bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative host resistance drives the evolution of increased virulence in an emerging pathogen
Authors: Gates Daisy Elizabeth , Valletta John Joseph , Bonneaud Camille , Recker Mario 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEmergent infectious diseases can have a devastating impact on host populations. The high selective pressures on both the hosts and the pathogens frequently lead to rapid adaptations not only in pathogen virulence but also host resistance following an initial outbreak. However, it is often unclear whether hosts will evolve to avoid infection‐associated fitness costs by preventing the establishment of infection (here referred to as qualitative resistance) or by limiting its deleterious effects through immune functioning (here referred to as quantitative resistance). Equally, the evolutionary repercussions these different resistance mechanisms have for the pathogen are often unknown. Here, we investigate the co‐evolutionary dynamics of pathogen virulence and host resistance following the epizootic outbreak of the highly pathogenic bacterium Mycoplasma gallisepticum in North American house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus). Using an evolutionary modelling approach and with a specific emphasis on the evolved resistance trait, we demonstrate that the rapid increase in the frequency of resistant birds following the outbreak is indicative of strong selection pressure to reduce infection‐associated mortality. This, in turn, created the ecological conditions that selected for increased bacterial virulence. Our results thus suggest that quantitative host resistance was the key factor underlying the evolutionary interactions in this natural host–pathogen system.
Effect of miconazole nitrate on immunological response and its preventive efficacy in Labeo rohita fingerlings against oomycetes Saprolegnia parasitica
Authors: Singh Mukta , Saha Ratan Kumar , Saha Himadri , Parhi Janmejay 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study evaluated the effect of sublethal doses of antifungal drug miconazole nitrate (MCZ) on immunological responses and its role as a prophylactic drug against S. parasitica in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Fish were fed with sublethal doses of MCZ, that is, T1—6.30 mgMCZ kgBW−1, T2—12.61 mgMCZ kgBW−1 and T3—25.22 mgMCZ kgBW−1, and sampling was done at different time intervals for 240 hr. Immunological parameters viz. lysozyme activity, oxygen radical production and plasma antiprotease activity showed significant enhancement (p < 0.05) in fish fed with T2 and T3 doses. Expression of immune‐relevant genes such as TLR‐22 and β2‐M showed significantly higher expression at 6 hr and 24 hr of sampling in both liver and head kidney. However, these genes showed a downregulation after 120 hr of sampling in both the tissues. Preventive efficacy study showed that single dose of MCZ provides protection against oomycetes up to the fourth day of infection. Significantly higher mortality was observed in control diet‐fed fish as compared to fish fed with MCZ medicated diet. Thus, it can be concluded that the MCZ can act as a potent antifungal agent for preventing oomycetes infection as well as to enhance the immune response.
Mobile technology use and skills among individuals with fragile X syndrome: implications for healthcare decision making
Authors: Raspa M. , Fitzgerald T. , Furberg R. D. , Wylie A. , Moultrie R. , DeRamus M. , Wheeler A. C. , McCormack L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about how individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and their families use technology in daily life and what skills individuals with FXS can perform when using mobile technologies.MethodsUsing a mixed‐methods design, including an online survey of parents (n = 198) and a skills assessment of individuals with FXS (n = 6), we examined the experiences and abilities of individuals with FXS for engaging with mobile technology.ResultsParents reported that individuals with FXS often used technology in their daily lives, with variations based on age of child, sex, autism status, depression, and overall ability. Parents frequently sought and shared FXS‐related information online. Assessment data revealed that individuals with FXS demonstrated proficiency in interacting with technology.ConclusionsMobile technology is a tool that can be used in FXS to build skills and increase independence rather than simply for recreational purposes. Implications for using mobile technology to enhance healthcare decision making are discussed.
Comparison of therapeutic effects of conventional and liposomal form of 4% topical hydroquinone in patients with melasma
Authors: Taghavi Faezeh , Banihashemi Mahnaz , Zabolinejad Naghmeh , Salehi Maryam , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza , Marhamati Hoda , Golnouri Faeze , Dorri Mahyar 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundMelasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentation disorder observed mainly in young women. Hydroquinone is the basic treatment that its effect alone and in combination with other medications has been proven. Liposomes are microscopic vesicles in which water and lipid‐soluble medications can be introduced to enhance their efficacy and specificity. The aim of this study was to compare therapeutic effects of topical liposomal hydroquinone with its conventional form on melasma.MethodsThis double‐blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 20 women. Participants were asked to apply a certain amount of topical liposomal hydroquinone on one side of the face and conventional hydroquinone on the other side for three months.Skin pigmentation severity was measured using Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) at each visit, separately for each side of the face every month until one month after the last treatment, the data were recorded in a questionnaire and were analyzed by SPSS 16 software, paired sample t test, and repeated measurement ANOVA.ResultsMASI score in both case and control groups significantly reduced (P < 0.001) but no significant difference between the case and control groups was observed at any time interval (P > 0.05).ConclusionThis study shows that liposomal hydroquinone has a significant therapeutic effect on melasma, but we did not observe any superiority in comparison with the conventional method. Therefore, it can be considered in the treatment protocol of this disease.
Genetic variation underlying local adaptation of diapause induction along a cline in a butterfly
Authors: Pruisscher Peter , Nylin Sören , Gotthard Karl , Wheat Christopher W. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDiapause is a life history strategy allowing individuals to arrest development until favourable conditions return, and it is commonly induced by shortened day length that is latitude specific for local populations. Although understanding the evolutionary dynamics of a threshold trait like diapause induction provides insights into the adaptive process and adaptive potential of populations, the genetic mechanism of variation in photoperiodic induction of diapause is not well understood. Here, we investigate genetic variation underlying latitudinal variation in diapause induction and the selection dynamics acting upon it. Using a genomewide scan for divergent regions between two populations of the butterfly Pararge aegeria that differ strongly in their induction thresholds, we identified and investigated the patterns of variation in those regions. We then tested the association of these regions with diapause induction using between‐population crosses, finding significant SNP associations in four genes present in two chromosomal regions, one with the gene period, and the other with the genes kinesin, carnitine O‐acetyltransferase and timeless. Patterns of allele frequencies in these two regions in population samples along a latitudinal cline suggest strong selection against heterozygotes at two genes within these loci (period, timeless). Evidence for additional loci modifying the diapause decision was found in patterns of allelic change in relation to induction thresholds over the cline, as well as in backcross analyses. Taken together, population‐specific adaptations of diapause induction appear to be due to a combination of alleles of larger and smaller effect size, consistent with an exponential distribution of effect sizes involved in local adaption.
DNA metabarcoding reveals changes in the contents of carnivorous plants along an elevation gradient
Authors: Littlefair Joanne E. , Zander Axel , de Sena Costa Clara , Clare Elizabeth L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractResource variation along abiotic gradients influences subsequent trophic interactions and these effects can be transmitted through entire food webs. Interactions along abiotic gradients can provide clues as to how organisms will face changing environmental conditions, such as future range shifts. However, it is challenging to find replicated systems to study these effects. Phytotelmata, such as those found in carnivorous plants, are isolated aquatic communities and thus form a good model for the study of replicated food webs. Due to the degraded nature of the prey, molecular techniques provide a useful tool to study these communities. We studied the pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea L. in allochthonous populations along an elevational gradient in the Alps and Jura. We predicted that invertebrate richness in the contents of the pitcher plants would decrease with increasing elevation, reflecting harsher environmental conditions. Using metabarcoding of the COI gene, we sequenced the invertebrate contents of these pitcher plants. We assigned Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units at ordinal level as well as recovering species‐level data. We found small but significant changes in community composition with elevation. These recovered sequences could belong to invertebrate prey, rotifer inquilines, pollinators and other animals possibly living inside the pitchers. However, we found no directional trend or site‐based differences in MOTU richness with elevational gradient. Use of molecular techniques for dietary or contents analysis is a powerful way to examine numerous degraded samples, although factors such as DNA persistence and the relationship with species presence still have to be completely determined.
A novel STRIPAK complex component mediates hyphal fusion and fruiting‐body development in filamentous fungi
Authors: J. Reschka Eva , Nordzieke Steffen , Valerius Oliver , Braus Gerhard H. , Pöggeler Stefanie 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe STRIPAK complex is involved in growth, cell fusion, development and signaling pathways, and thus malfunctions in the human STRIPAK complex often result in severe neuronal diseases and cancer. Despite the high degree of general conservation throughout the complex, several STRIPAK complex‐associated small coiled‐coil proteins of animals and yeasts are not conserved across species. As there are no data for filamentous ascomycetes, we addressed this through affinity purification with HA‐tagged striatin ortholog PRO11 in Sordaria macrospora. Combining the method with liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, we were able to co‐purify STRIPAK complex interactor 1 (SCI1), the first STRIPAK‐associated small coiled‐coil protein in filamentous ascomycetes. Using yeast two‐hybrid experiments, we identified SCI1 protein regions required for SCI1‐PRO11 interaction, dimerization of SCI1 and interaction with other STRIPAK components. Further, both proteins PRO11 and SCI1 co‐localize with the nuclear basket protein SmPOM152 at the nuclear envelope. Expression of the gene sci1 occurs during early developmental stages of S. macrospora, and the protein SCI1 in combination with PRO11 is required for cell fusion, vegetative growth and sexual development. The results of the present study will help to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of STRIPAK signaling and function in cellular development and diseases in higher eukaryotes.
In vitro detection of Candida and Aspergillus antigen in parenteral nutrition and fixed combinations of piperacillin‐tazobactam
Authors: Walter Wencke , Bornhäuser Martin , Stölzel Friedrich , Zeidler Anne , Knoth Holger 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundScreening for Aspergillus (Asp‐AG) and Candida antigen (Ca‐AG) with immunoassays is established for stem cell recipients at high risk for invasive fungal infections (IFI). While parenteral nutrition (PN) will be applied in case of complications leading to insufficient alimentation, piperacillin‐tazobactam (TZP) is started at the onset of febrile neutropenia.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate drug‐laboratory interactions between PN and TZP and both immunoassays which could affect the specificity of the assays and lead to the false assumption of an IFI.MethodsBatches of TZP and PN were tested with both assays in vitro. In total, 380 samples of 83 batches were analysed.ResultsNone of the examined preparations were tested positive with Asp‐AG assay. Measurable amounts of Ca‐AG were detected in a lipid emulsion, two different trace element supplements, a fat‐soluble vitamin preparation and all tested brands of TZP.ConclusionsWe conclude that false positivity of Asp‐AG assay due to TZP and PN does not occur. Cross reactions with Ca‐AG assay have been detected in some preparations. The in vivo relevance of Ca‐AG positivity has to be reviewed in further studies considering an effect of dilution. Physicians should be aware of a possible cross reaction with Ca‐AG assays which could lead to false‐positive results.
Serum copper and zinc levels and the risk of oral cancer: A new insight based on large‐scale case–control study
Authors: Chen Fa , Wang Jing , Chen Jinfa , Yan Lingjun , Hu Zhijian , Wu Junfeng , Bao Xiaodan , Lin Liangkun , Wang Rui , Cai Lin , Lin Lisong , Qiu Yu , Liu Fengqiong , He Baochang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveLimited evidence exists on the roles of serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in oral cancer risk. We aimed to preliminarily explore the association between serum Cu and Zn levels and oral cancer risk with relatively large‐scale samples.MethodsSerum Cu and Zn levels of 344 oral cancer patients and 1,122 matched healthy controls in this case–control study were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS).ResultsRestricted cubic spline revealed the U‐shaped relationship between serum Cu or Zn levels and the risk of oral cancer. Serum deficient or elevated levels of Cu were significantly associated with the risk of oral cancer: The ORs were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.01–1.89) and 2.82 (95% CI: 1.60–4.98), respectively. The positive association of serum low or high levels of Zn with oral cancer risk was also observed: The ORs were 2.72 (95% CI: 1.60–4.62) and 12.41 (95% CI: 9.09–16.93), respectively. Additionally, there were multiplicative interactions between the aforementioned trace elements and smoking.ConclusionsThis preliminary study suggests that both serum excess and deficient levels of Cu or Zn were significant correlation with oral cancer risk, which may provide a new insight on the roles of serum Cu and Zn in oral cancer.
DELAYED HEADING DATE1 interacts with OsHAP5C/D, delays flowering time and enhances yield in rice
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zhu Shanshan , Liu Tianzhen , Wang Chunming , Cheng Zhijun , Zhang Xin , Chen Liping , Sheng Peike , Cai Maohong , Li Chaonan , Wang Jiachang , Zhang Zhe , Chai Juntao , Zhou Liang , Lei Cailin , Guo Xiuping , Wang Jiulin , Wang Jie , Jiang Ling , Wu Chuanyin , Wan Jianmin 
Published: August 2018

SummaryHeading date is an important agronomic trait affecting crop yield. The GRAS protein family is a plant‐specific super family extensively involved in plant growth and signal transduction. However, GRAS proteins are rarely reported have a role in regulating rice heading date. Here, we report a GRAS protein DHD1 (Delayed Heading Date1) delays heading and enhances yield in rice. Biochemical assays showed DHD1 physically interacts with OsHAP5C/D both in vitro and in vivo. DHD1 and OsHAP5C/D located in the nucleus and showed that rhythmic expression. Both DHD1 and OsHAP5C/D affect heading date by regulating expression of Ehd1. We propose that DHD1 interacts with OsHAP5C/D to delay heading date by inhibiting expression of Ehd1.
Coordination between leaf, stem, and root hydraulics and gas exchange in three arid‐zone angiosperms during severe drought and recovery
Authors: Creek Danielle , Blackman Chris J. , Brodribb Timothy J. , Choat Brendan , Tissue David T. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe ability to resist hydraulic dysfunction in leaves, stems, and roots strongly influences whether plants survive and recover from drought. However, the coordination of hydraulic function among different organs within species and their links to gas exchange during drought and recovery remains understudied. Here, we examine the interaction between gas exchange and hydraulic function in the leaves, stems, and roots of three semiarid evergreen species exposed to a cycle of severe water stress (associated with substantial cavitation) and recovery. In all species, stomatal closure occurred at water potentials well before 50% loss of stem hydraulic conductance, while in two species, leaves and/or roots were more vulnerable than stems. Following soil rewetting, leaf‐level photosynthesis (Anet) returned to prestress levels within 2–4 weeks, whereas stomatal conductance and canopy transpiration were slower to recover. The recovery of Anet was decoupled from the recovery of leaf, stem, and root hydraulics, which remained impaired throughout the recovery period. Our results suggest that in addition to high embolism resistance, early stomatal closure and hydraulic vulnerability segmentation confers drought tolerance in these arid zone species. The lack of substantial embolism refilling within all major organs suggests that vulnerability of the vascular system to drought‐induced dysfunction is a defining trait for predicting postdrought recovery.
Ethylenediurea (EDU) mitigates the negative effects of ozone in rice: Insights into its mode of action
Authors: Ashrafuzzaman Md. , Haque Zahidul , Ali Basharat , Mathew Boby , Yu Peng , Hochholdinger Frank , de Abreu Neto Joao Braga , McGillen Max R. , Ensikat Hans‐Jürgen , Manning William J. , Frei Michael 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMonitoring of ozone damage to crops plays an increasingly important role for the food security of many developing countries. Ethylenediurea (EDU) could be a tool to assess ozone damage to vegetation on field scale, but its physiological mode of action remains unclear. This study investigated mechanisms underlying the ozone‐protection effect of EDU in controlled chamber experiments. Ozone sensitive and tolerant rice genotypes were exposed to ozone (108 ppb, 7 hr day−1) and control conditions. EDU alleviated ozone effects on plant morphology, foliar symptoms, lipid peroxidation, and photosynthetic parameters in sensitive genotypes. Transcriptome profiling by RNA sequencing revealed that thousands of genes responded to ozone in a sensitive variety, but almost none responded to EDU. Significant interactions between ozone and EDU application occurred mostly in ozone responsive genes, in which up‐regulation was mitigated by EDU application. Further experiments documented ozone degrading properties of EDU, as well as EDU deposits on leaf surfaces possibly related to surface protection. EDU application did not mitigate the reaction of plants to other abiotic stresses, including iron toxicity, zinc deficiency, and salinity. This study provided evidence that EDU is a surface protectant that specifically mitigates ozone stress without interfering directly with the plants' stress response systems.
Impacts of marine and freshwater aquaculture on wildlife: a global meta‐analysis
Authors: Barrett Luke T. , Swearer Stephen E. , Dempster Tim 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe global expansion of aquaculture has raised concerns about its environmental impacts, including effects on wildlife. Aquaculture farms are thought to repel some species and function as either attractive population sinks (‘ecological traps’) or population sources for others. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of empirical studies documenting interactions between aquaculture operations and vertebrate wildlife. Farms were associated with elevated local abundance and diversity of wildlife, although this overall effect was strongly driven by aggregations of wild fish at sea cages and shellfish farms (abundance: 72×; species richness: 2.0×). Birds were also more diverse at farms (1.1×), but other taxa showed variable and comparatively small effects. Larger effects were reported when researchers selected featureless or unstructured habitats as reference sites. Evidence for aggregation ‘hotspots’ is clear in some systems, but we cannot determine whether farms act as ecological traps for most taxa, as few studies assess either habitat preference or fitness in wildlife. Fish collected near farms were larger and heavier with no change in body condition, but also faced higher risk of disease and parasitism. Birds and mammals were frequently reported preying on stock, but little data exist on the outcomes of such interactions for birds and mammals – farms are likely to function as ecological traps for many species. We recommend researchers measure survival and reproduction in farm‐associated wildlife to make direct, causal links between aquaculture and its effects on wildlife populations.
Artemia feeds: a review of brine shrimp production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Le Tran Huu , Hoa Nguyen Van , Sorgeloos Patrick , Van Stappen Gilbert 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSeasonal Artemia pond production has been practiced for several decades by rural salt producing communities in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, with more success than elsewhere in the world. In spite of this success, yields have been stagnating for a long time due to suboptimal feeding conditions. As feeding is one of the most important factors affecting Artemia production, the aim of this article was to review the studies that have been done so far on the development and application of appropriate Artemia feeds and feeding protocols in this area. So far, there are three main approaches. Traditionally, phytoplankton blooming is stimulated by the use of fertilizers in so‐called fertilization ponds. This green water is supplemented by the use of cheap agriculture waste products and chicken manure, directly applied in Artemia ponds. As this technique, however, often results in suboptimal feeding levels and comes with high nutrient charges in pond effluents, recently a formulated feed has been developed specifically for Artemia pond production which allows further increasing production levels. Finally, also the biofloc technology can be applied in Artemia culture by adding tapioca flour or molasses as carbon source to obtain the ratio C/N ≥ 10 in order to stimulate biofloc development as feed for Artemia in ponds. The limitations of the above techniques are discussed. It is envisaged that the future success and further expansion of Artemia pond production, also outside Vietnam, will increasingly be determined by a flexible use of a combination of these techniques.