bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of labile organic C and N pools to plastic film removal from semiarid farmland soil
Authors: Luo S. S. , Zhu L. , Liu J. L. , Bu L. D. , Yue S. C. , Shen Y. F. , Li S. Q.
Published: August 2016

To examine the effects of plastic film removal on grain yield and soil organic matter (SOM), a spring maize (Zea mayL.) field experiment was conducted for 5 yr at Changwu Agricultural and Ecological Experimental Station of Northwest China. Compared with traditional plastic film mulching during entire growing stages (FM), plastic film removal at the silking stage (RM) resulted in a 6.3% higher average maize yield. Under theRMtreatment, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen significantly increased after the 5‐yr cultivation in the 0‐ to 20‐cm layer. Significant increases in extractable organic C (EOC),KMnO4‐oxidizable C (KMnO4‐C) and C management index (CMI) in the 0‐ to 20‐cm layer, and light fraction organic C andEOCin the 20‐ to 40‐cm layer were observed in response to plastic film removal after the 1‐yr treatment; the responses were more significant after 5 yr. Under theRMtreatment, significant increases in microbial biomass C, light fraction organic N, extractable organic N,KMnO4‐C andCMIwere also observed after five years in the 20‐ to 40‐cm layer. Moreover,KMnO4‐C andEOCwere much more sensitive than other labileSOMfractions to the application ofRM, even after only 1 yr of cultivation. Therefore, compared with mulching for the whole growing season, plastic film removal at the maize silking stage is an effective option for increasing yields and enhancingSOMconcentration and soil sustainability in the regions with semiarid monsoon climates that have sufficient rainfall during maize reproductive stages.
Rolling‐circle amplification of centromeric Helitrons in plant genomes
Authors: Xiong Wenwei , Dooner Hugo K. , Du Chunguang
Published: August 2016

The unusual eukaryotic Helitron transposons can readily capture host sequences and are, thus, evolutionarily important. They are presumed to amplify by rolling‐circle replication (RCR) because some elements encode predicted proteins homologous to RCR prokaryotic transposases. In support of this replication mechanism, it was recently shown that transposition of a bat Helitron generates covalently closed circular intermediates. Another strong prediction is that RCR should generate tandem Helitron concatemers, yet almost all Helitrons identified to date occur as solo elements in the genome. To investigate alternative modes of Helitron organization in present‐day genomes, we have applied the novel computational tool HelitronScanner to 27 plant genomes and have uncovered numerous tandem arrays of partially decayed, truncated Helitrons in all of them. Strikingly, most of these Helitron tandem arrays are interspersed with other repeats in centromeres. Many of these arrays have multiple Helitron 5′ ends, but a single 3′ end. The number of repeats in any one array can range from a handful to several hundreds. We propose here an RCR model that conforms to the present Helitron landscape of plant genomes. Our study provides strong evidence that plant Helitrons amplify by RCR and that the tandemly arrayed replication products accumulate mostly in centromeres.
Tricin‐lignins: occurrence and quantitation of tricin in relation to phylogeny
Authors: Lan Wu , Rencoret Jorge , Lu Fachuang , Karlen Steven D. , Smith Bronwen G. , Harris Philip J. , del Río José Carlos , Ralph John
Published: August 2016

Tricin [5,7‐dihydroxy‐2‐(4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one], a flavone, was recently established as an authentic monomer in grass lignification that likely functions as a nucleation site. It is linked onto lignin as an aryl alkyl ether by radical coupling with monolignols or their acylated analogs. However, the level of tricin that incorporates into lignin remains unclear. Herein, three lignin characterization methods: acidolysis; thioacidolysis; and derivatization followed by reductive cleavage; were applied to quantitatively assess the amount of lignin‐integrated tricin. Their efficiencies at cleaving the tricin‐(4′–O–β)‐ether bonds and the degradation of tricin under the corresponding reaction conditions were evaluated. A hexadeuterated tricin analog was synthesized as an internal standard for accurate quantitation purposes. Thioacidolysis proved to be the most efficient method, liberating more than 91% of the tricin with little degradation. A survey of different seed‐plant species for the occurrence and content of tricin showed that it is widely distributed in the lignin from species in the family Poaceae (order Poales). Tricin occurs at low levels in some commelinid monocotyledon families outside the Poaceae, such as the Arecaceae (the palms, order Arecales) and Bromeliaceae (Poales), and the non‐commelinid monocotyledon family Orchidaceae (Orchidales). One eudicotyledon was found to have tricin (Medicago sativa, Fabaceae). The content of lignin‐integrated tricin is much higher than the extractable tricin level in all cases. Lignins, including waste lignin streams from biomass processing, could therefore provide a large and alternative source of this valuable flavone, reducing the costs, and encouraging studies into its application beyond its current roles.
The journey toward safer and optimized blood service in China: national strategy and progress
Authors: Wang Ya , Wu Yanyun , Chen Yongjun , Li Changqing , Lu Li , AuBuchon James P. , Liu Zhong
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

The objective was to analyze and evaluate the effects of strategic measures the Chinese government attempted and undertook throughout the fast‐changing and difficult transition periods of the blood service system.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We systematically reviewed data and information regarding policy, blood collection, service system, and clinical transfusion practice, which were the most representative indicators on a national level from 1978 to 2015.

RESULTS

Blood donation in China has successfully transitioned from paid donation, then compulsory (but nonremunerated) donation, to voluntary nonremunerated donation. The volume of blood collection has steadily increased from 4,000,000 red blood cell (RBC; 200 mL/unit) units in 1998 to 22,000,000 RBC units in 2014. The percentage of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transfusion‐transmitted infections in newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS has reduced from 29.6% in 2005 to less than 0.15% in 2013. The use of component therapy has increased from 18% in 1989 to 99% in 2014.

CONCLUSIONS

Involvement of the government through enforcement of new statutes and regulations helped improve blood safety and clinical transfusion practice.
Eliminating Nox2 reactive oxygen species production protects dystrophic skeletal muscle from pathological calcium influx assessed in vivo by manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Loehr James A. , Stinnett Gary R. , Hernández‐Rivera Mayra , Roten Wesley T. , Wilson Lon J. , Pautler Robia G. , Rodney George G.
Published: August 2016

Key points

Inhibiting Nox2 reactive oxygen species (ROS) production reduced in vivo calcium influx in dystrophic muscle.

The lack of Nox2 ROS production protected against decreased in vivo muscle function in dystrophic mice.

Manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) was able to detect alterations in basal calcium levels in skeletal muscle and differentiate disease status.

Administration of Mn2+ did not affect muscle function or the health of the animal, and Mn2+ was cleared from skeletal muscle rapidly.

We conclude that MEMRI may be a viable, non‐invasive technique to monitor molecular alterations in disease progression and evaluate the effectiveness of potential therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X‐linked progressive degenerative disease resulting from a mutation in the gene that encodes dystrophin, leading to decreased muscle mechanical stability and force production. Increased Nox2 reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx are early indicators of disease pathology, and eliminating Nox2 ROS production reduces aberrant Ca2+ influx in young mdx mice, a model of DMD. Various imaging modalities have been used to study dystrophic muscle in vivo; however, they are based upon alterations in muscle morphology or inflammation. Manganese has been used for indirect monitoring of calcium influx across the sarcolemma and may allow detection of molecular alterations in disease progression in vivo using manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI). Therefore, we hypothesized that eliminating Nox2 ROS production would decrease calcium influx in adult mdx mice and that MEMRI would be able to monitor and differentiate disease status in dystrophic muscle. Both in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that eliminating Nox2 ROS protected against aberrant Ca2+ influx and improved muscle function in dystrophic muscle. MEMRI was able to differentiate between different pathological states in vivo, with no long‐term effects on animal health or muscle function. We conclude that MEMRI is a viable, non‐invasive technique to differentiate disease status and might provide a means to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of potential therapies in dystrophic muscle.
Investigation of the Flow Phenomenon Inside Gas Ejectors With Moist Gas Entrainment
Authors: Wang Yuping , Pellerin Mark , Mohanty Pravansu , Sengupta Subrata
Published: August 2016

This paper focuses on the gas flow study of an ejector used in applications where moist gases are being entrained. Two parts of work are presented. In the first part, characteristics of gas flow inside an ejector, as well as the ejector's performance under various operating and geometric configurations, were studied with a three-dimensional computational model. Measurements were also performed for validation of the model. In the second part, focus was given to the potential condensation or desublimation phenomena that may occur inside an ejector when water vapor is included in the entrained stream. Experiments using light-attenuation method were performed to verify the presence of a second phase; then, the onset of phase change and the phase distribution were obtained numerically. A two-dimensional axis-symmetric model was developed based on the model used in the first part. User-defined functions were used to implement the phase-change criteria and particle prediction. A series of simulations were performed with various amounts of water vapor added into the entrained flow. It was found that both frost particles and water condensate could form inside the mixing tube depending on the operating conditions and water vapor concentrations. When the concentration exceeds 3% by mass, water vapor could condense throughout the mixing tube. Some preliminary results of the second phase particles formed, e.g., critical sizes and distributions, were also obtained to assist with the design and optimization of gas ejectors used in similar applications.
Structure and stoichiometry evolution of sputtered Nb doped TiO2 films induced by O2 pressure variation during postannealing process
Authors: Zhang Letao , Xiao Xiang , Zhou Xiaoliang , He Hongyu , Xu Xin , Lin Qingping , Zhou Hang , Zhang Shengdong , Zhang Hongyuan , Liu Qiong
Published: August 2016

Nb doped TiO2 (TiO2:Nb) thin films are prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering on glass substrates followed by different O2 pressure postanneal at 300 °C. The proper postannealing O2 pressure (PO2−anneal) prompts the crystallization of the as-deposited amorphous TiO2:Nb films and improves the electron mobility. High vacuum postanneal leads to weak crystalline TiO2:Nb films, while the TiO2:Nb films remain amorphous at high PO2−anneal. The average transmittance in the visible region increases monotonically with PO2−anneal due to the reduction of oxygen vacancy and reaches 81% when PO2−anneal is 20 Pa. However, an oxygen interstitial can be formed in O2 rich annealing atmosphere, which would result in the suppression of carrier concentration. The carrier concentration maximum (∼1.55 × 1021 cm−3) of the TiO2:Nb films is obtained when the PO2−anneal is 0.5 Pa.
The Individual, Social, and Environmental Correlates of Physical Activity and Screen Time in Irish Children: Growing Up in Ireland Study
Authors: Garcia Jeanette M. , Healy Sean , Rice David
Published: August 2016

Background:

The aim of this study was to use a social-ecological approach to examine the influence of individual, social, and environmental factors on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and screen-time in a sample of 9-year-old children in Ireland.

Methods:

The sample was 1509 boys and girls from the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) national study. MVPA, screen time, and individual, social, and environmental variables were assessed via questionnaires completed by children, their parents, and their teachers. Multiple regression was used to identify factors that correlated with children’s MVPA and screen-time levels.

Results:

For boys, factors such as activity with friends (P < .0001) and popularity (P < .01) were associated with MVPA, while factors such as BMI (P < .01) and MVPA (P < .01) were associated with screen time. Similarly for girls, factors such as activity with friends (P < .0001) and sociability were associated with MVPA, however factors such as BMI (P < .05), and access to play space (P < .05) were more closely associated with screen time.

Conclusion:

Social factors were more closely associated with MVPA, while individual factors were significantly correlated with screen time for both boys and girls. Correlates differed for boys and girls, suggesting that interventions should consider both the target population as well as the activity behavior.
Physical Activity–Related Obesity Risk Classification Model and All-Cause Mortality
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Addoh Ovuokerie
Published: August 2016

Background:

This study evaluated a physical activity–related obesity model on mortality.

Methods:

Data from the 1999–2006 NHANES were used (N = 16,077), with follow-up through 2011. Physical activity (PA) was subjectively assessed, with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) objectively measured. From these, 12 mutually exclusive groups (G) were evaluated, including: G1: Normal BMI, Normal WC and Active; G2: Normal BMI, Normal WC and Inactive; G3: Normal BMI, High WC and Active; G4: Normal BMI, High WC and Inactive; G5: Overweight BMI, Normal WC and Active; G6: Overweight BMI, Normal WC and Inactive; G7: Overweight BMI, High WC and Active; G8: Overweight BMI, High WC and Inactive; G9: Obese BMI, Normal WC and Active; G10: Obese BMI, Normal WC and Inactive; G11: Obese BMI, High WC and Active; and G12: Obese BMI, High WC and Inactive.

Results:

Compared with G2, the following had a reduced mortality risk: G1, G3, G5, G6, G7, G8, G9, and G11. Compared with G12, the following had a reduced mortality risk: G1, G3, G5, G7, G9, and G11. In each respective group for BMI and WC, the active group had a reduced mortality risk.

Conclusions:

Across all BMI and WC combinations, PA improved mortality risk identification.
A Physical Activity Intervention for Brazilian Students From Low Human Development Index Areas: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Filho Valter C. Barbosa , da Silva Kelly Samara , Mota Jorge , Beck Carmem , da Silva Lopes Adair
Published: August 2016

Background:

Promoting physical activity (PA) in low- and middle-income countries is an important public health topic as well as a challenge for practice. This study aimed to assess the effect of a school-based intervention on different PA-related variables among students.

Methods:

This cluster-randomized-controlled trial included 548 students in the intervention group and 537 in the control group (11–18 years-old) from 6 schools in neighborhoods with low Human Development Index (0.170–0.491) in Fortaleza, Brazil. The intervention included strategies focused on training teachers, opportunities for PA in the school environment and health education. Variables measured at baseline and again at the 4-months follow-up included the weekly time in different types of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), preference for PA during leisure-time, PA behavioral change stage and active commuting to school. Generalized linear models and binary logistic regressions were used.

Results:

An intervention effect was found by increasing the weekly time in MVPA (effect size = 0.17), popular games (effect size = 0.35), and the amount of PA per week (effect size = 0.27) among students (all P < .05).

Conclusions:

The intervention was effective in promoting improvements in some PA outcomes, but the changes were not sufficient to increase the proportion of those meeting PA recommendations.
The Village Lake Louise Controversy: Ski Resort Planning, Civil Activism, and the Environmental Politics of Banff National Park, 1964–1979
Authors: Chen Qi , Reichwein Pearl Ann
Published: August 2016

A new ski resort village plan proposed for Lake Louise in Banff National Park triggered intense opposition at public hearings in 1972. Local proponents, backed by Imperial Oil, had entered into agreements to expand services at Lake Louise, which led to federal public consultations. We investigate Parks Canada’s early public consultation process and how it was institutionalized in federal policy making from 1964 to 1979. Public debate was significant and influenced political decisions in the Village Lake Louise controversy. The National and Provincial Parks Association of Canada, Bow Valley Naturalists, Environmental Law Association, mountain clubs, academics, and others advocated for protection as conservation lobbyists and the Government of Alberta also objected to the proposal, leading Minister Jean Chrétien to halt the plan. It was a win for citizens, environmentalists, and ecological integrity as Village Lake Louise debates became Canada’s town hall. Past environmental protection is relevant to civil society and public space in a moment of new approvals for massive ski hill industry expansions in national parks. Precedents in civil society and governance can inform understanding of public consultation and a new environmental politics.
Le Catch et son Histoire en France: Représentations et Dynamiques Socio-historiques d’un Loisir Spectacle (1900–1970)
Authors: Loyer Frédéric , Loudcher Jean François
Published: August 2016

Au début du XXème siècle, le développement du sport moderne lié à la vitesse et à l’exploit laisse peu de place à la lutte « gréco-romaine » qui, trop statique et peu spectaculaire, ne connaît plus les faveurs du public Parisien. Une nouvelle forme de pratique plus attractive se développe, le « catch-as-catch-can » (« attrape comme tu peux »), de culture américaine et proche de plusieurs styles traditionnels anglais et écossais. Cependant, jugée trop dangereuse, elle donne naissance au « free style » ou « lutte libre », activité olympique qui interdit toutes formes de violence. Mais, peu plébiscitée, c’est le « catch », version édulcorée du « catch-as-catch-can », qui s’impose en tant que sport de combat « spectaculaire ». Après une tentative de sportivisation, la pratique mêlée d’extravagances et d’exubérances se tourne alors dans l’entre-deux-guerres vers sa professionnalisation en France. Interdite pour cette raison sous Vichy, et peu envisageable de manière éducative, le catch s’impose après la Seconde Guerre mondiale sous la forme de spectacle théâtralisé assez localisé. L’activité impressionne par les qualités physiques de l’athlète qui s’adjoint aussi les symboles d’une mythologie traditionnelle du héros défenseur du bien. Cependant, les années 1960 se caractérisent par une évolution des pratiques sportives qui, grâce aux techniques de retransmission télévisuelles, peuvent aussi concurrencer le catch sur ce plan. Plus encore, le sport moderne offre une nouvelle mythologie à travers un spectacle qui sollicite une identité politique plus nationale visant à dépasser les oppositions et les divisions. Dès lors, le catch est condamné. La pratique doit alors se transformer pour survivre. Finalement, l’histoire du catch est celle de ses représentations et de sa difficulté à fonctionner comme spectacle réclamant la ferveur du public.
Response to Comment on “Absence of sperm RNA elements correlates with idiopathic male infertility”
Authors: Jodar Meritxell , Sendler Edward , Moskovtsev Sergey I. , Librach Clifford L. , Goodrich Robert , Swanson Sonja , Hauser Russ , Diamond Michael P. , Krawetz Stephen A.
Published: August 2016

RNAs from other cell types have minimal impact on male fecundity–associated sperm RNA elements.
Money doesn’t bring happiness.... Or does it?
Authors: Peñagarikano Olga
Published: August 2016

The association of biological stress indicators with psychopathological behavior in children is affected by their socioeconomic status.
Networking and matchmaking in prostate cancer
Authors: Beltran Himisha
Published: August 2016

Data from rapid autopsies help elucidate signaling pathways in lethal prostate cancer.
Connecting the dots on ketamine and schizophrenia
Authors: Etkin Amit
Published: August 2016

Infusion of the drug ketamine into healthy individuals changes hippocampal connectivity and glutamate levels in a manner reminiscent of schizophrenia.
Re-energizing exhausted T cells?
Authors: Lund Amanda W.
Published: August 2016

Mitochondrial mass is linked to effector function and exhaustion in tumor-infiltrating CD8
+
T cells.
What’s in a Name? Species-Wide Whole-Genome Sequencing Resolves Invasive and Noninvasive Lineages of Salmonella enterica Serotype Paratyphi B
Authors: Connor Thomas R. , Owen Sian V. , Langridge Gemma , Connell Steve , Nair Satheesh , Reuter Sandra , Dallman Timothy J. , Corander Jukka , Tabing Kristine C. , Le Hello Simon , Fookes Maria , Doublet Benoît , Zhou Zhemin , Feltwell Theresa , Ellington Matthew J. , Herrera Silvia , Gilmour Matthew , Cloeckaert Axel , Achtman Mark , Parkhill Julian , Wain John , De Pinna Elizabeth , Weill François-Xavier , Peters Tansy , Thomson Nick
Published: August 2016

For 100 years, it has been obvious that
Salmonella enterica
strains sharing the serotype with the formula 1,4,[5],12:b:1,2—now known as Paratyphi B—can cause diseases ranging from serious systemic infections to self-limiting gastroenteritis. Despite considerable predicted diversity between strains carrying the common Paratyphi B serotype, there remain few methods that subdivide the group into groups that are congruent with their disease phenotypes. Paratyphi B therefore represents one of the canonical examples in
Salmonella
where serotyping combined with classical microbiological tests fails to provide clinically informative information. Here, we use genomics to provide the first high-resolution view of this serotype, placing it into a wider genomic context of the
Salmonella enterica
species. These analyses reveal why it has been impossible to subdivide this serotype based upon phenotypic and limited molecular approaches. By examining the genomic data in detail, we are able to identify common features that correlate with strains of clinical importance. The results presented here provide new diagnostic targets, as well as posing important new questions about the basis for the invasive disease phenotype observed in a subset of strains.

IMPORTANCE
Salmonella enterica
strains carrying the serotype Paratyphi B have long been known to possess Jekyll and Hyde characteristics; some cause gastroenteritis, while others cause serious invasive disease. Understanding what makes up the population of strains carrying this serotype, as well as the source of their invasive disease, is a 100-year-old puzzle that we address here using genomics. Our analysis provides the first high-resolution view of this serotype, placing strains carrying serotype Paratyphi B into the wider genomic context of the
Salmonella enterica
species. This work reveals a history of disease dating back to the middle ages, caused by a group of distinct lineages with various abilities to cause invasive disease. By quantifying the key genomic differences between the invasive and noninvasive populations, we are able to identify key virulence-related targets that can form the basis of simple, rapid, point-of-care tests.
The Core and Seasonal Microbiota of Raw Bovine Milk in Tanker Trucks and the Impact of Transfer to a Milk Processing Facility
Authors: Kable Mary E. , Srisengfa Yanin , Laird Miles , Zaragoza Jose , McLeod Jeremy , Heidenreich Jessie , Marco Maria L.
Published: August 2016

Currently, the bacterial composition of raw milk in tanker trucks and the outcomes of transfer and storage of that milk at commercial processing facilities are not well understood. We set out to identify the bacteria in raw milk collected for large-scale dairy product manufacturing. Raw bovine milk samples from 899 tanker trucks arriving at two dairy processors in San Joaquin Valley of California during three seasons (spring, summer, and fall) were analyzed by community 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This analysis revealed highly diverse bacterial populations, which exhibited seasonal differences. Raw milk collected in the spring contained the most diverse bacterial communities, with the highest total cell numbers and highest proportions being those of
Actinobacteria
. Even with this complexity, a core microbiota was present, consisting of 29 taxonomic groups and high proportions of
Streptococcus
and
Staphylococcus
and unidentified members of
Clostridiales
. Milk samples were also collected from five large-volume silos and from 13 to 25 tankers whose contents were unloaded into each of them during 2 days in the summer. Transfer of the milk to storage silos resulted in two community types. One group of silos contained a high proportion of
Streptococcus
spp. and was similar in that respect to the tankers that filled them. The community found in the other group of silos was distinct and dominated by
Acinetobacter
. Overall, despite highly diverse tanker milk community structures, distinct milk bacterial communities were selected within the processing facility environment. This knowledge can inform the development of new sanitation procedures and process controls to ensure the consistent production of safe and high-quality dairy products on a global scale.

IMPORTANCE
Raw milk harbors diverse bacteria that are crucial determinants of the quality and safety of fluid milk and (fermented) dairy products. These bacteria enter farm milk during transport, storage, and processing. Although pathogens are destroyed by pasteurization, not all bacteria and their associated enzymes are eliminated. Our comprehensive analyses of the bacterial composition of raw milk upon arrival and shortly after storage at major dairy processors showed that the communities of milk microbiota are highly diverse. Even with these differences, there was a core microbiota that exhibited distinct seasonal trends. Remarkably, the effects of the processing facility outweighed those of the raw milk microbiome and the microbial composition changed distinctly within some but not all silos within a short time after transfer. This knowledge can be used to inform cleaning and sanitation procedures as well as to enable predictions of the microbial communities in raw milk that result in either high-quality or defective products.
Bacteroidales
Secreted Antimicrobial Proteins Target Surface Molecules Necessary for Gut Colonization and Mediate Competition
In Vivo
Authors: Roelofs Kevin G. , Coyne Michael J. , Gentyala Rahul R. , Chatzidaki-Livanis Maria , Comstock Laurie E.
Published: August 2016

We recently showed that human gut
Bacteroidales
species secrete antimicrobial proteins (BSAPs), and we characterized
in vitro
the first such BSAP produced by
Bacteroides fragilis
. In this study, we identified a second potent BSAP produced by the ubiquitous and abundant human gut species
Bacteroides uniformis
. The two BSAPs contain a membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domain but share very little sequence similarity. We identified the target molecules of BSAP-sensitive cells and showed that each BSAP targets a different class of surface molecule: BSAP-1 targets an outer membrane protein of sensitive
B. fragilis
strains, and BSAP-2 targets the O-antigen glycan of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of sensitive
B. uniformis
strains. Species-wide genomic and phenotypic analyses of
B. fragilis
and
B. uniformis
showed that BSAP-producing strains circumvent killing by synthesizing an orthologous nontargeted surface molecule. The BSAP genes are adjacent to the gene(s) encoding their target replacements, suggesting coacquisition. Using a gnotobiotic mouse competitive-colonization model, we found that the BSAP surface targets are important for colonization of the mammalian gut, thereby explaining why they are maintained in sensitive strains and why they were replaced rather than deleted in BSAP-producing strains. Using isogenic BSAP-producing, -sensitive, and -resistant strains, we show that a BSAP-producing strain outcompetes a sensitive strain but not a resistant strain in the mammalian gut. Human gut metagenomic datasets reveal that BSAP-1-sensitive strains do not cooccur with BSAP-1-producing strains in human gut microbiotas, further supporting the idea that BSAPs are important competitive factors with relevance to the strain-level composition of the human gut microbiota.

IMPORTANCE
We know relatively little about the ecology of the human intestinal microbiota and the combination of factors that dictate which strains and species occupy an individual’s gut microbial community. Interference competition, mediated by bacterial factors that directly harm other members, is beginning to be appreciated as important in contributing to species- and strain-level dynamics of abundant gut bacteria. Here, we show that gut
Bacteroidales
secrete antimicrobial proteins (BSAPs) that antagonize strains of the same species. We show that BSAPs target molecules of sensitive cells that are important for gut colonization and therefore are maintained in sensitive cells. In an experimental animal model of gut colonization, a BSAP-1-producing strain antagonized and outcompeted an isogenic sensitive strain. Furthermore, metagenomic analyses showed that BSAP-1-producing and -sensitive strains are not found together in human gut microbiotas. These data suggest that BSAPs are strong ecological drivers shaping the strain-level composition of gut communities.
Comparative Community Proteomics Demonstrates the Unexpected Importance of Actinobacterial Glycoside Hydrolase Family 12 Protein for Crystalline Cellulose Hydrolysis
Authors: Hiras Jennifer , Wu Yu-Wei , Deng Kai , Nicora Carrie D. , Aldrich Joshua T. , Frey Dario , Kolinko Sebastian , Robinson Errol W. , Jacobs Jon M. , Adams Paul D. , Northen Trent R. , Simmons Blake A. , Singer Steven W.
Published: August 2016

Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are key enzymes in the depolymerization of plant-derived cellulose, a process central to the global carbon cycle and the conversion of plant biomass to fuels and chemicals. A limited number of GH families hydrolyze crystalline cellulose, often by a processive mechanism along the cellulose chain. During cultivation of thermophilic cellulolytic microbial communities, substantial differences were observed in the crystalline cellulose saccharification activities of supernatants recovered from divergent lineages. Comparative community proteomics identified a set of cellulases from a population closely related to actinobacterium
Thermobispora bispora
that were highly abundant in the most active consortium. Among the cellulases from
T. bispora
, the abundance of a GH family 12 (GH12) protein correlated most closely with the changes in crystalline cellulose hydrolysis activity. This result was surprising since GH12 proteins have been predominantly characterized as enzymes active on soluble polysaccharide substrates. Heterologous expression and biochemical characterization of the suite of
T. bispora
hydrolytic cellulases confirmed that the GH12 protein possessed the highest activity on multiple crystalline cellulose substrates and demonstrated that it hydrolyzes cellulose chains by a predominantly random mechanism. This work suggests that the role of GH12 proteins in crystalline cellulose hydrolysis by cellulolytic microbes should be reconsidered.

IMPORTANCE
Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on earth, and its enzymatic hydrolysis is a key reaction in the global carbon cycle and the conversion of plant biomass to biofuels. The glycoside hydrolases that depolymerize crystalline cellulose have been primarily characterized from isolates. In this study, we demonstrate that adapting microbial consortia from compost to grow on crystalline cellulose generated communities whose soluble enzymes exhibit differential abilities to hydrolyze crystalline cellulose. Comparative proteomics of these communities identified a protein of glycoside hydrolase family 12 (GH12), a family of proteins previously observed to primarily hydrolyze soluble substrates, as a candidate that accounted for some of the differences in hydrolytic activities. Heterologous expression confirmed that the GH12 protein identified by proteomics was active on crystalline cellulose and hydrolyzed cellulose by a random mechanism, in contrast to most cellulases that act on the crystalline polymer in a processive mechanism.
A Novel Erythrocyte Binding Protein of Plasmodium vivax Suggests an Alternate Invasion Pathway into Duffy-Positive Reticulocytes
Authors: Ntumngia Francis B. , Thomson-Luque Richard , Torres Letícia de Menezes , Gunalan Karthigayan , Carvalho Luzia H. , Adams John H.
Published: August 2016

Erythrocyte invasion by malaria parasites is essential for blood-stage development and an important determinant of host range. In
Plasmodium vivax
, the interaction between the Duffy binding protein (DBP) and its cognate receptor, the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC), on human erythrocytes is central to blood-stage infection. Contrary to this established pathway of invasion, there is growing evidence of
P. vivax
infections occurring in Duffy blood group-negative individuals, suggesting that the parasite might have gained an alternative pathway to infect this group of individuals. Supporting this concept, a second distinct erythrocyte binding protein (EBP2), representing a new member of the DBP family, was discovered in
P. vivax
and may be the ligand in an alternate invasion pathway. Our study characterizes this novel ligand and determines its potential role in reticulocyte invasion by
P. vivax
merozoites
.
EBP2 binds preferentially to young (CD71
high
) Duffy-positive (Fy
+
) reticulocytes and has minimal binding capacity for Duffy-negative reticulocytes. Importantly, EBP2 is antigenically distinct from DBP and cannot be functionally inhibited by anti-DBP antibodies. Consequently, our results do not support EBP2 as a ligand for invasion of Duffy-negative blood cells, but instead, EBP2 may represent a novel ligand for an alternate invasion pathway of Duffy-positive reticulocytes.

IMPORTANCE
For decades,
P. vivax
infections in humans have been defined by a unique requirement for the interaction between the Duffy binding protein ligand of the parasite and the Duffy blood group antigen receptor (DARC). Recent reports of
P. vivax
infections in Duffy-negative individuals challenge this paradigm and suggest an alternate pathway of infection, potentially using the recently discovered EBP2. However, we demonstrate that EBP2 host cell specificity is more restricted than DBP binding and that EBP2 binds preferentially to Duffy-positive, young reticulocytes. This finding indicates that this DBP paralog does mediate a Duffy-independent pathway of infection.
Abyssal origin for the early Holocene pulse of unradiogenic neodymium isotopes in Atlantic seawater
Authors: Howe Jacob N.W. , Piotrowski Alexander M. , Rennie Victoria C.F.
Published: August 2016

The neodymium isotopic composition of authigenic phases of deep-sea sediment cores can be interpreted as reflecting past changes in water-mass mixing proportions if end-member water-mass compositions are constrained through time. Here we present three new records spanning 2480 to 4360 m depth in the North Atlantic Ocean that show seawater Nd isotope values in the early to mid-Holocene that are more radiogenic than values from the abyssal northwest Atlantic. This finding indicates that that the end-member composition of North Atlantic Deep Water was more stable within its core than it was at abyssal depths. The spatial distribution of the unradiogenic neodymium isotope values observed in the North Atlantic suggests a bottom source, and therefore that they were unlikely to have been due to the production of intermediate-depth Labrador Sea Water. We infer that the unradiogenic authigenic Nd isotope values were most likely derived from a pulse of poorly chemically weathered detrital material that was deposited into the Labrador Sea following Laurentide ice sheet retreat in the early Holocene. This unradiogenic sediment released neodymium into the bottom waters, yielding an unradiogenic seawater signal that was advected southward at abyssal depths and attenuated as it vertically mixed upward in the water column to shallower depths. The southward dispersion of these unradiogenic seawater values traces deep-water advection. However, the exact values observed at the most abyssal sites cannot be interpreted as proportionate to the strength of deep-water production without improved constraints on end-member changes.
Extensive Noachian fluvial systems in Arabia Terra: Implications for early Martian climate
Authors: Davis J.M. , Balme M. , Grindrod P.M. , Williams R.M.E. , Gupta S.
Published: August 2016

Valley networks are some of the strongest lines of evidence for extensive fluvial activity on early (Noachian; >3.7 Ga) Mars. However, their purported absence on certain ancient terrains, such as Arabia Terra, is at variance with patterns of precipitation as predicted by “warm and wet” climate models. This disagreement has contributed to the development of an alternative “icy highlands” scenario, whereby valley networks were formed by the melting of highland ice sheets. Here, we show through regional mapping that Arabia Terra shows evidence for extensive networks of sinuous ridges. We interpret these ridge features as inverted fluvial channels that formed in the Noachian, before being subject to burial and exhumation. The inverted channels developed on extensive aggrading flood plains. As the inverted channels are both sourced in, and traverse across, Arabia Terra, their formation is inconsistent with discrete, localized sources of water, such as meltwater from highland ice sheets. Our results are instead more consistent with an early Mars that supported widespread precipitation and runoff.
Barr humbug: acute cerebellar ataxia due to Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Davies Benjamin , Machin Nicholas , Lavin Timothy , ul Haq Mian Ayaz
Published: August 2016

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with neurological sequellae, but rarely there is acute cerebellar ataxia (ACA) in an adult. We present a novel case of a 26-year-old man, who presented with ACA. He had normal MRI and CSF analysis. Serum testing confirmed active EBV. A course of oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg for 4 weeks, with a subsequent taper was started. He made a full recovery within 3 weeks of presentation.
Left pleural effusion caused by pancreaticopleural fistula with a pancreatic pseudocyst
Authors: Hirosawa Takanobu , Shimizu Taro , Isegawa Takuya , Tanabe Mayo
Published: August 2016

Pancreaticopleural fistula is an uncommon complication of chronic pancreatitis. The authors described a case of a man with medical history of alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis, presented with dyspnoea. The roentgenogram showed a massive left pleural effusion. Additional work-up revealed a pancreaticopleural fistula and amylase-rich pleural effusion. His respiratory state improved after the insertion of chest drainage tube. During his admission, conservative and endoscopic therapy was required for the treatment of his complication of mediastinal abscess and arterial aneurysm in the pancreatic pseudocyst.
Social Autopsy of maternal, neonatal deaths and stillbirths in rural Bangladesh: qualitative exploration of its effect and community acceptance
Authors: Biswas Animesh , Rahman Fazlur , Eriksson Charli , Halim Abdul , Dalal Koustuv
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Social Autopsy (SA) is an innovative strategy where a trained facilitator leads community groups through a structured, standardised analysis of the physical, environmental, cultural and social factors contributing to a serious, non-fatal health event or death. The discussion stimulated by the formal process of SA determines the causes and suggests preventative measures that are appropriate and achievable in the community. Here we explored individual experiences of SA, including acceptance and participant learning, and its effect on rural communities in Bangladesh. The present study had explored the experiences gained while undertaking SA of maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths in rural Bangladesh.

Design

Qualitative assessment of documents, observations, focus group discussions, group discussions and in-depth interviews by content and thematic analyses.

Results

Each community's maternal and neonatal death was a unique, sad story. SA undertaken by government field-level health workers were well accepted by rural communities. SA had the capability to explore the social reasons behind the medical cause of the death without apportioning blame to any individual or group. SA was a useful instrument to raise awareness and encourage community responses to errors within the society that contributed to the death. People participating in SA showed commitment to future preventative measures and devised their own solutions for the future prevention of maternal and neonatal deaths.

Conclusions

SA highlights societal errors and promotes discussion around maternal or newborn death. SA is an effective means to deliver important preventative messages and to sensitise the community to death issues. Importantly, the community itself is enabled to devise future strategies to avert future maternal and neonatal deaths in Bangladesh.
Study to Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes in high-risk older patieNts (ICON1) with acute coronary syndrome: study design and protocol of a prospective observational study
Authors: Kunadian Vijay , Neely R Dermot G , Sinclair Hannah , Batty Jonathan A , Veerasamy Murugapathy , Ford Gary A , Qiu Weiliang
Published: August 2016

Introduction

The ICON1 study (a study to Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes in high-risk older patieNts with acute coronary syndrome) is a prospective observational study of older patients (≥75 years old) with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome managed by contemporary treatment (pharmacological and invasive). The aim of the study was to determine the predictors of poor cardiovascular outcomes in this age group and to generate a risk prediction tool.

Methods and analysis

Participants are recruited from 2 tertiary hospitals in the UK. Baseline evaluation includes frailty, comorbidity, cognition and quality-of-life measures, inflammatory status assessed by a biomarker panel, including microRNAs, senescence assessed by telomere length and telomerase activity, cardiovascular status assessed by arterial stiffness, endothelial function, carotid intima media thickness and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, and coronary plaque assessed by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. The patients are followed-up at 30 days and at 1 year for primary outcome measures of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unplanned revascularisation, bleeding and rehospitalisation.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the regional ethics committee (REC 12/NE/016). Findings of the study will be presented in scientific sessions and will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT01933581: Pre-results.
Association between hyperglycaemic crisis and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events: a nationwide population-based, propensity score-matched, cohort study
Authors: Chang Li-Hsin , Lin Liang-Yu , Tsai Ming-Tsun , How Chorng-Kuang , Chiang Jen-Huai , Hsieh Vivian Chia-Rong , Hu Sung-Yuan , Hsieh Ming-Shun
Published: August 2016

Objective

Hyperglycaemic crisis was associated with significant intrahospital morbidity and mortality. However, the association between hyperglycaemic crisis and long-term cardiovascular outcomes remained unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between hyperglycaemic crisis and subsequent long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).

Participants and methods

This population-based cohort study was conducted using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database for the period of 1996–2012. A total of 2171 diabetic patients with hyperglycaemic crisis fit the inclusion criteria. Propensity score matching was used to match the baseline characteristics of the study cohort to construct a comparison cohort which comprised 8684 diabetic patients without hyperglycaemic crisis. The risk of long-term MACEs was compared between the two cohorts.

Results

Six hundred and seventy-six MACEs occurred in the study cohort and the event rate was higher than that in the comparison cohort (31.1% vs 24.1%, p<0.001). Patients with hyperglycaemic crisis were associated with a higher risk of long-term MACEs even after adjusting for all baseline characteristics and medications (adjusted HR=1.76, 95% CI 1.62 to 1.92, p<0.001). Acute myocardial infarction had the highest adjusted HR (adjusted HR=2.19, 95% CI 1.75 to 2.75, p<0.001) in the four types of MACEs, followed by congestive heart failure (adjusted HR=1.97, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.28, p<0.001). Younger patients with hyperglycaemic crisis had a higher risk of MACEs than older patients (adjusted HR=2.69 for patients aged 20–39 years vs adjusted HR=1.58 for patients aged >65 years).

Conclusions

Hyperglycaemic crisis was significantly associated with long-term MACEs, especially in the young population. Further prospective longitudinal study should be conducted for validation.
Association between adiposity and systemic atherosclerosis: a protocol of a cross-sectional autopsy study
Authors: Nishizawa Aline , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Farias Daniela Souza , Campos Fernanda Marinho , Silva Karen Cristina Souza da , Cuelho Anderson , Leite Renata Elaine Paraízo , Ferretti-Rebustini Renata Eloah de Lucena , Grinberg Lea Tenenholz , Farfel José Marcelo , Jacob-Filho Wilson , Pasqualucci Carlos Augusto
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Adiposity has been associated with atherosclerosis in clinical studies. However, few autopsy studies have investigated this association, and they had only examined the coronary artery disease. Moreover, most studies had small sample sizes and were limited to middle-aged or young adults. Our aim is to investigate the association between adiposity and systemic atherosclerosis in an autopsy study.

Methods and analysis

A sample of 240 deceased with 30 years or more will be evaluated. The sample size was calculated using the lowest correlation coefficient found in previous studies (r=0.109), assuming a power of 90% and α=0.05. We will collect information about sociodemographics, frequency of previous contact of the deceased's next of kin and cardiovascular risk factors. We will measure neck, waist and hip circumferences, weight, height and abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness, and then we will calculate the body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio and body shape index. We will also weigh the pericardial and abdominal visceral fat, the heart, and we will measure the left ventricular wall thickness. We will evaluate the presence of myocardial infarction, the degree of atherosclerosis in the aorta, carotid, coronary and cerebral arteries and plaque composition in carotid, coronary and cerebral arteries. For each individual, we will fix arterial and adipose tissue samples in 10% formalin and freeze another adipose tissue sample at −80°C for future studies.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.