bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in Dogs With Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Effect of Percutaneous Closure on Cardiac Mechanics
Authors: Spalla I. , Locatelli C. , Zanaboni A.M. , Brambilla P. , Bussadori C.
Published: May 2016

Background

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is 1 of the most common congenital heart defects in dogs and percutaneous closure is effective in achieving ductal closure; PDA closure is associated with abrupt hemodynamic changes.

Hypothesis

A marked decrease in standard parameters of systolic function as assessed by M‐ or B‐mode echocardiography after PDA closure was identified in previous studies. Speckle tracking echocardiography can provide further insight into the effect of PDA closure on cardiac mechanics in dogs affected by PDA.

Animals

Twenty‐five client‐owned dogs with PDA.

Methods

Prospective study. Dogs were recruited over a 2‐year period. Complete echocardiographic evaluation was performed before and 24 hours after PDA closure, including standard (end‐diastolic volumes indexed to body surface area in B‐ and M‐mode [EDVIB/M], end‐systolic volumes indexed to body surface area in B‐ and M‐mode [ESVIB/M], allometric scaling in diastole [AlloD] and systole [AlloS], pulmonary flow to systemic flow [Qs/Qp], ejection fraction [EF], and fractional shortening [FS]), and advanced speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE): global longitudinal, radial, circumferential and transverse strain (S), and strain rate (SR).

Results

Patent ductus arteriosus closure was associated with statistically significant decreases in EDVIM/B and ESVIM/B, AlloD and AlloS, SI, EF, and FS. A statistically significant decrease in the absolute values of radial, transverse, and circumferential S and SR was observed, whereas longitudinal S and SR did not change significantly.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Patent ductus arteriosus closure by percutaneous approach is associated with marked decreases of conventional echocardiographic parameters as a result of the changes in loading conditions, but no evidence of systolic dysfunction was identified by means of STE, as none of the S and SR values were below reference ranges. In the short term, contractility is enhanced in the long axis (long S/SR values were not statistically different before and after closure) and decreases to normal values in short axis (circumferential, radial, and transversal S/SR decreased to normal reference range).
Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Function by Conventional and Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Spalla I. , Locatelli C. , Zanaboni A.M. , Brambilla P. , Bussadori C.
Published: May 2016

Background

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital heart defects in dogs. Advanced echocardiographic techniques such as speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE) have not been extensively used to evaluate cardiac function in affected dogs.

Hypothesis

Advanced echocardiographic techniques are more sensitive than standard echocardiographic techniques in analyzing systolic function in dogs with PDA.

Animals

Forty‐four client‐owned dogs: 34 dogs with PDA (preoperative evaluation) and 10 healthy sex‐ and weight‐matched controls.

Methods

Prospective study. Dogs were recruited over a 2‐year period. Complete echocardiographic evaluation was performed, including conventional (end‐diastolic volumes indexed to body surface area in B and M‐mode [EDVIB/M], end‐systolic volumes indexed to body surface area in B and M‐mode [ESVIB/M], allometric scaling in diastole and systole [AlloD/S], pulmonary flow to systemic flow [Qp/Qs], ejection fraction [EF] and fractional shortening [FS]) and speckle‐tracking echocardiography ([STE]: global longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain [S] and strain rate [SR]).

Results

Dogs with PDA had significantly different EDVIB/M, ESVIB/M, AlloD/S, Qp/Qs and all STE‐derived parameters (global longitudinal S and SR, global circumferential S and SR, global radial S and SR)compared to healthy dogs. No correlation was found between standard techniques (EDVIB/M, ESVIB/M, AlloD/S, Qp/Qs) and STE‐derived parameters (global longitudinal, circumferential and radial S and SR).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Conventional parameters routinely used to assess systolic function (EF and FS) were not different between the groups; STE‐derived parameters identified subtle changes in cardiac systolic function and contractility between the 2 groups of dogs. Based on these findings, STE may be a more appropriate tool to assess cardiac contractility in dogs with PDA.
Utility of Tissue Doppler Imaging in the Echocardiographic Evaluation of Left and Right Ventricular Function in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease with or without Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Baron Toaldo M. , Poser H. , Menciotti G. , Battaia S. , Contiero B. , Cipone M. , Diana A. , Mazzotta E. , Guglielmini C.
Published: May 2016

Background

In human medicine, right ventricular (RV) functional parameters represent a tool for risk stratification in patients with congestive heart failure caused by left heart disease. Little is known about RV alterations in dogs with left‐sided cardiac disorders.

Objectives

To assess RV and left ventricular (LV) function in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) with or without pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Animals

One‐hundred and fourteen dogs: 28 healthy controls and 86 dogs with MMVD at different stages.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Animals were classified as healthy or having MMVD at different stages of severity and according to presence or absence of PH. Twenty‐eight morphological, echo‐Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) variables were measured and comparison among groups and correlations between LV and RV parameters were studied.

Results

No differences were found among groups regarding RV echo‐Doppler and TDI variables. Sixteen significant correlations were found between RV TDI and left heart echocardiographic variables. Dogs with PH had significantly higher transmitral E wave peak velocity and higher E/eʹ ratio of septal (sMV) and lateral (pMV) mitral annulus. These 2 variables were found to predict presence of PH with a sensitivity of 84 and 72%, and a specificity of 71 and 80% at cut‐off values of 10 and 9.33 for sMV E/eʹ and pMV E/eʹ, respectively.

Conclusions and clinical importance

No association between variables of RV function and different MMVD stage and severity of PH could be detected. Some relationships were found between echocardiographic variables of right and left ventricular function.
Predictors of Sudden Cardiac Death in Doberman Pinschers with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Klüser L. , Holler P.J. , Simak J. , Tater G. , Smets P. , Rügamer D. , Küchenhoff H. , Wess G.
Published: May 2016

Background

Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Risk factors forSCDare poorly defined.

Aim

To assess cardiac biomarkers, Holter‐ECG, echocardiographic variables and canine characteristics in a group of Doberman Pinschers withDCMdying ofSCDand in aDCMcontrol group to identify factors predictingSCD.

Methods/Animals

A longitudinal prospective study was performed in 95 Doberman Pinschers withDCM. Forty‐one dogs died within 3 months after the last cardiac examination (SCD‐group) and were compared to 54 Doberman Pinschers withDCMsurviving 1 year after inclusion. Holter‐ECG, echocardiography, measurement of N‐terminal prohormone of brain‐natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), and cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were recorded for all dogs.

Results

Volume overload of the left ventricle (left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV/BSA) > 91.3 mL/m²) was the single best variable to predictSCD. The probability ofSCDincreases 8.5‐fold (CI0.95 = 0.8–35.3) for every 50 mL/m²‐unit increment inLVEDV/BSA. Ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV/BSA) andNT‐proBNPwere highly correlated withLVEDV/BSA(r = −0.63, 0.96, 0.86, respectively). Generated conditional inference trees (CTREEs) revealed that the presence of ventricular tachycardia (VT), increased concentration ofcTnI, and the fastest rate (FR) of ventricular premature complexes (VPC) ≥260 beats per minute (bpm) are additional important variables to predict SCD.

Conclusion

Conditional inference trees provided in this study might be useful for risk assessment ofSCDin Doberman Pinschers withDCM.
Advanced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and adipose tissue fibrosis in patients with Alström syndrome
Authors: Gathercole Laura L. , Hazlehurst Jonathan M. , Armstrong Matthew J. , Crowley Rachel , Boocock Sarah , O'Reilly Michael W. , Round Maria , Brown Rachel , Bolton Shaun , Cramb Robert , Newsome Phillip N. , Semple Robert K. , Paisey Richard , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Geberhiwot Tarekegn
Published: May 2016

Background and Aims

Alström syndrome (AS) is a recessive monogenic syndrome characterized by obesity, extreme insulin resistance and multi‐organ fibrosis. Despite phenotypically being high risk of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there is a lack of data on the extent of fibrosis in the liver and its close links to adipose in patients with AS. Our aim was to characterize the hepatic and adipose phenotype in patients with AS.

Methods

Observational cohort study with comprehensive assessment of metabolic liver phenotype including liver elastography (Fibroscan®), serum Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) Panel and liver histology. In addition, abdominal adipose histology and gene expression was assessed. We recruited 30 patients from the UK national AS clinic. A subset of six patients underwent adipose biopsies which was compared with control tissue from nine healthy participants.

Results

Patients were overweight/obese (BMI 29.3 (25.95–34.05) kg/m2). A total of 80% (24/30) were diabetic; 74% (20/27) had liver ultrasound scanning suggestive of NAFLD. As judged by the ELF panel, 96% (24/25) were categorized as having fibrosis and 10/21 (48%) had liver elastography consistent with advanced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. In 7/8 selected cases, there was evidence of advanced NAFLD on liver histology. Adipose tissue histology showed marked fibrosis as well as disordered pro‐inflammatory and fibrotic gene expression profiles.

Conclusions

NAFLD and adipose dysfunction are common in patients with AS. The severity of liver disease in our cohort supports the need for screening of liver fibrosis in AS.
Is colour polymorphism advantageous to populations and species?
Authors: Forsman Anders
Published: May 2016

I am writing in response to an article by Bolton, Rollins and Griffith (2015) entitled ‘The danger within: the role of genetic, behavioural and ecological factors in population persistence of colour polymorphic species’ that was recently published as an Opinion under the NEWS AND VIEWS section in Molecular Ecology. Boltonet al. (Molecular Ecology, 2015,24, 2907) argue that colour polymorphism may reduce population fitness and increase extinction risk and emphasize that this is contrary to predictions put forward by Forsmanet al. (Ecology,89, 2008, 34) and Wennersten & Forsman (Biological Reviews87, 2012, 756) that the existence of multiple colour morphs with co‐adapted gene complexes and associated trait values may increase the ecological and evolutionary success of polymorphic populations and species. Boltonet al. (Molecular Ecology, 2015,24, 2907) further state that there is no clear evidence from studies of ‘true polymorphic species’ that polymorphism promotes population persistence. In response, I (i) challenge their classifications of polymorphisms and revisit the traditional definitions recognizing the dynamic nature of polymorphisms, (ii) review empirical studies that have examined whether and how polymorphism is associated with extinction risk, (iii) discuss the roles of trait correlations between colour pattern and other phenotypic dimensions for population fitness and (iv) highlight that the causes and mechanisms that influence the composition and maintenance of polymorphisms are different from the consequences of the polymorphic condition and how it may impact on aspects of ecological success and long‐term persistence of populations and species.
Gene expression and variation in social aggression by queens of the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus
Authors: Helmkampf Martin , Mikheyev Alexander S. , Kang Yun , Fewell Jennifer , Gadau Jürgen
Published: May 2016

A key requirement for social cooperation is the mitigation and/or social regulation of aggression towards other group members. Populations of the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus show the alternate social phenotypes of queens founding nests alone (haplometrosis) or in groups of unrelated yet cooperative individuals (pleometrosis). Pleometrotic queens display an associated reduction in aggression. To understand the proximate drivers behind this variation, we placed foundresses of the two populations into social environments with queens from the same or the alternate population, and measured their behaviour and head gene expression profiles. A proportion of queens from both populations behaved aggressively, but haplometrotic queens were significantly more likely to perform aggressive acts, and conflict escalated more frequently in pairs of haplometrotic queens. Whole‐head RNA sequencing revealed variation in gene expression patterns, with the two populations showing moderate differentiation in overall transcriptional profile, suggesting that genetic differences underlie the two founding strategies. The largest detected difference, however, was associated with aggression, regardless of queen founding type. Several modules of coregulated genes, involved in metabolism, immune system and neuronal function, were found to be upregulated in highly aggressive queens. Conversely, nonaggressive queens exhibited a striking pattern of upregulation in chemosensory genes. Our results highlight that the social phenotypes of cooperative vs. solitary nest founding tap into a set of gene regulatory networks that seem to govern aggression level. We also present a number of highly connected hub genes associated with aggression, providing opportunity to further study the genetic underpinnings of social conflict and tolerance.
Detection of Endothelial Dysfunction Using Skin Temperature Oscillations Analysis During Local Heating in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Parshakov Aleksey , Zubareva Nadezhda , Podtaev Sergey , Frick Peter
Published: May 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine correlations between laboratory markers of ED and the degree of endothelium‐dependent vasodilation using WAST during a local heating test in patients with PAD.

Materials and methods

The study population consisted of 17 healthy subjects and 38 patients with PAD. The ST on the plantar surface of the first toe was measured during the test, and the inverse wavelet transform was applied to reconstruct the ST signals in three frequency bands corresponding to myogenic, neurogenic, and endothelial mechanisms of vascular tone regulation.

Results

In healthy subjects, a local increase in temperature of up to 42°C caused a greater than threefold increase in the amplitudes of foot ST oscillations. Among patients with PAD, the response to the test was much weaker in all frequency ranges. The level of vasodilation dysfunction correlated with the level of artery stenosis in the lower extremities and with laboratory markers of ED (endothelin, homocysteine, and von Willebrand factor).

Conclusion

WAST can be considered as a low cost, portable, and easy to use technique for the noninvasive assessment of ED.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of the mTOR pathway in intra‐oral minor salivary gland neoplasms
Authors: Diamanti S , Nikitakis N , Rassidakis G , Doulis I , Sklavounou A
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of upstream and downstream molecules of the oncogenic mTOR signaling pathway in intra‐oral minor salivary gland tumors (SGTs).

Materials and Methods

Tissue samples consisted of 39 malignant and 13 benign minor SGTs, and 8 controls of normal minor salivary glands (NMSG). An immunohistochemical analysis for phosphorylated Akt, 4EBP1 and S6 (total and phosphorylated), and eIF4E was performed.

Results

Expression of pAkt and 4EBP1 was observed in all SGTs and in most NMSG. p4EBP1 was detected in almost all SGT cases, NMSG being negative. S6 immunoreactivity was observed in 37.5% of NMSG, 92.3% of benign and 100% of malignant SGTs, while pS6 expression was observed in 77% of benign and 95% of malignant SGTs, but not in NMSG. Finally, eIF4E was expressed in 12.5% of NMSG, 69.2% of benign, and 76.9% of malignant tumors. All molecules studied had statistically significantly lower expression in NMSG compared with SGTs. Moreover, malignant neoplasms received higher scores compared with benign tumors for all molecules with the exception of eIF4E.

Conclusion

The mTOR signaling pathway is activated in SGTs, especially in malignancies. Therefore, the possible therapeutic role of targeting the mTOR pathway by rapamycin analogs in SGTs needs further investigation.
The cost effectiveness of transesophageal echocardiography for pediatric cardiac surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Levin David N. , Taras Jillian , Taylor Katherine
Published: May 2016

Background

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (ITEE) for pediatric cardiac surgery has been described as clinically efficacious and cost‐effective. There are a small number of publications supporting these claims.

Aims

The objectives were to assess the quality of the research, the variability of results across studies and, if possible, to make a consensus statement based on the results.

Methods

In March 2015, a systematic search of MEDLINE and MEDLINE In‐Process, EMBASE, and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database was performed. The search was supplemented with a review of Health Technology Assessment reports through the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination database. English language articles including any quantitative economic evaluation were included. The quality of each study was assessed using the British Medical Journal economic evaluation quality checklist. Data extracted included the main outcomes from each study, study methodologies, itemized costs, sensitivity ranges, biases, and delayed reoperation prevented with ITEE. When possible, a cost‐savings per ITEE was calculated to facilitate comparison across studies and used to create a synthesis of the results.

Results

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria; of these, five were included in the synthesis of results. The cost‐savings per ITEE ranged from $194 to $4910 with a mean of $1930 (95%CI: $845 to $3015) (2015 USD). Prevented delayed reoperation rates using ITEE ranged from 2.8% to 10%. Earlier studies were of poorer quality (scores 8–17) and more recent studies were of higher quality (scores 22–25). Methodologies used were either retrospective chart reviews (57%) or prospective observational studies (43%) with a range of approaches to estimate costs.

Conclusion

ITEE for pediatric cardiac surgery is effective and cost‐saving. This is a validation of the current practice patterns. These finding may influence the expansion of the use of this technology.
Display of whole proteins on inner and outer surfaces of grapevine fanleaf virus‐like particles
Authors: Belval Lorène , Hemmer Caroline , Sauter Claude , Reinbold Catherine , Fauny Jean‐Daniel , Berthold François , Ackerer Léa , Schmitt‐Keichinger Corinne , Lemaire Olivier , Demangeat Gérard , Ritzenthaler Christophe
Published: May 2016

Virus‐like particles (VLPs) derived from nonenveloped viruses result from the self‐assembly of capsid proteins (CPs). They generally show similar structural features to viral particles but are noninfectious and their inner cavity and outer surface can potentially be adapted to serve as nanocarriers of great biotechnological interest. While a VLP outer surface is generally amenable to chemical or genetic modifications, encaging a cargo within particles can be more complex and is often limited to small molecules or peptides. Examples where both inner cavity and outer surface have been used to simultaneously encapsulate and expose entire proteins remain scarce. Here, we describe the production of spherical VLPs exposing fluorescent proteins at either their outer surface or inner cavity as a result of the self‐assembly of a single genetically modified viral structural protein, the CP of grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV). We found that the N‐ and C‐terminal ends of the GFLV CP allow the genetic fusion of proteins as large as 27 kDa and the plant‐based production of nucleic acid‐free VLPs. Remarkably, expression of N‐ or C‐terminal CP fusions resulted in the production of VLPs with recombinant proteins exposed to either the inner cavity or the outer surface, respectively, while coexpression of both fusion proteins led to the formation hybrid VLP, although rather inefficiently. Such properties are rather unique for a single viral structural protein and open new potential avenues for the design of safe and versatile nanocarriers, particularly for the targeted delivery of bioactive molecules.
Goal‐directed behaviors in patients with schizophrenia: Concept relevance and updated model
Authors: Rinaldi Romina , Lefebvre Laurent
Published: May 2016

Goal‐directed behaviors are formulated to pursue a given objective by constructing a plan and selecting actions that lead to the intended goal, either immediately or over an extended period. This concept is important to the study of human behavior because of its involvement in the majority of complex or novel situations that an individual may encounter, regardless of the cognitive, affective, or social abilities required. In this paper, we aim to demonstrate the relevance of goal‐directed behaviors to our understanding of the cognitive deficits and other symptoms associated with schizophrenia. A systematic analysis of this relation may allow us to develop integrative hypotheses regarding positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms of schizophrenia rather than consider them to be distinct issues. In this article, we review previous studies of goal‐directed actions in patients with schizophrenia in order to clarify the relevant concepts and provide a theoretical basis for the integration of existing results. Based on available theoretical models and data, we propose an updated model to facilitate further investigation of schizophrenia‐related impairments in goal‐directed behaviors.
Internet addiction: Prevalence and relation with mental states in adolescents
Authors: Kawabe Kentaro , Horiuchi Fumie , Ochi Marina , Oka Yasunori , Ueno Shu‐ichi
Published: May 2016

Aim

Internet addiction disrupts the daily lives of adolescents. We investigated the prevalence of Internet addiction in junior high school students, elucidated the relation between Internet addiction and mental states, and determined the factors associated with Internet addiction in adolescents.

Methods

Junior high school students (aged 12–15 years) were assessed using Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Japanese version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and a questionnaire on access to electronic devices.

Results

Based on total IAT scores, 2.0% (male, 2.1%; female, 1.9%) and 21.7% (male, 19.8%; female, 23.6%) of the total 853 participants (response rate, 97.6%) were classified as addicted and possibly addicted, respectively. Total GHQ scores were significantly higher in the addicted (12.9 ± 7.4) and possibly addicted groups (8.8 ± 6.0) than in the non‐addicted group (4.3 ± 4.6; P < 0.001, both groups). A comparison of the percentage of students in the pathological range of GHQ scores revealed significantly higher scores in the possibly addicted group than in the non‐addicted group. Further, accessibility to smartphones was significantly associated with Internet addiction.

Conclusion

Students in the addicted and possibly addicted groups were considered ‘problematic' Internet users. Use of smartphones warrants special attention, being among the top factors contributing to Internet addiction.
Inheritance patterns of photoperiodic diapause induction inLeptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Lehmann Philipp , Margus Aigi , Lindström Leena
Published: May 2016

Photoperiod is a reliable indicator of season and an important cue that many insects use for phenological synchronization. Undergoing range expansion insects can face a change in the local photoperiod to which they need to resynchronize. Rapid range expansion can be associated with rapid photoperiodic adaptation, which can be associated with intense selection on strongly heritable polygenic traits. Alternatively, it is proposed that, in insects with an XO sex‐determination system, genes with large effect residing on the sex chromosome could drive photoperiodic adaptation because the gene or genes are exposed to selection in the sex carrying only a single X‐chromosome. The present study seeks to understand which of these alternatives more likely explains the rapid photoperiodic adaptation in European Colorado potato beetlesLeptinotarsa decemlineataSay. Diapause induction is assessed in beetles from a northern and a southern population, as well as from reciprocal hybrid crosses between the northern and southern population, when reared at an intermediate length photoperiod. The crosses within population display the expected responses, with the northern and southern populations showing high and low diapause propensity, respectively. The hybrids show intermediate responses in all studied traits. No clear difference in the responses in hybrids depending on the latitudinal origin of their father or mother is detected, even though partial paternal line dominance is seen in the responses of male beetles in one hybrid cross. These results therefore indicate that, inL. decemlineata, photoperiodic diapause induction is strongly heritable, and has an additive polygenic autosomal background.
Plant powder teabags: a novel and practical approach to resolve culturability and diversity of rhizobacteria
Authors: Sarhan Mohamed S. , Mourad Elhussein F. , Hamza Mervat A. , Youssef Hanan H. , Scherwinski Ann‐Christin , El‐Tahan Mahmoud , Fayez Mohamed , Ruppel Silke , Hegazi Nabil A.
Published: May 2016

We have developed teabags packed with dehydrated plant powders, without any supplements, for preparation of plant infusions necessary to develop media for culturing rhizobacteria. These bacteria are efficiently cultivated on such plant teabag culture media, with better progressive in situ recoverability compared to standard chemically synthetic culture media. Combining various plant‐based culture media and incubation conditions enabled us to resolve unique denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) bands that were not resolved by tested standard culture media. Based on polymerase chain reaction PCR‐DGGE of 16S rDNA fingerprints and sequencing, the plant teabag culture media supported higher diversity and significant increases in the richness of endo‐rhizobacteria, namely Gammaproteobacteria (Enterobacteriaceae) and predominantly Alphaproteobacteria (Rhizobiaceae). This culminated in greater retrieval of the rhizobacteria taxa associated with the plant roots. We conclude that the plant teabag culture medium by itself, without any nutritional supplements, is sufficient and efficient for recovering and mirroring the complex and diverse communities of rhizobacteria. Our message to fellow microbial ecologists is: simply dehydrate your plant canopy, teabag it and soak it to prepare your culture media, with no need for any additional supplementary nutrients.
SerumMX2 Protein as Candidate Biomarker for Early Pregnancy Diagnosis in Buffalo
Authors: Buragohain L , Kumar R , Nanda T , Phulia SK , Mohanty AK , Kumar S , Balhara S , Ghuman SPS , Singh I , Balhara AK
Published: May 2016

Contents

Interferon‐tau (IFN‐τ)‐induced molecular markers such as ubiquitin‐like modifier (ISG15), 2′,5′‐oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) and myxovirus resistance genes (MX1andMX2) have generated immense attention towards developing diagnostic tools for early diagnosis of pregnancy in bovine. These molecules are expressed at transcriptional level in peripheral nucleated cells. However, their presence in the serum is still a question mark. This study reports sequential changes in expression ofMX2transcript in whole blood and serumMX2protein level on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 in pregnant (n = 9) buffalo heifers, and on days 0, 7 and 14 in non‐inseminated (n = 8) and inseminated non‐pregnant (n = 10) control animals. In non‐inseminated and inseminated non‐pregnant heifers, the differential expression ofMX2transcript andMX2 protein level remained similar between day 7 and 14 post‐oestrus. However, in pregnant heifers, on 14th and 28th day post‐inseminationMX2transcript was 16.38 ± 1.57 and 28.16 ± 1.91 times upregulated as compared to day 0. Similarly, serumMX2 protein concentration followed analogous trend asMX2transcript and increased gradually with the progression of pregnancy. Correlation analysis between expression ofMX2transcript and its serum protein level showed a significant positive correlation in pregnant animals, while it was random in other two groups. Therefore,MX2surge at transcriptional and serum protein level after day 14–28 of pregnancy in buffalo holds potential for its use in early pregnancy detection.
Analysis of pulmonary non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections after lung transplantation
Authors: Shah S.K. , McAnally K.J. , Seoane L. , Lombard G.A. , LaPlace S.G. , Lick S. , Dhillon G.S. , Valentine V.G.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are important pathogens in lung transplant recipients. This study describes the spectrum of NTM respiratory tract infections and examines the association of NTM infections with lung transplant complications.

Methods

Data from 208 recipients transplanted from November 1990 to November 2005 were analyzed. Follow‐up data were available to November 2010. Lung infection was defined by bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum, or blood cultures in the appropriate clinical setting. All identified NTM respiratory tract infections were tabulated. The cohort of patients with NTM lung infections (NTM+) were compared to the cohort without infection (NTM−). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine characteristics associated with NTM infection. Survival analyses for overall survival and development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) were also performed.

Results

In total, 52 isolates of NTM lung infection were identified in 30 patients. The isolates included Mycobacterium abscessus (46%), Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (36%), Mycobacterium gordonae (9%), Mycobacterium chelonae (7%), and Mycobacterium fortuitum (2%), with multiple NTM isolates seen on 3 different occasions. The overall incidence was 14%, whereas cumulative incidences at 1, 3, and 5 years after lung transplantation were 11%, 15%, and 20%, respectively. Comparisons between the NTM+ and NTM− cohorts revealed that NTM+ patients were more likely to be African‐American and have cytomegalovirus mismatch. Although no difference was seen in survival, the NTM+ cohort was more likely to develop BOS (80% vs. 58%, P = 0.02). NTM+ infection, however, was not independently associated with development of BOS by multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

With nearly 20 years of follow‐up, 14% of lung recipients develop NTM respiratory tract infections, with M. abscessus and MAC more commonly identified. M. gordonae was considered responsible for nearly 10% of NTM infections. Although survival of patients with NTM infections is similar, a striking difference in BOS rates is present in the NTM+ and NTM− groups.
Ecological Dynamics of Campylobacter in Integrated Mixed Crop–Livestock Farms and Its Prevalence and Survival Ability in Post‐Harvest Products
Authors: Salaheen S. , Peng M. , Biswas D.
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the ecological distribution of zoonotic bacterial pathogen, Campylobacter, in mixed crop–livestock (MCL) farms compared to conventional farms and their products at pre‐ and post‐harvest levels. A total of 222 Campylobacter isolates were identified. At pre‐harvest level, a total of 1287 samples from seven MCL farms, four conventional poultry farms, four organic produce‐only and five conventional produce‐only farms from Maryland and the DC metropolitan area were analysed from 2012 to 2014. Campylobacter was detected in 11.16% and 3.6% of MCL and conventional farm samples, respectively, but none from produce‐only farm samples. Tetracycline resistance was observed in 51.02% of MCL farm isolates but none among conventional farm isolates. For post‐harvest analysis, a total of 1281 food products from seven farmers markets, three organic retail supermarkets and three conventional retail supermarkets were collected from the same area. Campylobacter was isolated in 87.5%, 71.43% and 33.33% of whole chicken carcasses in farmers markets, organic and conventional retail supermarkets, respectively. No Campylobacter was detected in post‐harvest produce samples due in part to the inability of Campylobacter to survive in absence of sufficient water activity. Overall, this study reveals public health concerns regarding the MCL farm environment and their products that are sold in retail and farmers markets.
Genetic markers for antioxidant capacity in a reef-building coral
Authors: Jin Young K. , Lundgren Petra , Lutz Adrian , Raina Jean-Baptiste , Howells Emily J. , Paley Allison S. , Willis Bette L. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: May 2016

We identify the first quantitative trait loci for antioxidant capacity in corals, providing possible new avenues for management and restoration approaches.
Remarkable enhancement of charge carrier mobility of conjugated polymer field-effect transistors upon incorporating an ionic additive
Authors: Luo Hewei , Yu Chenmin , Liu Zitong , Zhang Guanxin , Geng Hua , Yi Yuanping , Broch Katharina , Hu Yuanyuan , Sadhanala Aditya , Jiang Lang , Qi Penglin , Cai Zhengxu , Sirringhaus Henning , Zhang Deqing
Published: May 2016

Incorporation of tetramethylammonium iodide into conjugated D-A polymer thin film leads to remarkable enhancement of charge mobility.
Proton conductivity in ampullae of Lorenzini jelly
Authors: Josberger Erik E. , Hassanzadeh Pegah , Deng Yingxin , Sohn Joel , Rego Michael J. , Amemiya Chris T. , Rolandi Marco
Published: May 2016

Researchers find the proton conductivity of jelly found in the Ampullae of Lorenzini of sharks and skates to be unusually high.
Analyses of Short-Term Antagonistic Evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain PAO1 and Phage KPP22 (Myoviridae Family, PB1-Like Virus Genus)
Authors: Uchiyama Jumpei , Suzuki Masato , Nishifuji Koji , Kato Shin-ichiro , Miyata Reina , Nasukawa Tadahiro , Yamaguchi Kotoe , Takemura-Uchiyama Iyo , Ujihara Takako , Shimakura Hidekatsu , Murakami Hironobu , Okamoto Noriaki , Sakaguchi Yoshihiko , Shibayama Keigo , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Matsuzaki Shigenobu
Published: May 2016

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
causes serious intractable infections in humans and animals. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy has been applied to treat
P. aeruginosa
infections, and phages belonging to the PB1-like virus genus in the
Myoviridae
family have been used as therapeutic phages. To achieve safer and more effective phage therapy, the use of preadapted phages is proposed. To understand in detail such phage preadaptation, the short-term antagonistic evolution of bacteria and phages should be studied. In this study, the short-term antagonistic evolution of bacteria and PB1-like phage was examined by studying phage-resistant clones of
P. aeruginosa
strain PAO1 and mutant PB1-like phages that had recovered their infectivity. First, phage KPP22 was isolated and characterized; it was classified as belonging to the PB1-like virus genus in the
Myoviridae
family. Subsequently, three KPP22-resistant PAO1 clones and three KPP22 mutant phages capable of infecting these clones were isolated in three sets of
in vitro
experiments. It was shown that the bacterial resistance to phage KPP22 was caused by significant decreases in phage adsorption and that the improved infectivity of KPP22 mutant phages was caused by significant increases in phage adsorption. The KPP22-resistant PAO1 clones and the KPP22 mutant phages were then analyzed genetically. All three KPP22-resistant PAO1 clones, which were deficient for the O5 antigen, had a common nonsense mutation in the
wzy
gene. All the KPP22 mutant phage genomes showed the same four missense mutations in the open reading frames
orf060
,
orf065
, and
orf086
. The information obtained in this study should be useful for further development of safe and efficient phage therapy.

IMPORTANCE
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
causes serious intractable infections in humans and animals; bacteriophage (phage) therapy has been utilized to treat
P. aeruginosa
infections, and phages that belong to the PB1-like virus genus in the family
Myoviridae
have been used as therapeutic phages. The preadapted phage is trained in advance through the antagonistic evolution of bacteria and phage and is proposed to be used to achieve safer and more effective phage therapy. In this study, to understand the phage preadaptation, the
in vitro
short-term antagonistic evolution was studied using
P. aeruginosa
strain PAO1 and the newly isolated PB1-like phage KPP22. Phage KPP22 was characterized, and the molecular framework regarding the phage preadaptation of KPP22 was elucidated. The importance of study of antagonistic evolution of bacteria and phage in phage therapy is discussed.
Gene Expression Patterns of Wood Decay Fungi Postia placenta and Phanerochaete chrysosporium Are Influenced by Wood Substrate Composition during Degradation
Authors: Skyba Oleksandr , Cullen Dan , Douglas Carl J. , Mansfield Shawn D.
Published: May 2016

Identification of the specific genes and enzymes involved in the fungal degradation of lignocellulosic biomass derived from feedstocks with various compositions is essential to the development of improved bioenergy processes. In order to elucidate the effect of substrate composition on gene expression in wood-rotting fungi, we employed microarrays based on the annotated genomes of the brown- and white-rot fungi,
Rhodonia placenta
(formerly
Postia placenta
) and
Phanerochaete chrysosporium
, respectively. We monitored the expression of genes involved in the enzymatic deconstruction of the cell walls of three 4-year-old
Populus trichocarpa
(poplar) trees of genotypes with distinct cell wall chemistries, selected from a population of several hundred trees grown in a common garden. The woody substrates were incubated with wood decay fungi for 10, 20, and 30 days. An analysis of transcript abundance in all pairwise comparisons highlighted 64 and 84 differentially expressed genes (>2-fold,
P
< 0.05) in
P. chrysosporium
and
P. placenta
, respectively. Cross-fungal comparisons also revealed an array of highly differentially expressed genes (>4-fold,
P
< 0.01) across different substrates and time points. These results clearly demonstrate that gene expression profiles of
P. chrysosporium
and
P. placenta
are influenced by wood substrate composition and the duration of incubation. Many of the significantly expressed genes encode “proteins of unknown function,” and determining their role in lignocellulose degradation presents opportunities and challenges for future research.

IMPORTANCE
This study describes the variation in expression patterns of two wood-degrading fungi (brown- and white-rot fungi) during colonization and incubation on three different naturally occurring poplar substrates of differing chemical compositions, over time. The results clearly show that the two fungi respond differentially to their substrates and that several known and, more interestingly, currently unknown genes are highly misregulated in response to various substrate compositions. These findings highlight the need to characterize several unknown proteins for catalytic function but also as potential candidate proteins to improve the efficiency of enzymatic cocktails to degrade lignocellulosic substrates in industrial applications, such as in a biochemically based bioenergy platform.
Nitrogen and Oxygen Isotope Effects of Ammonia Oxidation by Thermophilic Thaumarchaeota from a Geothermal Water Stream
Authors: Nishizawa Manabu , Sakai Sanae , Konno Uta , Nakahara Nozomi , Takaki Yoshihiro , Saito Yumi , Imachi Hiroyuki , Tasumi Eiji , Makabe Akiko , Koba Keisuke , Takai Ken
Published: May 2016

Ammonia oxidation regulates the balance of reduced and oxidized nitrogen pools in nature. Although ammonia-oxidizing archaea have been recently recognized to often outnumber ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in various environments, the contribution of ammonia-oxidizing archaea is still uncertain due to difficulties in thein situquantification of ammonia oxidation activity. Nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios of nitrite (δ15NNO2−and δ18ONO2−, respectively) are geochemical tracers for evaluating the sources and thein siturate of nitrite turnover determined from the activities of nitrification and denitrification; however, the isotope ratios of nitrite from archaeal ammonia oxidation have been characterized only for a few marine species. We first report the isotope effects of ammonia oxidation at 70°C by thermophilicThaumarchaeotapopulations composed almost entirely of “CandidatusNitrosocaldus.” The nitrogen isotope effect of ammonia oxidation varied with ambient pH (25‰ to 32‰) and strongly suggests the oxidation of ammonia, not ammonium. The δ18O value of nitrite produced from ammonia oxidation varied with the δ18O value of water in the medium but was lower than the isotopic equilibrium value in water. Because experiments have shown that the half-life of abiotic oxygen isotope exchange between nitrite and water is longer than 33 h at 70°C and pH ≥6.6, the rate of ammonia oxidation by thermophilicThaumarchaeotacould be estimated using δ18ONO2−in geothermal environments, where the biological nitrite turnover is likely faster than 33 h. This study extended the range of application of nitrite isotopes as a geochemical clock of the ammonia oxidation activity to high-temperature environments.

IMPORTANCEBecause ammonia oxidation is generally the rate-limiting step in nitrification that regulates the balance of reduced and oxidized nitrogen pools in nature, it is important to understand the biological and environmental factors underlying the regulation of the rate of ammonia oxidation. The discovery of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in marine and terrestrial environments has transformed the concept that ammonia oxidation is operated only by bacterial species, suggesting that AOA play a significant role in the global nitrogen cycle. However, the archaeal contribution to ammonia oxidation in the global biosphere is not yet completely understood. This study successfully identified key factors controlling nitrogen and oxygen isotopic ratios of nitrite produced from thermophilicThaumarchaeotaand elucidated the applicability and its limit of nitrite isotopes as a geochemical clock of ammonia oxidation rate in nature. Oxygen isotope analysis in this study also provided new biochemical information on archaeal ammonia oxidation.
A Novel Glycoside Hydrolase Family 5 β-1,3-1,6-Endoglucanase from Saccharophagus degradans 2-40
T
and Its Transglycosylase Activity
Authors: Wang Damao , Kim Do Hyoung , Seo Nari , Yun Eun Ju , An Hyun Joo , Kim Jae-Han , Kim Kyoung Heon
Published: May 2016

In this study, we characterized Gly5M, originating from a marine bacterium, as a novel β-1,3-1,6-endoglucanase in glycoside hydrolase family 5 (GH5) in the Carbohydrate-Active enZyme database. The
gly5M
gene encodes Gly5M, a newly characterized enzyme from GH5 subfamily 47 (GH5_47) in
Saccharophagus degradans
2-40
T
. The
gly5M
gene was cloned and overexpressed in
Escherichia coli
. Through analysis of the enzymatic reaction products by thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–tandem time of flight mass spectrometry, Gly5M was identified as a novel β-1,3-endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) and bacterial β-1,6-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.75) in GH5. The β-1,3-endoglucanase and β-1,6-endoglucanase activities were detected by using laminarin (a β-1,3-glucan with β-1,6-glycosidic linkages derived from brown macroalgae) and pustulan (a β-1,6-glucan derived from fungal cell walls) as the substrates, respectively. This enzyme also showed transglycosylase activity toward β-1,3-oligosaccharides when laminarioligosaccharides were used as the substrates. Since laminarin is the major form of glucan storage in brown macroalgae, Gly5M could be used to produce glucose and laminarioligosaccharides, using brown macroalgae, for industrial purposes.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, we have discovered a novel β-1,3-1,6-endoglucanase with a unique transglycosylase activity, namely, Gly5M, from a marine bacterium,
Saccharophagus degradans
2-40
T
. Gly5M was identified as the newly found β-1,3-endoglucanase and bacterial β-1,6-glucanase in GH5. Gly5M is capable of cleaving glycosidic linkages of both β-1,3-glucans and β-1,6-glucans. Gly5M also possesses a transglycosylase activity toward β-1,3-oligosacchrides. Due to the broad specificity of Gly5M, this enzyme can be used to produce glucose or high-value β-1,3- and/or β-1,6-oligosaccharides.
Unusual Butane- and Pentanetriol-Based Tetraether Lipids in Methanomassiliicoccus luminyensis, a Representative of the Seventh Order of Methanogens
Authors: Becker Kevin W. , Elling Felix J. , Yoshinaga Marcos Y. , Söllinger Andrea , Urich Tim , Hinrichs Kai-Uwe
Published: May 2016

A new clade of archaea has recently been proposed to constitute the seventh methanogenic order, the
Methanomassiliicoccales
, which is related to the
Thermoplasmatales
and the uncultivated archaeal clades deep-sea hydrothermal vent
Euryarchaeota
group 2 and marine group II
Euryarchaeota
but only distantly related to other methanogens. In this study, we investigated the membrane lipid composition of
Methanomassiliicoccus luminyensis
, the sole cultured representative of this seventh order. The lipid inventory of
M. luminyensis
comprises a unique assemblage of novel lipids as well as lipids otherwise typical for thermophilic, methanogenic, or halophilic archaea. For instance, glycerol sesterpanyl-phytanyl diether core lipids found mainly in halophilic archaea were detected, and so were compounds bearing either heptose or methoxylated glycosidic head groups, neither of which have been reported so far for other archaea. The absence of quinones or methanophenazines is consistent with a biochemistry of methanogenesis different from that of the methanophenazine-containing methylotrophic methanogens. The most distinctive characteristic of the membrane lipid composition of
M. luminyensis
, however, is the presence of tetraether lipids in which one glycerol backbone is replaced by either butane- or pentanetriol, i.e., lipids recently discovered in marine sediments. Butanetriol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether (BDGT) constitutes the most abundant core lipid type (>50% relative abundance) in
M. luminyensis
. We have thus identified a source for these unusual orphan lipids. The complementary analysis of diverse marine sediment samples showed that BDGTs are widespread in anoxic layers, suggesting an environmental significance of
Methanomassiliicoccales
and/or related BDGT producers beyond gastrointestinal tracts.

IMPORTANCE
Cellular membranes of members of all three domains of life,
Archaea
,
Bacteria
, and
Eukarya
, are largely formed by lipids in which glycerol serves as backbone for the hydrophobic alkyl chains. Recently, however, archaeal tetraether lipids with either butanetriol or pentanetriol as a backbone were identified in marine sediments and attributed to uncultured sediment-dwelling archaea. Here we show that the butanetriol-based dibiphytanyl tetraethers constitute the major lipids in
Methanomassiliicoccus luminyensis
, currently the only isolate of the novel seventh order of methanogens. Given the absence of these lipids in a large set of archaeal isolates, these compounds may be diagnostic for the
Methanomassiliicoccales
and/or closely related archaea.