bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional and structural profiles of GST gene family from three Populus species reveal the sequence–function decoupling of orthologous genes
Authors: Yang Qi , Han Xue‐Min , Gu Jin‐Ke , Liu Yan‐Jing , Yang Mao‐Jun , Zeng Qing‐Yin
Published: September 2018

A common assumption in comparative genomics is that orthologous genes are functionally more similar than paralogous genes. However, the validity of this assumption needs to be assessed using robust experimental data.

We conducted tissue‐specific gene expression and protein function analyses of orthologous groups within the glutathione S‐transferase (GST) gene family in three closely related Populus species: Populus trichocarpa, Populus euphratica and Populus yatungensis.

This study identified 21 GST orthologous groups in the three Populus species. Although the sequences of the GST orthologous groups were highly conserved, the divergence in enzymatic functions was prevalent. Through site‐directed mutagenesis of orthologous proteins, this study revealed that nonsynonymous substitutions at key amino acid sites played an important role in the divergence of enzymatic functions. In particular, a single amino acid mutation (Arg39→Trp39) contributed to P. euphratica PeGSTU30 possessing high enzymatic activity via increasing the hydrophobicity of the active cavity.

This study provided experimental evidence showing that orthologues belonging to the gene family have functional divergences. The nonsynonymous substitutions at a few amino acid sites resulted in functional divergence of the orthologous genes. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution of orthologous genes in closely related species.
Tomato stigma exsertion induced by high temperature is associated with the jasmonate signalling pathway
Authors: Pan Changtian , Yang Dandan , Zhao Xiaolin , Jiao Chen , Yan Yanqiu , Lamin‐Samu Anthony Tumbeh , Wang Qiaomei , Xu Xiangyang , Fei Zhangjun , Lu Gang
Published: September 2018

High temperature (HT) is becoming an increasingly serious factor in limiting crop production with global climate change. During hot seasons, owing to prevailing HT, cultivated tomatoes are prone to exhibiting stigma exsertion, which hampers pollination and causes fruit set failure. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of the HT‐induced stigma exsertion remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that stigma exsertion induced by HT in cultivated tomato is caused by more seriously shortened stamens than pistils, which is different from the stigma exsertion observed in wild tomato species. Under the HT condition, the different responses of pectin, sugar, expansin, and cyclin cause cell wall remodelling and differentially localized cell division and selective cell enlargement, which further determine the lengths of stamens and pistils. In addition, auxin and jasmonate (JA) are implicated in regulating cell division and cell expansion in stamens and pistils, and exogenous JA instead of auxin treatment can effectively rescue tomato stigma exsertion through regulating the JA/COI1 signalling pathway. Our findings provide a better understanding of stigma exsertions under the HT condition in tomato and uncover a new function of JA in improving plant abiotic stress tolerance.
Consensus Builders? The Influence of Female Cabinet Ministers on the Duration of Parliamentary Governments
Authors: Martin James Richard
Published: September 2018

Once entirely the province of men, government cabinets in democracies have featured greater gender diversity in recent years, with many governments featuring women in the most influential posts. This analysis examines the effect of gender diversity on one aspect of government performance: the duration of governments in parliamentary systems. I test the argument that women serving in complex task‐oriented groups (in this case government cabinets), particularly when they hold influential roles, create the potential for parliamentary governments that tend to last longer than other governments. Using data drawn from 125 European cabinets across 13 countries, I test this argument and a series of controls using several hazard models and supplement these with simulations of various interesting empirical scenarios. I find nuanced support for this argument—greater numbers of women do matter, but only when women serve in influential premier ministerial posts.
Far‐red light enhances photochemical efficiency in a wavelength‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhen Shuyang , Haidekker Mark , van Iersel Marc W.
Published: September 2018

Linear electron transport depends on balanced excitation of photosystem I and II. Far‐red light preferentially excites photosystem I (PSI) and can enhance the photosynthetic efficiency when combined with light that over‐excites photosystem II (PSII). The efficiency of different wavelengths of far‐red light exciting PSI was quantified by measuring the change in quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under red/blue light with narrowband far‐red light added (from 678 to 752 nm, obtained using laser diodes). The ΦPSII of lettuce increased with increasing wavelengths of added light from 678 to 703 nm, indicating longer wavelengths within this region are increasingly used more efficiently by PSI than by PSII. Adding 721 nm light resulted in similar ΦPSII as adding 703 nm light, but ΦPSII tended to decrease as wavelength increased from 721 to 731 nm, likely due to decreasing absorptance and low photon energy. Adding 752 nm light did not affect ΦPSII. Leaf chlorophyll fluorescence light response measurements showed lettuce had higher ΦPSII under halogen light (rich in far‐red) than under red/blue light (which over‐excites PSII). Far‐red light is more photosynthetically active than commonly believed, because of its synergistic interaction with light of shorter wavelengths.
Effect of adding different levels of caffeine in the extender on some biochemical constituents, enzymatic activities and physical characteristics of chilled and frozen ram semen
Authors: Abd El‐Hamid Ibrahim S.
Published: September 2018

Contents

Two experiments were carried out to determine the efficiency of supplementation of ram semen extender with caffeine on chilled storage and frozen capacity of spermatozoa. In the first experiment, eighty ejaculates were collected by an artificial vagina from five adult Barki rams, aged 2–3 years and weighted 45.0 ± 2.0 kg throughout the experimental period (January to February 2017). The ejaculates were pooled and diluted (1:10) with tris‐citric egg yolk extender and were split into five groups. Group 1 served as control, whereas groups 2‐5 were supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mM caffeine. All diluted semen specimens were evaluated for physical characteristics immediately after dilution (T0) and throughout preservation period of 48 hr at 4°C. Simultaneously, oxidative stress and indices such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde concentrations (MDA) and alkaline transaminase (AKP) concentrations and value of resazurin reduction test (RRT) were determined. In the second experiment, the raw pooled ejaculates were diluted (1:10) with glycerolated tris‐citric egg yolk extender, receiving the previously mentioned caffeine levels. The post‐thaw assessment of cryopreserved spermatozoa, in all groups, was conducted by a computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The results revealed that adding caffeine to ram semen extender at low (0.1 mM) or medium (0.2 mM) levels had positive impact on both physical characteristics of ram sperm and the enzymatic activities compared to the other semen groups. Caffeine supplementation also enhanced post‐thaw sperm dynamics, which implies its potential as an exogenous antioxidant supplement.
Monitoring the social benefits of ecological restoration
Authors: Martin David M. , Lyons James E.
Published: September 2018

Ecological restoration has traditionally been evaluated by monitoring the recovery of ecological conditions, such as species abundance and diversity, physical form, and water quality; monitoring the social benefits of restoration is uncommon. Current monitoring frameworks do not track who benefits from restoration or by how much. We investigate how ecological restoration could be monitored to provide indications of improvement in terms of social conditions. We provide suggestions for measuring several categories of social indicators, including access, beneficiaries, and quality of benefit, using information compiled from natural and social science literature. We demonstrate how to evaluate ecological and social indicators over time at a site or landscape scale using multicriteria analysis. We use flood protection and recreation as example benefits to monitor.
Economic evaluation of wetland restoration: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Browne Michelle , Fraser Gavin , Snowball Jeanette
Published: September 2018

Evaluating the outcomes of wetland restoration projects is critical to improve practice and justify further investment in wetland restoration. We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the current state of knowledge on the economic valuation of the outcomes of wetland restoration. We assessed the economic methods applied, the attributes valued, and the timing of the evaluation in relation to the age of restoration along with publication trends. Research on the topic is increasing, but studies from Africa and South America are lacking. A diverse cross‐disciplinary interest is notable, yet collaborations between disciplines are less frequent. Of particular concern is that only a third of the studies were undertaken postrestoration, and even fewer for restorations older than 10 years. Gaps in the knowledge base mean that our present understanding of the value achieved through wetland restoration is tentative. The need for postrestoration site‐specific valuation efforts remains large both to justify further investment and to improve confidence in predictive and value transfer approaches as practical tools to inform decision‐making.
Incomplete recovery of plant diversity in restored prairie wetlands on agricultural landscapes
Authors: Salaria Saloni , Howard Renee , Clare Shari , Creed Irena F.
Published: September 2018

Restoration efforts are being implemented globally to mitigate the degradation and loss of wetland habitat; however, the rate and success of wetland vegetation recovery post‐restoration is highly variable across wetland classes and geographies. Here, we measured the recovery of plant diversity along a chronosequence of restored temporary and seasonal prairie wetlands ranging from 0 to 23 years since restoration, including drained and natural wetlands embedded in agricultural and natural reserve landscapes in central Alberta, Canada. We assessed plant diversity using the following structural indicators: percent cover of hydrophytes, native and non‐native species, species richness, and community composition. Our findings indicate that plant diversity recovered to resemble reference wetlands in agricultural landscapes within 3–5 years of restoration; however, restored wetlands maintained significantly lower species richness and a distinct community composition compared to reference wetlands located within natural reserves. Early establishment of non‐native species during recovery, dispersal limitation, and depauperated native seed bank were probable barriers to complete recovery. Determining the success of vegetation recovery provides important knowledge that can be used to improve restoration strategies, especially considering projected future changes in land use and climate.
Oral health trajectories in community‐dwelling older adults in the last 3 years of life
Authors: Chen Xi , Douglas Christian E. , Preisser John S. , Naorungroj Supawadee , Beck James D.
Published: September 2018

Background

Systemic health and physical, cognitive, and social function gradually decline at the end of life. How oral health change at the end of life in community‐dwelling older adults remains unknown, increasing the difficulty in treatment planning for these individuals.

Methods

A total of 250 community‐dwelling decedents of a longitudinal study were included in the analysis. Decedents’ clinical and interview data collected at baseline, 18, 36, 60, and 84 months were linked to their death dates and plotted on an inverted time scale to study their oral health changes in the 3 years prior to death. Mixed effect models with random intercepts and slopes of months from death and sociodemographic variables were used to model the subjective and objective oral health trajectories in the last 3 years of life. The association of the change in the outcomes with a linear trend of months from death were assessed using the F‐test.

Results

Number of missing teeth was significantly associated with a linear trend of months from death. With every month in proximity to death, the expected number of missing teeth increased by 0.03 (SE = 0.004; p < 0.001), resulting in an average of 1.08 missing teeth in 3 years. Among subjective outcomes, the odds of good versus poor or “neither” self‐rated systemic health (p = 0.009) and mouth appearance (p = 0.008) significantly decreased as death approached.

Conclusion

Although other oral health measures remained relatively stable, tooth loss and dissatisfaction with mouth appearance steadily increased in community‐dwelling older adults as death approached. These changes were gradual and parallel the end‐of‐life general health decline.
The effect of isometric exercise on pain in individuals with plantar fasciopathy: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Riel Henrik , Vicenzino Bill , Jensen Martin Bach , Olesen Jens Lykkegaard , Holden Sinead , Rathleff Michael Skovdal
Published: September 2018

Isometric exercise is commonly recommended for immediate pain relief in individuals suffering from lower limb tendinopathies, despite the limited evidence supporting its analgesic effect. Due to the similarities between plantar fasciopathy and tendinopathies, the aim of this trial was to investigate the acute effect of isometric exercise on pain, compared to isotonic exercise, or walking, in individuals with plantar fasciopathy. We recruited 20 individuals with plantar fasciopathy for this prospectively‐registered, participant‐blinded, randomized, superiority crossover trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03264729). Participants attended three exercise sessions (isometric, isotonic, or walking) in a randomized order, within a 2‐week period. Both isometric and isotonic exercises were performed standing with the forefoot on a step bench, while walking was performed barefoot. The primary outcome was pain (measured on a 0‐100‐mm VAS) during a pain‐aggravating activity. Secondary outcomes included pressure pain threshold (PPT) under the heel, and plantar fascia thickness (PFT). All outcomes were measured before and after each exercise session. There were no significant differences between the three exercises on pain (P = 0.753), PPTs (P = 0.837), or PFT (P = 0.718). Further, there was no change in pain from before to after any of the exercises (isometric exercise 2.7 mm [95% CI: −12.2; 6.8], isotonic exercise −3.4 mm [95% CI: −5.0; 11.8], or walking 1.6 mm [95% CI: −16.1; 12.9]). Contrary to expectations, isometric exercise was no better than isotonic exercise or walking at reducing pain in individuals with plantar fasciopathy. None of the exercises induced any systematic analgesic effect.
Does Fathers’ Involvement in Childcare and Housework Affect Couples’ Relationship Stability?*
Authors: Norman Helen , Elliot Mark , Fagan Colette
Published: September 2018

Objective

Building on previous analysis conducted by Schober (2012), we explore how paternal involvement in different childcare and housework tasks affects the probability of relationship breakdown between parents.

Methods

We use logistic regression on the U.K. Millennium Cohort Study to predict parental relationship breakdown from nine months to seven years post‐childbirth. Paternal involvement in four childcare and three housework tasks during the first year of parenthood, are used as explanatory variables.

Results

The amount of time the father spends alone, caring for the baby during the first year of parenthood, is associated with the stability of the parental relationship but the effect of involvement in other tasks is moderated by ethnicity and the mother's employment status.

Conclusion

These nonlinear relationships suggest further research is needed to explore the different associations between paternal involvement in childcare and housework and relationship breakdown, which are complex and variable according to different characteristics.
What Race Is Lacey? Intersecting Perceptions of Racial Minority Status and Social Class*
Authors: Barlow M. Rose , Lahey Joanna N.
Published: September 2018

Objective

We examine how naïve raters’ perception of first name socioeconomic status (SES) is related to the name's perceived race.

Methods

Student volunteers rate the perceived race and SES of first names. We use a logit model to analyze the data.

Results

Participants are four times as likely to say a “White” name is Black when they perceive the mother as uneducated, compared to highly educated. While most raters accurately predict a name's race, a substantial minority of college students believe that names given by low‐SES White parents are Black names.

Conclusion

Examining the presence and mechanisms of bias is a vital step in fair and just decision making. This new study adds to the literature by taking an intersectional experimental approach combining ratings of racial and SES categories in a large sample of names.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinases MPK4 and MPK12 are key components mediating CO2‐induced stomatal movements
Authors: Tõldsepp Kadri , Zhang Jingbo , Takahashi Yohei , Sindarovska Yana , Hõrak Hanna , Ceciliato Paulo H.O. , Koolmeister Kaspar , Wang Yuh‐Shuh , Vaahtera Lauri , Jakobson Liina , Yeh Chung‐Yueh , Park Jiyoung , Brosche Mikael , Kollist Hannes , Schroeder Julian I.
Published: September 2018

Respiration in leaves and the continued elevation in the atmospheric CO2 concentration cause CO2‐mediated reduction in stomatal pore apertures. Several mutants have been isolated for which stomatal responses to both abscisic acid (ABA) and CO2 are simultaneously defective. However, there are only few mutations that impair the stomatal response to elevated CO2, but not to ABA. Such mutants are invaluable in unraveling the molecular mechanisms of early CO2 signal transduction in guard cells. Recently, mutations in the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase, MPK12, have been shown to partially impair CO2‐induced stomatal closure. Here, we show that mpk12 plants, in which MPK4 is stably silenced specifically in guard cells (mpk12 mpk4GC homozygous double‐mutants), completely lack CO2‐induced stomatal responses and have impaired activation of guard cell S‐type anion channels in response to elevated CO2/bicarbonate. However, ABA‐induced stomatal closure, S‐type anion channel activation and ABA‐induced marker gene expression remain intact in the mpk12 mpk4GC double‐mutants. These findings suggest that MPK12 and MPK4 act very early in CO2 signaling, upstream of, or parallel to the convergence of CO2 and ABA signal transduction. The activities of MPK4 and MPK12 protein kinases were not directly modulated by CO2/bicarbonate in vitro, suggesting that they are not direct CO2/bicarbonate sensors. Further data indicate that MPK4 and MPK12 have distinguishable roles in Arabidopsis and that the previously suggested role of RHC1 in stomatal CO2 signaling is minor, whereas MPK4 and MPK12 act as key components of early stomatal CO2 signal transduction.
Investigational use of PEGylated carboxyhemoglobin bovine in a Jehovah's Witness with hemorrhagic shock
Authors: DeSimone Robert A. , Berlin David A. , Avecilla Scott T. , Goss Cheryl A.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Jehovah's Witnesses pose a clinical challenge in the setting of critical anemia. Most do not accept transfusions, but some accept hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers on a compassionate‐use basis. PEGylated carboxyhemoglobin bovine (PCHB) is an acellular dual‐action carbon monoxide (CO)‐releasing and oxygen transfer agent currently being investigated in Phase II clinical trials.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a 42‐year‐old Jehovah's Witness with an acute upper gastrointestinal bleed and hemorrhagic shock who required emergent PCHB for stabilization during lifesaving interventions. After PCHB infusion, the patient's shock and encephalopathy improved with decreased vasopressor requirement. Through gastroenterology and interventional radiology procedures, the patient's bleeding stabilized. While receiving five additional doses of PCHB and other supportive therapies (iron, folate, vitamin B12, darbepoetin alfa), the patient was extubated and weaned off vasopressors.

CONCLUSIONS

PCHB was used to stabilize (bridge) a critically ill anemic patient for lifesaving interventions without adverse effects. Additional studies are warranted to explore the drug's safety profile and efficacy in patients declining blood products.
Cardiac stress biomarkers after red blood cell transfusion in patients at risk for transfusion‐associated circulatory overload: a prospective observational study
Authors: Callum Jeannie L. , Cohen Robert , Cressman Alex M. , Strauss Rachel , Armali Chantal , Lin Yulia , Pendergrast Jacob , Lieberman Lani , Scales Damon C. , Skeate Robert , Ross Heather , Cserti‐Gazdewich Christine
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a leading cause of serious reactions. In regard to TACO, little is known regarding biomarkers as a predictor, their most informative timing, or thresholds of significance or differentiation from other reactions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study of inpatients at risk for TACO (age ≥ 50 years) receiving 1 red blood cell unit, cardiac biomarkers, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N‐terminal pro‐BNP (NT‐proBNP), and high‐sensitivity troponin were measured at baseline, 6 to 12 hours (except troponin) posttransfusion, and 18 to 24 hours posttransfusion. Primary outcome was a critical increase in biomarkers (>1.5‐fold increase and supranormal) at 18 to 24 hours.

RESULTS

Fifty‐one patients were analyzed; 29% had cardiovascular disease, 73% had one or more cardiac risk factors, and 50% took cardiac or antihypertensive therapies. Although eight (16%) developed an increase in systolic pressure of at least 30 mmHg and four (8%) reported dyspnea and/or cough, none had TACO. At baseline, BNP level was more than 100 ng/L in 59% and NT‐proBNP was more than 300 pg/mL in 83%. A total of 25% had a BNP critical increase, 33% had a NT‐proBNP critical increase, and 2% had a troponin critical increase at 18 to 24 hours. Overall, 38% had at least one biomarker critical increase and NT‐proBNP/BNP concordance was 84%. An increase in the NT‐proBNP (>1.5‐fold increase and >300 pg/mL) at 18 to 24 hours was the commonest biomarker change.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase of the NT‐proBNP at 18 to 24 hours may be the preferred surrogate marker for identifying a patient experiencing physiologic difficulty in handling the volume challenge. Larger studies are needed to clarify the risk of TACO for a given pretransfusion biomarker profile and the correlation between TACO and increase in biomarkers after transfusion.
The role of social media for blood donor motivation and recruitment
Authors: Sümnig Ariane , Feig Martin , Greinacher Andreas , Thiele Thomas
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Social media platforms have become an important lifestyle aspect. Therefore, we implemented communication via social media platforms to recruit new donors and to motivate repeat donors. Here, we report a survey among donors of our blood donation facility to evaluate the impact of different strategies for donor motivation from the donors’ perspective.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

During 8 consecutive weeks, all whole blood donors were asked to participate. The survey consisted of a questionnaire including the demographic items sex, age, number of prior donations, and 14 potential motivators for blood donation. Social media included the items “Facebook” and “Jodel” (German local mobile application).

RESULTS

Of 3320 consecutive donors, 2920 (88%) participated in the survey. Social media motivated 7.4% of our donors, among them mainly young and female donors. For first‐time donors (FTDs; n = 157) the three strongest motivational factors were friends and/or relatives (73%), social media (15%), and “I do not need additional motivation” (11%). Repeat donors (n = 2693) most often stated that they do not need additional motivation (72%) and only 7% were motivated by social media.

CONCLUSION

Social media have become the second most important motivator to recruit FTDs beside relatives and friends who are by far the main motivators for FTDs. For repeat donors, social media play a less important role. Social media are becoming increasingly important for transfusion services.
In vivo viability of extended 4°C‐stored autologous apheresis platelets
Authors: Stolla Moritz , Fitzpatrick Lynda , Gettinger Irena , Bailey Shawn L. , Pellham Esther , Christoffel Todd , Slichter Sherrill J.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

The current 5‐day storage time of room temperature (22°C)‐stored platelets (RSPs) severely limits platelet (PLT) availability. Extended cold (4°C)‐stored PLTs (CSPs) are currently being investigated for actively bleeding patients. However, we currently do not know how to best store PLTs in the cold for extended periods of time. In this study, we investigate how storage in plasma and PLT additive solutions (PASs) affects PLT viability in vivo.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty normal subjects had a 2‐unit hyperconcentrated apheresis PLT collection. One unit was stored at 4°C in plasma for 3 days (“control unit”), and the CSP “test” unit was stored for 10 or 15 days in plasma or 10 days in 35% plasma with either 65% Intersol or Isoplate. After storage, all units were radiolabeled and transfused into their donors.

RESULTS

For 10‐day storage, both the plasma and the Intersol units had significantly better PLT recoveries than the Isoplate units (24% ± 8% vs. 11% ± 3% [55% ± 11% vs. 21% ± 8% as percentage of control data], p = 0.002; and 18% ± 4% vs. 11% ± 3% [43% ± 6% vs. 21% ± 8% as percentage of control data], p = 0.004, respectively). There was a trend for lower PLT recoveries with Intersol compared to plasma (p = 0.056). PLT survivals and most in vitro measurements did not differ significantly among the units.

CONCLUSIONS

While the in vitro variables suggest largely comparable results between plasma and PASs, in vivo recoveries were higher with plasma compared with both Intersol and Isoplate (p = 0.057 and p = 0.002, respectively). Whether this difference leads to clinically relevant differences in hemostatic efficacy remains to be determined.
Iron overload is correlated with impaired autologous stem cell mobilization and survival in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Alva Laura C. , Bacher Ulrike , Seipel Katja , Mansouri Taleghani Behrouz , Mueller Beatrice U. , Novak Urban , Pabst Thomas
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) depend on the successful mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells. However, the factors affecting the mobilization potential in AML patients and, in particular, the effect of transfusion‐related iron overload on peripheral blood stem cell mobilization are largely unknown.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We investigated the association of varying levels of iron overload and stem cell mobilization efficacy in consecutive AML patients after two induction cycles.

RESULTS

A total of 113 AML patients in early first complete remission underwent the mobilization procedure. While 84 (74.3%) patients had serum ferritin levels exceeding 1000 μg/L, 26 (23.0%) patients had levels even higher than 2000 μg/L. Iron overload correlated with the number of preceding red blood cell transfusions and inversely correlated with circulating CD34+ cell levels (p = 0.04) at apheresis. Finally, the median progression‐free and overall survival rates of patients with ferritin levels of higher than 2000 μg/L were shorter with 332 days versus 2156 days (p = 0.04) and 852 days versus 2235 days (p = 0.04), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that transfusion‐related iron overload is suppressing the mobilization potential and is associated with inferior outcome in AML.
Circulating miRNA or circulating DNA—Potential biomarkers for organ transplant rejection
Authors: Huo Qin , Zhou Ming , Cooper David K. C. , Dai Yifan , Xie Ni , Mou Lisha
Published: September 2018

Accurate and timely diagnosis of transplant rejection is essential for the long‐term survival of solid‐organ transplant recipients. Biopsy is the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of rejection, but this approach is a time‐consuming, expensive, and invasive process. An efficient, cheap, and noninvasive tool for monitoring of immune rejection is urgently needed. Circulating miRNA and circulating DNA can be easily amplified and quantified by PCR which could be potential biomarkers for monitoring organ survival and/or immune rejection. In this review, we briefly introduce the origins and characteristics of circulating miRNA and circulating DNA. Furthermore, we review their clinical application and potential as noninvasive biomarkers for rejection in organ transplantation. Finally, we sum up their potential as biomarkers, which may help scientists and surgeons choose the proper biomarker for routine assays.
Hypothalamic DNA methylation in rats with dihydrotestosterone‐induced polycystic ovary syndrome: effects of low‐frequency electro‐acupuncture
Authors: Cui Peng , Ma Tong , Tamadon Amin , Han Sha , Li Bing , Chen Zheyi , An Xiaofei , Shao Linus R. , Wang Yanqing , Feng Yi
Published: September 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the role of hypothalamic DNA methylation in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the response to electro‐acupuncture treatment.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Global DNA methylation and expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were increased in PCOS‐like rats, and electro‐acupuncture (EA) decreased global DNA methylation and DNMT3b expression. Pyrosequencing showed that the DNA methylation of some PCOS candidate genes was changed in the PCOS and PCOS+EA groups, suggesting that hypothalamic DNA methylation plays an important role in the development of PCOS and in mediating the effects of electro‐acupuncture treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive and endocrine disease of unknown aetiology. Recently, epigenetic studies focusing on DNA methylation in PCOS have received much attention, but the mechanisms are still unclear. In the present study, we used the 5α‐dihydrotestosterone‐induced PCOS‐like rat model and treated the rats with electro‐acupuncture (EA). Rats were randomly divided into four groups – controls, diet‐induced obesity, PCOS and PCOS+EA. We examined the reproductive, metabolic and behavioural phenotypes, validated the effect of EA, and explored the role of hypothalamic DNA methylation by analysing the methylation of global DNA and selected candidate genes. The PCOS rats presented with reproductive dysfunctions such as lack of regular oestrous cyclicity, metabolic disorders such as increased body weight and insulin resistance, and depression and anxiety‐like behaviours. EA improved the reproductive functions, decreased body weight and improved experimental depressive behaviour. Furthermore, global DNA methylation and the expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were increased in PCOS rats compared to the control group, and EA decreased the global DNA methylation and the expression of DNMT3b. In addition, pyrosequencing showed that the DNA methylation of certain CpG sites in targeted genes (Plcg1, Camk2b, Esr2 and Pgr) was increased in the PCOS group, but the DNA methylation of Camk2b and Ar was decreased after EA treatment. These results indicate that hypothalamic DNA methylation might be correlated with the development of PCOS and that EA has an effect on hypothalamic DNA methylation in PCOS rats.
Modulating photoelectric performance of graphene/gallium arsenide nanowire photodetectors by applying gate voltage
Authors: Luo Yanbin , Yan Xin , Wei Wei , Zhang Mingqian , Zhang Jinnan , Li Bang , Zheng Jiahui , Lu Qichao , Lin Qimin , Liu Wen , Zhang Xia , Ren Xiaomin
Published: September 2018

Here, the authors demonstrate that the performance of graphene/gallium arsenide nanowire photodetectors could be modulated by applying gate voltage on graphene. The current–voltage curves under illumination continuously shift downward when an increasing negative gate voltage is applied, while they shift upward when an increasing positive gate voltage is applied, suggesting the modulation effect of gate voltage on the Schottky barrier height. Under a small negative gate voltage of 0.06 V, the dark current, on/off ratio, responsivity, and detectivity are dramatically improved from 6.1 to 0.22 nA, 13 to 2094, 57.1 to 351.2 mA/W, and 2.2 × 108 to 7.2 × 109 cm Hz1/2/W, respectively, due to the enhancement of the Schottky barrier height. This work provides an effective way for modulating the graphene/nanowire junction properties and enabling high performance photodetectors.
Assimilation of mobile phone measurements for noise mapping of a neighborhood
Authors: Ventura Raphaël , Mallet Vivien , Issarny Valérie
Published: September 2018

Noise maps are a key asset in the elaboration of urban noise mitigation policies. However, simulation-based noise maps are subject to high uncertainties, and the estimation of population exposition to noise pollution generally relies on static averages over an extended period of time. This paper introduces a method to produce hourly noise maps based on temporally averaged simulation maps and mobile phone audio recordings. The data assimilation method produces an analysis noise map which is the so-called best linear unbiased estimator: it merges the simulated map and the measurements based on respective uncertainties so that the analysis map has minimum error variance. The method is illustrated through a neighborhood-wide experiment. A systematic study of the errors associated with both the simulation map and the observations (measurement error, temporal representativeness error, location error) is carried out. Two LAeq,1h maps are produced, corresponding, respectively, to a morning and an evening time slot. The analysis maps achieve a reduction of at least 25% of root-mean-square error. The a posteriori error variance of the maps are generally around 50% of the a priori error variance in the vicinity of the observed locations.
Effects of Concentric and Eccentric Strength Training on Fatigue Induced by Concentric and Eccentric Exercises
Authors: Cadore Eduardo Lusa , González-Izal Miriam , Grazioli Rafael , Setuain Igor , Pinto Ronei Silveira , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To compare the concentric and eccentric training effects on fatigue induced by eccentric and concentric protocols. Methods: A total of 22 men and women (22 [3.6] y) were assigned to concentric (GCON, n = 11) or eccentric training (GECC, n = 11). The concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) protocols were composed of 4 sets of 20 knee-extension/flexion repetitions. Force losses were analyzed by comparing 10 repetitions’ mean torques during the protocols and by verifying the maximal voluntary contraction and rate of torque development before and after the protocols. Muscle damage was assessed using echo intensity of the vastus lateralis 48 h after the protocols. Training consisted of 6 wk of isokinetic exercise at 60°/s (concentric or eccentric) twice weekly. Results: Before training, both protocols resulted in dynamic and isometric force losses in GCON and GECC (P < .01), but the magnitude was greater after the CON protocol than after the ECC protocol (P < .001). After training, both GCON and GECC showed similar force decreases during the CON and ECC protocols (P < .01), and these changes were not different from the pretraining decreases. Regarding maximal voluntary contraction after training, GECC showed lower force decreases than GCON after ECC exercise (−13.7% vs −22.3%, respectively, P < .05), whereas GCON showed lower maximal voluntary contraction decreases after CON exercise compared with pretraining (−29.2%, P < .05). Losses in rate of torque development were similar after the protocols before and after the training regimens. No changes in echo intensity were observed after the protocols before and after training. Conclusion: Both interventions resulted in similar force decreases during fatigue protocols compared with those associated with pretraining.
Interunit Reliability and Effect of Data-Processing Methods of Global Positioning Systems
Authors: Thornton Heidi R. , Nelson André R. , Delaney Jace A. , Serpiello Fabio R. , Duthie Grant M.
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To establish the interunit reliability of a range of global positioning system (GPS)-derived movement indicators, to determine the variation between manufacturers, and to investigate the difference between software-derived and raw data. Methods: A range of movement variables were obtained from 27 GPS units from 3 manufacturers (GPSports EVO, 10 Hz, n = 10; STATSports Apex, 10 Hz, n = 10; and Catapult S5, 10 Hz, n = 7) that measured the same team-sport simulation session while positioned on a sled. The interunit reliability was determined using the coefficient of variation (%) and 90% confidence limits, whereas between-manufacturers comparisons and comparisons of software versus raw processed data were established using standardized effect sizes and 90% confidence limits. Results: The interunit reliability for both software and raw processed data ranged from good to poor (coefficient of variation = 0.2%; ±1.5% to 78.2%; ±1.5%), with distance, speed, and maximal speed exhibiting the best reliability. There were substantial differences between manufacturers, particularly for threshold-based acceleration and deceleration variables (effect sizes; ±90% confidence limits: −2.0; ±0.1 to 1.9; ±0.1), and there were substantial differences between data-processing methods for a range of movement indicators. Conclusions: The interunit reliability of most movement indicators was deemed as good regardless of processing method, suggesting that practitioners can have confidence within systems. Standardized data-processing methods are recommended, due to the large differences between data outputs from various manufacturer-derived software.
Load–Velocity Relationship in National Paralympic Powerlifters: A Case Study
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Pereira Lucas A. , Winckler Ciro , Santos Weverton L. , Kobal Ronaldo , McGuigan Michael
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To examine the relationships between different loading intensities and movement velocities in the bench-press exercise (BP) in Paralympic powerlifters. Methods: A total of 17 national Paralympic powerlifters performed maximum dynamic strength tests to determine their BP 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in a Smith-machine device. A linear position transducer was used to measure movement velocity over a comprehensive range of loads. Linear-regression analysis was performed to establish the relationships between the different bar velocities and the distinct percentages of 1RM. Results: Overall, the correlations between bar velocities and %1RM were strong over the entire range of loads (R2 .80–.91), but the precision of the predictive equations (expressed as mean differences [%] between actual and predicted 1RM values) were higher at heavier loading intensities (∼20% for loads ≤70% 1RM and ∼5% for loads ≥70% 1RM). In addition, it seems that these very strong athletes (eg, 1RM relative in the BP = 2.22 [0.36] kg·kg−1, for male participants) perform BP 1RM assessments at lower velocities than those previously reported in the literature. Conclusions: The load–velocity relationship was strong and consistent in Paralympic powerlifters, especially at higher loads (≥70% 1RM). Therefore, Paralympic coaches can use the predictive equations and the reference values provided here to determine and monitor the BP loading intensity in national Paralympic powerlifters.
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Test of Gross Motor Development–3rd Edition
Authors: Mohammadi Farzad , Bahram Abbas , Khalaji Hasan , Ulrich Dale A. , Ghadiri Farhad
Published: September 2018

The Test of Gross Motor Development–3rd Edition (TGMD-3) is an instrument for measuring gross motor development in children with and without a disability. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the TGMD-3 in 3- to 10-year-old Iranian children. The TGMD-3 was administered to 1,600 children (M age = 6.56 ± 2.29 years; 50% boys). The content validity of the TGMD-3 was established by five experts while its reliability was assessed through calculating internal consistency, test–retest, intra-rater, and inter-rater reliability coefficients. All reliability indices were excellent (>.82). The two-factor model was validated using confirmatory factor analysis. Adequate fit indices were found for the two-factor model (χ2 (64) = 389.02, p < .05, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .056, goodnesss of fit index (GFI) = .96, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) = .94, normed fit index (NFI) = .96, non-normed fit index (NNFI) = .96, comparative fit index (CFI) = .96, incremental fit index (IFI) = .96, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = .03). An alternative one-factor model was also tested. Adequate fit indices in a one-factor model were found (χ2 (65) = 615.88, p = .0001, RMSEA = .07, GFI = .94, AGFI = .92, NFI = .98, NNFI = .98, CFI = .98, IFI = .98, SRMR = .03). The psychometric properties of the Persian version of TGMD-3 in Iranian children were supported and users can confidently use this test to evaluate gross motor development in Iranian children.
The Hippo pathway effector TAZ induces TEAD-dependent liver inflammation and tumors
Authors: Hagenbeek Thijs J. , Webster Joshua D. , Kljavin Noelyn M. , Chang Matthew T. , Pham Trang , Lee Ho-June , Klijn Christiaan , Cai Allen G. , Totpal Klara , Ravishankar Buvana , Yang Naiying , Lee Da-Hye , Walsh Kevin B. , Hatzivassiliou Georgia , de la Cruz Cecile C. , Gould Stephen E. , Wu Xiumin , Lee Wyne P. , Yang Shuqun , Zhang Zhixiang , Gu Qingyang , Ji Qunsheng , Jackson Erica L. , Lim Dae-Sik , Dey Anwesha
Published: September 2018

Transcriptional cofactors YAP and TAZ have distinct roles in promoting proinflammatory cytokine production and tumorigenesis.
The kinases HipA and HipA7 phosphorylate different substrate pools in
Escherichia coli
to promote multidrug tolerance
Authors: Semanjski Maja , Germain Elsa , Bratl Katrin , Kiessling Andreas , Gerdes Kenn , Macek Boris
Published: September 2018

Differences in the targets of HipA and its variant HipA7 may explain why these kinases have different effects on bacterial persistence.
Rapid, Parallel Identification of Catabolism Pathways of Lignin-Derived Aromatic Compounds in Novosphingobium aromaticivorans
Authors: Cecil Jacob H. , Garcia David C. , Giannone Richard J. , Michener Joshua K.
Published: September 2018

The identification of the genes involved in specific biochemical transformations is a key step in predicting microbial function from nucleic acid sequences and in engineering microbes to endow them with new functions. We have shown that new techniques for transposon mutagenesis can dramatically simplify this process and enable the rapid identification of genes in uncharacterized pathways. These techniques provide the necessary scale to fully elucidate complex biological networks such as those used to degrade mixtures of lignin-derived aromatic compounds.
Metabolic Interactions of a Chain Elongation Microbiome
Authors: Han Wenhao , He Pinjing , Shao Liming , Lü Fan
Published: September 2018

Carbon chain elongation means the conversion of short-chain volatile fatty acids to medium-chain carboxylates, such as
n
-caproate and
n
-caprylate with electron donors under anaerobic condition. This bio-reaction can both expand the resource of valuable biochemicals and broaden the utilization of low-grade organic residues in a sustainable biorefinery context.
Clostridium kluyveri
is conventionally considered model microbe for carbon chain elongation which uses the reverse β-oxidation pathway. However, little is known about the detailed microbial structure and function of other abundant microorganism in a mixed culture (or open culture) of chain elongation. We conducted the comparative metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analysis of a chain elongation microbiome to throw light on the underlying functional microbes and alternative pathways.
Stress Resistance Development and Genome-Wide Transcriptional Response of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Adapted to Sublethal Thymol, Carvacrol, and
trans
-Cinnamaldehyde
Authors: Yuan Wenqian , Seng Zi Jing , Kohli Gurjeet Singh , Yang Liang , Yuk Hyun-Gyun
Published: September 2018

The present study was designed to understand transcriptomic changes and the potential development of direct and cross-resistance in essential oil (EO)-adapted
Escherichia coli
O157:H7. The results demonstrated altered growth behaviors of
E. coli
O157:H7 during adaptation in sublethal thymol, carvacrol, and
trans
-cinnamaldehyde. Generally, EO-adapted bacteria showed enhanced resistance against subsequent lethal EO, heat, and oxidative stresses, with no induction of acid resistance in simulated gastric fluid. A transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of related stress resistance genes and a downregulation of various virulence genes in EO-adapted cells. This study provides new insights into microbial EO adaptation behaviors and highlights the risk of resistance development in adapted bacteria.
A PCR-Based Method for Distinguishing between Two Common Beehive Bacteria, Paenibacillus larvae and Brevibacillus laterosporus
Authors: Berg Jordan A. , Merrill Bryan D. , Breakwell Donald P. , Hope Sandra , Grose Julianne H.
Published: September 2018

16S rRNA gene sequencing in bacteria has long been held as the gold standard for typing bacteria and, for the most part, is an excellent method of taxonomically identifying different bacterial species. However, the high level of 16S rRNA sequence similarity of some published strains of
P. larvae
and
B. laterosporus
, as well as possible horizontal gene transfer events within their shared ecological niche, complicates the use of 16S rRNA sequence as an effective molecular marker for differentiating these two species. Additionally, shared characteristics of these bacteria limit the effectiveness of using traditional phenotypic identification assays, such as the catalase test. The results from this study provide PCR methods to quickly differentiate between these two genera and will be useful when studying
Brevibacillus
,
Paenibacillus
, and other disease-relevant bacteria commonly found in beehives.
Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: Historical Perspective, Animal Models, and Current Clinical Practice
Authors: Dunay Ildiko Rita , Gajurel Kiran , Dhakal Reshika , Liesenfeld Oliver , Montoya Jose G.
Published: September 2018

PrimaryToxoplasma gondiiinfection is usually subclinical, but cervical lymphadenopathy or ocular disease can be present in some patients. Active infection is characterized by tachyzoites, while tissue cysts characterize latent disease.