bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of innate immunity mediated by the CDPK‐Rboh complex is required for rhizobial colonization in Medicago truncatula nodules
Authors: Yu Haixiang , Xiao Aifang , Dong Ru , Fan Yuqian , Zhang Xianpeng , Liu Chao , Wang Chao , Zhu Hui , Duanmu Deqiang , Cao Yangrong , Zhang Zhongming
Published: August 2018

Suppression of innate immunity is essential for rhizobial infection and colonization in compatible interactions with leguminous plants. In Medicago nad1 mutant plants, innate immunity is excessively activated, resulting in necrotic cell death after rhizobia are released from infection threads into symbiotic cells, suggesting that innate immunity plays a critical role in regulating bacteroid persistence.

In this study, we identified three respiratory burst oxidase homologs (Rboh) and one calcium‐dependent protein kinase (CDPK) as key factors for the activation of immunity in Medicago nodules using genetic and biochemical methods.

Knock‐out of either MtRbohB or MtRbohD in nad1‐1 mutant plants produced effective nodules with intact symbiotic cells, while knock‐out of MtRbohC decreased brown pigment deposition, leading to less necrosis in nad1‐1 mutant nodules. MtCDPK5 directly phosphorylated MtRbohB, MtRbohC and MtRbohD, which triggered immune responses in plants. Knock‐out of MtCDPK5 in nad1‐1 mutant plants partially restored nitrogen‐fixing nodules. Overexpression of the constitutively activated variant MtCDPK5VK under the control of the NAD1 promoter elicited strong immune responses, resulting in ineffective nodules in wild‐type plants.

Our data provide direct evidence that host plants utilize innate immunity to regulate rhizobial colonization in symbiotic cells in Medicago truncatula.
A continent‐scale test of multiple hypotheses on the abundances of Neotropical birds
Authors: Kikuchi David W. , Kattan Gustavo H. , Navarro Vélez Kimberly C.
Published: August 2018

Explaining variation in the abundance of species remains a challenge in ecology. We sought to explain variation in abundance of Neotropical forest birds using a dataset of population densities of 596 species. We tested a priori hypotheses for the roles of species traits, environmental factors, and species interactions. Specifically, we focused on four factors: 1) body mass (trait), 2) habitat type (environmental factor), 3) net primary productivity (NPP; environmental factor) and 4) species richness of competitors (species interaction). Body size explained much variation in density, although only when analyzed at higher taxonomic levels. Habitat type was a strong predictor of density. The relationship between density and productivity was weak. Densities were related negatively to the species richness of heterospecifics. This trend was particularly strong within closely related groups. Our results show that the influence of energetic factors such as body size and productivity depends on phylogeny, and that they act through indirect relations with other variables; alternative ecological factors such as habitat structure and species interactions play a more direct and stronger role in determining abundance than previously thought.
Examining age‐related differences in functional domain impairment following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Cheng Chieh , Chi Nai‐Ching , Williams Ellita , Thompson Hilaire J.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To examine differences in the functional recovery trajectories between younger and older adults with mild–moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the first year postinjury as well as health‐related quality of life.

Design

Observational cohort.

Setting

Level one trauma centre in the State of Washington.

Participants

Adults with mild–moderate TBI (N = 34; younger adults, n = 19, and older adults, n = 15).

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measures

Functional Status Examination (FSE) and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL; SF‐12v2).

Results

Older adults consistently showed significantly worse functional performance than younger adults following TBI in the following FSE domains: mobility, ability to travel, home maintenance and overall functional status. For both groups, preinjury physical health was significantly correlated with ability to travel and social integration at 12‐month postinjury. Older participants’ preinjury physical and mental health had significant and negative correlation with their functional status.

Conclusions

Our study provides insights and implications into adults’ specific functional impairments following TBI, and which domains have persistent deficits.

Implications for Practice

Early intervention and rehabilitation should focus on improving older adults’ physical functioning and mobility. Our study may also inform future research and design of post‐TBI interventions for older adults.
Lonely China, Popular United States: Power Transition and Alliance Politics in Asia
Authors: Jung Sung Chul
Published: August 2018

What will be the future of international relations in Asia? What is the relation between Sino–US power transition and alliance politics? This study distinguishes two types of paths for great powers: lonely and popular. The lonely rise means attaining great power without winning strong allies (the United States and China provide examples), while the popular rise refers to the process of becoming a great power by attracting security partners (e.g., Germany, the Soviet Union, and Japan). Because the United States is no longer a lonely power due to its creation of an alliance network since the Cold War, today the lonely rising power, China, faces the arguably declining but still popular great power. Asian states will take four different strategies – (i) internal and external balancing, (ii) binding and buck‐passing, (iii) internal balancing, or (iv) hesitant bandwagoning – according to the existence or absence of two factors: an alliance relationship with the United States and territorial conflict with China. In the competition to attract more Asian states as allies and friends, China has a disadvantage in comparison to the United States due to its geographic location, authoritarian system, and fast‐growing economy, which cause it to be regarded as an aggressive power.
Does postcranial palaeoneurology provide insight into pterosaur behaviour and lifestyle? New data from the azhdarchoid Vectidraco and the ornithocheirids Coloborhynchus and Anhanguera
Authors: Martin‐Silverstone Elizabeth , Sykes Daniel , Naish Darren
Published: August 2018

The postcranial palaeoneurology of fossil reptiles is understudied, and those studies that exist focus predominantly on crocodyliforms and dinosaurs. The intervertebral foramina of the spine house nerves that exit to innervate surrounding tissues and the extremities. In the heavily fused (and typically distorted or poorly preserved) pterosaurian sacrum, intervertebral foramina can be difficult to observe and are rarely identified. The Early Cretaceous azhdarchoid Vectidraco from the Isle of Wight, UK, exhibits large, paired foramina on each sacral vertebra, originally identified as pneumatic foramina. Micro‐computed tomography imaging reveals these communicate with the neural canal and are intervertebral foramina for sacral nerves. The sacral vertebrae of Vectidraco are fused, and intervertebral foramina occur dorsolaterally on the centra. We identified these structures in other pterosaur sacra, including those of the ornithocheiroids Anhanguera and Coloborhynchus. The sizes of the sacral and notarial neural canals are compared and considered within interpretations of palaeoecology and locomotion, following previous studies. The relatively large sacral neural canal of Vectidraco implies a sacral enlargement for innervation of the legs and lumbosacral plexus. When compared with Anhanguera, this supports indications that azhdarchoids were more hindlimb‐proficient than ornithocheiroids. Neural canal size in the Coloborhynchus notarium suggests that ornithocheirids spent less time on the ground, their brachial enlargement and small sacral region indicating enhanced innervation of the wings and poor innervation of the sacrum and legs. This is the first study focusing on pterosaur postcranial palaeoneurology; more studies on other taxa are needed to reveal patterns across Pterosauria as a whole.
The Weight‐Focused Forms of Self‐Criticising/Attacking and Self‐Reassuring Scale: Confirmatory Factor Analysis and associations with control, loss of control of eating and weight in overweight and obese women
Authors: Duarte Cristiana , Stubbs James R. , Gilbert Paul , Stalker Carol , Catarino Francisca , Basran Jaskaran , Horgan Graham , Morris Liam
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The Weight‐Focused Forms of Self‐Criticising/Attacking and Self‐Reassuring Scale (WFSCRS) is based on the original Forms of Self‐Criticising/Attacking and Self‐Reassuring Scale (FSCSRS; Gilbert et al., 2004, British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 43, 31) and assesses the inadequate and hated forms of self‐criticism and the ability to self‐reassure when coping with attempts to control body weight, shape, and eating. The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure, consistency, and reliability of the WFSCRS in overweight and obese women.

Methods

The factorial structure of the WFSCRS was examined through a confirmatory factor analysis in 724 overweight and obese women participating in a commercial weight management programme. The scale's construct and convergent validity were also examined.

Results

The WFSCRS had a three‐factor structure, similar to the FSCSRS, which fitted the data well. The WFSCRS had high internal reliability, construct, and discriminant validity. The scale was positively associated with measures of shame, body image, eating‐related difficulties, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, and body mass index (BMI). The two forms of self‐criticism were significantly associated with higher BMI, and this effect was mediated by increased loss of control over eating (for both forms) and decreased flexible control over eating (for the hated self form).

Conclusions

The WFSCRS is a valid measure for assessing self‐reassurance and two denigratory forms (inadequate self and hated self) of self‐criticism in people who are overweight and obese.

Practitioner Points

The WFSCRS was developed to measure weight/shape and eating‐related self‐criticism and self‐reassurance.

The WFSCRS was examined in a large sample of overweight and obese women attending a community‐based weight management programme.

The WFSCRS presented a three‐factor structure measuring two forms of self‐criticism (inadequate self and hated self) and the ability to be self‐reassuring.

The two forms of self‐criticism and self‐reassurance are differentially associated with BMI, through the mediating effect of loss of control over eating and flexible control over eating.
Gene regulatory networks for lignin biosynthesis in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Authors: Rao Xiaolan , Chen Xin , Shen Hui , Ma Qin , Li Guifen , Tang Yuhong , Pena Maria , York William , Frazier Taylor P. , Lenaghan Scott , Xiao Xirong , Chen Fang , Dixon Richard A.
Published: August 2018

Cell wall recalcitrance is the major challenge to improving saccharification efficiency in converting lignocellulose into biofuels. However, information regarding the transcriptional regulation of secondary cell wall biogenesis remains poor in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), which has been selected as a biofuel crop in the United States. In this study, we present a combination of computational and experimental approaches to develop gene regulatory networks for lignin formation in switchgrass. To screen transcription factors (TFs) involved in lignin biosynthesis, we developed a modified method to perform co‐expression network analysis using 14 lignin biosynthesis genes as bait (target) genes. The switchgrass lignin co‐expression network was further extended by adding 14 TFs identified in this study, and seven TFs identified in previous studies, as bait genes. Six TFs (PvMYB58/63, PvMYB42/85, PvMYB4, PvWRKY12, PvSND2 and PvSWN2) were targeted to generate overexpressing and/or down‐regulated transgenic switchgrass lines. The alteration of lignin content, cell wall composition and/or plant growth in the transgenic plants supported the role of the TFs in controlling secondary wall formation. RNA‐seq analysis of four of the transgenic switchgrass lines revealed downstream target genes of the secondary wall‐related TFs and crosstalk with other biological pathways. In vitro transactivation assays further confirmed the regulation of specific lignin pathway genes by four of the TFs. Our meta‐analysis provides a hierarchical network of TFs and their potential target genes for future manipulation of secondary cell wall formation for lignin modification in switchgrass.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci associated with rice black‐streaked dwarf virus disease and its insect vector in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Xu Tingting , Liu Yuqiang , Zhang Le , Liu Linglong , Wang Chunming , Hu Jinlong , Sun Zhiguang , Pan Gen , Xiao Shizhuo , He Jun , Huang Jie , Qiu Zeyu , Fan Dejia , Jiang Ling , Cheng Xianian , Zhai Huqu , Wan Jianmin
Published: August 2018

Rice black‐streaked dwarf virus disease (RBSDVD), transmitted by small brown planthopper (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus), causes serious loss in rice production. Breeding resistant cultivars are one of the most effective strategies to control the virus disease and its vector. By both natural inoculations in the field and modified seedling‐box screening test in the glasshouse, an indica variety WR24 showed high resistance to RBSDVD and SBPH. An F2:3 population consisting of 153 lines derived from a cross between WR24 and a susceptible japonica variety Suyunuo was used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of RBSDVD and SBPH resistance. The linkage map consisting of 130 SSR markers was constructed with an average marker interval of 13.90 cM, spanning a total of 1890.9 cM. Totally, five QTLs for RBSDV resistance, viz. qRBSDV3WR24, qRBSDV6WR24, qRBSDV7WR24, qRBSDV9WR24 and qRBSDV11WR24, were detected on chromosomes 3, 6, 7, 9 and 11, with LOD scores of 2.7, 3.08, 3.13, 5.28 and 3.7, respectively. Meanwhile, three QTLs for SBPH resistance, including qSBPH5WR24, qSBPH7WR24 and qSBPH10WR24, were mapped on chromosomes 5, 7 and 10, with LOD scores of 2.18, 3.5 and 3.57, respectively. All resistant alleles were from WR24. Among these QTLs, qRBSDV7WR24, qSBPH5WR24 and qSBPH10WR24 were newly reported, and qSBPH10WR24 showed major effect that explained 17.9% of total phenotypic variance. The RBSDVD and SBPH resistance QTLs and the tightly linked DNA markers can be utilized in RBSDV and SBPH resistance breeding in rice.
Ectopic expression of a pea apyrase enhances root system architecture and drought survival in Arabidopsis and soybean
Authors: Veerappa Roopadarshini , Slocum Robert D. , Siegenthaler Alexander , Wang Jing , Clark Greg , Roux Stanley J.
Published: August 2018

Ectoapyrases (ecto‐NTPDases) function to decrease levels of extracellular ATP and ADP in animals and plants. Prior studies showed that ectopic expression of a pea ectoapyrase, psNTP9, enhanced growth in Arabidopsis seedlings and that the overexpression of the two Arabidopsis apyrases most closely related to psNTP9 enhanced auxin transport and growth in Arabidopsis. These results predicted that ectopic expression of psNTP9 could promote a more extensive root system architecture (RSA) in Arabidopsis. We confirmed that transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings had longer primary roots, more lateral roots, and more and longer root hairs than wild‐type plants. Because RSA influences water uptake, we tested whether the transgenic plants could tolerate osmotic stress and water deprivation better than wild‐type plants, and we confirmed these properties. Transcriptomic analyses revealed gene expression changes in the transgenic plants that helped account for their enhanced RSA and improved drought tolerance. The effects of psNTP9 were not restricted to Arabidopsis, because its expression in soybeans improved the RSA, growth, and seed yield of this crop and supported higher survival in response to drought. Our results indicate that in both Arabidopsis and soybeans, the constitutive expression of psNTP9 results in a more extensive RSA and improved survival in drought stress conditions.
Non‐invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist versus nasal intermittent positive‐pressure ventilation in preterm infants born before 30 weeks’ gestation
Authors: Yonehara Kousuke , Ogawa Ryo , Kamei Yoshiya , Oda Arata , Kokubo Masayo , Hiroma Takehiko , Nakamura Tomohiko
Published: August 2018

Background

Non‐invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV‐NAVA), a mode of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) controlled by diaphragmatic electrical activity, may be superior to other NIV as a respiratory support after extubation in preterm infants, but no report has compared NIV‐NAVA with other NIV methods. We evaluated the effectiveness and adverse effects of NIV‐NAVA after extubation in preterm infants <30 weeks of gestation.

Methods

This retrospective study involved patients who were born before 30 weeks of gestation. We mainly used NIV‐NAVA or nasal intermittent positive‐pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for preterm infants as the NIV after extubation and compared these two groups. The primary outcome was treatment failure. The secondary outcomes were extubation failure and adverse events. Treatment failure was defined as a change of NIV (NIPPV was switched to NIV‐NAVA, or NIV‐NAVA was switched to NIPPV) or reintubation ≤7 days after extubation.

Results

Fifteen patients were in the NIV‐NAVA group, and 19 were in the NIPPV group. The gestational age of the NIV‐NAVA group was younger than that of the NIPPV group (25.7 ± 2.4 weeks vs 27.3 ± 1.8 weeks). Treatment failure occurred in six cases (40%) in the NIV‐NAVA group and in nine cases (47.4%) in the NIPPV group, and no significant difference was demonstrated. No significant difference in adverse events was noted.

Conclusions

NIV‐NAVA has advantages compared with NIPPV as the NIV for premature infants after extubation. NIV‐NAVA can also be used safely without a significant difference in the rate of complications compared with NIPPV.
Vitamin D status and premature adrenarche
Authors: Akın Onur , Bideci Aysun , Döğer Esra , Demet Akbaş Emine , Kilinç Uğurlu Aylin , Yavuz Süleyman Tolga , Elbeğ Şehri , Çamurdan Orhun , Cinaz Peyami
Published: August 2018

Background

Vitamin D, an important factor in calcium‐phosphate homeostasis, has recently been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic conditions such as hyperandrogenism. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and premature adrenarche (PA).

Methods

A total of 71 girls with PA and 52 healthy girls, as the control group, were recruited. Axillary and/or pubic hair development before the age of 8 years was defined as PA. Bone age and anthropometric measures including height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were obtained. 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), fasting plasma glucose and insulin were measured. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as <20 ng/mL.

Results

The PA patients had older bone age, higher BMI standard deviation score, homeostasis model of assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and androgen but lower 25(OH)D than the control group. HOMA‐IR and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were also higher in PA patients with vitamin D insufficiency compared with those with normal vitamin D. There was a negative correlation between 25(OH)D and HOMA‐IR.

Conclusion

Low vitamin D is associated with PA; and insulin resistance may be a factor in this association.
Risk factors of long hospital stay for immunoglobulin A vasculitis: Single‐center study
Authors: Uehara Erika , Nagata Chie , Masuda Hiroshi , Fujimori Kentaro , Kobayashi Shinobu , Kubota Mitsuru , Ishiguro Akira
Published: August 2018

Background

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis is a common, systemic childhood disease that occasionally interferes with oral intake of food and necessitates hospitalization. In Japan, there are no reports on the length of hospitalization or factors related to long‐term hospitalization in children with IgA vasculitis. In this study, we investigated the factors related to long‐term hospitalization.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of children aged ≤15 years with IgA vasculitis who were admitted to the National Center for Child Health and Development (Tokyo, Japan) between March 2008 and April 2017. We reviewed their gender, age, previous episodes, digestive symptoms, fever, laboratory data, urine analysis, ultrasound, and use of glucocorticoid on admission day. We compared the long‐stay (≥10 days) group (L) and the short‐stay (≤9 days) group (S) on logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 68 children included in the analysis, 34 were male, and the average age was 71.9 ± 26.4 months. The median period of hospitalization was 10.5 days (range, 0.5–75 days), and 36 children were allocated to group L. In the logistic regression model including age, gender, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and use of glucocorticoid, male sex (OR: 4.2; 95%CI: 1.3–13.5) and GI bleeding (OR: 7.6; 95%CI: 1.4–41.5) were significantly associated with hospitalization ≥10 days.

Conclusions

In children with IgA vasculitis, male patients and those with GI bleeding were more likely to have a hospital stay ≥10 days.
The role of attachment‐related individual differences in goal adoption for serial arguments
Authors: Carson Kevin J. , Ackerman Robert A.
Published: August 2018

This study investigated the relations between attachment‐related individual differences and the adoption of interpersonal goals for conflict in romantic relationships. Additionally, it used the truth and bias model to examine how biased and accurate people are in judging their partner's endorsement of conflict goals, as well as how attachment‐related individual differences moderate this bias and accuracy. Ninety‐four romantic couples completed a measure of attachment‐related individual differences and self ‐ and informant reports of interpersonal conflict goals. Results revealed that individuals endorsed conflict goals consistent with their attachment orientations. Furthermore, they displayed biases when estimating their partner's goals, with some of these biases relating to attachment orientations. These results suggest that attachment‐related individual differences may partially guide conflict‐related goals and partner perceptions.
Optimizing Glioma Detection Using an EGFR‐Targeted Fluorescent Affibody
Authors: Ribeiro de Souza Ana Luiza , Marra Kayla , Gunn Jason , Samkoe Kimberley S. , Hull Sally , Paulsen Keith D. , Pogue Brian W.
Published: August 2018

Since many types of cancers overexpressEGFR, this surface receptor has been used as a target for therapy or diagnosis of malignant disease. Uptake kinetics ofEGFR‐targeted fluorescent Affibody (ABY‐029) were studied with a view toward optimizing efficacy of tumor detection in a glioma as a function of both delivered dose and concurrent administration of unlabeled cetuximab (anEGFRantagonist). U251 glioma cells were inoculated in brain of nude rats, and the fluorescence from each brain was analyzed after the administration ofABY‐029. Although cetuximab was able to systematically blockABY‐029 binding toEGFRin a dose‐dependent manner in cell culture, no influence on the tumor‐to‐normal brain contrast was seen when unlabeled cetuximab was administered prior toABY‐029.Ex vivoimaging ofABY‐029 fluorescence showed increasing values of the tumor‐to‐normal brain ratio with an increasing injected dose. A saturation value was obtained at a dose of 245 μg kg−1which represents a 10‐fold increase over a “microdose” value. According toFDA, the microdose of protein products is considered ≤30 nanomoles due to its difference in molecular weight as compared to synthetic drugs. This observation indicates that glioma detection will be optimal if theABY‐029 dose exceeds the “microdose” value.
Covalent vaccination with Trypanosoma cruzi Tc24 induces catalytic antibody production
Authors: Gunter Sarah M. , Versteeg Leroy , Jones Kathryn M. , Keegan Brian P. , Strych Ulrich , Bottazzi Maria Elena , Hotez Peter J. , Brown Eric L.
Published: August 2018

Trypanosoma cruzi 24 (Tc24) is a recently described B‐cell superantigen (BC‐SAg) expressed by all developmental stages of T. cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. BC‐SAgs are immunoevasins that interfere with the catalytic response available to a subset of natural antibodies comprising the preimmune (innate) repertoire. Electrophilic modifications of BC‐SAgs facilitate the formation of highly energetic covalent reactions favouring B‐cell differentiation instead of B‐cell downregulation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to convert the inhibitory signals delivered to B‐cells with specificity for Tc24 into activating signals after conjugating electrophilic phosphonate groups to recombinant Tc24 (eTc24). Covalent immunization with eTc24 increased the binding affinity between eTc24 and naturally nucleophilic immunoglobulins with specificity for this BC‐SAg. Flow cytometric analyses demonstrated that eTc24 but not Tc24 or other electrophilically modified control proteins bound Tc24‐specific IgM+ B‐cells covalently. In addition, immunization of mice with eTc24 adjuvanted with ISA720 induced the production of catalytic responses specific for Tc24 compared to the abrogation of this response in mice immunized with Tc24/ISA720. eTc24‐immunized mice also produced IgMs that bound recombinant Tc24 compared to the binding observed for IgMs purified from non eTc24‐immunized controls. These data suggest that eTc24 immunization overrides the immunosuppressive properties of this BC‐SAg.
Neutrophil extracellular traps in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Gottlieb Yehonatan , Elhasid Ronit , Berger‐Achituv Sivan , Brazowski Eli , Yerushalmy‐Feler Anat , Cohen Shlomi
Published: August 2018

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are fibers composed of chromatin and neutrophil proteins released by activated neutrophils. NETs trap and kill microbes, activate dendritic and T cells, and are implicated in autoimmune and vascular diseases. The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is multifactorial and characterized by chronic active mucosal inflammation with controversial contribution of neutrophils. Our aim is to describe the involvement of NETs in pediatric IBD. We retrospectively examined biopsies from the small bowel and colon of children at diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). The biopsies were labeled for neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase, DNA, chromatin and histones in order to identify NETs. Samples of two children with normal colonoscopy served as controls. Twelve patients (5 boys) were included, 6 with CD and 6 with UC. Their average age was 12.2 years (range 5–16). NETs were found in all samples from patients and not in the samples from the two controls. This is the first demonstration of the presence of NETs in biopsies taken from the small bowel and colon of pediatric patients with IBD. More studies are needed in order to identify the role of NETs in CD/UC pathogenesis.
Control of Phytophthora species in plant stock for habitat restoration through best management practices
Authors: Sims L. , Tjosvold S. , Chambers D. , Garbelotto M.
Published: August 2018

Emergent plant pathogens represent one of the most significant threats to biodiversity, and exotic Phytophthora species have recently emerged as a serious problem in restored habitats in California and in nurseries producing the plant stock. It is hypothesized that ‘best management practices’ prescribed through a Phytophthora Prevention Programme (PPP) could be useful in minimizing phytophthora disease incidence. To understand the magnitude of the problem and the efficacy of the PPP, plants in restoration nurseries were evaluated for (i) the Phytophthora species assemblage present in the absence of the PPP, and (ii) the effectiveness of the PPP to reduce them. Sampling included 203 plants grown in the absence of the PPP, and 294 grown implementing the PPP. Only samples collected in the absence of the PPP were Phytophthora‐positive, and cumulatively yielded 55 isolates from 13 different taxa, including 1 putative interspecific hybrid genotype. There were 21 novel Phytophthora–plant species combinations. The most common Phytophthora species was P. cactorum. Four plant species had the highest disease incidence, namely: Diplacus aurantiacus (50 ± 11.2%), Heteromeles arbutifolia (33 ± 9.6%), Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (30 ± 8.4%), and Frangula californica (30 ± 8.4%). Disease incidence in nurseries after the implementation of the PPP dropped to zero (P < 0.001), and was unaffected to any significant degree by nursery differences, or plant species tested. This study identifies a large number of novel ‘plant species × Phytophthora species’ combinations, and provides for the first time strong evidence that the PPP significantly reduced Phytophthora in plant stock for habitat restoration.
Multilocus sequence typing reveals the presence of three distinct flavescence dorée phytoplasma genetic clusters in Croatian vineyards
Authors: Plavec J. , Budinšćak Ž. , Križanac I. , Škorić D. , Foissac X. , Šeruga Musić M.
Published: August 2018

Flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDp) is a quarantine pathogen associated with a severe and epidemic grapevine yellows disease representing a great threat for grapevine cultivation in Europe. An increase in disease spread prompted efforts to identify FDp strains in Croatia. Over 800 samples of grapevine together with presumed reservoir plants and almost 400 samples of Scaphoideus titanus and other potential vectors were collected countrywide and analysed. FDp isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of map, secY and uvrB‐degV genes in order to determine genetic diversity and structure of FDp populations, and to trace transmission pathways. FD‐related phytoplasmas were found in Croatia for the first time in alder, the invasive tree species Ailanthus altissima and leafhopper Phlogotettix cyclops. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of three mapFD strain clusters: mapFD1, mapFD2 and mapFD3, and for the first time in Croatia a case of Palatinate grapevine yellows strain A (PGY‐A). In total, 7 different map, 10 secY and 11 uvrB‐degV genotypes were detected. The identification of 15 comprehensive FDp genotypes based on MLST suggests separate routes for disease introduction and propagation origins in Croatia. Moreover, high genetic variability of Croatian isolates indicates a complex ecological cycle of FDp involving various hosts.
Selection and mutation of the avirulence gene AVR‐Pii of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Lu L. , Wang Q. , Jia Y. , Bi Y. Q. , Li C. Y. , Fan H. C. , Li J. B.
Published: August 2018

Magnaporthe oryzae avirulence (AVR) genes are predicted to be involved in pathogen invasion and their virulence functions are restricted by the presence of the cognate resistance (R) genes. In this study, the distribution and variation of the avirulence (AVR‐Pii) gene of M. oryzae in Yunnan province, China were analysed to understand haplotype diversity of AVR‐Pii under field conditions. The presence of AVR‐Pii in 454 field isolates of M. oryzae collected in Yunnan province was examined using gene‐specific PCR markers. The results showed that 82 M. oryzae isolates carried AVR‐Pii. Among them, 39 (35.5%), 5 (15.2%), 4 (14.3%), 2 (13.3%), 25 (12.8%) and 7 (9.7%) of the M. oryzae isolates carried AVR‐Pii from central, southeastern, southwestern, northwestern, western and northeastern Yunnan province, respectively. Of these isolates, 55 were sequenced, while the remaining 27 isolates were not suitable for PCR‐based sequencing and were not used for further analysis. Moreover, three AVR‐Pii haplotypes were identified among the 55 isolates, in which H1 was identical with a previous sequence in GenBank (accession no. AB498874) and H2 and H3 were novel variants. All DNA sequence variations were found to occur in the protein‐coding region resulting in amino acid substitutions. One virulent haplotype of AVR‐Pii to Pii was identified among 55 field isolates, suggesting that the AVR‐Pii gene has lost avirulence function through base substitution. These findings suggest that AVR‐Pii is under positive selection and AVR‐Pii mutations are responsible for overcoming race‐specific resistance in nature.
The importance of behaviour in improving the production of shrimp in aquaculture
Authors: Bardera Guillermo , Usman Nafiha , Owen Matthew , Pountney Daniel , Sloman Katherine A. , Alexander Mhairi E.
Published: August 2018

There is an increasing recognition within the aquaculture industry that understanding the behaviour of farmed animals can help provide solutions to feeding problems. However, most studies have focused on finfish production, with fewer behavioural studies on feeding processes in commercially produced crustaceans. More than 60% of crustacean aquaculture is attributed to the production of penaeids, particularly the Pacific white‐leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei Boone). The profitability of the Pacific white‐leg shrimp for aquaculture stems from its ability to survive in a wide range of environments and its fast growth at high densities. However, there are significant setbacks within their farming. In particular, while they can move rapidly to take food pellets, they can be slow to consume them leading to food wastage and subsequent economic losses for the industry. Understanding shrimp behaviour provides a starting point for refinements to feeding practices. Here, we review the different influences on shrimp behaviour which are likely to influence productivity such as individual‐level effects (e.g. moulting, sex), environmental influences (e.g. photoperiod, conspecific presence) and water quality (e.g. salinity, temperature). Although work on feed management has been conducted, providing information on nutrition, feeding frequency and schedules, here we demonstrate that such advances must be accompanied by behavioural approaches to allow the development of optimal feeding efficiencies and to support the continued growth of the crustacean aquaculture industry.
One standard to rule them all?
Authors: Daoust Marc‐Kevin
Published: August 2018

It has been argued that an epistemically rational agent's evidence is subjectively mediated through some rational epistemic standards, and that there are incompatible but equally rational epistemic standards available to agents. This supports Permissiveness, the view according to which one or multiple fully rational agents are permitted to take distinct incompatible doxastic attitudes towards P (relative to a body of evidence). In this paper, I argue that the above claims entail the existence of a unique and more reliable epistemic standard. My strategy relies on Condorcet's Jury Theorem. This gives rise to an important problem for those who argue that epistemic standards are permissive, since the reliability criterion is incompatible with such a type of Permissiveness.
When ignorance excuses
Authors: Le Morvan Pierre
Published: August 2018

An ingenious argument – we may call it the Argument from Excuse – purports to show that the Standard View of Ignorance is false and the New View of Ignorance is true. On the former, ignorance is lack of knowledge; on the latter, ignorance is lack of true belief. I defend the Standard View by arguing that the Argument from Excuse is unsound. I also argue that an implication of my case is that Factual Ignorance Thesis (FIT) is false. According to FIT, whenever an agent A acts from factual ignorance, A is morally blameworthy (culpable) for the act only if A is morally blameworthy (culpable) for the ignorance from which A acts.
Monitoring of physically restored seagrass meadows reveals a slow rate of recovery for Thalassia testudinum
Authors: Furman Bradley T. , Merello Manuel , Shea Colin P. , Kenworthy William J. , Hall Margaret O.
Published: August 2018

Physical damage by motor vessels is a widespread problem for seagrass meadows, with hull and propeller strikes accounting for thousands of acres of impaired habitat in Florida, United States, alone. Because the excavations can become topographically unstable, and because recolonization and succession of seagrasses can require decades to reach climax, Thalassia testudinum‐dominated communities, there has been increasing efforts to regrade and stabilize impacted sediments, and to speed succession. A prior project involving eight vessel groundings in two hydrodynamic settings (high and low energy) examined the relative efficacy of capping injuries with sand‐filled fabric tubes or limestone pea rock, followed by planting of fast‐growing seagrass species and nutrient amendment using bird‐roosting stake deployments. Monitoring after 4 years showed recruitment of fast‐growing, subordinate species: Syringodium filiforme or Halodule wrightii, particularly in low‐energy environments; however, T. testudinum had not yet returned to natural densities. The current study extended monitoring an additional 3 years. At 7 years posteffort, T. testudinum recolonization was still incomplete. Of the eight sites, only three had statistically recovered. In low‐energy areas, H. wrightii cover was greater than in reference meadows, and a strong inverse relationship between H. wrightii and T. testudinum was observed. One explanation is that residual nutrients from bird feces switched the competitive outcome. We demonstrate using seagrass tissue N:P that nutrients delivered via bird stakes remained in the sediments of low‐energy environments, and argue that prolonged fertilization resulted in competitive advantages for H. wrightii, depressing T. testudinum recruitment and delaying recovery of the targeted seagrass community.
Impacts of a geotextile container dune core on marine turtle nesting in Juno Beach, Florida, United States
Authors: Hirsch Sarah E. , Kedzuf Stephanie , Perrault Justin R.
Published: August 2018

Hard armoring technologies (e.g. rock revetments and seawalls), which are installed to protect homes from beach erosion, can diminish the aesthetics and amenity of the beach. Over time, these structures cause beach narrowing and often prevent marine turtle access to nesting habitat altogether. An alternative armoring technology, known as geotextile dune core systems (or geocores), has been developed and implemented to protect inland infrastructure from beach erosion, yet there remains an absence of research on possible effects on marine turtles. In this study, we examined the impacts of a geocore installed on Juno Beach, Florida, United States in February 2014 on loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting success, hatching success, and emergence success. A before‐after‐control‐impact paired series design evaluated the difference in nesting success per week for the impact and control sites 4 years before (2010–2013) and 4 years after (2014–2017) the installation of the geocore. Neither loggerhead nor green turtle nesting success was significantly different after the installation of the geocore; however, when analyzing loggerhead crawls that came to within 5 m of the geotextile bags, nesting success decreased. Neither hatching nor emergence success was significantly different after the installation of the geocore for either species. Our results suggest that geocores may minimally affect loggerhead and green turtles and provide a suitable restoration technique for homeowners facing beach erosion.
Obstructive sleep apnoea independently predicts lipid levels: Data from the European Sleep Apnea Database
Authors: Gündüz Canan , Basoglu Ozen K. , Hedner Jan , Zou Ding , Bonsignore Maria R. , Hein Holger , Staats Richard , Pataka Athanasia , Barbe Ferran , Sliwinski Pavel , Kent Brian D. , Pepin Jean Lois , Grote Ludger ,   on behalf of the European Sleep Apnea Database Collaborators
Published: August 2018

Background and objective

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and dyslipidaemia are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the association between OSA and plasma lipid concentrations in patients enrolled in the European Sleep Apnea Database (ESADA) cohort.

Methods

The cross‐sectional analysis included 8592 patients without physician‐diagnosed hyperlipidaemia or reported intake of a lipid‐lowering drug (age 50.1 ± 12.7 years, 69.1% male, BMI: 30.8 ± 6.6 kg/m2, mean apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI): 25.7 ± 25.9 events/h). The independent relationship between measures of OSA (AHI, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), mean and lowest oxygen saturation) and lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and fasting triglycerides (TG)) was determined by means of general linear model analysis.

Results

There was a dose response relationship between TC and ODI (mean ± SE (mg/dL): 180.33 ± 2.46, 184.59 ± 2.42, 185.44 ± 2.42 and 185.73 ± 2.44; P < 0.001 across ODI quartiles I–IV). TG and LDL concentrations were better predicted by AHI than by ODI. HDL‐C was significantly reduced in the highest AHI quartile (mean ± SE (mg/dL): 48.8 ± 1.49 vs 46.50 ± 1.48; P = 0.002, AHI quartile I vs IV). Morbid obesity was associated with lower TC and higher HDL‐C values. Lipid status was influenced by geographical location with the highest TC concentration recorded in Northern Europe.

Conclusion

OSA severity was independently associated with cholesterol and TG concentrations.
Does CPAP for obstructive sleep apnoea improve asthma control?
Authors: Hamilton Garun S.
Published: August 2018

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Managing disease behaviour: A team approach
Authors: Wilsher Margaret
Published: August 2018

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Concurrent cross‐reactivity of microbiota‐derived epitopes to both self and pathogens may underlie the “Hygiene hypothesis”
Authors: Usharauli David , Kamala Tirumalai
Published: August 2018

The current iteration of the “Hygiene hypothesis” proposes precipitous decline in exposure to conserved microbial products and metabolites in individuals in developed countries undermines innate self‐nonself “training” of immune system leading to allergy and autoimmunity. However, lack of innate “training” alone fails to account for the antigen‐driven nature of these immunopathologies. Here, we advance an alternative, antigen‐specific interpretive framework, SPIRAL (Specific ImmunoRegulatory Algorithm) that predicts “loss” of commensal microbiota‐derived epitopes cross‐reactive to both self and pathogens, rather than conserved microbial moieties or metabolites, underlies the “Hygiene hypothesis.” By mechanistically delineating how loss of selective microbiota in predisposed individuals could lead to corresponding “holes” in the epitope‐specific Foxp3+ regulatory T cell repertoire and subsequent selective immunopathologies, SPIRAL represents a novel interpretation of cross‐reactivity that could enable targeted discovery of microbiota species and their associated Treg epitopes “missing” in the diseases “Hygiene hypothesis” implicates, and provides a roadmap for a novel unified interpretation of self‐nonself discrimination and T helper phenotype selection.
Emotion understanding and maternal sensitivity as protective factors against hostile attribution bias in anger‐prone children
Authors: Wong Maria S. , Chen Xi , McElwain Nancy L.
Published: August 2018

The present research examined children’s anger proneness, emotion understanding, and maternal sensitivity during toddlerhood as predictors of children’s hostile attribution bias (HAB) during the later preschool years. At 2.8 years (N = 128), maternal sensitivity (e.g., child‐centered behavior) was observed during mother–child play and snack, and parents reported on children’s anger proneness. At 3.3 years, emotion understanding (i.e., ability to identify emotional expressions accurately) was measured via an interactive puppet interview. At 4.8 and 5.4 years, children's HAB was assessed via child responses to hypothetical vignettes of ambiguous peer provocations. Path models revealed that maternal sensitivity predicted fewer hostile attributions. In addition, emotion understanding and maternal sensitivity emerged as buffers against the negative effect of anger proneness on HAB. Specifically, greater anger proneness was associated with more frequent hostile attributions, but only when children had lower emotion understanding or had mothers who were less sensitive. The findings highlight the interplay between intrapersonal and interpersonal factors in early childhood that contribute to a hostile attribution bias during the preschool period.
Fosfomycin trometamol in the prophylaxis of post‐kidney transplant urinary tract infection: A controlled, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Arreola‐Guerra José M. , Rosado‐Canto Rodrigo , Alberú Josefina , Maravilla Ernesto , Torres‐González Pedro , Criollo Elia , Pérez Maria , Mancilla Eduardo , Arvizu Mauricio , Morales‐Buenrostro Luis Eduardo , Vilatobá‐Chapa Mario , Sifuentes‐Osornio José
Published: August 2018

Background

The aim of this controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fosfomycin trometamol (FOS) in urinary tract infection (UTI) prophylaxis during the first 6 months after renal transplant (RT).

Methods

The intervention group received 3 g of FOS PO every 10 days and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX, 160/800 mg) three times per week (Group 1), whereas the control group received TMP‐SMX (160/800 mg) daily (Group 2). The outcomes were the time until the first UTI (symptomatic infection or asymptomatic bacteriuria (>105 CFU/mL)) and the incidence of UTI during the first 6 months post RT. Intermediate analysis was conducted after one‐half of the estimated sample size of patients was enrolled.

Results

The recruitment of patients was stopped after the intermediate analysis due showed no emerging trends or reasonable chance of demonstrating benefit. Sixty‐seven patients were included (32 in Group 1 and 35 in Group 2). The UTI incidence (40.6% vs 42.8%, P = 0.85) and time until the first episode were similar between the groups (log rank, P = 0.862). UTI due to Klebsiella spp. was observed in both groups at equal rates (25% vs 20%, P = 0.62), episodes due to Escherichia coli were less frequent in Group 1 (12.5% vs 34.2%, P = 0.04), and Enterococcus faecalis infection only occurred in Group 2 (n = 4). Resistance to FOS was observed for Klebsiella spp.; in contrast, E. coli and E. faecalis were susceptible.

Conclusions

The addition of FOS to TMP‐SMX was not beneficial for the prevention of UTI after RT in our setting. (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01820897).