bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substrate and spatial variables are major determinants of fungal community in karst caves in Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Feng , Cai Lei
Published: May 2019

Aim

Previous studies primarily based on the culture method have revealed that caves host a high fungal diversity and that exogenous carbon sources influence fungal communities. Here, we assess the fungal diversity and distribution patterns in karst caves in Southwest China and reveal the major factors that shape the fungal communities.

Location

Southwest China.

Methods

Samples of air, rock, sediment and water were collected from eight caves in Southwest China. Using high‐throughput sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 region of fungal rDNA, we examined the cave fungal communities in Southwest China and studied their correlations with potentially influential factors, such as substrate, cave, location and environmental variables.

Results

Approximately 10,000 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) spanning 15 phyla were obtained. The highest diversity genus was Penicillium, while Mortierella had the highest relative abundance. Compared with air and rock samples, sediment and water samples harboured higher diversity and distinct communities. Substrate and cave were revealed to be the key determinants of the fungal communities in caves. Sample location and sampling distance from the entrance had more significant impacts on rock and sediment communities than on air and water assemblages. The fungal assemblages in air and water samples from the cave and outside cave environments were similar, while those of rock and sediment samples were significantly different.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that sediment and water harboured higher fungal diversity than air and rock, and substrate and spatial variables are key determinants of fungal communities in caves.
Effectiveness of dual external direct current cardioversion for initial cardioversion in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gardner Michael W. , Yadava Mrinal , Raitt Merritt H. , Elman Miriam R. , Zarraga Ignatius G. , MacMurdy Karen S. , Dalouk Khidir A. , Jessel Peter M.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Dual external direct current cardioversion (dual‐DCCV) is a rhythm control strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), involving simultaneous delivery of two shocks from two defibrillators. The long‐term effectiveness of this approach has not been studied in the biphasic cardioversion era.

Methods

Seventy‐seven consecutive patients at a single center were identified to receive dual‐DCCV at the time of their initial cardioversion for AF, when maximum output standard external direct current cardioversion failed in two vectors. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for dual‐DCCV in a historical control group of 77 patients undergoing standard cardioversion and Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare time to AF recurrence.

Results

The dual‐DCCV group had a significantly larger body mass index (BMI), but similar AF duration and left atrial size as controls. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that BMI and absence of prior paroxysmal AF were risk factors for dual‐DCCV (P < 0.05). There was no difference observed between dual‐DCCV and control groups (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.57; P = .12) after adjusting for number of shocks and age. Transient hypoxia was the only acute complication in either group (P > .999).

Conclusion

Dual‐DCCV appears to be a safe and effective cardioversion strategy for patients with AF. The need for dual‐DCCV in the treatment of AF appears to be influenced more by body habitus than atrial substrate.
Characterisation of endogenous players in fibroblast growth factor‐regulated functions of hypothalamic tanycytes and energy‐balance nuclei
Authors: Kaminskas Benediktas , Goodman Timothy , Hagan Andrew , Bellusci Saverio , Ornitz David M. , Hajihosseini Mohammad K.
Published: May 2019

The mammalian hypothalamus regulates key homeostatic and neuroendocrine functions ranging from circadian rhythm and energy balance to growth and reproductive cycles via the hypothalamic‐pituitary and hypothalamic‐thyroid axes. In addition to its neurones, tanycytes are taking centre stage in the short‐ and long‐term augmentation and integration of diverse hypothalamic functions, although the genetic regulators and mediators of their involvement are poorly understood. Exogenous interventions have implicated fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling, although the focal point of the action of FGF and any role for putative endogenous players also remains elusive. We carried out a comprehensive high‐resolution screen of FGF signalling pathway mediators and modifiers using a combination of in situ hybridisation, immunolabelling and transgenic reporter mice, aiming to map their spatial distribution in the adult hypothalamus. Our findings suggest that β‐tanycytes are the likely focal point of exogenous and endogenous action of FGF in the third ventricular wall, utilising FGF receptor (FGFR)1 and FGFR2 IIIc isoforms, but not FGFR3. Key IIIc‐activating endogenous ligands include FGF1, 2, 9 and 18, which are expressed by a subset of ependymal and parenchymal cells. In the parenchymal compartment, FGFR1‐3 show divergent patterns, with FGFR1 being predominant in neuronal nuclei and expression of FGFR3 being associated with glial cell function. Intracrine FGFs are also present, suggestive of multiple modes of FGF function. Our findings provide a testable framework for understanding the complex role of FGFs with respect to regulating the metabolic endocrine and neurogenic functions of hypothalamus in vivo.
Are carbohydrate drinks more effective than preoperative fasting: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Noba Lyrics , Wakefield Ann
Published: May 2019

Aims and objectives

To evaluate current evidence to determine whether oral preoperative carbohydrate drinks shorten hospital stays, reduce insulin resistance and/or improve postoperative discomfort for patients undergoing abdominal or cardiac surgery.

Background

Criticisms of standard preoperative fasting have forced practitioners to explore new ways of preparing patients for theatre. Consequently, the use of preoperative carbohydrate drinks prior to elective surgery has gained momentum. Current evidence regarding the efficacy of this treatment has been inconsistent and contradictory which prompted a review of the current literature.

Design

A systematic review of randomised clinical trials (RCTs).

Methods

In accordance with Prisma guidelines, the review incorporated a systematic, comprehensive search of English‐language‐only texts published between 2001–2018. The search focused on five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, British Nursing Index and ASSIA). Reference lists of relevant systematic reviews and studies located were also hand‐searched for eligibility and further references. All RCTs investigating the effect of preoperative carbohydrate drinks on adult patients undergoing cardiac or abdominal surgery were included. The review excluded RCTs conducted on patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus and patients under the age of 18.

Result

The review included 22 RCTs with a total sample of 2,065 patients across thirteen countries. Nine different types of surgery were identified. No significant reductions in hospital stay were noted in 8 of the ten trials. Preoperative carbohydrate drinks significantly reduced insulin resistance and improved postoperative discomfort especially in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. No definite conclusion regarding the impact of preoperative carbohydrate drinks on gastric volume and gastric pH was noted. Similarly, no adverse events such as pulmonary aspiration were reported.

Conclusion

Preoperative carbohydrate drinks were found to be safe and can be administered up to 2 hr before surgery. Such drinks were also found to reduce insulin resistance and improve postoperative discomfort especially in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, there is insufficient evidence to definitively conclude what impact they have on length of hospital stay.

Relevance to clinical practice

Patients undergoing surgery are often required to fast from midnight, while in some extreme cases patients are fasted for up to 24 hr prior to surgery. The main purpose of asking patients to undergo this prolonged fasting is to reduce the risk of aspiration. However, there is a general consensus that this traditional practice is out of date, and it is often associated with postoperative complications. On the other hand, current evidence suggests oral intake of fluids up to 90–180 min prior to surgery is safe and consumption of a preoperative carbohydrate drinks does not delay gastric emptying or affect gastric acidity.
Beyond the Gaze and Well Beyond Wolfenden: The Practices and Rationalities of Regulating and Policing Sex Work in the Digital Age
Authors: Scoular Jane , Pitcher Jane , Sanders Teela , Campbell Rosie , Cunningham Stewart
Published: May 2019

Drawing on the largest study of the United Kingdom online market in sexual labour to date, this article examines the legal and regulatory consequences as aspects of sex work increasingly take place within an online environment. Our research shows that while governmental policy has not kept abreast of these changes, the application of current laws (which have, since the 1950s, focused on public nuisance and, more recently, trafficking and modern slavery) are pernicious to sex workers and unsuited to recognizing and responding to the abuses and exploitation in online markets in sexual labour. These injustices are likely to be exacerbated if policies and policing do not better align with the realities of these markets in the twenty‐first century. This demands a more nuanced regulatory approach which recognizes that people may engage in sex work of their own volition, but which also addresses conditions of labour and criminal exploitation.
Shedding light on a Group IV (ECF11) alternative σ factor
Authors: Donohue Timothy J.
Published: May 2019

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of σ70 as a protein factor that was needed for bacterial RNA polymerase to accurately transcribe a promoter in vitro. It was 25 years later that the Group IV alternative σs were described as a distinct family of proteins related to σ70. In the intervening time, there has been an ever‐growing list of Group IV σs, numbers of genes they transcribe, insight into the diverse suite of processes they control, and appreciation for their impact on bacterial lifestyles. This work summarizes knowledge of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides σE‐ChrR pair, a member of the ECF11 subfamily of Group IV alternative σs, in protecting cells from the reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen. It describes lessons learned from analyzing ChrR, a zinc‐dependent anti‐σ factor, that are generally applicable to Group IV σs and relevant to the response to single oxygen. This MicroReview also illustrates insights into stress responses in this and other bacteria that have been acquired by analyzing or modeling the activity of the σE‐ChrR across the bacterial phylogeny.
Invited Review: Pathology of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours: present status, modern diagnostic approach, controversies and future perspectives from a neuropathological and clinical standpoint
Authors: Manojlovic‐Gacic E. , Bollerslev J. , Casar‐Borota O.
Published: May 2019

Neuroendocrine tumours of the adenohypophysis have traditionally been designated as pituitary adenomas to underline their usually indolent growth and lack of metastatic potential. However, they may demonstrate a huge spectrum of growth patterns and endocrine disturbances, some of them significantly affecting health and quality of life. To predict tumour growth, risk of postoperative recurrence and response to medical therapy in patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumours is challenging. A thorough histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnostic work‐up is an obligatory part of a multidisciplinary effort to precisely define the tumour type and assess prognostic and predictive factors on an individual basis. In this review, we have summarized the current status in the pathology in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours based on the selection of references from the PubMed database. We have presented possible diagnostic approaches according to the current pituitary cell lineage‐based classification. The importance of recognizing histological subtypes with potentially aggressive behaviour and identification of prognostic and predictive tissue biomarkers have been highlighted. Controversies related to particular subtypes of pituitary tumours and a still limited prognostic impact of the current classification indicate the need for further refinement. Multidisciplinary approach including clinical, pathological and molecular genetic characterization will be essential for improved personalized therapy and the search for novel therapeutic targets in patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumours.
Mechanical thrombectomy in a patient with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Adachi Kenichi , Oomura Masahiro , Madokoro Yuta , Hattori Hideo , Nishikawa Yusuke , Kitamura Takumi , Matsukawa Noriyuki
Published: May 2019

A 49‐year‐old man developed the left middle artery occlusion. The patient was treated with mechanical thrombectomy following intravenous thrombolysis. The occluded artery was recanalized by stent retriever; however, reocclusion was noted. A marked tenderness of the left temporal artery and an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate were suggestive of giant cell arteritis (GCA). The biopsied temporal artery showed findings of vasculitis, and a diagnosis of GCA was established.
Independent effect of haemodialysis session frequency and duration on survival in non‐indigenous Australians on haemodialysis
Authors: Emmett Christopher J , Macintyre Kate , Kitsos Alex , McKercher Charlotte M , Jose Matthew , Bettiol Silvana
Published: May 2019

Background

End‐stage kidney disease patients have increased mortality compared to the general population. Haemodialysis (HD) of more frequent and of longer duration has been proposed to improve survival but it remains unclear if this is attributed to increased frequency, duration, or both. We aimed to examine the independent effects of session frequency and duration on mortality in incident HD patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry examining non‐Indigenous patients aged ≥18 years who initiated HD of ≥3 sessions/week in Australia from 2001 to 2015. Initial dialysis prescription was categorized as session duration >5 h/session compared to ≤5 h/session and session frequency as >3 sessions/week compared to 3 sessions/week. Survival analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis, with multivariable analysis controlling for available covariates.

Results

We examined 16 944 patients of whom 757 (4.5%) received >3 sessions/week and 518 (3.1%) received >5 h/session. After controlling for frequency, patients initiated on HD sessions >5 h had a significantly reduced risk of mortality compared with patients with HD session ≤5 h (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.44–0.74). In contrast, patients initiated on >3 sessions/week of HD had a similar risk of death when compared with patients on 3 sessions/week of HD (adjusted HR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.84–1.13), after controlling for duration. Limitations include potential residual confounding and changes in exposure over time.

Conclusion

Longer duration rather than increased frequency of treatment appears to reduce mortality in HD patients. This has implications for management and requires further study.
Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Brassica oxyrrhina and comparative analysis of the region containing orf108, a male sterility gene for mustard (Brassica juncea), among B. oxyrrhina, Diplotaxis erucoides and Sinapis species
Authors: Mukai Akihito , Jikuya Megumi , Tsujimura Mai , Terachi Toru , Yamagishi Hiroshi
Published: May 2019

To date, several cytoplasms of wild species have been introduced to Brassica juncea, for inducing cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). One of the causal genes of CMS is orf108, which is widely distributed in Brassicaceae including Brassica oxyrrhina. To further understand the origin of orf108, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of B. oxyrrhina. We also determined the DNA sequences upstream of atp1 including orf108 for D. erucoides and five Sinapis species. The orf108 was definitively placed in the mitochondrial genome of B. oxyrrhina consisting of 247,936 bp. In S. alba, previously reported to possess orf108, the gene was not present, whereas Sinapis arvensis and Sinapis turgida contained orf108. The orf108 sequence in the two Sinapis species showed a novel nucleotide substitution compared to D. erucoides. Northern hybridization suggested, furthermore, that orf108 mRNA was processed in the two species similarly to that in B. oxyrrhina. The results clarified the interspecific differentiation of orf108‐apt1 region in Sinapis.
Melatonin Receptor Mel1b‐ and Mel1c‐mediated Green Light Induced the Secretion of Growth Hormone in Anterior Pituitary of Chicks
Authors: Yue Liang , Qin Xiaojing , Liu Xinfeng , Wang Zixu , Dong Yulan , Chen Yaoxing , Cao Jing
Published: May 2019

Previous studies have found that melatonin was related to the growth and development in avian. Therefore, the newly hatched broilers were exposed to colors of light to establish a model of pinealectomy and explored the mechanism of pineal melatonin promoting growth hormone (GH) secretion. The results showed that green light (GL) promoted the levels of GH, pituitary‐specific transcription factor‐1 (Pit‐1) genes and proteins in pituitary. Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of melatonin receptor subtypes Mel1b and Mel1c in the pituitary in GL were higher than other monochromatic light groups. After pinealectomy, the expression of Pit‐1, GH, Mel1b and Mel1c in pituitary decreased. In vitro, exogenous melatonin promoted the level of Pit‐1 mRNA and the secretion of GH in anterior pituitary cells. However, when melatonin was added with exogenous selective Mel1b antagonist (4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamideotetralin) and selective Mel1c antagonist (prazosin), the level of Pit‐1 mRNA and the GH secretion decreased. When selective Mel1b and Mel1c antagonists were added simultaneously, the decrease in Pit‐1 mRNA and GH secretion was more significant. These results indicated that pineal melatonin promotes the expression of Pit‐1 under GL by binding to melatonin receptor subtypes Mel1b and Mel1c in the pituitary, thereby increasing GH secretion and promoting the growth.
Dignity as a guiding principle for family care partners in the care of an old relative with dementia
Authors: Söderberg Maria , Ståhl Agneta , Melin Emilsson Ulla
Published: May 2019

Aim

There is a growing number of older people (65+) with dementia, and many family care partners are involved in making help‐seeking choices. The aim of this study was to reveal how family care partners with an old relative with dementia proceed in the name of dignity in their desire to secure the best care possible while still maintaining their own dignity.

Methods

Data were collected in 2009–2010 in open semi‐structured interviews and follow‐up contacts with seven family care partners with an old relative with dementia on 14 occasions. From this collected data and for this study, a design based on patterns labelled archetypes was chosen to permit an in‐depth data analysis.

Results

In the analysis, three archetypes emerged, emanating from three specific family care partners. A prominent feature in the findings was that the dignity of an old relative with dementia was hard to separate from the dignity as a family care partner, which gave rise to their need to express accounts in terms of excuses and justifications.

Conclusion

This study provides an important insight into the connection between different elements of dignity and it contributes to explain the complexity behind family care partners’ decisions in the care of an old relative with dementia. This multifaceted meaning of dignity needs more attention for a better understanding and thereby implementation in practice and in the follow‐up of policy for older people.
Mapping empirical experiences of Tom Kitwood's framework of person‐centred care for persons with dementia in institutional settings. A scoping review
Authors: Terkelsen Anne Seneca , Petersen Jacob Vorup , Kristensen Hanne Kaae
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Tom Kitwood's theoretical framework of person‐centred care is extensively and internationally referred to in healthcare services. However, despite the broad use of Kitwood's approach in clinical practice, the research examining experiences with the approach has not been mapped.

Aim

To map the available literature on current empirical experiences in clinical practice of Kitwood's approach to person‐centred care for people with dementia, living in institutional settings in primary health care.

Methods

A total of 154 studies concerning the experiences of people with dementia and their formal caregivers’ use of Kitwood's framework of person‐centred care for residents living in institutional settings in primary health care were compiled from scientific databases. All three authors engaged in a systematic selection process, leading to nineteen articles being included in the review.

Results

The results showed an overall tendency towards positive experiences gained from applying person‐centred approaches in clinical practice influenced by Kitwood's theoretical framework. Through the synthesis of data from the selected studies, six categories related to our research aim were identified ‘Theoretical evaluation of Tom Kitwood's model of care’, ‘Models and frameworks’, ‘Interventions’, ‘Communication’, ‘Dementia Care Mapping’ and ‘Environment’.

Conclusion

The present review included nineteen studies published from 1998 to 2016 and consisted mainly of peer‐reviewed scientific articles, followed by dissertations, conference posters and nonpeer‐reviewed articles. All studies were undertaken in Western countries. The vast majority of the studies considered Kitwood's theoretical framework to be beneficial and useful in practice.
Constructing likelihood functions for interval‐valued random variables
Authors: Zhang X. , Beranger B. , Sisson S. A.
Published: May 2019

There is a growing need for flexible methods to analyze interval‐valued data, which can provide efficient data representations for very large data sets. However, the existing descriptive frameworks to achieve this ignore the process by which interval‐valued data are typically constructed, namely, by the aggregation of real‐valued data generated from some underlying process. In this paper, we develop the foundations of likelihood‐based statistical inference for intervals that directly incorporates the underlying data generating procedure into the analysis. That is, it permits the direct fitting of models for the underlying real‐valued data given only the interval‐valued summaries. This generative approach overcomes several problems associated with existing methods, including the rarely satisfied assumption of within‐interval uniformity. The new methods are illustrated by simulated and real data analyses.
Characterization of a novel allele, HLA‐C*03:466 allele by sequencing‐based typing in a Chinese Han individual
Authors: Liu Feng , Chen Jianhua
Published: May 2019

HLA‐C*03:466 differs from HLA‐C*03:04:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 280 in exon 5.
Peri‐graft porcine‐specific CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells by CD40‐CD154 blockade prevented the rejection of porcine islet graft in diabetic mice
Authors: Yoon Il‐Hee , Chung Hyunwoo , Kim Hyun‐Je , Nam Hye‐Young , Shin Jun‐Seop , Kim Yong‐Hee , Park Chung‐Gyu
Published: May 2019

Background

Anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment has been known to have potential to induce immune tolerance in organ transplantation. Several studies have suggested the involvement of CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in xeno‐immune tolerance. However, the characteristics of Tregs and the mechanisms of their regulatory functions in islet xenotransplantation have not been clearly defined.

Method

Adult porcine islet cells were isolated and purified, and were transplanted under the kidney capsule of diabetic C57BL/6J mice with the administration of 0.5 mg/mouse of anti‐CD154 mAb on 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post‐transplantation (DPT). The graft survival was monitored by blood glucose level. The islet graft and recipients’ cells were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay, and mixed‐lymphocyte reaction.

Results

Short‐term anti‐CD154 mAb monotherapy enabled the porcine islet graft to survive indefinitely in diabetic mice (n = 18). Immunohistochemical staining showed significantly higher ratio of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs in the peri‐graft site, but not in the spleen and kidney‐draining lymph node of the recipient mice. Depletion of Tregs evoked graft rejection, and adoptive transfer of Tregs from anti‐CD154 mAb‐treated recipients provided protection to the graft from rejection. These Tregs showed more potent suppressive capacity than those from the untreated control and were found to be porcine antigen‐specific.

Conclusions

In this study, we showed that anti‐CD154 mAb monotherapy resulted in indefinite porcine islet graft survival in mice. The porcine‐specific CD4+Foxp3+Tregs in the peri‐graft site played the critical role in the protection of islet graft from rejection, which suggests a prospective immunosuppressive strategy for islet xenotransplantation.
Towards a Restructuration of the Conventional SWOT Analysis
Authors: Vlados Charis , Chatzinikolaou Dimos
Published: May 2019

Today, the use of SWOT analysis is increasingly popular for the strategic planning of businesses. However, we argue that a traditional and conventional way of approaching the SWOT analysis contains an interpretative mistargeting which, in the background, derives from the absence of a comprehensive evolutionary methodological framework. Therefore, a conventional SWOT analysis that articulates lists of strengths-weaknesses and opportunities-threats in an absolute and non-correlative way is probably inappropriate to give answers to the needs of strategic planning. In this direction, by also exploring elements from the criticism to the traditional SWOT analysis, we counter-propose a new conceptual framework that perceives SWOT analysis in a correlative and evolutionary way, for all the kinds of socioeconomic organisms.
Tax Avoidance — Methodology for Quantification and the Case of the Netherlands
Authors: Kerste Marco , Baarsma Barbara E. , Weda Jarst
Published: May 2019

The goal of this paper is to define and quantitatively measure tax avoidance. So far any rigorous assessment of financial flows related to tax avoidance that entails paying (almost) no taxes, is lacking. This prevents a proper assessment of the necessity for further regulation to fight such undesirable tax avoidance. Quantifying tax avoidance provides a sound starting point for assessing the severity of regulation – matching the expected benefits with costs – and sheds further light on the possible design of effective regulation. The paper defines tax avoidance as the legal use of tax constructions aimed at paying (almost) no taxes in the entire international financial chain. Our paper shows that in order to prevent international tax systems from being used for such double non-taxation, governments could introduce a withholding tax on outgoing interest and royalty flows to low tax jurisdictions (tax havens). If the low tax threshold is set at 15% or 10% respectively, then depending on the choice for one of the two provided definitions of ‘low tax jurisdiction’, we find that the combined outgoing royalty and interest flow related to tax avoidance via Dutch conduit companies was on average 9.7 or 11.9 billion euro per year in the period 2009-2013.
Chitinases Play a Key Role in Stipe Cell Wall Extension in the Mushroom
Coprinopsis cinerea
Authors: Zhou Jiangsheng , Kang Liqin , Liu Cuicui , Niu Xin , Wang Xiaojun , Liu Hailong , Zhang Wenming , Liu Zhonghua , Latgé Jean-Paul , Yuan Sheng
Published: May 2019

A remarkable feature in the development of basidiomycete fruiting bodies is stipe elongation growth that results primarily from manifold cell elongation. Some scientists have suggested that stipe elongation is the result of enzymatic hydrolysis of cell wall polysaccharides, while other scientists have proposed the possibility that stipe elongation results from nonhydrolytic disruption of the hydrogen bonds between cell wall polysaccharides. Here, we show direct evidence for a chitinase-hydrolyzing mechanism of stipe cell wall elongation in the model mushroom
Coprinopsis cinerea
that is different from the expansin nonhydrolysis mechanism of plant cell wall extension. We presumed that in the growing stipe cell walls, parallel chitin microfibrils are tethered by β-1,6-branched β-1,3-glucans, and that the breaking of the tether by chitinases leads to separation of these microfibrils to increase their spacing for insertion of new synthesized chitin and β-1,3-glucans under turgor pressure
in vivo
.
The Polyextremophilic Bacterium Clostridium paradoxum Attains Piezophilic Traits by Modulating Its Energy Metabolism and Cell Membrane Composition
Authors: Scoma Alberto , Garrido-Amador Paloma , Nielsen Søren Dollerup , Røy Hans , Kjeldsen Kasper Urup
Published: May 2019

Hydrostatic pressure (HP) is a fundamental parameter influencing biochemical reactions and cell physiology; however, it is less frequently applied than other factors, such as pH, temperature, and salinity, when studying polyextremophilic microorganisms. In particular, how HP affects microbial tolerance to other and multiple extremes remains unclear. Here, we show that under polyextreme conditions of high pH and temperature,
Clostridium paradoxum
demonstrates a moderately piezophilic nature as cultures grow to highest cell densities and most efficiently at a specific combination of temperature and HP. Our results highlight the importance of considering HP when exploring microbial physiology under extreme conditions and thus have implications for defining the limits for microbial life in nature and for optimizing industrial bioprocesses occurring under multiple extremes.
Engineering a Live Attenuated Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Vaccine Candidate via Inactivation of the Viral 2'-O-Methyltransferase and the Endocytosis Signal of the Spike Protein
Authors: Hou Yixuan , Ke Hanzhong , Kim Jineui , Yoo Dongwan , Su Yunfang , Boley Patricia , Chepngeno Juliet , Vlasova Anastasia N. , Saif Linda J. , Wang Qiuhong
Published: May 2019

PEDV is the most economically important porcine enteric viral pathogen and has caused immense economic losses in the pork industries in many countries. Effective and safe vaccines are desperately required but still not available. 2′-O-MTase (nsp16) is highly conserved among coronaviruses (CoVs), and the inactivation of nsp16 in live attenuated vaccines has been attempted for several betacoronaviruses. We show that inactivation of both 2′-O-MTase and the endocytosis signal of the spike protein is an approach to designing a promising live attenuated vaccine for PEDV. Thein vivopassaging data also validated the stability of the KDKE4A-SYA mutant. KDKE4A-SYA warrants further evaluation in sows and their piglets and may be used as a platform for further optimization. Our findings further confirmed that nsp16 can be a universal target for CoV vaccine development and will aid in the development of vaccines against other emerging CoVs.
Junín Virus Promotes Autophagy To Facilitate the Virus Life Cycle
Authors: Roldán Julieta S. , Candurra Nélida A. , Colombo María I. , Delgui Laura R.
Published: May 2019

Mammalian arenaviruses are zoonotic viruses that cause asymptomatic and persistent infections in their rodent hosts but may produce severe and lethal hemorrhagic fevers in humans. Currently, there are neither effective therapeutic options nor effective vaccines for viral hemorrhagic fevers caused by human-pathogenic arenaviruses, except the vaccine Candid no. 1 against Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF), licensed for human use in areas of endemicity in Argentina. Since arenaviruses remain a severe threat to global public health, more in-depth knowledge of their replication mechanisms would improve our ability to fight these viruses. Autophagy is a lysosomal degradative pathway involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis, representing powerful anti-infective machinery. We show, for the first time for a member of the family
Arenaviridae
, a proviral role of autophagy in JUNV infection, providing new knowledge in the field of host-virus interaction. Therefore, modulation of virus-induced autophagy could be used as a strategy to block arenavirus infections.
Modulation of Host Cell Metabolism by
Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Rother Marion , Teixeira da Costa Ana Rita , Zietlow Rike , Meyer Thomas F. , Rudel Thomas
Published: May 2019

Propagation of the intracellular bacterial pathogen
Chlamydia trachomatis
is strictly bound to its host cells. The bacterium has evolved by minimizing its genome size at the cost of being completely dependent on its host. Many of the vital nutrients are synthesized only by the host, and this has complex implications. Recent advances in loss-of-function analyses and the metabolomics of human infected versus noninfected cells have provided comprehensive insight into the molecular changes that host cells undergo during the stage of infection. Strikingly, infected cells acquire a stage of high metabolic activity, featuring distinct aspects of the Warburg effect, a condition originally assigned to cancer cells. This condition is characterized by aerobic glycolysis and an accumulation of certain metabolites, altogether promoting the synthesis of crucial cellular building blocks, such as nucleotides required for DNA and RNA synthesis. The altered metabolic program enables tumor cells to rapidly proliferate as well as
C. trachomatis
-infected cells to feed their occupants and still survive. This program is largely orchestrated by a central control board, the tumor suppressor protein p53. Its downregulation in
C. trachomatis
-infected cells or mutation in cancer cells not only alters the metabolic state of cells but also conveys the prevention of programmed cell death involving mitochondrial pathways. While this points toward common features in the metabolic reprogramming of infected and rapidly proliferating cells, it also forwards novel treatment options against chronic intracellular infections involving well-characterized host cell targets and established drugs.
Pathogenicity Factors in Group C and G Streptococci
Authors: Turner Claire E. , Bubba Laura , Efstratiou Androulla
Published: May 2019

Initially recognized zoonoses, streptococci belonging to Lancefield group C (GCS) and G (GGS) were subsequently recognised as human pathogens causing a diverse range of symptoms, from asymptomatic carriage to life threatening diseases. Their taxonomy has changed during the last decade. Asymptomatic carriage is <4% amongst the human population and invasive infections are often in association with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or chronic skin infections. Other clinical manifestations include acute pharyngitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, bacteraemia and toxic-shock syndrome. Post streptococcal sequalae such as rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis have also been described but mainly in developed countries and amongst specific populations. Putative virulence determinants for these organisms include adhesins, toxins, and other factors that are essential for dissemination in human tissues and for interference with the host immune responses. High nucleotide similarities among virulence genes and their association with mobile genetic elements supports the hypothesis of extensive horizontal gene transfer events between the various pyogenic streptococcal species belonging to Lancefield groups A, C and G. A better understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenesis should be apparent by whole-genome sequencing, and this would result in more effective clinical strategies for the pyogenic group in general.
Virulence Plasmids of the Pathogenic Clostridia
Authors: Revitt-Mills Sarah A. , Vidor Callum J. , Watts Thomas D. , Lyras Dena , Rood Julian I. , Adams Vicki
Published: May 2019

The clostridia cause a spectrum of diseases in humans and animals ranging from life-threatening tetanus and botulism, uterine infections, histotoxic infections and enteric diseases, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and food poisoning. The symptoms of all these diseases are the result of potent protein toxins produced by these organisms. These toxins are diverse, ranging from a multitude of pore-forming toxins to phospholipases, metalloproteases, ADP-ribosyltransferases and large glycosyltransferases. The location of the toxin genes is the unifying theme of this review because with one or two exceptions they are all located on plasmids or on bacteriophage that replicate using a plasmid-like intermediate. Some of these plasmids are distantly related whilst others share little or no similarity. Many of these toxin plasmids have been shown to be conjugative. The mobile nature of these toxin genes gives a ready explanation of how clostridial toxin genes have been so widely disseminated both within the clostridial genera as well as in the wider bacterial community.
The Vacuolar Zinc Transporter TgZnT Protects Toxoplasma gondii from Zinc Toxicity
Authors: Chasen Nathan M. , Stasic Andrew J. , Asady Beejan , Coppens Isabelle , Moreno Silvia N. J.
Published: May 2019

Toxoplasma gondii
is an intracellular pathogen of human and animals.
T. gondii
pathogenesis is associated with its lytic cycle, which involves invasion, replication, egress out of the host cell, and invasion of a new one.
T. gondii
must be able to tolerate abrupt changes in the composition of the surrounding milieu as it progresses through its lytic cycle. We report the characterization of a Zn
2+
transporter of
T. gondii
(TgZnT) that is important for parasite growth. TgZnT restored Zn
2+
tolerance in yeast mutants that were unable to grow in media with high concentrations of Zn
2+
. We propose that TgZnT plays a role in Zn
2+
homeostasis during the
T. gondii
lytic cycle.
Paediatrician’s perspective of infant gut microbiome research: current status and challenges
Authors: Ryan Paul MacDaragh , Stanton Catherine , Ross R Paul , Kelly Alan L , Dempsey Eugene , Ryan C Anthony
Published: May 2019

Due to its innately intriguing nature and recent genomic technological advances, gut microbiome research has been at the epicentre of medical research for over a decade now. Despite the degree of publicisation, a comprehensive understanding and, therefore, acceptance of the area as a whole may be somewhat lacking within the broader medical community. This paper summarises the main analytical techniques and tools currently applied to compositional microbiome research. In addition, we outline five major lessons learnt from a decade of infant microbiome research, along with the current research gaps. Finally, we aim to provide an introduction and general guidelines relating to infant gut microbiome research for the practising paediatrician.
Recent advances in alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Veryan Jennifer , Forrest EH
Published: May 2019

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is an acute deterioration in liver function seen in the context of prolonged excessive alcohol consumption and is characterised by the rapid onset of jaundice. The diagnosis of AH has been controversial for many years: it is now accepted that there are clear clinical criteria which can be used to diagnose AH without the need for a liver biopsy. Corticosteroids remain the only treatment proven to be effective in reducing short-term mortality in severe AH; abstinence from alcohol is the most important factor in determining long-term survival. It is recommended a trial of corticosteroid therapy is considered only in those patients with high baseline ‘static’ scores (Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis score and model for end-stage liver disease). Response to corticosteroid therapy should be assessed using a ‘dynamic’ score such as the Lille score at day 7, with corticosteroids continuing only in patients with a favourable score. Infection and acute kidney injury are associated with poorer outcomes in AH. Early screening for and treatment of infection is recommended with antibiotic therapy overlapping with any subsequent corticosteroid treatment. A biomarker which predicts benefit from corticosteroids at baseline would avoid a trial of therapy to determine response. More efficacious therapeutic options for AH patients are required with N-acetylcysteine, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, faecal microbiota transplantation and routine antibiotics showing promise, but adequate controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy. Liver transplant has an emerging role for some patients with severe AH not responding to corticosteroids and is likely to become more acceptable with improved methods of patient selection.
IgG4-aortitis among thoracic aortic aneurysms
Authors: Pérez-García Carlos Nicolás , Olmos Carmen , Vivas David , Ferrera Carlos , García-Arribas Daniel , Enríquez-Vázquez Daniel , Carnero-Alcázar Manuel , Maroto Luis , Ortega Candil Aida , Saiz-Pardo Sanz Melchor , Bustos Ana , Ortega Luis , Vilacosta Isidre
Published: May 2019

Objective

The incidence of aortitis in patients with thoracic aortic diseases is not well established. The aim of this study was to analyse the frequency and clinical course of patients with aortitis in a surgical series.

Methods

320 consecutive patients with ascending aorta/aortic arch aneurysm or acute aortic syndrome who underwent surgery from 2012 to 2017 in a single tertiary referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Epidemiological data, clinical course and variables related to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up were collected from patients with histologically proven aortitis.

Results

From 320 examined aortic samples, 279 (87.2%) thoracic aneurysms and 41 acute aortic syndromes (12.8%), 9 (2.8%) were aortitis: 3 cases of Takayasu’s arteritis, 3 of IgG4-related aortitis, 2 of giant cell, and 1 classified as idiopathic. Median age at surgery was 53.4 (51–69.2) years and six cases were female. Seven patients presented with non-specific symptoms and the diagnosis was made at pathology. Surgery was elective in eight patients and emergent in one case of IgG4-related aortitis.18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (18F-FDG PET/CT) was performed for disease extension study and as a monitoring technique during the follow-up of five patients, with just one case performed presurgically. All the patients with IgG4-related disease showed extrathoracic aortic involvement. There were no deaths, neither in-hospital nor during the 1.7 years of median follow-up.

Conclusions

In surgically treated thoracic aorta pathology, the frequency of aortitis is low; IgG4-related disease is among the most common aetiologies with a frequency similar to other types of aortitis, such as Takayasu’s and giant cell arteritis, and clinical manifestations are non-specific making presurgical diagnosis difficult.18F-FDG PET/CT allows a better assessment of disease extension and therapeutic response. Surgery can be successfully performed and corticosteroid therapy ensures a good mid-term follow-up.
Melanoma incidence in Australian commercial pilots, 2011–2016
Authors: Olsen Catherine M , Miura Kyoko , Dusingize Jean Claude , Hosegood Ian , Brown Russell , Drane Michael , Clem Peter , Marsden Jerry , Tinker Rick , Karipidis Ken , Coroneo Minas , Green Adele C
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Occupational exposure to cosmic and ultraviolet radiation may increase airline pilots’ risk of cutaneous melanoma. Meta-analyses of available data show a higher than average incidence of melanoma in airline pilots, but the most recent systematic review revealed that few contemporary data are available. Moreover, all relevant studies have been conducted in Northern Hemisphere populations. We therefore aimed to examine if Australian commercial pilots have a raised incidence of melanoma compared with the general population.

Methods

We examined all melanoma histologically diagnosed among Australian-licensed commercial pilots in the period 2011–2016 by manually reviewing de-identified data in the medical records system of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority. We estimated age-specific incidence rates and compared these with corresponding population rates using standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) as measures of relative risk. Expected numbers were calculated by multiplying age- and calendar period-specific person-years (PYs) with corresponding rates from the entire Australian population; 95% CI were calculated assuming a Poisson distribution of the observed cases.

Results

In this cohort of Australian-licensed commercial pilots observed for 91 370 PYs, 114 developed a melanoma (51 invasive, 63 in situ). More than 50% of melanomas occurred on the trunk, and the predominant subtype was superficial spreading melanoma. The SIR for invasive melanoma was 1.20 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.55) and for melanoma in situ, 1.39 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.78).

Conclusion

Australian-licensed commercial pilots have a modestly raised risk of in situ melanoma but no elevation of invasive melanoma compared with the general population.
Associations of CYP24A1 copy number variation with vitamin D deficiency and insulin secretion
Authors: Li Xing , Qu Chenling , Wang Yan , Mao Zhenxing , Wang Chongjian , Li Wenjie , Yu Songcheng
Published: May 2019

Vitamin D plays an important role in insulin secretion. As the enzyme that initiates degradation of the active metabolite of vitamin D (1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D), 24-hydroxylase encoded by CYP24A1 may be associated with insulin secretion. In this study, we aimed at investigating the association between copy number of CYP24A1 and the concentration of insulin. Included in the study were 1528 rural people from Henan Province of China. The copy number of CYP24A1 and the concentrations of serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 and insulin were determined. Association between copy number of CYP24A1 and vitamin D deficiency was investigated with logistic regression model. Correlation between copy number of CYP24A1 and serum insulin was observed by Spearman correlation. The results suggested that copy number variation of CYP24A1 was associated with vitamin D deficiency. Higher copy number of CYP24A1 was a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency (adjusted odds ratio: 1.199; 95% confidence interval: 1.028–1.397; P = 0.021). Furthermore, copy number of CYP24A1 was positive correlated with the concentration of serum insulin (r = 0.115; P < 0.001), regardless of vitamin D status, age, and body mass index (BMI). Increased copy number of CYP24A1 is associated with not only vitamin D deficiency but also increased serum insulin. Vitamin D supplement may be beneficial to individuals with high copy number of CYP24A1.

Novelty Increased copy number of CYP24A1 was a risk factor of vitamin D deficiency. Increased copy number of CYP24A1 was associated with increased serum concentration of insulin independent of age, BMI, and vitamin D status.