bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intragenic recombination influences rotavirus diversity and evolution
Authors: Hoxie Irene , Dennehy John J 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBecause of their replication mode and segmented dsRNA genome, homologous recombination is assumed to be rare in the rotaviruses. We analyzed 23,627 complete rotavirus genome sequences available in the NCBI Virus Variation database, and found 109 instances of homologous recombination, at least eleven of which prevailed across multiple sequenced isolates. In one case, recombination may have generated a novel rotavirus VP1 lineage. We also found strong evidence for intergenotypic recombination in which more than one sequence strongly supported the same event, particularly between different genotypes of segment 9, which encodes the glycoprotein, VP7. The recombined regions of many putative recombinants showed amino acid substitutions differentiating them from their major and minor parents. This finding suggests that these recombination events were not overly deleterious, since presumably these recombinants proliferated long enough to acquire adaptive mutations in their recombined regions. Protein structural predictions indicated that, despite the sometimes substantial amino acid replacements resulting from recombination, the overall protein structures remained relatively unaffected. Notably, recombination junctions appear to occur nonrandomly with hot spots corresponding to secondary RNA structures, a pattern seen consistently across segments. In total, we found strong evidence for recombination in nine of eleven rotavirus A segments. Only segments 7 (NSP3) and 11 (NSP5) did not show strong evidence of recombination. Collectively, the results of our computational analyses suggest that, contrary to the prevailing sentiment, recombination may be a significant driver of rotavirus evolution and may influence circulating strain diversity.
WRKY Transcription Factors Shared by BTH-Induced Resistance and NPR1-Mediated Acquired Resistance Improve Broad-Spectrum Disease Resistance in Wheat
Authors: Li Huanpeng , Wu Jiaojiao , Shang Xiaofeng , Geng Miaomiao , Gao Jing , Zhao Shuqing , Yu Xiumei , Liu Daqun , Kang Zhensheng , Wang Xiaojie , Wang Xiaodong 
Published: December 2019

In Arabidopsis, both pathogen invasion and benzothiadiazole (BTH) treatment activate the nonexpresser of pathogenesis-related genes 1 (NPR1)-mediated systemic acquired resistance, which provides broad-spectrum disease resistance to secondary pathogen infection. However, the BTH-induced resistance in Triticeae crops of wheat and barley seems to be accomplished through an NPR1-independent pathway. In the current investigation, we applied transcriptome analysis on barley transgenic lines overexpressing wheat wNPR1 (wNPR1-OE) and knocking down barley HvNPR1 (HvNPR1-Kd) to reveal the role of NPR1 during the BTH-induced resistance. Most of the previously designated barley chemical-induced (BCI) genes were upregulated in an NPR1-independent manner, whereas the expression levels of several pathogenesis-related (PR) genes were elevated upon BTH treatment only in wNPR1-OE. Two barley WRKY transcription factors, HvWRKY6 and HvWRKY70, were predicted and further validated as key regulators shared by the BTH-induced resistance and the NPR1-mediated acquired resistance. Wheat transgenic lines overexpressing HvWRKY6 and HvWRKY70 showed different degrees of enhanced resistance to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici pathotype CYR32 and Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici pathotype E20. In conclusion, the transcriptional changes of BTH-induced resistance in barley were initially profiled, and the identified key regulators would be valuable resources for the genetic improvement of broad-spectrum disease resistance in wheat. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Storage Root Yield of Sweetpotato as Influenced bySweetpotato leaf curl virusand Its Interaction WithSweetpotato feathery mottle virusandSweetpotato chlorotic stunt virusin Kenya
Authors: Wanjala Bramwel W. , Ateka Elijah M. , Miano Douglas W. , Low Jan W. , Kreuze Jan F. 
Published: December 2019

In this study, the effect of a Kenyan strain of Sweetpotato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) and its interactions with Sweetpotato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) and Sweetpotato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) on root yield was determined. Trials were performed during two seasons using varieties Kakamega and Ejumula and contrasting in their resistance to sweetpotato virus disease in a randomized complete block design with 16 treatments replicated three times. The treatments included plants graft inoculated with SPLCV, SPFMV, and SPCSV alone and in possible dual or triple combinations. Yield and yield-related parameters were evaluated at harvest. The results showed marked differences in the effect of SPLCV infection on the two varieties. Ejumula, which is highly susceptible to SPFMV and SPCSV, suffered no significant yield loss from SPLCV infection, whereas Kakamega, which is moderately resistant to SPFMV and SPCSV, suffered an average of 47% yield loss from SPLCV, despite only mild symptoms occurring in both varieties. These results highlight the variability in yield response to SPLCV between sweetpotato cultivars as well as a lack of correlation of SPLCV-related symptoms with yield reduction. In addition, they underline the lack of correlation between resistance to the RNA viruses SPCSV and SPFMV and the DNA virus SPLCV.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Higd1a improves respiratory function in the models of mitochondrial disorder
Authors: Nagao Takemasa , Shintani Yasunori , Hayashi Takaharu , Kioka Hidetaka , Kato Hisakazu , Nishida Yuya , Yamazaki Satoru , Tsukamoto Osamu , Yashirogi Shohei , Yazawa Issei , Asano Yoshihiro , Shinzawa‐Itoh Kyoko , Imamura Hiromi , Suzuki Takeo , Suzuki Tsutomu , Goto Yu‐ichi , Takashima Seiji 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe respiratory chain (RC) transports electrons to form a proton motive force that is required for ATP synthesis in the mitochondria. RC disorders cause mitochondrial diseases that have few effective treatments; therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are critically needed. We previously identified Higd1a as a positive regulator of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) in the RC. Here, we test that Higd1a has a beneficial effect by increasing CcO activity in the models of mitochondrial dysfunction. We first demonstrated the tissue‐protective effects of Higd1a via in situ measurement of mitochondrial ATP concentrations ([ATP]mito) in a zebrafish hypoxia model. Heart‐specific Higd1a overexpression mitigated the decline in [ATP]mito under hypoxia and preserved cardiac function in zebrafish. Based on the in vivo results, we examined the effects of exogenous HIGD1A on three cellular models of mitochondrial disease; notably, HIGD1A improved respiratory function that was coupled with increased ATP synthesis and demonstrated cellular protection in all three models. Finally, enzyme kinetic analysis revealed that Higd1a significantly increased the maximal velocity of the reaction between CcO and cytochrome c without changing the affinity between them, indicating that Higd1a is a positive modulator of CcO. These results corroborate that Higd1a, or its mimic, provides therapeutic options for the treatment of mitochondrial diseases.
Recovery of viable endocrine‐specific cells and transcriptomes from human pancreatic islet‐engrafted mice
Authors: Redick Sambra D. , Leehy Linda , Rittenhouse Ann R. , Blodgett David M. , Derr Alan G. , Kucukural Alper , Garber Manuel G. , Shultz Leonard D. , Greiner Dale L. , Wang Jennifer P. , Harlan David M. , Bortell Rita , Jurczyk Agata 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHuman pancreatic islets engrafted into immunodeficient mice serve as an important model for in vivo human diabetes studies. Following engraftment, islet function can be monitored in vivo by measuring circulating glucose and human insulin; however, it will be important to recover viable cells for more complex graft analyses. Moreover, RNA analyses of dissected grafts have not distinguished which hormone‐specific cell types contribute to gene expression. We developed a method for recovering live cells suitable for fluorescence‐activated cell sorting from human islets engrafted in mice. Although yields of recovered islet cells were relatively low, the ratios of bulk‐sorted β, α, and δ cells and their respective hormone‐specific RNA‐Seq transcriptomes are comparable pretransplant and posttransplant, suggesting that the cellular characteristics of islet grafts posttransplant closely mirror the original donor islets. Single‐cell RNA‐Seq transcriptome analysis confirms the presence of appropriate β, α, and δ cell subsets. In addition, ex vivo perifusion of recovered human islet grafts demonstrated glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. Viable cells suitable for patch‐clamp analysis were recovered from transplanted human embryonic stem cell‐derived β cells. Together, our functional and hormone‐specific transcriptome analyses document the broad applicability of this system for longitudinal examination of human islet cells undergoing developmental/metabolic/pharmacogenetic manipulation in vivo and may facilitate the discovery of treatments for diabetes.
Longitudinal Investigation of Military-specific Factors Associated With Continued Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among a Large US Military Cohort
Authors: Jacobson Isabel G. , Williams Emily C. , Seelig Amber D. , Littman Alyson J. , Maynard Charles C. , Bricker Jonathan B. , Rull Rudolph P. , Boyko Edward J. 
Published: December 2019

Objective:
To examine whether military separation (Veteran), service component (active duty, Reserve/National Guard), and combat deployment are prospectively associated with continuing unhealthy alcohol use among US military service members.

Methods:
Millennium Cohort Study participants were evaluated for continued or chronic unhealthy alcohol use, defined by screening positive at baseline and the next consecutive follow-up survey for heavy episodic, heavy weekly, or problem drinking. Participants meeting criteria for chronic unhealthy alcohol use were followed for up to 12 years to determine continued unhealthy use. Multivariable regression models—adjusted for demographics, military service factors, and behavioral and mental health characteristics—assessed whether separation status, service component, or combat deployment were associated with continuation of 3 unhealthy drinking outcomes: heavy weekly (sample n = 2653), heavy episodic (sample n = 22,933), and problem drinking (sample n = 2671).

Results:
In adjusted models, Veterans (compared with actively serving personnel) and Reserve/Guard (compared with active duty members) had a significantly higher likelihood of continued chronic use for heavy weekly, heavy episodic, and problem drinking (Veteran odds ratio [OR] range 1.17–1.47; Reserve/Guard OR range 1.25–1.29). Deployers without combat experience were less likely than nondeployers to continue heavy weekly drinking (OR 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.61–0.91).

Conclusions:
The elevated likelihood of continued unhealthy alcohol use among Veterans and Reserve/Guard members suggests that strategies to reduce unhealthy drinking targeted to these populations may be warranted.
Local Application of a Gentamicin-Loaded Hydrogel Early After Injury Is Superior to Perioperative Systemic Prophylaxis in a Rabbit Open Fracture Model
Authors: Vallejo Diaz Alejandro , Deimling Christian , Morgenstern Mario , D'Este Matteo , Puetzler Jan , Zeiter Stephan , Arens Daniel , Metsemakers Willem-Jan , Richards R. Geoff , Eglin David , Moriarty T. Fintan 
Published: December 2019

Objectives:
Open fractures are at significant risk of developing a fracture-related infection, despite the routine administration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Early application of antibiotic prophylaxis is known to reduce infection rates; however, most international guidelines focus on postoperative duration rather than prehospital administration. We compared conventional perioperative prophylaxis against early prehospital prophylaxis either as a systemic single shot of cefuroxime or a locally applied gentamicin-loaded hydrogel in a laboratory animal model.

Methods:
Thirty New Zealand white rabbits underwent a first surgical procedure to create an open wound, bone damage and contamination with Staphylococcus aureus. After a 4-hour observation period mimicking the time-to-treatment, the animals underwent a second procedure to irrigate the wound and apply a fracture fixation device. The 5 groups (n = 6 per group) received (1) no treatment; (2) conventional 24-hour cefuroxime; (3) an early single shot of cefuroxime 15 minutes after trauma; (4) a combined early and standard systemic prophylaxis; and (5) early application of a gentamicin-loaded hydrogel that was removed during irrigation.

Results:
Untreated animals displayed high numbers of bacteria in irrigation fluid and were all highly culture positive at euthanasia. Three of 6 animals were culture positive at euthanasia after conventional prophylaxis. Early systemic prophylaxis reduced bacterial burden in irrigation fluid by up to 100-fold, but 5/6 animals were culture positive at euthanasia. The combined prophylaxis displayed greater efficacy with only 1/6 rabbits culture positive at euthanasia. Local application of the gentamicin-loaded hydrogel reduced bacteria recovered by irrigation to just above our detection limit, and at euthanasia, all animals were culture negative at euthanasia.

Conclusions:
Early systemic antibiotic administration can significantly reduce bacterial burden in the operative field and reduce culture positivity at euthanasia when continued for 24 hours after injury. The early application of a gentamicin-loaded hydrogel that was removed during irrigation displayed superior efficacy to early systemic therapy alone and postoperative conventional gold standard 24-hour systemic therapy alone. These experimental results highlight the importance of early antibiotic administration in fracture care.
The “FCR” Approach to the Knee for the Management of Posterior Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Berwin James T. , Donovan Richard L. , Riddick Andrew , Kelly Michael B. 
Published: December 2019

Summary:
Three-column fixation of tibial plateau fractures is now an established philosophy. A direct posterior approach with the patient prone affords enhanced exposure of the posterior column and ease of access for fixation using a buttress plate and posterior-to-anterior screws. A “direct posterior” approach through a reverse L-shaped incision to back of the knee is popular, yet complications associated with raising a fascial flap can occur. We present a simple method of conceptualizing a direct posterior approach through a single longitudinal incision, by likening it to a commonly performed orthopedic approach, the flexor carpi radialis approach to the wrist.
Apigenin Prevent Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Formation by Inhibiting the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Dongyu , Ma Ju , Wang Lei , Xin Shijie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract:
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is a multifactorial vascular disease with a high rate of mortality and brings heavy burden to both human and society. The pathological process behind AAA is complex. Elastin degradation, chronic inflammation, and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation are involved in AAA formation. Apigenin (API) has gained much attention due to its specific properties, such as anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. Previous studies have demonstrated that API exert beneficial effects on prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of API on AAA are still unknown. Here, we for the first time evaluated API-related effects on AAA formation using a Cacl2-induced AAA model. Compared with the AAA group, treatment with API reduced the incidence of AAA, attenuated pathological expansion of the aorta, and preserved elastic fiber in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, API attenuated vascular inflammation by inhibiting activation of matrix metalloproteinase and modulated vascular smooth muscle cell contractile phenotypic transition. The preventative effect of API on AAA might be associated with the downregulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity via the IKK-dependent signaling pathway. Our findings firstly revealed that API could suppress AAA formation in a dose-dependent manner by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, and API should be considered as a promising therapeutic drug in prevention of AAA.
A Rare Case of Nipple–Areolar Complex Partial Necrosis following Micropigmentation: What to Learn?
Authors: Starnoni Marta , Pinelli Massimo , Franceschini Gianluca , De Santis Giorgio 
Published: December 2019

Summary:
A 52-year-old woman, without any comorbidity, presented at our institution for reconstruction of nipple–areolar complex (NAC). Nipple reconstruction was obtained through local skin flaps. After 2 months, a tattoo of the NAC was performed. Follow-up was planned at 6 months. Nevertheless, the patient came to our attention 2 days after tattooing for partial necrosis of the epidermal–dermal layer of the tattooed area with partial muscular layer exposition. Empirical antibiotic treatment was immediately started to avoid infection. Daily medications were performed for 3 weeks. Complete healing was obtained within 3 weeks without the necessity of a skin graft. We think that the partial necrosis of the NAC occured because of vascular impairment of the dermal and subdermal vascular plexus during micropigmentation. From this experience, we developed some advice to improve our clinical practice by allowing surgeons, especially if trainees, to avoid complications in performing NAC micropigmentation.
Z-plasty and Postoperative Radiotherapy for Upper-arm Keloids: An Analysis of 38 Patients
Authors: Dohi Teruyuki , Kuribayashi Shigehiko , Tosa Mamiko , Aoki Masayo , Akaishi Satoshi , Ogawa Rei 
Published: December 2019

Background:Therapies for upper arm keloids include surgical excision followed by postoperative radiotherapy, silicone tape stabilization, and steroid plaster. However, a universally accepted therapeutic strategy for upper-arm keloids is lacking.Methods:All consecutive patients with single upper-arm keloids who underwent keloid excision followed by tension-reducing suturing, multiple z-plasties, and postoperative radiotherapy in 2013–2016 in the keloid/scar specialist clinic at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of Nippon Medical School, were included in this case series study. Only keloids that arose from the small injury produced during Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination were selected. The postsurgical radiotherapy regimen was 18 Gy administered in 3 fractions over 3 days. Radiotherapy was followed by tension-reducing wound self-management with silicone tape and, if needed, steroid plaster. The primary study objective was keloid recurrence during the 24-month follow-up period. Recurrence was defined as the growth of stiff red lesions in even small areas of the scar that was refractory to at least 2 months of steroid plaster therapy.Results:In total, 38 patients with 38 lesions were enrolled. Two lesions (5.3%) recurred. Both recurrences were successfully treated by concomitant steroid plaster and steroid injection. The recurrence patients were significantly more likely than the nonrecurrence patients to have multiple keloids. The 2 groups did not differ in terms of original keloid size.Conclusions:Upper-arm keloids can be successfully treated by customized plans that involve appropriate surgical modalities (including multiple z-plasties), postoperative radiotherapy (18 Gy/3 fractions/3 d), and postoperative wound/scar self-management with silicone tape and steroid plaster.
Reconstruction of the Superficial Palmar Arch Using the Subscapular Arterial System
Authors: Steve Anna K. , Doucet Véronique , Dumestre Danielle , Yau Farrah M. K. 
Published: December 2019

Summary:
Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a rare entity warranting urgent exploration of the ulnar artery if signs of critical digital ischemia are present. To the authors’ knowledge and based on review of the relevant literature, this case report is the first to describe the harvest of the subscapular arterial system for reconstruction of an extensive arterial defect involving the ulnar artery, superficial palmar arch, and associated branches for a case of hypothenar hammer syndrome. The patient presented with an ischemic and exquisitely painful fourth digit. After undergoing the aforementioned reconstruction, all digits were subsequently well perfused with normal capillary refill, color, warmth, and sensation. A strong ulnar pulse was palpated at the volar wrist crease. Patency of the interposition graft was verified by CT angiography (6 weeks postoperatively) and Doppler ultrasound (4 months postoperatively), showing strong radial and ulnar digital pulses of all digits. CT angiography was repeated at 6 months postoperatively and showed graft occlusion. Despite this, no signs of critical ischemia developed, and clinical symptoms were still much improved from initial presentation, with only residual cold intolerance noted 13 months postoperatively. As an arterial graft donor site, the subscapular system is easily accessible, offers generous length, and provides for multiple branches, making it ideal for the reconstruction of large, complex arterial defects in the hand.
Long-term Audiometric Outcomes After Atresiaplasty for Congenital Aural Atresia
Authors: Imbery Terence E. , Gray Lincoln , Champaloux Eve , Kesser Bradley W. 
Published: December 2019

Objective:Describe long-term trends and stability of hearing outcomes for patients undergoing primary congenital aural atresia (CAA) repair.Study Design:Retrospective chart review.Setting:Single academic, tertiary referral center.Patients:Children and adults who underwent primary CAA repair between 1980 and 2017.Intervention:CAA repair.Main Outcome Measures:Long-term (> 1 yr) postoperative three-tone (500, 1000, 2000 Hz) air conduction pure-tone average (AC PTA) compared with the immediate (within 90 d of surgery) postoperative audiogram.Results:The mean preoperative AC PTA was 59.6 dB HL. CAA repair improved hearing an average of 30.5 dB, but hearing declined by 8.2 dB over the long-term follow-up period (mean 4.4 yr; range 1–15.7 yr), leaving a final mean improvement of 22.2 dB (final mean AC PTA 37.3 dB HL). Two-thirds (92 of 138 ears) had an AC PTA ≤ 30 dB HL recorded in the first year after surgery. At the last follow-up test, 64% had “stable” hearing defined as no more than a 10 dB decline in AC PTA compared with the immediate postoperative audiogram; 21% had a 10 to 20 dB decline, 8% a 20 to 30 dB decline, and 7% declined > 30 dB.Conclusions:All patients enjoyed improvement in AC PTA after surgery (preoperative minus the best postoperative PTA, mean = 34 dB, range = 3.3–52 dB). Hearing declined by an average 8.2 dB over the long-term leaving a final average AC PTA of 37.4 dB HL. Sixty-four percent of patients exhibited stable (< 10 dB loss) hearing over time; 36% lost 10 dB or more over the long-term follow-up period. Hearing results typically stabilize over time with most of the change occurring in the first 3 years after CAA repair. Bone conduction thresholds remained stable over the study period.