chip 1.0 ST (Affymetrix) was used for gene expression analysis of 150 autophagy‐related genes.

Results

Comparison of expression levels with adult healthy tissues demonstrated a rather limited number of individual genes that were significantly different across the age‐groups. In contrast, with periodontitis in the adults and aged animals, about 15% of the genes were significantly increased or decreased. The differences were reflected in the mTOR complex (5/12), ULK1/ATG1 complex (5/9), PI3K complex (5/21), ATG9 complex (2/7), ATG12 conjugation/LC3 lipidation (7/22), and lysosome fusion/vesicle degradation [LF/VD (5/10)] activities within the broader autophagic pathway. The genes most greatly altered in gingival tissues of naturally occurring periodontitis were identified in the ATG12 and LF/VD pathways that approximated 50% of the genes in each of those categories. While healthy gingival aging did not appear to reflect altered autophagy gene expression, substantial differences were noted with periodontitis irrespective of the age of the animals. Future studies into the role of autophagy in periodontitis and could offer potential new therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or treat periodontal disease.
Do dreams tell the future? Dream content as a predictor of cognitive deterioration in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bugalho Paulo , Ladeira Filipa , Barbosa Raquel , Marto João Pedro , Borbinha Cláudia , Salavisa Manuel , da Conceição Laurete , Saraiva Marlene , Fernandes Marco , Meira Bruna
Published: August 2020

Cross‐sectional studies suggest a correlation between alterations in dream content reports and executive dysfunction tests in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but this has not been assessed in longitudinal studies. Our objective was to assess the predictive value of dream content for progression of cognitive dysfunction in PD. We prospectively addressed all consecutive, non‐demented patients with PD attending an outpatient clinic during a 1‐year period. Dream reports were collected at baseline by means of a dream diary and analysed according to the Hall and Van de Castle system. Patients were assessed at baseline for rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, motor stage, mood disorder and psychosis. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was applied at baseline and 4 years later. Linear regression analysis was used to the test the relation between each dream index (predictors), demographic and other motor and non‐motor variables (covariates), and change in MoCA scores (dependent variable). In all, 58 patients were assessed at both time points and 23 reported at least one dream (range 1–27, total 148). Aggression, physical activities, and negatively toned content predominated in dream reports. The MoCA scores decreased significantly from baseline to follow‐up. In the multivariate model, negative emotion index was the strongest predictor of cognitive decline. We found a significant positive association between negative emotions in dreams at baseline and subsequent reduction in MoCA scores. These findings suggest that some dream content in patients with PD could be considered a predictor of cognitive decline, independent of other factors known to influence either dream content or cognitive deterioration.
Vestibular disease in dogs under UK primary veterinary care: Epidemiology and clinical management
Authors: Radulescu Sinziana Maria , Humm Karen , Eramanis Louis Mark , Volk Holger A. , Church David B. , Brodbelt David , O'Neill Dan Gerard
Published: August 2020

Background

Vestibular disease (VD), central or peripheral, can be a dramatic primary‐care presentation. Current literature describes mostly dogs examined in referral centers.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Describe the prevalence, presentation, clinical management, and outcomes of VD in dogs under primary veterinary care at UK practices participating in VetCompass.

Animals

Seven hundred and fifty‐nine vestibular cases identified out of 905 544 study dogs.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Potential VD cases clinically examined during 2016 were verified by reviewing clinical records for signalment, presenting clinical signs, treatments, and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with VD.

Results

The overall prevalence of VD was 8 per 10 000 dogs (95% CI = 7‐9). Median age at first diagnosis was 12.68 years (interquartile range [IQR], 11.28‐14.64). Compared with crossbreeds, breeds with the highest odds of VD diagnosis included French Bulldogs (odds ratio [OR] = 9.25, 95% CI = 4.81‐17.76,P < .001), Bulldogs (OR = 6.53, 95% CI = 2.66‐16.15,P < .001), King Charles Spaniels (OR = 4.96, 95% CI = 2.52‐9.78,P < .001), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (OR = 3.56, 95% CI = 2.50‐5.06,P < .001), and Springer Spaniels (OR = 3.37, 95% CI = 2.52‐4.52,P < .001). The most common presenting signs were head tilt (69.8%), nystagmus (68.1%), and ataxia (64.5%). The most frequently used treatments were antiemetics (43.2%), systemic glucocorticoids (33.1%), antimicrobials (25%), and propentofylline (23.25%). There were 3.6% of cases referred. Improvement was recorded in 41.8% cases after a median of 4 days (IQR, 2‐10.25).

Conclusions

Our study identifies strong breed predispositions for VD. The low referral rates suggest that primary‐care data sources offer more generalizable information for benchmarking to help clinicians review their own clinical activities.
Professional learning, organisational change and clinical leadership development outcomes
Authors: Hofmann Riikka , Vermunt Jan D.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study is to develop a conceptually sound outcome model for clinical leadership (CL) development in healthcare, linking individual professional learning and organisational change. Frontline doctors’ CL is often offered as a solution to healthcare challenges worldwide. However, there is a paucity of rigorous evidence of effectiveness of CL development, or theories supporting it. Importantly, the literature currently lacks robust outcome models for CL development, impeding robust impact evaluations.

Methods

This multi‐source, sequential integrated mixed‐methods study draws on systematic content analysis of NHS policy documents and empirical data from a CL programme evaluation study: exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of 142 participants’ survey responses and thematic qualitative analysis of 30 in‐depth participant interviews across six cohorts. Through integrating findings from the three analyses we examine: (a) the expected organisational outcomes of CL, (b) individual learning outcomes of CL development, and (c) the mechanisms linking the two.

Results

The policy analysis identified three desired solutions to key healthcare problems which CL is expected to offer: Speeding up good practice, Inter‐professional collaboration and dialogue, and Change and transformation. Triangulating the EFA results with the qualitative analysis produced five individual outcome constructs: Self‐efficacy, Engaging stakeholders, Agency, Boundary‐crossing expertise, and Willingness to take risks and to learn from risks and failures. Further qualitative analysis uncovered key mechanisms linking the individual outcomes with the desired organisational changes.

Discussion

Despite significant investments into CL development in the UK and worldwide, the absence of conceptually robust and operationally specific outcome models linking individual and organisational impact impedes rigorous evaluations of programme effectiveness. Our study developed a novel individual and organisational outcome model including a theory of change for clinical leadership. Our findings further contribute to professional learning theory in medical settings by conceptualising and operationalising the mechanisms operating between individual and organisational learning outcomes.
Age‐related differences in gut microbial community composition of captive spotted seals (Phoca largha)
Authors: Tian Jiashen , Du Jing , Han Jiabo , Song Xinran , Lu Zhichuang
Published: August 2020

Age is an important factor that significantly impacts the gut microbiota of various mammals. Captive spotted seals (Phoca largha) provide an ideal opportunity to study how age affects their gut microbiota, excluding other environmental factors, which is a challenge when monitoring wildlife. Here, the bacterial composition of the feces of captive spotted seals from four age groups were analyzed; namely, pup (<1 year old), juvenile (1–2 years old), subadult (2–3 years old), and adult (≥4 years old). Firmicutes were the dominant bacteria in all measured feces; however, the composition of gut microbiota in seals of different ages was distinct. Blautia, Slackia, and an unclassified Peptostreptococcaceae were more abundant in pups; Clostridium was abundant in juveniles; Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, and Psychrobacter were abundant in subadults; and Dorea and Peptostreptococcus abundant in adults. Two and 4 years of age appeared to be the most influential time nodes for variation in gut microbiota. In conclusion, this study identified age‐related differences in the composition of gut microbiota in P. largha.
The basal transcription factor II H subunit Tfb5 is required for stress response and pathogenicity in the tangerine pathotype of Alternaria alternata
Authors: Fu Huilan , Chung Kuang‐Ren , Gai Yunpeng , Mao Lijuan , Li Hongye
Published: August 2020

The basal transcription factor II H (TFIIH) is a multicomponent complex. In the present study, we characterized a TFIIH subunit Tfb5 by analysing loss‐ and gain‐of‐function mutants to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying stress resistance and pathogenicity in the citrus fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata. Tfb5 deficiency mutants (ΔAatfb5) decreased sporulation and pigmentation, and were impaired in the maintenance of colony surface hydrophobicity and cell wall integrity. ΔAatfb5 increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light, DNA‐damaging agents, and oxidants. The expression of Aatfb5 was up‐regulated in the wild type upon infection in citrus leaves, implicating the requirement of Aatfb5 in fungal pathogenesis. Biochemical and virulence assays revealed that ΔAatfb5 was defective in toxin production and cellwall‐degrading enzymes, and failed to induce necrotic lesions on detached citrus leaves. Aatfb5 fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus and physically interacted with another subunit, Tfb2, based on yeast two‐hybrid and co‐immunoprecipitation analyses. Transcriptome and Antibiotics & Secondary Metabolite Analysis Shell (antiSMASH) analyses revealed the positive and negative roles of Aatfb5 in the production of various secondary metabolites and in the regulation of many metabolic and biosynthetic processes in A. alternata. Aatfb5 may play a negative role in oxidative phosphorylation and a positive role in peroxisome biosynthesis. Two cutinase‐coding genes (AaCut2 and AaCut15) required for full virulence were down‐regulated in ΔAatfb5. Overall, this study expands our understanding of how A. alternata uses the basal transcription factor to deal with stress and achieve successful infection in the plant host.
Extreme and variable environmental temperatures are linked to reduction of social network cohesiveness in a highly social passerine
Authors: Rat Margaux , Mathe‐Hubert Hugo , McKechnie Andrew E. , Sueur Cedric , Cunningham Susan J.
Published: August 2020

Organisms living in hot, arid environments face important risks associated with hyperthermia and dehydration which are expected to become more severe with climate change. To mitigate these risks, individuals often modify behaviour, e.g. reducing activity and seeking shade. These behavioural modifications may affect interactions between individuals, with consequences for the social structure of groups. We tested whether the social structure of cooperative groups of sociable weaversPhiletairus sociusvaried with environmental temperature. We recorded the nature and frequency of interactions at feeders positioned beneath three sociable weaver colonies (n = 49 identified birds) in the Kalahari Desert with respect to environmental temperatures over a 30‐day period. Using random forest models, we examined whether thermal conditions predicted variation in social network structure. We also conducted focal observations of individual weavers to assess functional links between temperature, intensity of heat dissipation behaviour (panting) and immediate effects on social behaviour. Our results suggest that the social structure of weaver colonies becomes less cohesive and more fragmented at extreme and variable environmental temperatures. These changes in network structure appear to be linked with individuals’ heat dissipation behaviour: extreme and variable temperatures were associated with increased panting, which was significantly correlated with an immediate reduction in the frequency of association. Collectively, our results indicate that interactions within groups could be disturbed by environmental temperature variation and extremes. Changing temperature regimes could therefore affect the functioning of animal societies by altering social networks.
Habitat deterioration relaxes resource competition and sexual selection in the threespine stickleback
Authors: Henriksson Eva , Candolin Ulrika
Published: August 2020

The operation of sexual selection depends on ecological conditions. Thus, changes in environmental conditions because of human activities can alter the strength and direction of sexual selection, with implications for evolutionary trajectories and the viability of populations. We show that aquatic algal blooms can relax the operation of sexual selection by influencing which males are available to attract females. This is by influencing the ability of males to maintain a resource needed in mate attraction. When we exposed two competing threespine stickleback males Gasterosteus aculeatus, whose attractiveness to females was known, to either clear or algal‐turbid water, nest abandonment was more common in clear water, and it was usually the unattractive male that abandoned his nest. In turbid water, on the other hand, nest abandonments were less common and when they occurred, the probability increased that the attractive male abandoned his nest, and that the unattractive male subsequently occupied it. This change in the composition of nesting males increased the mating success of unattractive males. Thus, our results reveal a new mechanism through which habitat deterioration can influence sexual selection, by altering success in the competition for a resource critical in mate attraction, a territory with a nest in this case. This could be a common mechanism, considering the prevalence of resource competition in mate choice systems. On a broader level, our results emphasise the importance of considering the impact of environmental changes on the outcome of resource competition when investigating the influence that environmental disturbances have on the operation of sexual selection and thereby on evolutionary processes and population dynamics.
Comparison of blur and magnification effects on stereopsis: overall and meridional, monocularly‐ and binocularly‐induced
Authors: Atchison David A , Schmid Katrina L , Haley Emma C , Liggett Elisabeth M , Lee Sally J , Lu Jianing , Moon Ho Jung , Baldwin Alex S , Hess Robert F
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To determine whether monocularly‐ and binocularly‐induced spherical and meridional blur and aniseikonia had similar effects on stereopsis thresholds.

Methods

Twelve participants with normal binocular vision viewed McGill modified random dot stereograms to determine stereoacuities in a four‐alternative forced‐choice procedure. Astigmatism was induced by placing trial lenses in front of the eyes. Twenty‐three conditions were used, consisting of zero (no lens), +1 D and +2 D spheres and cylinders at axes 180, 45 and 90 in front of the right eye, and the following binocular combinations of both lens powers: R × 180/L × 180, R × 45/L × 45, R × 90/L × 90, R sphere/L sphere, R × 180/L × 90, R × 45/L × 135, R × 90/L × 180. Aniseikonia was induced by placing magnifying lenses in front of the eyes. Twenty‐three conditions were used, consisting of zero, 6% and 12% overall magnification and both magnifications at axes 180, 45 and 90 in front of the right eye only, and the following binocular combinations using 3% and 6% lenses: R × 90/L × 90, R × 45/L × 45, R × 180/L × 180, R overall/L overall, R × 90/L × 180, R × 45/L × 135, and R × 180/L × 90.

Results

Stereopsis losses for binocular blur effects with parallel axes (non‐anisometropic) were the same as for monocular blur effects of the same axes, and these were strongly dependent on axis (spherical blur and ×90 had the greatest effects). Binocular blur effects with orthogonal axes had greater effects than with parallel axes, with the axis combination of the former having no effect (e.g. R × 90/L × 180 was similar to R × 45/L × 135). For induced aniseikonia, splitting the magnifications between the eyes improved stereopsis slightly, and the effects were not dependent on axis.

Conclusion

Binocular blur affects stereopsis similarly to monocular meridional blur if axes in the two eyes are parallel, whereas the effect is greater if the axes are orthogonal. In meridional aniseikonia, splitting magnification between the right and left lenses produces a small improvement in stereopsis that is independent of axis direction and right/left combination.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Surgery in the United States
Authors: Rabbitts Jennifer A. , Groenewald Cornelius B.
Published: August 2020

Background

The epidemiology of pediatric surgery in the United States and whether disparities in access to surgical care exist on a national level remain inadequately described.

Aims

We determined rates of surgical intervention and associations with sociodemographic factors among children 0‐17 years of age in the United States.

Methods

Analysis of the 2005‐2018 National Health Interview Survey samples included 155,064 children. Parents reported on whether their child had a surgery or surgical procedure either as an inpatient or outpatient over the past 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, race and ethnicity, income, language, parent education, region, having a usual source of care, and comorbid conditions, examined odds ratios for sociodemographic factors associated with surgery, analyzing the most recent data (2016‐2018; 25 544 children).

Results

In the most recent data, 4.7% of children had surgical intervention each year, with an average of 3.9 million surgeries performed annually. Rates of surgery were stable between 2005 and 2018. Minority children had lower adjusted odds (aOR) of surgical intervention as compared to white, non‐Hispanic children (aOR = 0.6, 95%CI = 0.5‐0.8 for black children, and aOR = 0.7, 95%CI = 0.5‐0.9 for Hispanic children). Other sociodemographic factors associated with a lower adjusted odd of surgical intervention included uninsured status (aOR = 0.5; 95%CI = 0.3‐0.9), and primary language other than English (aOR = 0.5; 95%CI 0.3‐0.9). Income was not associated with surgical intervention.

Conclusions

On average, 3.9 million surgeries are performed on children 0‐17 years of age in the United States each year. Significant disparities exist in surgical care for children, with black and Hispanic children having lower rates of surgery over and above contribution of other disparity domains. These findings in a nationally representative sample highlight the need for national policies to eliminate disparity of care received by minority children.
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling in melanocyte pigmentation and melanomagenesis
Authors: Bang Jakyung , Zippin Jonathan H.
Published: August 2020

The second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates numerous functions in both benign melanocytes and melanoma cells. cAMP is generated from two distinct sources, transmembrane and soluble adenylyl cyclases (tmAC and sAC, respectively), and is degraded by a family of proteins called phosphodiesterases (PDEs). cAMP signaling can be regulated in many different ways and can lead to varied effects in melanocytes. It was recently revealed that distinct cAMP signaling pathways regulate pigmentation by either altering pigment gene expression or the pH of melanosomes. In the context of melanoma, many studies report seemingly contradictory roles for cAMP in tumorigenesis. For example, cAMP signaling has been implicated in both cancer promotion and suppression, as well as both therapy resistance and sensitization. This conundrum in the field may be explained by the fact that cAMP signals in discrete microdomains and each microdomain can mediate differential cellular functions. Here, we review the role of cAMP signaling microdomains in benign melanocyte biology, focusing on pigmentation, and in melanomagenesis.
Chronic sole ulcer in a child with dyskeratosis congenita: An atypical wound successfully treated with punch grafting
Authors: Quintana‐Castanedo Lucía , Feito‐Rodríguez Marta , Pérez‐Conde Isabel , Maseda‐Pedrero Rocío , Chiloeches‐Fernández Clara , de Lucas Laguna Raúl
Published: August 2020

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is an unusual inherited disease characterized by the triad of mucosal leukoplakia, nail dystrophy, and skin pigmentation. Hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles is another reported skin finding. This hyperkeratosis can lead to fissures, chronic erosion, and deep ulcerations. These atypical wounds are not only a diagnostic but a therapeutic challenge for clinicians, and there are no standardized treatments for these types of chronic wounds. Punch grafting is a traditional and minimally invasive technique to enhance wound healing, and it has been associated with significant and quick pain reduction in ulcers with various underlying causes. Herein, we describe a patient with DC with a chronic and refractory plantar ulcer successfully treated with punch grafting.
Combined lung and liver transplantation for noncirrhotic portal hypertension with severe hepatopulmonary syndrome in a patient with dyskeratosis congenita
Authors: Shin Sohyun , Suh Dong In , Ko Jung Min , Park June Dong , Lee Jeong‐Moo , Yi Nam‐Joon , Kim Young Tae , Park Samina , Lee Seunghyun , Koh Jaemoon , Choi Yu Hyeon
Published: August 2020

DC is caused by defects at the level of telomere maintenance, and cells from patients with this disease have abnormally short telomeres and show premature senescence. One consequence of DC is bone marrow failure. Thus, patients with DC often require HSCT. However, HSCT does not ameliorate other DC‐related manifestations. In fact, HSCT can accelerate organ dysfunction due to treatment‐related complications, and solid organ transplantation is required in some patients with DC. In this report, we describe the clinical course of a 5‐year‐old boy who was transferred to our hospital because of progressive dyspnea, 2 years after HSCT. At admission, he had tachypnea and hypoxemia. A liver biopsy was performed for suspected HPS caused by PH, and LT was considered. Eventually, his hypoxemia worsened, and he was transferred to a PICU and started on VA ECMO. He subsequently underwent a CLLT. ECMO was stopped on post‐operative day 12, extubation was achieved on post‐operative day 29, and the patient recovered well from the surgery. Our results show that CLLT could be a life‐saving treatment option for DC patients with very severe HPS in whom a poor outcome is expected after LT.
Prognostic significance of p16 expression in high‐grade prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Takahara Taishi , Satou Akira , Sugie Miho , Watanabe Masahito , Kanao Kent , Sumitomo Makoto , Tsuzuki Toyonori
Published: August 2020

Management of advanced hormone‐naïve prostate cancer (HNPC) is a critical public health issue. Useful prognostic markers are thus needed to select patients who will benefit from recently introduced upfront therapies. p16 expression is an adverse prognostic marker in prostate cancer. The present study aimed to determine whether p16 expression would serve as an adverse prognostic marker in advanced HNPC. A total of 79 patients diagnosed by needle biopsy with adenocarcinoma Gleason score ≥8 between 2010 and 2013 at Aichi Medical University were included in this study. The median patient age was 73 (range 52–87) years. The median follow‐up was 62 months (range 2–98). Fourteen patients had p16‐positive samples. Fifteen patients died from prostate cancer, 10 of whom were in the p16‐positive group. p16 positivity was associated with clinical T stage (P < 0.001), presence of IDC‐P (P < 0.001), distant metastasis (P < 0.001) and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001). These results indicate that p16 expression is associated with adverse prognostic factor of prostate cancer and suggest that p16 expression may provide useful information for treatment planning and identifying suitable candidates for upfront chemotherapy or androgen receptor axis‐targeted therapy.
High B7‐H3 expression is linked to increased risk of prostate cancer progression
Authors: Bonk Sarah , Tasdelen Pinar , Kluth Martina , Hube‐Magg Claudia , Makrypidi‐Fraune Georgia , Möller Katharina , Höflmayer Doris , Dwertmann Rico Sebastian , Büscheck Franziska , Minner Sarah , Heinzer Hans , Graefen Markus , Hinsch Andrea , Luebke Andreas M. , Dum David , Uhlig Ria , Schlomm Thorsten , Sauter Guido , Simon Ronald , Weidemann Sören A.
Published: August 2020

B7‐H3 is a member of the B7 superfamily of immune checkpoint molecules. B7‐H3 up regulation has been linked to cancer development and progression in many tumors including prostate cancer. To clarify the potential utility of B7‐H3 as a prognostic biomarker, B7‐H3 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in more than 17 000 prostate cancers. Normal prostatic glands were largely B7‐H3 negative, while membranous B7‐H3 immunostaining was seen in 47.0% of analyzed cancers. B7‐H3 immunostaining was weak in 12.3%, moderate in 21.1% and strong in 13.5% of cases. High B7‐H3 expression was associated with pT, Gleason score, lymph node metastasis, high Ki67 labeling index and early prostate‐specific antigen recurrence (P < 0.0001 each). High B7‐H3 expression was also linked to high androgen receptor expression and TMPRSS2:V‐ets avian erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (ERG) fusions (P < 0.0001 each). Multivariate analyses showed a strong independent prognostic impact of high B7‐H3 expression in all cancers and in the ERG negative subgroup. Comparison with previously analyzed frequent chromosomal deletions revealed a close association with Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog deletions. Analysis of B7‐H3, alone or in combination with other markers, might be of clinical utility, especially in the subgroup of ERG negative prostate cancers.
Identification and application of thePigm‐1gene in rice disease resistance breeding
Authors: Yang D. , Li S. , Lu L. , Fang J. , Wang W. , Cui H. , Tang D.
Published: August 2020

Rice blast, caused byMagnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most destructive diseases of rice worldwide. The identification and utilization of resistance genes are crucial and significant for breeding resistant rice cultivars.

We identified a resistance gene from Shuangkang77009, which is highly resistant to the rice blast isolate Guy11 using map‐based cloning. We performed bulked segregant analysis combined with specific length amplified fragment sequencing. We also performed association analysis, candidate gene prediction and cDNA sequencing to identify the candidate gene.

The resistance gene is located on chromosome 6, and we ultimately mapped the resistance locus to a 92‐kb region. The resistance gene in Shuangkang77009 was allelic toPigmR, hereafter referred to asPigm‐1. The Pigm‐1 protein had one amino acid change: serine (Ser) residue 860 was replaced by tyrosine (Tyr) in Pigm‐1 compared with the previously identified Pigm protein, which significantly changed the structure of the Pigm‐1 protein based on 3‐D structure simulation. In addition, using the developed molecular marker linked to thePigm‐1 gene and molecular marker‐assisted selection technology, we introduced thePigm‐1gene into Minghui86, a widely used and excellent restorer. We generated 11 stable homozygous rice lines with desirable agronomic traits and strong resistance to rice blast.

In conclusion,Pigm‐1,a natural allelic variant ofPigmR,was responsible for blast resistance in Shuangkang77009 rice. The molecular marker‐assisted breeding strategy forPigm‐1was highly efficient.
Multiple resistance of Plasmopara viticola to QoI and CAA fungicides in Brazil
Authors: Santos Ricardo F. , Fraaije Bart A. , Garrido Lucas da R. , Monteiro‐Vitorello Cláudia B. , Amorim Lilian
Published: August 2020

Grapevine downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is commonly controlled by quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) and carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicides. QoI resistance is conferred by a mutation resulting in a G143A alteration in cytochrome b, while CAA resistance is associated with a G1105S mutation in cellulose synthase 3. The aims of this study were to (a) verify the presence of QoI and CAA resistance in P. viticola in Brazil, (b) develop a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection pyrosequencing assay for quantitative detection of G143A, and (c) determine the geographic prevalence and distribution of G143A and G1105S in Brazilian field populations. P. viticola isolates were sampled from two vineyards reporting failures of QoI and CAA control. Their growth was unaffected by azoxystrobin and mandipropamid, and resistance was associated with the G143A and G1105S mutations, respectively. The SNP detection pyrosequencing assay developed for G143A detection was precise and accurate. Pyrosequencing assays revealed that G143A and G1105S frequencies varied among the 66 field populations and were positively correlated with the number of QoI and CAA applications, respectively. The G143A mutation was observed in 60 populations, 39 of them with frequencies over 90%. G1105S was detected in 20 populations with frequencies ranging from 18.3% to 100%, and which also carried the G143A mutation. Multiple resistance to QoI and CAA in P. viticola was confirmed for the first time in South America. Future resistance monitoring surveys and management strategies must be adopted to prevent further increase in QoI and CAA resistance in Brazil.
A review on the beneficial effect of thymol on health and production of fish
Authors: Alagawany Mahmoud , Farag Mayada R. , Abdelnour Sameh A. , Elnesr Shaaban S.
Published: August 2020

The thymol molecule is a food additive, used to boost the growth, production and feed efficiency via improving the digestive secretion and activating the structure and function of digestive system. The major application of thymol essential oil is used in animal rations, particularly as a natural feed additive to decrease hazardous compounds in a wide range of animal species. Thymol essential oil plays an important role in improving the nutrient bioavailability, reproductive and productive performance, general health and immunity of livestock besides reducing problems of many animal diseases such as cancer and some other diseases. These roles may be attributed to the ability of thymol as anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immunomodulators, anti‐inflammatory and antispasmodic factors through suppressing free radicals and harmful constituents from interacting with cellular biological components and its capability to manipulate the balance of the intestinal microbiota, increased digestion, metabolism and absorption of nutrients. This review elucidates the chemical structure and natural sources, physical proprieties and practical applications of thymol in fish nutrition.
Comparison of soil properties in urban and non‐urban grasslands in Budapest area
Authors: Mónok Dávid , Kardos Levente , Pabar Sándor Attila , Kotroczó Zsolt , Tóth Eszter , Végvári György
Published: August 2020

This study focused on the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of soils from different grasslands in the Budapest area. Our aim was to assess the influence of anthropogenic activities on these soils by comparing three types of site: urban, green‐urban and non‐urban. From these sites, a total of 72 topsoil samples were collected and analysed. The results indicated that many properties of soils varied greatly between the different types of site. Urban soils had significantly higher pH, carbonate and salt content, but smaller organic carbon content than the other soils. These differences could be explained in part by the greater artefact content, as the latter was significantly correlated with most of the main soil properties. Concentrations of the heavy metals measured (Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) were generally smaller in non‐urban soils. In urban and green‐urban soils, Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb levels were above the natural background levels, due to anthropogenic inputs in the city. Results of microbiological analyses were controversial. According to most probable number (MPN), there was no significant difference between types of site for bacterial and fungal numbers in soil. However, dehydrogenase activity and the number of bacterial cells were larger in non‐urban than in urban soils. It was also found that microbial parameters were influenced by many soil properties, for example organic matter and macronutrient (N, P, K) content of soils, the presence and amount of artefacts and metal concentrations in soil.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*03:489 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Genebrier Steve , Elsermans Vincent , Nivet Carl , Chérel Mathilde , Renac Virginie
Published: August 2020

C*03:489 differs from C*03:02:02:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 899 in exon 5.
Rapid temperature responses of photosystem II efficiency forecast genotypic variation in rice vegetative heat tolerance
Authors: Ferguson John N. , McAusland Lorna , Smith Kellie E. , Price Adam H. , Wilson Zoe A. , Murchie Erik H.
Published: August 2020

A key target for the improvement ofOryza sativa(rice) is the development of heat‐tolerant varieties. This necessitates the development of high‐throughput methodologies for the screening of heat tolerance. Progress has been made to this end via visual scoring and chlorophyll fluorescence; however, these approaches demand large infrastructural investments to expose large populations of adult plants to heat stress. To address this bottleneck, we investigated the response of the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) to rapidly increasing temperatures in excised leaf segments of juvenile rice plants. Segmented models explained the majority of the observed variation in response. Coefficients from these models, i.e. critical temperature (Tcrit) and the initial response (m1), were evaluated for their usability for forecasting adult heat tolerance, measured as the vegetative heat tolerance of adult rice plants through visual (stay‐green) and chlorophyll fluorescence (ɸPSII) approaches. We detected substantial variation in heat tolerance of a randomly selected set ofindicarice varieties. BothTcritandm1were associated with measured heat tolerance in adult plants, highlighting their usability as high‐throughput proxies. Variation in heat tolerance was associated with daytime respiration but not with photosynthetic capacity, highlighting a role for the non‐photorespiratory release of CO2in heat tolerance. To date, this represents the first published instance of genetic variation in these key gas‐exchange traits being quantified in response to heat stress in a diverse set of rice accessions. These results outline an efficient strategy for screening heat tolerance and accentuate the need to focus on reduced rates of respiration to improve heat tolerance in rice.
The biosynthesis of the anti‐microbial diterpenoid leubethanol in Leucophyllum frutescens proceeds via an all‐cis prenyl intermediate
Authors: Miller Garret P. , Bhat Wajid Waheed , Lanier Emily R. , Johnson Sean R. , Mathieu Davis T. , Hamberger Björn
Published: August 2020

Serrulatane diterpenoids are natural products found in plants from a subset of genera within the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Many of these compounds have been characterized as having anti‐microbial properties and share a common diterpene backbone. One example, leubethanol from Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) has demonstrated activity against multi‐drug‐resistant tuberculosis. Leubethanol is the only serrulatane diterpenoid identified from this genus; however, a range of such compounds have been found throughout the closely related Eremophila genus. Despite their potential therapeutic relevance, the biosynthesis of serrulatane diterpenoids has not been previously reported. Here we leverage the simple product profile and high accumulation of leubethanol in the roots of L. frutescens and compare tissue‐specific transcriptomes with existing data from Eremophila serrulata to decipher the biosynthesis of leubethanol. A short‐chain cis‐prenyl transferase (LfCPT1) first produces the rare diterpene precursor nerylneryl diphosphate, which is cyclized by an unusual plastidial terpene synthase (LfTPS1) into the characteristic serrulatane diterpene backbone. Final conversion to leubethanol is catalyzed by a cytochrome P450 (CYP71D616) of the CYP71 clan. This pathway documents the presence of a short‐chain cis‐prenyl diphosphate synthase, previously only found in Solanaceae, which is likely involved in the biosynthesis of other known diterpene backbones in Eremophila. LfTPS1 represents neofunctionalization of a compartment‐switching terpene synthase accepting a novel substrate in the plastid. Biosynthetic access to leubethanol will enable pathway discovery to more complex serrulatane diterpenoids which share this common starting structure and provide a platform for the production and diversification of this class of promising anti‐microbial therapeutics in heterologous systems.
Kinetic modeling of ammonia decomposition at chemical vapor deposition conditions
Authors: Rönnby Karl , Pedersen Henrik , Ojamäe Lars
Published: August 2020

Kinetic modeling has been used to study the decomposition chemistry of ammonia at a wide range of temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and carrier gases mimicking the conditions in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of metal nitrides. The modeling shows that only a small fraction of the ammonia molecules will decompose at most conditions studied. This suggests that the fact that the high NH3 to metal ratios often employed in CVD is due to the very low amount of reactive decomposition products being formed rather than due to rapid decomposition of ammonia into stable dinitrogen and dihydrogen as suggested by purely thermodynamic equilibrium models.
Discovery and Preclinical Development of Antigiardiasis Fumagillol Derivatives
Authors: Padia Janak , Kulakova Liudmila , Galkin Andrey , Herzberg Osnat
Published: August 2020

Giardiasis, caused by the intestinal parasite
Giardia lamblia
, is a severe diarrheal disease, endemic in poverty-stricken regions of the world, and also a common infection in developed countries. The available therapeutic options are associated with adverse effects, and
G. lamblia
resistance to the standard-of-care drugs is spreading. Fumagillin, an antimicrosporidiosis drug, is a therapeutic agent with potential for the treatment of giardiasis. However, it exhibits considerable, albeit reversible, toxicity when used to treat immunocompromised microsporidiosis patients.
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Deletion in an Enterobacter hormaechei Isolate as a Consequence of Therapeutic Failure of Key Antibiotics in a Long-Term Hospitalized Patient
Authors: Gravey François , Cattoir Vincent , Ethuin Frédéric , Fabre Laetitia , Beyrouthy Racha , Bonnet Richard , Le Hello Simon , Guérin François
Published: August 2020

Genome changes are central to the adaptation of bacteria, especially under antibiotic pressure. The aim of this study was to report phenotypic and genomic adaptations undergone by an
Enterobacter hormaechei
clinical strain that became highly resistant to key antimicrobials during a 4-month period in a patient hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU). All six clinical
E. hormaechei
strains isolated in one ICU-hospitalized patient have been studied. MICs regarding 17 antimicrobial molecules have been measured.
Unexpected Cell Wall Alteration-Mediated Bactericidal Activity of the Antifungal Caspofungin against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Isnard Christophe , Hernandez Sara B. , Guérin François , Joalland Fanny , Goux Didier , Gravey François , Auzou Michel , Enot David , Meignen Pierrick , Giard Jean-Christophe , Cava Felipe , Cattoir Vincent
Published: August 2020

Enterococcus faecium
has become a major opportunistic pathogen with the emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). As part of the gut microbiota, they have to cope with numerous stresses, including effects of antibiotics and other xenobiotics, especially in patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) who receive many medications. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the most frequently prescribed xenobiotics for ICU patients on fitness, pathogenicity, and antimicrobial resistance of the
vanB
-positive
E. faecium
Aus0004 reference strain.
Zebrafish Models for Pathogenic Vibrios
Authors: Nag Dhrubajyoti , Farr Dustin A. , Walton Madison G. , Withey Jeffrey H.
Published: August 2020

Vibrio
is a large and diverse genus of bacteria, of which most are nonpathogenic species found in the aquatic environment. However, a subset of the
Vibrio
genus includes several species that are highly pathogenic, either to humans or to aquatic animals. In recent years,
Danio rerio
, commonly known as the zebrafish, has emerged as a major animal model used for studying nearly every aspect of biology, including infectious diseases. Zebrafish are especially useful because the embryos are transparent, larvae are small and facilitate imaging studies, and numerous transgenic fish strains have been constructed.
Improved Early Detection of Focal Brucellosis Complications with Anti-
Brucella
IgG
Authors: Xu Nannan , Dong Xiaomeng , Yao Yongyuan , Guan Yanyan , Chen Fengzhe , Zheng Feng , Wang Gang
Published: August 2020

To evaluate the associations of inflammatory factors and serological test results with complicated brucellosis, we recruited 285 patients with a diagnosis of brucellosis between May 2016 and September 2019. The patients were subsequently classified into two groups according to the presence of complications. We collected demographic and clinical information and routine laboratory test results in addition to anti-
Brucella
IgG and IgM levels. Anti-
Brucella
IgG and IgM were uniformly tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in this study.
Interaction Interface of Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus Matrix and Envelope Proteins
Authors: Prchal Jan , Sýs Jakub , Junková Petra , Lipov Jan , Ruml Tomáš
Published: August 2020

By a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopy of cross-linked peptides, we show that in contrast to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the C-terminal residues of the unstructured cytoplasmic tail of Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) Env interact with the matrix domain (MA). Based on biochemical data and molecular modeling, we propose that individual cytoplasmic tail (CT) monomers of a trimeric complex bind MA molecules belonging to different neighboring trimers, which may stabilize the MA orientation at the membrane by the formation of a membrane-bound net of interlinked Gag and CT trimers. This also corresponds with the concept that the membrane-bound MA of Gag recruits Env through interaction with the full-length CT, while CT truncation during maturation attenuates the interaction to facilitate uncoating. We propose a model suggesting different arrangements of MA-CT complexes between a D-type and C-type retroviruses with short and long CTs, respectively.
Interferon-Inducible GTPase 1 Impedes the Dimerization of Rabies Virus Phosphoprotein and Restricts Viral Replication
Authors: Tian Bin , Yuan Yueming , Yang Yu , Luo Zhaochen , Sui Baokun , Zhou Ming , Fu Zhen F. , Zhao Ling
Published: August 2020

Interferon and its downstream products, ISGs, are essential in defending against pathogen invasion. One of the ISGs, IIGP1, has been found to constrain intracellular parasite infection by disrupting their vacuole membranes. However, the role of IIGP1 in limiting viral infection is unclear. In this study, we show that infection with a typical neurotropic virus, RABV, can induce upregulation of IIGP1, which, in turn, suppresses RABV by interacting with its phosphoprotein (P protein) and thus blocking the dimerization of P protein. Our study provides the first evidence that IIGP1 functions in limiting viral infection and provides a basis for comprehensive understanding of this important ISG.
Identification of a Functional Small Noncoding RNA of African Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Dunn Laura E. M. , Ivens Alasdair , Netherton Christopher L. , Chapman David A. G. , Beard Philippa M.
Published: August 2020

African swine fever (ASF) poses a major threat to pig populations and food security worldwide. The disease is endemic to Africa and Eastern Europe and is rapidly emerging into Asia, where it has led to the deaths of millions of pigs in the last 12 months. The development of safe and effective vaccines to protect pigs against ASF has been hindered by lack of understanding of the complex interactions between ASFV and the host cell. We focused our work on characterizing the interactions between ASFV and sncRNAs. Although comparatively modest changes to host sncRNA abundances were observed upon ASFV infection, we discovered and characterized a novel functional ASFV-encoded sncRNA. The results from this study add important insights into ASFV host-pathogen interactions. This knowledge may be exploited to develop more effective ASFV vaccines that take advantage of the sncRNA system.
Visualizing Nudivirus Assembly and Egress
Authors: Velamoor Sailakshmi , Mitchell Allan , Humbel Bruno M. , Kim WonMo , Pushparajan Charlotte , Visnovsky Gabriel , Burga Laura N. , Bostina Mihnea
Published: August 2020

The dynamics of nuclear envelope has a critical role in multiple cellular processes. However, little is known regarding the structural changes occurring inside the nucleus or at the inner and outer nuclear membranes. For viruses assembling inside the nucleus, remodeling of the intranuclear membrane plays an important role in the process of virion assembly. Here, we monitored the changes associated with viral infection in the case of nudiviruses. Our data revealed dramatic membrane remodeling inside the nuclear compartment during infection with
Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus
, an important biocontrol agent against coconut rhinoceros beetle, a devastating pest for coconut and oil palm trees. Based on these findings, we propose a model for nudivirus assembly in which nuclear packaging occurs in fully enveloped virions.